Chapter 223

Hearing his mother's words, Zhou Xian was stunned for a moment, and Madam Zhou, pretending to be mysterious, said to Zhou Xian:

Hearing his mother's words, Zhou Xian was stunned for a moment, and Madam Zhou, pretending to be mysterious, said to Zhou Xian:

But we need to keep the quotes? There are no quotes in this line. So just plain.

"But Mom isn't telling you to ruin someone else's feelings; if you're sure Su Yun Jiao doesn't like you, you can try to like someone else, let go of this relationship, or else you could wait patiently for Su Yun Jiao to one day stop loving Lu Jingqing. However, from Mom's experienced perspective, if one person doesn't like another, the chance of them ever liking each other in a lifetime is not high."

Translation: Keep the quotes. Inside: "However, Mom isn't asking you to ruin someone else's feelings; if you're sure Su Yun Jiao doesn't like you, you can try to like someone else, let go of this relationship, or, if you're willing to wait a long time, wait for Su Yun Jiao to one day not love Lu Jingqing. But from Mom's perspective as someone who's been there, if one person doesn't like another, the chance they'll come to like each other in this lifetime isn't high." Need to keep the meaning. Ensure we don't add extra. Let's produce: "However, Mom isn't asking you to ruin someone else's feelings; if you're sure Su Yun Jiao doesn't like you, you can try to like someone else, let go of this relationship, or, if you're willing to wait a long time, wait for Su Yun Jiao to one day not love Lu Jingqing. But from Mom's perspective as someone who's been there, if one person doesn't like another, the chance they'll come to like each other in this lifetime isn't high."

We need to keep the quotes around the whole sentence. So output: 【2】 「However, Mom isn't asking you to ruin someone else's feelings; if you're sure Su Yun Jiao doesn't like you, you can try to like someone else, let go of this relationship, or, if you're willing to wait a long time, wait for Su Yun Jiao to one day not love Lu Jingqing. But from Mom's perspective as someone who's been there, if one person doesn't like another, the chance they'll come to like each other in this lifetime isn't high. 」

Zhou Xian understood what his mother meant.

Translation: Zhou Xian understood what his mother meant.

He had never even thought of trying to break up Su Yun Jiao and Lu Jingqing's relationship.

Translation: He had never thought of destroying the relationship between Su Yun Jiao and Lu Jingqing.

In fact, Zhou Xian clearly knew that Su Yun Jiao liked Lu Jingqing.

Translation: Actually, Zhou Xian knew very well that Su Yun Jiao liked Lu Jingqing.

Only after falling for Su Yun Jiao did he realize that the look of someone you like can't be hidden—his gaze would involuntarily fall on her.

Translation: He also only realized after liking Su Yun Jiao that the gaze of someone who likes another cannot be hidden; his eyes would involuntarily fall on her.

Zhou Xian had originally intended to completely let go of this feeling.

Translation: Zhou Xian originally wanted to completely let go of this relationship.

But he found he couldn't do it.

Translation: But he couldn't do it.

During this time he had been trying hard to keep his distance from Su Yun Jiao, but whenever she had the slightest stir, his heart would be tugged up, and he couldn't relax about her being alone.

Translation: During this time, he had tried hard to keep distance from Su Yun Jiao, but whenever she had any disturbance, his heart would be tugged up, and he couldn't relax about her being alone.

Even though Zhou Xian knew well that Lu Jingqing was by Su Yun Jiao's side.

Translation: Although Zhou Xian knew very well that Lu Jingqing was by Su Yun Jiao's side.

Lu Jingqing was the man who could give Su Yun Jiao security.

Translation: Lu Jingqing was the man who could give Su Yun Jiao security.

In the whole Hai Cheng, there was no one more suitable than Lu Jingqing.

Translation: In the whole Hai Cheng, there would be no one more suitable than Lu Jingqing.

"If you're unsure, just ask—tonight is a special opportunity, and Mom will create it for you."

Translation: "If you're unsure, go ask; tonight is a special opportunity, and Mom will create this opportunity for you."

Hearing his mother's words, Zhou Xian chuckled and said, "But that would mean the end of a relationship."

Translation: Hearing his mother's words, Zhou Xian smiled slightly and said, "But that would mean the end of a relationship."

"I've seen that girl Jiao Jiao a few times; she's not like that. Even if my son's confession fails, she'll treat you as a friend, and perhaps after you ask this question, both of you can feel at ease."

Translation: "I've seen that girl Jiao Jiao a few times; she's not like that. Even if my son's confession fails, she'll treat you as a friend, and perhaps after you ask this question, both of you can be at ease."

"...... I understand."

Translation: "...... I understand."

Zhou Xian had more than once wanted to walk up to Su Yun Jiao and say what was on his mind.

