Chapter 254: Chapter 254

Sitting on the bus, Ye Ling and Zhang Linong naturally found seats at the back. The four of them sat in a row, while Liu Zhiyuan and the others, whether intentionally or squeezed by the adults, ended up in the second-to-last row on either side.

Although Zhao Guodong was happy, after the incident at the park last time, he became more mature, especially since his father returned home and said they should get along well with Liu Zhiyuan and the others. In front of the adults, Zhao Guodong maintained a calm demeanor and did not cause trouble for Liu Zhiyuan and his group.

In the back, Ye Ling was the only girl, and Ye Qian and Liu Rui sat in the row ahead of Liu Zhiyuan. The adults were seated at the front, mostly gathered together to chat, each carrying a large cloth bag filled with items for the picnic. Ye Ling felt constantly low despite knowing it wasn’t necessary; she just couldn’t shake the feeling. Yet, Ye Qian seemed to think she had finally managed to strike Ye Ling down a notch, feeling quite cheerful from it, and was now conversing with Liu Rui, looking back at Liu Zhiyuan.

"Brother Zhiyuan, I’ll be starting at the company in a few days, and you’re heading to college. The next time we meet will probably be New Year," Ye Qian said resignedly while pulling Liu Rui over. "You see, this is the consequence of studying poorly. Otherwise, I would have been sitting for the college entrance exams, and though I might not have been in the same school as Brother Zhiyuan, at least I would have had you all for company. Now, I can only enter the company."

She said it playfully, but there was unmistakable disappointment that she could not hide.

Ye Qian’s entry into the company was arranged by the Liu Family, and Liu Rui naturally knew of this. If Ye Qian had genuinely acted as if everything was fine superficially, Liu Rui would have looked down upon her, thinking she was being hypocritical. But now it was different; Ye Qian directly admitted her academic shortcomings, making Liu Rui admire her straightforwardness and integrity, and of course, she consoled her.

"No matter if we get in or not, we who are leaving from such families can’t escape connection with the company. I think it’s good for you to enter the company now. If you decide, you could study for college while in the company, or if not, set up a job role. Unlike us, clinging to textbooks for another year, yet not knowing what kind of college we can make it into."

Liu Rui also took frequent leaves to accompany her mother around, resulting in average grades. She knew herself well enough not to truly expect to get into a good college.

Ye Qian poked her nose, "Look at me now, you don’t even comfort me, but instead belittle yourself. Should I turn around and comfort you? I’m not doing that."

Such words instantly strengthened their bond further.

Liu Rui laughed, "After all these years, who comforts whom is the same. Now our big brother passed, yet didn’t consider comforting us."

Liu Zhiyuan lovingly doted on his sister and always had a good rapport with Ye Qian. Held by both of them , he could not space out, lifting a gentle smile and speaking in a warm tone, "I see you two aren’t troubling yourselves. I’m no good at giving advice; I scold instead. Afraid if I speak, it might depress you more. We brought plenty of delicious picnic food today; if you’re truly unhappy, just indulge and eat your fill; it’ll surely distract you."

It was rare to hear Liu Zhiyuan speak so playfully, so even those seated around him laughed, especially Sun Mingjie, who frequently cast glances at Ye Qian, "I heard your illness was a misdiagnosis. Did the doctor tell you what to avoid or what you’re allergic to? You’ll be enlisting in a few days, make sure to pay extra attention."

"The doctor listed everything, thank you, Brother Mingjie." Ye Qian responded with a shy smile.

Liu Rui exclaimed, looking back and forth between the two, "You..."

Though she didn’t finish the sentence, the meaning was clear to everyone. Dong Haoyu guffawed, glancing between Sun Mingjie and Liu Zhiyuan, seeing no reaction from Liu Zhiyuan, so he didn’t interfere further, and turned to look out the window. As for Xiang Weilai, sitting outside Dong Haoyu, lazily positioned there, even unafraid, his half-smiling eyes gave an impression of amusement.

Sun Mingjie was caught by Liu Rui’s observation, ears turning hot.

Sitting beside Liu Rui, Ye Qian quickly explained, "Xiao Rui, if you keep joking around, I’ll tell Aunt Wu. Brother Mingjie and I grew up together like siblings."

Saying this, she also glanced worriedly at Liu Zhiyuan, "We’re still too young, you shouldn’t use this as teasing."

Thus, the word ’teasing’ cleverly patched up whatever face Liu Rui felt she lost, making none who heard feel Liu Rui was slighted.

Of course, Liu Rui was delighted since she wasn’t a blunt person, "I know, it’s only among us I dare joke , if outsiders were here, where would I dare?" For original chapters go to ɴovelfire.net

While speaking, she glanced towards the rear row, Ye Ling leaned against the window, looking outside. Beside her sat Zhao Guodong also gazing out, Zhang Linong sat at the other end’s window, with Wang Ping squeezed between Zhang Linong and Zhao Guodong. Though not speaking, he wasn’t honest either, resting against Zhang Linong, looking externally.

Obviously only a step away, yet the four felt worlds apart from them, utterly disconnected.

Ye Qian laughed at Liu Rui’s words, eventually followed Liu Rui’s gaze to the rear row and quickly darted her glance back, seemingly recoiling from someone’s glare. Unnoticed by others, Xiang Weilai slightly raised an eyebrow, since he was watching and noticed none from the back row were looking at them.

Ye Ling continuously stared out of the window, but it was hard to not hear. Given the proximity between the front and back rows, whatever laughter and talk from Ye Qian’s group was unavoidable. Particularly the lively conversation drawing Liu Zhiyuan’s father’s shout over.

"Don’t leave just the bunch of you making merry, throwing Ye Ling and them on the outside. You must stick together come college time since you’re all from the same compound and have closer ties than outsiders." Liu Wujiang’s words drew agreement from others.

Yet interrupted Ye Qian pressing Liu Zhiyuan about plans southward, who doesn’t dream of visiting, yet Liu Father’s call came unexpectedly. Had everyone been conversing, Ye Qian wouldn’t have overthought it, except she alone was the one inquiring further from Liu Zhiyuan, since he had been there.

So, as the shout came, Ye Qian’s face went hot, but she quickly smiled sweetly, voluntarily smoothing the situation over, "My fault for only being curious, forgot to mention Uncle Liu’s business. Brother Zhiyuan, remember to chat more with Brother Guodong and the others, since before you were scarcely in the same grade, now getting into the same college means you ought to forge great ties."

Liu Zhiyuan nodded, obediently turned back, looking at Zhao Guodong, "Did you bring swim trunks? The place we’re visiting has swimming." (to be continued. If you work, please come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)