acted arrogantly and no longer heeded Uncle's advice. They used to bring large gifts to Uncle during every holiday but later stopped greeting him on the streets after he was stripped of power.When Mot...Chapter 99 Returning to Senior Three

The night passed, and dawn broke.

The sunlight has a magical quality that can erase the unpleasantness of the previous day; all gloom was washed away by the clear morning sun in Shanghai. Su Can and Tang Wu had received their tickets for the afternoon return flight.

At noon, Tang Wu's father returned from his early outing, joining them for lunch at the hotel restaurant. There were only three people at the table. While he reminded Tang Wu to pack up before checking out and call him once she arrived in Chengdu, he also cheerfully served Su Can, saying, "Eat more."

It seems that last night's dinner left a deep impression on them, deeper than any incident during their evening outing.

After resting at the hotel for a while after lunch, Tang Wu and Su Can were sent to the airport by a car arranged by Tang Wu's father.

To everyone’s surprise, Ning Dong, Pang Yiran, and Cao Ze came to see them off at the airport.

Pang Yiran chuckled, "We have nothing else to do anyway. We were taking out time from our busy schedules to meet. Since it's still early, we thought of dropping by McDonald’s before coming here. So let us take you to the airport."

Cao Ze patted Su Can on the shoulder with an air of maturity, "Come visit us often in Shanghai!" But he was thinking how rare and interesting this character was. Little did they know that the commotion last night also left a lasting impression on their circle about Su Can as a sudden intruder who caused quite a stir.

Although what happened last night made them more hostile towards him, Su Can gave them a sense of support and reliance.

This made them feel proud in heart. They often boasted about how great their social circle was; now they could proudly say that their side also had its own outstanding person.

Ning Dong still looked elegant but her eyes were clearly circled with dark shadows, indicating a lack of sleep. Her eyelids were slightly swollen due to the betrayal by Ding Tingting from their friendship yesterday. She held Tang Wu's hand and said, "See you later, Senior Tang Wu. Call me once you’re back home; there are many things I want to talk about."

Girls always have much to discuss, especially for someone like Ning Dong who had been a loyal friend but was stabbed in the back by her friends. To Tang Wu, she seemed like a kindred spirit with whom she could confide.

The two left Shanghai and boarded their flight.

As they flew through the clouds, flight attendants turned off the cabin lights due to low pressure making passengers drowsy. Many closed their window shades; the plane became dimmer inside.

In this enclosed space, though surrounded by people, no one would wake up and disturb them. It felt magical.

Since leaving America, they had longed for home during their flights. After a long journey, they were picked up to eat after landing in Chengdu. They hadn’t been able to rest yesterday. Now that they were returning home, there wasn't much time left for them to spend alone.

On the flight back home, they wished it would hurry up. But upon arrival, they didn’t want separation too soon either; cherishing every moment of their time together. This short two-hour flight might be their last intimate moments together.

Tang Wu leaned on Su Can’s shoulder; after a brief nap, she whispered to him, "Your gift is in my suitcase. Remember to take it out when we get off the plane."

"I’ll first send you home anyway, then I can retrieve it at your doorstep."

“Okay.”

Su Can relished Tang Wu leaning on him to sleep; he watched her close eyes and fluttered lashes. His shoulder supported her head’s weight, making his heart full.

This contentment felt secure. Even when she spoke softly after waking up, it was beautiful in its own way.

If they hadn’t gone home separately but to a place belonging just to them, this anxious feeling wouldn't exist. But at present, neither of them could go anywhere else; three months had passed since their last departure from home. They must return and face the final stretch of life in senior three before heading off to different universities and formally stepping into adulthood.

"How did you find out about Ning Dong" Tang Wu asked regarding yesterday’s incident, surprised that Su Can could arrive on time and act quickly despite what she had learned from Ning Dong's phone call last night.

"Ding Tingting was visibly uncomfortable after hearing everyone would go out together at the hotel. Her excuse for not joining you guys by claiming a phone call sounded fake."

Tang Wu nodded in understanding; it didn’t surprise her that Su Can observed such details so closely. She then sighed, "Is being betrayed by a friend or having no friends more painful"

Su Can understood Tang Wu was reflecting on Ning Dong’s situation and herself. Indeed, Tang Wu's life might be rather solitary; there were hardly any childhood friends in her courtyard. Her aloof personality made it difficult to make real friends at school or in daily life.

In junior high, Cheng Yun and Cheng Lan had been her friends but due to different fates, they drifted apart. In Shi Haizi’s middle school, Du Ting was a friend until she transferred schools again. At No. 27 Middle School, Tang Wu was popular, yet most people liked her out of admiration rather than becoming true friends who could integrate into her life.

