The standoff continued on Wen Tingxue's side.
The boy, unable to wait any longer, stepped forward.
"I have no ill intentions, I just... want to add you as a friend. You're very beautiful."
She was his ideal type.
Yu Wenli let out a scoff and strode over.
Even in his school uniform, he exuded the cool, arrogant aura of a celebrity on a stroll.
Seeing him was like seeing a savior to Wen Tingxue, her eyes sparkling.
Before she could speak, she was pulled up, her steps distancing her from the boy.
A lazy voice, laced with a hint of amusement, struck her ears, making them tingle.
"Has your brother ever taught you how to add friends?"
Wen Tingxue, half-cradled in his embrace that carried a refreshing scent, shook her head with a faint blush.
"...No."
"Mm."
Yu Wenli uttered a satisfied monosyllable before finally looking at the boy.
Though "looking" might not be the right word.
He glanced sideways, with a languid air.
A peculiar balance between politeness and arrogance.
Simply put, he was unapproachable, but veiled in a layer of civility, appearing slightly more restrained.
The boy forced a smile, avoided Yu Wenli's gaze, and quickly left.
-
It wasn't until the Yu family's driver called to urge them to go to school that they left the mall.
Wen Tingxue, holding the cotton candy she had just bought, slowly nibbled on it beside Yu Wenli.
According to him, it was compensation.
But it was very sweet.
Wen Tingxue didn't mind him driving the boy away.
She just felt that at times, when he turned cold, he was like a different person.
"Let's go."
Yu Wenli hung up the phone and led her towards the car.
Wen Tingxue followed behind him, her gaze lingering on his hand for a few seconds.
His fingers were beautiful, long and slender, with distinct joints, stark white against the black casing of his phone.
Black, silver-white… strangely like a couple's set?
Wen Tingxue quickly shook her head, dismissing those unrealistic thoughts.
He was so outstanding, a person born to stand in the spotlight.
How could she possibly covet him?
She was only fortunate enough to be noticed by him because of her parents.
Otherwise, she wouldn't even have the chance to speak to him.
After all, he was too dazzling, with countless girls surrounding him.
She wouldn't even make the list.
Being considered a sister was more than enough for her.
As for anything else, she dared not even think about it.
-
When they arrived at school in the afternoon, they found that Yu Yahe had taken leave.
Wen Tingxue was happy to have some peace.
During the long break, she asked Xie Jin'yi for her contact information, saying she wanted to thank her for her help today.
Xie Jin'yi laughed heartily, "We're friends, no need for thanks. Just prepare some desserts later."
Wen Tingxue smiled and agreed.
As she scanned the QR code with her phone, Xie Jin'yi exclaimed, "You added the 'Great God's' WeChat?!"
Wen Tingxue smiled faintly, "Just now."
Xie Jin'yi envied her and gave her a thumbs-up.
Then, she glanced around, lowered her voice slightly, and mysteriously said, "Do you know how much the 'Great God's' contact information is worth?"
Wen Tingxue blinked in confusion, "How much?"
Xie Jin'yi held up one hand, "At least this much."
"Five hundred?"
Xie Jin'yi almost spat blood, "A five-digit number!"
Wen Tingxue's mouth twitched, "Is it really worth that much?"
Xie Jin'yi put on an "You wouldn't understand" proud expression.
"Don't think the 'Great God' is just a studious person who happens to be too handsome. He's very famous in Jiangcheng, with countless fans. Let alone five digits, people would buy it for six."
Wen Tingxue found it hard to comprehend.
Xie Jin'yi leaned closer with a smile, "I heard his private number is even more expensive because not many people know it. If you ever need money, you can sell his private number, and you'll definitely get a high price."
Wen Tingxue shook her head, "I would rather starve than sell his number for money."
Xie Jin'yi poked her forehead and playfully scolded her, "Silly girl."
In the evening, Yu Xiuxiu herself came to pick her up, driven by her assistant.
Her phone didn't stop ringing on the way, but her concern for Wen Tingxue didn't wane.
After the incident with the bracelet, they were all worried their daughter would continue to be bullied.
So they asked several times, and only relaxed when they were sure their daughter was truly alright.
The assistant glanced at the rearview mirror several times, surprised.
He had never seen such a gentle and patient side of Lawyer Yu and was somewhat curious.
Wen Tingxue's gaze met his, and she smiled softly, exuding perfect obedience.
The assistant curved his lips and looked away.
When they arrived home, the housekeeper had already prepared dinner and was tidying the messy living room.
Yu Xiuxiu and Wen Zhong'en had been busy with their careers over the years and rarely had time to cook.
So, the housekeeper usually came at noon and evening to cook, clean the rooms, and then leave.
Recently, with their daughter back, Wen Zhong'en and Yu Xiuxiu had discussed having the housekeeper live with them.
To better take care of their daughter.
The housekeeper agreed and had moved her luggage in that afternoon.
Yu Xiuxiu introduced, "This is Aunt Fang. Tell her what you want to eat from now on."
Wen Tingxue obediently called out, "Aunt Fang."
Aunt Fang was a bit thin but had a kind face and a friendly demeanor.
Wen Tingxue felt an immediate liking for her.
Aunt Fang responded heartily, "If you don't mind, I'll call you Xiao Xue."
"Okay."
Wen Tingxue nodded with a smile, then took her schoolbag upstairs.
During dinner, Wen Zhong'en called, saying he couldn't reschedule his evening engagement and asked them to eat first.
Yu Xiuxiu was used to this, but fearing her daughter would be unhappy, she said many comforting words that made Wen Tingxue laugh.
...
It was already ten o'clock after finishing her homework. Wen Tingxue tidied her things and went to take a shower.
When Yu Xiuxiu brought in a glass of milk, she had just finished her shower, her fair face flushed a rosy pink.
"My daughter is so adorable."
Yu Xiuxiu wasn't one for excessive affection, but when facing her daughter, she could always say sweet things.
Wen Tingxue blushed, but in her mother's doting words, their relationship grew closer.
After exchanging some trivial conversation, Yu Xiuxiu left with the empty cup.
Wen Tingxue took her phone and hid under the covers, secretly browsing Yu Wenli's social media.
There was no specific content, mostly song sharing and promotions for e-sports competitions.
Beyond that, there was not a single mention of his life.
Wen Tingxue pouted with a hint of regret, then searched for all the songs he had shared.
They were quite nice.
All of them were added to her playlist.
-
The next day, Yu Yahe came to school, looking unwell, as if she hadn't slept well.
A crowd of people surrounded her, offering comfort.
Wen Tingxue quietly put down her schoolbag, then took out her textbook to preview the day's content.
Before she could finish the third line, her book was snatched away from above.
Then, it was violently slammed onto the floor in front of the podium.
Wen Tingxue's heart clenched. The events she had deliberately tried to forget surged back, casting a shadow of the past.
It weighed down on her, both physically and mentally, making her sluggish.
"You still have the nerve to read a book?!"
Yu Yahe grabbed Wen Tingxue's collar and questioned, "Do you know how much my back hurts? If you hadn't made a false accusation, why would I have to suffer like this!"
Especially the way Yu Wenli looked at her, like she was trash!
It had tormented her all night!
Wen Tingxue slowly raised her eyes, meeting Yu Yahe's ravenous glare. Her heart pounded, and her face turned pale.