At the entrance of Jinling University of Political Science and Law, there was a long street lined with sycamore trees.
Xu Xiuwen found a vacant spot under a tree and parked his car.
There was a small episode.
As soon as he parked, a girl approached him to strike up a conversation.
Xu Xiuwen, having seen many beautiful women, wasn't impressed by this girl who was only moderately attractive, so he dismissed her with a few words.
When he reached Xiao Youran and Jiang Ruoyu, Xiao Youran huffed discontentedly.
"Why are you upset all of a sudden?"
"I'm not upset."
Xiao Youran said she wasn't upset, but she turned her head away and refused to look at Xu Xiuwen.
It was clear she was indeed angry.
Xu Xiuwen initially didn't understand the reason, but he soon guessed it.
He shook his head helplessly and said, "I don't even know that girl. She started talking to me, and I wasn't rude to her. Why are you angry?"
Xiao Youran couldn't help but say, "You clearly spoke to her several times."
"I didn't know what she was up to at first. She asked me a few questions, and I had to be polite, didn't I?"
"You always have an excuse."
Xiao Youran pouted.
But judging by her expression, she didn't seem very angry anymore.
As expected, her mood changed quickly.
Xu Xiuwen understood her well.
He reached out and patted her head to comfort her, saying, "Alright, I wouldn't look at ordinary girls like that. I only have eyes for you."
"Then who can you look at? Is it Cheng…"
Before Xiao Youran could finish, she suddenly realized Jiang Ruoyu was still nearby and quickly stopped herself.
Xu Xiuwen leaned in a bit closer and looked into her eyes, saying, "I only have eyes for you. I don't care about anyone else. Are you happy now?"
"That's better."
"You're really jealous. I never noticed this about you before."
"I'm not jealous."
Xu Xiuwen didn't push further.
He turned to Jiang Ruoyu, who seemed hesitant to speak, and asked, "What's up?"
Jiang Ruoyu couldn't help but ask, "Brother Xiuwen, what's your relationship with Sister Youran now?"
Xu Xiuwen smiled faintly, "It looks like you've noticed. I won't hide it from you anymore. Xiao Youran is now my girlfriend."
He then put his arm around Xiao Youran.
Jiang Ruoyu looked at their intimate appearance and felt quite envious.
She said, "Is that so? Then I wish you both well."
Xiao Youran suddenly felt a bit shy.
She played with her hair and said, "Xiao Yu, I was deceived by this big liar. Don't fall for men so easily in the future. Be smart."
Xu Xiuwen couldn't help but retort, "I'm a liar? Who was it that night at the door—"
Before he could finish, Xiao Youran covered his mouth with her hand.
Xiao Youran, flustered and angry, shouted, "Don't say anything ridiculous!"
Xu Xiuwen wriggled free from her hand and laughed heartily, "Alright, alright, I won't say anything… Hahaha…"
Seeing this, Jiang Ruoyu smiled on the surface but felt even more upset inside.
Jinling University of Political Science and Law was a key university with excellent planning and beautiful scenery.
Xu Xiuwen took the two girls for a walk around the campus.
He even took Jiang Ruoyu to the academic building and found a classroom where a lecture was going on.
The three of them quietly sneaked in through the back door.
After attending half a class, they left during the break.
As they exited the building, Xu Xiuwen asked, "Xiao Yu, how do you feel about it?"
Jiang Ruoyu replied calmly, "It feels pretty good."
"Hehe, just wait three more months, and you'll be here every day for classes."
Jiang Ruoyu, upon hearing this, imagined the scene and momentarily lost her train of thought.
"Wake up!" Xu Xiuwen waved his hand in front of the girl's face.
After waking Jiang Ruoyu, Xu Xiuwen said, "Alright, we've visited the school. I'll take you home now. You should rest well. The college entrance exam is tomorrow."
"Okay, Brother Xiuwen."
Xu Xiuwen then turned to Xiao Youran and said, "Youran, I'll take Xiao Yu home, and you should head back to school."
Xiao Youran nodded, then turned to Jiang Ruoyu and said, "Xiao Yu, do well on your exam. After the exam, let Xiao Xu treat you to some good food."
"Okay, Sister Youran."
After dropping Xiao Youran off at Jiaotong University, Xu Xiuwen drove Jiang Ruoyu home.
He parked the car downstairs at Jiang Ruoyu's place.
Xu Xiuwen originally planned to say, "I won't come up."
However, Jiang Ruoyu insisted that he come up to rest for a while.
After some thought, Xu Xiuwen agreed.
When they reached the door of the Jiang house, Gu Pandi answered the door.
Seeing them return, Gu Pandi finally looked relieved.
As soon as Xu Xiuwen sat down after entering the house, Gu Pandi came over with a cup of tea.
"Xiao Xu, have some tea."
"Thank you, Auntie Gu."
