Chapter 1100: Troubled and Agitated

In the morning bathed in sunlight, birds sang and flowers fraganced the air.

On a country road in the suburbs with little traffic, a long line of cars was parked along the roadside. In front of a roadside supermarket, over a hundred people had gathered. Most wore quick-drying short sleeves and shorts, their shoes a riot of colors. At the command of the organizers, the crowd surged forward in a rush.

They were all marathon enthusiasts, some even professionals. They used pure, free running to release the pressure and exhaustion of their lives. They might not have found themselves in the running, but they had been themselves. Using physical fatigue to alleviate mental suppression, feeling freedom in the wind stirred by their running, seeking a moment of transcendence in the tranquility of battling against oneself.

On such a beautiful Saturday, getting up early, rushing from the city to the suburbs, spending one's own money to come run—if they didn't act like themselves, what else could they do?

Ye Zhenzhen was not a straggler; she was actually quite good. Among the hundred or so people, she ran in the middle of the pack.

"Is this your first time participating in this kind of event? How does it feel?" Ye Zhenzhen asked with a smile.

"This is the first time for a club privately organizing one; before, I joined a few full marathons with others, just running alongside. As for the feeling, nothing special. It's just running, only there are more people, making it feel livelier. But the liveliness won't last long; we've only just started, and soon the gaps will widen."

Wang Yan ran slowly alongside Ye Zhenzhen and said with a laugh, "But you still impress me; you're running quite well. You're not just acting here for my sake, are you? It's over twenty kilometers; if you can't make it, just slow down."

"Who are you underestimating? You run your race; don't worry about me."

"If a man and a woman go out together and the man runs off, wouldn't that look bad?"

"You're sensible enough." Ye Zhenzhen shot him a playful glare, then fell silent because she felt a stitch in her side.

She did not reject Wang Yan; otherwise, she wouldn't be laughing and joking like this—she would have stayed as far away as possible. What she hadn't told Wang Yan was that her family had secretly investigated him; she knew quite a bit about him, how he started, some major past events, and so on—he was truly a genius elite. Her mother had even advised her that such a good man was right beside her, urging her to seize the opportunity...

Thinking of this, she couldn't help but turn her head again to look at the man beside her, Wang Mou, who ran with ease and grace, leisurely observing the surrounding scenery with great interest.

Unexpectedly, Wang Yan seemed to have eyes on the back of his head; he turned his head and looked over.

"Have you discovered my charm and become so obsessed that you can't extricate yourself?"

"Pah! You deadbeat scumbag, shameless!"

"I know you're saying the opposite of what you mean; it's fine, no need to be shy. Look at me whenever you want; if you want to see more, I'll even sweep my mat to welcome you."

"I think it's you who is captivated by me. If you weren't looking at me, how would you know I was looking at you?"

"Y-your breathing is already unsteady; don't blame me if you get a stitch in a moment."

Ye Zhenzhen snorted but truly stopped speaking, because in just this short time they had already run two kilometers; the effects of running were manifesting in her body, and she needed to focus more...

So they ran in silence; her breathing grew heavier, her legs heavier, her pace slower, but whenever she glanced at Wang Yan ahead to her side, blocking the wind and leisurely admiring the scenery, a surge of power welled up within her, compelling her to keep running.

The route was planned; after finishing, it basically looped back to the starting point. After more than two hours, Ye Zhenzhen's feet crossed the white line painted on the ground; she tilted her head back, hands on her hips, slowly jogging to a stop, then checked her watch to see the time.

Even though she was exhausted to the point of death, she still smiled: "Let me tell you... eh?"

She wanted to share her joy, but looking up, she saw no one. She turned around to search and only then spotted Wang Yan not far behind her, approaching with a towel and water.

"Here, wipe your sweat, drink some water."

"Sensible." Ye Zhenzhen accepted the flying towel with satisfaction, wiped herself hastily, draped it around her neck, then took the mineral water bottle Wang Yan had twisted half-open; she nodded approvingly, "Quite considerate."

