Chapter 17: I Don’t Want Your House or Your Car, Nor Do I Want You

In Xia An’s impression, Le Ning rarely wore skirts except when performing on stage. The few skirts she did own for daily wear were long, reaching her ankles. In his past life, he hadn’t given these details much thought, but now, they inexplicably surfaced on their own.

Le Ning was a woman both outwardly and inwardly traditional, with a very conservative heart—like a private museum open only to him alone.

Their first night together wasn’t until their wedding night, something unimaginable in later times. By then, Le Ning was already thirty-two years old. Xia An remembered that night vividly; Le Ning, struggling to hide an uncharacteristic shyness, asked him, "No one has seen them before, do you think my legs are beautiful?"

He pushed the memory aside.

Across the street, a white dress adorned with blue floral patterns fluttered gracefully. Le Ning stepped out of the gatehouse, waiting for the traffic light. She saw Xia An, expressionless yet inwardly surprised. Her hair had been cut short, and she wore a white shirt paired with casual pants. Suddenly, Le Ning felt Xia An exuded a much more mature aura.

In her hand was a plastic bag containing two transparent boxes, neatly filled with large, bright red strawberries. She had promised to bring them for him during their phone call that night. Le Ning always kept her promises to him.

Xia An waved to her, but a speeding car blocked his gesture. Once it passed and the splashes settled, he only saw her figure as she hurried into the residential area.

After the white dress disappeared from view, Xia An received a text from Le Ning:

“Wait a moment, I’m changing clothes.”

“No rush,” he replied.

Xia An chuckled softly.

Forty minutes later, Le Ning reappeared, now in a white shirt and jeans, her high ponytail still damp. She had a blue women’s bicycle with a basket holding the strawberries. As she approached, Xia An noticed she was slightly out of breath.

“You haven’t even dried your hair,” Xia An remarked, implying she could take her time bathing.

Le Ning sensed the caring undertone, which surprised and puzzled her. He had never spoken to her so gently before; he was usually indifferent.

Tilting her head, Le Ning studied Xia An carefully and realized he had changed—not just in style or demeanor, but in the very way he looked at her, smiled, and spoke.

People who love you understand you better than you do yourself.

She wondered if he had truly grown up after the college entrance exams. She had thought she’d have to wait until he graduated university or faced setbacks in life.

How wonderful.

Le Ning swung her head, the ponytail swaying twice, signaling for Xia An to hop on.

Xia An smiled wryly. “You’re giving me a ride?”

Le Ning said, “We’re almost late.”

Xia An suggested taking a taxi.

“It’s just a ten- or fifteen-minute ride. Don’t waste money.”

Xia An nudged her chin playfully. This was something that never happened before.

Le Ning furrowed her beautiful brows but said nothing, climbing onto the back seat by herself.

For the first fifty meters, neither spoke. Le Ning was naturally taciturn, and Xia An felt a bit uneasy.

He noticed the strawberries in the basket were washed and had the calyxes removed.

“Did you pick these yourself?”

“Yes.”

Le Ning held onto his shirt with one hand and gripped the edge of the bicycle’s rear rack with the other.

“My grandmother’s house has two big greenhouses full of strawberries. I secretly saved the bigger ones for myself.”

Xia An didn’t respond verbally but said, “Hold onto my waist. Don’t fall.”

Le Ning took a deep breath, clenched her fists, and slowly wrapped her arms around him.

He had abs.

That was Le Ning’s first physical sensation of him.

“When will your uncle and aunt return?”

“They land at eight tonight.”

“Are you going to pick them up? If you have a lot of luggage, I can come with you.”

“That’s a deal—you pedal half the way, I’ll pedal the other half. It’s too far to go alone.”

Le Ning chuckled lightly.

……

The Royal Dynasty Hotel.

The name made Xia An scoff. Nowadays, businesses liked to inflate their titles for prestige. It was all about showmanship.

After a while, the trend shifted toward smaller, refined establishments, named after small animals or fruits. For example, his own chain of ninety-one hotels was called Pomelo—fresh and pleasant sounding.

Suppressing the urge to hand the bicycle keys to the doorman, Xia An and Le Ning entered together.

