And So, the Foolish Orange Begins to Ask Again

Though Su Cheng had failed at many things and messed up plenty of times, today took the cake for being the most absurd.

He had actually mistaken Gu Ruoxue for some big-shot villain and even dared to think about resisting her. The worst part was that his baseless speculation had become a laughingstock for everyone.

Especially when Li Guanqi brought it up—his weird look still lingered in Su Cheng’s mind. Just recalling the incident made his face burn with embarrassment.

The real kicker? He didn’t just keep his delusions to himself—no, he went ahead and acted on them. Talk about cringe.

Not only had he made a complete fool of himself, but he’d also added another entry to his ever-growing list of shameful memories.

Now, with only a few minutes left until seven o’clock, he was still only halfway to the hotel. Even if he sprinted at full speed…

No surprises here—he was going to be late again.

As he raced back to the hotel, he made up his mind: no more wild assumptions. Instead, he’d turn his thoughts into words. Only by putting them into action could ideas become reality.

In simpler terms?

From now on, if he had any doubts, he’d just ask Gu Ruoxue directly.

With that resolution, Su Cheng took a few deep breaths, trying to calm his restless heart. But the pent-up frustration got the better of him, and he let out a few nonsensical yells mid-sprint. Only then did the stifling feeling in his chest finally ease.

At the very least, he’d learned his lesson.

With that thought, he quickened his pace.

---

7:03 PM.

He was late.

Gu Ruoxue stood at the doorway of her room, looking down at him like he was some unreliable piece of trash that had missed its curfew.

Her sleek black hair cascaded naturally, framing her fair skin. The dark hues of her outfit accentuated her slender waist and long legs. Her sharp gaze swept over him, as if trying to see right through him.

Her posture was flawless—untouchable, like a rose bristling with thorns. The icy aura around her was downright suffocating.

Only one thought echoed in his mind:

Well, I’m screwed. Late again~

But hey, it was all the old Su Cheng’s fault!

"7:04," Gu Ruoxue said, her voice as calm as still water, carrying clearly through the hotel hallway.

Su Cheng panted, sweat beading on his forehead as he forced himself to look up. "Sorry," he muttered.

He didn’t even try to justify himself.

"Come in and rest for a bit."

Gu Ruoxue turned and pushed open her door, gesturing for him to enter. "You’re drenched in sweat. Not exactly presentable for going out like this."

Su Cheng let out a quiet sigh of relief.

She wasn’t scolding him.

"Thanks."

He knew she’d seen him running back at full tilt, and he was genuinely grateful for her leniency.

After all, being late was the kind of thing that could sour even the closest of relationships.

And right now, there was nothing remotely romantic between them—they weren’t even close to being lovers.

"No need for thanks."

Gu Ruoxue walked into the room and sat on the edge of the bed, pressing a finger to her temple as she turned on the TV, her eyes fixed on the screen.

Su Cheng hesitated at the doorway. This was her room—her private space. Wouldn’t it be inappropriate for him to enter?

Besides, his own room was right next door.

But the open door felt like an invitation.

So he tentatively asked, "I…"

"Come in and sit down."

Gu Ruoxue didn’t even glance back, her tone as composed as ever.

Su Cheng relaxed slightly and stepped inside. The layout was identical to his own room, except the air here was filled with a soothing fragrance—like lavender, fresh and calming.

Once he settled onto the sofa, Gu Ruoxue lowered her hand and said coolly, "Since you’re late, tell me a story."

Su Cheng blinked. "Huh?"

"Unwilling?"

She tilted her head just enough to glance at him.

"Uh…" Su Cheng rubbed his nose, unsure if this was her way of bridging the gap between them. "What kind of story would you like to hear?"

Gu Ruoxue didn’t answer. Instead, she picked up a pastry from the coffee table, took a slow bite, and finished the whole thing before finally looking at him. "Anything."

Su Cheng hesitated. "Oh, well…"

Storytelling was still a bit embarrassing for him.

But he had been late.

