: "It’s Yue Zijiang from second-year grade, he looks very handsome and is reportedly a key player on the school basketball team...""Hmph, do you think anyone would look at you Come on, his grandfather...Chapter 149: Not Leaving

Su Can and Tang Wu's tickets back to school were booked by Tang's father. Mu Xuan was the one who saw Tang Wu off at the airport. Su Can arrived in his father’s official car, spotting Mu Xuan’s Audi.

At the entrance of the terminal building, Mu Xuan and Tang Wu made quite an impressive sight. Mu Xuan seemed to be giving instructions to Tang Wu, while Tang Wu had a slightly red nose due to the chilly weather. She nodded at Mu Xuan beside her luggage trolley, likely discussing things about their place, “You need to open the windows when you go there for some ventilation. I’ve prepared aromatic essential oils in the foyer, which have sterilizing properties and can purify the air. If you don’t stay there often, make sure to put sheets on the bed and turn off the main power switch every time before leaving...”

Su Can didn't expect to run into Mu Xuan like this. Looking at her from across, he thought that if his father had accompanied him out, it would have been quite awkward for both parties. But if he didn’t go out, wouldn’t he appear evasive and earn even more disdain from Mu Xuan

Su Can told his dad not to see them off anymore; the weather was cold, so they should head back home early to watch TV with his mom. After all, they would board directly after checking their tickets. Su Can dragged his luggage case out of the car. At this moment, Mu Xuan and Tang Wu also noticed Su Can from the corner of their eyes. Mu Xuan looked at Tang Wu, whose face turned even redder.

Su Can walked over confidently and waved to Mu Xuan with a smile, "Hello, Aunt Mu."

Mu Xuan nodded neither warmly nor coldly towards Su Can but continued her instructions for Tang Wu, “If it’s cold in your dormitory at school, there are several sets of cotton quilts in my room. Should I give Li Lan a call and have him deliver them to the school Take care of yourself; you're usually independent and sensible... so I don’t need to worry too much about this.”

At this point, Mu Xuan turned her attention to Su Can, saying, “Su Can, take good care of each other in Shanghai.”

This statement was quite profound. Su Can privately admired the subtlety of Mu Xuan’s words. The phrase "take good care" had multiple layers of meaning and could be interpreted both literally and metaphorically. On one hand, it implied tacit acknowledgment of his existence; on the other, she conveyed something that couldn’t be explicitly stated—such as acknowledging their friendship but not letting it interfere with academic pursuits or overstepping certain boundaries.

Although this statement was simple, Mu Xuan believed that the boy opposite her would understand its deeper implications.

This wasn't just Su Can who could comprehend; Tang Wu understood too. She glanced at Su Can, her ice-like eyes revealing much more—almost as if she wanted him to make a public declaration of "I promise not to bully you" and raise such a flag.

“Mm-hmm, Mom, we’re going now,” said Tang Wu while holding the luggage handle. Mu Xuan nodded in response.

Gazing at Su Can and Tang Wu walking into the airport hall together, Mu Xuan felt somewhat dazed. She saw a semblance of herself and Tang’s father decades ago; only back then it wasn’t an airport terminal building but an old train platform, where they had once experienced a life of turmoil and starting from scratch with nothing.

Compared to them, today's children were certainly more fortunate. But they still faced many issues that their generation did.

Mu Xuan was reminded by Tang’s father to be somewhat less domineering when she came to see Tang Wu off today; the key word was "affable."

She needed to demonstrate affability, at least towards Su Can. They had to showcase their family's demeanor to him. But this keyword seemed like a foreign concept to Mu Xuan when it came to that precociously wise boy who often found his way out of tricky situations involving Tang Wu and sometimes infuriated her.

Mu Xuan could almost imagine the twitching smile behind Su Can’s mask whenever she forced herself into a friendly, toothy grin.

Tang Wu's initial signs of cuteness in elementary school were evident. Boys would bully her under the guise of liking her. When Mu Xuan was called to the school, she’d sternly reprimand these boys until they cried and trembled, instilling a formidable image beyond that of their homeroom teacher.

And now, Mu Xuan felt as if she were still playing that role...

But the boy in front of them was no longer one of those children, and their daughter had grown up very quickly. They often say that a daughter is the continuation of her mother's life; what will their lives be like

Mu Xuan turned around, nodded, and smiled at the official car belonging to Su Richen, elegant yet steady. She opened the door and walked back to her own car. Through the window, she saw the boy and girl entering the security checkpoint of the terminal building before starting up her sedan and leaving.

Upon landing at Pudong International Airport in Shanghai, when Tang Wu turned on her phone, it immediately rang. She picked up the call and heard Ning Dong's excited voice saying, "Sis Tang Wu, Bro Su Cen, congratulations on escaping from the old society where you were oppressed by your dad, mom, and those nagging aunts and uncles to this new world of spring blossoms and flowers. Welcome to Shanghai."

Tang Wu smiled gently and asked, "Are you guys outside"

"Of course. Me, my dad, and my mom are all here, just waiting to welcome you both."