-----------------

In well-to-do families, timing the banquet for a child’s academic achievement was crucial.

After twelve years of study, it was time to pray for career success and a bright future.

The Chi family held a banquet for their son, Chi Ao, who had been admitted to Renmin University.

Fortune-telling predicted a smooth path ahead—wealth, honor, fame, and fortune were assured.

They only had to start the event precisely at 10:08 a.m., down to the second.

But the guest of honor hadn’t arrived, and Chi Ao refused to concede.

He argued with his father in a corner.

Chi’s father smiled faintly, “Don’t make me slap you today.”

“I’m just waiting for one classmate who’s not here yet. Can we wait a few minutes?”

“Who’s missing? They’re all at the two tables by the banquet hall door,” his father said, pointing.

“Today you’re the star. Your classmates can wait until you speak on stage. Miss the timing, and your future’s over.”

Chi Ao, for the first time, dared to defy his father, stiffening his neck: “I won’t—”

“Won’t, won’t, won’t!” his father raised a hand, eyes wide.

Chi Ao shrank back but had already decided: when he spoke on stage, he would publicly confess to Le Ning.

What was the point if she wasn’t there?

The future? Love was more important.

In the end, the two reached an agreement.

The parents would start the event, and once everyone had arrived, Chi Ao would make his grand speech.

“Get lost and memorize your speech.”

……

Students in the arts class generally came from comfortable families, but no one’s banquet was as extravagant as this.

Outside the hotel stood a grand dragon gate arch; the parking lot was filled with luxury cars. There were sixty tables.

Officials from the education committee and political and business circles were present.

The banquet hall’s lights flickered as eight cold and eight hot dishes were served, including several live seafood platters.

Everyone knew Chi Ao’s family was wealthy but hadn’t expected such opulence.

Among the boys, those close to Chi Ao boasted about how cool he was at school.

“He has a noble air and resilience—getting into Yanjing University makes perfect sense.”

“Yes, Liu Xiaohua and I are also at Yanjing. When you come, we’ll host you with Chi Ao.”

The girls whispered.

“I heard Chi Ao’s dad is giving him a car today?”

“There’s a Volkswagen Golf downstairs with a big bow on it. I saw it when we arrived.”

“That’s a Golf, not a sports car.”

“That’s still better than my parents buying me an Apple laptop.”

“My boyfriend gave me a box of condoms. You should try it too.”

Art students were generally more mature early on, knowing more about things beyond academics and weighing their options carefully.

“Yeah, it’s a Golf. I plan to take Le Ning for a spin in it today.”

No one noticed when Chi Ao arrived.

Upon hearing this, classmates froze.

One boy slapped his thigh, “Whoa, you’re gonna make your move today?”

Chi Ao tossed a pack of Zhonghua cigarettes onto the table for everyone to help themselves.

He patted a nearby boy’s shoulder and gulped two swigs of cola from his cup.

“That’s right. I’m going to confess to her publicly, loud and clear.”

Exciting!

The teenagers cheered.

Chi Ao adjusted his tie and smiled, “Make some noise for me then!”

“Definitely!”

At that moment, a girl named Niu Fangfang sneered:

“So, Rich Kid Chi, only now do you dare confess? What were you doing the past three years? Afraid Xia An would beat you up?”

Some laughed; others defended him.

Chi Ao’s face fell, rolling his eyes, “Afraid of him? Look, he promised me before, but today he didn’t even dare come! Niu Fangfang, where’s Le Ning?”

“Funny you ask.”

Niu Fangfang, with her frizzy perm, shook her phone.

“She just told me she’s going upstairs with Xia An.”

—Going upstairs?

—Which floor?

—Did they book a room? Me, Chi Ao?

Niu Fangfang spat at a few boys, “Can you be any grosser? We’re in the elevator, almost there!”

……

Xia An and Le Ning arrived two minutes late.

The delay was mainly because Xia An hadn’t quite gotten the hang of riding a bike, affecting their speed.

As the waiter opened the door for them, Chi Ao’s mother, speaking in a thick Northeastern accent, was reading from a script on stage.

The room was dark except for spotlights illuminating the stage.

The scent of cheap incense, damp carpet, and food filled the air.

Xia An bit into a strawberry, feeling around in the dark to locate the two tables where his classmates sat.

