44: high school classmate

Time slipped away quietly amidst the ringing of classroom bells, and in the blink of an eye, Friday had arrived.

The Campus was filled with the relaxed atmosphere of the approaching weekend; students gathered in small groups to discuss their plans, and laughter echoed here and there.

However, Gu Qingcheng's mood was completely out of sync with the surrounding cheer.

She walked alone along a tree-lined path, where sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting alternating shadows of light and dark upon her.

She kept her head down, her steps slow and heavy, as if every stride was treading upon her heart.

Tomorrow was the day of her mother's surgery. This matter weighed on her chest like a giant boulder, making it hard for her to breathe.

Her fingers unconsciously twisted the hem of her clothes as the cold terms on the surgical consent form, as described by the doctor, repeatedly surfaced in her mind.

Risks, complications, sequelae... these words haunted her like a curse.

When she was signing the consent form, her hand had trembled so much she could barely hold the pen.

She didn't even dare to think about the worst-case scenario; the mere thought made her feel cold all over.

At this moment, how she wished she had someone to rely on, someone to share this heavy burden with.

This morning, her mother had held her hand from the Hospital bed, wanting to see Chen Li one last time before the surgery.

From her daughter, she had learned that this life-saving money had been entirely provided by Chen Li.

Even if the worst happened, she could find peace if she could see her daughter and Chen Li together before entering the operating room.

Gu Qingcheng understood her mother's thoughts. It seemed that, no matter what, she had to try to contact Chen Li and ask if it would be convenient for him to come to the Hospital tomorrow.

Ever since Chen Li had transferred that huge sum of money to her, he hadn't taken the initiative to contact her again.

Aside from the last time she reported that she needed to pay the surgery fees, the two of them had only had a brief exchange.

Chen Li hadn't even sent a single message, let alone made any demands of her.

During this period, Gu Qingcheng's heart had actually been in constant turmoil.

She had long prepared herself mentally, thinking that Chen Li might ask her out for a private dinner or make some other request.

Although the thought of these things made her somewhat apprehensive, she knew she couldn't refuse—after all, he had helped her so much.

And to be honest, she didn't feel any aversion toward Chen Li.

But strangely, Chen Li not only hadn't asked her out, he hadn't even sent a simple greeting.

This made her unable to stop her mind from wandering: Was she not attractive to him?

But clearly, there were still many boys at school pursuing her. Why was it that with Chen Li, it didn't work at all?

This feeling of being ignored left her both confused and a bit disappointed.

At this moment, Chen Li had just finished playing ball with Zhang Yixi and the others. He was showering in the Dormitory and preparing to go eat when his phone vibrated.

"Brother Chen Li, are you free tomorrow?" Gu Qingcheng's message appeared on the screen.

"I'm free. What's up?"

"That... well,"

Gu Qingcheng seemed to be making up her mind. "My mom has surgery tomorrow. She said she wants to see you before the operation..."

"No problem. What time should I head over tomorrow?"

"Thank you, Brother Chen Li. Coming around two o'clock would be fine." Gu Qingcheng breathed a sigh of relief, not expecting Chen Li to agree so quickly.

"Alright. Have you eaten?" Chen Li asked casually.

"Not yet. I'm just about to go to the Cafeteria."

"Do you want to come eat with us? Yixi and Wu Wenqian are coming too."

"Is... is that convenient?" Gu Qingcheng hesitated slightly.

"They're all my roommates. If you want to come, just meet us at the school gate."

"Okay, I'll head over now."

Putting down her phone, Gu Qingcheng adjusted her hair in front of the mirror. Although her brow still carried a hint of worry, the girl in the reflection remained stunning.

The group was waiting at the school gate for Chen Li to drive over. Today, several of the guys had brought their girlfriends, so one car couldn't fit everyone, and they had to call a ride-hailing car as well.

Just then, Chen Li's car slowly approached, and almost at the same time, Gu Qingcheng arrived.

She was wearing a plain-colored dress that showed off her slim and well-proportioned figure. The breeze blew through her hair, revealing a face as exquisite as a celestial fairy's.

As she walked from not far away with the sunlight sprinkling over her, her entire being seemed as ethereal as a goddess from the nine heavens, making it impossible for anyone to look away.

"Qingcheng."

Wu Wenqian turned and saw her, greeting her with a pleasant surprise and affectionately taking her hand.

She hadn't expected Gu Qingcheng to come, but on second thought, she understood—besides Chen Li and herself, who else could successfully invite this campus belle?

"Wenqian."

Gu Qingcheng responded with a smile, but her gaze unconsciously drifted toward Chen Li, who had just stepped out of the car.

Guo Zihong and Wu Qiang were both stunned. This was the first time they had seen Gu Qingcheng, and they hadn't expected there to be such a beautiful girl in the school.

Not only was she beautiful, but she also possessed a unique temperament—both pure and slightly fragile—that made people want to steal a few more glances.

"Everyone, get in the car."

Chen Li called out to them. His gaze lingered on Gu Qingcheng for a moment, and he frowned slightly.

The group tacitly left the front passenger seat for Gu Qingcheng, while Zhang Yixi and Wu Wenqian sat in the back.

The remaining people got into the ride-hailing car, excitedly discussing the Gu Qingcheng they had just seen all along the way.

The car soon stopped in front of a high-end seafood buffet restaurant. The wealthy Chen Li was treating everyone to a seafood buffet costing 3,199 per person.

Walking into the restaurant, the luxurious environment made everyone privately click their tongues in amazement.

Gu Qingcheng looked at the dazzling array of seafood in the restaurant—live King Crabs, plump Lobsters, and various high-end ingredients.

The cost of this one meal was almost enough for half a year of her living expenses.

Wu Wenqian noticed her unease, lightly touched her arm, and whispered, "Since you're here, just enjoy yourself. Don't think too much."

Gu Qingcheng nodded, but a complex wave of emotion rose in her heart.

She knew that from the moment she accepted Chen Li's help, the relationship between them had already changed.

Because it was a buffet, Zhang Yixi and the others ate freely. Guo Zihong even performed a stunt by eating a whole Lobster in one bite, causing everyone to laugh and creating a very lively atmosphere.

Chen Li ate a bit too quickly and felt another bout of stomach trouble, so he quietly went to the restroom alone.

Coming out of the restroom, he was looking down and drying his hands when he suddenly heard someone call his name from behind:

"Chen Li?"

He turned around and saw his High School classmate, Chen Shimei. Standing next to him was Zhong Lili—the girl both Chen Li and Chen Shimei had pursued back then.

At that time, Zhong Lili had chosen Chen Shimei, who had a better family background, without hesitation. The two of them later got into the nearby Normal University together.

Because of this, Chen Shimei had often bragged in front of Chen Li, belittling him both openly and covertly.

"Chen Li, what are you doing here? Working as a waiter?"

Chen Shimei walked over with a smile, but his tone carried a hint of condescension.

Zhong Lili only gave Chen Li a faint glance, not even offering a greeting. Her eyes showed obvious coldness and a lack of interest.

Just then, Gu Qingcheng, who had just come out, witnessed this scene...