Chương 15: Awkward silence

"I heard you further your studies in economics," He Zeqing said, breaking the awkward silence that had settled between them.

Qi Jianyi looked up from her thoughts, meeting his gaze directly. She nodded, her expression neutral but attentive.

"I never thought you would choose that path," he remarked, his tone a mix of surprise and curiosity. He was clearly struggling to keep the conversation going, not knowing what else to say.

"Well, it seemed easier to continue with that course," Qi Jianyi replied with a casual shrug.

She leaned forward, resting her elbow on the table and propping her head on her palm, a gesture that conveyed both nonchalance and a hint of weariness.

After she finished speaking, silence enveloped them once again. He Zeqing was not a great conversationalist, and Qi Jianyi wasn't much better. Consequently, their conversation, which barely lasted a minute, quickly fizzled out.

Diverting his attention from Qi Jianyi to Song Chengfeng, He Zeqing asked, "And you, what's your plan in life?"

Song Chengfeng, who had long been drawn to the awkwardness between the other two people in the room, glanced at He Zeqing. He pondered the sudden question.

Ironically, the young master Song himself had no idea what he wanted to do in life. He was a soldier, the youngest general. He was born and trained to become the best of the best in the military, raised with the ideals of protecting the country. But now, barely in his mid-twenties, he was forced to retire.

"Who knows?" He answered in a dull tone. The cold eyes were empty, as if nothing in this world was worth his attention.

Qi Jianyi turned her attention to Song Chengfeng, finding herself particularly curious about his past. Having never met a soldier in her twenty years old life back in her real world, she was especially intrigued by this young retired soldier.

However, seeing the scowl on Song Chengfeng's face, as if he might snap at anyone who dared to speak, made Qi Jianyi swallow her curiosity.

He Zeqing, on the other hand, ignored Song Chengfeng's brief remarks. Unlike Qi Jianyi, who knew nothing about Song Chengfeng's history, He Zeqing had experienced it firsthand.

"I heard from Tang Zeyu that you are planning to start a business?" Playing with his drink, He Zeqing threw out another question.

"It has yet to be confirmed." Song Chengfeng retorted.

He Zeqing leaned forward, curiosity evident in his expression. "What business do you have in mind?"

Qi Jianyi, who had been a spectator and listener, also looked intently at Song Chengfeng. She, too, was curious about his plan.

Perhaps her life had been too mundane lately, so when she heard about other people's plans, she became intrigued.

The expression on Song Chengfeng's face grew colder as more questions were directed at him. He had come to this dinner under the pressure from He Zeqing and had only wished to eat in silence. Now, this person was incessantly probing him about his plans in life, despite Song Chengfeng himself being uncertain.

"No plans for the time being," he answered coldly, clearly wanting to end the conversation.

Understanding the look in Song Chengfeng's eyes, He Zeqing chose to ignore his friend's discomfort and redirected the conversation back to Qi Jianyi.

He found it ironic that he had somehow become the host of the evening, a role he hadn't anticipated. In truth, He Zeqing shared the same aversion to small talk as the other two. He hated it.

But who could be blamed? He Zeqing was the one who extended the invitation to Qi Jianyi and also the one who had pressured Song Chengfeng to join the meal with him.

"What about you? Do you have any plans after graduating?" He Zeqing asked, his gaze fixed intently on the startled Qi Jianyi.

Qi Jianyi pursed her lips, a frown creasing her forehead. Plans for the future? She couldn't even say how long she'd remain in this world.

With all her heart, Qi Jianyi hoped she wouldn't be here for too long. A week had already made her uneasy and the thought of spending a lifetime in this unfamiliar place was almost overwhelming.

The sudden question from He Zeqing cast a pall over the room. Qi Jianyi was lost in her thoughts, while the two men waited expectantly for her response.

"I don't know. I don't even know what I want to eat tomorrow," Qi Jianyi finally replied after a moment of reflection.

The uncertainty of her fate left her feeling somewhat disheartened, but she quickly masked her emotions. Nonetheless, a certain young master managed to catch the fleeting change in her expression.

Choked by the unexpected answer, He Zeqing took a sip of his drink, regretting having spoken up. He had tried to engage in conversation, but neither Qi Jianyi nor Song Chengfeng seemed to be playing along.

On the other hand, Song Chengfeng found her response amusing.

Soon after their awkward exchange ended, the door to the private room opened, and a waiter entered, signalling that their food had arrived.

He Zeqing felt a wave of relief wash over him, grateful for the interruption that allowed him to focus on the meal rather than continuing to navigate the uncomfortable atmosphere.

A small, sincere smile appeared on Qi Jianyi's face, especially as she observed He Zeqing's earnest efforts to maintain the conversation despite the less-than-ideal outcome.

She appreciated his thoughtfulness in trying to engage everyone, even though it hadn't quite worked out.

As Qi Jianyi looked around, she noticed that Song Chengfeng had been watching her intently. With a curious expression, she met his gaze, wondering what he might be contemplating or what he wished to ask her.

As usual, Song Chengfeng remained silent. He gazed at Qi Jianyi for a moment before turning his attention to his food, leaving the young woman feeling perplexed.

Noticing that Qi Jianyi had yet to touch her meal, He Zeqing observed her closely and asked, "What's wrong?"

Snapped out of her thoughts by his question, Qi Jianyi shook her head slightly and replied, "Nothing."

"Eat you food, it's getting late. Do you need me to send you back?" He Zeqing asked while cutting his steak.

"It's alright, I can go back myself." Qi Jianyi answered slowly.

"I heard from my mom that you have been staying at your dorm lately instead of going home, is your coursework difficult?"

Amused by the thought of their mothers discussing their children's lives, Qi Jianyi smiled and said, "I'm just too lazy to go back."

"Oh…"

"If you need any help, just let me know. I took the same course as you before," He Zeqing offered as they finished dinner.

Qi Jianyi nodded gratefully. "Sure, thanks, cousin. I should go back now," she said, a hint of hesitation in her voice.

"Are you sure you don't want a ride?" He Zeqing asked again, seeking confirmation.

"Yes, I can drive myself. I don't want to trouble you," she replied politely.

Qi Jianyi noticed He Zeqing opened and closed his mouth several times, as if hesitating to say something more. Eventually, he decided to remain silent, nodding and retracting his extended hand. He allowed Qi Jianyi to leave.

As she waved goodbye to her cousin, she cast a brief glance at Song Chengfeng, who was standing behind He Zeqing. For a moment, Qi Jianyi considered asking him why he kept staring at her, but she ultimately decided against it.

They were at best acquaintances, and it didn't seem appropriate to strike up a conversation about his lingering gaze.

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