“Xiaozhou” was Lin Xiangyu’s nickname. Even after the Lin family adopted him and gave him the name Lin Xiangyu, Ji Chunlan had still been used to calling him Xiaozhou.
It was because, when he was young, he loved drinking congee. Ji Chunlan thought for a moment and simply changed the character in his nickname, and it became that way.
During the half year when Lin Xiangyu was still in the Welfare Institute, Jiang Nian had always chased after him calling him “Xiaozhou Older Brother.” The reason was simple—Jiang Nian had been a total face-con.
Among that group of thin and dark children, Lin Xiangyu had been the most clean and handsome-looking.
Lin Xiangyu did not dislike this little follower of a younger sister either. The little girl had looked like a doll since childhood, and he had been willing to take care of her a bit more.
Until the Lin family came to adopt them.
Lin Xiangyu had tried to persuade Jiang Nian several times, but she refused to leave. He could neither force her away nor give up the opportunity to be adopted by a wealthy businessman from Nanshi.
Later, Lin Xiangyu convinced the Lin family to sponsor the Spring Welfare Institute—partly to repay Grandma Ji, and partly because in his nightmares he kept hearing Jiang Nian crying and chasing after the car, shouting “Xiaozhou Older Brother, don’t leave me!” with heartbreaking sobs.
After that, when Jiang Nian entered junior high school and got a phone, they had both saved each other’s contact information through Grandma Ji’s connection. They barely talked, but the number had always remained in their contacts.
Until the day he received Jiang Nian’s messages—only then did he realize she was still resenting his departure.
Lin Xiangyu did not really understand it. The choice had not been his alone; Jiang Nian had also made her own decision. So why had he become the villain?
He had not wanted to deal with this “ungrateful little brat” anymore, but when he visited Grandma Ji, he saw her sitting on the ground holding her waist in pain. She also mentioned she had not heard from Jiang Nian in months and was worried. Only then did he contact her.
In order not to be abandoned by the Lin family, Lin Xiangyu had always worked extremely hard, whether in studies or behavior.
He was far away in Nancheng. Aside from hearing Jiang Nian’s voice occasionally when Grandma Ji called, he had almost forgotten what she looked like.
Jiang Nian had moved into school dorms during high school, so by the time he had the ability to help at the Welfare Institute again, she was no longer there.
Only after this reunion did Lin Xiangyu feel that Jiang Nian was somewhat different from his memory—but also not completely changed.
“Call what?” Jiang Nian’s eyes widened as she blurted it out.
System 999 added context:
【Niannian, the original host used to call him “Xiaozhou Older Brother” when she was young.】
Jiang Nian was a bit unsure of what Lin Xiangyu meant.
Logically speaking, the original host had resented him for so many years. Recently, she had even sent him a bunch of unpleasant messages. And he was someone who had firmly established himself in the upper-class business circle as an adopted son—would he really let go of those grudges so easily?
She could understand the original host’s insecurity after being “abandoned,” which had led her into a mental dead end.
But ultimately, it was Grandma Ji and the Lin family’s support that gave her her current life. Jiang Nian felt this relationship should still be repaired step by step.
However, reconciling right now was obviously unrealistic.
After thinking for a moment, she said, “…You’re only four years older than me.”
What “Older brother”?
Lin Xiangyu curled his lips slightly. “Still older than you.”
Jiang Nian replied confidently, “What, are you trying to bully a kid?”
Looking at her face—exactly the same as when she was a child—Lin Xiangyu suddenly lost his temper.
Fine. Why was he arguing with a kid?
“Forget it. I don’t want to hear it anymore.” He waved his hand, no longer insisting. “Aren’t you supposed to go to class? Go discuss your assignment properly with your teacher.”
“Remember to visit Grandma this weekend.”
After speaking, he gave Jiang Nian a long look before walking back into the ward.
……
After getting on the subway, Jiang Nian checked her chat with Lu Zhiheng again.
Good. Still no reply.
[Disguised Potato: Man, are you playing hard to get?]
[Disguised Potato: Man, you’re playing with fire!]
[Disguised Potato: Someone! My assistant! I need to know what this man is doing within three minutes!]
She was trying hard not to laugh after sending it, but then suddenly realized the Male Lead did not seem like someone who read domineering CEO novels. What if he thought she was insane?
Just as she was about to withdraw the messages, a new reply popped up.
[Lu Zhiheng: ?]
Then he sent a photo.
The computer screen was filled with dense lines of code.
[Lu Zhiheng: I’m studying in the library. My phone was on Do Not Disturb.]
[Disguised Potato: Are you alone?]
[Disguised Potato: I sent messages at ten, and you didn’t reply for four hours!]
[Disguised Potato: Don’t tell me you didn’t eat and have been studying all this time?]
[Lu Zhiheng: I’m alone.]
[Lu Zhiheng: Sorry. I’ll pay attention next time.]
[Lu Zhiheng: Yeah, still have a few experimental runs left.]
As expected of the Male Lead—he could actually study without touching his phone, and even skip meals!
Just as she was about to complain more, Jiang Nian instantly surrendered to this ruthless academic machine. Food was life.
[Disguised Potato: 😲 cat shocked face.jpg]
[Disguised Potato: Which library are you at in Qing University?]
[Lu Zhiheng: Mingzhi Building.]
After replying, Lu Zhiheng waited a full minute, but there was no more message.
What was she asking that for? Was she coming to find him?
He frowned slightly and typed:
[What’s wrong?]
If she was coming, without a Qing University student ID, she would not be able to enter.
He glanced at his progress—he still needed about thirty minutes. But if he wrapped up now… it would also be fine.
Just as he thought this, Jiang Nian replied.
[Disguised Potato: Delivering energy supplies to you.]
[Disguised Potato: About twenty minutes later, remember to answer the phone.]
Lu Zhiheng paused.
After seeing the screenshot she sent, he understood.
So she had ordered him food delivery.
He instinctively wanted to refuse.
[No need. I brought an energy bar.]
[Disguised Potato: No way, the delivery rider already accepted the order. Canceling is troublesome…]
[Disguised Potato: Try my favorite shop~]
Since Yun University and Qing University were close, delivery orders came from the same area. Jiang Nian had chosen a balanced meal without strong smells.
After all, yesterday the Male Lead had prepared the date. Now it was her turn to return the favor.
Most importantly—she could also use this delivery to farm some dislike points.
In the end, Lu Zhiheng gave up. He studied for a while longer, then estimated the time and walked toward the library hall with his phone.
A moment later, his phone vibrated. He answered the call.
“Hello, I’m at the entrance.”
“I’ll be right there.”
As soon as he stepped out, he saw a delivery rider walking toward him with a bag.
“Your girlfriend was right—you’re really easy to spot. You’re way too handsome,” the rider said casually. “Here, your order.”
Lu Zhiheng paused slightly as he took the bag. “…Thank you.”
The rider waved and left quickly.
Lu Zhiheng opened WeChat, about to tell Jiang Nian he had received the food—when something pink caught his eye.
On top of the bag was not only the receipt, but also a pink heart-shaped sticky note.
It read:
【Baby, remember to eat properly~】