Chapter 24: Why Does This Diamond Look So Real?

Cheng Yao tossed all the documents into his bag. He wasn’t trying to make a show of it; otherwise, if Zhang Ya saw the price, she would never accept it. Now, Cheng Yao truly appreciated Lu Mengyao’s goodness—no matter what he bought for her, there was never a need to hide anything. Even if he bought her a villa, she would likely accept it without a moment’s hesitation.

If Zhang Ya didn’t accept this gift, he’d be crushed. So, without Lu Mengyao, things really wouldn’t work. Cheng Yao: Next time, I’ll treat you to milk tea. Lu Mengyao: I don’t want any... Cheng Yao: Oh. Lu Mengyao: ...

He hailed a cab and took the front passenger seat. “To the Conservatory of Music, please.” “Alright, fasten your seatbelt.”

Sitting up front, Cheng Yao felt at ease. He hadn’t gone out of his way to earn money; it had simply come to him. This was the most satisfying part of the game—sometimes he even felt troubled about how to spend it. Of course, the only flaw was that reality wasn’t like a game. While recruiting helpers, he also had to pay attention to safety; otherwise, if things fell apart, it wouldn’t be fun anymore.

If it were a game, even if the whole world were his wings, there’d be no risk of exposure, as such mechanics didn’t exist. But in reality, try having two helpers in the same class.

He put on his headphones, listened to music, and watched the city’s bustling traffic flash by. Cheng Yao thought Jinling was quite nice.

The trip was about five kilometers, taking around twenty minutes.

The Conservatory of Music—one of the four great music academies in the country, a temple of musical art with a pivotal place in China’s music scene.

Zhang Ya had just finished her military training and was resting today.

So, as soon as Cheng Yao arrived at the gate, he saw many students around. In fact, he felt a bit nervous, standing at the entrance, able to recite the school anthem by heart.

Land of China, coiling in the east,
Silent for thousands of years, ancient music restored to bring glory to the nation.
The academy stands firm at the center, with the people, music resounds in the hall...

Drums and bells harmonize, zithers and harps unite, the world shares in it, enduring with heaven and earth for all eternity!

Cheng Yao couldn’t help but laugh; it made his blood surge with pride.

He sent Zhang Ya a message, since the Conservatory didn’t have a women’s dormitory—she’d told him she lived opposite the hospital.

Cheng Yao: Darling, come out quickly.
Zhang Ya: ...Are you here?

Cheng Yao: At the school gate.
Zhang Ya: Wait for me, I’ll be right there.

Wandering at the gate, Cheng Yao found a glass pane and checked his reflection, smoothing his hair. He thought his look was tidy and fresh, giving off a clean, sunny vibe.

In terms of appearance, he had some confidence.

Most of the girls passing in and out of the gate glanced at him at least twice.

“Cheng Yao!”

At that moment, an unforgettable voice rang out at the entrance. Cheng Yao looked over to see a girl in a white T-shirt and denim shorts.

Her long, jet-black hair fell to her waist. Her arms and legs were slender, her skin extremely fair, her features exquisitely beautiful—a pure, fresh elegance.

She wore no lipstick, but her bare face was stunning.

Covering her mouth, Zhang Ya couldn’t hide her joy. In truth, she had wanted Cheng Yao to come find her, but felt it was too selfish, so she hadn’t mentioned it. Yet, when Cheng Yao suggested it himself, she immediately agreed.

Because she wanted to see him, too.

Cheng Yao couldn’t help but laugh, opening his arms. Instantly, her graceful figure rushed into his embrace, her slender arms wrapping around his waist.

He felt grounded, holding her close—wishing they could melt into one.

Zhang Ya tilted her snowy chin, her eyes a little misty. “I’ve been waiting for you. I actually have so much to say, but now that I see you, I don’t know what to say anymore. It seems there’s nothing I need to say.”

“Mmm...”

Cheng Yao breathed in her hair’s fragrance—the scent of Herbal Essences.

Zhang Ya’s face was buried in his chest. She had many things to say, simply because she wanted to see him.

She knew this was selfish, but if she couldn’t see him, she’d be disappointed. She’d never been so willful before, but now, separated by distance, she felt anxious—conversations dwindled, the frequency of chats dropped.

She wondered, had Cheng Yao’s feelings changed?

She felt nervous and lost, though she hadn’t shown it. So, when Cheng Yao came to the city, she was truly happy.

After hugging for a while, both felt at ease. People nearby cast curious and envious glances, but in this age—especially at university—it was perfectly normal.

Even kissing wouldn’t attract comment.

Pure as new snow—that was the impression Zhang Ya left.

Her eyes weren’t as big as Liu Hanyu’s, but they were very beautiful and bright.

After holding each other for some time, Zhang Ya felt a bit shy. “By the way, have you had lunch?”

“No, I’d forgotten I hadn’t eaten until you mentioned it. I’m starving.”

“Do you want noodles? I’ll cook some for you.”

“Really?!”

Cheng Yao was utterly astonished, following behind Zhang Ya.

Walking ahead, Zhang Ya felt her words were a bit odd, quirky, but she didn’t bring it up again.

Catching up, Cheng Yao held her hand. “You’ve gotten a little tanner.”

“You’re darker too. How’s Little Dot?”

“Same as always.”

Zhang Ya smiled, pure as the first snow. “It’s been over two months since I saw her. I miss her. Later, give me her contact info.”

“Sure. I brought you a gift—will give it to you in a bit.”

They crossed the street, Zhang Ya led him around the hospital to an apartment opposite. “If you want to find me in the future, just come here. I’m on the sixth floor, four-person room.”

“Is it okay for me to go in?”

“No problem. The rooms are separated. The others are out shopping, and you’ll just have some noodles and leave.”

Since Cheng Yao rarely visited, Zhang Ya wanted to stay cozily in her dorm.

They went upstairs and entered her place, which was much like a women’s dorm—just as tidy as his own, everything neatly arranged, and a piano with scores and books atop it.

Zhang Ya said, “I originally wanted to rent an apartment, but it’d be too lonely. Are you still living with Little Dot?”

“Yes, but I’ve made some money recently and plan to find a new place. Living together isn’t very suitable anymore.”

“That’s true.”

Zhang Ya agreed, looking at Cheng Yao and extending her hand. “Where’s the gift?”

Cheng Yao took out the box, which was exquisite and beautiful. When he opened it to reveal the wristwatch inside, Zhang Ya couldn’t take her eyes off it.

Her eyes widened. “Oh my god, how much did you pay for this?”

“Not expensive, just over eight hundred. I can’t afford a real one yet, but I picked this out carefully. Do you like it?”

Cheng Yao lied without batting an eye—he couldn’t possibly explain; eighty thousand was far too extravagant, no one could accept it at once.

Ah, except for the likes of Guan Bao.

“Such reckless spending.”

Zhang Ya scolded him playfully, but gazed lovingly at the watch in her hand. “Eight hundred for such a delicate watch is really good value. Where did you buy it? The diamonds look so real...”

Cheng Yao nearly covered his face—the diamonds were real!

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