Chapter 59 The Stay That Year

eed.The stars in the sky suddenly brightened and then quickly dimmed before illuminating again.So swift that these rapidly changing shadows cast by time on the sky made Su Cen's surroundings flicker w...Chapter 59 That Year's Stay

Li Pengyu and Lu Nannan were accommodated in the military reception building in Rongcheng on that day. In the evening, the three of them wanted to drag Su Can out for drinks. Since this was Li Pengyu and Lu Nannan’s first time in Rongcheng, Su Can also invited Guo Xiaozhong along; it would be more lively with more people around. Originally, Su Can had called Tang Wu as well, but Mu Xuan was at home, so that night Tang Wu couldn’t come out either. Thinking of the events that transpired in his house on that day made Su Can’s heart burn.

Guo Xiaozhong suggested going to a street by the river behind Keda University where there were many bars; he said some of his friends were there and knew the bar owner, who would give them a discount. Thus, everyone went to sit in a small bar called "Aile" at one end of that street.

The bar was filled with antique furnishings and paintings, while outside the windows stood a bustling street lined with shops and bars, brightly lit up. Cars parked outside flowed continuously; wooden fences surrounded the exterior side of the bar, where some bamboo had been planted. The thick leaves were lush and drooping, giving it an elegant appearance.

"Our car was at a disadvantage because it was too imposing; taxis are easier to maneuver through the streets. It can fit into any gap—whether it’s a red light or not, our car could still plow through. We took shortcuts all along. Tsk!" Lu Nannan downed another cup and turned beet-red, but this already counted as an awkward story. After driving for the first time to Rongcheng, they were spurred on by a taxi driver who ended up taking them around in circles; it seemed like something only a simpleton would do.

"Hey, I reckon that driver didn’t even react properly and was thinking about how he could guide us while also figuring out how to ditch us. When we finally stopped and he calmed down, turning back for a look—ah, we were gone!"

The group burst into laughter.

These few people in front of them were all hot-blooded types; their laughter was cheerful and drew the attention of many who turned to look at them. However, with just five people sitting there, Li Pengyu’s imposing figure intimidated everyone around him; Lu Nannan, with his dark skin and muscular build, wasn’t someone to be trifled with either. Several tables that were originally noisy had quieted down on their own accord. The atmosphere was formidable.

A girl in a polka-dot halter dress walked over and patted Guo Xiaozhong’s shoulder, smiling: "Hey, you came with your friends" Then she saw Su Can; her eyes clearly lit up. "Oh! It’s Su Can!"

Su Can looked at the girl. She was wearing a halter dress that exposed her shoulders and back, had an elegant appearance, and wore light makeup that made her complexion look rosy under the bar lights.

But Su Can couldn’t recall when he had met her before.

It seems that Su Cen doesn't need to make a statement, as Li Pengyu and Lu Nannan started the commotion first. Lu Nannan said, "Su Cen, it looks like you are still taller than us! The pretty girl didn't even glance at us!"

Guo Xiaozhong introduced, "This is Zhao Ting, my former close friend who now studies in the University of Science and Technology."

"Sorry everyone, Guo Xiaozhong and Su Cen are both my friends. I haven't seen them for a long time; it's not like I ignored you," Zhao Ting then smiled at everyone with ease, "How about I drink this cup to make amends"

After Zhao Ting drank the glass of alcohol, Li Pengyu and Lu Nannan also started drinking. They didn't want to watch someone force a girl to drink. The atmosphere became more lively.

At this point, Zhao Ting privately said to Su Cen, "You don't know me Haha, I knew it! It's fine though, when we were in the second year of junior high school, I was from Class 6 at No.27 Middle School and you, Su Cen, are very famous there. Last semester during our class reunion, someone even mentioned you. Aren't you studying in Yangpu University Town At Nan Da"

Su Cen nodded.

Zhao Ting smiled, "Tang Wu is also at Nan Da; it seems both of you are together now. You're very famous there, right Haha! Some of our old classmates still have feelings for her!"

Drinking alcohol nearby, Lu Nannan overheard this and came to ask, "Tell me more about what happened with Su Cen at university; I'm very interested. I wanted to meet you a long time ago, but Lin Zhounv has always been talking about you."

Zhao Ting glanced at Su Cen, "I can't be sure either. At the last class reunion, not many people came; maybe only forty or fifty from our class. During the day we stayed in a resort and at night we went to bars where some classmates brought friends along too. While talking about high school times, someone asked if anyone remembered you. Then everyone started mentioning things that had happened to you in Shanghai."

Zhao Ting covered her mouth as she laughed, "It seems like it's been quite chaotic at Nan Da as well. They say you are very famous within the Student Union and student organizations among freshmen and upperclassmen alike. At the Freshman Welcome Meeting, you made everyone speechless. Later on, during a debate competition, you even debated with teachers who have the reputation of being the Four Great Talents in the northern part of Nan Da. There were also many other things that happened. They say there are quite a few people at Nan Da discussing you now, and opinions vary greatly. Some people think your reputation is terrible and wish you would be expelled from school by the administration while others say you're the most impressive freshman this year." Zhao Ting looked at Su Cen's expression and laughed, "I don't know who to believe!"

