Du Lili eating melon

Zhao Dongchuan followed closely behind, while Tian Runye and Du Lili walked ahead, chatting and laughing, occasionally glancing back at him.

He knew that the topic they were discussing was somewhat related to him.

He felt a bit uneasy, unsure of what Tian Futang had written in his letter!

Given Tian Futang's demeanor, the letter probably contained a lot of "fierce words"!

"Little Zhao, why are you walking so slowly? Catch up!" Du Lili stopped ahead and called back to Zhao Dongchuan.

Tian Runye also turned and smiled at him.

That smile inexplicably made Zhao Dongchuan feel a hint of pressure!

Alright, what's the big deal? He was an "experienced driver" who had "watched countless movies"!

What kind of situation hadn't he seen!

"I was just afraid you two had some private things to talk about that weren't suitable for me to hear!"

Zhao Dongchuan said with a chuckle as he quickly walked forward.

"We were discussing how your brain works, how you can write poems in all sorts of styles!" Du Lili said with narrowed eyes.

"Lili and I were just praising your new poem; it's very romantic, full of vitality and energy, making one feel that life is incredibly joyful and happy!" Tian Runye said with a slight smile, her eyes full of admiration.

"Hehe, thanks to the praise of two beauties, this humble one is extremely grateful!" Zhao Dongchuan bowed slightly, acting like a scholar, silently playing the fool.

"Haha, you're really interesting. If we didn't know you, outsiders would never guess that you're the author of 'Facing the Sea, With Spring Blossoms'!" Du Lili said.

Tian Runye also smiled and said, "Actually, I think compared to 'love of life', your new poem is more like a young person, with a young person's vitality and longing for life!"

The group quickly found a state-run restaurant. The three of them each ordered a dish they liked, and Zhao Dongchuan also asked the owner for three bowls of white rice.

Before long, the food was served. Zhao Dongchuan ate while chatting with the two of them, though he was mainly eating and watching them chat.

"Runye, is that Li Xiangqian still bothering you?" Du Lili asked gossiping, picking up a piece of meat and putting it in Runye's bowl.

"That person is so annoying. I've clearly rejected him, but he still waits for me at the school gate, pestering me. If I ignore him, he just silently follows me. I'm so annoyed right now!"

"Then why don't you ask the police to arrest him? Isn't that harassment?"

"Alas, his father is Li Dengyun, the Director of the County Revolutionary Committee, and he and my Second Uncle are colleagues. It's not good to make things so tense. However, my Second Uncle recently found out about this, and he talked to Li Dengyun specifically about this issue..."

"What did he say? Did Li Xiangqian give up?"

"No, my Second Uncle came back and told me that Li Dengyun also tried to persuade Li Xiangqian, but Li Xiangqian's attitude is very firm. He said that as long as I'm not married, he'll pursue me. His father is quite helpless!"

"Oh, Runye, I didn't expect your charm to be so great, to make that Li Xiangqian so infatuated... But our Runye is indeed a peerless beauty; even I'm envious..." Du Lili said with a giggle, putting her right arm around Runye.

"Is that so? Why don't I feel it? It seems someone is avoiding me like the plague!" Tian Runye smiled slightly, her gaze inadvertently sweeping over Zhao Dongchuan, looking at him.

Feeling Tian Runye's gaze, Zhao Dongchuan's heart tightened. Could she be talking about me?

He quickly shoveled a mouthful of rice and picked up a piece of meat to calm himself down.

Du Lili's eyes sparkled as she stared at Tian Runye and said, "Who? Who? Do you have a sweetheart? Huh... Is this..."

As a girl, she naturally understood what Tian Runye meant. This was a playful remark, actually pointing at someone present... Du Lili suddenly seemed to realize something, turned her head to look at Zhao Dongchuan, who was quietly eating, and then looked at Tian Runye, whose face was flushed and whose eyes were teasing.

Her mouth slowly widened, as if she had just heard a huge piece of gossip, her face full of surprise!

Although sometimes in the dead of night, she would worry about her good "best friend" Tian Runye.

After Sun Shaoan was out of the picture, she wondered which boy would be suitable for her.

Among them was this Zhao Dongchuan whom she knew, but because Runye was three years older than Zhao Dongchuan, the thought flashed and she dismissed it, thinking it was unlikely.

Now... she really hadn't expected that Tian Runye would be interested in Zhao Dongchuan!

Uh, it seems there's no problem. Zhao Dongchuan is talented, has published many popular poems, and also published a novel that is widely discussed and has made countless girls cry. He's also good-looking... He works at the Cultural Center and is the youngest deputy section-level cadre.

These conditions... Well, Du Lili had to admit that now it seemed less about whether Zhao Dongchuan could be worthy of Tian Runye, and more about whether Tian Runye could be worthy of Zhao Dongchuan.

This person is too outstanding, which isn't good! Du Lili, working at the Cultural Center, had naturally heard that many people were busy trying to set him up with someone. Those girls were all from excellent families, with good background, character, and looks... Sometimes, as a woman, Du Lili was very envious... The main thing was that Zhao Dongchuan seemed to be three years younger than Tian Runye?

But then again, a woman three years older brings good fortune, so it's not impossible!

Du Lili's mouth was wide open; she wanted to say something but couldn't, her mind in turmoil... "Lili, here, have some food!" Tian Runye picked up a piece of food for Du Lili, and then silently picked up a piece for Zhao Dongchuan as well.

Zhao Dongchuan quickly shoveled a mouthful of rice and ate a piece of food.

Du Lili, realizing the situation, also silently began to eat.

She still didn't know what to do! Whether to advise or to help!

The atmosphere became awkward for a moment, but Tian Runye's expression didn't change; she remained calm and composed... Lunch ended in such an atmosphere.

Walking halfway, Du Lili suddenly slapped her forehead and said annoyedly.

"Runye, I just remembered, the dog at home hasn't been fed today, I have to go back. You two chat first..."

"Little Zhao, please take good care of Runye... She doesn't get to come often!"

She said, winking at him.

With that, Du Lili quickly left.

Leaving Zhao Dongchuan and Tian Runye looking at each other.

Runye naturally knew that Du Lili had understood and purposely left her and Zhao Dongchuan some private space to say things that outsiders shouldn't know.

Thinking of this, her face flushed, a hint of shyness appearing.

Thinking of the explicit words her father, Tian Futang, had written in his letter, her face grew even redder.

"Let's go, Sister Runye, I'll show you around!" Zhao Dongchuan said with a slight smile.

"Mhm..."

The two slowly walked along Huangyuan Street. A gust of wind blew, sweeping up the fallen leaves on the ground... As if feeling the deepening chill of autumn, their figures gradually drew closer.