If one doesn't find close and genuine friends during childhood or adolescence, it's hard to have such friends later in life; not having good friends is sad but also being without those who truly understand you is sorrowful too.

So when facing Ning Dong’s sadness over Ding Tingting, Tang Wu would look into herself. Without deeply trusting friends, she wouldn’t feel the same pain, but could this situation be more depressing

Su Can thought for a moment and said, "Feeling betrayed by someone you care about is painful; having no one who cares about you is sad too. But you don't belong to either of these categories because there are many people who care about you but few you care about. You're so lucky."

Tang Wu was taken aback, her gaze showing a hint of reproach. "Are you saying I lack empathy"

Su Can knew Tang Wu’s disapproving look could be quite piercing and responded, “It's not that bad. You just aren’t good at expressing it; to see your true self requires perceptive eyes, which most people don't have.”

This way, Su Cen felt that he was being indirectly praised.

Tang Wu's slender fingers slid into the gaps between Su Cen's fingers and held his hand in reverse. Her touch was cold and clear. She turned her head away to look out of the window, not wanting Su Cen to see her expression at this moment. "I also have people I care about."

Upon reaching their final destination, Rongcheng City, Su Cen unexpectedly saw Mu Xuan whom he thought he wouldn't meet again. From a distance, he could see Mu Xuan's figure in the terminal building. She was wearing high heels and a professional suit with trousers. In her hand was a brown striped lady’s small bag, her hair tied up behind her head in an orderly fashion.

She had sharp eyesight; almost as soon as Su Cen and Tang Wu reached the passage entrance, she spotted them immediately, just like how she saw them walking side by side three months ago.

Su Cen felt inexplicably tense. When he originally left with Tang Wu, regardless of everything else, America seemed to be an end where they could live free and unrestricted, a place where no one had to bother or think about anything. It was like taking a holiday or laying the groundwork for their future.

However, now that he's back, he must face Tang Wu’s mother, and everything seems to return to reality once again.

Tang Wu walked ahead of him and nodded at her mother, saying, "Mom."

Su Cen also waved and smiled, greeting her as "Auntie."

Mu Xuan was smiling the whole time. She said, "Your mom has nothing to do this afternoon, so she came over to pick you up." Mu Xuan then turned to Su Cen and added, "Why don't you come along too"

Su Cen was momentarily taken aback. Previously, he had been thinking about how to face Tang Wu’s mother. She would definitely have the same feelings she had when seeing him leave with Tang Wu back then, an extension of that time's emotions.

Any mother who sees a young man showing early signs of dating her daughter would be upset, especially if, before this happened, she was trying to interfere and prevent them from developing further. For someone like Mu Xuan—someone who likes to control everything—it’s a significant challenge to her authority and status when that boy takes her daughter away to someplace she can’t even touch or reach.

Although she had no choice but to accept the fact that Su Cen and Tang Wu were together in America, as evidenced by the few transoceanic calls where she reminded Tang Wu to "protect herself," it was clear how fearful she was of something happening. And now, she has no idea what happened between them while they were there.

Su Cen originally thought Mu Xuan would insist on taking Tang Wu away without acknowledging him at all, which fits her personality perfectly. However, she invited him along too, just like when she invited him to attend Tang Wu's birthday banquet.

At the birthday banquet, Mu Xuan gave Su Cen news that Tang Wu was going abroad, a rather shocking blow. Now, what would Mu Xuan do

Determined to learn how to communicate with his future mother-in-law, Su Cen smiled and nodded at Tang Wu’s mother warmly. Although he knew this expression wouldn't fool the very shrewd Mu Xuan, showing weakness could prevent her from adding any more negative impressions of him. These superficial efforts still needed to be made.

After throwing their luggage in the back seat, they got into Mu Xuan’s car and left the airport. On the highway leading into town under the glow of the setting sun, they sped towards the city.

Mu Xuan started asking about Su Cen's life and studies in America.

She began with "dances," followed by daily activities, where they went after those activities were done, whether or not they often left campus, for what reasons, etc.

At first glance, it seemed she was casually asking about his life and studies. However, upon closer inspection, Su Cen realized Mu Xuan wanted to learn more details about their lives in America through these questions.

She's just more subtle than many other parents who would simply ask bluntly, "Have you slept together"

Su Cen started talking about the strict dormitory regulations at Exeter High School, especially emphasizing living conditions. He mentioned that even for dances and activities, they still had to return to their dorms on time. This made Mu Xuan glance back at him through the rearview mirror, attempting to discern the truth from his expression.