Guo Xiaozhong was speechless, forgetting even to smoke the cigarette in his mouth. He said, "He managed to create such a stir at Nan Da"

Lin Zhouwu smiled and said, "Alright then. If you had grown up with him since childhood, you'd know what kind of person he is. Wherever he goes, he brings trouble to the local people."

Ru Nannan, holding his glass, looked at Su Can thoughtfully for a moment before smacking his lips and saying, "I really do envy your lifestyle."

Ru Nannan had grown up in a high-ranking official's family. From a young age, he learned to read the expressions on his father's face and knew what was expected of him. His father held supreme authority at home, and it was his father who wanted Ru Nannan to join the military as part of an unbroken lineage. He believed that training in the army would toughen up a man physically and mentally. So no matter how harsh life in the military was for Ru Nannan, he thought that if doing so could make his father nod in approval, then it was what he should do.

But it seemed like nothing he did would ever truly satisfy his father's expectations. Sometimes he pondered on what the lives of people his age were like and wondered whether he would be happier, more ordinary, with a regular university education and a colorful life if he hadn't taken this path or been born into such an extraordinary family. Instead of enduring a monotonous life weighed down by burdens that sometimes left him feeling like crying.

But everyone's family background is beyond their control, and one cannot go against the flow of life. That was why Ru Nannan felt that Su Can's lifestyle had its charm when he looked at it from a distance.

Su Can glanced at Ru Nannan and thought to himself that there were actually many people who envied their lives. These days, apart from beggars under bridges, no one went hungry or lacked warmth, but still, some would feel weary over not being looked down upon by others, living in cramped spaces, and striving hard just to buy a house and raise children.

Ordinary people had their own sorrows, but they also found contentment in their lives.

"I'll sing you guys a song," Zhao Ting smiled as she noticed the somber mood of the group.

Guan Xiaozhong gushed, "Zhao Ting was one of the top three contestants at this year's campus singer competition at Keda University. She sometimes performs here in the bar too. In her second year of high school at No. 27 High School, she was already active in music clubs and can be considered a musical talent."

With a smile for everyone present, Zhao Ting gracefully walked up to the stage and greeted the bar owner before nodding to the guitarist and drummer. She then started singing Karen Mok's hit song "Single Room Double Bed" from this year.

"Perhaps your love is like a double bed; anyone can be with you as you travel. But perhaps your heart is just a single room. Adding another person makes it feel tense... Don't talk about feeling anything, we both know that we can only follow our instincts. Because of the lack, we never learn to say no, but also don’t want to compromise for the other."

Lin Zhoutu heard this and seemed to be pondering. He turned his head to look at Su Can, speaking softly, "Lin Luoran won't be returning to Chengdu for a few more days."

"Mm-hmm."

"Just 'mm-hmm'"

"Isn’t it enough with just 'mm-hmm' Do you want me to say it more times" Su Can turned his head and looked at Lin Zhoutu.

"It's not about that. Last time Li Luo transferred to Shanghai, he had a meeting with Tao Zhi of the Tao Family and secretly challenged each other in strength. If I were to say this was shocking, it would be an exaggeration, but saying there wasn’t any commotion at all wouldn't be realistic either. This matter was initiated by Lin Luoran sending Li Luo over here. Now, a lot of people are gossiping behind her back that she’s doing all of this for a certain man. Do you understand You two have been put in the spotlight because of this, and many people are keeping an eye on you both. If there's no outcome to this matter, how would others perceive my little sister In Beijing, any rumors get whispered about privately. With so many people watching us, I can't let my little sister suffer委屈in this situation."

Su Can understood that in the lives of people like Lin Luoran and Lin Zhoutu, there were inevitably many who treated them well and paid attention to them. In front of ordinary folks like Su Can, they could remain low-key, but within their own circles and fields, it wouldn’t be silent at all. The speed of information exchange was even more efficient than the media; however, there wouldn't be as many people receiving such information.

"When we were in Shanghai, my mischievous little sister had me play a minor character to serve as a shield. Aside from Wei Dingding, there’s also another number one school idol at their university who’s also facing difficulties and has been getting his meals in a box." Su Can narrowed his eyes, "Now you’re telling me to seriously consider taking this pretend relationship seriously"

"I know Lin Luoran's character. Since she was around three or four years old, she followed me everywhere. When she was seven or eight, we would climb trees and pick birds' nests together in the Zhongnanhai villa. An adult once jokingly asked her if she wanted to get married there someday, but back then, she said that if she ever got married, it would only be to a brother like me. She often made everyone laugh until they were bent over with laughter."

"As she grew up, her personality became more stubborn. To her, wealth and power are nothing special; many people might crave such things, but she sees them as worthless. It’s probably because Uncle Lin has been educating her since childhood to see so much of the world and instilling in her ideas about the country and important matters. Other people may not know my little sister well, but I understand her too well. In this world, there are few things that can truly make her stop and admire them. You think she’s always chasing after us Actually, it was Lin Luoran who suggested we stay in Xiahai at the time. We hadn’t thought of staying there; my intention was to go to Shanghai while Wang Weiwei had a falling-out with his father, so I didn't consider going to Chengdu and only wanted to return to Beijing."

"But it was Lin Luoran who suggested we stay. Later on, I kept wondering if she stayed here because of you"ough this mid-term exam would be conducted school-wide, it would still be counted separately by grade level. The competition among grades was obvious. High school and junior high are two entirely diff...