Her attitude surprised Zhang Yang, who glanced at Shen Mu for his reaction. Shen Mu, with a slight smile, patted Zhang Yang’s shoulder, “Selling something is like this, the highest bidder wins, no need for personal considerations.”
Xu Ke felt uneasy looking at Shen Mu’s nonchalant, detached demeanor. Initially, she felt slightly indebted to him for showing her the house, but now his words had stirred up her discomfort. Was he helping her or just teasing her? Her pride flared up, and she turned to leave with the reluctant Lin Yao in tow.
Shen Mu came over, “I’ll drive you back.” Lin Yao’s eyes lit up, but Xu Ke calmly declined, “No need, we’ll take the bus.” Shen Mu watched her with a slight frown, showing a hint of displeasure. Xu Ke could clearly see the word “stubborn” in his eyes.
Leaving Green Island, the sky was overcast, and the wind had picked up. Xu Ke, wearing a spring dress, felt the thin fabric cling to her legs as the wind blew, accentuating her slender figure. Moments later, a Porsche sped past, the wind lifting her skirt, leaving her both embarrassed and angry as she watched the car disappear, noting its license plate: A520. Showoff!
Lin Yao’s envious gaze followed the car until it turned the corner, then she exclaimed, “He drives a Porsche, he must be rich. How do you know him?” Xu Ke was silent for a moment before saying, “His father was once my stepfather.”
Lin Yao stopped in her tracks, her eyes wide, “So he’s like your brother!” Xu Ke replied indifferently, “Sort of, but he’s a stranger. Haven’t seen him in six years.” Lin Yao’s eyes sparkled as she began to ask more about Shen Mu. Xu Ke answered sporadically, feeling helpless yet unable to show her annoyance or outright tell her that such a person was out of her league.
Before they reached the bus stop, fine rain began to fall. Fortunately, it was just a spring drizzle, gently and coolly landing on their brows without making them too disheveled. This was a villa area, where most residents had their own cars, so taxis were scarce. Xu Ke was looking forward to the bus when she unexpectedly saw the A520 speeding towards them from the intersection. Her heart stirred, thinking he had turned back because of the rain. However, the car didn’t stop, zooming past her.
Xu Ke bit her lip, feeling a sudden tightness in her chest. The fine rain felt cool on her face, bringing a sense of clarity. She silently reinforced her resolve. Time could erase hatred and dilute the past, but it couldn’t change someone’s essence; he was still the cold, unfeeling person from six years ago. She told herself, for her mental and physical health, this would be the last time she got involved with him. Better not to see him again.
Just as she was thinking this, a Hummer stopped in front of them. The window rolled down halfway, revealing Shen Mu.