Translation: Zhou Xian had more than once wanted to walk up to Su Yun Jiao and say what was in his heart.

But each time Zhou Xian couldn't manage to do it.

Translation: But each time Zhou Xian couldn't do it.

He also realized that he was actually such a timid person.

Translation: He also realized that he was actually such a timid person.

Although he wasn't afraid of anything, in front of Su Yun Jiao he became cowardly.

Translation: Although he wasn't afraid of anything, in front of Su Yun Jiao he became cowardly.

At that moment, Su Yun Jiao and Zhou Tingting had already arrived home.

Translation: At that moment, Su Yun Jiao and Zhou Tingting had already arrived home.

As soon as Zhou Tingting walked in the door, she complained, "Brother, you really are something—you didn't even wait for us."

Translation: Zhou Tingting, upon entering the door, complained, "Brother, you're really something, you didn't even wait for us."

Zhou Xian unconsciously let his gaze fall on Su Yun Jiao, but Su Yun Jiao, probably embarrassed, shifted her gaze away.

Translation: Zhou Xian unconsciously let his gaze fall on Su Yun Jiao, but Su Yun Jiao, probably embarrassed, shifted her gaze.

Just as his mother said, because no one knows what the other is thinking, nobody dares to get close, and as a result they can't even be friends.

Translation: Just as his mother said, because no one knew what the other was thinking, nobody dared to approach, and thus they couldn't even be friends.

"Madam, Mr. Lu has arrived."

Translation: "Madam, Boss Lu has arrived."

The doorman's steward quickly informed Madam Zhou of Lu Jingqing's arrival.

Translation: The gatekeeper steward quickly informed Madam Zhou of Lu Jingqing's arrival.

Madam Zhou nodded and said, "This time Mr. Lu has helped us; we should properly thank him—please ask him to come in quickly."

Translation: Madam Zhou nodded and said, "This time Boss Lu helped us; we should properly thank him. Please invite him in quickly."

"Yes, madam."

Translation: "Yes, Madam."

The steward quickly went to bring Lu Jingqing and Secretary Li inside.

Translation: The steward quickly went to invite Lu Jingqing and Secretary Li in.

When Lu Jingqing appeared before her, Su Yun Jiao's heart skipped a beat; thinking that she had been at odds with Lu Jingqing all day, she also felt a bit unpleasant.

After all, Lu Jingqing was truly doing things for her, yet she had wrongly blamed him.

She felt Lu Jingqing was merely a profit‑driven businessman.

Translation: After all, Lu Jingqing was truly doing things for her, yet she had wrongly blamed him.

"Mr. Lu, please have a seat."

Translation: She felt Lu Jingqing was merely a profit-driven businessman.

Madam Zhou arranged for Lu Jingqing to sit down.

Translation: "Boss Lu, please have a seat."

Lu Jingqing nodded and happened to sit directly opposite Su Yun Jiao.

Translation: Madam Zhou arranged for Lu Jingqing to sit.

Su Yun Jiao stole several glances at Lu Jingqing, but finally lowered her head.

Translation: Lu Jingqing nodded and happened to sit opposite Su Yun Jiao.

Madam Zhou kept talking to Lu Jingqing about the Zheng family matter; Lu Jingqing had already worked out a solution—namely, Zheng family compensation for the Zhou family's mental loss—and he held nothing back, directly stating all the benefits Zheng Zong had promised him.

Translation: Su Yun Jiao several times secretly glanced at Lu Jingqing, but then lowered her head again.

Madam Zhou and Lu Jingqing seemed to reach some agreement, clinking glasses, and quickly settled the matter.

Translation: Madam Zhou kept talking to Lu Jingqing about the Zheng family matter; Lu Jingqing had already listed the solution, which was simply the Zheng family compensating the Zhou family for mental loss, and Lu Jingqing hid nothing, directly stating all the benefits Zheng Zong had promised him.

At that moment, Madam Zhou glanced at Zhou Xian, then told Zhou Tingting, "Tingting, go upstairs and fetch the watch I had before."

Translation: Madam Zhou and Lu Jingqing seemed to reach some consensus, clinking cups, and quickly settled the matter.

"Sure..."

Translation: At that moment, Madam Zhou glanced at Zhou Xian, then said to Zhou Tingting, "Tingting, go upstairs and fetch the watch I mentioned earlier."

Zhou Tingting found it odd—why not let a servant bring the watch down instead of making her get it herself?

Translation: "Sure......"

Madam Zhou also said to Lu Jingqing, "My husband's study still has a famous painting; I intend to give it to you, Mr. Lu—please accompany me to see it."

Translation: Zhou Tingting found it odd; the watch could have been fetched by any servant, so why make her get it herself?

