028 - The New Schoolmate

A clear, bright voice sounded from behind Xia Yuwei. Immediately, Xin Xin, who was sitting across from her, became ladylike, gently rising to her feet. Xia Yuwei, upon hearing the voice, stiffened, unmoving, still shielding her face with the menu.

A tall figure took a seat beside Xin Xin. "Xin Xin, you look beautiful today," he said.

"Really? Thank you!" Xin Xin was delighted, showing no sign that she noticed Xia Yuwei's unease. Seeing his gaze fixed on Xia Yuwei, she hurriedly introduced, "Xia Yuwei—she’s my best friend."

Then, to Xia Yuwei, who kept her eyes cast down and her face hidden, she said, "Lu Yichen, he’s a new classmate I just met."

"Oh, hello, it’s a pleasure to meet you." Lu Yichen looked her up and down politely, extending his hand.

Xia Yuwei remained motionless, expressionless, not reaching out, as if she was in a daze. Anxious, Xin Xin discreetly kicked her under the table. Xia Yuwei seemed to awaken from a dream, set down the menu, stood up, and reached out to Lu Yichen. "Hello!"

The moment their eyes met, Xia Yuwei saw before her a striking seventeen-year-old youth. He was much taller than before, at least one meter eighty-five. His features were sharper, as if carved by a knife, growing more defined with age, giving him an air of untamed brilliance. His gaze was intense—not deliberate, but with emotions subtly concealed, as if it could pierce straight to the heart, creating an invisible sense of pressure. Just as Xin Xin had said, he looked as though he had stepped out of a comic book.

Lu Yichen clasped her hand, a charming smile curling at his lips. He appeared innocent and friendly, yet his grip carried a silent message, almost threatening, as he squeezed her hand firmly.

"Ah!" Xia Yuwei cried out in surprise, quickly shaking off his hand. He let go, but her movement was too forceful, knocking over the glass of water on the table. It crashed to the floor with a sharp, shattering sound, drawing everyone’s attention to her.

"Yuwei, are you alright?" Xin Xin hurriedly stood up.

"Hey—are you alright?" Lu Yichen and Xin Xin spoke at the same time. Only Xin Xin failed to notice that he had swallowed the name "Weiwei."

Xin Xin pulled tissues from her bag and handed them to Xia Yuwei, calling for the waiter to clean up.

"Sorry, sorry! I’m fine, really!" Xia Yuwei quickly bowed her head, dabbing at the water on her skirt with the tissues. She had already taken a step toward the restroom. "Excuse me! I’ll just go tidy up." Without waiting for a response, she hurried out.

Lu Yichen and Xin Xin sat back down. Xin Xin joked with him, "Sorry, Yuwei must have been dazzled by your looks!"

Lu Yichen watched Xia Yuwei’s hurried retreat, thoughtful, and absentmindedly replied, "Is that so?"

He stood up. "Take your time picking a drink—order whatever you like. I’m going to wash my hands."