Before Wang Yan could say anything to make her blush, she directly changed the subject: "Let me tell you, I haven't run a half-marathon in quite some time; occasionally I just run five or ten kilometers in the park outside our residential compound at night. Just now I checked the time: two hours and ten minutes. My previous best was twenty minutes 【over two hours】; I've improved by a full ten minutes."

"Are you waiting for me to praise you?"

"I know, my little achievement is nothing in your eyes; after all, you run nearly a half-marathon every morning. I'm just a marathon enthusiast; this speed barely reaches the average level, okay?"

"Did your brain run out of oxygen and stop working? Since you know I'm a strong runner, don't you realize I've been breaking the wind for you the whole way and pacing you?"

"Eh? Right, right, right, it's because of you."

Ye Zhenzhen paused for a moment, then patted her forehead, drank some water, and said with a laugh, "But having you run the marathon with me, someone acting as a pacer to help me improve, plus someone holding towels and handing water, really feels quite nice. This great lord is very satisfied with your service this time; next time I'll request you again."

Wang Yan shook his head amusedly: "If I say you can't handle it, you keep aiming your jokes at the lower regions; if I say you can, you can't take a joke, blushing and surrendering after just a few sentences."

"Pah! It's your mind that's filthy, thinking of everything in terms of the lower regions; you scumbag."

"Oh my, thank you for sparing my life with your words; this time I finally don't have to die."

"I've discovered you still have some use; I'll keep your useful body around to observe your future performance." Ye Zhenzhen showed a touch of tsundere pride.

"You're treating me to lunch later; settle up the fee for the pacing service."

"No problem; later we'll go eat steak and replenish our energy heavily. Rest a bit, rest a bit before leaving; I'm truly run into the ground. Running a marathon is exhilarating, but it's also life-threatening; I'm afraid my legs won't be usable tomorrow."

Ye Zhenzhen's breathing remained heavy; as she spoke, she swayed over to the curb and sat down, her two long legs stretched straight out, her small fists constantly pounding them to relieve the muscle soreness.

"That you can get up early every day to exercise, I truly admire you; you're simply non-human. Especially your knees—are they made of iron? No wear and tear at all?"

"Wear and tear is inevitable; even walking causes it, let alone running. But with correct running form and stable foot placement, knee wear can be reduced. Dr. Ye specializes in science; surely you understand this basic principle?"

"I understand, I understand, but that doesn't stop you from running like that."

"Perhaps this is just exceptional talent; some people simply have good physiques and athletic gifts. That I didn't join the national team is my regret, and also the national team's loss."

"Enough already; so narcissistic."

"Pot calling the kettle black."

Ye Zhenzhen snorted, pulled her phone from her waist pack, unlocked it, and took several selfies. She had already taken photos before the run and had Wang Yan take some for her during the run; now that it was finished, naturally she had to take more.

She truly loved life, and recording and sharing was a higher form of enjoyment. So although nowadays Wang Wang Youquan posts are purposeful—some people craft their persona, some show off how well they're doing, some lament the seasons, some are affected and artificial, some moan without cause, some have a brain fart and post benefits on Wang Wang Youquan, some solicit clients—

nevertheless, there are still people who genuinely love life; they are keen on recording and sharing. After eating a delicious meal, they take photos and review it. Seeing a beautiful sunset, they scour poetry collections to find fitting verses. After watching a good movie, they photograph the ticket stub and leave some thoughts. Their attitude toward life can be felt.

Ye Zhenzhen was just like that, carefree, with peaceful years.

She took photos from every angle, even got Wang Yan to join for a few selfies, then handed her phone to Wang Yan: "I'm very satisfied with your photography skills; take a few third-person perspective shots for me. Oh, right, adding another point: you're especially good at taking photos. Next time there's an event, I'll find you again."

"My appearance fee will be higher next time; a meal won't suffice. Come on, big sugar daddy, look here, strike a nice pose, natural, yes, like that..."

