Little Sweetheart

Xia Zhijun held her for a long while before releasing her, then, as usual, lay down on his side to calm his excitement.

Gu Siyi slipped out of the covers and turned on a dim nightlight for him.

She lay down again, pulled up the quilt, and softly said, "I'm going to sleep now."

"Sleep well," Xia Zhijun said hoarsely.

Gu Siyi's sleep quality was excellent. Last night, he was aroused until late at night and still couldn't completely calm down. Meanwhile, beside him, Gu Siyi was already breathing evenly, with occasional soft snores, like a cute little piglet.

Xia Zhijun was both amused and exasperated. He wished he could just devour this little piglet, but he could only endure.

After Gu Siyi fell asleep, Xia Zhijun got out of bed. He couldn't sleep, unable to extinguish the fire within him.

He took out his laptop and got busy, trying to distract himself.

Gradually, he became absorbed in his studies. He worked until three or four in the morning, then, with an exhausted mind and body, collapsed onto the bed.

He didn't dare to move closer to Gu Siyi.

He reached out, found her hand under the covers, grasped it, and fell asleep.

The next day, Lu Jiaye woke up in the hotel, remembering only eating and drinking at the outdoor food stall the night before…

After that, he blacked out.

He learned that Xia Zhijun had brought him back and even given him a shower. With a look of disgust, he said, "Couldn't you have found a girl to take care of me?"

Xia Zhijun chuckled.

Lu Jiaye, fearing retaliation, wisely added, "Anyway, thanks for the trouble, buddy. Appreciate it."

The three of them had breakfast together at the hotel. Gu Siyi, unsure of the reason for his drunken state the previous night, told him, "Peipei and Su Han are together now."

Lu Jiaye, in the process of putting a fried egg in his mouth, paused for three seconds, then continued eating. After chewing and swallowing, he said expressionlessly, "Oh."

After eating a sandwich, he added, "Congratulations."

Gu Siyi didn't bother to ask if he truly liked Zheng Peipei. It was a done deal; what difference did his feelings make? Moving on and focusing on the future was the best course of action.

Zheng Peipei's plans to study abroad changed because of her relationship with Su Han.

After her family had arranged everything for her overseas trip, she suddenly declared she wasn't going, infuriating her parents.

Zheng Peipei hugged her grandfather and pleaded, "If I stay in the country, I can be your good granddaughter and be filial by your side. If you send me abroad, what if I get corrupted by capitalism and don't come back? Wouldn't it be a waste of all the years you raised me?"

Her grandfather was old and couldn't bear the separation. He also doted on his youngest granddaughter, so his heart softened at her words.

After grandfather and granddaughter reached an agreement, Zheng Peipei's parents had no choice but to give in.

Zheng Peipei filled out her university application just before the deadline, choosing a university in the same city as everyone else. If her scores had been higher, she would have applied to Gu Siyi's university.

After filling out the application, Zheng Peipei took a picture and sent it to Gu Siyi.

Peipei: "Let's continue to have fun together!~"

Gu Mingsiyi (Gu Siyi's screen name): "Awesome!!!"

Peipei: "My man is always so busy, Yige, you have to keep me company more often."

Gu Mingsiyi: "Come, throw yourself into my arms~"

Peipei: "You!!!!! Heart~"

Gu Mingsiyi: "I might have believed you before, but now isn't it your big-shot celebrity who's busy?"

Peipei: "[Shy] [Shy] Both, both~"

When Zhang Yin was filling out her university application, her father, Zhang Jiang, said, "Isn't Xia Zhijun at XX Aeronautical and Astronautical University? Why don't you apply there?"

"I don't want to go to that university," Zhang Yin objected.

Zhang Yin's mother said, "Why not? It's a good school, and it matches your scores. You two could be at the same school and look after each other."

"I don't want him to look after me! I don't want to be at the same school as him!" Zhang Yin said vehemently.

"What's wrong, child? Did you have a fight with Xia Zhijun?" Her mother looked at her worriedly.

A fight? He was someone she loathed, someone she didn't even want to look at.

…Even fighting with him felt like a luxury.