After hanging up the call, Tang Wu turned around and said to Su Cen, "They have arrived."

Su Cen nodded but felt a bitter smile in his heart. He had好不容易和唐嫵有了共處的時間，冇想到到了上海也不得安寧，還有寧冬一家的招待，這樣晚上就回學校了，兩人相處的時間也變少了。

Seeing Su Cen's slightly regretful expression, Tang Wu reached out and gently held his left hand.

Su Cen felt a sudden warmth in his heart. With the sweet smile from the girl by his side, even this brief moment of disappointment vanished without a trace. Walking through the bustling terminal building with Tang Wu's hand in his was quite heartwarming.

When they turned around the corner, they noticed something amiss: the waiting hall was packed with people, many holding banners and signs or waving flashlights and distinctive markers, all with large names on them. He could faintly hear someone shouting “Jiang Huiyuan! Jiang Huixian...” The fans were passionate and noisy, while numerous police officers and airport security personnel maintained order.

Su Cen vaguely remembered that this was a well-known actress in her prime at the time, but later she was rumored to have had a secret affair with Shanghai's richest man. When he got involved in an economic case and was arrested, many celebrities from Hong Kong and Taiwan were implicated as well. The scandal shocked the public, leading to this star eventually fading out of show business. Years later, after marrying a low-key but wealthy businessman, she occasionally made news when tabloids reported on her life as a mother, with her former glory waning.

At that moment, the actress appeared under the protection of her agents and event organizers, shining brightly. Many cameras were flashing, capturing the trendy outfits and graceful smiles she extended to media and crowd alike.

Amidst the flashbulbs and crowds, Su Cen and Tang Wu slowly made their way through. Knowing others' fates gave him a sense of superiority but also an ominous feeling about fate.

Who could know what kind of life lay behind this moment of dazzling brilliance If Su Cen didn't know the future, he wouldn't have known that at this very moment, this actress would become entangled in subsequent whirlpools of events and be unable to extricate herself, ultimately bowing down to fate. Would it lead him to worry about their own future

"One day I'll stand there too. Will that make me a superhero" Su Cen pointed to the spot where the celebrity was surrounded by media and fans, ignoring the disdainful glances from those who heard his words as if they were from another world. He smiled at Tang Wu. These words likely referred back to a promise made in their second year of high school — a wish to become a superhero driving a Maybach or Porsche to stand before Tang Wu.

Of course, this was also an encouragement for Su Cen by Tang Wu who knew that she and he were too weak to resist fate at the time.

Perhaps one day they would meet again. By then, Su Cen might not be driving a luxury car or be considered a hero; perhaps he'd just be another working stiff in a company, living for his daily routine from nine to five. She herself wouldn't be a princess either, and each of them would have their own way of life that couldn’t be changed by external forces. By then, Tang Wu hoped Su Cen would still remember what she had once said: that there was someone who told him and encouraged him.

Where did everything change

Was it due to the inconceivable nature of Su Cen's existence

Maby someday Su Cen could indeed stand in that position, and maybe one day this boy would truly grow into a legendary hero. But when Tang Wu looked at Su Cen, her clear and beautiful eyes flashed with a touch of allure: "No, then... we won't be able to get out."

As she spoke, Tang Wu gently squeezed the palm of Su Cen's hand, soft and warm like the rusty bus sign in that small city day after day. With a slight smile and her ponytail swaying lightly, she continued: "And... we can't keep doing this."

This little girl makes one want to commit a crime.

Su Cen took action by firmly holding Tang Wu's delicate hand, the two walking together as they left behind the bustling excitement. No one noticed these unremarkable individuals, but all those splendid scenes seemed inferior compared to the ordinary sights that captured their gaze.

When Tang Wu pulled her suitcase and Su Cen carried a bag and held a tote, both of them hand in hand walking out of the terminal building, Ning Dong, Ning Dong's mother He Guoke, and her father Ning Yu stared with wide eyes at the flirtatious Tang Wu and the haughty Su Cen.

Ning Dong’s mouth formed an “O” shape as he held a high regard for their pursuit of free love. Unconsciously looking at his mother, who was vice-chairman of Shanghai Federation of Trade Unions, Ning Dong thought that if he appeared before her with some boy from the union like Su Cen did, it would probably be quite tragic.

But Miss Tang Wu is truly unique, no wonder she has been a role model since young and famous both at home and abroad. Countless young people under strict family supervision have long admired her; this time, she really set the right example.

Ning Yu and He Guoke exchanged glances. When they saw Tang Wu and Su Cen holding hands as they walked out, it felt like their world view had cracked in numerous places. They thought that Mu Xuan's ice queen daughter actually showed such affectionate behavior; this was much more exciting than the celebrity meeting at the airport.

It was rumored that Tang Wu’s little boyfriend made both the Tang and Mu families stunned, making Su Cen’s name stir up a frenzy recently. The discussions in private circles seemed to be well-deserved.

Ning Dong's welcoming dinner for this trip was set at Fortunate Gate Hotel in a usual VIP suite with its familiar privacy and delicious home-style dishes served in luxurious surroundings.

