Chapter 93: When the cabbage has grown, any pig will root it up.

“Where are you planning to apply?” Lu Yi knew she had attended a guidance session at school about filling in college preferences, so he naturally asked about it.

Lu Qingyue walked alongside him, her tone unusually serious. “I haven’t decided yet. The teacher said my score is a bit shaky for the top two universities. Even if I get in, there might not be any good majors left for me.”

Lu Yi tilted his head, thinking for a moment. Having a child in the family aiming for the top two universities would certainly be a source of pride. But those universities were so far from Jiangcheng.

He was silent for a few seconds, then glanced at her sideways, his voice casual. “Why not just apply to Jiangcheng University? You’re such a troublemaker—it’d be easier to take care of you if you’re close to home anyway.”

Lu Qingyue couldn’t agree with that at all. She was turning eighteen this year; who needed anyone to take care of her? Besides, hasn’t he spent the past eighteen years complaining about how annoying she is...

Unable to hold back, she muttered softly, “Brother, I don’t mean to look down on Jiangcheng University, but there’s a saying in our class—‘If you don’t work hard when you’re young, you’ll end up at the university next door.’”

Over the past decade, Jiangcheng University High School had become increasingly strong, producing many students who aimed for the top two universities. So much so that the old, prestigious Jiangcheng University had gradually become the fallback option for top students.

Lu Yi was momentarily at a loss for words, and without ceremony, knocked her forehead with his knuckles. “Fine, if you’re so capable, then don’t apply to Jiangcheng University. And don’t go back to eating the grass that Cheng Xingye has already chewed.”

Lu Qingyue started to protest. “I—”

Lu Yi interrupted her coldly. “What ‘I’? Did you see when you arrived early? That guy never lacks women around him. Just apply somewhere far away—out of sight, out of mind.”

Lu Qingyue was left completely defenseless by his words, finally giving a vexed little huff. “Even if I go to Jiangcheng University, it doesn’t mean I’ll end up with him!”

Lu Yi responded smoothly, “I’ll remember this promise for you. Don’t cry when you slap your own face later.”

Lu Qingyue: “...”

Could someone please explain to her why her brother’s mouth was so infuriating?

In her mind, she gave Lu Yi an entire truckload of ginseng roosters, then asked in confusion, “So what are you really saying—do you want me to end up with him or not?”

Listening to his words, she felt as if he was trying to keep her in Jiangcheng and secretly matchmake her with Cheng Xingye.

Lu Yi turned his head with calm composure, his tone nonchalant, as if he didn’t care much. “Doesn’t matter. Once the cabbage has grown, who cares which pig takes a bite?”

Lu Qingyue: “???”

Who are you calling cabbage?! And wait—who are you calling a pig?!

She stared at him in disbelief, eyes wide. “You never used to say that.”

Before, whenever she got close to any boy, Lu Yi would rush over and lecture her, but now he suddenly claimed he didn’t care?

Lu Qingyue couldn’t figure it out. Was it just because she was coming of age this year? Did that mean the doors to a new world were opening for her?

Lu Yi sighed. He didn’t want Lu Qingyue to start dating so soon, but who could stop her? In the past, he objected because she was young and he worried she’d get hurt, but now...

Thinking of Cheng Xingye’s pathetic, thoroughly dominated demeanor, Lu Yi clicked his tongue in sympathy. “I’ve come around. You little rascal—out of your hundred pounds, ninety-nine are pure cunning. You won’t suffer in any relationship, so why should I worry?”

Lu Qingyue instantly bristled. “Who are you calling a hundred pounds? I just weighed myself last month—I’m only ninety-two now!”

Lu Yi: “....” Is that really the point?

.....

The lively graduation photo session at the medical school lasted until dusk.

Cheng Xingye had planned to go straight home, but Chen Shujie spotted him about to leave and immediately ran over to pull him back. “Hey Xingye, come join us for dinner!”

