Chapter 1611

After the afternoon classes ended, Xiao Qingqing packed up her bag and turned to Mu Nuan with a curious glance. "Nuan Nuan, do you have plans with Ye later?" "Nope, why?" "Well, since you're free, let's grab dinner at the cafeteria together. Ding You's coming too." Mu Nuan had never been particularly fond of Ding You, so she usually declined whenever Xiao Qingqing invited her to join them. But today, to her friend's surprise, she agreed without hesitation. Xiao Qingqing nudged her playfully with an elbow, grinning. "Wow, did the sun rise from the west today?" "What, you don’t want me to come?" "Of course I do! I’d be thrilled. Come on, let’s go!" Xiao Qingqing looped her arm through Mu Nuan’s, steering her toward the cafeteria where Ding You was waiting. As they walked, Mu Nuan suddenly asked, "Qingqing, have you ever thought about your future with Ding You?" Xiao Qingqing frowned slightly, caught off guard by the question. Mu Nuan pressed on, a hint of anticipation in her voice. "Don’t tell me you’ve never considered it?" "Well… I have, just not too far ahead. There are basically three possibilities, right? Either we fall victim to the 'breakup after graduation' curse, or… we last a while but eventually reality tears us apart. Or, you know, we just keep walking forward—until we get married." "How likely do you think marriage is for you two?" Xiao Qingqing sucked in a breath. "You know me—I only took the leap with him because he treats me well, and I wanted to hold onto that warmth. So far, he’s been decent. If he doesn’t bring up breaking up, I probably won’t either. But honestly, it’s too early to say. What about you? Have you thought about it?" Mu Nuan shrugged. "The other day, Hannah said we’d never break up—that he’s already picked out names for our kids and even decided where we’ll be buried together. It sounded like a joke at first, but… it felt like a promise to me. So lately, I’ve been seriously thinking about it too." "Oh my god!" Xiao Qingqing clapped her hands together, her eyes sparkling. "Ye is seriously one of those rare, dependable 'puppy-dog' guys. I’m telling you, I can’t wait to see you two make it official. I’ll be your maid of honor—and I’m calling dibs on being godmother to your future kids!" Mu Nuan gave her a playful wink. "What's the big deal? I'm just worried you might get married before me and miss your chance to be my bridesmaid." Xiao Qingqing shrugged. "Unlikely. If things work out between us, we probably won't tie the knot before you and Ye. Ding You says his ideal marriage age is 27." "But what if you two don't make it in the end? Would you be upset?" "Upset... Yeah, probably. After all, he's my first boyfriend." Mu Nuan nodded, a flicker of concern crossing her mind. She truly wished Qingqing could marry for love—but not if that love came from some heartless player. As they turned onto the path leading to the cafeteria, they spotted Ding You waiting in the distance. Beside him stood Yang Yun, the girl Mu Nuan had encountered earlier that afternoon. Mu Nuan instinctively glanced at Qingqing, whose brows had already knitted together at the sight of the pair. "Nuannuan," Qingqing sighed, "looks like you're about to witness another embarrassing scene." "Your business is never embarrassing to me," Mu Nuan replied firmly. Touched, Qingqing offered her a resigned smile. Ding You had already broken away from Yang Yun and was hurrying toward them. "Qingqing," he said in a low voice, his forehead creased with worry, "I didn't invite her. She showed up on her own." "Mm," Qingqing responded coolly. Mu Nuan shot Ding You a withering look, making him clear his throat uncomfortably. At the cafeteria entrance, Yang the Harvey family gaze swept over Mu Nuan before she flashed Qingqing a wide grin. "Why the long face, junior? Something bothering you?" Seeing Qingqing's silent anger, Mu Nuan stepped forward. "Cut the act, senior. Frankly, just looking at your face puts me in a bad mood—must be that unfortunate complexion of yours." With a sickeningly sweet tone, she put on her best "innocent girl" act and cooed, "Oh dear, senior, you don't look so well. Are you upset because of what I said? Silly me, I'm just too blunt—I can't stand telling lies. I heard your family's quite well-off. Hasn't anyone suggested you get some plastic surgery? Honestly, what kind of man would have the stomach to kiss a face like yours? Just some friendly advice, senior—you really should consider getting some work done." Yang Yun clenched her teeth, her expression turning icy. "Mu Nuan, just because your boyfriend is Ye Heng'an, do you think everyone has to put up with your nonsense?" "Who my boyfriend is doesn't matter," Mu Nuan retorted coolly. "What matters is that I, Mu Nuan, was born proud. Shameless, low-class trash like you better learn to behave around me. I don't tolerate such disgusting behavior." Yang Yun turned slightly and nudged Ding You's arm, her voice dripping with feigned hurt. "Ding You, aren't you going to say anything while your girlfriend's roommate talks to people like this?" Xiao Qingqing yanked Ding You behind her and stepped forward, a mocking smile playing on her lips. "My roommate can say whatever she wants. What right does Ding You have to comment?" "Oh, Qingqing, junior," Yang Yun sighed dramatically, "why are you being so harsh too? You're so lucky to have met a wonderful guy like Ding You. You should cherish him and be a little gentler, or else..." She trailed off meaningfully, glancing up at Ding You with a sly smile. Ding You tensed and quickly cut in, "Senior, please stop. My girlfriend and I are going to get dinner. You can do as you please." With that, he took Xiao Qingqing's hand and hurried toward the cafeteria. Xiao Qingqing shot Yang Yun one last disdainful look before linking arms with Mu Nuan and following Ding You. Yang Yun, though ignored, didn't seem the least bit upset. Instead, a smug, knowing smile curled her lips as she watched the trio walk away. During dinner, Mu Nuan observed the young couple across from her. Their expressions were serious, devoid of the usual blissful glow of new love. It was clear they needed to talk, and she felt out of place staying. Pushing her chopsticks aside, she excused herself, claiming she'd lost her appetite, and left early. Once outside the restaurant, Mu Nuan called Ye Heng'an to let him know she'd be staying at his apartment that night. Naturally, Ye Heng'an was overjoyed—this was the first time since they'd officially gotten together that Nuan Nuan had voluntarily offered to stay over. He immediately set aside his work and rushed back to the apartment. Mu Nuan recounted the events of that evening to Ye Heng'an. Seeing the worry etched across her face, he sighed helplessly and said, "You're getting all worked up over someone else's business." "This isn't just 'someone else's business.' It's Qingqing we're talking about. She's a very important friend to me," she insisted, turning to him with anxious eyes. "Didn't you go to gather evidence? Any luck getting it?" "Hold on, let me check," Ye Heng'an replied, pulling out his phone and dialing a number. "Uncle San, any updates?" A calm, warm voice came through the other end of the line—Samuel's. "The fish has taken the bait."