Model couple

Wearing a ring doesn't mean marriage

“Senior Wen Hua. From our first day at school, we saw your photos on the wall of outstanding graduates. You both look so good, and you were even in the same class. We’ve long wanted to meet you.”

At these words, the previously composed students suddenly became excited, their voices rising in agreement.

“Yes, you two are the most striking on that wall, and from the same class! We’ve been discussing for years if Senior Wen Hua would ever visit.”

A bold student asked, “What is your relationship with Senior Wen Hua? Did you stay together after graduation?”

The crowd grew noisier.

“There are still posts about you two as a couple on the school forum. Did you really have a mutual crush in high school?”

“Senior, you’re wearing a ring on your ring finger. Are you married?” a sharp-eyed student inquired.

The man on stage lowered his gaze slightly, his fingers gently stroking the silver ring, his eyes deep and unreadable.

You see, everyone talks about you. How can I forget?

The principal coughed, reminding the students to remain composed.

Shi Mo adjusted the microphone, his deep voice clear and resonant, “Wearing a ring doesn’t mean marriage; it means my heart belongs to someone.”

The room fell silent.

He continued, “I haven’t seen her for many years. If I meet her in the future, I will convey your earnest wishes. Thank you for your concern. I’m sure she would be very happy to know so many juniors remember her. As for whether we had a mutual crush, I cannot say for certain now. My apologies.”

The girls, though a bit disappointed not to get the information they hoped for, realized he hadn’t denied his own feelings for Senior Wen.

“Then, Senior, did you have a crush on Senior Wen Hua?”

Shi Mo’s gaze suddenly halted, not for the question but because he noticed a woman with slightly wavy long hair and a mask in the back row. The exposed forehead and deep-set eyes looked strikingly familiar.

As she rose and walked towards the back door, her slender, upright figure was unmistakably similar.

His breath caught for a moment, and his voice came out hoarse, “Not a crush.”

As the figure disappeared from view, he quickly added, “It was love.”

After briefly greeting everyone, he hurriedly left.

The students in the hall erupted into chatter moments later.

His normally composed steps were now hurried, each step feeling insubstantial, as if treading on clouds.

The man’s cold, handsome face was taut with tension, looking even more stern.

His heartbeat and breath were erratic. The intense urge to see her threatened to break free, pulling him forward.

Yet he reminded himself not to be too eager. What if it wasn’t her? How long would it take to recover?

Through the back door, a row of lush osmanthus trees greeted him, the early blooms hinting at the season.

When that familiar silhouette reappeared, his heart thudded heavily, his breath catching.

The sunset at this moment was too beautiful, making him feel as if he were in a dream.

He saw her remove the mask, revealing a clear, fair profile, smiling gently at the class teacher.

Shi Mo stood there, breath light as if fearing to shatter something, his gaze fixed on her.

Every smile, every expression, was a scene he had longed for day and night.

The teacher invited her to the office.

Outside the office.

The man leaned lightly against the wall, his handsome face unreadable, his cold, stern features holding a distant air, but a closer look revealed the suppressed joy in his eyes.

His dark eyes were deep, his gaze unfocused, his distinct hands unconsciously clenching.

Time passed by the second. He checked his watch periodically, patience wearing thin.

Twenty minutes had passed.

Struggling to suppress the urge to knock, he waited a bit longer, silently reminding himself to stay calm and composed.

Finally, the sound of the lock turning reached his ears, followed by her clear, pleasant voice.

"Teacher, there's no need to see me off. You must be busy. My friend is here to pick me up..."

Their gazes locked suddenly, and she was momentarily speechless.

Shi Mo stared at her. Her beautiful eyes were as clear and pure as ever, the teardrop mole at the corner of her eye burning into his heart.

She was stunned for just two seconds, then her brows softened as she gave him a gentle smile. “It’s you.”

His unfathomable eyes remained fixed on her. She seemed taller than before, her hair longer, the arch of her brows exactly as he remembered.

A rhythmic pounding echoed in his ears. The person he had yearned for all these years suddenly stood before him. His voice, tinged with a hoarse quality, emerged, “Long time no see.”

Wen Hua blinked, “Long time no see.”

“You’ve come to No. 1 High School…”

The phone in her hand rang, its loud ringtone breaking the lingering tension in the air.

“Excuse me,” she indicated.

“Hello, I’m ready. On the second floor of the teaching building... I see you.” She walked to the railing and waved at the man below, “Here!”

The man standing below was tall, with silver-framed glasses resting on his nose, a crisp white shirt paired with tailored trousers, and a suit jacket draped casually over his arm. His demeanor was leisurely, exuding a scholarly detachment that was hard to approach.

