Chapter 29: On the Verge of Departure

Wang Zhen and Liu Yuting watched from the sidelines, naturally keeping their observations to themselves.

Liu Yuting whispered into Wang Zhen’s ear, "Your brother is quite the charismatic one."

Wang Zhen gave a wry smile. "He’s always been this way; no need to be surprised."

During the meal, the group raised their glasses in celebration, enjoying themselves thoroughly. Wang Zhen and Liu Yuting’s relationship continued to warm, with the two occasionally feeding each other. Shen Qingyue, meanwhile, kept piling food onto Li Yan’s plate, displaying a lover-like devotion. Li Yan accepted these gestures but refrained from showing any overwhelming emotion, keeping everything within a realm that was gentle yet distant.

After dinner, Wang Zhen suggested going to see the night view, and Liu Yuting nodded, saying, "A stroll sounds perfect." The two held hands as they said their goodbyes, thanking Li Yan for his hospitality.

Shen Qingyue did not rush to leave. She looked at Li Yan and asked, "What are you going to do now?"

Li Yan smiled. "No rush. I’ve booked a room at a nearby hotel; I’d like to talk with you a bit more."

Shen Qingyue’s heart leapt with joy, believing that Li Yan wanted to solidify their relationship before he departed. She nodded readily. Li Yan led her to a five-star hotel nearby, where a room had already been prepared. Once inside, Shen Qingyue felt a bit reserved, yet filled with anticipation. Li Yan closed the door, turned around, wrapped an arm around her waist, and kissed her forehead gently.

There is no need to detail the events of that night; under the soft glow of the lights, they became intimately intertwined once again. Shen Qingyue believed this was a sublimation of their romance, while Li Yan viewed it merely as a graceful farewell.

Afterward, as Shen Qingyue rested in his arms, she asked, "We’ll see each other again, right?"

Li Yan smiled, tender but distant. "If the opportunity arises. It’s just that I’ll be very busy once I get to Chengdu, and I won’t be able to stay by your side whenever you like."

Shen Qingyue felt a pang of sadness but was helpless to change it. "I understand. You are so talented; I shouldn’t hold you back."

Li Yan stroked her hair gently. "Don't overthink it. You have your own life to lead."

They fell asleep in each other's arms, but Li Yan had already made up his mind: he would not waste any more time on Shen Qingyue. After they parted the next morning, he would gradually reduce his messages until he ceased initiating contact altogether before his return to Chengdu.

The next morning, Li Yan continued his routine, waking up for his morning run. He completed the fourth day of his challenge before heading home to shower and have breakfast.

Shen Qingyue had already left for home, no longer intruding. Li Yan checked his phone to find a message from Gangan: "Did everything go well last night? How did you celebrate getting your driver’s license?"

Things had indeed gone well. Though Shen Qingyue had been soft and yielding, Li Yan already had a new target in mind.

Li Yan replied briefly: "Just had dinner with a few friends, a routine get-together."

Gangan asked again, "Are you free this afternoon? My short film about the glasswork is almost finished; I’d like to show you the first draft."

Li Yan smiled and replied, "I'm free. I’ll come to your workshop after one o'clock."

That afternoon, he took his camera and returned to Gangan’s glass studio. By now, there was no need for any tentative probing between them. When Gangan saw Li Yan enter, she walked straight over and tucked her arm into his, as if accustomed to the intimacy. Li Yan did not pull away; he pressed a light kiss to her delicate red lips, signaling the ease he felt now that his relationship with Shen Qingyue had ended.

Gangan handed him her phone to play the video draft. On screen, the process of glassmaking unfolded to a soft, melodic soundtrack. Close-up shots highlighted the intricate details and the play of light on the pieces, while Gangan appeared on camera with a natural, sweet smile.

Li Yan nodded in approval. "It’s good. If you add a slow-motion close-up after the filament-pulling shot, it will give it even more atmosphere."

Gangan agreed, leaning her head on his shoulder. "It’s so good to have you as a consultant~"

Li Yan wrapped his arm around her waist, feeling her warmth. There was a tacit understanding between them, layered with ambiguity; Gangan’s status as an internet influencer and Li Yan’s wealth and demeanor complemented each other perfectly. She was not a shallow gold-digger, and he was not a sycophantic "simp"; there was a comfortable, equal way of interacting.

When dinnertime arrived, Gangan suggested ordering takeout at the workshop, but Li Yan laughed and said, "Let me take you to a bistro for a drink instead."

Gangan rubbed her stomach. "Okay, let's go!"

Li Yan took her hand and led her outside. Gangan looked shy, her smile radiating charm. They walked hand-in-hand out of the workshop, the alleyway bathed in the warm, yellow glow of streetlights. Gangan no longer hid her affection for him; she would lean lightly against his shoulder, keeping close as they walked. Sometimes, when Li Yan stopped suddenly, she wouldn't ask why, simply smiling as she looked up at him. He would bow his head to kiss her lips, and she would close her eyes, savoring the tender moment.

...

In the following days, Li Yan continued his morning runs. The fifth, sixth, and seventh days were all completed according to plan. The reward of a two-centimeter height increase would manifest automatically upon the task's completion, and he felt entirely confident.

After receiving his license, he showed it to his parents, who nodded with relief. "You have your license now; traveling will be much more convenient."

As for Wang Zhen, his relationship with Liu Yuting had stabilized, and they had entered a semi-dating phase. Shen Qingyue occasionally messaged Li Yan after their final farewell, but his cold, detached replies eventually made her understand his stance, and she stopped pestering him.

Meanwhile, Li Yan’s relationship with Gangan heated up rapidly. Though they hadn't formally defined themselves as boyfriend and girlfriend, they had reached a tacit agreement: meet up, eat together, and film whenever they were free. Occasionally, Li Yan would appear in her livestreams as the behind-the-scenes photographer, and she would jokingly introduce him: "This is my friend behind the scenes; he’s super talented."

Li Yan had no plans to stay in the local area for long. Getting his license was a small goal achieved, and with his morning run mission completed, his preparations were drawing to a close. In two days, he would set off for Chengdu to scout out housing and begin a new chapter of his life.

Gangan felt a bit reluctant, but she didn't voice it, understanding that Li Yan’s ambitions lay elsewhere. She only smiled and said, "Once you’re settled, remember to send me your location. I’ll come find you when I visit Chengdu."

Li Yan nodded. "I certainly will."

For Gangan, where she livestreamed or worked didn't really matter. Moreover, they had discussed this topic during their time together, and Gangan had indicated that she would occasionally visit Chengdu to stay with him, so it was never an issue.

Throughout this period, Li Yan enjoyed life with a mature, calm disposition. His wealth gave him the confidence to act without panic, his natural poise won him trust without the need for showmanship, and his network and resources were built effortlessly. Whether it was the one-night indulgence of Shen Qingyue, the ambiguous romance with Gangan, or the parallel development of Wang Zhen and Liu Yuting, they all served as colors on the canvas of his life.

To Li Yan, however, these colors could be added or subtracted at any time; he was never bound by them. He didn't boast or flaunt; he simply embodied the inner strength and freedom of a "God-tier" person, as silent and pervasive as spring rain.

The future awaited him. A new stage—Sichuan University; a new city—Chengdu; and a richer landscape of culture, cuisine, and social circles where he could truly spread his wings. He looked back on this phase of his life, smiled faintly, packed his camera, put on his sneakers, and set off toward his next journey.

Sichuan girls! Here I come!