Chapter 7: I Won't Take Medicine

8:00 PM, backstage at the orientation party.

Fang Lian was touching up the makeup of a dancer about to go on stage when someone tapped her on the shoulder. She turned around to find Hu Xuemei, the Student Union President and an acquaintance of Yan Xuan’s from the union.

"Xiao Lian, you've worked hard. Have some water." Hu Xuemei handed her a bottle of mineral water and said politely, "We’re lucky to have you today; otherwise, I’m afraid we wouldn't have been able to handle the workload."

Fang Lian smiled shyly. "You're too kind, Senior. You're my brother's friend, so it’s only right that I help out."

Hu Xuemei looked curious. "Yan Xuan and I have known each other since we were kids, yet I’ve never heard him mention having a foster sister like you. How long have you two actually known each other?"

Fang Lian didn't answer directly, asking instead, "Senior, have you and my brother really known each other since you were little?"

"That's right, we lived in the same neighborhood, and I'm one year ahead of him."

"Childhood... childhood sweethearts?"

Fang Lian’s shocked expression and stuttering tone made Hu Xuemei burst into laughter. She quickly explained, "There aren't that many childhood sweethearts in this world. He and I have always just been ordinary friends, so don't worry. Besides, you're so pretty—are you really afraid that a tomboy like me could snatch your dear brother away?"

Fang Lian blushed at the comment and scratched her head bashfully. Ever since she found out Yan Xuan had an ex-girlfriend, she had been restless, and hearing that Hu Xuemei had known him since childhood made her mind wander.

Fang Lian couldn't help but ask, "Senior, since you've known my brother for so long, you must know about his ex-girlfriend, right?"

Hu Xuemei nodded. "Of course, I’ve even met her."

Fang Lian pressed eagerly, "Can you tell me about her?"

"There's nothing much to say. Young people date, and if it doesn't work out, they break up." Hu Xuemei shrugged, then teased, "What’s the matter, is the dear little sister jealous?"

Fang Lian lowered her eyes, a hint of bitterness rising in her heart.

Seeing this, Hu Xuemei offered some comfort. "Come on, be a little more broad-minded. I know Yan's personality; he’s definitely not the type to eat grass he’s already grazed."

"Then, Senior, tell me—what kind of person is his ex-girlfriend?"

"This..." Hu Xuemei lowered her head in thought for a long time. Finally, she cupped Fang Lian’s pretty, delicate face in her hands and smiled. "Don't worry, she’s not as pretty as you!"

After chatting a bit more, Hu Xuemei waved goodbye. Fang Lian sat there stunned, her heart bubbling with jealousy. She wasn't stupid; she could tell that Hu Xuemei, as Student Union President, was a sharp person. That "not as pretty as you" was nothing more than a high-EQ platitude. If one thought about it carefully, it could even be interpreted as Hu Xuemei subtly telling her—the only thing you have that can compete with his ex is your face!

Earlier that day, Li Li had already told her that Yan Xuan’s ex-girlfriend was practically perfect. From a highly educated family, talented, and excelling in both character and academics... And the reason for their breakup wasn't a falling out, but because she had been arranged by her family to study abroad.

*Does he still keep in touch with her?* she wondered. *Maybe they’ll get back together as soon as she returns.* *If they get married, will I have to call her 'Godmother'?*

Fang Lian’s thoughts were a tangled mess, so much so that she didn't even notice Yan Xuan appearing behind her.

"Come with me for a late-night snack."

Hearing Yan Xuan’s voice, Fang Lian stood up with a start and turned around, stuttering, "Go... Godfather."

"Let's go."

Yan Xuan walked ahead, and Fang Lian followed with short, quick steps, her head drooping in silence.

The September night breeze already carried a chill. Yan Xuan took off his sports jacket and tossed it to Fang Lian to wrap around herself. "It’ll probably get colder after National Day. Remember to buy some autumn clothes then, and pick up a few things for me while you're at it."

"Okay!" Fang Lian nodded obediently, temporarily putting her chaotic thoughts aside as she stepped up to walk beside him. "Godfather, what are your plans for the National Day holiday?"

