Chapter 23: Awakening

"Li Qianqian, hello there." Zhang Ye walked up, grinning broadly.

"Zhang Ye, what are you doing here?" Beside Li Qianqian stood another girl, slightly plump, not unattractive, though a few pimples on her face somewhat masked her charm—otherwise, she too would have been a radiant young beauty. Like Li Qianqian, she was also Zhang Ye’s classmate, her name was Huang Meixia.

Wasn’t it true that Zhao Haidong seemed interested in her? Zhang Ye wasn’t entirely sure.

"Heh, I was just wandering around. What about you two?" He remembered Li Qianqian lived on the eastern side of Lihua County, a bit far from here.

"I came here to buy a few things." Li Qianqian’s cheeks tinged red, and her voice was barely audible.

"Her mom’s birthday is in a few days. Qianqian is here to buy a gift," Huang Meixia blurted out, never one to hide her thoughts.

Looking at the shy, bashful Li Qianqian, Zhang Ye felt his heart tremble even more. With her temperament, how much courage must she have mustered to confess her feelings to him back then?

"Auntie’s birthday? When is it? I suppose it's not too late for me to get a present?" Zhang Ye snapped out of his daze at Li Qianqian’s embarrassed, almost evasive expression, quickly asking.

But in his heart, he was pondering—how could he win her over?

In his past life, Zhang Ye had been plagued by insecurity and self-doubt. Though he liked her, he never dared confess. He wouldn’t let himself be so weak this time; he’d already resolved to be the one to declare his feelings. Only, now didn’t seem quite the right moment.

"No need," Li Qianqian shook her head firmly, but as if afraid of offending Zhang Ye, she explained, "It’s just a family gathering, we’re not inviting anyone else." Inside, she was mortified, her cheeks burning as red as a ripe apple.

"What’s this? Zhang Ye, do you have an ulterior motive? Trying to bribe me just to get close to Qianqian? Not a chance." Huang Meixia planted her hands on her hips, first righteously refusing, then quickly becoming excited. "But, if you’re willing to make a gesture, I might be able to help you out a little. Like passing a note or something. The benefits are considerable, you know."

"You brat, what are you saying? I’ll strangle you!" Li Qianqian, unable to stand her friend’s teasing, playfully raised her hands in a mock threat.

"Sure, I’ll treat you to something nice sometime," Zhang Ye agreed immediately, his smile sincere.

Both Huang Meixia and Li Qianqian were struck dumb, staring at Zhang Ye in a daze, their eyes glazed with surprise.

Feeling awkward under their gaze, Zhang Ye coughed to mask his embarrassment, then, acting nonchalant, said, "Since I know Auntie’s birthday now, it would be remiss not to buy a present. Wait here, I’ll be right back." With that, he strode over to a nearby stall and squatted down to pick something out.

It was a small stand selling antique trinkets—not much on display, just a porcelain vase, a few bowls, and some pieces of jewelry.

Zhang Ye had already spotted a jade bracelet he found beautiful. He wasn’t sure if a bracelet was an appropriate gift for an elder, but the piece was so elegant that he decided to buy it.

After some haggling, Zhang Ye bought it for seventy yuan. He then went into a gift shop, purchased a delicate box, and placed the jade bracelet inside.

"Remember to wish Auntie a happy birthday for me," Zhang Ye said with a smile.

"It’s too expensive… really, you don’t have to…" Li Qianqian stared at him, stunned, reluctant to accept.

"Heh, but this isn’t for you—it’s for Auntie. If you refuse, I won’t allow it," he said, pressing the gift box into her hands before turning away in a carefree gesture, waving as he left.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to linger, but he’d spotted Wang Mengzi and Gao Ming emerging from the old house ahead, so he had to take his leave.

"Qianqian, have you noticed how much Zhang Ye has changed?" Huang Meixia nudged Li Qianqian’s shoulder.

"I don’t know," Li Qianqian replied, dazed, her cheeks flushed as her heart pounded wildly.

She felt as if she’d been struck by lightning.

...

From a distance, Zhang Ye followed Wang Mengzi, watching her purchase a few trinkets, linger at a street corner to listen to music for a few minutes, and finally enter a restaurant.

Only then did Zhang Ye realize it was already noon.

Soon enough, people began to notice that in front of Little Sister’s Restaurant, a young man was pacing back and forth, peeking inside from time to time, clearly wanting to go in but too hesitant to do so.

"Xiao Ye, if you want to come in, just come in. What are you doing, wandering around like that?" A voice called out to him.

Zhang Ye froze, forcing a smile more awkward than tears. "Aunt Wang, what brings you here?" He wished he could disappear into the ground.

"What do you think?" Wang Mengzi shot him a look, taking him by the arm and leading him into the restaurant.

"What are you doing here?" Gao Ming, unsurprisingly, didn’t bother to hide his displeasure towards Zhang Ye, his expression icy.

"I’m here to eat. Is it any of your business?" Zhang Ye retorted, glaring at Gao Ming before swaggering over to sit down.

"Don’t be rude." Wang Mengzi tapped Zhang Ye on the head.

Just then, the perpetually grim-faced Gao Ming’s expression shifted, and he managed a smile. "Xiao Ye…"

"Who are you calling Xiao Ye? We’re not that close. Call me Zhang Ye." He deliberately stressed the ‘Ye’ in his name.

This had always been one of Zhang Ye’s favorite jokes, using his own name to trip people up. Now that he was older, he did it less, but he certainly didn’t mind using it on someone like Gao Ming.

Without a word, Wang Mengzi pinched him sharply under the table.

Taking her cue, Zhang Ye grew even bolder, raising his brows in challenge at Gao Ming.

Unexpectedly, Gao Ming didn’t get angry but smiled amiably. "Zhang Ye, your aunt and I have something to discuss. Here’s two yuan—go buy yourself a popsicle or something, all right?" He pulled out the money, feigning kindness.

"Two yuan? Not nearly enough. Twenty," Zhang Ye replied, pocketing the money without the least intention of leaving.

He didn’t need the money, but he didn’t mind giving Gao Ming a hard time.

Gao Ming’s face darkened, but after glancing at Wang Mengzi, he swallowed his irritation and handed over the extra. "Fine, twenty it is," he said, staring at Zhang Ye as if he’d like to devour him.

Knowing when to stop, Zhang Ye didn’t push any further—lest he provoke Wang Mengzi’s annoyance. He rose and headed out.

At the door, Zhang Ye suddenly realized that his previous approach was wrong. If he stayed by Aunt Wang’s side all the time, he could protect her, but only temporarily. The real threat would still lurk in the shadows. Only by letting things play out, waiting until the beast revealed its true colors, and then intervening at the critical moment, could he ensure that Wang Mengzi would become truly wary and vigilant against him.

With this thought, Zhang Ye quickly left the restaurant and headed straight for the commercial street. There, he found a high-tech electronics store and walked right in.