Eleven eleven.

After dropping Xia Songbai off at the entrance of the Xia family home, Di Guoxing turned and left without a second thought.

Once, when Di Guoxing had dropped Xia Songbai off, he had been spotted by Wei Shuqin. At that time, the Di family had not yet publicly acknowledged his status, so Wei Shuqin had assumed he was a hoodlum. She had strictly forbidden Xia Songbai from associating with him, leveling plenty of snide and cutting remarks in the process.

Di Guoxing had heard enough gossip in his life that he didn't take such things to heart. Later, when he was formally recognized by his family, Wei Shuqin’s attitude took a complete turn. After experiencing her fawning attentiveness once, Di Guoxing began to avoid her whenever possible.

With Wei Shuqin out today, Xia Songbai slipped back into his room. A notification on his phone indicated that someone had tagged him in a group chat. Xia Songbai first opened the large academy group, which he had set to mute.

The group was massive, and the message count was always at 99+. After a quick scan, he saw nothing of importance and checked the smaller group to see who had tagged him. This group consisted of the original owner’s friends from school. Xia Songbai sent a "cat peeking" sticker to acknowledge his presence.

Soon, the person who tagged him replied.

【Da Zhi】: "Xia, have you decided where you’re going for your internship?"

The entire senior year was devoid of coursework, and the most important task was the internship. Xia Songbai had previously only been thinking about how to escape the plot, so he hadn't given the internship any thought. Now that he was reminded, he wasn't particularly nervous. "I’ll just find a company when the time comes. It doesn't matter if it's a small one, as long as I can learn something."

Whether by design or not, the people the original owner had befriended were all children of wealthy families. Only Da Zhi was the type to work his way through school; he won scholarships every year and spent his spare time working. The only reason the original owner had managed to pass his final exams each semester was thanks to Da Zhi’s tutoring.

【Da Zhi】: "Isn't your fiancé's family company huge? Why don't you have him arrange a position for you? It would look great on your resume and sound good when you're job hunting after graduation."

Xia Songbai thanked him for the advice, chatted in the group for a while longer, and then went back to being a "lurker."

The Lian family's company was indeed large, but given Lian Sheng's personality, he would never arrange for Xia Songbai to join his business—he would be too afraid that Xia Songbai might mess something up and embarrass him. In Lian Sheng's mind, it would be best if Xia Songbai simply married him right after graduation and stayed home obediently, acting as nothing more than a pretty vase.

The original owner probably would have agreed. In the original story, the original owner didn't look for work after graduation; he spent every day trailing behind Lian Sheng, never once considering what he should do with his own future.

However, Xia Songbai realized that if he did manage to break off the engagement, Wei Shuqin would undoubtedly turn everything upside down, and she would certainly try to force him into submission by cutting off his allowance. Therefore, before that happened, he had to become independent and capable of supporting himself—and supporting Xuetuan.

Xia Songbai himself had no interest in luxury goods, and his demands for a comfortable life were not particularly high. If it weren't for Xuetuan, that ten million would have been enough for him to live very comfortably for the rest of his life.

No wonder people say children are what tie a mother down.

Xia Songbai tucked away the valuable tea cake properly, planning to find an opportunity to return it to Shen Tingzong. Then, he pulled out the textbooks he had neglected all summer, opened the first page with a heavy heart, and began to study in earnest.

-

During that period, Xia Songbai stayed home to study, and Lian Sheng cooperated by disappearing completely. Xia Songbai guessed that Lian Sheng was likely off following the plot to build his relationship with Ning Qing, and he was more than happy to be left alone.

As for Shen Zhao, he took the initiative to report that he was taking his cousin abroad. He offered to buy anything Xia Songbai might need. After Xia Songbai politely declined, Shen Zhao began sending him photos of the scenery along his journey every day. Xia Songbai, feeling dizzy from his studies, treated their chats as a form of relaxation, and his life was surprisingly pleasant.

One day, Xia Songbai closed his textbook and slumped over on his chair, feeling as though his soul had left his body. Though he hadn't been "wiped" by any man, he felt like he had been "wiped" by his studies.

His phone rang—it was a video call request from Shen Zhao.

Xia Songbai answered, and the first thing he saw was the deep blue sea. The blue was glass-like, clean as jelly, with a hue so perfect it looked like paint mixed for an oil painting—so beautiful it appeared surreal. Sunlight danced on the surface of the water, shimmering with golden specks. The camera shifted, revealing a face as handsome and radiant as the sun.

