Chapter 64: He Became Upset

Lu Yiqi had been quietly observing Xie Xu’s expression and reactions the whole time. She could see the way his brow wouldn’t stop twitching, yet he was forcing himself to keep his temper in check, silently repeating some mantra to himself.

She nearly burst out laughing—it was a little amusing.

Reaching out, she tapped Xie Xu’s arm. “I’ve given you your present. Shall we head back?”

“…Alright.”

After they returned, Xie Xu ordered someone to put away the gift Lu Yiqi had given him, saying he’d take it with him after the party was over. Then he walked back with Lu Yiqi to where they’d been before, where Yan Yiguo was indeed waiting for them.

Before she could greet Yan Yiguo, he spotted them first and smiled, or more accurately, smiled at Lu Yiqi.

Suddenly, an unexpected guest arrived.

“Lu Yiqi.”

Hearing her name, Lu Yiqi was a little surprised. Today was Xie Xu’s birthday—what did this have to do with her?

Curious, she answered and asked, “May I help you?”

Lu Yiqi sized him up carefully. The person addressing her was a boy in formal attire, about her age, with fair skin that made him look delicate, though compared to the likes of Xie Xu and Yan Yiguo, his looks didn’t quite measure up.

Lu Yiqi was puzzled. She was certain she didn’t know this boy, so how did he know her name? Odd…

The boy quickly introduced himself, clearing up her confusion. “I’m Gu Zifan, from Class 3, Grade 11. Lu Yiqi, I… I’ve liked you for a long time!”

It took all of Gu Zifan’s courage to get those words out.

Lu Yiqi: “!?”

She spoke up, “You must be mistaken. I don’t even know you…”

“But I know you,” Gu Zifan replied, paying no mind. “Lu Yiqi, I never used to believe in love at first sight, but the moment I first saw you, I became a believer. I can’t quite describe it, but every time I see you my heart races and I can’t help but grin to myself. Maybe you don’t know me, but every morning when I pass by your classroom on my way to mine, I always turn to see if you’re there. Sometimes, I even use going to the restroom as an excuse to pass by, just for a glimpse of you.”

“To find out your name, I quietly asked one of your classmates. Once I knew it, I couldn’t help but think, ‘Not only is she pretty, but her name is lovely too.’”

“Today, my family was invited to Xie Xu’s birthday party, and I never expected you’d be here too! The moment I saw you, I was so overjoyed, and then, on a whim…” At this point, Gu Zifan ran a hand through his hair, looking a little embarrassed. “On a whim, I just blurted out my feelings. I know it’s sudden—sorry about that…”

Lu Yiqi couldn’t help it—after listening to his entire speech, she actually found the boy rather endearing. “You could’ve just asked me my name directly, you know,” she said, stifling a laugh.

Gu Zifan’s eyes lit up, thinking he had a chance.

Just then, Xie Xu pressed his lips together, his chiseled features utterly impassive as he spoke in a chilly tone, “This is my birthday party. If you want to talk about romance, please take it somewhere else. OK?”

Lu Yiqi snuck a glance at Xie Xu. Though his face was expressionless, there was no mistaking the displeasure in his voice—he was clearly not happy!

Lu Yiqi arched an eyebrow. Interestingly enough, it seemed she had just confirmed something.

She had originally planned to find someone to pretend to confess to her in front of Xie Xu just to see his reaction, but now, it looked like she could save herself the trouble—and the expense—of hiring an actor.