Chapter 7: First Love Ending on a Midsummer Day.

Lu Zhao finished his slightly burnt meal and cleaned up the dishes. Just as he sat down, Yan Qingxin’s call came through.

“What’s up, Qingxin? Why did your mom want you back?”

His tone was casual, but he was nervously pinching his fingers, terrified that the crazy woman might have spilled everything to her.

And of course, Yan Qingxin chose that moment to tease him.

“Baby, why don’t you take a guess?”

Lu Zhao took a deep breath, her “guess” making his heart race.

“Ahem.” Clearing his throat, he decided not to let anything slip unless she spoke first.

“How am I supposed to guess? Give me a hint.”

Flat-out refusing to guess would seem too deliberate, like he was hiding something.

“Hm… a hint.” Yan Qingxin thought for a moment. “How do I hint at this? Oh, do you have a suit?”

“A suit? No, why?”

“Hehe, no reason. I’ll come find you tomorrow morning, we’ll get you a suit, and then you can guess. How’s that?”

“Haha… ha… sure.”

“Alright, it’s settled. Bye.”

Lu Zhao stared at the ended call, lost in thought.

She sounded fine, even a bit happy? Why?

“Sigh… it’s probably not bad news, at least.”

Slumping on the sofa, Lu Zhao deflated.

“This constant anxiety isn’t sustainable.”

Muttering to himself, he picked up his phone and tapped on “Ruyue Mama’s” profile.

The next day, Lu Zhao arrived two hours early at a café near the agreed-upon mall.

Despite wearing a cap to keep a low profile, the receptionist’s eyes still sparkled at him.

“Um, um, how many in your party?”

She was nervous, but Lu Zhao was used to it. “I’m meeting someone. Room three.”

Hearing the room number, the receptionist looked a bit disappointed. Someone had entered that room ten minutes ago, and their appearance, figure, and accessories far outshone her own.

Still, she professionally guided Lu Zhao.

He took two deep breaths. Honestly, he didn’t want to be in a confined space with Yan Ruyue, but to avoid being seen, he chose this spot.

Opening the door, the woman inside looked up, surprised.

Her outfit today, though he hated to admit it, made his heart race.

Her stunning face bore light makeup, less aggressive than usual.

Her long hair cascaded loosely, adorned with simple but clearly expensive earrings.

A fitted white sundress accentuated her curves, alluring yet refined.

No black stockings he was used to; instead, bare feet in white high-heeled sandals.

Come on, this woman’s going too far! Where did she learn this innocent-first-love look?

The awe in Lu Zhao’s eyes filled Yan Ruyue with satisfaction.

Her late-night research on how to dress for a college guy wasn’t wasted.

Q: How should I dress for a date with a college guy?

A: What position are you dreaming in? Teach me.*

After much searching, she settled on this look, and it clearly worked wonders!

“What are you standing there for? Come in.” Yan Ruyue smiled faintly.

Another tip from the internet: don’t be too domineering, approach gently to avoid scaring him off.

“Huh? Oh.”

Lu Zhao sat across from her.

“Not taking off your hat? It’s pretty hot.”

This completely different Yan Ruyue threw him off balance.

He removed his cap, setting it aside, avoiding her gaze and focusing on the steaming coffee on the table.

The air grew quiet.

Yan Ruyue stayed silent, knowing that if their talk ended, Lu Zhao would leave, and she wanted to stay with him longer.

Lu Zhao stayed silent, caught off guard and still figuring out what to say.

“Um…”

“You…”

They spoke at the same time, then stopped.

Yan Ruyue’s eyes held a hint of amusement, delighted by their unexpected sync.

Lu Zhao felt an inexplicable irritation.

Taking a sip of coffee to quell his unease, he looked directly into her eyes.

“Yan… Auntie Yan.”

“Yes, go ahead.” The title made her pupils quiver—she didn’t like it, but coming from him, she’d accept it.

“Qingxin called me yesterday, said we’re buying a suit today. Do you know what’s going on?”

“Oh, that.”

Yan Ruyue blew on her coffee, taking a small sip.

“There’s a business gala in Goose City tonight. Qingxin needs to attend, and she suggested bringing you along, saying we’d be a family of three.”

Lu Zhao frowned slightly. “You agreed?”

“Why not?”

“Why not? It’s not appropriate for me to go, is it? I’m just a college student.”

He wasn’t fond of such public appearances.

“Maybe Qingxin wants to show everyone you’re her boyfriend, to keep others from getting ideas.” Yan Ruyue’s thumb grazed the cup’s handle, her tone tinged with bitterness.

Lu Zhao paused. That did sound like something the bold, careless Qingxin would do.

“She didn’t notice anything, did she?”

He asked after a moment of silence.

This was why he’d asked her to meet—to make things clear, to cut ties cleanly. Hesitation would only lead to more trouble.

“No, that girl’s always been oblivious.”

Yan Ruyue looked down, her face hidden by her hair, but the low tone betrayed her mood.

“Auntie Yan.” Lu Zhao suddenly grabbed her hand on the table.

“You!”

She looked up, her eyes meeting his, sensing what he was about to say.

Panic and pleading filled her gaze, shaking her head, begging him not to speak.

She’d always overpowered him physically, but now she couldn’t pull her hand free.

“Don’t… please…”

Her whispered plea stabbed at Lu Zhao’s heart, but he couldn’t waver. This had to be settled.

Taking a deep breath, he spoke words that shattered her.

“Auntie Yan, for your sake and Qingxin’s, from now on, you’re her mother, and I’m her boyfriend.”

“We’re just an ordinary elder and junior.”

“Okay?”

He gripped the hand that had pinned him countless times.

Tears welled in Yan Ruyue’s eyes as she shook her head, unable to say yes or no.

She’d thought of this outcome countless times last night, but facing it now, she couldn’t accept it, couldn’t speak.

Lu Zhao let go. She reached for him, but he dodged.

Without lingering, he grabbed his cap and left the room quickly.

The moment the door closed, faint sobs echoed from inside.

The room’s soundproofing was excellent, so for the sound to carry outside, it must’ve been loud.

Outside, the sun blazed high, its heat marking the peak of summer.

Lu Zhao pulled his cap lower, wiping his eyes.

“Today’s sun is so damn harsh.”