Did Wang Yan even need to be told about photography? In the past, doing wedding photography, he had reached Level 4; whether documentary or any other style, whether photography or videography, he was very famous. Later, across multiple worlds, with nothing to do, he took his camera and snapped away, long ago advancing to master level. Added to Ye Zhenzhen's beauty, any random shot turned out great.

"You truly are multi-talented."

Unsurprisingly, Ye Zhenzhen gave high praise; flipping through the photos, her face was written with satisfaction: "Taken so well; I feel even if you worked as a photographer, you'd be earning millions a year. You know Wu Gong, you read a lot and know a lot, you're professional at running, and your photography is incredibly awesome; is there anything you can't do?"

"That's why you need to get in deep contact with me; I know so many things, you'll have to uncover them slowly."

"I've realized, you just can't handle praise; once praised, your tail sticks up, stinking with arrogance." Ye Zhenzhen put away her phone and struggled to stand up; Wang Yan lent a hand.

"Not bad, you've got good insight. You drive on the way back; my legs are still shaking, afraid I'll stick to the accelerator and can't let go. Hey, look, that's another point added: you can also be a driver, perfect. Here, the keys are yours; by the time we drive back, it should be just about lunchtime."

The two arrived here past six o'clock; after warming up, the run started at six-thirty. Now, having finished running and rested for quite a while, it was already past nine o'clock. Today was Saturday; although there was no peak hour, in a super-large city accommodating over ten million people, traffic volume was still considerable. Driving back with stops and starts all the way would take at least over an hour, indeed arriving just about lunchtime.

When they came over today, Ye Zhenzhen had driven her own car. Even if she wanted to drive on the return trip, Wang Yan would not agree; he didn't want to entrust his little life to someone else's hands. He was, after all, human, still flesh and blood; safety is no small matter, driving must be standardized, don't drink and drive, fasten your seatbelt...

Thus they returned all the way to the city and found a Western restaurant that didn't require reservations to eat. Before the meal, Wang Yan helped Ye Zhenzhen take a bunch more photos. If the photos look good and the words sound nice, the emotional value is maxed out; Ye Zhenzhen was just like that.

After taking the photos, she gulped down mouthfuls of meat while scrolling through the pictures; after busying herself for a long while, she finally placed her phone aside with satisfaction.

"Mission accomplished." She took a big bite of meat, drank a sip of sparkling water, and said, "You made an appearance; hurry up and give me a like."

"Does a great beauty like you lack likes on Wang Wang Youquan?" Wang Yan shook his head with amusement, but still picked up his phone to scroll through Wang Wang Youquan. "Let me see. 'Ran a half-marathon early this morning, broke my personal best, improved by a full ten minutes. Allow me to introduce the greatest contributor: a pacer for the half-marathon found over a single meal, who also served as my attendant, photographer, and driver...' "

The accompanying images were a nine-grid layout: before the run, during the run, after the run, screenshots of exercise data, and so on. The center photo was a snapshot of the two of them sitting on the curb resting after the run, two big smiling faces pressed right up against the screen.

He casually tapped a like, then Wang Yan smiled and said, "You even dared to drag a scumbag into the spotlight on Wang Wang Youquan; I must say, you two look quite well-matched."

"That's because I, the Great Lord, am naturally beautiful and match with anyone; don't flatter yourself. Posting you was just a matter of social etiquette. Otherwise, after fussing all morning without you making a single appearance, wouldn't a certain someone be hiding in a corner secretly wiping away tears?"

"Then I suppose I should thank you for looking after my feelings."

"What did you expect?" Ye Zhenzhen wore an expression of haughty coquettishness.

The words had barely left her lips when her phone, resting beside her hand, rang. She picked it up, glanced at the screen, raised an eyebrow at Wang Yan, and said, "See? The side effects of dragging a scumbag into the spotlight on Wang Wang Youquan have already arrived; it's my mother. Oh, He Minhong and Yu Chuhui have also sent messages..."

