Chapter 35: Revealing One’s Heart

"Is that so?"
"Yes, I'm absolutely sure; when my husband was courting me, he was just like that. He's usually quite talkative, but when he was afraid I'd find him annoying, he forced himself to stay quiet." Xu Hongqi's face glowed with happiness as she smiled. "If you sense someone's feelings, hold onto them—don't let them slip away. In our lives, it's rare for a woman to meet someone who truly cares for us, loves us, protects us."

Xu Hongqi went on, "I've seen many people marry for convenience, just to have someone to share daily life with. Can those days truly bring comfort? No affection, no love, no concern, no one to watch over you."

Zhong Yuxiu fell into deep thought, while Xu Hongqi straightened and returned to her seat.

Throughout the morning classes, Zhong Yuxiu was distracted, and the professor noticed her twice. After school, she was honored with a summons to the office, leaving her quite embarrassed.

Professor Ding, who taught Physics Class One, stared intently at the student before him, saying nothing, making Zhong Yuxiu nervous.

"Professor Ding, I admit it was wrong of me to be distracted in class."

Only then did Professor Ding withdraw his gaze. "Since you know your mistake, tell me—why were you distracted?"

"I... was pondering the details of a new project." Zhong Yuxiu forced a light smile. "Professor, I'd like to request a leave of absence. The new project is time-consuming; I've recently found some clues and wish to focus on it."

"Another new project?" Professor Ding asked.

Zhong Yuxiu nodded, "Yes, this time I'm researching a type of vehicle."

"A car? A small one?" Professor Ding immediately thought of small vehicles; their country didn't produce many, most were imported.

"Not that kind. I'm thinking of something similar to a bicycle."

Professor Ding envisioned a motorcycle. "Like a motorcycle?"

"Somewhere between a motorcycle and a bicycle. I want to design a vehicle that combines battery power and fuel, safer than a motorcycle, more convenient and faster than a bicycle, with sensors to avoid danger." If possible, she wanted to include a mapping function as well.

"Such a vehicle..." Professor Ding's face creased in thought, suspicion rising in his heart. "Alright, I won't ask further. Principal Guo told me you've developed sensors and chips, and even assembled a robot. The authorities value you highly. Are you sure you want to take a leave? If you miss classes, it'll be hard to catch up."

Zhong Yuxiu nodded firmly, "I'm sure. I'll return to classes once I've succeeded."

Professor Ding hesitated, silent for a long time, torn between academic duty and concern over hindering her research.

"Professor, I know you're worried about my studies, but I don't think you need to be. Lately, I've not only been working on my research, but I've also finished all the physics books in the library. You can test me—if I can skip a grade, will you allow me to take a leave?"

Ten years after the first cohort of university students, there was no such thing as a second year; if she could prove her knowledge surpassed her peers, there'd be no need to worry about falling behind.

"That might be a good solution." Professor Ding considered for a moment, then said, "Go home for now. I'll give you an answer tomorrow."

"Thank you, Professor Ding."

Leaving the office, Zhong Yuxiu was relieved she'd managed to explain herself. Otherwise, not only would the professor's impression of her worsen, she might also be lectured—a humiliating prospect for someone who'd lived through several lifetimes.

She went to the classroom to fetch her books and headed home. Outside the campus, she ran into Yan Rushan. Their eyes met, and Zhong Yuxiu felt awkward, shifting her gaze away.

Yan Rushan spoke, "Let's go, we'll walk home together," then turned and strode ahead.

The two walked one after the other for a long while, and as the compound came into sight, Zhong Yuxiu hesitated but finally spoke.

"Brother Yan, you don't need to wait for me next time. I often have things to do and may be delayed."

Such an obvious refusal made Yan Rushan stop and turn to gaze at her, a storm brewing in his eyes. "I can wait."

"That would be a waste of your time. For us, time is knowledge—it's our foundation, our future." Zhong Yuxiu sighed softly; she had no desire for romance. "Our main task now is to study, to strive for our careers, ourselves, and our future families."

"I've already planned my future." Yan Rushan had pondered during class and reached a conclusion: Zhong Yuxiu was aware of his feelings. Since that was so, he wouldn't let her retreat. "My future includes you."

Faced with Yan Rushan's earnest, solemn gaze, Zhong Yuxiu was speechless.

Yan Rushan drew closer step by step. "I study finance; one day I'll be a businessman. Before you came to the countryside, my goal was to become a successful businessman. After you appeared, I also want to be a good husband—someone you can rely on."

"You can do anything you wish. I'll strive to be your steadfast support. But right now, I haven't accomplished anything. Are you willing to accept me as I am?"

Zhong Yuxiu lowered her head in silence, her heart in turmoil. Yan Rushan was indeed a good man—his temperament, abilities, appearance, and family background were all outstanding. With his connections, he was sure to succeed as a businessman.

"I'm not asking for an answer now. I just hope you won't keep avoiding me." Yan Rushan's gaze was deep as he spoke quietly, "Living under the same roof for over a year, we've gotten to know each other. You often use smiles and gentle manners as armor, but inside you're calm and self-possessed. You're very rational, and when it comes to feelings... I can't tell if you haven't awakened to them or simply don't believe in love between men and women."

His intentions were obvious, clear to everyone, but she remained unmoved.

"Don't say any more." Zhong Yuxiu looked up, her expression cold. "Aren't you the same?"

"Yes, I am, but my heart for you is soft, my blood is warm." Yan Rushan spoke with conviction. "I'm not threatening you or trying to force you; I just hope you won't hide from me. Life has too many regrets and missed chances—I don't want to miss you."

Zhong Yuxiu felt her heart tremble, her eyes frozen, her mind blank. He truly understood her, better than any suitor in any of her past lives.

Yan Rushan glanced around, seeing no one nearby, then said softly, "We understand each other, share common interests, and our thinking aligns. Give me a chance—if I don't treat you well or make you unhappy, you can break up with me at any time."

His passionate, sincere feelings burned within her heart. Zhong Yuxiu wandered home in a daze, heading straight upstairs.

Hao Nan and Tian Shangguo watched the stairs anxiously. Seeing this, Li Yun asked, "What's going on?"

"We're not sure. Comrade Zhong and Comrade Yan came back together. We don't know what they said, but since they parted, she's been like this," Hao Nan shook his head.

Li Yun mused, "Could it be that Comrade Yan confessed something to Comrade Zhong?"

"With Comrade Yan's feelings for Comrade Zhong, what else could it be?" Tian Shangguo's expression was ambiguous.

"You mean, Comrade Yan confessed?" Li Yun immediately caught on. "That explains it. Comrade Zhong seems uninterested in romance, focused solely on her career—her ambitions are her goal. Still, Comrade Yan is a fine comrade. If they ended up together, it would be a good match."

Tian Shangguo and Hao Nan fell silent. If it was a confession, Comrade Yan might be in trouble; Comrade Zhong had no such intentions, and to be suddenly confessed to—well, one could imagine...