Chapter Five: He Is Different from Others

Jiang Chen was tall, and standing at the doorway, he looked distinctly different from everyone else. He tilted his head slightly, so quiet and enveloped in an oppressive aura that warned strangers to keep their distance. With pale skin and black hair, his expression was indifferent, his nose high and straight; his features carried a certain sharpness, almost aggressive, and his bone structure was exceptional.

His gaze seemed to settle in Ye Mian’s direction.

Ye Mian was a bit bewildered, unsure if Jiang Chen had come looking for her. She paused in the middle of packing her books, hesitantly pointing at her own face.

Jiang Chen raised his eyes to look at her.

His gaze lingered on her face for a moment, then he gently nodded and moved aside to wait.

Huh?

What did that mean?

Ye Mian stared at him, wide-eyed, but her hands obediently continued gathering her books.

Jiang Yuan had already noticed the interaction between the two, and was so astonished she could hardly process it. Taking advantage of the fact that Ye Mian hadn’t left the classroom yet, she pulled her aside in a low, excited voice. “Wow, Mianmian, when did you get to know that handsome guy from Class One? Why did he come to find you?”

Ye Mian was momentarily stunned, not knowing how to answer. Truth be told, she and Jiang Chen were never particularly close; after their last encounter, she hadn’t seen him again. Now, with Jiang Chen suddenly seeking her out, even she found it peculiar.

Faced with her desk mate’s curious gaze, Ye Mian could only reply quietly, “His house is near mine, and he wanted to ask me something about the neighborhood.”

That simple explanation dispelled all of Jiang Yuan’s doubts. Jiang Yuan was a sensible and considerate person; hearing that Ye Mian had business to discuss, she quickly made space for her to leave.

Ye Mian stepped out of the classroom, only to find Jiang Chen was already gone.

At this hour, everyone had left for home, and the once bustling campus now felt much emptier.

She looked around, searching for a while before spotting Jiang Chen under the banyan tree.

At that moment, he was also watching her.

His eyes were so luminous that Ye Mian couldn’t help but hold her breath.

Jiang Chen was undeniably handsome; just standing there, he had the power to make hearts race and cheeks flush.

It was the first time Ye Mian realized she had a weakness for handsome boys—she couldn’t help but be drawn in.

After taking a deep breath to steady herself, she walked over with light steps, her naturally soft voice gentle. “Jiang Chen, you were looking for me?”

Jiang Chen gazed at her quietly for another two seconds, then opened his palm. Lying there was a white coin purse. His voice was gentle. “Yes, you dropped your wallet.”

Ye Mian blinked. Before coming out, she had guessed Jiang Chen wanted to return some money to her, but hadn’t expected him to find such a perfect reason—so perfect there was no trace of awkwardness.

But Ye Mian felt Jiang Chen needed that money, and it was rightfully hers to give.

It was, after all, compensation for his medical expenses; that pot of lucky bamboo had left him bleeding profusely—how could she let it go so easily?

Jiang Chen didn’t make a fuss, but Ye Mian had to be mindful.

After searching for countless excuses, Ye Mian finally spoke.

“That’s not my wallet. You must be mistaken.” She stared into the boy’s dark eyes, earnest yet slightly guilty. “Don’t think I’m lying.”

As she finished speaking, Ye Mian heard the boy chuckle.

He seemed genuinely amused, the corners of his mouth lifting. His features were already striking, and that smile was dazzling.

Ye Mian realized her lie was poorly crafted, but whenever she faced Jiang Chen, her mind went blank.

The air itself grew silent.

Her cheeks flushed, she repeated, more quietly, “Really.”

At her words, Jiang Chen finally responded, his voice tinged with a smile. “Honestly, I don’t quite believe you.”

Then, he reached out, his slender fingers hooking the coin purse’s strap and casually attaching it to her bag. His gaze fell softly on the scar at the corner of her eye, and his voice was gentle. “Keep the money safe. Go home now.”

He wasn’t so heartless as to extort the girl’s pocket money.

Ye Mian’s face burned red; she had no choice. She truly couldn’t lie, and could only watch the boy’s retreating figure grow distant.

She wasn’t sure whether it was because her lie had been exposed, or because she caught a faint fragrance lingering on him.

In any case, her heartbeat was fierce.

…

After returning home, Ye Mian quickly showered away the heat and stickiness of the outdoors, then lay fresh and clean on her bed, squinting contentedly.

Glancing at her phone, she saw Jiang Yuan had sent several voice messages, all complaining about the unreasonable homework assigned on the first day of school.

Ye Mian replied with a few idle comments. After dinner, she got up and went out.

Summer’s heat was never friendly, and tonight it was especially stifling—there wasn’t a breath of cool air, only thick, dark clouds hovering above, threatening rain at any moment.

The neighborhood dogs sprawled against the walls, unmoving, panting heavily in the oppressive warmth.

Ye Mian bought a bottle of chilled soda at the convenience store. Even after just a short walk, her forehead was already beaded with sweat.

The heat wrapped around every corner, sparing no one.

She wiped her brow with a tissue, listening as the shop owner sitting outside smoked and lamented the fickle weather. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of a woman tottering over in high heels, clearly drunk, a cigarette in one hand and a phone cradled between her shoulder and ear.

Ye Mian had a good memory and instantly recognized Jiang Chen’s stepmother, Dong Yulian.

Dong Yulian’s eyes were glazed; she didn’t notice anyone else, still engrossed in her phone conversation.

The words she spoke… were sordid.

“Who knows? That old bastard, I doubt he’s coming back. But the property deeds are still with the kid—how am I supposed to get them? Maybe I’ll wait a bit longer. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll just leave, yeah? I’ll go to Yucheng with you, and we’ll get married.”

“And listen, his dad left behind some money when he left. I didn’t give the boy a single cent, but he’s pretty capable—no idea where he gets his cash.”

Ye Mian pursed her lips, most of her attention locked on the last thing Dong Yulian said. Her expression soured, and even the soda at her lips tasted bland.

Whatever else could be said…

Jiang Chen was still so young, yet already burdened with worries about making ends meet?

She suddenly regretted not being more forceful earlier, insisting on giving him the money.