"What did you do this afternoon?"
"I drove Xiao Yu around Jinling University of Political Science and Law."
Xu Xiuwen only then noticed Jiang Ruoyu shaking her head behind Auntie Gu.
Upon hearing his words, Gu Pandi frowned slightly.
Xu Xiuwen remembered Jiang Ruoyu had told him before that Auntie Gu didn't want her to study law.
So Xu Xiuwen asked, "Auntie Gu, Xiao Yu wants to apply to Jinling University of Political Science and Law. What do you think?"
Gu Pandi immediately said, "What's the use of a girl studying law?"
Hearing her mother's words, Jiang Ruoyu showed a disappointed expression.
Xu Xiuwen remembered that in his previous life, Jiang Ruoyu ended up applying to a different school, not the political science and law university. Clearly, she had followed her mother's wishes and changed her choices.
It's truly disheartening not to be able to study what you like.
Xu Xiuwen thought for a moment and said to Gu Pandi, "Auntie Gu, many girls are studying law now, and it's also easier for them to protect themselves and not be taken advantage of. I think it's quite good for Xiao Yu to study law."
Gu Pandi, who had originally been against Jiang Ruoyu studying law, showed signs of wavering upon hearing Xu Xiuwen's words.
"But if she studies law, what will she do in the future?"
Xu Xiuwen smiled and said, "Auntie Gu, you don't need to worry about that. There are many career paths for law graduates. If you don't want her to be too far from home, she can apply to our Langya Law School. It'll be close to home, stable work, and easier to find a boyfriend."
Gu Pandi's previously uncertain stance was completely swayed by Xu Xiuwen's words.
She turned to Jiang Ruoyu and asked, "Xiao Yu, have you decided to apply to the political science and law university?"
Jiang Ruoyu nodded vigorously.
"If you've thought it through, I won't stop you. I don't want you to resent me later."
Jiang Ruoyu was somewhat dazed.
Her mother had been unsupportive of her applying to the political science and law university before, and no matter how many times she brought it up, it didn't help.
Yet now, after hearing Xu Xiuwen's words, her mother had changed her mind?
When she came to her senses, she quickly sat next to her mother and said happily, "Mom, thank you. I'm so happy."
"If you're going to thank someone, thank Xiao Xu. If it weren't for him, I definitely wouldn't support this."
Jiang Ruoyu immediately turned to Xu Xiuwen and said, "Brother Xiuwen, thank you."
Xu Xiuwen waved his hand and said, "It's nothing, it's nothing."
Gu Pandi suddenly stood up and said, "Xiao Xu, don't go home for dinner tonight. Stay and eat with us."
"No need, Auntie Gu. I'll go home. My mom probably hasn't had dinner yet."
Gu Pandi was adamant, "It's fine. I'll call Wanqiu and have her come over to join us."
Xu Xiuwen wanted to say something else, but Gu Pandi had already made up her mind.
"Alright, Xiao Xu, just listen to me."
"Okay then, sorry for the trouble, Auntie Gu."
"There's no trouble. If anything, it's Auntie who should apologize to you."
Gu Pandi got up and walked toward the kitchen. "I'll prepare dinner now. I'll call you when it's ready."
"Alright, Auntie Gu."
Gu Pandi headed to the kitchen, leaving Xu Xiuwen and Jiang Ruoyu alone in the living room.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" Xu Xiuwen took a sip of his tea and asked with a smile.
Jiang Ruoyu, excited, said, "Brother Xiuwen, you're amazing! As soon as you spoke, my mom agreed to let me study law."
"Hehe… So how will you repay me?"
Xu Xiuwen didn't actually expect Jiang Ruoyu to repay him. He was just making a joke.
But Jiang Ruoyu seemed to take it seriously.
After hesitating for a moment, she said, "Brother Xiuwen, I can give you a massage."
"A massage?"
If the person in front of him was a professional masseuse, that would make sense.
But the girl in front of him was someone Xu Xiuwen had watched grow up—a pure and innocent girl.
Xu Xiuwen didn't think much of it inappropriately.
After hesitating for a second, he asked, "You know how to give a massage?"
Jiang Ruoyu whispered, "You'll find out if you try."
Her face flushed with shyness.
"Alright then."
Xu Xiuwen lay down on the sofa and asked, "Shall we start now?"
Jiang Ruoyu shook her head. "Brother Xiuwen, let's go to my room."
"That's not appropriate."
"It's fine."
"Okay." Xu Xiuwen decided not to be formal and agreed readily.
Jiang Ruoyu got up and headed to her room.
Xu Xiuwen followed silently, his gaze inadvertently scanning her figure.
Jiang Ruoyu was a year younger than Xu Xiuwen.
He had always seen her as a little sister.
Unexpectedly, the little girl from before had grown into a graceful young woman.
Her figure had matured as well.
