Chapter 60—Falling in Love Behind the World’s Back

Ranyong Commercial Building—Little Darlings Specialty Store

After that last encounter with Sinan, Xu Ningning was determined never again to let Lin Xiaowen come here to help so easily! She insisted that Lin stay at the old shop; though there weren’t many orders in-store, there were plenty of online shoppers. Watching over the computer, answering customer questions, packing and shipping orders—these had become Lin Xiaowen’s main tasks.

No sooner had Lin Xiaowen set down the goods that had just been delivered than Xu Ningning, visibly nervous, hurriedly pulled her aside, as if facing a formidable enemy.

“I told you I’d bring them over tomorrow, didn’t I? Why go out of your way for a special trip? What if you run into… that person again?”

Lin Xiaowen naturally understood whom Xu Ningning meant, but she merely laughed it off.

“How could it be so coincidental every time? Besides, this is Shanghai—they don’t come here often… Most importantly, Sinan doesn’t even know me, so don’t worry!”

Lin Xiaowen patted Xu Ningning’s shoulder reassuringly, but Ningning remained uneasy for reasons she couldn’t quite explain.

“You still can’t be careless. I keep feeling that guy will suddenly show up—the scenes play out in my dreams!”

“Alright, alright, I’ll leave now. Otherwise you’ll blame your daydreams on me!”

Lin Xiaowen smiled at Xu Ningning, who pursed her lips and smiled back.

“You’re different now! Saying things like that—our big star has really taught you well!”

In the past, Lin Xiaowen would never utter a single risqué word. Now, facing a more open and gentle Lin Xiaowen, Xu Ningning was naturally delighted.

Lin Xiaowen scoffed and said seriously, “You can talk nonsense to me, but don’t say such things in front of Ranran, alright?”

“Ranran?” Xu Ningning blinked, then burst out laughing. “What did our darling Ranran say? Tell me!”

“How can you ask! Ranran is so young, why would you say those things to her…”

Lin Xiaowen pinched Ningning’s chin in mock accusation, but Ningning laughed and dodged her hand before replying.

“I was just testing Cheng Yishu’s sincerity for you—not trying to make things difficult for him! Besides, you’ll have to face these questions sooner or later. What if he’s just after novelty and then leaves you and Ranran behind—what then?”

“No way!” Lin Xiaowen puffed out her cheeks, murmuring, “He’s not that kind of person.”

As expected, Lin Xiaowen would say that. Xu Ningning smiled.

“See? Already speaking up for him—you heartless girl!”

Xu Ningning pretended to glare at her fiercely, continuing, “After all I do for you two, you don’t even appreciate it and come to question me. Hmph…”

“Oh, come on…”

Even knowing Xu Ningning was teasing her, Lin Xiaowen couldn’t help but try to comfort her.

“I know you mean well, but… I don’t want to put so much pressure on him. He works so much, looks exhausted every day, and still makes time to see Ranran and me… How could I think of making things harder for him?”

Lin Xiaowen hugged Xu Ningning’s arm, swaying gently as she soothed her. Ningning didn’t want Lin Xiaowen to think she was truly stingy.

She turned and took Lin Xiaowen’s hand, speaking earnestly.

“I was just joking—who takes it seriously, silly!”

Lin Xiaowen couldn’t help laughing, but Ningning continued,

“But you still need to have a plan in your heart. After all, Cheng Yishu isn’t an ordinary man. You’re carrying on a romance behind the world’s back—if it gets exposed, the one hurt will be you. Have you thought about that?”

“I…” Lin Xiaowen faltered, then whispered, “Behind the world… is it really that serious?”

“It absolutely is!” Xu Ningning enunciated each word, looking at her with conviction.

“You’ve researched his background, haven’t you…”

“Yes! I even follow his social media!” Lin Xiaowen suddenly interjected, excited. “I never paid attention before, but being a fan is so fun—there are ranking tasks and everything…”

“Stop!” Xu Ningning interrupted Lin Xiaowen’s torrent of words, utterly speechless, wishing she could crack open her skull and see what was inside.

“I wanted you to see how fans can be adorable and terrifying—not to help your man with his rankings and data!”

Doused by a bucket of cold water, Lin Xiaowen leaned against the wall, sulking as she muttered,

“He doesn’t need my data—his resources and commercial value are always top-notch!”

“Well, well!” Xu Ningning laughed, discovering a new side of her.

“At least you’ve learned something—now you know about resources and commercial value?”

“Mm!” Lin Xiaowen nodded without a hint of modesty, smiling brightly at Xu Ningning.

“My goodness, forget it! There’s no reasoning with a lovesick fool like you…” Xu Ningning waved her hand, secretly thinking,

‘If she ever planned for herself, she wouldn’t be in this situation, nor have Ranran… I’ll just pave the road for her when she meets Cheng Yishu.’

“I really owe you!”

Thinking this, Xu Ningning sighed, and voiced her thoughts aloud.

“By the way, my mom asked me to tell you to come over for dinner tonight. It’s still early, so take the subway home yourself. I’ll pick you and Ranran up later!” Xu Ningning remembered and added.

Lin Xiaowen smiled knowingly.

“I know—today’s your father’s birthday!”

“You remembered?” Surprised, Xu Ningning wondered who was actually the daughter of the Xu family. If her mother hadn’t mentioned it, she wouldn’t have remembered the date at all.

“Of course I remember. But what about you?” Lin Xiaowen rolled her eyes and asked, “Did you prepare a gift?”

“Oh… You know how busy I’ve been…” Xu Ningning began her excuses, but Lin Xiaowen was already responding.

“I know you’re busy, so I prepared it for you. Don’t worry…”

Lin Xiaowen smugly raised an eyebrow at her. By the time Xu Ningning understood her meaning, Lin Xiaowen was already past her, slinging on her backpack and heading out, saying,

“I’ve got to pick up the gift—it was pre-ordered ages ago and just arrived. If I don’t go now, someone else might snag it!”

“Hey…where are you going?” Lin Xiaowen headed out without explanation, leaving Xu Ningning confused and trailing behind.

“To get the gift!” Lin Xiaowen turned and smiled at her.

“By the way, I ordered the cake too. Come pick us up early tonight—the ice cream cake will melt if you’re late!”

Gift, cake—Lin Xiaowen had prepared everything. Touched, Xu Ningning still teased her,

“Ice cream cake? I bet you’re using this as an excuse—Ranran wants some!”

Hands on hips, Xu Ningning scowled at her. Lin Xiaowen ignored her, only smiling sweetly and whispering,

“You’re so clever—you guessed it!”

Before Ningning could banter further, Lin Xiaowen was already walking away, her ponytail swinging behind her.

The scene reminded Xu Ningning of years ago, when she first met that lively, cheerful, carefree Lin Xiaowen…