No. 1 High School

Outside the window, the green plants and streetlights sped past, the car moving swiftly as the two of them got out near First High School.

Because of her career, Ye Mian had been keeping a close eye on online trends for a long time. Moreover, her own studio had recently taken on a blogger specializing in exploring new shops, so she often reviewed written drafts. She had heard a thing or two about the new eateries opening in both Wencheng and Jiangcheng.

It was only natural that she took the lead guiding the way.

From a distance, the familiar campus came into view.

First High remained just as she remembered—its old, battered gates overgrown with vines and lush leaves, offering a vivid display of youthful vitality.

Ye Mian’s eyes crinkled as she smiled, pointing at the school gate as she spoke to Jiang Chen. “Back when I was a student, I used to look forward to holidays. Passing by this gate always made me feel stifled, but now, seeing it again, I actually feel nostalgic.”

Jiang Chen followed her gaze and replied offhandedly, “It hasn’t really changed.”

The evening breeze swept over them as they walked together to a nearby tea house.

This tea house was quite unique. There was no glaring signboard, just a palm-sized wooden plaque dangling at the entrance, bearing a single character: Tea.

Whenever someone passed by, the plaque would spin gently in the breeze, and the electronic doorbell would chime melodiously: “A guest has arrived.”

It was Ye Mian’s first time here, too. She led Jiang Chen to the innermost table, where they sat facing each other. The waiter poured them two glasses of water and handed them a menu.

Ye Mian ordered herself a milk tea and some snacks, while Jiang Chen chose a plain tea.

She glanced at the unadorned, flavorless tea before him. His tastes always seemed so restrained and simple, just like his personality.

Tonight’s breeze was cool and pleasant, and many people were out for a stroll near the street.

The tea house was hidden amidst the bustling city, yet exuded a lively, homely atmosphere.

Most of the other customers were young couples, sitting shoulder to shoulder, whispering sweet nothings, the air filled with a sense of leisurely contentment.

Ye Mian sipped her milk tea, savoring the sweet, malty flavor lingering in her mouth. After a moment’s hesitation, she finally asked, “Why did you suddenly come back to Jiangcheng?”

“I had some things to take care of,” Jiang Chen replied, slowly wiping his hands with a napkin.

His answer, as always, was vague and noncommittal. Ye Mian had long since lost the will to press him further.

Just then, the waiter brought over a plate of boneless chicken wings. Ye Mian put on her gloves, about to reach for one, but Jiang Chen stopped her.

“They’re very hot,” he said, eyes lowered. He wrapped the chicken wings in a glove himself, then added a layer of napkin at the edge before handing them to Ye Mian. “Here, eat.”

Ye Mian took the golden, crispy chicken wing and thanked him before taking small bites.

After chewing a couple of times, she looked up and asked, “You’re not having any?”

Jiang Chen sat upright opposite her, his gaze sweeping gently over her face before glancing at the greasy plate.

“No,” he replied.

“Alright, but they’re really delicious. This place has a great reputation.”

Ye Mian seemed genuinely disappointed that he wouldn’t even try a bite. After swallowing a few more mouthfuls, she couldn’t help but mutter, “It’s really quite good. Pity we didn’t know about this place back when we were in school. Then again, even if we had, we probably wouldn’t have had much money to spend here. Business probably wasn’t great back then—only after some short videos went viral did the crowds start coming. If it weren’t for the late hour, we probably wouldn’t have gotten a table.”

Just as she finished speaking and was about to lower her head for another sip of milk tea, something caught her eye and she froze.

Her seat wasn’t far from the window, and she had a clear view of the street outside and the passing crowds. Anyone walking by or coming in was easily in sight.

Her hand, gripping the cup, paused.

In that brief glance, she thought she saw a group of young men and women across the street looking in her direction. It seemed they were waiting for someone, or perhaps confirming something.

Several of the young men especially caught her attention. They looked about her age, but their behavior was that of street toughs—each had large tattoos on their arms, looking quite intimidating.

She was certain she didn’t know any of them. She glanced at Jiang Chen but quickly dismissed the idea. Back in Jiangcheng, Jiang Chen had been a famously outstanding student; there was no way he’d be mixed up with people like that.

Ye Mian stole another quick look outside, then decided to ignore it.

By the time they finished eating, it was already late.

Ye Mian hurried to pay the bill. As Jiang Chen reached for his phone, she quickly pulled out some cash from her bag.

“I have cash, let me,” she insisted.

Ever since Jiang Chen had returned her bag, the thousand yuan she’d used to pay for his company had been placed right back inside. She rarely used cash, keeping it on hand just in case her phone died—perfect for settling bills.

She hadn’t expected it to come in handy for snatching the check tonight.

Jiang Chen glanced at the girl, who was beaming with satisfaction at her victory, and smiled lightly. “It really is easier being the top pick.”

At these words, Ye Mian’s cheeks flushed bright red, and she felt awkward all over.

Heaven knows, she really hadn’t been thinking of Jiang Chen as a male escort this time.

She simply didn’t want to keep accepting his generosity without reciprocating.

She’d never gotten the chance to return the favor for the previous hotel stay and all the gifts he’d given her.

Now, though their relationship hadn’t really changed, they had grown a bit closer, and reciprocity was only natural.

Night had settled thickly over the street.

The cashier seemed flustered. As she took Ye Mian’s money, her hand slipped and she dropped it on the floor. After fumbling for two or three minutes, she finally handed over the receipt.

When she looked up, there was a forced smile on her face. “Thank you… please come again.”

Ye Mian studied her face, thinking it looked vaguely familiar, but when she tried to place her, the sense of recognition vanished.

After leaving the tea house, Ye Mian and Jiang Chen retraced their steps.

Immediately, the tattooed men noticed and began following them, arms slung over each other’s shoulders.

Hearing footsteps behind them, Jiang Chen’s brow twitched, and his gaze briefly left the road ahead.

Discreetly sizing up the group, he slipped his phone back into his pocket.

He stopped walking and, with casual calm, said to the girl beside him, “Ye Mian, I have something to take care of and can’t walk you home. Just call a cab here.”

Ye Mian looked up at him in confusion. “There aren’t any cabs here. If you’re in a hurry, go ahead; I’ll walk to the main road and get one.”

Jiang Chen stared at her intently, his expression turning sharp and unguarded, but he said nothing, as if considering something.

His gaze left her feeling unsettled. She tilted her head. “Really, don’t worry about me. You go on ahead.”

Behind them came the raucous, grating laughter and shouts of the thugs—harsh and unpleasant.

She immediately sensed this was not a good place to linger and was about to suggest they leave together when Jiang Chen suddenly grabbed her arm and pushed her toward the nearest alley.

“This way—go home,” he said.

His rough manner was out of character for him, but it was effective: Ye Mian found herself standing in a new position.

Even if she’d been slow to react, she’d have realized by now—the gang was here for Jiang Chen.

(End of Chapter)