Shen Zhao was wearing a blue and white tropical-print shirt, only a few buttons fastened. As the wind blew, the hem of the shirt lifted, revealing firm, honey-colored abs. Having been running around outside, his skin was tanned, making his features look even more sculpted and highlighting his pearl-like, mixed-race charm. He flashed a grin, revealing a set of white teeth.

"Little Xia, still studying?"

Xia Songbai nodded weakly. "You guys went to the beach?"

"Nianhuan bought a new yacht."

Shen Zhao turned the camera to the side. On the beach not far away stood a young woman in a bright pink bikini. With long legs, a slim waist, and a high ponytail of golden wavy hair, she had a small, upturned nose, large eyes, and wore shimmering lip gloss. She looked incredibly energetic and vibrant. This was Shen Zhao’s cousin, Xu Nianhuan.

Shen Zhao’s father was Chinese and his mother was British; for Xu Nianhuan, it was the opposite—her father was British and her mother was ethnic Chinese, which was why she took her mother’s surname.

As they were talking, Xu Nianhuan bounced over, grabbed Shen Zhao’s hand, and pulled the camera toward herself. "Xia-Xia!"

Shen Zhao had been chatting with Xia Songbai so often lately that Xu Nianhuan had come to know him as well. She was a fan of good looks, and from the moment she first saw Xia Songbai, she had been conquered by his appearance. Now, she blinked her large eyes and asked in Cantonese, "Did you see my new yacht?"

Xia Songbai smiled. "I saw it."

"Then why don't you come too? I want to go on the boat with you. I’m already tired of looking at Shen Zhao."

Shen Zhao: "Hey, could you not say things like that when I’m right here?"

Xu Nianhuan ignored him, suddenly grabbing his collar and yanking it to the side. Caught off guard, Shen Zhao was exposed, with half his shoulder laid bare.

Shen Zhao: "..."

Xu Nianhuan pointed to his chest, which had just been covered by the shirt. "Look, Xia-Xia, my brother got a henna tattoo."

Henna was a natural tattoo dye that would gradually fade over time. The one on Shen Zhao’s chest was clearly recent; it was still very clear, written in cursive English: "Summer Lover."

Shen Zhao’s entire face turned bright red in an instant. He scrambled to button his shirt. "I just got it for fun."

"Is that so? Then what do those two words mean?"

Shen Zhao: "..."

Sometimes, he really wanted to strangle his cousin. Xu Nianhuan laughed heartily, tossed the phone back to Shen Zhao, and bounced away.

Shen Zhao was uncharacteristically stuttering. "I..."

Xia Songbai smiled gently at him. "Did it hurt when you got it?"

Thinking that Xia Songbai hadn't seen it clearly, Shen Zhao felt relieved, though a bit disappointed. He followed Xia Songbai’s lead and said, "It didn't hurt. It’s painted on; it’s a type of body art."

"That’s quite interesting. If I come across it, I might try it too."

Xia Songbai sat indoors, with only a desk lamp on. The soft, yellow light falling on his face made his pale skin look even cleaner. He wore a casual white T-shirt with a loose fit, clearly revealing his slender neck and collarbones. As he spoke, his lips curved upward, his bright red mouth looking as soft as a ripe berry.

Every time Shen Zhao saw him, his heart would race; he never grew tired of looking at him. Hearing him say that, he couldn't help but let his imagination run wild: where would he get a tattoo? If those white, flawless patches of skin were marked, what kind of allure would that hold...

Shen Zhao dared not think further. He shifted the camera upward a bit, feeling flustered, to avoid showing the physical reaction he was having. This was the first time he had ever liked someone this much; he would dream of Xia Songbai at night, and sometimes he’d have to change his clothes after waking up. He hadn't been without romantic experience, but none of those were like Xia Songbai. Sometimes, Shen Zhao felt that even if Xia Songbai didn't like him back, it would be enough just to be able to talk to him and see him smile.

Shen Zhao lowered his eyes, feeling a wave of disappointment. Xia Songbai already belonged to someone else. He was engaged, and after graduation, he would probably be married off.

Suddenly, Xia Songbai said, "There are a few concepts I don't understand. When you get back, could you explain them to me?"

Shen Zhao’s eyes lit up instantly. "Of course, no problem."

He was studying at Harvard Business School. Although his grades were excellent, he had never had much interest in the material itself. Now, knowing he could teach Xia Songbai, it was the first time he felt he had chosen the right major.

"Then I'll wait for you to return." Xia Songbai looked at Shen Zhao and smiled, his eyes twinkling. He glanced briefly at the tattoo on Shen Zhao’s chest, paused for a moment, then met Shen Zhao’s gaze directly. His voice was soft and gentle as he said, "It’s a pity, though, that I won't be able to see that ‘Summer Lover’ in person."