Since Su Cen wasn't lying, Tang Wu's dissatisfaction was evident in her replies to Mu Xuan's inquiries. Sensing that her subtle probing might be perceived as an attempt to dig deeper into their relationship, Mu Xuan skillfully steered the conversation towards other topics. She would talk about her own business trips and overseas travels, finding common ground with them. Her eloquence was impressive, making it easy for everyone in the car to feel at ease. In fact, all three of them felt pressure from her; if she maintained a pleasant demeanor, the tension in the car naturally dissipated.

Su Cen calmly observed Tang Wu's mother. He usually saw her under conflict circumstances but had never had such an opportunity to observe her daily life during casual conversation before this moment.

Even if he did, it would have been through a high-powered telescope, and the sense of being there in person was quite distant.

In summary, in his impression of Tang Wu’s mother, he should add that sometimes she isn't as emotionally detached as she seems. She tries to find topics that can make Tang Wu happy, attempting to create a relaxed atmosphere when they return home. Although Mu Xuan has no intention of letting her guard down towards him, at this moment, in front of her daughter, she completely restrains all suspicion and hostility.

Su Cen felt there was nothing he could do about it; maybe his status as a reincarnated soul註定讓他和唐嫵的母親產生這樣的衝突。

Had Su Cen and Tang Wu been of the age they were in the future, Tang Wu’s mother wouldn't have any reason to interfere with them. In fact, she might even encourage their relationship. But now, who could blame them for only being seniors

Mu Xuan intended to drop off Su Cen first but he gestured that his home wasn’t far and requested her to leave him near Tang Wu’s house.

Mu Xuan didn’t question this; she likely never imagined Su Cen's residence was so close by.

She stopped the car in front of Tang Wu's apartment building. As Tang Wu got out of the car and took out a small souvenir that Su Cen had bought, Mu Xuan stood beside him, making Su Cen wonder if she would say something like what she used to tell him. For Mu Xuan, this was not unusual.

However, Mu Xuan said instead, “Your final semester of senior year is coming up; no matter what, work hard.”

Su Cen paused for a moment and then nodded, saying "Thank you Auntie."

Mu Xuan exhaled a pent-up breath from deep within her chest. Even though she was good at controlling her emotions, it took three months before she could expel this breath.

Three months ago, when Su Cen appeared in the terminal building and told her he was also on the list of those going abroad, Mu Xuan did feel a sense of indescribable anger.

This anger stems from shock, yet surpasses it. Her momentary impulse made her want to rush to the gate and drag Tang Wu back because she couldn't be sure what would happen between Tang Wu and Su Chen after they went off together. Would America become a place without restraint for their fiery passions At that time, Mu Xuan felt like she might have needed heart medication.

However, her emotions this time were not nearly as intense as when she first encountered them at the waiting hall.

This was the last semester of high school for their age group. It represented a lot— it signified that these children would each go their separate ways and pursue different paths in life.

They had truly moved beyond basic education and entered the preparatory stage of quasi-society, facing risks, survival pressure, competition, and the harsh realities and class divides of society.

Mu Xuan realized that she had been too sensitive before. She was overly concerned about Tang Wu's situation without considering how everything would come to an end in July.

Whether it was attachment or reluctance at this stage, all would be severed when July came.

Mu Xuan felt that perhaps there was no need for her to worry anymore. The direction of Tang Wu's future should have been decided long ago. As one of the few students with a guaranteed university placement, she possessed knowledge and skills that could secure a high position in China’s societal hierarchy.

Su Chen didn’t matter as much at this point. Time and the rapidly changing world would make them feel the distance between them, making it inevitable for them to let go even if they did not want to.

As Mu Xuan watched Su Chen walk across the street with his luggage box, she started the car and drove Tang Wu into the red-walled courtyard house.

The month of July would bring a definitive conclusion to everything.

Su Chen returned home to find that his father and mother had been waiting for him. Zeng Ke couldn’t help but scratch Su Chen’s long hair, marveling at Su Licheng, "Old Su, did you see This kid has grown taller! Oh, he's also a little fatter now! Look at those shoulders, the biceps—they've filled out!"

Su Licheng was secretly delighted but kept his expression restrained. “In America, all these American kids are so robust and strong. Our Su Chen is just as skinny there; he doesn’t compare well to them.”

This was the first time Su Chen had been away from home for such a long period of time. Recalling how, in his world after death, he called home twice daily while studying at Harbin University during winter, and it took him until two months into university life for these calls to diminish, Su Chen felt that there was indeed a huge gap between himself and Tang Wu.

