Sweet Temptation: After Rebirth, The Campus Heartthrob Can’t Hide His Feelings Anymore - Chapter 93

Summer in Nancheng was often rainy.

After several days of drizzling, the rain finally stopped today, but the sky remained overcast, as if brewing for a heavy downpour.

Summer vacation was nearing its end.

Unable to decline Uncle Shen’s warm invitation, Xu Zhizhi returned to the Shen family home.

Stepping once again into the villa that had confined her for ten years, Xu Zhizhi’s state of mind was entirely different now.

Even though Xu Zhizhi no longer lived with the Shen family, Shen Yaoxin still had the servants keep her room spotlessly clean.

With a smile, Shen Yaoxin said to Xu Zhizhi, “The Shen family will always have a place for Zhizhi. No matter what happens in the future, the Shen family will always be your support.”

Worried that Xu Zhizhi might not be living well, Shen Yaoxin even specially purchased a spacious apartment for her in Nancheng.

However, Xu Zhizhi had never stayed there.

His words were sincere, his gaze earnest, he truly meant every word.

Looking at Shen Yaoxin’s pale face, Xu Zhizhi felt a complex mix of emotions, unable to express them in words. She could only thank Uncle Shen repeatedly.

Perhaps due to his serious illness, Uncle Shen seemed somewhat listless.

But Shen Yaoxin was in high spirits, chatting with Xu Zhizhi for a long time.

Dinner time arrived.

Shen Yu had been busy preparing the entire meal. For today’s dinner, he had specifically learned how to cook.

Five dishes and one soup, all homely and simple.

As Xu Zhizhi helped Shen Yaoxin to the dining area, Shen Yu, wearing an apron, emerged carrying a steaming bowl of soup.

When he saw Xu Zhizhi, Shen Yu flashed a bright smile. “Please take your seats first. I’ll serve the rice.”

With that, he turned and walked back into the kitchen.

Xu Zhizhi lowered her head, avoiding eye contact.

So, he really had been improving all along.

Shen Yaoxin was visibly delighted and said to Xu Zhizhi with a smile, “That rascal has truly grown up overnight.”

“He used to be so rebellious, making me lose sleep every night. In the blink of an eye, he’s like a different person. I’m actually not quite used to it yet.”

Before Xu Zhizhi could respond, Shen Yu came out carrying bowls of rice, looking at Shen Yaoxin with feigned annoyance. “Dad, I’ve been behaving so well. Can’t you just praise me once?”

“I even specifically learned how to make your favorite sweet and sour ribs from Aunt Zhang. Even if it’s not perfect, I’ve put in the effort,” Shen Yu complained, sounding like a wronged puppy.

“Alright,” Shen Yaoxin said, his eyes crinkling with laughter. “I’ll try them later. If they’re good, I’ll praise you.”

“I guarantee they’ll be delicious,” Shen Yu declared proudly.

“Look at you, getting all cocky now!” Shen Yaoxin let out a hearty laugh.

Shen Yu immediately frowned with concern. “Don’t get so excited. The doctor said your condition requires avoiding extreme emotions, whether joy or sorrow!”

Shen Yaoxin took the advice seriously and quickly waved his hand. “Alright, alright, I’ll stop laughing.”

It was a heartwarming scene of father and son getting along.

Since his rebellious phase, Shen Yu had grown accustomed to doing as he pleased, rarely coming home, spending his days wandering outside, and maintaining a distant relationship with his parents.

The sound of wheelchair wheels reached her ears. Xu Zhizhi turned and saw Sun Xiuya approaching slowly.

Sun Xiuya’s face had gained a rosy glow, unlike the lifeless stillness of before. She seemed spirited and full of vitality.

Shen Yu spoke up, “Now that everyone’s here, let’s eat.”

This was the most harmonious dinner Xu Zhizhi had ever experienced in the Shen family home.

The family of three chatted casually about everyday matters.

Shen Yaoxin was very considerate of Xu Zhizhi’s feelings and made a point to include her in the conversation.

Shen Yu exercised restraint, avoiding any overt attempts to please Xu Zhizhi, instead gently reminding her to eat more.

The meal suited Xu Zhizhi’s taste perfectly.

Worried that her stomach might struggle with digestion, he had specially prepared millet porridge as an option.

After dinner, Shen Yaoxin went to his study to handle some urgent work.

Not wanting to stay too long, Xu Zhizhi quickly said her goodbyes.

“Zhizhi,” Shen Yu called out to her.

Xu Zhizhi turned around to find Shen Yu already walking toward her.

“Let me see you home,” Shen Yu said, his eyes filled with anticipation.

Xu Zhizhi shook her head and smiled faintly. “No need. My boyfriend said he’d pick me up.”

The word “boyfriend” instantly created an insurmountable chasm between them.

Shen Yu lowered his gaze, his eyelashes veiling the disappointment in his eyes. After a moment, he regained his cheerful demeanor. “It’s going to rain. Did you bring an umbrella?”

Xu Zhizhi replied, “Yes, I did.”

With that, she turned to leave.

“Wait.” Shen Yu pulled two art exhibition tickets from his pocket. “There’s an Impressionist painting exhibition next week. I managed to get two tickets.”

Just as Xu Zhizhi was about to refuse,

Shen Yu stepped forward, pressed the tickets into her hand, and smiled. “Don’t look so serious. I’m not asking you to go with me.”

Xu Zhizhi looked at him, puzzled, finding him increasingly hard to understand.

“It’s a special touring exhibition with a limited run. I read the introduction, there are many original works by famous artists.” Shen Yu spoke with feigned nonchalance. “I didn’t want you to miss it. Ask your boyfriend to take you.”

Xu Zhizhi paused. “You…”

“Zhizhi, I want to be good to you,” Shen Yu said, his eyes filled with deep affection. “Even if you don’t like me, I still want to treat you well.”

“I know it’s too late,” he added, his lips pressed together in a pleading tone. “But please don’t take away every chance I have to be good to you, okay?”

“Shen Yu,” Xu Zhizhi stepped back, her heart in turmoil. “Your kindness feels too heavy for me. I can’t bear it.”

She didn’t take the tickets and hurried away.

From the yard, Sun Xiuya watched through the floor-to-ceiling window as Xu Zhizhi resolutely walked away.

Shen Yu raised his hand as if to stop her but ultimately let it drop, bowing his head dejectedly like an abandoned puppy, pitiful and alone.

Sun Xiuya lifted her gaze to the dense night sky and murmured with a sigh, “He’s just like me, when he loves someone, he gives it his all.”

Then, she turned to Aunt Zhang beside her and said, “Take me over, please.”

“Alright.”

As Xu Zhizhi stepped out, Aunt Zhang stopped her.

She explained that Sun Xiuya wanted to see her, there was something important she needed to say.

After a moment of silence, Xu Zhizhi agreed to meet with Sun Xiuya.

The night was deep, and the recent drizzle had washed away the summer heat, leaving a chill in the air.

In the yard, a swing hung from a large tree. Sun Xiuya sat in her wheelchair, gently stroking the ropes of the swing, a faint smile on her face as she reminisced about happier times.

Hearing footsteps, Sun Xiuya didn’t turn around. “You’re here.”

Xu Zhizhi stood before her, meeting her gaze directly. “What did you want to talk about?”

Sun Xiuya handed over an envelope.

Xu Zhizhi opened it with confusion and found two plane tickets inside. “What does this mean?”

“I’ve arranged for A-Yu and you to study abroad together next month,” Sun Xiuya said calmly. “It’s a dual degree program, majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Economics.”

…