Yan Xuan replied, "I’ll probably head out somewhere."

"Traveling? Where are you planning to go?"

"It’s crowded everywhere domestically, so I’m considering going abroad."

"Abroad!" Fang Lian was startled, and her heart began to flutter again. *Is he going to find her!?*

"Xiao Lian, do you want to come with me?"

"I... can I go too?"

"Why not? Find some time to get your visa sorted."

Traveling abroad wouldn't be cheap, and Yan Xuan needed to keep his human piggy bank by his side. Besides, beautiful scenery matched with a beautiful girl—it wouldn't be bad to have something nice to look at during the trip.

Fang Lian didn't say anything more. After finishing their late-night snack with Yan Xuan, she returned to her dorm. Though she had countless questions in her heart, she ultimately lacked the courage to ask him directly.

The two weeks of military training flew by, and it was finally time for Fang Lian to pick up her car. When she drove her Bentley back onto campus, her status as a "wealthy girl" was firmly cemented, and it also earned Yan Xuan the reputation of being a "kept man."

"Old Yan, is the passenger seat of that Bentley soft?"

"I still prefer the back of your electric scooter, Old Li."

"Don't act coy while you're profiting. Watch out—if that little rich girl gets tired of playing with you one day, don't come crying to your brothers."

In the dorm, the four men were teasing each other while playing cards. Yan Xuan’s luck was quite good today; he had won several hands in a row and was counting his winnings when he heard Li Pengyu shout, "Old Yan, your little rich girl is here to pick you up in her Bentley."

Yan Xuan stood up and walked to the window, looking down to see the silver-gray Bentley parked right below the dorm building.

"I'm off. See you Monday."

Li Pengyu gave a cynical reminder, "Remember to stay safe!"

Yan Xuan put on his jacket and headed downstairs. Only when he reached the first floor did he realize he had grabbed the wrong one—he was wearing Li Pengyu’s jacket, as they happened to have the same model.

*Is there a scent of perfume on this?* Yan Xuan sniffed the air. Recalling that Li Pengyu had spent the night out yesterday, he couldn't help but smile knowingly. Li Pengyu, a tall and sturdy member of the basketball team, wasn't bad-looking; it wasn't surprising he’d had a romantic encounter.

"Godfather!" Fang Lian rolled down the window and waved excitedly at Yan Xuan.

Today was Saturday, and when Yan Xuan had suddenly told her to stay out overnight, she had been thrilled. For a college student, a man and a woman spending the night out together meant everything was implied.

Yan Xuan got into the car, and Fang Lian immediately leaned in, her bright, watery eyes full of anticipation.

"Godfather, where are we going?"

"I sent the address to your phone."

As Yan Xuan buckled his seatbelt, he glanced at Fang Lian. She was wearing a baseball cap, with messy metal earrings dangling from her lobes. She wore a black, cropped top that exposed her fair collarbones and shoulders, with her smooth midriff and slender waist on full display. Below, she wore tight denim hot pants, her bare legs crossed, and her sneakers bobbed up and down, with white ankle socks that made one’s imagination run wild.

*Is this the "sexy hottie" look today?*

Yan Xuan didn't know how long she had spent on this outfit, but he feared she would be disappointed when they reached their destination.

Fang Lian started the car and asked tentatively, "Godfather, are we staying in the same room at the hotel tonight?"

Yan Xuan coughed twice and said sternly, "Xiao Lian, I’m going there to take care of some serious business. You..."

Before he could finish, a box of medicine slid out of the pocket of Li Pengyu’s jacket. The large characters "Levonorgestrel Tablets" made Fang Lian’s eyes sparkle with excitement.

*As expected, Godfather is a man, he’ll always have needs.*

*Since his ex-girlfriend isn't here, I’ll just have to do it for him!*

"Xiao Lian, let me explain!"

Before Yan Xuan could organize his words, Fang Lian had already bent down to pick up the box of "Yuting" and hummed, "Godfather, I don't need to take medicine!"

She paused, a curve forming on her lips.

"Besides, I don't need to take medicine today anyway..."