How could Lu Jingqing possibly not know what Madam Zhou was thinking?

Translation: Madam Zhou also said to Lu Jingqing, "There's still a famous painting in my husband's study; I intend to give it to Boss Lu, Boss Lu, please accompany me to have a look."

Madam Zhou simply wanted to give Su Yun Jiao and Zhou Xian some space to talk.

Translation: How could Lu Jingqing not know what Madam Zhou was thinking?

In the past Lu Jingqing would not have agreed, but this time he did.

Translation: Madam Zhou merely wanted to give Su Yun Jiao and Zhou Xian space to talk.

Lu Jingqing himself didn't know why, but he actually wanted to know Su Yun Jiao's answer as well.

Translation: In the past, Lu Jingqing wouldn't have agreed, but this time he did.

After everyone else had left, only Su Yun Jiao and Zhou Xian remained at the table, and the atmosphere suddenly became a little awkward.

Translation: Lu Jingqing himself didn't know why, but he actually also wanted to know Su Yun Jiao's answer.

Before, they used to sit together, and even when alone they never felt strange.

Translation: After everyone left, only Su Yun Jiao and Zhou Xian remained at the dining table, and the atmosphere suddenly became a bit awkward.

This feeling only began when Su Yun Jiao heard that someone liked her.

Translation: Before, they were tablemates, and even when alone together it wouldn't feel strange.

At that moment Zhou Xian blurted out, "The first time I saw you was in kindergarten—you never liked to talk, just followed Lu Chi around; the other girls in kindergarten didn't like you, but I thought you were special. Later we went to elementary school together, and my gaze always lingered on you. Back then I was too young to know what liking someone meant; I only knew I wanted to see you."

Translation: This feeling began when Su Yun Jiao heard that someone liked her.

Su Yun Jiao froze upon hearing that.

Translation: At that moment, Zhou Xian suddenly said, "The first time I saw you was in kindergarten; you never liked to speak, only knowing to follow behind Lu Chi; the other girls in kindergarten didn't like you, but I thought you were special. Later we went to elementary school together, my gaze always lingered on you; back then I was too young to know what liking was, I only knew I wanted to see you."

Because before high school, she and Zhou Xian had basically no interaction—though they were in the same class, they hardly ever spoke.

Translation: Su Yun Jiao froze upon hearing this.

Zhou Xian continued slowly, "Later, in junior high, I remember the first time you spoke to me was when you asked about Lu Chi's homework. I acted calm, but inside I was in turmoil—you liked Lu Chi, yet I liked you. In high school I thought your grades would surely land you in Class One, but you went with Lu Chi to Class Six. When Tingting cried and begged to go to Six to accompany Lu Chi, I thought she was being unreasonable, yet deep down I felt the same."

Translation: Because before high school, she and Zhou Xian had basically no interaction, even though they were in the same class, they hardly spoke.

Saying this, Zhou Xian looked at Su Yun Jiao and said, "On the surface I accompanied Tingting to Class Six, but actually I myself wanted to go to Class Six, just to see you every day."

Translation: Zhou Xian slowly said, "Later, in junior high, I remember the first time you spoke to me was asking about Lu Chi's homework; I feigned calm, but inside I was already in turmoil; you liked Lu Chi, but I liked you. After entering high school, I thought your grades would surely be in Class One, yet you went with Lu Chi to Class Six; when Tingting cried and shouted to go to Class Six to accompany Lu Chi, although I thought she was being unreasonable, my heart actually felt the same."

Su Yun Jiao was being confessed to for the first time; her heart raced, but not because she liked Zhou Xian—it was the feeling of not knowing how to face someone's affection.

As he said this, Zhou Xian turned to Su Yun Jiao and said, "On the surface I was accompanying Tingting to Class Six, but in reality I wanted to go to Class Six myself, just so I could see you every day."

"Now I want to ask you: do you really like Lu Jingqing, right?"

Translation: Su Yun Jiao was being confessed to for the first time; her heart raced, but not because she liked Zhou Xian, rather because she didn't know how to face others' affection.

Looking at Zhou Xian before her, Su Yun Jiao seriously examined this question for the first time.

Translation: "Now, I want to ask you, do you truly like Lu Jingqing, right?"

Previously she could say she and Lu Jingqing were merely engaged in a business arrangement.

Translation: Looking at Zhou Xian before her, Su Yun Jiao seriously examined this question for the first time.

But after such a long time together, she no longer thought that way.

Translation: Previously, she could say she and Lu Jingqing were merely engaged in cooperation.

But after being together for so long, Su Yun Jiao no longer felt that way.

Translation: But after such a long time together, Su Yun Jiao no longer thought that way.

