Chapter 21: Are You Saying My Brother is Heartless?
Jin Yan Ting, who usually had no time for his own cousin, had extra time to spend with Lian Li.
Xue Shufan knew Lian Li’s feelings and also thought Jin Yan Ting treated Lian Li differently.
Lian Li pondered for a moment and said, “About the same as before.”
Xue Shufan had been passionate about adventures for the past twenty-odd years, with a blank slate in terms of romantic feelings, so she couldn’t offer much advice.
“Your voice today sounds like a husky voice, perfect for singing rock music.” As they walked out of the canteen, Lian Li said to Xue Shufan, tilting her head.
Xue Shufan coughed, her voice still slightly hoarse, “It’s a shame I have to be in the laboratory, otherwise I’d drag you to karaoke right away.”
Lian Li smiled, “That’s a real regret.”
They parted ways at the crossroads; Xue Shufan went to the Experimental Building, and Lian Li returned to the dormitory.
In the first three years, there were many classes, and evening electives, so she basically lived in the dormitory to avoid the hassle. Therefore, her dormitory was well-equipped with daily necessities.
No one was in the dormitory. Lian Li tidied up her desk, felt a bit sleepy, and climbed onto the bed for a nap.
Lian Li didn’t sleep well during this nap, having fragmented dreams.
When she woke up, she checked the time: 2:12 PM.
Lian Li rolled her eyes to help her tired eyes recover. After a moment, she moved her feet to get out of bed. She lifted the bed curtain and found someone had returned.
Shen Huaining, wearing a rose-grey skirt and a knitted cardigan, was sitting on a chair, rummaging through a drawer. Hearing the movement, she turned to look at Lian Li.
“Did I wake you?”
“No.” Lian Li replied, then climbed down the ladder.
Shen Huaining watched her for a moment before continuing to look for things.
Their dormitory had four people, four different majors, and they basically kept to themselves.
Shen Huaining was from the School of Guanghua Management, majoring in finance.
Lian Li glanced at the thick finance-related books on her desk and casually bent down to put on her shoes.
Shen Huaining was the host of various parties and celebrations, active in the school’s spotlight, and was a recognized goddess. Countless people supported her.
Now that the Shen Family had fallen, everyone avoided her like the plague.
Lian Li and Shen Huaining were not close to begin with, so there was no need for superficial pleasantries.
She put on her shoes, stood up, picked up her bag, and said in her usual tone, “I’m leaving now.”
Shen Huaining paused for a moment, turned to look at the door, and called out to Lian Li, “Wait.”
Lian Li stopped and turned to look at her.
Shen Huaining said, “Are you planning to intern at Sheng Jing Group?”
Lian Li didn’t answer immediately, standing still and observing her for a few seconds.
Shen Huaining: “It’s just a graduation internship, not a formal job.”
Lian Li: “I’m not planning to.”
“I plan to go abroad early.” Shen Huaining smiled elegantly, “I thought I could be your colleague before going abroad, but it seems there’s no opportunity.”
Lian Li’s lips curved into a polite smile, and she said, “Have a smooth trip abroad.”
With that, she turned and left.
In the corridor, Lian Li held her mobile phone in one hand and tapped on the calendar.
Elder Mei’s birthday banquet was at the end of next month.
This month was almost over, and she realized she hadn’t visited Elder Mei yet.
The next day, Lian Li brought a gift and went to the Mei family to visit Elder Mei.
Elder Mei had dedicated his life to nurturing talent. Besides being a master educator, he was also a teacher to many high-ranking individuals in politics and business.
He wrote a letter to the authorities, opposing the relocation of the Bei Tang Lane area, causing everyone to halt the project.
Although Elder Mei was not the highest in status, he was the most respected.
No unauthorized personnel were allowed to enter the place where he recuperated.
Before leaving, Lian Li specifically called Secretary Nie to inform him of her approximate arrival time so that the checkpoint on the mountain could grant her passage.
