#46: Fashion Sense (Second Update)

Beijing’s spring is fleeting, seemingly just a few days of transition before the seasons change.

In the blink of an eye, it was almost May, neither hot nor cold, occasionally carrying a whiff of early summer.

After the incident with Luo Jia, within a week, the school called Ying Jing for a talk. As he expected, they tactfully explained the previous lab incident but did not directly assign responsibility to Luo Jia.

“The college leaders have had a meeting and unanimously hope you can understand,” the responsible teacher said, “You are a smart and excellent student, surely you have a sense of the bigger picture, right?”

Ying Jing wasn’t moved by this vague result; he remained calm and said, “I accept the school’s investigation results. Actually, I just couldn’t bear being wronged. Now that this matter is clear, my purpose is achieved. As for other people, they have nothing to do with me.”

From the school’s perspective, it was definitely about considering the big picture.

Behind Luo Jia were top-notch majors, face, and a chain of interests.

Even if there were faults, those adorned with halos easily gained privileges.

This was reality.

Ying Jing knew that dwelling on it further would be meaningless; he should focus on himself, stay true to his heart, and know what he wanted.

As he got up to leave, the teacher suddenly said, “The recommendation slot for Luo Jia in the national university aerospace technology competition in the second half of the year has been canceled.”

Ying Jing paused, then regained calmness.

“I’ll give you a heads-up privately. The new nominee, the school is very cautious. They’re considering your team. However, the computer science department also has a strong competitor, so it hasn’t been decided yet.” The teacher came over, patted Ying Jing on the shoulder, and said, “Xiao Jing, keep it up.”

This matter was like a small stone, causing ripples in Ying Jing’s heart, circles of water spreading out, but without stirring any significant waves.

However, the best news was that the college restored their lab usage rights. The network system was newly repaired, upgraded, security patches timely updated, and could be put back into normal use.

When Ying Jing told Chu Ning this news, she was quite pleased, saying, “That’s good, saving on rental fees.”

At this time, the two were walking side by side.

Ying Jing asked, “Do you really like making money that much?”

“Of course!” Chu Ning straightforwardly replied, “Otherwise, why am I working myself to death?”

“Only money?” Ying Jing looked confused.

Chu Ning glanced at him, afraid of hurting his fragile heart again, so she softened her tone, saying, “That depends. For instance, you.”

She only spoke half the sentence.

Ying Jing was anxiously curious, quickly stepping in front of her, turning around and walking backwards, “What kind of person am I?”

Chu Ning had her hands behind her back, a YSL chain handbag slung over her shoulder, wearing a short black leather jacket that looked very nice. Her expression was calm, saying, “You’re the sweet innocent type, really hard to raise.”

“...” Ying Jing was unhappy.

Chu Ning suppressed a laugh, “It’s not meant as an insult, I’m praising you.”

“You’ve always treated me like a kid.” Ying Jing finally realized it, blocking her path like a wall of meat, refusing to move.

Chu Ning reached out and poked his shoulder, “Why do you get angry so easily? Huh?”

Poking his clothes, she remembered something, stepping back a step, scanning him from head to toe, frowning, “I noticed your fashion sense has plummeted recently.”

During their recent meetings, he was always dressed in suits, sometimes wearing sneakers, other times exaggeratedly wearing leather shoes.

Ying Jing: “Not good-looking?”

“Not that it’s bad.” Chu Ning honestly replied, “You look more striking in casual wear.”

“...” Sigh! It felt like he was embarrassing himself again in front of her.

Chu Ning was extremely sharp; it wasn’t hard to guess, with a little association, she saw through his thoughts completely.

She deliberately reminded him, “Focus your mind on the project, don’t get distracted by other things now.”

Ying Jing: “...”

“I’ve been quite busy lately too. If you have urgent matters, you can call me.” Chu Ning reverted to her business-like tone, “Now that the lab issue is resolved, and we temporarily have sufficient funds, you need to speed up the R&D process. I will continue to raise funds and strive to achieve results sooner. Then, market research and finding sales channels will be another tough battle. You should be prepared.”

Ying Jing was utterly disheartened.

What nonsense!

It’s like talking to a chicken or a duck! Playing music to a cow!

He couldn’t hold it anymore, blurting out, “Hey, what I told you earlier, won’t you consider it?”

Chu Ning bluntly replied, “What thing?”

“I like you, you silly woman!” These words were already igniting fireworks on Ying Jing’s tongue, just about to come out—

Chu Ning’s phone rang.

She naturally walked aside to answer the call.

The call was from Feng Ziyang. After listening for a few sentences, Chu Ning’s expression changed, “Now?... Alright, I’ll be there in twenty minutes… What color?” She looked down at her clothes and said, “Black.”

Feng Ziyang acknowledged, urging her to hurry. After hanging up, Chu Ning hastily told Ying Jing she had something to attend to first, rushing off to get her car before he could ask more.

Watching her figure disappear, Ying Jing felt an inexplicable sadness in his heart.

Damn it, what’s going on?

Just leaving like that, not even telling me anything.

But then he thought, what kind of relationship do you have? Why should she tell you?

Ying Jing felt even more troubled. He looked up at Beijing’s azure sky, taking a deep breath, exhaling but unable to expel the helplessness within him.

He clenched his fists tightly, no, this way, he would die.

He must confirm once more!

Ying Jing immediately hailed a taxi, sitting inside, leaning forward and telling the driver, “Master, follow that white BMW ahead.”

________________________________________

Chu Ning drove to the Beijing Hotel, where Feng Ziyang was already waiting at the entrance.

He was wearing a black trench coat, standing next to Chu Ning, looking like a perfectly matched couple. Finally understanding why Feng Ziyang specifically asked about her clothing color during the phone call.