In the other timeline, the girl had been accustomed to a self-reliant lifestyle since junior high and senior high school, showing strong adaptability. He and she were not even on the same plane in life.

While listening to his parents' chatter peppered with concern and affection, he began unpacking the items he bought from America.

The next day, his uncle held a banquet to welcome everyone back to Chengdu. His aunt’s family had moved to Chengdu three months ago as well.

During these past few months, Su Chen knew that at least one thing remained consistent with the past—his aunt's divorce and her son Zeng Yuan following his father from Xia Hai to Chengdu for schooling.

The reason his aunt moved to Chengdu was because of his uncle’s transfer. As an executive deputy director in the municipal planning commission, which held considerable power, his aunt could achieve more success here. This also benefited from Su Chen's indirect rebirth.

His aunt's divorce, stemming from marital discord that couldn’t be changed, made him realize that his rebirth might change people’s circumstances but not their emotional connections.

Sometimes emotions are as easily severed as cutting carrots. Other times, they are the hardest things to alter.

His aunt continued speaking with her usual tone: "My boss and I grew up together—wearing the same pants, playing in mud fights—and now he calls me ‘Auntie Zeng,’ giving face to both of us. In terms of ability, they recognize my worth; among all their university graduates, it’s still us working for them. Ultimately, what we have is management capability. When you handle a situation well and achieve results, naturally your position improves. Isn't that right So our boss has given me his old apartment to live in. Once the company's performance report comes out this May, he’ll give me another house as a reward and even provide a car."

The uncle remained indifferent, believing his brother was just an executive but would never start his own business. He didn’t think much of him.

When Zeng Quanming heard enough, he said, "Your boss aside, look at the private businessmen in Chengdu—developers like Zhang Guomin and self-made millionaires from Xia Hai like Yang Gubin. Do you know them Back then in Xia Hai they were nobody, but now seeing me here in Chengdu, they all show respect by calling me ‘Director Zeng,’ inviting me to meals whenever we meet. Would they have treated me that way back then"

Then, holding the T-shirt Su Chen bought for him from America, he said, "Now talking about such things is pointless. At your age and still working for others, having gone through a divorce already, one can't think too much. Just focus on providing your son with an excellent environment to study in; once he achieves success, you'll both be relieved. Look at Su Chen—twenty-seventh Middle School, returned from America after high school, top marks. You transferred here at exorbitant fees for junior high, yet you're not even a regular student!"

Normally faced with such direct criticism, Zeng Yuan would have been furious, but seeing the smiling Su Chen, he lost all his temper and said, "I admire my brother very much. Twenty-seventh Middle School has many pretty girls. He went to America too and got excellent grades. I'll try my best to catch up."

This statement reassured everyone.

Zeng Na glanced at Su Chen a few more times, noticing his smile directed towards her. She rolled her eyes back at him, thinking that Zheng Songqi who pursued her was not bad, but now she had higher standards than before—there were no clear directions in the past, but finding a boyfriend now meant looking for someone like her cousin.

She remained young and full of fantasies with enough time to wait for them to come true.

This stage did not have any leftover women.

After resting at home for a short while, Wang Weiwei's phone call came: “Meet us at Old Du’s bar tonight at eight!”

The tone left no room for objections.

The bar was located near the Du Fu Thatched Cottage and used to be an empty lot. The owner took it over and built a place that blended modernity with ancient charm, surrounded by bamboo fences and featuring wooden corridors, pavilions, stone paths, and red lanterns that flickered intermittently. Tables and chairs were arranged in a way that evoked poetic sentiments.

This unique environment attracted young professionals and intellectuals, and the prices at this bar placed it among mid-to-high-end venues in Chengdu. While the food wasn’t particularly outstanding, the drinks included Carlsberg beer, Tsingtao beer, Heineken, and brandies like Hennessy and Chivas, as well as Jack Daniel’s. The blend of ancient culture and modern liquor created a nostalgic atmosphere that made people want to linger.

This place also sells barbecue, so it usually becomes the gathering spot for Wang Weiwei and his group for late-night snacks.

Su Can arrived with a few mountainous bridges behind him. Under dim light, he saw Wang Weiwei, Lin Luoran, and Lin Zhouwu sitting there.

The red light made the scene look somewhat eerie; Wang Weiwei and Lin Zhouwu were tolerable, but under the light, Lin Luoran’s face had a layer of pink, which added an allure to her already beautiful features.