Secretary Nie said with a smile over the phone, “What a coincidence today; Elder Mei is free, and you young people are all coming.”
Upon arriving at the destination and getting out of the car, Lian Li, carrying the gift, walked between two ancient trees with dense leaves towards the main entrance.
The surrounding green mountains wound and coiled, and the distant wind circled through the deep forest before blowing gently.
The cool breeze lifted Lian Li’s dark hair, swirled it, and then quietly slipped away.
The main gate of the courtyard was solemn and majestic. The two iron gates were carved with intricate tiger patterns, and the gilded panels held round, ancient bronze rings.
“Xiao Li.”
Secretary Nie walked out from inside the gate, “You’re here.”
Lian Li smiled, “Uncle Nie.”
Uncle Nie was a trusted confidant of Elder Mei.
“This way.” Uncle Nie led the way for her, “Elder Mei is drinking tea in the chess pavilion.”
Elder Mei had worked diligently his entire life, nurturing and sending out talent. This mountain and water courtyard was allocated to him by the higher authorities to comfort his later years.
Scattered pine leaves lay on the blue brick ground. Lian Li stepped on the fallen leaves, passed through the wooden lattice, and arrived at the chess pavilion.
In the deep walled courtyard, Elder Mei was reading by a stone table. Hearing footsteps, he slowly looked up.
“Xiao Li.”
“Grandpa Mei.” Lian Li placed the food container on the table and said to Elder Mei, “I came to see you and brought some pastries you like.”
Elder Mei put down his book, his voice old and resonant, “You are thoughtful.”
“Are you saying my brother isn’t thoughtful?” Lian Li asked.
Elder Mei chuckled, “You mischievous girl.”
Lian Li blinked, feigning innocence.
Elder Mei poured her a cup of tea. Lian Li accepted it with both hands, “Thank you, Grandpa.”
“Is there nothing going on at school?” Elder Mei asked, taking a sip of tea.
“My classes are finished, and my graduation project has to wait until Professor Lu returns to the capital to begin,” Lian Li replied, sitting on a round stool.
Elder Mei nodded slightly and said, “She’s abroad attending an academic forum.”
Lian Li nodded obediently.
Professor Lu was also once Elder Mei’s student. Elder Mei’s students were practically everywhere.
A moment later, several hearty laughs and conversations could be heard from behind.
Secretary Nie led two young people, saying respectfully, “Please come this way.”
Lian Li politely stood up and, upon seeing who it was, her gaze froze.
The two tall figures gradually approaching were Jin Shi Yue and Pei Qing Ji.
Pei Qing Ji also saw her, with a refined and gentle smile.
“Teacher. Junior Sister.”
Elder Mei looked up and said indifferently, “Why are you two here as well?”
“I haven’t seen you in a while; I’ve been neglecting my food and sleep,” Jin Shi Yue said.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Elder Mei chuckled and pointed at him, “Of all my students, you have the most silver tongue.”
He then looked at Lian Li and said kindly, “Xiao Li, stay away from them, especially this one.”
He was referring to Jin Shi Yue.
“So I’m a virus,” Jin Shi Yue said, “For your birthday next month, I’ll send you five carts of disinfectant as a gift.”
Elder Mei burst into laughter at this.
After the pleasantries, Lian Li opened the food container and took out the pastries made by Zhang Sao, introducing them one by one: “This is pineapple pastry, cheesecake pastry, and flower tea cookie.”
Elder Mei and Pei Qing Ji each picked up a flower tea cookie and put it in their mouths, then nodded, indicating it tasted good.
Jin Shi Yue sat on a stool between Elder Mei and Lian Li, his posture relaxed and his demeanor proper, leaving no room for criticism.
Lian Li’s pupils were tinged with a soft smile. She inadvertently turned her head and suddenly met his faint, distant gaze.
“Junior Sister.”
Lian Li’s eyelids twitched.