Thinking of Xia Zhijun's aloof indifference, Zhang Yin's eyes reddened.

She didn't want to indulge in the false dreams her family had woven.

Zhang Yin said, "I don't like him at all! I hate him! I hate his arrogance, I hate his pride! I will never marry him! Stop your wishful thinking!"

Zhang Jiang said earnestly, "You're still young and don't know how to judge character. Listen to your father, Xia Zhijun is definitely a good catch, a dependable young man."

Zhang Yin's mother added, "Geniuses are a bit arrogant and proud; it's a personality issue. You should be more tolerant."

Zhang Yin took a deep breath and said, "No! Don't you understand? I don't like him! His excellence, his achievements, his perfection – are these reasons why I must marry him? I don't like him. Even if he's the most amazing person in the world, I don't care!"

Because she didn't like him… He was so hateful, his heart and eyes were only for Gu Siyi. Why should she offer herself up to be humiliated by him?

"You're still too young and immature… Your parents won't force you now. You don't have to pressure yourself. Just let things unfold naturally."

For the first time, Zhang Yin displayed such strong emotions in front of her parents, because of her pride, because she had her own dignity. She said, "I hate him, I don't want to see him. Why do you want me to go to the same university as him? It's painful for me to see him. Can't I just stay away from him…" As she spoke, she couldn't hold back her tears, crying as she said, "I'd rather die than marry him…"

Zhang Yin's mother was frightened and quickly comforted her, "Okay, okay, don't cry. If you don't want to, then forget it. Your parents won't force you…"

Zhang Yin had always been a well-behaved child. Coupled with her poor health since childhood, she was meticulously cared for by her family. They were preparing her for a good man, afraid she would suffer unnecessarily in the future, wanting her to have a smooth and easy life.

"You keep saying it's for my own good… but you're making things so difficult for me…" Zhang Yin choked, almost unable to breathe from crying. The wound in her heart from Xia Zhijun's rejection hadn't healed yet, and now her parents were ripping open the scar.

"I hate him… I don't want to follow him… I don't want to cling to him…" Zhang Yin cried, "I have my own life, I don't want to be his fiancée…"

That person's coldness was terrifying. She never wanted to experience it again.

He was like a sharp dagger, capable of wounding her beyond repair.

Zhang Yin's crying and outburst made her family compromise. They stopped mentioning marriage and didn't make her apply to Xia Zhijun's university.

Zhang Yin felt like a heavy burden had finally been lifted. She didn't have to play the role of the annoying, lovesick girl anymore.

Although thinking of that cold boy still brought tears to her eyes… it was okay, she would get over it. At least she didn't hate herself anymore.

In August, Lu Jiaye was leaving for abroad.

In his usual style, he would have started announcing it days in advance, making a fuss and causing a commotion, eating, drinking, and having fun with everyone until they dropped. But this time, he only told his friends the news in their WeChat group the night before his departure.

Zhou Xiao: "Can't even squeeze in a meal together before you leave?"

Lu Jiaye: "Nah, you're all coupled up now. What's the point of eating together? I'd be stuffed with dog food."

Zhou Xiao: "What about me, this single, living, breathing human being? You don't see me?"

Lu Jiaye: "Nope. Single dogs aren't human. [Bye]"

Zhou Xiao: "…"

Gu Siyi: "You have to come back and visit often! Summer and winter breaks are so long, plenty of time to come back and have fun, right?"

Lu Jiaye: "[Pitiful] [Pitiful] I knew Little Dimples would miss me. I'll definitely come back and play with you."

Zheng Peipei: "Bring back a foreign chick then, so your trip won't be in vain."

Lu Jiaye: "[Arrogant] [Arrogant]"

Lu Jiaye: "One isn't enough."

Lu Jiaye: "This young master will bring back at least two!"

Zheng Peipei: "You're amazing…"

The next day, everyone went to the airport to see Lu Jiaye off. Even Su Han made time to see him go. However, he still wore a mask and baseball cap, his figure concealed by loose clothing.

Lu Jiaye walked up to Xia Zhijun, punched him on the shoulder, and said, "Buddy, cherish your happiness. Take good care of Little Dimples."