Sitting in front of her with such bewitching eyes, Su Can smiled widely, "Brothers, have you missed me Do I need a hug"

"Damn, we're all dead tired, and now you want a hug" Wang Weiwei rolled his eyes, but Su Can could tell that he had genuinely wanted to give him a friendly hug when he proposed it earlier. However, under the skeptical glances of Lin Luoran's group, he held back.

"Life," Lin Luoran stretched and gave Su Can a mischievous smile, "is so monotonous these days."

Su Can replied with a chuckle, "Be careful. 'Life' is a powerful word that usually means someone has grown old when they start saying it carelessly."

Lin Luoran punched him playfully, "Get lost! I’m young and beautiful, full of life; how dare you say I'm old If you're envious, just admit it!"

"I'm the same age as you, so why would I envy" Su Can laughed heartily. It felt great to be young.

Lin Luoran thought for a moment and touched her face gently, "Are you jealous that I’m your wife"

Standing by, Lin Zhouwu snickered sarcastically, "Alright then, let’s all just avoid this topic; these two are getting too intimate. It's none of our business anyway, so we might as well go home."

Lin Luoran grabbed the collar of her sister roughly, "Lin Zhouwu, if you say one more word like that, I swear I'll kick you out on the floor tonight!"

Lin Zhouwu raised his hands in surrender. A group of white-collar workers passing by saw this and joked, "This girl is really wild! You're a lucky guy!" He had been watching Lin Luoran since they walked over and mistook her argument with Lin Zhouwu as them sharing a bed, finding it impressive that someone could find such an energetic woman.

Wang Weiwei glared at the passerby. Lin Zhouwu politely nodded and said, "This is my sister, eighteen years old. She's taken, thank you." The man understood he had misinterpreted their relationship and left laughing.

Su Can smiled at them, "Not bad; you're quite cultured now. I was worried that the historical significance of this little bar would be trashed by your pent-up frustration."

"Do we look like uncultured people Besides, it wouldn’t be fair to let you have a peaceful return from abroad," Wang Weiwei said.

Lin Zhouwu rolled her eyes and whispered to Su Can, "Su Can, I heard something amazing: a girl confessed to Wang Weiwei! Don't think she's ugly; Li Xue from Class 30 is quite popular. Such girls don’t usually confess to guys like him. She even waited for him after school and wrote love letters to him. She bought cake for him too—lucky guy!"

Su Can stared at Wang Weiwei, then egged him on with Lin Zhouwu. Wang Weiwei shook his head and smiled bitterly, "Stop joking around."

Su Can said, "So you're grappling with the Sorrows of Young Werther You’re pleased that someone confessed to you but also conflicted."

Wang Weiwei gave Su Can an annoyed look, "You write so well and speak eloquently; can I just be spared"

Su Can smiled. It seemed Wang Weiwei had been the butt of jokes about this recently.

He then saw Lin Zhouwu sigh quietly and clink bottles with Su Can, "Drink up—my dad called asking what school I want to attend and saying I should prepare for my final exams since graduation is near."

The end was approaching; although a semester remained, the atmosphere around them spoke of its approach.

"I want to study economics. My dad also thinks it's best if I go to a prestigious university with a good program," Lin Zhouwu said.

Turning to their future majors, Wang Weiwei added, "I'm not sure yet; my parents won't interfere but might expect me to go into politics."

Lin Luoran thought for a moment and said, "My dad says that if I choose politics, it would limit the scope of my work. But in business, you can travel everywhere. I want to study philosophy, economics, and business management; maybe Harvard is an option. What about you What do you plan on studying"

Su Can looked at them, realizing he was falling behind. Wang Weiwei, Lin Zhouwu, and Lin Luoran had grown up together since middle school, seemingly unbreakable. Su Can didn't want to ask what would happen if they separated; perhaps they wouldn’t miss each other or struggle with the change.

But from their demeanor, it seemed he underestimated them—they might have already discussed their futures and accepted that separation is inevitable.

No matter which decade they belonged to—whether 70s, 80s, or 90s—it was a story of struggle. Regardless of where one’s origins lay—a humble family or a prominent political dynasty—each person had their path.

Su Can clinked glasses with the group and drank uncontrollably for the first time, putting down the empty bottle on the table. "I want to study philosophy and economics too; perhaps I don't need to go far. Top ideas can be exchanged domestically."

Lin Luoran smiled ambiguously, her eyes distant.

The group finished their drinks one after another.

To celebrate the last semester of high school and prepare for imminent departures; because no one could remain forever together, they cherished every moment.ate at night after drinking some alcohol during a visit home for Chinese New Year. Of course, when he was blocked by Yang Mu wasn't this time, but rather around senior year of high school. During that...