Afterwards, Ye Zhenzhen fell silent, alternating between sending voice replies and typing away with a clatter-clatter-clatter, chatting enthusiastically with people, occasionally glancing at Wang Yan...

Wang Yan paid no heed, simply eating large mouthfuls of meat, eating with great relish...

After such a lunch, the two of them finally returned to Ode to Joy, went back to the 22nd floor, and pressed the doorbell for apartment 2202.

"Zhenzhen, Brother Yan, you're back? You two are truly amazing; getting up so early and running a half-marathon. I could never get up that early, nor could I run; twenty-one kilometers would probably kill me."

The one who opened the door was He Minhong; as long as one didn't ask her to run errands or discuss worldviews, she was very capable of providing emotional value.

Ye Zhenzhen let out an "Ouch," sat down on the stone ledge where the railing protruded, and said, "I've already lost half my life, but the feeling is truly exhilarating; next time I have free time, I'll run again."

"Truly impressive; just seeing the terrifying step counts on WeChat from you two has already made my legs go numb. I just want to lie on my little bed, listen to music, and watch dramas."

"Life lies in movement. Where is Jiji?"

"Sister Zhu..."

"Right here." Zhu Zhe, dressed entirely in pajamas, walked out smiling. "I was just lying on my little bed watching dramas."

Behind her, Yu Chuhui also walked over with her mother. "Zhenzhen, Brother Yan, you two are truly amazing. This is my mother. Mom, this is Zhenzhen from 2203, and this is Wang Yan from the 23rd floor; one of them is a scientist, the other a big boss, both exceptionally formidable people."

Wang Yan smiled and nodded politely, while Ye Zhenzhen also stood up courteously. "Hello, Auntie. When did you arrive?"

"Just a little while ago," Yu's mother replied with some discomfort and lacking confidence. "Thank you for taking care of A-Chu."

"We are all friends, looking out for one another. Auntie, if you ever need anything in the future and A-Chu isn't around, just come find me; I am more than willing to help."

Yu Chuhui said, "Zhenzhen is very kind; thank you, Zhenzhen."

"It's nothing." Ye Zhenzhen waved her hand, then turned her gaze to Zhu Zhe. "Jiji, didn't you say you wanted to store your things at my place? This morning I mentioned it to Wang Yan; his place is bigger, so let's put everything there. He agreed, which is why we came straight back to act as porters."

"Uh... is that convenient?" Zhu Zhe looked at Wang Yan uncertainly.

"How have we become so distant in just a few days?" Wang Yan shook his head with amusement. "What inconvenience could there be in storing a few items? You know my home; there's plenty of empty space. My range of activity isn't large anyway; never mind ten days or half a month, even ten or eight years would be fine. Let's get going."

"Alright, but you don't need to carry anything. You ran so far early this morning; you must be exhausted, so just rest. My few belongings aren't heavy; I can manage on my own."

"Sister Zhu, I'll help you," Yu Chuhui said quickly.

He Minhong lagged a step behind and said happily, "I can help too, Sister Zhu."

Zhu Zhe nodded. "Very well, then thank you all."

Wang Yan smiled. "I'll join in too; since I'm going upstairs anyway, we might as well carry everything up in one trip."

This time Zhu Zhe did not refuse; she knew Wang Yan's character and knew he was a straightforward person. Or rather, Wang Yan didn't need to consider so much in front of people like them; after all, he didn't need to care about anyone's feelings, so whatever happened, happened, making him exceptionally genuine.

Of course, that was what she thought; to a certain extent, it was indeed the truth. The reason it wasn't entirely the truth was that Wang Yan was genuine with everyone; whatever he did or said was genuine. Even when he flattered or sucked up to people, every word was sincere, every word came from the bottom of his heart, genuine to the point of being unable to be any more genuine...

With such a group mobilized, even Ye Zhenzhen, who was completely worn out from the run, helped carry a few items, and in one trip they piled all the various things Zhu Zhe had accumulated over the years into Wang Yan's home.