In a few days, everyone would graduate, and it would be rare for this group to dine together again.

But Cheng Xingye had something on his mind. Seeing several people waiting for him, he explained in a flat, perfunctory tone, “I have something to do. I’ll go home first.”

Chen Shujie and Lou Zhao wouldn’t let him go, crowding around him from both sides. “What’s so urgent? Just eat with us first!”

“Are you going to see Dandand again? She just left with Lu Yi, you know. If you go now, you’re just asking for trouble!”

Cheng Xingye didn’t bother to explain and, fearing their persistence, quickly replied, “You guys go ahead. I’ll join you later.”

Lou Zhao immediately replied, “Alright. We’ll wait for you!”

Only then did they let him go.

After shaking off his clingy roommates, Cheng Xingye hurried back to his apartment without pause.

He entered, not even bothering to change his shoes, and went straight to the bedroom.

The curtains were open, and the evening sun cast a long shadow behind him, highlighting his solitary figure.

He crouched by his desk, anxiously searching through the drawers. There were many things inside, and it took him a while to find a small box, long forgotten.

He opened it hastily, and a shiny silver object tumbled out.

Picking it up from the floor, he examined it closely in his palm, suspecting that the bracelet Lu Qingyue wore earlier might have two identical pendants like this one.

But she had withdrawn her hand too quickly, and he hadn’t gotten a clear look.

If this pendant really had fallen from her bracelet...

Cheng Xingye’s breath caught, his uncertain suspicion growing stronger.

But before he could think further, Chen Shujie called again, urging him to hurry. He quickly put the pendant back in the box, slipped it into his pocket, and left.

.....

For several days after, Cheng Xingye had no chance to seek out the girl. Later, Lu Yi told him she’d gone abroad with her parents and wouldn’t be back for half a month.

Just like that, time slipped by, and soon it was the end of July.

Summers in Jiangcheng often brought typhoons.

On the night the typhoon made landfall, Lu Yi was called out by classmates for drinks and hadn’t returned even after eleven.

Lu Qingyue listened to the wind and rain lashing the windows, feeling uneasy and unable to sleep.

After midnight, car lights flashed outside. She jumped up and ran to the window, spotting a familiar black sedan shrouded in mist.

The rain seemed like an icy wall, blocking her view, but she could just make out the sleek car body glimmering in the storm.

Surprised, she didn’t linger—she hurriedly slipped on her shoes and ran downstairs.

Opening the door, she saw Cheng Xingye, soaked on one side, supporting Lu Yi outside.

Lu Yi’s tall figure was slumped lazily against Cheng Xingye, reeking of alcohol.

Lu Qingyue quickly took over, steadying Lu Yi’s other shoulder and asking softly, “Did my brother get drunk?”

Cheng Xingye nodded, helping Lu Yi inside and explaining quietly, “A few drinks and he’s like this.”

Lu Qingyue was puzzled—Lu Yi’s tolerance shouldn’t be this low.

But she had no time to ask, and hurriedly led the way, letting Cheng Xingye help her brother to his room.

Lu Yi kept his eyes tightly shut the whole time. As soon as he hit the bed, he rolled over and fell into a deep sleep.

The room gradually quieted, leaving only Lu Yi’s heavy breathing and the patter of wind and rain on the glass.

Lu Qingyue tucked him in, seeing he was fine, then quietly pulled Cheng Xingye out of the room.

Her palm was warm as she gently held his wrist, soft as a cotton cloud.

Suddenly, a cool sensation brushed against his skin, and Cheng Xingye instinctively looked down.

The girl’s wrist was slender and fair, adorned with a delicate silver bracelet.

The bracelet looked aged, not particularly fashionable, but on her it carried a refreshing, understated charm.

It seemed familiar to Cheng Xingye, and he couldn’t help but glance twice.

Before he could recognize it, her hand firmly pulled his wrist, leading him into the other room.