In fact, they had noticed the pair earlier, and the lively atmosphere had momentarily stilled.

No surprise—these two were both rather aloof.

One was a rough diamond, the other icy and distant; both notoriously poor at making friends.

Xia An studied painting, came from a modest background, but was handsome and usually quiet, making him quite popular at school.

Still, he had a bad temper and liked to fight, wielding pencils, brushes, paints, and palettes as weapons.

He wasn’t interested in women, or perhaps it was because a school beauty always followed him around that he kept his distance.

Le Ning, aside from Niu Fangfang, rarely spoke more than three sentences to anyone.

People who were so different from the crowd found it hard to make friends.

Seeing the two walk side by side like a golden couple, many boys, including Chi Ao, felt frustrated.

Under the full moon, no matter how bright the stars, there was only one Le Ning—who said only Chi Ao could like her?

If we can’t win, can’t we at least dream secretly?

Swallowing his bitterness, Chi Ao forced a fake smile and greeted them.

“Welcome.”

Le Ning coldly replied, “Congratulations.”

Xia An, being an adult now, no longer put on a pretentious act like before.

He politely smiled and nodded, “Thanks for inviting everyone.”

Chi Ao noticed Xia An’s empty hands and just nodded, ignoring him.

He stepped forward and reached out to Le Ning.

“Since you’re here, why so formal, bringing gifts? Strawberries? My favorite…”

Le Ning had already sat beside Niu Fangfang, placing the strawberries in the center.

“These are for Xia An, the gift I picked for him’s in my pocket.”

Chi Ao wanted to cry.

Xia An smacked his lips, smiling and patted him.

“Want me to ask the waiter for another plate?”

Before he could say more, Le Ning pushed him between herself and the boy to her left, Wu Jinzong.

Wu Jinzong, with a face full of small scars, had expected Le Ning to sit there when he saw Niu Fangfang nearby.

He had been looking forward to this for a long time.

Now, with their imminent separation looming, this last chance to get close to his unspoken love was lost.

Xia An! The curse of wife-stealing, unforgivable…

“Little fatty,” Xia An poked Wu Jinzong.

Wu instantly perked up and leaned close, smiling, “Hey, what’s up, Xia An?”

“What did you give Chi Ao?”

Xia An nodded toward Chi Ao walking toward the stage.

Like Christmas, New Year’s, and birthdays, guests at graduation banquets usually gave small gifts—cards, picture books, crystal balls, music boxes.

Xia An had completely forgotten this and felt it was odd to just give a 200-yuan red envelope.

Yes, he had money again.

Yesterday, when parting with Tang Wan, she had forced a handful of cash into his hands—878.40 yuan, exact.

Hearing Xia An was broke, Tang Wan had kept thinking about him until she gave him all her wallet’s contents.

Wu Jinzong quickly took off his backpack and pulled out a greeting card.

“Nothing special.”

Xia An flipped through it.

Inside it read:

—Wishing you a bright future and endless success in Pengcheng

—Your friend, Wu Jinzong

The card’s texture was rough and uneven, with a messy drawing on the front.

Wu scratched his head, saying he’d drawn it himself.

“That’s quite original then,” Xia An’s eyes lit up. “Mind if we sign it together?”

“?”

Wu didn’t understand but saw Xia An take a water-based pen and add “and Xia An” after his name.

He also corrected a character back to “success.”

Xia An explained he wasn’t trying to correct him but wanted to share credit.

“So that’s one-eighth of the eight characters, right?”

Wu nodded reluctantly.

Nearby, everyone burst into laughter.

Even usually cold and distant Le Ning smiled faintly.

Everyone ate and drank, no one mentioned Chi Ao’s upcoming confession.

Most didn’t want to cause trouble but were eager to watch.

Including Niu Fangfang.

She wasn’t Le Ning’s friend, at least neither thought so.

Niu Fangfang was straightforward and loyal.

She admired Le Ning’s pride and had never mocked her for being pretty but aloof.

That was all.

Niu Fangfang asked Le Ning, “I heard you two are going to the same university again? What, tying him down now?”

Le Ning only nodded.

Niu Fangfang said, “Pathetic, can’t even let go of someone who doesn’t love you?”

