Chapter 53: Chapter 53: Little Zhiyan Is Just a Child, He Doesn't Understand
Living in a rented room could truly stir the imagination. Even Li Zhiyan wasn't immune to the charm of such a setting. No wonder so many of those sensational stories revolved around life in rental houses—it was indeed a chaotic, untamed existence.
Fang Zhiya's face grew hotter by the second. He's just a pure child, she thought. To him, the noises from next door must have sounded like an argument, maybe even domestic violence.
If it were someone with a more corrupt mind like those readers, they would undoubtedly think of something disgusting.
How was she supposed to explain this to him?
"Zhiyan," she began hesitantly, "it's probably just the couple next door fighting."
"Auntie, you shouldn't go out then. People who get heated during a fight might lash out at bystanders too," he warned earnestly. "That poor auntie next door… she sounds like she's in a lot of pain."
Zhiya's words became a jumbled mess, her face burning with embarrassment.
"Okay," she muttered, trying to keep her composure. "Zhiyan, Auntie will hang up now."
After ending the call, she clutched her phone, her heart racing. Living in a place like this was a first for her, and she hadn't expected the nights to be so... lively.
She turned on the fan, letting its hum drown out the muffled noises next door. But even with her ears covered, she couldn't sleep.
Why does it always seem like these kinds of situations happen when I'm around that child?
Her thoughts inevitably wandered back to Zhiyan's mature demeanor, and before she could stop herself, inappropriate scenarios began creeping into her mind. She scolded herself internally. Shameless woman!
Still, she resolved to uphold her deeply traditional values. She wouldn't let her thoughts—or her actions—stray any further.
---
The next two days passed peacefully.
Every day, Li Zhiyan effortlessly earned a thousand yuan from the booming business at his internet café. It was the perfect life, lying back and watching the money roll in.
Finally, the day arrived for his next mission—a task that involved both five thousand yuan and Gu Wanzhou. Needless to say, Zhiyan was laser-focused.
That morning, just as he was about to message her, Gu Wanzhou contacted him first.
Gu Wanzhou: "Zhiyan, Auntie's shoulders are aching again. Can you come over this afternoon to help massage them?"
Li Zhiyan: "Of course! I've missed you, Auntie."
Gu Wanzhou: "Alright then. Come over for lunch. Auntie will cook for you."
After a few more exchanges, Gu Wanzhou, seated at her office desk, couldn't help but smile.
This child… he's so sweet to me.
---
When lunchtime arrived, Wanzhou stretched, her figure accentuated by her professional outfit—a tailored blazer paired with her signature black pencil skirt. Her graceful curves were a sight to behold.
As she thought of Zhiyan, a warmth spread through her chest, though it was tinged with a faint unease.
That day… when Zhiyan got close to Shiyun…
Her lips pursed at the memory. Lately, her relationship with her old friend Ruan Shiyun had felt strained—ever since Zhiyan had come into their lives. Neither woman said it aloud, but both were acutely aware of the subtle tension brewing between them.
"Why am I like this lately?" she wondered aloud, her tone tinged with frustration. "Could it be that… I really want to date that child?"
---
By the time she finished shopping for ingredients and returned home, her thoughts were still a mess. She steeled herself with a firm resolve.
This can't happen again, she thought, recalling the last time Zhiyan had touched her leg. Men and women must maintain propriety. Certain boundaries mustn't be crossed.
Her cheeks flushed at the memory of him sneaking a kiss. What was that child thinking?
She busied herself in the kitchen, preparing for lunch. Finally, she called him.
"Zhiyan, Auntie has bought everything. You can come over now," she said warmly.
"Oh, and Sisi isn't home today, so it won't be awkward for you two to meet," she added, an apologetic note in her voice.
Zhiyan chuckled on the other end. Truthfully, he had almost forgotten about Yusi Sisi altogether. Ever since he started spending more time with the Aunties, Sisi—his former "dream girl"—had all but faded from his thoughts.
"I'm on my way, Auntie," he said cheerfully.
---
Meanwhile, Wanzhou received an unexpected call. Seeing the familiar number, her brows furrowed slightly.
"Hello?"
"Wife," came the voice of Yu Yunfei, her ex-husband.
Her expression hardened instantly. "Yu Yunfei, don't call me that. We've been divorced for years. Please respect that."
Despite the familial bond they once shared, she couldn't stand him addressing her as if nothing had changed.
"Fine," Yunfei relented. "Wanzhou, I'm staying at the Junhao Hotel. I want to visit and see our daughter. Could I join you two for lunch?"
The request was reasonable enough, but Wanzhou hesitated.
What would Zhiyan think if he and Yunfei ran into each other? she wondered. Zhiyan's feelings for her were genuine, even if she hadn't fully decided how to respond.
"It's not convenient today…" she started.
Yunfei raised an eyebrow, sensing something amiss. Does she have someone else in her life now?
"Look, it's just lunch. That shouldn't be too much to ask," he pressed.
Wanzhou sighed, reluctantly agreeing. "Alright. I'll let the other guest know to reschedule."
"Perfect," Yunfei said with a satisfied grin. This will give me the chance to reconnect with her.
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