-

Xu Nianhuan, finished with her playing, walked back with a glass of juice to find Shen Zhao standing there, motionless. She poked him with her finger. "Brother? Aren't you on the phone with Xia-Xia?" Why did he look like he’d just found a fortune?

Shen Zhao finally snapped back to reality. "You can attend the banquet in a few days by yourself. I’m going back to the country."

"What?" Xu Nianhuan reminded him, "That’s the matchmaking banquet Grandfather arranged for you. If you don't go, he’s going to be absolutely furious."

Shen Zhao usually feared his grandfather, but now he showed no sign of worry. Instead, he wore a blissful, intoxicated smile. "Xia-Xia is waiting for me." He paused and emphasized, "He said it was a pity he couldn't see my tattoo—I have to go back and show him before the henna fades!"

Xu Nianhuan: "..."

He looked so stupid. It seemed she didn't need to worry about Grandfather; her brother had clearly fallen head over heels in love.

-

Xia Songbai had no idea that his single sentence had caused Shen Zhao to rush back overnight without a moment’s rest.

School was starting the next day, and seniors were required to return for the opening ceremony. Xia Songbai was in the group chat connecting with his classmates, agreeing that everyone would have a meal together after the ceremony ended.

Just then, his phone rang. It was actually a call from Lian Runwen.

Xia Songbai sat up in bed, puzzled, and answered. "Uncle Lian?"

On the other end of the line, Lian Runwen’s tone was kind and amiable. "Xia, you're not asleep yet, are you?"

"No." Xia Songbai asked curiously, "Uncle Lian, is there something you need?"

Lian Runwen choked for a moment. It was his own fault; his attitude toward Xia Songbai had been indifferent and cold in the past. Now that he had called to make small talk, Xia Songbai only assumed he had an agenda.

Lian Runwen had to get straight to the point. "Are you going to school tomorrow? As it happens, Asheng is heading that way too. I'll have him pick you up at your place tomorrow morning, and you two can go to school together."

Xia Songbai: ?

Xia Songbai checked the phone number, confirming that it really was Lian Runwen. He offered his thanks, and after a few more polite inquiries, he hung up. Once the call ended, his expression immediately darkened.

In the study, Lian Sheng stood looking uneasy. Lian Runwen glanced at him and let out a cold snort. "Tomorrow morning, you are going to go pick up Songbai, and you are going to be on your best behavior."

Lian Sheng said, "Dad, Ning Qing and I..."

"Silence!" Lian Runwen raised his voice. "Do you have no shame? That is your mother’s nurse. If you get involved with him and it gets out, what will people think of our family? Your nonsense outside was one thing, but now that you are engaged, it’s time to settle down."

Lian Sheng didn't dare argue further, but a flash of anger crossed his eyes. In truth, nothing had happened between him and Ning Qing; Ning Qing had simply been injured, and he had gone to take care of him. Their relationship was entirely governed by propriety. Ning Qing was such a proud and aloof person—how could he possibly allow himself to be involved in an unclear relationship with someone who already had a fiancé?

Lian Sheng also understood that Xia Songbai had done nothing wrong, and compared to Ning Qing, Xia Songbai was the one who loved him more...

Now that even his father was so fiercely opposed, if he were to persist in his own way, he would lose far more than just a fiancé. Perhaps this was the first time he had truly liked someone this much, but in the end, he couldn't bring himself to abandon everything.

Lian Sheng let out a deep breath, staring at the chat window with Ning Qing. After a long time, he sent the final message: "Take care of yourself. I won't be coming to see you anymore."

Ning Qing’s reply was equally crisp: "Okay."

It matched his usual, distant demeanor. Yet, inexplicably, Lian Sheng felt a dull ache in his heart, as if simply saying goodbye to Ning Qing had torn open a piece of his soul.

If Xia Songbai were here, he would surely be screaming: *Why are you breaking up a pair of lovebirds! Just let Lian Sheng break off the engagement with me, and everyone would be happy! Lian Runwen, no matter how influential you are, you can't be stronger than the power of the plot!*

He was currently stopping Lian Sheng, forcing him to turn back from the wrong path, but the suppressed feelings were like a wildfire that would only rage more fiercely later on. And Xia Songbai, who had passively caused the obstacle to this romance, would become the only victim to be scorched by the flames.

—And it wouldn't even wait until later.

The next day, what Xia Songbai faced was Lian Sheng, who came to pick him up with an icy expression, a rigid attitude, and a face like a funeral.

Xia Songbai: ...

Bad luck!