Xia Zhijun: "…" Did he even need to be told that?

Seeing his indifferent expression, Lu Jiaye spoke sincerely, "You're good at studying, always number one, I've never envied you for that. But you and Little Dimples, mutually in love, showing off your affection and throwing dog food every day… it's damn enviable!"

Xia Zhijun: "If you're envious, then find a girlfriend."

Lu Jiaye opened his arms, hugged Xia Zhijun, patted him on the back, and whispered, "I know you don't like hugging people, but do me a favor, let me hug you."

Lu Jiaye released Xia Zhijun and looked at Zhou Xiao. "Xiao Ge, hurry up and find a partner, otherwise, you'll be caught in their insane crossfire, and I'm afraid you'll end up in the emergency room."

Zhou Xiao snorted, "Worry about yourself."

Lu Jiaye hugged him, "Gonna miss you, Xiao Ge…" He almost started whimpering and acting spoiled.

Zhou Xiao shuddered: "Holy crap, Lu Jiaye! Be normal!"

Before Zhou Xiao could push him away, Lu Jiaye stepped back.

He went to Su Han, and the two looked at each other without speaking. There were things only they understood.

Lu Jiaye calmed his emotions, pulled Su Han aside, away from the others' ears, and said frankly, "It's okay, I accept defeat."

Su Han: "Thank you."

"Thank my ass!" Lu Jiaye retorted. "I'm just not as skilled, what can I do! If I'd known singing was good for picking up girls, I would've practiced since I was a kid. Then there wouldn't be a place for you to debut!"

Su Han was amused by his words and smiled.

Lu Jiaye's expression turned serious. He said, "Treat that tigress well. She has a bad temper, a bit hot-headed, but she's loyal. She's not as fearless as she seems; she's actually quite fragile inside. Also, she likes to play games when she can't sleep, so keep her company. You better practice your support role, so you can play well together."

Su Han looked at the spotless floor, slowly nodding.

"She likes reading manga and novels, those heartwarming things… As her boyfriend, learn some romantic stuff from those books, make her happy. And don't take it seriously when she loses her temper at you, it's just a three-minute thing, just let her be. Even if she hits you, it doesn't hurt, right?"

Su Han nodded again.

"…" Lu Jiaye paused, wanting to say more, but suddenly felt disgusted with himself, nagging like an old mother.

Forget it, be a man.

He hugged Su Han, patted his back, and said, "Buddy, I wish you all the best."

Lu Jiaye went to Zheng Peipei and, without hesitation, hugged her.

Zheng Peipei patted his back gently. "Don't have too much fun out there, you still have to come back. Our country needs you."

"Our country has the study god, I'm not worried. I'm worried about you, you silly…"

"You…"

"If Su Han bullies you, just give me a call, and your brother will come back and fight for you!"

Zheng Peipei was about to retort, but hearing these words, she almost burst into tears.

"Remember, this is your brother's promise," Lu Jiaye said, releasing her.

He reached Gu Siyi, and they high-fived.

Lu Jiaye: "You'll be well-fed following the study god. Waiting for the good news of your marriage."

Gu Siyi smiled, "Waiting for you to bring back a beautiful foreign girl."

Lu Jiaye: "Definitely!"

"I'm going in now, you all go back," Lu Jiaye said goodbye to everyone one by one, waved, and went through security.

His father was abroad and had arranged for two staff members to accompany him. One pulled his luggage, the other carried his documents.

They watched him pass through security, then turned and left.

After going through the checks, Lu Jiaye put his backpack on again and turned to look back.

In the distance, he saw Su Han and Zheng Peipei walking hand in hand.

He took out his earphones, put them on, and turned them on. The song "Warmth" echoed in his ears.

"I don't know, don't understand, don't want to know, why my heart, clearly wants to get closer, yet faces a lonely dawn.

I don't know, don't understand, don't want to know, why my heart, that beautiful splendor, is always in loneliness…

Not disturbing you is my warmth… This is my warmth, this is my warmth…

This is my warmth, setting you free…"

By mid-August, everyone had gradually received their university acceptance letters.

