Chapter 225: From Double to Quadruple

For Zhang Zhiyin, today was just supposed to be another routine day at work—attend the book signing event and then go home to rest.

But now, having met Fang Zhou and his sister, she suddenly found renewed motivation for her work.

Her smile became much more genuine as she turned to the girl behind Fang Zhou and said, “You’ve grown so much these past few years, and you’re getting prettier.”

This was a sincere statement.

Zhang Zhiyin had only met Fang Wenjing a few times during high school.

Back then, Fang Zhou would always rush home after school, saying he needed to pick up his sister.

Once, Zhang Zhiyin and Li Siming followed him to the elementary school and saw the little girl. She was soft and cute, adorable enough to melt hearts.

As Fang Zhou’s good friends, Zhang Zhiyin and Li Siming had left a lasting impression on Fang Wenjing.

Even though Zhang Zhiyin had been abroad these past few years, she had been keeping a quiet eye on Fang Zhou and his family.

Through some classmates, she learned about his sister’s illness, which made her anxious and worried.

Seeing Fang Wenjing in person today, Zhang Zhiyin was undoubtedly delighted.

The girl, who didn’t resemble Fang Zhou much in appearance, had a delicate face but looked unwell. However, her smile masked that.

A hint of heartache flashed in Zhang Zhiyin’s eyes, estimating that her illness hadn’t been cured, revealing traces on her face.

“Hehe, Zhiyin Jie, you’re still as beautiful as ever! I recognized you immediately!”

Fang Wenjing stepped forward, her big eyes blinking as she asked, “Can I hug you? You’re my idol!”

Knowing there were still people waiting, she didn’t dare talk too long and made her request.

Zhang Zhiyin naturally wouldn’t refuse.

To show her sincerity, she even walked around the table to Fang Wenjing, giving her a gentle hug.

A refreshing fragrance wafted from Zhang Zhiyin, serene and elegant, just like her. She looked delicate, but her writing carried a subtle sharpness, capturing life’s joys and sorrows.

This was one reason why Fang Wenjing loved her works.

Fang Zhou stood behind, watching the brief hug, seeing the clear joy on his sister’s face.

A warm feeling washed over him.

Through those tough days, Zhiyin’s words must have brought some strength to his sister; otherwise, she wouldn’t be so persistent.

“Wait for me a bit; I’ll be done around 10:30.”

Before Fang Zhou could leave with his sister, Zhang Zhiyin reminded him.

Since they met, they should definitely have a meal together.

Such a good opportunity to strengthen bonds couldn’t be missed.

Fang Zhou immediately understood her look but didn’t have time to discuss further. Zhang Zhiyin was already signing the next reader’s book.

He could only take his sister to sit on a bench on the other side of the park.

How should he handle this? Chu Xinran said she was coming to find him.

Should they all have a meal together?

That might work, but Chu Xinran was temporarily his girlfriend. Zhiyin would definitely notice something.

He had promised to keep his distance from ex-girlfriends, and now he was doing this in front of her?

He feared she might get upset and leave the country again, not returning for years.

He suddenly felt overwhelmed.

At that moment, Chu Xinran called.

“Hello? Fang Zhou, where are you? I’m coming to find you.”

Her voice was light, clearly reflecting her good mood, cheerful like a wind chime in the breeze.

Fang Zhou opened his mouth, unsure whether to tell her.

If he did, she’d definitely meet Zhang Zhiyin, and everything would be exposed.

If he didn’t, she’d been waiting for a while, and he feared she might overthink things.

Caught between a rock and a hard place.

His sister, sitting beside him, recognized Chu Xinran’s voice and excitedly looked at Fang Zhou, urging him to reply.

‘Tell her! Let Jie come and have lunch with us!’

Fang Wenjing liked Chu Xinran a lot, partly because she was pretty and patient, and partly because she always took care of her like a caring big sister.

Ever since their first meeting, she had wanted Chu Xinran to be her sister-in-law. And that hasn’t changed.

Seeing an opportunity to matchmake, she wouldn’t let it pass!

Fang Zhou felt conflicted, hesitating and not speaking up.

He didn’t want to upset Zhiyin.

When he didn’t respond, Chu Xinran thought there was a bad signal and repeated herself.

“Hello? Why aren’t you answering? Where are you? I’m coming to find you.”

Fang Wenjing, worried Chu Xinran might hang up, took her brother’s phone and sweetly said, “Jie, we’re at XX Park.”

“Okay, see you there in twenty minutes. I’m coming.”

Fang Zhou raised his hand to stop her, but his sister had already spoken.

Chu Xinran, eager to find them, didn’t notice Fang Zhou hadn’t spoken.

She quickly hung up, the last sound resembling a car door closing.

“Here you go, she said twenty minutes.”

His sister handed the phone back, smiling innocently.

Fang Zhou gave her a gentle flick on the forehead.

“You.”

Oh well, since she’s coming, it is what it is.

Besides, his sister genuinely liked Zhiyin, and their meeting wasn’t easy.

He’d deal with it as it came.

Fang Zhou checked his watch, seeing it was already 10:15. Hopefully, he could inform Zhiyin before Chu Xinran arrived.

Anxiously, he watched the crowd around the signing event, hoping Zhiyin would finish soon.

Time ticked by, and at 10:30, the crowd stirred, likely announcing the end.

People began leaving, and Zhang Zhiyin started packing up, ready to find Fang Zhou and his sister.

Fang Zhou felt a surge of joy, telling his sister to wait while he quickly went over to help Zhang Zhiyin pack up and quietly told her, “Chu Xinran is joining us for lunch. Don’t take some things she says too seriously.”

Zhang Zhiyin paused, looking up in confusion, “What do you mean?”

Before Fang Zhou could reply, his sister’s voice called out.

“Brother! Jie is here!”