Chapter 9 How Could a Man Be So Striking?
Friday's blind date wasn't just for Tan Zheng and Song Ni; their mothers also planned to meet and chat. So, when Song Ni suggested Tan Zheng pick her up from school, both mothers were a little surprised. Madam Song even called to inquire, fearing Song Ni was trying to escape, while Madam Tan had already gone to Tan Zheng's place early that morning.
Tan Zheng, who had been busy until three in the morning, woke up to find his mother already sitting in the living room, a cup of tea prepared for him. He found it amusing. "Mom, are you afraid I'll run away?"
Madam Tan put down her cup and frowned at his messy hair. "If I don't come, you'll just wear those strange clothes again, won't you?" Tan Zheng paused his drinking and tugged at his lips. His mother still thought he was like he was when he used to race cars. Annoyed, he instinctively reached for his pocket.
Madam Tan, with her sharp eyes, noticed his movement and put down her teacup heavily. "You still smoke all day?"
Tan Zheng:.......
"You know smoking is bad for you. Your father quit years ago!" Tan Zheng ran a hand through his hair and took a deep breath to suppress his irritation. "A well-behaved young lady won't tolerate the smell of smoke." Madam Tan had her calculations straight; she could only convince the older generation to quit smoking, so the younger one would be left to the future daughter-in-law.
Upon hearing this, Tan Zheng suddenly recalled the "well-behaved" young lady his mother spoke of, the one who swung a signboard at a grown man's head that night. He let out a scoff. "Aren't you afraid your son will scare the girl with his wildness?"
Madam Tan's brow furrowed, then relaxed. "You haven't reached that level of wildness yet." She knew her son well. He simply liked dangerous things and lived a bit roughly, but what could be done? It was in his father's genes. "Hurry and change into something nice. You're going to pick up Ni Ni from school later."
Tan Zheng's eyebrows rose. He didn't find it troublesome. Ever since he had agreed to the blind date on his mother's whim, he had been mentally prepared.
Xing University was one of the top universities in Xingcheng, located in the bustling university town with several entrances. Tan Zheng drove to the south gate and then called the number his mother had given him. The person on the other end was busy.
Song Ni was on the phone with Qin Yang, who had specifically called to wish her luck upon hearing about the blind date that afternoon. "Baby, go, go, go! Conquer Elder Tan! I'll get to bask in your glory!"
Song Ni raised an eyebrow. "When did I say I was going to conquer him?"
Qin Yang scoffed confidently. "Don't I know you? If you had no interest in Elder Tan, why would Miss Song agree to a blind date so obediently?" Song Ni, despite her demure appearance, was very opinionated. No one could force her to do something she didn't want to. Hearing Qin Yang's words, Song Ni curved her lips and didn't refute. She was indeed curious about Tan Zheng, but whether she wanted to "conquer" him... that remained to be seen.
The moment she hung up, her phone rang again. Song Ni glanced at the unfamiliar number on the screen and instinctively tightened her grip. After all, it was her first time meeting such a man, and some nervousness was inevitable.
As soon as she answered, he got straight to the point. "I'm at the south gate." His voice was still deep and husky, and through the phone, it sounded like it carried an electric current. Song Ni held the phone away from her ear and pinched her earlobe. She could hear the slight raspiness in his voice, indicating he had likely just smoked.
"I'm at the north gate." There was a brief pause on the other end. Song Ni thought he hadn't heard clearly and was about to repeat herself when a short, sharp laugh came through. "Wait." The call was then disconnected.
Song Ni looked at her phone screen, frowning slightly, displeased. That laugh reminded her of how she had fallen onto the ground that day. She recalled Tan Zheng had also laughed then. Although Tan Zheng might not have known who she was that day, he would surely remember when they met. The thought of her embarrassment then made her head ache.
Friday's campus seemed more vibrant than usual. Song Ni stood under a tree by the school entrance, watching people come and go, lost in thought. She had always felt that her youthful energy didn't quite match the campus atmosphere. It was better in high school, but the feeling became even stronger in college. As a result, she hadn't made many friends at school, but with Qin Yang and Cheng Ling by her side, she didn't feel lonely.
Interactions between people depended on their circles and fate. She had once harbored a desire to fit in, but gave up after only a month or two. Now, in her seventh year at the school, she felt only familiarity, no other emotions. The school was large, but the drive was only about ten minutes. Moreover, Tan Zheng had driven straight through campus, so Song Ni hadn't waited too long.
As the car stopped in front of her, Song Ni pulled herself back from her thoughts and looked up leisurely, appraising it. It was a black urban SUV, its body shimmering under the sunlight, making it more striking. It was spotless, and the reflections seemed to brighten the otherwise mild weather. Song Ni thought Tan Zheng was quite particular; whether the car was always kept this way or had been specifically cleaned before he came, it looked pleasing to the eye.
Song Ni suddenly curved her lips and smiled. She seemed to always notice strange details. The car window slowly rolled down, and listening to the sound, Song Ni looked at the person in the driver's seat without flinching. Gradually, his face was revealed. Just like the day she saw him before, but his hair was tidied. His nose was high, his jawline sharp, and his Adam's apple sexy.
Song Ni's heart skipped a beat. How could there be such a man, so striking? Just his profile exuded masculinity. Tan Zheng turned his head, lazily lifting his eyelids to meet Song Ni's gaze. It seemed casual, but Song Ni inexplicably felt his gaze was aggressive, and he clearly knew it but made no move to restrain himself.
Song Ni's breath hitched, and her hand, gripping her bag, tightened. She felt a familiar sense of pressure. Why wasn't he surprised at all? Was it because she had worn a hat that day and he hadn't recognized her? These questions quickly flashed through Song Ni's mind. The man rested one hand on the steering wheel, his relaxed and casual posture all falling into Song Ni's eyes. Though he said nothing, Song Ni sensed a hint of impatience. He glanced at the car door, then his gaze fell on the passenger door handle. She didn't believe he would get out to open the door for her. Not one to be finicky, she walked forward, opened the door, and got in.
As she fastened her seatbelt, Song Ni heard a short laugh beside her ear. Her hand paused, and she frowned slightly. She could tell his laugh wasn't mocking; in fact, it seemed to express satisfaction with her getting into the passenger seat. But she was somewhat annoyed by his laugh because it always reminded her of her embarrassment that day.
Song Ni didn't hold back and asked directly, "What are you laughing at?"
Song Ni: What are you laughing at? Laugh again and I'll hit you?
(End of this chapter)