Zhu Zhe smiled at Wang Yan and said, "Then I've troubled you, Wang Yan."

"Come on, it's just storing a few items; what trouble is there?"

"Then we'll be leaving now; goodbye."

Wang Yan nodded with a smile. "Support Zhenzhen; she really has finished her run."

"I'll support you, Zhenzhen." Yu Chuhui giggled as she went over to prop up Ye Zhenzhen.

"Brother Yan, I've taken two more books," He Minhong said as she trotted over.

"Take them."

"Then we're off; get some good rest, Brother Yan."

"No need to pity him; he's non-human, his physical fitness is absolutely off the charts." Ye Zhenzhen, weak and breathless, still couldn't resist taking a swipe at Wang Yan.

Wang Yan shook his head with amusement, didn't utter any more flirtatious remarks, and saw them out the door...

Ye Zhenzhen returned home, forced herself to take a shower, changed into a cool silk nightgown, and finally lay down on her bed with satisfaction.

Barely had she lain down and comfortably scrolled through her phone, reading gossip news online, when a video message popped up on the screen.

She answered helplessly, looking at the man and woman on her phone. "I say, Dad, Mom, you two really have nothing better to do."

"What kind of talk is that? No matter how busy we are, we must still care about our daughter."

"Oh my, there's absolutely no possibility between Wang Yan and me; just give up on that idea. We just get along well, and we both love sports, so we went out to have some fun together; there's really nothing going on."

"You know his situation; what a wonderful person he is. So young, yet he has achieved such a Da De Gong, far more impressive than our family; a person like that is hard to find even with a lantern. Countless people want to marry him. Most importantly, you two are similar in age, and you say you get along; that counts as sharing interests and aspirations, doesn't it? What a wonderful thing. Why don't you take it seriously?"

"Mom, you said it yourself: countless people want to marry him. How could you not know the situation? He is truly young, wealthy, rich, and powerful; what kind of woman can't he find? Last time we ate together, he admitted it himself; his relationships with women are very messy."

"Men are all like that, aren't they? Didn't you also date several boyfriends? You'll settle down after marriage."

"Then what about my dad..."

Ye's mother's eyes widened. "He wouldn't dare!"

"Then aren't you just pushing your precious daughter into a fire pit?"

"Times are different; it's not like when your father and I were young. Nowadays, you young people are very open-minded..."

"Oh, Mom~"

"Alright, alright, I won't say it anymore; is that okay?"

Ye Zhenzhen pouted. "If there's nothing else, I'm hanging up."

"Don't hang up yet; there's one more thing I need to tell you," Mother Ye said with a smile. "I've recently found another match for you. Whether you pursue it or not is beside the point; you at least have to meet the person. Their family also runs a Shangshi Company, so their conditions are certainly not poor. I heard this one is an international student planning to return to the country to develop their career; they're coming back this week.

His mother gave me the key to his apartment; tomorrow I'll have someone deliver it to you. His flight arrives Wednesday morning; go pick him up then, hand over the key, and chat with him to see what kind of person he is."

"Mom, you're now using military tactics on your precious daughter—diverting attention from the east to strike the west." Ye Zhenzhen wore an expression of sharp wit, then immediately feigned a temper tantrum. "Aiyoo, this is so annoying it's driving me crazy!"

Mother Ye felt not a shred of embarrassment. "It's just a look; you won't lose any flesh. Since others introduced them, we can't very well ignore their feelings. Our Zhenzhen is the most obedient; just go handle it. Looking never hurts; what if you actually take a fancy to each other? Your father and I are both waiting to hold our grandchildren..."

After chatting idly a few more moments like this, they finally ended the call.

Irritated, Ye Zhenzhen tossed her phone aside and pounded the soft bed with frantic cries of "Ah! Ah! Ah!"

After venting her madness alone for a while, she finally calmed down, staring straight at the ceiling...

After a long while, she exhaled deeply, finally digesting that emotion on her own. She picked up her phone again and scrolled back and forth; she was viewing her photo album, all pictures taken today...