Chapter 318: The Stalling Tactic

The Han family dining room was an open-plan space, typical of modern homes. The kitchen counter led directly to the dining table, with a bar area and a wall lined with fine wines, adding to the sophisticated atmosphere. This also meant that nothing obstructed the view, allowing anyone who entered to see what was happening in the kitchen from various angles.

Fang Zhou and Han Xi were halfway through their meal when they started playing a game of rock-paper-scissors. The loser had to feed the winner a bite of food. Fang Zhou had just lost, so he was feeding a bite to Han Xi.

She laughed and asked playfully, “Did you lose on purpose?”

Han Xi had lost three rounds in a row and thought she had no chance of winning. She suspected that Fang Zhou had thrown the game to cheer her up. After all, with his skills, he could easily win every round.

“No, you’re just too good,” Fang Zhou lied, hiding his intention to make her happy. Han Xi had been surprisingly kind to him lately, and he wanted to repay her in some small way. Also, hearing about her painful experiences earlier had touched him deeply.

Even though Fang Zhou didn’t come from a wealthy family, he had a loving family. His parents and grandparents had provided a carefree childhood. Han Xi, on the other hand, had a much tougher life. People naturally empathize with those who have had it worse.

While they laughed and chatted, they didn’t realize that someone had been watching them for a while. As they finished their meal and were about to put down their chopsticks, Fang Zhou noticed a familiar face standing there—a face of innocence mixed with a hint of sadness, eyes misty as if on the verge of tears.

He was shocked and confused. “Xinran, what are you doing here?”

Chu Xinran gave a pale smile and politely greeted Han Xi. “Hello, Sister Han Xi. I’m here with my mother.”

Despite feeling a mix of bitterness and jealousy, she knew she had to maintain her composure. This wasn’t her home, and she couldn’t afford to be rude.

Han Xi raised an eyebrow, surprised to see Chu Xinran. She had expected Qin Yun to find them first, but the Chu family’s influence was no joke. Finding the Han family’s mansion was no small feat. Still, Han Xi wasn’t planning to keep Fang Zhou forever, so she wasn’t too shocked by her appearance.

“Why didn’t anyone show you around?” Han Xi asked casually, giving Chu Xinran an excuse to leave gracefully.

Fang Zhou, however, felt a growing sense of dread. He didn’t know how long Chu Xinran had been standing there, but he feared the worst. His heart raced, unsure if it was from seeing a familiar face or from the intense situation.

“No need for a guide. I’m just looking around. You two continue,” Chu Xinran said, turning to leave quickly. She scolded herself internally for being so naive. Fang Zhou looked perfectly fine, even healthy enough to cook. Meanwhile, she had been worried sick, thinking he was in danger. Her fears seemed foolish now.

As she walked away, tears began to fall, hitting the floor with soft splashes. Her heart ached with sadness and frustration. She felt like a fool, worrying over someone who appeared to be doing just fine.

Fang Zhou watched her retreating figure, feeling a surge of panic. He remembered the day he found her in the hotel bathtub, covered in blood. The memory nearly suffocated him. Chu Xinran’s condition had only recently improved. If something triggered her again, they might not be so lucky this time.

He quickly caught up to her and stopped her with a gentle hand. “Xinran, don’t go.”

Seeing her tear-streaked face, his heart ached. “I’m not leaving. Am I in your way?” she snapped, her voice tinged with jealousy and hurt. “I don’t enjoy being a third wheel or praising your ‘great love.’”

Fang Zhou found her outburst both heartbreaking and somewhat amusing. After she finished, he explained, “If feeding someone counts as love, then our relationship is legendary.”

Chu Xinran paused, recalling their time together when they had fed each other and even kissed. It reminded her that this wasn’t unusual for them. She realized she might have overreacted.

Her anger and jealousy began to fade, though a sense of unfairness remained. Softening, she muttered, “I went through so much trouble to find you, thinking you were in danger. But you’re just here making me worry for nothing.”

Fang Zhou glanced back to see Han Xi absorbed in her phone, seemingly giving them space. He mentally thanked her for her tact.

Leaning close to Chu Xinran, he whispered, “I’m stalling. I’ll be going back tomorrow.”

He looked at her earnestly, hoping she understood his intentions. Chu Xinran hesitated but decided to believe him. “I trust you.”

A wave of warmth filled Fang Zhou. Being trusted felt incredibly good. He smiled softly and said, “Just promise me you won’t do anything reckless again, okay?”

Chu Xinran, no longer thinking of harming herself, gave him a playful glare. “You’re the one who’s reckless.”

Fang Zhou felt a huge sense of relief. It seemed like her treatment was working.