Chapter 34: The Veil is Lifted

At noon, after school, Zhong Yuxiu met up with Yan Rushan outside the campus and told him about the matter; Hao Nan and Tian Shangguo trailed behind at a distance.

Yan Rushan's eyes rippled with emotion. "You only need to take some of Principal Guo's words to heart. You're still young, at an age when you should be able to enjoy yourself. Don't push yourself too hard."

"I know. I'll manage my time well." The laboratory at home needed Gou Dan to keep watch, and she couldn't bring it to school; she rarely had the chance to use the school lab anyway—she could conduct her research at home as well.

"As long as you're clear about it yourself." With that, Yan Rushan let the topic rest, carefully maintaining the right degree of concern.

Back at the compound, Yan Rushan accompanied her to the door and couldn't help but remind her, "Take a break at noon. Keep your mind clear."

"Mm. Would you like to stay for lunch, Brother Yan? Sister Li's cooking is quite good." She often troubled Yan Rushan, so it was only right to return the favor in small ways—at least with a meal.

Seeing the sincerity in her expression, Yan Rushan, who had planned to eat at home, changed his mind immediately. "Alright, sorry to trouble you, then."

Hao Nan and Tian Shangguo walked past them into the house, telling Li Yun that Comrade Zhong had returned and helping her set the dishes on the table.

As soon as Yan Rushan and Zhong Yuxiu entered the main room, the aroma of food greeted them.

"Have a seat, Brother Yan. I'll go wash my hands." Smiling, Zhong Yuxiu pointed to the sofa and headed to the bathroom; a moment later, as she emerged, she nearly bumped into Yan Rushan waiting outside. Tilting her head, she asked, "Are you going to wash your hands too, Brother Yan?"

"Mm."

"Please, go ahead." She stepped aside, circled around him, and went straight to the dining table.

Yan Rushan watched her retreating figure with an unreadable expression, then entered the bathroom, washed up quickly, and came out to sit beside her.

Hao Nan and Tian Shangguo brought over the last two dishes. There were already five on the table; now, with these two, there were seven—meat and vegetables well matched. For five people, it was just right, not too much, nothing left over.

Finally, Li Yun brought over bowls and chopsticks from the kitchen.

Zhong Yuxiu personally placed a set in front of Yan Rushan. "Please, Brother Yan."

"Thank you." Warmth softened Yan Rushan's features, his brows and eyes visibly gentling.

Li Yun took in the scene, lowered her eyes, and sat in an empty seat; Hao Nan and Tian Shangguo sat opposite Zhong Yuxiu and Yan Rushan.

Hao Nan and Tian Shangguo were used to eating quickly and silently; Li Yun ate slowly and quietly as well.

Zhong Yuxiu wasn’t one to make small talk either. Only Yan Rushan picked up food for her. "Comrade Zhong, the shredded pork is very tender. Have some more. You need to keep up your strength to contribute more to your research."

"Eat your own food, no need to pick for me." She wasn't used to such gestures.

Yan Rushan placed another piece of meat on her plate before relenting.

After the meal.

Once Yan Rushan had left, Zhong Yuxiu washed up and went upstairs for a nap; Li Yun tidied the table, then went to speak with Hao Nan and Tian Shangguo.

"Did you notice anything about the eldest grandson of Old Yan...?"

Hao Nan nodded calmly. "Comrade Zhong is outstanding—it's not surprising someone would like her."

"Yan’s grandson is a bit too enthusiastic with Comrade Zhong. I remember him being rather reserved before," Tian Shangguo remarked.

"How can you court someone without enthusiasm?" Hao Nan shot him a look. He'd noticed it: Comrade Zhong wasn’t the passionate type—slow to warm up in matters of the heart. If Yan Rushan truly liked her but didn’t pursue her ardently, then he had no chance at all.

Li Yun mused, "Has Yan Rushan always liked Comrade Zhong? I remember the reports said they returned to the city from the same place."

"Whether he likes her or not is their business, not ours. Our job is to ensure Comrade Zhong's safety; you're responsible for her daily care."

"That's true." Li Yun dropped her worries. "Yan Rushan is reliable and upright, raised under Old Yan’s hand—he won’t disappoint."

Comrade Zhong was on her own; if she could settle with the Yan family, it would be a good match.

Her mind in turmoil, Zhong Yuxiu withdrew her psychic power, her scalp tingling. She’d meant to eavesdrop on Hao Nan and the others—but instead, she’d stumbled upon a thunderbolt of a revelation.

Yan Rushan liked her?!

Memories of their days in the Yu family’s production brigade churned in her mind. Yan Rushan had always been gentler with her than with others, but she hadn’t thought much of it—just that they admired each other, both brave enough to hunt in the mountains, sharing common interests and crossing paths often. She’d thought it mutual appreciation, nothing more.

Now, with the truth exposed, her throat tightened, as if something was lodged there, making it hard to swallow.

That night, she lay awake till dawn.

The next day, at the school gate, seeing Yan Rushan’s tall, upright figure, Zhong Yuxiu’s heart skipped a beat, and Li Yun’s words echoed in her mind.

"Good morning, Comrade Zhong."

"...Good morning, Brother Yan." Suppressing her awkwardness, she asked, "Are you waiting for someone here, Brother Yan?"

Yan Rushan shook his head. "No, I just arrived as well."

Who would believe that?

"I'm in a hurry for class, Brother Yan. Please go ahead." Zhong Yuxiu maintained a calm face, passing him by and entering the campus.

Such sudden coldness left Yan Rushan stunned. A single night apart, and her demeanor had changed—she was avoiding him.

Seated in the classroom, Zhong Yuxiu forced herself to calm down, only to realize she’d lost her composure—lost it in front of Yan Rushan, of all people. In both her past and present lives, be it ancient times, the modern era, or the interstellar age, she’d been pursued before—why was she so unsettled now?

"Zhong," a voice called.

"Ah?" Zhong Yuxiu responded reflexively, mind adrift.

Xu Hongqi patted her shoulder. "What’s wrong? You seem absent-minded."

"I was just thinking about something," Zhong Yuxiu replied, steadying herself. "Did you need something, Xu?"

"Yesterday I saw you walking with a guy. Are you two together?" Xu Hongqi teased, eyes twinkling.

Zhong Yuxiu shook her head quickly. "Absolutely not."

"Really?" Xu Hongqi’s smile was sly—clearly, she didn’t believe her.

Zhong Yuxiu rubbed her forehead in exasperation; she must have been seen with Yan Rushan. "I’m really not seeing anyone. I’m too busy studying to bother with such things."

"Then with him..."

"We came back to the city from the same place. He’s older than me, looks after me a bit more..." The more she explained, the less convincing she sounded. Was being older reason enough to take care of her? His feelings were so obvious, and she’d never noticed.

"Oh..." Xu Hongqi grinned knowingly. "So, he likes you and is pursuing you, right?"

Zhong Yuxiu gave her a gentle shove. "Nonsense."

"Alright, alright, I won’t tease. Let me just ask—do you have feelings for him?" Xu Hongqi leaned in, curiosity bright in her eyes.

Did she? She probably did; otherwise, why would she lose her composure?