So after a pause, he gathered his thoughts and began, "Once upon a time, there was a mountain. On the mountain stood a temple, and in the temple lived three monks…"

He spun the tale at length, narrating the monks’ misadventures while stealing glances at Gu Ruoxue’s expression.

Unfortunately, her face remained impassive throughout.

It was as if she’d heard the story a thousand times before. No matter how he adjusted his tone—dramatic, somber, or even louder—nothing fazed her.

"...And that’s the end."

He swallowed nervously, watching her closely. Her expression hadn’t shifted an inch—no anger, no amusement. Just that same unreadable calm.

But he didn’t dare let his guard down.

"If you make such a basic mistake again, you’ll have to come up with a new story next time," Gu Ruoxue said, her voice still even. She kept her eyes on the TV, not sparing him so much as a sidelong glance.

"What if I run out of stories?" Su Cheng ventured cautiously.

Gu Ruoxue finally turned to face him fully, her gaze piercing. "Then you’ll make one up."

Su Cheng got the message loud and clear.

Suddenly, Gu Ruoxue stood and walked toward him, stopping just close enough to lock eyes. "We can leave now."

"Okay."

Su Cheng got up, smoothing out his slightly rumpled clothes.

Gu Ruoxue led the way out the door, her black hair flowing like a dark waterfall behind her, revealing the delicate curve of her profile as she moved.

"Where are we going?" Su Cheng asked quietly.

"Dinner."

Her tone was cool.

"Right."

Su Cheng nodded.

He had already eaten "two bowls of noodles," but he wasn’t about to say something that would kill the mood. Besides, he was still hungry—his stomach was practically growling for more food.

But…

Why this kind of restaurant?!

They now stood outside an upscale Western dining establishment.

The faint sound of piano music drifted from inside, instantly putting Su Cheng—who had never set foot in a high-end restaurant before—on edge.

The interior only made it worse:

Pristine white tablecloths draped over tables adorned with elegant candles. Every man wore a suit or jacket, every woman dressed formally. The whole place oozed sophistication.

And then there was him—wearing casual clothes.

Sure, no bouncer had stopped him with a snooty "No dress code violations allowed," but he still felt painfully out of place.

The contrast was glaring, and it made him want to sink into the floor.

This wasn’t just about his own awkwardness—it was the entire atmosphere.

He didn’t like coming to places like this.

But of course, Gu Ruoxue would have considered this. Given how well she knew him—his preferences, habits, every little movement—she had undoubtedly observed him thoroughly.

There was no reason for her to deliberately bring him somewhere she knew he’d feel uncomfortable. So, her decision to bring him here must have been carefully thought out.

Perhaps…

This restaurant had something special about it?

Or maybe they had been here together before?

Did it hold some significance?

Su Cheng wondered.

Taking a deep breath, he suppressed the discomfort rising in his chest and lifted his gaze to Gu Ruoxue ahead of him.

She had already smoothly checked in with the restaurant staff. Following the server’s lead, they were taken to a small private room. From the outside, he could see only two seats inside.

Clearly, it was a themed private booth designed for couples.

Fresh seasonal flowers adorned the table, and candlelight flickered warmly at its center. Everything looked so cozy and romantic that Su Cheng couldn’t help but pause.

Wasn’t this the kind of setting you’d see in movies for a couple’s date?

And yet…

Two servers pulled out their chairs, gesturing for them to sit. Su Cheng sat down somewhat awkwardly, and the servers respectfully retreated.

“I assumed you’d already eaten, so I ordered a set meal,” Gu Ruoxue broke the silence. “Since it’s a set, the portions are small. If you’re still hungry, feel free to order more from the menu.”

“Why didn’t you tell me beforehand that we were coming to a place like this?”

Su Cheng couldn’t hold back anymore—he went straight to the point.

Had he known, he would have dressed more formally. After all, for his last birthday, Li Guanqi had gifted him an expensive suit, which he always kept in his system space.

Wearing that outfit would have made a striking impression anywhere!

But before Gu Ruoxue could respond, a server entered carrying a tray. Placing a silver tray on the table, they smiled and said, “Here’s your appetizer soup, for both of you.”

“Thank you,” Gu Ruoxue replied politely.