Xu Xiuwen glanced at her and quickly averted his eyes, not daring to look any further.
After entering the girl's bedroom, Xu Xiuwen asked, "What should we do now?"
"Brother Xiuwen, lie down."
"Lie down? Where should I lie?"
"Just lie on my bed." Jiang Ruoyu smiled shyly.
"I should get a blanket to put underneath, otherwise, I'll dirty your bed."
"It's alright, Brother Xiuwen. You can lie directly on it."
"Okay." Xu Xiuwen didn't insist further.
He then lay down on the girl's fragrant bed.
It was called fragrant because it indeed had a pleasant scent.
Not from various cosmetics, but a subtle, fresh fragrance.
It made one feel very pleasant.
After Xu Xiuwen lay down, Jiang Ruoyu sat at the edge of the bed and gently placed her hands on Xu Xiuwen's shoulders.
"Wow, Xiao Yu, your technique is quite professional," Xu Xiuwen said, enjoying the girl's kneading in surprise.
Jiang Ruoyu's lips curved up slightly. "Dad often has sore shoulders, so I learned a bit myself. It might not be professional, so don't mind it."
"You're too modest. Your technique is very professional."
"That's good to hear."
"It's so comfortable…" Xu Xiuwen slowly closed his eyes.
He almost fell asleep, not knowing how much time had passed.
He turned his head and saw Jiang Ruoyu waving her hand.
"Did I make your hands sore?"
Jiang Ruoyu pulled her hands back and gently shook her head. "It's okay, it's nothing."
"Alright, let's end the massage here. Thanks, Xiao Yu. It was very comfortable."
"Brother Xiuwen, I'm glad you liked it."
"Have you ever given this massage technique to your dad?"
Jiang Ruoyu shook her head. "Dad is often away, so I haven't had the chance to give him a massage."
"Ha ha, so I'm the first one to enjoy it. If Uncle Jiang knew, he'd probably be jealous."
"Jealous? There's no need for that…" Jiang Ruoyu looked a bit embarrassed.
She turned away and looked elsewhere.
Xu Xiuwen also felt that staying in a girl's room and lying on her bed wasn't quite appropriate.
He thought for a moment and said, "Maybe I should sit outside. You have an exam tomorrow, right? You should study."
Jiang Ruoyu shook her head. "It's okay. I don't mind."
After a pause, she added, "I can't concentrate on studying right now anyway."
"Alright then."
Xu Xiuwen lay back on the girl's bed, and they started chatting.
When Xu Xiuwen asked Jiang Ruoyu if she had a crush on anyone, she blushed and smiled.
But when he asked if it was a classmate, Jiang Ruoyu shook her head and didn't speak.
Soon it was 7 o'clock.
Auntie Gu had prepared dinner, but Ning Wanqiu had not shown up.
Gu Pandi said she had called Ning Wanqiu, who seemed to be attending a colleague's funeral.
No wonder Ning Wanqiu wasn't home at noon.
Xu Xiuwen took out his phone and texted Ning Wanqiu, asking if she needed him to pick her up.
Ning Wanqiu quickly replied, saying there was no need; she wouldn't be coming home tonight.
Putting away his phone, Xu Xiuwen prepared to have dinner at Auntie Gu's house.
The dining table was set with seven or eight dishes.
Each dish was visually appealing and fragrant.
There were many dishes, but there were only a few people eating.
Only Gu Pandi, her daughter, and Xu Xiuwen were present.
Xu Xiuwen recalled Jiang Ruoyu mentioning that Uncle Jiang was on a business trip to Jinling.
From Auntie Gu's expression, she seemed quite accustomed to her husband's absence.
As they sat down to eat, Auntie Gu immediately served Xu Xiuwen a piece of braised pork ribs.
Xu Xiuwen smiled and accepted it.
Auntie Gu continued to serve more dishes.
In no time, Xu Xiuwen's small bowl was piled high.
He hurriedly said, "That's enough, Auntie Gu. There's so much food; I can't finish all this."
Only then did Gu Pandi stop.
In addition to serving dishes, Gu Pandi also inquired about Xu Xiuwen's well-being, showing a lot of concern.
Her gaze towards Xu Xiuwen made him somewhat uncomfortable.
He even thought that Auntie Gu's warm attitude was as if he were the first son-in-law visiting.
Xu Xiuwen felt quite uneasy.
Finally, after dinner, Gu Pandi wanted to keep Xu Xiuwen a little longer.
Xu Xiuwen was also overwhelmed by Auntie Gu's enthusiasm and didn't dare to stay longer.
Seeing this, Gu Pandi gave up trying to keep him but asked Jiang Ruoyu to see him downstairs.
Jiang Ruoyu put on her shoes and waited outside the door for Xu Xiuwen.
Xu Xiuwen also put on his shoes and followed the girl downstairs.