The final school bell rang across the campus, its echo signaling the end of the day.
In the classroom, Ji Xiaolan calmly packed up his books and rose to his feet. His expression was serene, but his footsteps toward the rooftop were steady and resolute—no one noticed the flicker of nervous anticipation in his eyes.
Meanwhile, Liu Ruyan remained seated. Her fingertips absentmindedly traced the edge of a book as she battled with her thoughts.
Should she tell Yang Tian about this? Or face it on her own?
After a long moment, she stood and walked toward the back row—where Yang Tian lounged lazily in his seat, half-reclined, as if everything in the world was just a mild distraction.
"Yang Tian," she called softly, hesitating.
"What is it?" He glanced up at her, his usual teasing tone at the ready. "What brings Her Majesty the Empress to summon her humble servant?"
Liu Ruyan rolled her eyes but lowered her voice.
"Ji Xiaolan asked me to meet him on the rooftop. I... I want you to come with me."
Yang Tian raised an eyebrow but merely gave a faint smile.
"Can't. I've got some things to handle. But don't worry, he wouldn't dare try anything."
Though his tone was relaxed, a cold gleam flashed through his eyes.
Liu Ruyan hesitated but eventually nodded and turned to walk away, heading toward the rooftop.
The rooftop wasn't far—just two stairwells and a few corners. Five minutes, maybe less.
She pushed open the heavy iron door, and a gust of evening wind stirred her long hair. On the rooftop, Ji Xiaolan stood with his back to her, a vibrant bouquet in his hands, facing the golden sunset.
At the sound of the door, he turned.
There she was—the girl he'd been dreaming of for so long.
"You came," he said softly, eyes filled with warmth.
Liu Ruyan stepped forward, gaze drifting to the bouquet.
"You said you wanted to talk. What is it?"
Ji Xiaolan took a deep breath, steadying his racing heart.
"Ruyan... you know this already. I've liked you for a long time. These flowers... I got them for you. I hope you'll accept them."
Meanwhile, behind the rooftop door...
Yang Tian and Shen Xue stood silently, hidden just out of sight, peeking through the narrow gap.
"Honestly, the Oscars owe this guy a trophy," Yang Tian muttered with a smirk.
Shen Xue chuckled quietly.
"You've gotten funnier lately."
Back on the rooftop, Liu Ruyan accepted the bouquet, but her expression remained calm—almost emotionless.
"So... does that mean you're saying yes?" Ji Xiaolan asked, hope flickering in his eyes.
She shook her head gently. Her voice was soft, but firm.
"I'm sorry, Xiaolan. The college entrance exam is just around the corner. I really don't want to think about this kind of thing right now."
Disappointment flashed in his eyes, barely hidden.
"I understand. I just... wanted you to know how I feel."
"I get it," she nodded. "But if that's all, I should head home and study."
"Let me walk you back," he offered quickly.
This time, she didn't refuse. The two of them quietly left the rooftop together.
Behind the door, Yang Tian watched their backs fade into the distance. The corners of his lips curled into a faint smile.
"Let's go," he said. "If we stay any longer, we'll start to look like stalkers."
Shen Xue followed him wordlessly as they descended the stairs.
The sky darkened. Streetlamps outside the school gate flickered on one by one.
As they stepped into the cool night air, Yang Tian turned his head and asked casually:
"Want a ride home?"
Shen Xue blinked in surprise, then smiled and nodded.
"Sure."
The night wind brushed their faces, but it couldn't blow away the emotional ripples that had begun to stir.
City lights sparkled as the car glided through the streets. Inside, the atmosphere was calm, even relaxed.
Yang Tian leaned against the backseat, turning to look at Shen Xue with a hint of amusement in his eyes.
"See? Free love drama. Starring a future Best Actor. What a deal."
Shen Xue laughed out loud, stealing a glance at him.
"You've really changed lately."
"Have I?" He raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah," she said, her tone soft. "You used to always wear that cold, don't-talk-to-me face—like everyone owed you money. Now you joke around... and when you smile, it's actually... kinda nice."
Yang Tian chuckled, eyes drifting to the window.
"It's not that I've changed. I've just... let go of some things. Carrying everything on your shoulders all the time—it's exhausting."
Shen Xue looked at him quietly, heart fluttering as a warmth spread within her. Her face flushed, and she quickly turned to gaze out the window.
"A lot has happened lately," she said, voice trembling slightly. "But... most of it's settled now."
Before long, the car pulled up outside the Shen family villa.
The driver stepped out and respectfully opened the door for her.
Shen Xue turned back to Yang Tian and smiled.
"Thanks for the ride. After the exam... let's grab a meal together?"
Yang Tian nodded, his smile gentle and reassuring.
"The exam's the day after tomorrow. Focus, and don't let anything distract you."
"Got it!" she said with a bright nod, hiding her excitement behind a calm front.
She turned and walked into the villa. The car slowly drove away behind her.
At the gate, the Shen family's butler stood waiting. When Shen Xue stepped out of the car, he approached quickly.
"Miss, you're back."
But his eyes lingered for a second on the departing car—and the familiar license plate made his expression flicker briefly.
Yang family's car...
He said nothing, and Shen Xue simply nodded before walking inside.
In the living room, Madam Shen was scrolling on her phone. When she saw her daughter enter, she quickly set the phone down.
"Xue'er, come sit down. I have something to ask you."
Shen Xue placed her bag aside and sat beside her.
"What is it, Mom? Why are you grinning like that?"
Madam Shen looked her over with a twinkle in her eye.
"I heard from your father about what's going on at the company. That Yang boy—he's got feelings for you, doesn't he?"
Shen Xue's face turned bright red as she ducked her head.
"Mom! Don't say things like that..."
"What are you shy about?" Madam Shen scooted closer. "He's good-looking, comes from a strong family... if you like him too, I'll talk to your father about arranging a proposal. Get you married early, and I can finally stop worrying!"
"Mom!!" Shen Xue jumped to her feet, ears burning. "Don't say another word! I'm going to study!"
With that, she fled to her room, flustered and embarrassed.
Madam Shen watched her retreat upstairs and nodded in satisfaction.
"Finally figuring things out, huh, my girl?"
Meanwhile—
Back in the car, Yang Tian leaned back in the seat, eyes closed, letting out a long sigh.
"Back home, sir?" the driver asked quietly.
Yang Tian opened his eyes, tiredness lingering in his voice.
"Yeah. Let's go home. It's been a long day."
The night deepened, headlights cutting through the city's quiet streets.
And somewhere beneath that stillness, a new thread of emotion was quietly beginning to grow.