Gu Zhiyuan and his wife were ecstatic when they received Gu Siyi's acceptance letter, practically ready to set off firecrackers.

Gu Zhiyuan, in his usual overbearing CEO style, decided to celebrate the acceptance letter with company-wide bonuses.

Soon, the news was announced in the work group chat.

"Gu Zong has been accepted into XX Aeronautical and Astronautical University! To celebrate, everyone in the company will receive a red envelope.

Please collect your red envelopes from the finance department after work. Employees with less than 1 year of service: 1000 yuan. 1-3 years: 2000 yuan. 3+ years: 3000 yuan."

The group chat immediately erupted.

"Wow! Congratulations!"

"I love Gu Zong's straightforward way of celebrating!"

"How many children does Gu Zong have? Can we have another one get into Tsinghua or Peking University next year?"

"Our Gu Zong has good genes, so his children are smart~"

"Gu Zong is still young and strong, go have a second child! I'll work hard for another 18 years, waiting for the next big red envelope!"

"Unexpected bonus, let's go have a big dinner tonight to celebrate for Little Gu Princess~~"

While the group chat was buzzing, Gu Zhiyuan was already excitedly discussing the graduation banquet with Xu Jiahui.

After some discussion, they decided to invite Xia Zhijun's family.

They personally went to City C, bringing generous gifts and invitations.

Xia Guangyu had originally hoped that Zhang Yin and Xia Zhijun would apply to the same university, but the Zhang family said Zhang Yin refused.

Now, the Gu family came with an invitation, and Gu Siyi was actually going to that same university.

Xia Guangyu felt a bit uneasy, but he didn't show it, maintaining a welcoming demeanor. After all, the Gu couple were good friends.

Xia Guangyu explained that he had a full schedule during that time, with out-of-town meetings, and wouldn't be able to make it.

The Gu couple expressed their understanding.

Regardless, their intentions were conveyed. And they had also openly mentioned that Gu Siyi and Xia Zhijun would be at the same university.

They were truly grateful to the Xia family. Their daughter being admitted to such a prestigious university was largely thanks to transferring to Longxing and Xia Zhijun's tutoring.

When Xia Zhijun returned home, Xia Guangyu asked, "Why is Gu Siyi going to the same university as you?"

Xia Zhijun calmly replied, "Do I own the university? Do I decide who goes there?"

Peng Ling, fearing another argument between father and son, quickly intervened, "Whether it's Zhijun or Siyi, they're adults now, they can make their own decisions."

Xia Zhijun chuckled softly and turned to leave.

Since starting university, Xia Zhijun rarely stayed home. He usually stayed on campus, and even when he came back during breaks, he was always busy with something, often going out, always with perfectly reasonable excuses that were impossible to refuse. Xia Zhijun's parents were also busy, so they let him be.

In his first year of high school, they still hoped to control him, but by his first year of university, they realized it was completely impossible.

Xia Zhijun arrived in the city the day before Gu Siyi's graduation banquet and stayed at a hotel. Zheng Peipei and the others came to join the fun.

Gu Zhiyuan held the banquet for his daughter at a five-star hotel, inviting over a hundred tables of guests.

When Zheng Peipei and the others arrived, they joked, "This is quite a spectacle. If I didn't know better, I'd think it was your wedding banquet."

Gu Siyi, embarrassed by their teasing, smiled and pushed them, "Go away, go away."

Xia Zhijun, standing beside her, said, "Isn't it up to me to decide how grand our wedding banquet will be?"

"Why are you joining in?" Gu Siyi scolded him playfully.

Xia Zhijun: "…"

When Zheng Peipei mentioned the wedding banquet, he actually found himself imagining it.

Gu Zhiyuan invited relatives and friends, key company personnel, and business associates.

Among them was the Lu family. Lu Ming saw the invitation his family received. Since his father was abroad and his stepmother was attending on his behalf, he asked his stepmother to take him along.

Before the banquet began, the emcee invited Gu Siyi to the stage to speak.

Gu Siyi wore a white dress, her long hair flowing gently, and eight-centimeter high heels.