Since Su Cen had already met He Guoke when Tang Wu came back from being an exchange student, he wasn't unfamiliar. He knew she was a famous entrepreneur in Shanghai who ran kitchen appliance stores and had several chain stores throughout the Yangtze River Delta region. Ning Dong’s father seemed to be someone involved with government agencies; because it was inappropriate to ask, Su Cen didn’t know much about him. However, based on Ning Yu's manner of speech and contact information through Ning Dong, he estimated that his position should not be low-level, possibly at the level of a deputy minister or higher

Although Ning Dong’s family disrupted the time Su Cen planned to spend with Tang Wu, fortunately, Ning Dong did not request as before for Tang Wu to stay overnight and chat through the night. He Guoke also didn't speak up.

Su Cen and Tang Wu had already eaten on the plane, so although this meal was sumptuous, they didn’t eat much; by eight o'clock, the meal was over. As they left, He Guoke said, "Tang Wu, I'll take you back first since it’s convenient for me. You’re starting school soon and probably busy. When you have free time, stay in touch with Dongdong and give her advice. If there are any difficulties, tell Auntie He; I promised your dad that I would look after you well."

Tang Wu didn’t refuse. She and Su Cen carried the suitcases as Ning Dong’s family sent them to Tang Wu's new home in Snow Sea Bay on the peninsula overlooking the city.

Entering the lush green community, the car stopped at a building. Tang Wu suggested that Ning Dong let his parents rest for a while upstairs.

Ning Dong waved and smiled: "There will be plenty of opportunities later; we're going back now. Miss Tang Wu, I’ll call you another day to visit your home. Alright, you two should go back and rest."

Ning Yu and He Guoke smiled as they bid farewell to Su Cen and Tang Wu before driving off into the dense community forest.

"Let’s go up," said Tang Wu, turning around with her suitcase and keys in hand.

Su Cen gazed out over Snow Sea Bay at the city dimming but still bright. The subway pulled by countless small lit windows crawled along the tracks; a cool breeze brushed his face, carrying the faint scent of Tang Wu.

Climbing up to a high floor via the elevator, Tang Wu opened the door with a heavy sound of the anti-theft door unlocking. Then Su Cen helped Tang Wu bring in her suitcase; he turned on the lights with a click, illuminating the spacious and luxurious chandeliered room, giving off an overwhelming sense of home.

Tang Wu took out slippers for him and changed into them herself, placing the keys onto a delicate jade plate with a soft thud.

She went to the kitchen to wash a cup before filling it from the automatic water dispenser and placing it on the table. She turned on the TV and said, "Why don't you sit down for a bit."

Su Cen noticed that the cup Tang Wu had used was an adorable white ceramic one with Snoopy, the dog, painted on its surface, which made him feel sweetly sentimental. Who else could have such privilege to use her drinking cup

"I'll go wash my hands first. Where’s the bathroom Is it beside the kitchen"

“It's right next to you. The kitchen is also okay." Tang Wu pointed.

"Alright," Su Cen obediently went to the kitchen, washed his hands and noticed that several cups were upside down on a wet wipe nearby.

White, cartoon, ceramic cup, every single one had Snoopy the dog... damn dogs. Judging from this, her drinking cup wasn’t unique but mass-produced.

Su Cen, defeated in spirit, returned to the sofa where he saw Tang Wu upstairs by now. Her suitcase was beside her bedroom door as she unpacked some luggage.

At that moment, Tang Wu appeared at the entrance with a graceful posture and gently ruffled her loose hair, asking Su Cen, "Could you help me bring up the things in the box outside"

"Sure." Su Cen went over again to open the small box. Inside was a set of face masks which he placed on Tang Wu's bedroom display rack, looking quite pretty.

Then Su Cen took down some slowly packed bags from atop her wardrobe for Tang Wu, containing clothes she had worn during his high school days even. As he looked at these small pieces of clothing of hers, a unique light scent filled the air and transported him back to those times when he first met her.

And now she was right there in front of him, beside him. He was squatting inside her bedroom, helping her sort out clothes that needed packing away or bringing to school.

After stuffing the bags into the top cabinet, Su Cen was drenched with sweat but patted his hands, feeling satisfied after being nothing more than a laborer. He wondered if he had any mental health issues.

He drank some water and sat on Tang Wu's spacious sofa where the city night view outside The Peninsula Bay could be seen from the side. Tang Wu sitting next to him made this night even more beautiful and dazzling.

Su Cen looked at his watch; it was nearing 10 PM, so he got up to get his things and put on shoes. He said to Tang Wu, "That's about enough for now. I should head back to school."

Tang Wu stood gracefully from the sofa and asked, “There’s no transport this late. How are you going home”

“I can take a taxi,” Su Cen said with a smile as he put his shoulder bag on and picked up some local specialties to bring back to school. He opened the door and left.

Tang Wu's clear and soft voice echoed from behind him. of place. In fact, they didn't know which table to sit at. Chen Lingshan spotted them from a distance with her beautiful eyes and immediately walked over, smilingly saying, "Why are you so late I've...