Su Yun Jiao likes Lu Jingqing; she doesn't know when it started, but this feeling seems to have grown ever stronger.

"I... like Lu Jingqing."

Su Yun Jiao directly said the answer.

"Then... what about me?"

"I've always just been friends with the class monitor, and that will remain."

What Su Yun Jiao didn't know was that Lu Jingqing was standing beside Madam Zhou in a side corridor of the lobby.

Their words were clearly heard by both of them.

Madam Zhou pursed her lips; although she had long known her son would be rejected, hearing Su Yun Jiao say those words still made her feel sad for her son.

Only Lu Jingqing stood on that side of the corridor without speaking.

Su Yun Jiao probably felt a gaze from not far away; when she turned her head, she saw Lu Jingqing standing at the other end of the corridor.

For a moment, Su Yun Jiao froze in place.

Thinking that Lu Jingqing had heard everything she just said, Su Yun Jiao's face instantly flushed deeply.

"I... I..."

Zhou Xian stood up, smiled slightly, and said, "I understand."

When he didn't know the answer, his heart was uneasy, but now that he knows the answer, Zhou Xian feels relieved instead.

He too had been waiting for Su Yun Jiao's answer.

He too had been waiting for Su Yun Jiao's answer.

At this moment, Zhou Tingting came downstairs from upstairs, still unaware of what had happened.

"Let this watch be my engagement gift to you."

Madam Zhou placed the gift in Su Yun Jiao's hand, then patted her hand and said, "Love must be seized by oneself."

Su Yun Jiao looked at Lu Jingqing without speaking.

On the way back, the two people said nothing.

Finally Su Yun Jiao said: "You... how could you do this? How could you eavesdrop on our conversation?"

"If I didn't eavesdrop, how would I know what you're thinking?"

Lu Jingqing's tone held a gentle smile; he had always thought Su Yun Jiao merely regarded him as an adult, only now realizing she likes him.

"No matter! I won't listen!"

Su Yun Jiao immediately turned away, pretending not to have heard.

"Jiao Jiao, I feel the same."

When she heard Lu Jingqing say that, Su Yun Jiao froze completely.

She thought she had misheard.

But she hadn't expected it to be true.

Even Secretary Li hadn't expected Lu Jingqing to suddenly blurt out such a line—who says straight-laced men can't flirt?

"Then you..."

Su Yun Jiao stammered, unable to utter another word.

Lu Jingqing reached out, pressing his hand against Su Yun Jiao's nape, leaning in to kiss her forehead: "I will wait for my little friend to grow up, then proudly take you home as my wife."

Hearing Lu Jingqing's words, Su Yun Jiao felt her face flush.

"No regrets allowed."

"Absolutely no regrets."

In the blink of an eye, the College Entrance Exam day arrived.

Su Yun Jiao, with excellent grades, got into an overseas university, while Lu Chi's scores were also top-ranked, but due to tuition costs he could only stay in Hai Cheng; Qin Xue, because her grades were unsatisfactory, could only barely get into a second-tier college.

Zhou Xian and Zhou Tingting got into the same university as Su Yun Jiao.

Just as several people were preparing to leave Hai Cheng and embark on their new university life.

At the airport, Zhou Tingting couldn't help asking: "Lu Jingqing really will wait for you four years?"

Su Yun Jiao thought carefully and said: "He said that after four years are up, we will get married."

Hearing Su Yun Jiao say that, Zhou Tingting couldn't help clicking her tongue: "That sounds just like being in prison."

"Jiao Jiao, Tingting, we're about to board."

Upon hearing Zhou Xian's words, the two then walked toward the boarding gate.

Su Yun Jiao turned back, hoping to see Lu Jingqing appear before her, but his figure still did not show up.

Su Yun Jiao's expression flashed with a moment of desolation, but just as she turned her head back, she saw Lu Jingqing and Secretary Li likewise pulling their suitcases, standing at the boarding gate.

Lu Jingqing was smiling as he looked at Su Yun Jiao.

Su Yun Jiao froze: "How...?"

Lu Jingqing said: "How could I abandon my little princess?"

Secretary Li said beside him: "All the work in Hai Cheng has been more or less settled; Boss Lu has decided to return overseas to reside, so he can accompany Miss Su and take care of her life."

Upon hearing Secretary Li's words, Su Yun Jiao's face instantly broke into a smile.

"Really?"

"Really."

Lu Jingqing pinched Su Yun Jiao's nose, his eyes full of indulgence.

"Four years is quite a long time."

"I can wait."

"Not to mention four years, even fourteen or forty years."

"He is not prepared to let go."

Inside the airport, Lu Jingqing held Su Yun Jiao's hand, and together they boarded the plane to Hai Cheng.

Their figures gradually faded away, eventually disappearing from sight.