Chapter 217: The Summer Breeze and You

The park downstairs was very quiet.

Perhaps it was because the residents were mostly young people—either out at work or still asleep—so there were barely any people strolling around.

Only a few early birds with good routines were out jogging.

A man and a woman walked side by side along the path, arriving at the lakeside, where two wooden benches awaited for people to rest.

“I’m a bit tired, Brother Fang Zhou, can we rest for a bit?”

The girl was sweetly pleading, looking up at the boy beside her with eyes as soft as water.

“Alright, let’s sit for a while.”

Fang Zhou quickly stepped forward, using a tissue to wipe down the bench before letting her sit.

“It’s a bit chilly; we’ll get up soon.”

Probably because of the toll the incident two days ago took on her body, Fang Zhou could clearly feel Chu Xinran’s lack of energy.

They hadn’t even walked for ten minutes, and she was already tired.

But thinking from her perspective, anyone would be weak after such an ordeal, let alone someone who managed to muster the strength to come find him.

Looking at Chu Xinran’s pale face, a wave of tenderness surged in Fang Zhou’s heart; he felt a pang of sympathy for her.

He wasn’t someone who softened easily, but faced with such a beautiful and devoted ex-girlfriend, how could he stay indifferent?

“Alright.”

Chu Xinran nodded obediently, resembling an affectionate little sister who listened to everything.

However, the events from two days ago had shown just how rebellious she could be.

“You should sit too, Brother Fang Zhou.”

She smiled warmly at Fang Zhou, like offering all the honey of spring to him.

She even scooted over to make room for him.

Fang Zhou shook his head, politely declining.

“No need, I’ll stand for a bit to help with digestion.”

As a self-proclaimed couch potato, he needed regular exercise routines each month.

Unfortunately, since joining the dating show, his exercise had mostly been on the show.

Combined with last night’s late drinking and two breakfasts this morning, his weight was bound to go up.

Speaking of which, Han Xi should have left by now, right?

That was a close call earlier.

If Chu Xinran had insisted on entering the bedroom, he’d have no choice but to carry her out.

Luckily, Han Xi was true to her word and stayed inside.

“Ah? Are you trying to lose weight?”

Chu Xinran asked surprised, even looking Fang Zhou up and down as if measuring him with her eyes.

Making Fang Zhou feel a bit embarrassed.

What’s with that look? Your eyes are not a measuring tape.

“No, no. I just don’t want to gain weight.”

After all, sometimes he had to show his face; he was half a looks-based streamer.

“So that’s it. But, no matter if you’re fat or thin, Brother Fang Zhou, you’re always handsome.”

She said, clasping her hands to her chest, looking at him with sparkling eyes.

She meant it sincerely.

In the beginning, she was attracted to his looks, but later, it was Fang Zhou’s personality that really won her over.

I love your soul, not your appearance.

Though this sounded like something a typical scumbag would say to a backup lover, no man dislikes hearing compliments about themselves.

Fang Zhou was no exception.

He laughed, modestly saying, “No, no. Your compliments are making me shy.”

“Why be shy? Aren’t you aware of your own handsomeness?”

Coming from someone else, this would sound sarcastic.

But Chu Xinran said it earnestly, with a serious expression, making it seem genuine.

Coincidentally, a jogging couple passed by and overheard her.

They both looked at Fang Zhou with curious eyes, as if to say, “Let’s see how handsome he really is.”

Fang Zhou felt genuinely embarrassed this time.

“Haha, let’s not talk about that. Why did you come to see me?”

Too awkward. He felt like digging a hole to hide in. Better change the topic.

Chu Xinran blinked and asked, “Do you remember the promise you made in the hospital?”

Her mother had advised her to wait until she was discharged to see Fang Zhou, so her health wouldn’t be affected.

But Chu Xinran couldn’t wait. She wanted to see Fang Zhou as soon as possible and become his girlfriend!

Otherwise, who knew what might happen in the meantime? She was afraid Fang Zhou might regret it.

Once bitten, twice shy.

Especially since he had so many ex-girlfriends, how could she stay calm?

Fang Zhou paused, obviously recalling the promise he made.

He was silent for a moment, then replied, “I remember. Do you want to start today?”

“Mm-hmm! Can we start today?”

The girl looked at him with those moist eyes, reflecting only his image and the blue sky, clear as a mirror.

Just like her heart.

“Okay.”

Fang Zhou solemnly agreed.

Might as well get it over with sooner rather than later.

Three days would pass quickly; it shouldn’t cause any problems.

“Let’s go back up. I’ll take you upstairs first.”

Fang Zhou extended his hand to help her up.

Since she wanted to play the role of a girlfriend, he’d treat her well.

A temporary girlfriend was still a girlfriend, right?

“Alright.”

At that moment, Chu Xinran felt her face heat up, her hand in Fang Zhou’s getting warmer.

It had been a long time since she had held Fang Zhou’s hand so formally yet casually.

Formally as his girlfriend, casually as an everyday intimate gesture between couples.

Hand in hand, they walked a few steps before Chu Xinran asked, “Why are you saying ‘first’? Are you going somewhere?”

Was he planning to go out?

“I need to buy some groceries later. You can rest upstairs.”

Judging by her behavior, Chu Xinran wasn’t leaving today, which meant cooking was necessary.

She was still recovering, so takeout wouldn’t do.

Plus, the fridge was empty except for eggs. He definitely needed to cook.

“Are you going to cook for me?”

Chu Xinran asked excitedly.

It had been so long since she’d eaten Fang Zhou’s cooking. She missed it.

“Yes. Anything you want to eat?”

Holding her hand, Fang Zhou slowly walked back, thinking about what dishes would be suitable for someone recovering.

“I want pork rib porridge. Can I?”

“Okay, I’ll make it for lunch.”

Walking side by side, they looked like a perfect match from behind.

Meanwhile, Han Xi sat in her car, watching their backs, then rolled up the window.

She took out her phone and posted a photo she had taken in Fang Zhou’s room.