Meanwhile, at Imperial Capital Normal University, Zhou Ya’s only friend wanted to drag her out to eat after class, but Zhou Ya refused.
"I’m going out to eat with a friend later."
Zhou Ya’s face couldn’t help but blush slightly as she spoke, and seeing Zhou Ya’s expression, her best friend suddenly became playfully sarcastic.
"Oh... so you’re going to eat with that academic top student, no wonder you didn’t even bother with me. You’re really putting romance before friendship."
"How can you say I’m putting romance before friendship, I..."
Without giving Zhou Ya any chance to speak, her best friend patted her on the shoulder, with a look that said, "You don’t need to explain, I understand."
"Don’t worry, I’m not the type to stop my good friend from pursuing happiness, and besides, he’s a super top student. If it were me, I’d also be very tempted."
Students able to get into Imperial Capital Normal University certainly aren’t bad, maybe just a bit less lucky compared to students of Imperial Capital University.
"Yes, I’m indeed going to eat with him. We haven’t seen each other for a long time."
As she spoke, scenes from her time in the hospital flashed through Zhou Ya’s mind. Before the hospital incident, Zhou Ya only considered Lin Beichen as an old classmate, just a bit different from others.
But after that incident, Zhou Ya gradually realized that her feelings towards Lin Beichen had shifted.
"Alright, seeing that happy look on your face, I won’t bother you anymore!"
Her best friend patted Zhou Ya on the shoulder and then ran towards the cafeteria. Watching the retreating figure of her friend, Zhou Ya felt a bit guilty.
After all, she’s relatively introverted, doesn’t have many friends at school, and only her roommate and best friend is willing to spend time with her.
"After eating with Lin Beichen, I’ll buy a small gift for her."
As Zhou Ya walked towards the school gate, she murmured to herself.
When she got to the entrance, she saw Lin Beichen standing not far away, with an eye-catching sports car underneath him.
Zhou Ya was a bit surprised as she approached Lin Beichen, and examined him before looking at the car, hesitantly asking.
"Is this car... yours?"
"You’re right, this car is indeed mine."
Lin Beichen replied somewhat helplessly, as this was not his intention. But thinking it through, having a car would be more convenient, so he accepted it.
Moreover, Song Xiangdong had insisted, so refusing would have been impolite.
"Sometimes I really wonder who you really are."
Though Zhou Ya was simple and kind-hearted, she was not foolish. She could clearly sense that Lin Beichen was different, whether it was through the hospital dean’s attitude towards him or his own demeanor.
"I’m just your old classmate, aren’t I?"
Hearing Lin Beichen’s words, Zhou Ya knew that he didn’t want to explain further. Since he didn’t want to say more, she wouldn’t pry.
This was one reason why Zhou Ya was so likable; being around her always felt very comfortable.
"So, old classmate with a sports car, where do you plan to treat me for dinner?"
Zhou Ya deliberately made a playful face, which made Lin Beichen momentarily dazed.
Today Zhou Ya was dressed in a white sports outfit, with her twin ponytails casually tied at the back. This ordinary look gave her a girl-next-door goddess vibe. Lin Beichen even saw a reflection of Akagi Haruko in her.
"To be honest, I haven’t really thought about where to eat, but you can choose."
Lin Beichen had a bank card in his hand, given by Song Xiangdong.
According to Song Xiangdong, even though Lin Beichen and the security bureau were cooperating, each time he completed a task for them, he’d receive a monetary reward.
Lin Beichen never asked how much, and Song Xiangdong never mentioned, but he figured it would be enough for a meal.
Seeing Lin Beichen’s serious face, Zhou Ya couldn’t help but laugh out loud.
"What do you take me for? I wouldn’t choose an expensive place. Let’s just find a small restaurant and have a simple meal."
Zhou Ya spoke with a pout, using her right hand to prop her chin, looking deep in thought.
"I heard from my best friend that about two streets from our school, there’s a Red House Restaurant. Although it looks nice inside, it’s not expensive, and they serve classic snacks and dishes."
As Zhou Ya spoke, her eyes didn’t leave Lin Beichen’s face, wanting to see his reaction.
If Lin Beichen showed a big reaction, Zhou Ya would mention her backup plan, saying she’d rather have cold noodles from the shop at the corner.
But to her surprise, Lin Beichen agreed immediately without a second thought.
"Then please get in the car and lead the way."
Lin Beichen then made an exaggerated gesture, making Zhou Ya giggle. The two of them got in the car, and with the roar of the engine, they drove towards the Red House Restaurant.
However, just as they disappeared, a bespectacled young man arrived at the spot they had just left. Staring in the direction the car had driven off, his expression turned cold.
"So, the reason you never accepted my confession was because of that guy. I thought you didn’t care about money!"
After saying this, the young man spat on the ground and walked back towards the campus.
"This car feels really comfortable to ride in."
Originally Zhou Ya thought sitting in a sports car would feel very unstable, but despite the speed indicated on the speedometer, she felt no discomfort.
"Honestly, I don’t know much about this car. It was a gift from an elder."
Lin Beichen didn’t intend to hide anything from Zhou Ya but also didn’t want her to know too much.
Not out of distrust, but to avoid unnecessary complications for Zhou Ya.
And Zhou Ya just smiled and nodded, adhering to her previous approach of not asking more if Lin Beichen didn’t want to say.
For such a super sports car that isn’t yet in production, traveling the distance of two streets was just a matter of minutes.
Actually, Song Xiangdong never intended to mass-produce the Hongqi sports car he gave to Lin Beichen; it was custom-made.
The technology and materials used in this car were top-notch, intended for special departments.
But due to Lin Beichen’s special status, and today’s elder’s attitude towards him, Song Xiangdong dared to hand over the first experimental car to Lin Beichen.
Upon arrival, Lin Beichen parked the car in front of the Red House Restaurant. The unique design immediately drew the attention of onlookers. Just as they reached the door, a young man blocked their way.
"Your car looks nice. Where did you get it?"
The young man eyed the Hongqi sports car enviously.
"Honestly, I don’t know where to buy this car. It was a gift from an elder."
Seeing that the young man had no ill intentions, Lin Beichen explained with a smile.
"In that case, it’s a pity. Can you ask where it was bought? If you find out, please let me know. I won’t forget your help."
As he spoke, the young man handed Lin Beichen his business card. Lin Beichen glanced at it briefly, noting only Bai Yunfei’s name and a phone number.