Free Web NovelChapter 377: Chapter 377: Yue Ming 27
The two of them returned to Liuu Changzhen’s home, chatting and laughing. Upon their return, they saw their aunt chatting happily with Xu Jia, a complete change from that morning when she had looked ready to interrogate him about his entire family tree.
Meanwhile, her uncle, Liuu Changzhen, was playing with the dog off to the side, quietly listening to their conversation.
"Yue Ming, Little Min, you’re back?" the aunt called out. "All finished with your business?" The dog had been the first to sense their arrival. Seeing the two of them at the door, Da Huang leaped up and rushed over, wagging its tail.
Liuu Yuming bent down slightly to pat Da Huang’s head. "All done. When Little Min and I were coming out, we even saw a banner hanging outside the school. I have no idea when they had it made."
Her aunt said, "Of course they should hang a banner. Our Little Min has always been outstanding. I heard from Little Xu that you have class this afternoon? Is the university really that busy?"
Liuu Yuming sighed. "I just have to get through today. A new teacher is arriving tomorrow."
Her aunt sighed as well. "Nothing’s ever easy, is it? Since you have class this afternoon, don’t stay here too long. Give yourself plenty of time on the road so you don’t have to rush."
"Should I go pack your things?"
Liuu Yuming quickly stopped her. "No need, I didn’t even bring anything back with me yesterday, so there’s nothing to pack. I’ll be leaving in a little while. I’ll probably be teaching quite late today."
Her aunt was surprised. "You have students attending classes at night?"
"Of course," Liuu Yuming said with a smile. "We have to make up for the classes from this morning. It’ll just be tiring for today. After tomorrow, I’ll finally be able to get a proper rest."
Xu Jia, of course, left with Liuu Yuming. It would have been absurd for him to linger here after she returned to S City, after all. Watching his car disappear into the distance, the aunt remarked with a smile, "Little Xu seems very calm and dependable."
Liuu Min said softly, "You can only tell if someone’s really reliable after spending a long time with them. But for now, at least, he seems pleasant enough."
The aunt said, "I know you’re protective of your daughter. You, don’t dwell on your hard past—you’re very fortunate now. You have money, and your daughter is so accomplished. The best days are still ahead."
Liuu Min replied, "Of course. She’ll definitely have a wonderful life from now on."
Leaving the aunt’s house, they had to drive past the school, where Xu Jia naturally spotted the incredibly conspicuous banner hanging outside. Seeing the words "Provincial Top Scorer," he couldn’t help but sigh in admiration. "Yue Ming, you’re truly outstanding. You must have worked very hard."
Liuu Yuming felt a little embarrassed. "It was. But... you don’t need to take a picture of it, do you?"
Xu Jia was perfectly calm. "Of course I do. I have to let everyone know how outstanding Yue Ming is."
Liuu Yuming froze for a second, then suddenly thought that Xu Jia was actually quite a smooth talker. ’Then again, if he weren’t, he wouldn’t be him.’ Although Xu Jia seemed as steady as a mountain, he was also very assertive.
"Do you want to sleep for a bit?" Xu Jia didn’t dwell on the topic, quickly changing it. "Your classes are going to run late tonight. You’ll have more energy if you get some rest."
Liuu Yuming thought about it and didn’t refuse. "Alright, I’ll rest for a bit then. But that means I’ll have to postpone treating you to dinner again."
Xu Jia leaned back in his seat. "That’s fine. Good things are worth waiting for. Once you’re well-rested, we’ll have plenty of time to eat together."
Liuu Yuming glanced at him. "You’re... really direct."
Xu Jia let out a low chuckle. "I am. Once I’ve locked onto a target, I have to press forward."
Liuu Yuming shook her head. "I’m exhausted right now. I don’t have the mental energy to think about all that."
Xu Jia understood her unspoken message. "There’s no rush. I’m very patient."
Liuu Yuming shot him a glare. Why did his words make it sound like *she* was the one being impatient?
"I’m not in a rush!"
"Yes, you’re not in a rush." Xu Jia’s smile grew wider. He was finding Liuu Yuming rather interesting. Especially when she feigned anger, her eyes would glisten as if filled with water, giving her a charmingly innocent air.
Xu Jia had never had a visceral understanding of the term "charmingly innocent" before, but after meeting Liuu Yuming, he felt she was the very embodiment of it. She made him want to pull her into a hug and pinch her cheeks.
Liuu Yuming slumped back against her seat, deflated. "Why do I get the feeling you have a bit of a mean streak?"
Ever since her career had taken off, Tan You had mostly stopped teasing her. But now, seeing Xu Jia’s behavior, Liuu Yuming felt he and Tan You were somewhat alike.
Xu Jia cleared his throat. "I was just teasing. You’re much more animated this way, not as formal and distant as you used to be."
"My mom always said to be polite when you’re out," Liuu Yuming replied automatically. She never denied being a mama’s girl; she listened to her mother about everything.
Xu Jia didn’t think much of it, simply assuming she was just very strongly influenced by her mother.
The car sped along the road as they spoke in low voices. Liuu Yuming’s words grew fainter and fainter until, with practiced ease, she laid her head on Xu Jia’s lap. To get even more comfortable, she wrapped her arms around his waist and fell into a contented sleep. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓
Xu Jia gently removed the hairpin from her hair and smoothed out the long strands, his gaze exceptionally warm. She had slept just like this the previous night, too. He hadn’t told her how her aunt’s eyes had nearly popped out of her head when she saw them.
But there was no need to tell her that. She was too thin-skinned; she’d just get embarrassed.
Xu Jia considered himself a gentleman, so he only stroked her hair with restraint before leaning back to rest himself. The driver, seeing the scene in the rearview mirror, began to drive even more smoothly.
Her classes ran all the way until nine o’clock that night. After answering a few more student questions, Liuu Yuming finally dragged her exhausted feet out of the classroom. All she wanted was to go home and lie down, but the very thought of lying down made her steps slow involuntarily.
She couldn’t believe she had actually slept the entire way while hugging Xu Jia. This morning, she could still pretend she hadn’t been aware of what happened the night before. But she certainly couldn’t use that excuse now. Ever since she’d fled from the car in a panic, her face had been burning.
Especially when she thought of Xu Jia... Liuu Yuming patted her cheeks. Just thinking about it made her blush.
"Yue Ming." Sometimes, the very person you least want to see is the one who appears right before your eyes. Just like now. The moment she saw Xu Jia striding toward her, Liuu Yuming instinctively took a step back.
Xu Jia noticed her movement. He narrowed his eyes, and upon seeing her evasive gaze, he understood. He knew not to push her too far, so he deliberately avoided mentioning what had happened in the car.
"I figured you’d be finished around this time," he said. "I just got off work myself. Want to get some dinner together?"
Since Xu Jia didn’t bring it up, Liuu Yuming gradually composed herself. "Okay. Let me treat you. Is the place from yesterday okay? My car is still parked over there."
Xu Jia replied, "Of course. I could tell you really liked their food."
Liuu Yuming smiled. "The news yesterday came so suddenly, I didn’t even get a chance to properly enjoy the meal."