“Enjoy,” the server said with a slight bow before leaving.

Su Cheng glanced at the so-called appetizer soup—a coffee cup-sized bowl filled with rich, creamy mushroom soup.

On either side of his plate were three sets of knives and forks, along with a soup spoon.

It all looked very professional.

He had some experience with dining etiquette before. (Note: Zhao Yan and the others had done their research when they went out, though they never got to use it.)

But he didn’t make the first move. Instead, he watched Gu Ruoxue.

She unfolded her napkin, sat upright, and took a sip of the soup with a silver porcelain spoon. After dabbing her lips with a napkin, she remarked, “It’s quite good. Try it.”

Only then did Su Cheng pick up his utensils. Keeping his upper body still, he took spoonful after spoonful. If not for etiquette, he would have just lifted the bowl and downed it in one go.

After a while,

He looked at his now-empty plate, crossed his knife and fork to signal he was waiting for the next course, and sat quietly.

Noticing Gu Ruoxue was still eating, he didn’t disturb her and simply waited.

Soon, the side dishes, main course, and condiments were served one after another.

This time, he didn’t hesitate. He naturally picked up the inner set of utensils and mimicked Gu Ruoxue’s graceful dining manner.

Eventually, dessert was finished, marking the end of the meal.

Finally, Su Cheng placed his knife and fork parallel to the right edge of the plate at the four o’clock position to indicate he was satisfied.

“Thank you,” he said politely, wiping his mouth.

Gu Ruoxue, however, narrowed her eyes slightly and gave him a half-smile. “I didn’t expect you to be so refined.”

“I’ve always been a gentleman,” Su Cheng replied with a grin before turning serious. “But you know I’m uncomfortable in places like this. Why drag me here?”

Gu Ruoxue glanced at him calmly and parted her lips lightly. “You’ll have to face it sooner or later. Avoiding it won’t help. Might as well get used to it.”

Su Cheng froze for a moment before remembering—he knew quite a few mixed-race friends. If he ever had to meet their parents or attend formal events, he’d inevitably end up in places like this. So he didn’t dwell on it further.

After all, this was an essential part of social dining etiquette.

Rather than explaining it in words, Gu Ruoxue had let him experience it firsthand. It was indeed easier for him to accept this way.

But the problem was…

“Why didn’t you just tell me in advance?” Su Cheng couldn’t help asking.

“Did someone prepare proper clothes for you?” Gu Ruoxue countered.

This woman could read him like an open book!

Then again, she wasn’t wrong. If not for a gift, he’d never have gone out of his way to get a formal suit—he was still a student, after all.

Su Cheng’s cheeks flushed slightly. “Yeah.”

He lowered his head guiltily. After all, he and Gu Ruoxue hadn’t broken up. If he showed up wearing a suit gifted by Li Guanqi for a candlelit dinner with her…

Wouldn’t that seem a little odd?

Almost like he was… cheating?

Gu Ruoxue, having gotten her confirmation, closed her eyes calmly, as if deep in thought.

A moment later.

After an inexplicably long pause,

She opened her eyes and fixed him with a slightly reproachful gaze. “Tell me a story.”

“Another story?” Su Cheng was baffled. “Did I do something wrong?”

“I just recalled—last time, you were also late once,” Gu Ruoxue said sternly, holding up two fingers. “Two incidents mean two stories.”

Su Cheng: “……”

So she was bringing up that old hiking trip where he was late…

Digging up the past…

In the end, since it was about the clothes, he told her “The Emperor’s New Clothes.”

After finishing the story,

Su Cheng decided to ask again: “Have we been here before?”

Speculating on his own would get him nowhere.

Only by asking could he get a real answer.

So he went for it.

This was the only foolproof method.

Putting his thoughts into words, giving them form and substance—that was the only way to make them real.

For a second, silence hung in the air.

Two seconds later, Gu Ruoxue sighed softly.

Su Cheng immediately held his breath, bracing himself.

She slowly lowered her head, her lashes fluttering, and rubbed her temples as if pained by his foolishness.

“I think… you’d have better luck asking the staff for answers.”