She looked elegant and poised, radiating beauty and grace.

When she stood on stage, there were murmurs of admiration from below.

"The Gu family's daughter is truly talented…" "So beautiful, and such a good student…"

Zheng Peipei winked at Xia Zhijun and smiled, "Do you think all these uncles and aunties will have their eyes on Yige, wanting to book her as their future daughter-in-law?"

Xia Zhijun said calmly, "That's why I need to let them know there's no chance."

Gu Siyi arranged her own seat at the classmates' table, right next to Xia Zhijun.

As soon as she sat down, Xia Zhijun leaned closer, his arm casually draped over the back of her chair, and handed her a drink, his actions intimate and natural.

Lu Ming, sitting at another table, watched them, his eyes dark and gloomy.

When the banquet ended, while Gu Zhiyuan was pulled aside by a few relatives to talk, Lu Ming walked over to Gu Siyi.

Lu Ming: "Congratulations on getting into such a prestigious university."

Gu Siyi was surprised to see him, but she quickly nodded and said, "Thank you."

Lu Ming didn't say anything more, smiled, and left.

After her own banquet, Gu Siyi attended a few more of her classmates' graduation banquets. The busy days flew by, and soon it was almost time for university to start.

Xia Zhijun, a second-year student, started school earlier than the freshmen and went back to campus ahead of time.

On the day freshmen reported to school, Gu Siyi's parents accompanied her north.

Gu Siyi didn't tell Xia Zhijun when she was arriving, planning to go to the school first and then find him.

In this predominantly engineering-focused university, the male-to-female ratio was severely unbalanced. Girls were already a minority, let alone beautiful ones.

When a tall, beautiful, stylish, and elegant girl like Gu Siyi walked onto campus, the student volunteers were all abuzz.

Even with her parents by her side, enthusiastic boys still came forward to help with her luggage and guide her.

A boy took a picture of Gu Siyi from the side and posted it in the class group chat.

"Look, a new schoolmate! The new campus belle!"

"Which class, what's her major?"

"Management, Gu Siyi!"

"Damn, damn, damn, no one fight me for her! I'm going after this girl!"

"Get lost! She's mine! I've got my eye on her!"

"Wanna fight?"

"Bring it on! I'm not afraid of you!"

While they were making a fuss in the group chat, someone also posted Gu Siyi's picture on the school forum, causing another wave of excitement.

Xia Zhijun was busy in the lab, his phone on silent, completely unaware that the outside world was going crazy over the arrival of a certain girl.

When he left the lab, a few classmates were looking at their phones, commenting as they scrolled.

"This schoolmate is really pretty!" "Even candid shots look this good, she must be stunning in person!"

"Zhijun, let me show you a beautiful schoolmate~ Super gorgeous~"

"Maybe she can cure your coldness," another one joked.

Xia Zhijun, in his first year of university, had enjoyed enviable popularity in this male-dominated school. Not just from girls within the university, but also from girls from other schools who came to confess their feelings during intercollegiate events.

While others begged for attention, he remained indifferent to these girls, ignoring them all.

He even coldly rejected the campus belle's confession.

Throughout his entire freshman year, no one had ever seen him alone with a girl. Even the few girls in his class had little opportunity to interact with him. He was like an insulator.

In the end, the girls gave up and gave him a nickname behind his back: The Most Handsome Ice Prince.

This Most Handsome Ice Prince lived his life peacefully and undisturbed.

When his classmates said they wanted to show him the picture, he responded as usual, "Not interested."

"She's really super pretty, you'll regret not looking!"

"…" He ignored them and continued walking.

"Forget it, he doesn't understand the ways of the world. Let's enjoy her ourselves."

"Is there any way to get this schoolmate's contact information?"

"Gu Siyi, even her name sounds nice, as sweet as the person herself."

Xia Zhijun stopped in his tracks and turned around. "Who did you say?"

URGENT: Our Google Ads account was blocked due to violations. We'd deeply appreciate your support through donations to help us continue our work. Or we won't be able to continue the translations.

ʕ•́ᴥ•̀ʔっ

Love what you read?