Ting Yue slightly raised his eyes to look at the second floor, simultaneously meeting an assessing gaze.

As his eyes shifted, he saw the man behind Wen Hua—dressed in a sharp suit, with a tall and slender build, exuding a cold and distant air, his features handsome and profound.

A man of striking looks, yet very cold, with an air of deep aloofness.

The man also looked over, his gaze neither impolite nor friendly.

Ting Yue merely glanced indifferently before moving his gaze away.

Wen Hua turned around, “My friend is here to pick me up. Goodbye, teacher.”

“Alright, take care. Visit No. 1 High School often when you come to Lu City.”

“I will.”

She glanced at Shi Mo, who had been surrounded by a sudden cold aura, and after a polite nod, she left.

“Would you like to come to the office?” The class teacher smiled intentionally, observing Shi Mo’s slightly stiff expression.

Shi Mo stood for a few seconds, his jaw tight. He nodded courteously, “Teacher, I have some matters to attend to today. I’ll visit you another time.”

“Alright, go handle your matters. Stay calm in all situations.”

Watching Shi Mo follow her with a stern expression, the class teacher smiled knowingly.

When Wen Hua had left without a trace, Shi Mo came to him for her academic records and family address, but her family had already erased all traces, making it impossible to find anything.

Back then, he could see that Shi Mo had feelings for Wen Hua.

Honestly, as their class teacher, he had thought they were well-matched. It was a pity they had lost contact for so many years.

It seemed Shi Mo still remembered her fondly.

He shook his head with a smile and sipped his tea, relishing the unfolding drama.

Yu Jinnan waited by the car, opening the door respectfully as his boss approached.

“Follow that car.”

“Yes.”

He started the car swiftly, feeling an unusual tension. This complex atmosphere around Shi Mo was rarely seen, even during monthly meetings.

A peculiar mix of low pressure and hidden delight?

Yu Jinnan glanced at his boss discreetly. Shi Mo’s face was as calm and cold as ever, revealing nothing, but Yu Jinnan, having spent so much time with him, could sense the subtle complexity.

The person in that Audi must be extremely important.

Ting Yue glanced at the rearview mirror and asked indifferently, “An old acquaintance?”

“What?” Wen Hua followed his gaze to the rearview mirror.

Turning her head, she saw a sleek black Bentley following closely behind.

The man in the passenger seat had a brooding gaze, his handsome features taut, clearly not here with good intentions.

“Should we stop?” Ting Yue asked.

Wen Hua turned back, “No need.”

Ting Yue looked at her, then continued driving.

The car slowly came to a stop at the hotel entrance, and the two entered one after the other.

Shi Mo lingered in the car for a moment before alighting.

At eight o'clock in the evening, the hotel restaurant.

A woman sat by the window, her luxurious black hair cascading freely, the soft curls at the ends adding to her allure. Her light green chiffon dress accentuated her slender waist, creating a striking contrast with the rose-red velvet tablecloth, achieving a perfect harmony in texture and saturation.

She gazed out the window at the twinkling city lights, her silhouette perfectly complementing the grand view. Even just a side profile was enough to captivate, making one wonder if her face was as exquisite as her back suggested.

This seemingly untouchable woman, with an air of cool aloofness, had a slight smile playing on her lips, indicating a good mood. Her gaze was fixed on a quarrelling couple on the street below.

The boy, holding a bouquet of roses, persistently offered them to the girl, who repeatedly pushed him away and walked off in a huff. Amid their push-and-pull, the boy tossed the flowers into a roadside flowerbed and pulled the girl into an unsolicited kiss.

What followed was a scene of resistance and eventual surrender, a cliché as old as time.

Such trivial, childish antics, commonplace on the streets.

Wen Hua turned back and took a sip of her coffee, her elegant fingers highlighting the porcelain whiteness of her skin.

Those who had been covertly observing her table couldn't help but gasp when they saw her face.

They had lowered their expectations, thinking such an alluring back view often meant a disappointing face. If she turned out unattractive, it would ruin the previous picturesque scene.

Contrary to their fears, her face did not destroy the beauty of the scene but became its focal point. With one turn, she drew all eyes to herself, her face the undeniable highlight.

Even devoid of her refined surroundings, if she were wearing simple clothes in a rundown inn, one would still assume she was a temporarily fallen heiress.

Her natural fair skin and black hair accentuated her translucently fair complexion. Her clear, sharp eyes, smooth eyelid lines, and lips tinted a deep red added warmth to her otherwise cool demeanor, bringing a touch of humanity to her ethereal beauty.

A casual glance was enough to astonish.

Hers was the legendary 'inherently noble' appearance.

She took another sip of her coffee, turning back to the window, while some people could no longer remain composed.