Chapter 62 — Playing Hard to Get?

A lively and joyful family dinner brought everyone together, but no one was happier than Father Xu, who kept repeating with delight, “I truly am blessed—two daughters celebrating my birthday, and such an adorable, sensible granddaughter warming my heart…” and so on.

Yet Xu Ningning had mixed feelings. When Lin Xiaowen handed her both ornate gift boxes, Xu Ningning couldn’t quite fathom her intentions, but Lin Xiaowen simply urged her to present them to Father Xu herself. With a smile, Lin Xiaowen explained, “Though the two gifts were chosen together by us sisters, the money came from Xu Ningning…”

At that moment, Xu Ningning understood Lin Xiaowen’s purpose. First, the Xu family was well aware of Lin Xiaowen’s situation, so how could they expect her to spend money on gifts? Second, it fulfilled Father Xu’s wish to be cherished by his daughters; after all, birthdays come but once a year, and if overlooked by his only daughter, the old man would surely be disappointed. While Xu Ningning couldn’t fully empathize with these feelings, Lin Xiaowen, now a mother herself, could understand them deeply.

Ranran, full and sleepy, soon settled down to rest at the Xu home. This place was half her home, after all; she had been cared for by the elders ever since she was little.

Xu Ningning wanted to drive Lin Xiaowen home, but Lin Xiaowen adamantly refused. “Driving after drinking? Are you looking to have a philosophical discussion with the police?” Having shared a little red wine with the elders, Lin Xiaowen, light-headed and unaccustomed to alcohol, found comfort walking slowly and letting the evening breeze refresh her.

Leaving the Xu family’s neighborhood, she found herself on a tree-lined avenue, shaded by rows of ginkgoes. Even at the height of summer, this road offered a rare, cool retreat. It was near here, she recalled, that she had run into Cheng Yishu. Quite literally “run into” him.

The memory brought her to a halt, gazing across the street at the sidewalk with a quiet smile. With Ningning’s companionship, the care of the Xu elders, Ranran’s gentle affection, and now someone who truly kept her in their thoughts, what more could one ask for in life? Once, Lin Xiaowen believed the world had abandoned her, but suddenly she thought, “If you are willing to embrace the world, then surely, you’ll receive the most worthwhile response…”

“Miss Lin, what a pleasant mood you’re in—walking alone?” came a voice from not far ahead. Lin Xiaowen squinted, letting the streetlight help her make out the figure.

He wore a tailored black business suit, his hair impeccably neat, a faint smile lingering at the corner of his lips. Yet those bright eyes held the gaze of a predator watching its prey.

“Mr. Si…” As Si Nan approached, Lin Xiaowen instinctively stepped back half a pace. Her satisfied and relaxed expression vanished, replaced by cautious distance.

“Miss Lin, it seems every time you see me, your expression is… quite serious!” Si Nan searched his mind for the right words, finally settling on these to describe Lin Xiaowen’s reaction upon seeing him again.

“No….” Lin Xiaowen forced a laugh and steadied herself, replying softly, “It’s just that every time I see Mr. Si, it’s always so sudden!”

“Is that so? I thought perhaps you were afraid of me, or… maybe we had met before.” Si Nan watched her discomfort with amusement, feeling like a mischievous cat toying with a little mouse.

“Why would Mr. Si be here? This area is on the outskirts, full of old residential buildings—not exactly a place for someone like you,” Lin Xiaowen replied calmly.

Si Nan’s eyes grew brighter, and his smile became more assured as he said, “How does Miss Lin know what kind of person I am? Or have you deliberately investigated me?”

Lin Xiaowen’s expression froze—she realized she had inadvertently revealed her familiarity with him. Si Nan seemed pleased by her reaction and took another step closer, prompting Lin Xiaowen to retreat again.

Unbothered, Si Nan continued to smile at her and answered, “I can sincerely respond to your question. The reason I am here—is entirely to wait for you.”

“To wait for me?” Lin Xiaowen’s heart tightened, her voice trembling. “How did you know I’d be here?”

A thousand possibilities flashed through Lin Xiaowen’s mind as she watched Si Nan’s face, where the delight was becoming less and less concealed. Her hands at her sides clenched tighter.

“Well,” Si Nan waved his phone triumphantly and explained, “Luckily, you use an iPhone as well. I got your WeChat ID from the boutique owner and sent you a friend request—so…”

Lin Xiaowen’s brows furrowed deeper, her gaze wary as she tried to guess Si Nan’s intentions.

“So, is there something Mr. Si needs from me?”

“Not really,” Si Nan’s smile broadened, and in that moment, he bore a striking resemblance to his brother—their family’s signature thick eyebrows; when truly happy, their brows would unfurl from end to end.

“But why does finding me make him so happy? Why?” More and more questions appeared in Lin Xiaowen’s eyes. Si Nan’s smile slowly faded as he explained, “I just think it’s remarkable—after so many years away from Shanghai, both times I’ve returned, I’ve happened to run into you. It feels like a curious sort of fate. I simply want to make a friend, nothing more.”

“Make a friend?” Lin Xiaowen breathed a quiet sigh, her face relaxing a little. “Mr. Si’s way of making friends is quite unique.”

Si Nan ignored the hint of displeasure in her tone and continued, “Alright, I admit my methods may not have been very respectful to you. So here, I sincerely apologize.”

Standing upright, Si Nan’s gaze toward Lin Xiaowen was solemn. Lin Xiaowen felt awkward and withdrew, murmuring, “There’s no need for that.”

“Then Miss Lin forgives me?” Si Nan pressed his lips together, smiling again.

Si Nan was never one to openly show his emotions, especially happiness. There were few things that could truly please him, so those around him rarely saw “sunny” signals on his face.

But tonight, from the moment he met Lin Xiaowen, he couldn’t count how many times he’d smiled, each time genuinely delighted. Especially her tendency to avoid him, never daring to meet his eyes—it stirred a sense of intrigue in Si Nan.

Could this be what the boutique owner meant by “maybe she’s interested in you”? Or was it simply a more skillful game of “playing hard to get”?