“My grandparents are here.” Feng Ziyang said.

Chu Ning was surprised, “Aren’t they retired in Australia?”

“They arrived yesterday, without notifying me.” Feng Ziyang’s face was solemn, “Ning’er, you need to be mentally prepared.”

“What for?” Chu Ning didn’t understand.

“The elders want us to get engaged as soon as possible.”

Chu Ning immediately asked, “Didn’t the Hong Kong master say last time that this year’s dates weren’t auspicious?”

“Who knows, that fake master changed his mind again, saying this month is auspicious.”

“...”

Feng Ziyang gently put his arm around her shoulder, “Don’t worry, stay calm. Let’s muddle through today first, I’ll think of a way later.”

This meeting thoroughly disrupted the situation.

During the meal, the topic of getting engaged was brought up no less than five times, urging them to quickly arrange the engagement banquet. A time was set to introduce both families, formalities needed to be observed.

Chu Ning was polite, quiet and obedient, responding to each question.

Grandpa Feng enjoyed drinking, and Chu Ning gave Feng Ziyang enough face, saying he had to drive and couldn’t drink. If Grandpa Feng didn’t mind, she was willing to accompany him for a few drinks.

Both elders liked Chu Ning more and more.

She took care of their grandson, had outstanding work abilities, and most importantly, she was well-matched.

Grandpa Feng drank baijiu over fifty degrees, which was quite strong. Chu Ning silently accompanied him with half a catty.

By the time the meal ended, it was already dark outside.

At the entrance of the Beijing Hotel, cars flowed, neon lights interwoven.

Grandpa Feng had a dedicated driver, a black Bentley already parked at the door.

“The dinner for our two families, Ziyang, you must take extra care, don’t neglect Ning’s parents.” Grandpa Feng emphasized properly. Feng Ziyang nodded in response.

Chu Ning helped Grandma Feng, listening to her idle chatter.

“Ning’er, you must eat more. You’re too thin; health is important.”

Chu Ning nodded continuously, occasionally reminding her, “Watch your step, there’s a curb.”

After seeing the two elders off, Feng Ziyang stood by Chu Ning’s side, hugging her waist affectionately. They stood close together, smiling and bidding farewell to the elders.

At this moment, a strange sixth sense hit from the side, casting a shadow in Chu Ning’s heart, as if realizing something.

She turned her head, stunned.

Across the road, between the flow of cars, Ying Jing stood in the night, the blurry, swaying light enveloping him. Not too close, but his gaze was so piercing, staring directly at Feng Ziyang’s hand on her waist.

His gaze was terrifying, like a sharp blade, wishing to chop that claw off skin and flesh.

Instinctively, Chu Ning stepped aside. Feng Ziyang’s palm was empty, and he looked at her strangely, “Little Ning’er?”

Following her gaze, Feng Ziyang gasped, “Oh my, why does he appear everywhere!”

Ying Jing strode across the street, eyes straight ahead.

Car horns blared wildly, making Chu Ning’s heart race.

He walked to her side, standing firm. Looking into her eyes, he said word by word, “I have something to say to you.”

Chu Ning was dressed brightly, shining everywhere.

She was very quiet, her gaze unwavering.

After a few seconds, Feng Ziyang broke the silence, “What’s going on?”

Before Chu Ning could respond, Ying Jing said, “I like you.”

Four words, steady and balanced.

The young man’s gaze was calm, eager, a mixture of contradictions, yet combined into a fearless determination to move forward.

Perhaps due to the night breeze, Chu Ning shielded her eyes, moving aside, softly telling Feng Ziyang, “You drive.”

With that, she went to the passenger seat. Ying Jing followed behind, then grabbed the car door. Chu Ning held the car handle, one pulling inward, one outward, subtly competing, neither letting go.

Chu Ning was furious, what rotten things happened every day! Would it ever end!

Her temper was direct, “Are you deaf to what I told you this afternoon? Don’t get distracted, focus on work. And— I won’t accept you.”

This answer was within Ying Jing’s expectations, and he reacted quickly, “I know. I know. Next time...”

Chu Ning: “Next time won’t either.”

The night was silent and boundless.

The wind rose.

Feng Ziyang noticed something was off, remaining silent, quietly starting the car, closing the window.

Ying Jing shouted loudly at the tail of the car, “I won’t give up on you!”

The only response he got was a faint exhaust trail.

Ying Jing stood there, hands in pockets, staring at the direction her car disappeared, for a long, long time.

The car merged onto the main road, the interior silent.

Feng Ziyang glanced at her a few times through the rearview mirror, understanding her thoughts, and asked, “If you’re worried, go back and check.”

Chu Ning was slightly tipsy, reclining in her coat, eyes closed. The warm air carried fragrance in the car, and she didn’t respond.

That was tacit agreement.

Feng Ziyang furrowed his brow, turning around at the next intersection, retracing their steps.

Within moments, there was no one at the roadside.

Feng Ziyang was familiar with the area, judging that within such a short time, he couldn’t have gone far. So he drove the car onto a side road.

After a while, “Hmm, that... is it him?”

Feng Ziyang rolled down the car window, the wind rushing in, clearly indicating her state, dazedly looking in the direction.

This was a residential area, with vendors lining the road for a mile. At the third stall, wooden round tables and red plastic stools, the boss bustling around, full of life. Ying Jing sat at the outermost table, two empty bottles by his feet, three more on the table.

He muttered to himself, “Why don’t you like me...”

Then secretly wiped away a tear, cheering himself up, “It’s okay, I’ll try harder next time.”

The neon lights swayed in this city, rippling across the boy’s face in waves.

Chu Ning averted her eyes, closed the window, and leaned back against the seat.

At this moment, the alcohol from the dinner finally hit her hard.