She felt both embarrassed and angry. When she lifted her head, she saw a strikingly handsome face and a pair of gentle, smiling eyes. She could no longer resist and let herself fall, utterly and hopelessly.
From then on, whenever the school held a dance, the phrase “If you don’t mind me trampling all over your feet” became their private code. Among all her dance partners, only Yan Heng would smile and gently remind her, “Xi Fan, I think you’ve stepped on my foot again.”
The same tenderness and affection shone in Yan Heng’s eyes, just as it had five years ago. He took Shen Xi Fan’s hand as if it was the most natural thing in the world, as though they had repeated this action hundreds or even thousands of times.
The amber glow of the crystal chandeliers cast shimmering reflections, and Shen Xi Fan felt a little disoriented, almost dizzy. The music blended with the sound of her faint breathing, while the emptiness inside her seemed to grow, expanding uncontrollably. She struggled to rein in the surge of emotions threatening to overflow.
All eyes in the room were on the two of them. The atmosphere seemed to shut everyone else out, leaving only a space for the two of them. Unknowingly, she felt herself sinking, captivated. Suddenly, she realized his presence was drawing closer, almost entwining with hers, leaving her conflicted and helpless.
It felt like waking from a dream. She decisively let go of his hand and turned to leave. She was so close—just a tiny step away from making the same mistake again.
Her flushed cheeks cooled as the icy water brought her back to her senses. She didn’t want to return to the ballroom, but as she stepped outside, she saw Lin Yishen waiting for her with her coat and handbag.
Feeling awkward, she mumbled, “Thank you, senior brother. Was I too rude just now?”
Lin Yishen chuckled. “I didn’t expect you to have such a temper, junior sister. What’s wrong? Unhappy about your ex showing up?”
Shen Xi Fan frowned. “Senior brother, can I ask you something? Why is it that men can break up with women so calmly, without any warning?”
Lin Yishen’s eyes widened. “Are you accusing me of being a heartless playboy? Honestly, I can’t explain it either, but it seems to be a common pattern with men. When they’re tired or bored, even saying one more word feels like too much. They avoid confrontation, look for new excitement, and when they can’t avoid it anymore, they finally say, ‘Let’s break up.’”
Seeing her indignant expression, he added, “Back then, we were all young and reckless, missing just one word—‘responsibility.’ But isn’t that how we grow, by hurting and learning?”
Shen Xi Fan gave a bitter smile. “If we’d been able to sit down and talk calmly back then, things wouldn’t be like this now. I wouldn’t be so confused—whether I still have feelings for him or just can’t let go of the past.”
Before she could finish her thought, her phone rang. It was Li Jie calling. She quickly answered, and he asked, “Shen Xi Fan, are you free? Want to come over for dumplings? What’s your favorite filling? Oh, by the way, we’re all at Senior Brother’s house!”
Before she could reply, Li Jie continued enthusiastically, “We’ve got chives, seafood, pure meat, and green beans. Which do you like? We’ll make extra!” He left no room for refusal.
When she arrived at He Su Ye’s house with two roast ducks in hand, she heard Li Jie’s voice from the staircase, “Fang Ke Xin, how can you, a young lady, not know how to make dumplings? Let me show you!”
She knocked on the door and waited a while before someone answered. A mischievous-looking young man with flour-covered hands and streaks of white on his face opened it. He had a roguish charm, the kind that girls would find irresistible.
“Hello, pretty girl, who are you looking for?” he asked cheekily.
Caught off guard, she stammered, “He… Li Jie…”
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