Jiangg Ning looked at his face.
Then, Chen Yuan said softly, "Having second thoughts? Don’t want to apologize anymore? I knew you’d be like this."
Listening to his voice, Jiangg Ning suddenly found she couldn’t stay angry...
’This really is humiliating.’
’But for a girl, some things just can’t be helped.’
The agitation in her heart quickly subsided. An intense feeling of affection began to stir within her again, forcing her to recall all the moments from their online relationship. Back then, this was the voice she had listened to.
It had gotten her through the nights during her most difficult time after arriving in Lanjing, lulling her to sleep again and again.
Sweet memories of the past flashed through her mind like fleeting glimpses. This eighteen-year-old boy had once been so good to Jiangg Ning, letting her truly experience what it felt like to be in love. He had coaxed her to sleep, whispered sweet nothings to her, and told her so many childish stories.
Even after they broke up, she had yearned for a chance encounter, time and time again.
Even if it was just for a single glance before looking away.
Jiangg Ning sighed silently to herself. ’I’ve never been the little girl who gets doted on. To Jiangg Ruxue, I’m the sensible daughter. To my sister, I’m the reliable older sibling. To our relatives, I’m the elegant, well-bred young lady. And to my students, I’m the outstanding teacher.’
’It seems everyone sees me as someone to rely on.’
’But there’s no one for me to rely on.’
’The sad part is, only my late father ever made me feel like the apple of his eye, even if just for a while. It was a wonderful feeling. After that, I did everything in my power to dote on Jiangg Yao, afraid she’d end up like me, with no one to lean on.’
’Only Chen Yuan treated me like a young girl. Even when playing the most boring game, he’d stay on the mic for hours and hours, teaching me right from the tutorial.’
In the office, Jiangg Ning lowered her head slightly and dropped her hand.
"What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?" She glanced down at her hip-hugging skirt, black stockings, and high heels.
’It’s perfectly normal. With a white blouse, this is standard professional attire.’
"Why don’t the other teachers dress like this?"
"Because the other teachers don’t have nice legs. Presenting one’s beautiful side is basic etiquette. I’ve always dressed like this, even when I was studying abroad."
"What kind of nonsense is that? You’re not allowed to dress like this anymore. You have no idea how those male students talk about you."
’Talk about me?’
A flicker of understanding crossed her eyes.
"Oh," Jiangg Ning suddenly understood. Her expression instantly relaxed, and the corners of her mouth slowly curved into a smile. "So that’s how it is. I get what you mean now."
’You should have just said so. You’re jealous...’
’He doesn’t like other guys seeing his ex-girlfriend’s legs.’
’Ha~ Young boys are so possessive.’
’It seems you’re not as carefree as you look, Chen Yuan. And here I thought you’d already found a new leading lady on campus. Turns out, all that was probably just for my benefit.’
Jiangg Ning shot him a slightly contemptuous glance.
’No wonder he skipped the lecture hall classes for a few days, only to suddenly appear alongside a female classmate.’
’Oh, and no wonder the student council roster said he just joined. He must have heard through the grapevine that I was taking over as deputy secretary of the Youth League Committee, so he rushed to join the student council and appear with that girl again.’
’It all added up. Everything clicked into place.’
Jiangg Ning completely understood.
’He really... went to great lengths!’
She forcefully suppressed the small sense of delight blooming inside her, composed herself, and took two steps back.
’Aura, restored!’
"So, according to you, Chen Yuan, what should I be wearing?"
"Hang on, let me look."
Chen Yuan took out his phone, scrolled for a bit, and then showed Jiangg Ning a product photo from an online shopping site.
He urged, "This kind is nice. It’s warm, doesn’t show your legs, and a lot of girls wear them."
Jiangg Ning leaned in for a look, then shook her head. "I don’t wear padded pants."