Le Ning moved the strawberry bag closer to Xia An.

Then retorted, “Meeting someone worth loving is rare. Why let go?”

Niu Fangfang pouted and shrugged, “Maybe. We’re all the same.”

Le Ning didn’t understand the meaning.

Niu Fangfang bit a crab leg and glanced at the stage. “Let’s watch the show.”

On stage, Chi’s stout, typical nouveau riche father spoke loudly.

Chi Ao stood at the edge, waiting for his cue.

Xia An overheard Le Ning and Niu Fangfang’s conversation but had no comment.

He knew Le Ning well; that was all she could say.

Recalling the six months of 2019—engagement, marriage, divorce—there was nothing like this.

Chi’s father laughed heartily, breaking Xia An’s thoughts.

“Today is a great day for our humble family to produce a distinguished son.

“Thanks to all relatives and friends here, especially Mr. Zhang from Tang Group.

“Three generations of poor farmers—without your company’s support, our Chi family wouldn’t have this honor.

“Come, son, say a few words. You’re the star today.

“Dad is rewarding you with your favorite car to celebrate your—your…”

Chi Ao snatched the microphone, “What Dad meant was ‘making the list’.”

His opening words, uttered with a smile, drew laughter.

Like Le Ning, Chi Ao was in the city youth music band, often performing without stage fright.

He quickly thanked everyone—parents, school, teachers.

After the obligatory remarks, he shifted tone sharply.

Chi Ao turned forty-five degrees to his left, pointing to the back row.

“My dad says the car is a gift for adulthood and graduation, but for me, the best gift I want in my life is you.”

The guests were puzzled.

Chi’s parents were stunned—this wasn’t in the script.

The classmates were excited.

Xia An was thrilled, almost craving some sunflower seeds.

Curiously, he realized Chi Ao’s intention in less than half a second.

He glanced at Le Ning; she was looking at him. They exchanged a glance: Xia An smiled slyly, Le Ning bit her lip and pinched him.

He had to admire Chi Ao’s courage.

Probably because they were about to be separated by distance, he was anxious—otherwise, he wouldn’t dare do this in such an improper setting.

He was doomed.

Sure enough, after Chi Ao said, “Le Ning, be my girlfriend,” the spotlight swiftly shifted.

It covered Wu Jinzong, Xia An, Le Ning, and Niu Fangfang entirely.

Thousands of eyes turned.

Wu looked uneasy.

Xia An smiled at everyone and waved his hands.

Le Ning remained motionless.

Niu Fangfang flicked her purple fringe.

Anyone with eyes could tell who Le Ning was among the four.

One second, two seconds...

Normally, any elder with sense would have grabbed the mic to interrupt, but Chi’s parents thought, “Let it go, he’s just being pushed into it.”

With so many influential people present, they dared not lose face.

They trusted their family’s strength and their son’s wisdom would prevent him from doing anything reckless.

A public confession? Surely the two had planned this for attention.

But Chi Ao’s wisdom was clearly inferior to his parents’.

He repeated, “Le Ning, be my girlfriend.”

By then, the hotel concierge had handed him the microphone.

Le Ning sighed and stood.

“Chi Ao, you’re an excellent boy, but I believe you deserve a better girl.”

“No!”

Chi Ao raised his voice.

“I only want you. I know you have high standards.

“Don’t worry, I’ll work hard, master music, secure my future, and earn a big house and luxury car for you…”

It was a bit nauseating; everyone, young and old, felt it.

What is this? Playing house?

Before he finished, Le Ning interrupted.

“A person without greed receives gifts;

“One who asks questions expecting answers only finds disappointment.

“Chi Ao, I’m a girl who neither wants your house nor your car.

“And I don’t want you.”

Amidst the quiet laughter, Xia An gave Le Ning a thumbs-up.

Right values, sharp temper.

At thirty-two, she said, “You won’t wait for Zuo You anymore. I’m old enough now, no longer needing to talk about love with you. Just marry me.”

She didn’t chase trends or ride waves; she had her own sea and was her own ferryman.

That was her.

That was his Le Ning from his past life.

***

Unable to stop without cutting the story, here are two parts combined, 5,500 words.

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