Sheng Zhuying paused only briefly before straightening her back and walking out of the restaurant with unruffled composure.
It was not the first time Fu Sizhuo had claimed not to know her.
She remembered the last time she heard those same words—it had been in her senior year of college.
That year, Zhou Yu, Fu Sizhuo's closest friend, completed his five-year medical program. Fu Sizhuo had flown all the way back from distant England just to attend his graduation ceremony.
She had learned this from Zhou Yu's social media posts. After two days and nights of wavering, she decided to write Fu Sizhuo a confession letter and give it to him in person on the day of the ceremony.
She was always afraid she would lose her chance, so she held tight to every opportunity, no matter how small.
She remembered putting on her most beautiful makeup and, on purpose, not wearing the uniform bachelor's gown.
And she truly had seen him again that day—just as she had hoped.
He had worn a black shirt and tailored trousers, looking thinner than before, more mature, more distant.
There were many people taking photos that day. She held the letter between her fingers, hesitant but hopeful, unable to step forward.
She overheard Zhou Yu asking him, "Hey, A-Zhuo, I have a junior from the landscape department—her name is Shen Zhuying. I think she went to the same high school as you. Do you know her?"
She clenched the corner of the letter so tightly it almost crumpled. Her heart felt as though suspended by a thread, and on the other end of that thread—was him.
But Fu Sizhuo clearly had no idea.
"Junior?" he repeated. "A year below me?"
"No, same year," Zhou Yu corrected him. "She repeated a year."
Fu Sizhuo seemed to ponder for a moment before replying, "No. I don't think I know her. We've never really crossed paths."
After a few seconds, he even asked with mild interest, "She's the one you mentioned on the phone? The pretty, good-tempered junior you like?"
"Yes," Zhou Yu admitted easily. "Everyone likes her. You would too, if you spent time with her."
"Is that so?" Fu Sizhuo laughed softly, noncommittal. "High praise."
She heard nothing else after that. She had lowered her head, on the verge of tears.
It hurt—this was the answer to six years of silent affection.
He would never know how hard she had tried, again and again, to get close to him.
And how she had failed, again and again.
And now, a decade later, the answer was still the same—
A blank page.
Walking down the road with her head bowed, she even found the mood to think—
They suited each other, he and that elegant woman.
——
Elsewhere, Fu Sizhuo glanced at the time and then turned toward Chen Qingqing. "Miss Chen, it's getting late. Shall I drive you home?"
"Oh—yes," she said, still slightly dazed.
"Look again and I'll gouge your eyes out."
Was that something the always composed, courteous Fu Sizhuo would actually say?
She recalled the cold, intimidating weight of his voice and felt goosebumps rise. In the car, she couldn't help asking,
"Sizhuo, you really didn't know her? That girl?"
"Must I know her?" he asked calmly.
"No, but… why were you so angry…? I feel like even if I were the one bullied, you wouldn't be that angry."
He could hear the coquettish undertone in her voice.
He tapped the steering wheel with long, slender fingers and said nothing.
When the car stopped beneath her apartment building, he hesitated briefly before speaking.
"Miss Chen, you know today's blind date was arranged by my grandmother. It wasn't my idea."
"I know," she murmured, clutching her purse. "But I wanted to come."
"And blind dates are just two people trying to see if something works. We got along well today, didn't we?"
She said it lightly, but she looked as though she might cry.
She understood him well—perhaps because of his profession. His emotional intelligence was high, and he never let anyone's words fall unanswered.
He could get along with anyone.
He always maintained perfect distance.
And right now, in the dim light, his eyes were full of unmistakable detachment.
"We can try a little longer," she whispered. "There's no need to reject me so quickly. We can… at least be friends."
"Apologies," he said plainly, without the slightest intention of softening his words. "I have no desire to develop a relationship with anyone right now."
"And my work is demanding," he added honestly. "I would not be a suitable boyfriend—or husband. So… I truly am sorry."
"Who wants your apology?" she snapped, hurt. "Fine! I don't even like you that much!"
She turned and slammed the door.
He rubbed his brow helplessly.
Just as he was about to start the car, she stormed back, furious, and pounded on his window.
He lowered it. "Did you forget something—"
"You—You're unbelievable! I only said we could try! I didn't ask for your life! Why are you so decisive?!"
"You'll stay single for the rest of your life like this! I hope you stay single forever!"
Having delivered her curse, she finally felt better and strode away, leaving him massaging his temples again.
It began to drizzle on his drive back. Thinking of the interrogation waiting at home from his grandmother, he slowed the car.
Then, through the thin veil of rain, he saw a slender figure crouched beside a bus stop.
He recognized her—the girl from the restaurant.
Chen Qingqing's voice echoed in his mind—
"Why were you so angry…?"
Why indeed?
He didn't know. He barely remembered interacting with her before. He didn't even know her name.
How strange.
Before he could untangle his thoughts, his foot moved on its own, stepping on the brake. He slowly pulled up beside her.
He lowered the window.
The girl, who had been crouching idly, lifted her head—
And when his face came into view, her eyes widened in visible shock.
She looked genuinely startled.
At least, that was how it seemed to him.
"You…" she began, but couldn't finish.
"Me?" he tilted his head. "Is there something wrong?"
"Did you need something, sir?" she asked after a few seconds, her tone distant, as though they were strangers.
Through the curtain of rain, his sharply contoured face blurred, but his voice reached her ears clearly.
"My destination is close to your flower shop," he said. "Would you like a ride?"