Lin Xiaoyu stood gracefully at the school gate, her hands holding her handbag, overlapping in front of her lower abdomen.
This was a very standard upper-class etiquette; she had endured countless hardships since childhood to ensure she could always appear elegant in any situation.
She stood quietly, her expression stern, completely ignoring the crowds flowing around her. Her gaze was hollow, like a blind person facing the world.
Until she saw the person she wanted to see, her expression finally brightened. For a moment, she even forgot her posture and jogged forward to greet him.
“Sorry, I’m a bit late. Thanks for waiting,” Pei Xingyan said with an embarrassed smile, arriving more than ten minutes later than agreed.
Lin Xiaoyu showed no sign of blame, only a serene smile. She shook her head lightly and imitated his tone, “Why say that? We’re friends, after all.”
She was completely lively and mischievous, and no one could connect this girl with the one who had been so depressed she wanted to end her life before.
A tiny sense of pride rose in Pei Xingyan’s heart. Although it was just business, he really had done something good.
He nodded and followed her footsteps as they walked together.
Lin Xiaoyu started chatting as usual, now wanting to say everything to Pei Xingyan.
She sighed, “Ugh, I really don’t want to go. These banquets are just show-offs. The host flaunts their wealth, the guests show off their possessions, and no good comes from gathering. That money would be better spent on something practical.”
Pei Xingyan responded in agreement.
She continued, “Especially Mom. She’s way too much. She thinks showing off material things is meaningless, so she started showing off me instead. I’m beginning to suspect she wants me to learn all these things just for this day!”
Before Pei Xingyan could reply, she grew melancholy again. “But I’m really scared of performing in front of people… I’ll definitely mess up…”
“How could that be? You’re really good~” Pei Xingyan offered timely praise.
Lin Xiaoyu smiled sweetly and replied, “Thank you~”
But the smile quickly faded. She went on, “Still, I worry a lot. If I get nervous or make a mistake, Mom definitely won’t go easy on me.”
Pei Xingyan sighed as well. He had seen some mothers’ methods for pushing their kids—it was downright ruthless. Even Hengshui’s schools would have to bow in admiration.
But he had to say something reassuring. “Don’t worry, I’ll stand right beside you. If you can’t hold on, just give me a look, and I’ll lose it on the spot—make a huge scene so no one will notice your mistake.”
Lin Xiaoyu’s face brightened again. She said sweetly, “You’re so nice~”
Her voice was light and airy, as if whispering a secret.
She kept talking, her head lowering at some point, voice faint and broken, “Though I’ve never tried it, I think… as long as you’re by my side, I won’t be nervous…”
“Rest assured, you’ll be fine.”
“Mm~” Lin Xiaoyu nodded softly.
Whether it was her imagination or not, Pei Xingyan always felt that Lin Xiaoyu seemed to be getting closer to him than when they had just started walking together…
The place Lin Xiaoyu led him to was by the roadside—not too secluded, but not crowded either.
The storefront was somewhat old-fashioned, but from the meticulous decor, it was clearly no ordinary place.
Lin Xiaoyu pushed open the door. Even before she spoke, someone came to greet her warmly, calling out “Miss Lin” with such familiarity it was obvious she was a valued customer.
“I’m here to have clothes made for my friend,” she said calmly, neither humble nor arrogant.
The woman who came to welcome her glanced back and noticed Pei Xingyan behind her, then greeted him warmly as well.
“I usually get my clothes made here,” Lin Xiaoyu whispered near Pei Xingyan’s ear, as if worried he might mind. “Don’t think it’s cheap. The owner’s craftsmanship is actually pretty good.”
Pei Xingyan nodded slightly.
Of course, he wouldn’t think it cheap. Nowadays, there were only two types of people who got clothes made: those who were really struggling and had to find cheap tailors, and those who were truly wealthy and hated having the same logos as others, opting for all handmade instead.
He knew Lin Xiaoyu was the latter. The dress she was wearing now was no small expense—probably priced in the five figures.
“Any specific requirements?” the owner asked, “For the cut, style, things like that?”
Lin Xiaoyu looked at Pei Xingyan. Seeing his helpless shrug, she quickly turned away and whispered some requests.
Pei Xingyan found it amusing. He could tell Lin Xiaoyu was worried he wouldn’t understand and felt awkward, so he quickly helped by taking the topic off her.
After a short while, the demands became clear, and Lin Xiaoyu exhaled in relief.
“Now, let’s measure this gentleman’s measurements,” the owner said, tossing her notebook aside and pulling a tape measure from the rack.
She walked straight to Pei Xingyan’s side, skillfully going behind him and measuring with the tape.
The female owner’s movements were precise and swift. She had been doing this for years and never made mistakes.
But when she caught Lin Xiaoyu’s gaze, she realized she’d made a mistake not related to technique.
Miss Lin’s eyes were a bit fierce, staring fixedly at her actions. The owner suddenly understood—it seemed this girl was a little jealous.
Young couples did sometimes act like that…
She hurriedly let go of the tape and apologized to Lin Xiaoyu, “Sorry, Miss Lin, I’ll need your help here.”
A clear, foolish expression appeared on Lin Xiaoyu’s face. She pointed at herself, puzzled. But she still came over, standing awkwardly beside Pei Xingyan.
The owner handed her the tape measure and explained what help was needed—she would have to wrap her arms around Pei Xingyan, threading her hands from his front.
A blush rose on Lin Xiaoyu’s face. She hadn’t expected to have such intimate contact with him.
But she did it without hesitation, instantly hugging Pei Xingyan’s waist and moving the tape measure around his body.
Her movements were careful, and so was her feeling of him. She sensed his waist was strong and sturdy, with lines like carved stone.
Her heart pounded fiercely; she didn’t dare breathe loudly, keeping her head lowered. Even without looking, she felt her neck was flushed red.
But she continued, liking being close to this friend. Now, her heart tingled, craving to get even closer.
Lin Xiaoyu moved up a bit to measure his chest. Her face was directly facing his solid chest.
It was firm and powerful. For a moment, she lost herself.
She really wanted to lean in, press against that chest. Just imagining it, she could tell it would be so comforting.
This was the person who always made her feel safe just thinking of him…
She really wanted to lay on him—
But the owner’s voice mercilessly interrupted. The measurement was finished.
Lin Xiaoyu stepped back disappointed, having to leave from here.
But until she left the shop, her gaze never left his chest.
What would it feel like to lay on it?
She was truly curious about the answer to that question.