Chapter 28: Ambiguity

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Li Yan walked over and sat down, ordering two iced coffees and a dessert.

Gan Gan smiled, “The restaurant you took me to last time was wonderful. I haven’t even thanked you yet.”

Li Yan replied calmly, “No need to thank me. I’m just enjoying life, and you happened to need it too. We help each other.”

Gan Gan gazed at him intently. “You’re really... always so hard to figure out. What exactly do you want from me?”

Li Yan chuckled softly. “Friends helping each other don’t always need a clear purpose. You’re an interesting person, and I like spending time with interesting people. That’s enough.”

Gan Gan smiled slyly. “Hearing you say that makes me feel quite appreciated. Then I don’t have to worry too much.”

They sipped their iced coffee, discussing the editing of the Glazed Video.

Gan Gan showed him the rough cut on her phone. Li Yan pointed out some details in the transitions and suggested better synchronization with the music rhythms, making the final piece more storytelling.

Gan Gan listened attentively, occasionally jotting down notes, her admiration for Li Yan deepening.

As their conversation neared its end, Gan Gan suddenly leaned closer, her finger casually brushing the back of Li Yan’s hand. Her clear eyes sparkled mischievously. “Tell me, are you very popular with women? Otherwise, how are you so good at making people happy?”

Li Yan didn’t shy away; he let her fingers linger on his hand and smiled faintly. “I just understand what others need by observing.”

Gan Gan whispered, “So, what do you think I need?”

Li Yan gently moved his hand over hers, giving it a light squeeze before letting go. “You need understanding and companionship, with a bit of novelty.”

Gan Gan hummed softly, pouting playfully. “You’ve seen right through me.”

In the subtle, intimate atmosphere, neither needed to speak much; they both naturally accepted each other’s light touches.

Li Yan took the chance to hold her hand gently, squeezing it lightly. Gan Gan didn’t pull away; instead, her smile grew softer.

Taking advantage of the moment, Li Yan kissed her forehead lightly. The gesture made Gan Gan’s cheeks flush slightly, but she did not resist.

Her regard for this young man quietly rose in her heart.

Around nine o’clock, they left the café.

Gan Gan said, “Don’t you have your third and fourth driving tests tomorrow? Good luck.”

Li Yan nodded. “Yeah, once I get my license, I’ll treat you to something even more fun.”

Gan Gan joked, “I’m really looking forward to it. I have to see what interesting plans you have in store.”

Li Yan smiled, resting a hand lightly on her waist as he walked her to the mall entrance and helped hail a taxi.

Before parting, they shared a brief kiss. This time, Gan Gan stood on tiptoe and was a bit more assertive.

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Li Yan felt satisfied and only went home after seeing her off.

They had known each other for quite some time, and the mutual attraction had long been established. These recent encounters were just breaking the surface.

It felt like a natural progression.

Early the next morning, Li Yan went for his usual five-kilometer run—his third day in a row.

After running, showering, and eating breakfast, he headed to the driving school around eight for his third and fourth driving tests.

Wang Zhen was still accompanying him, but Wang Zhen seemed much more relaxed now. Having passed the second test, the third and fourth weren’t too difficult.

The third test was a road test. Once in the car, Li Yan remained confident.

He smoothly executed gear changes, straight driving, overtaking, turns at intersections, and parking by the curb, passing with ease.

Wang Zhen also performed well, without major mistakes, passing efficiently.

The fourth test, theory, took place in the afternoon. Li Yan had memorized the question bank thoroughly and finished in under 40 minutes, scoring perfectly.

When he received his license, Wang Zhen excitedly gave him a high five. “Yan, we finally graduated!”

Li Yan smiled. “Yeah. Three years of finance, studying, socializing, and now the license is done. Nothing’s difficult anymore.”

They left the test center contentedly. Wang Zhen asked, “How should we celebrate getting the license? How about a get-together tonight?”

Li Yan thought for a second, recalling he planned to end things with Shen Qingyue but could also invite Wang Zhen and Liu Yuting, forming a small group dinner.

After all, he might start busy with house hunting in Shudu the day after tomorrow.

“Let’s do it tonight. I’ll invite Shen Qingyue out, and you bring Liu Yuting,” Li Yan said.

Wang Zhen was surprised. “You’re still seeing Shen Qingyue? Didn’t you say you didn’t want to develop things further?”

Li Yan said calmly, “Yes, but I want to have one last meal as a farewell and give her some dignity. After that, I won’t have the energy to keep dealing with her.”

Wang Zhen nodded. “Alright, I’ll contact Liu Yuting now to make sure she’s free tonight.”

Li Yan sent a WeChat message to Shen Qingyue: “I got my license today. I want to invite you, Wang Zhen, and Liu Yuting to dinner at 7 pm, same place—Yunjingxuan private room. Does that work?”

Shen Qingyue quickly replied, “Okay, I’ll definitely be there tonight.”

Her tone was joyful, as if she thought this meant Li Yan wanted to take things further.

Li Yan smiled but didn’t explain much.

After this dinner, he planned to clarify everything with Shen Qingyue and end the relationship.

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In the following two or three days, he would use the excuse of going to Shudu to adapt to university life, no longer staying in town.

At 7 pm, Li Yan arrived early at Yunjingxuan and reserved the private room.

He ordered several dishes, similar to last time. Actually, Li Yan always stuck to these few dishes here.

As for the cost, it was nothing for a wealthy student like him.

Shen Qingyue arrived first, wearing a white dress and light makeup, looking particularly hopeful.

When she saw Li Yan, a soft affection flashed in her eyes. “Congratulations on getting your license. You’re amazing.”

Li Yan smiled and nodded but showed little emotion.

Shen Qingyue sat close to him, trying to link her arm with his. Li Yan didn’t pull away, letting her get close naturally.

After all, tonight would be their final closure.

These scenes had become routine for Li Yan over the past three years since high school.

Wang Zhen arrived late with Liu Yuting. Liu Yuting wore a light floral dress, her long hair down, looking sweetly affectionate standing beside Wang Zhen.

Wang Zhen gave Li Yan a satisfied nod, signaling that the date was going well.

It seemed their relationship was progressing smoothly. Li Yan held no prejudice against Liu Yuting—whether they went clubbing or anything else was their own freedom.

He respected others’ destinies.

Liu Yuting smiled at Li Yan. “Congratulations on getting your license. Wang Zhen said everything went well today.”

Li Yan gestured for everyone to sit. “Since you’re all here, let’s eat. I’m treating as a celebration for getting my license. After this, we’ll all go our separate ways, so consider this dinner a memento.”

Shen Qingyue looked puzzled. “Go our separate ways? Are you leaving?”

Li Yan replied lightly, “Maybe in a few days I’ll go to Shudu to get familiar with the environment. You know, I’m majoring in advertising at Sichuan University, so I want to check it out first.”

A flicker of disappointment crossed Shen Qingyue’s eyes. “So soon? We haven’t even... spent much time together.”

Li Yan was noncommittal but comforted her with a gentle pat on her hand. “This is also for the future. When you have time to visit Shudu, I’ll treat you to some good food and sightseeing.”