Until Fu Yi disappeared from their sight, Xie Shu stood still, lost in thought.
"Xie Shu! Xie Shu! What's wrong!?"
Shen Jianxi was worried. Xie Shu's expression was grim and filled with disbelief.
"It's nothing." He looked down at the person in his arms and forced a smile, trying to reassure her, but it was a strained smile.
Under their concerned gazes, Xie Shu patted her head reassuringly. "It's really nothing. You said you couldn't go home right now, right? Let's go, I found a place for you to stay."
As they left, he turned back to cast a deep look at the building where Fu Yi lived, then pulled Shen Jianxi along.
The person behind the curtains on the top floor stood for a long time, only retracting their gaze after their figures had completely vanished.
They recognized him, which made things much more interesting.
...
As Xie Shu and Shen Jianxi walked, Xie Shu pondered for a long time and said, "Is the friend you mentioned him?"
"Yes, why?"
Shen Jianxi was still thinking about Xie Shu's odd behavior earlier. Seeing the fear that flashed in his eyes when he saw Fu Yi's appearance, she had to think.
Based on Xie Shu's lack of reaction when she first met Fu Yi, he should not have known him. But his reaction today was different from that time, as if he had remembered something.
Also, Fu Yi's sudden increase in favorability today only started after seeing Xie Shu, which meant Fu Yi knew or at least knew of Xie Shu.
So, their first meeting might have been arranged. No wonder he agreed so quickly when she asked him to tutor her.
Lost in thought, Shen Jianxi didn't notice that Xie Shu had stopped. Caught off guard, she leaned back.
Seeing this, Xie Shu quickly reached out to steady her. Once she was stable, he lightly flicked her forehead with his finger and said affectionately, "What are you thinking about?"
Shen Jianxi hugged Xie Shu's arm and said with a smile, "I was thinking if we should go out on a date tonight to celebrate, classmate Xie Shu."
"Celebrating the first day you ran away from home?"
"Celebrating our first day as a couple." Shen Jianxi shot him a look, thinking he really knew how to ruin the mood.
"Don't worry, I definitely won't forget."
As they spoke, they arrived at a high-end residential area. It was well-managed and not far from school.
Xie Shu led her upstairs, took out a key, and opened the door.
It was a new apartment, but fully furnished.
"This is?" Shen Jianxi asked.
"My cousin gave it to me as an 18th birthday gift. The security here is strict, and I feel safe here."
After showing her around each room, they sat on the sofa. Xie Shu held her in his arms, resting his chin on her head.
"By the way, can you promise me one thing?" Xie Shu suddenly sat up straight and looked at her seriously.
His expression made Shen Jianxi serious too. "You say."
"That Fu Yi, promise me, stay away from him."
"Why?"
As expected, there must be some connection between Xie Shu and Fu Yi.
"He's not a good person. I'm afraid you'll be in danger if you interact with him." Xie Shu's expression was full of deep concern.
Shen Jianxi looked at him for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter.
She reached out and pulled the corners of Xie Shu's mouth upwards, saying sincerely, "Okay, don't be so serious. I promise."
She silently apologized to Fu Yi, thinking that not only could she not stay away from him, but she had to see him often, as he was another potential love interest.
"Yes, you promised. Remember to stay away from him." Xie Shu emphasized again. Seeing how serious he was, Shen Jianxi nodded repeatedly.
"Knock knock knock!"
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Shen Jianxi started to get up to open it, but Xie Shu stopped her.
She looked at him questioningly. Xie Shu smiled and said, "You sit, I'll get it."
With that, he got up and walked to the door.
As soon as he opened it, people filed in.
Shen Jianxi watched in surprise as they decorated the living room and dining table, then placed dish after dish on the table.
At this moment, Xie Shu walked towards her step by step, holding a bouquet of flowers.
He stopped in front of her, held the flowers out to her, and knelt on one knee—
"That night was too rushed, and confessing should not be done by a girl, so—"
"Will you be my girlfriend, Shen Jianxi?"
Shen Jianxi stared at the large bouquet of roses. They smelled fragrant, but she didn't like roses, nor did she like this kind of ceremony.
But she still reached out and took them, smiling like a flower. "Okay, Xie Shushu."
Xie Shu's worried heart finally relaxed. He took her hand and invited her to sit down.
Shen Jianxi casually placed the flowers on the coffee table, nodded slightly, and offered her hand.
Xie Shu held her soft, slender hand, his smile uncontrollable.
In his overflowing joy, he didn't notice Shen Jianxi's eyes had turned cold since a moment ago.
She didn't know why she had an instinctive aversion when she saw the roses, only that this aversion felt soul-deep and made her uncomfortable.