Han Lie saw it, and a jolt shot through his entire body.
Even after she left with her wallet, he was still silently chanting praises to Buddha.
I can't handle it, I just can't...
The girl's only eighteen!
She's already this devastating; what will she be like when she's older?!
Han Lie didn't know how Chen Yanfei fared later in life. They didn't have each other's QQ numbers or WeChat, nor did they share any mutual friends on social media; the two of them were on completely parallel paths. He only vaguely heard from classmates that she seemed to have married very well, holding a grand wedding banquet at Dream City's finest five-star hotel.
That made sense; it was the treatment she deserved.
This girl didn't just have a pretty face, a great physique, and excellent grades; upon getting to know her, Han Lie discovered her personality was also very nice. The nicest thing about her was—she had principles.
In reality, she was the type of strong-willed, calm, and fiercely independent woman who detested being controlled or interfered with and possessed an exceptionally high degree of caution. She was approachable but incredibly difficult to pursue.
Normally, women like her were the type Han Lie disliked the most. The reason he'd had a bit of a crush on her in high school was because the distance between them was too great, preventing him from seeing her true nature. Among the three great beauties of Second Middle School, she was considered the most attractive and approachable. Yet, paradoxically, she was the most difficult to win over.
Who could have guessed?
Although Han Lie was single, he had witnessed plenty of couples getting together and breaking up. Combined with his extensive reading, he had his own thoughts on love and marriage. In his opinion, women like Chen Yanfei were hard enough to please while dating; marriage would undoubtedly bring even more trouble: the conflict between career ambitions and family life, the friction caused by a strong personality, clashes stemming from a desire for control... and so on.
In short, not a good match.
However, after truly interacting with her, he discovered that Chen Yanfei was also a very reasonable and principled girl capable of independent thought. In that case, her assertiveness stemmed from reason, not emotion. Therefore, she could be persuaded, and one could reason with her.
This girl... she's manageable.
And getting involved with her would definitely be particularly interesting.
Han Lie's heart, dormant for thirty years, began to stir. The thought that she was still a blank slate, someone he could mold to his liking, excited him even more. Han Lie only lamented that this damn system didn't have an affection meter; otherwise, wouldn't winning her over be a matter of minutes?
However, after careful consideration, he realized there was no need to rush. Chen Yanfei wasn't the type of girl to be easily swayed by fleeting romance. To be with her, he would first need time to gradually strengthen their bond, and second, he would need to become outstanding enough to create a natural attraction. Conventional methods of pursuit would likely be ineffective. Her decisive attitude towards Pan Shaohang was proof enough.
Speaking of which, today was truly thanks to young Pan—his assist had created an excellent opportunity for Han Lie. Otherwise, how could he have gained such a strong favorable impression? The eye-roll she gave him before she left moments ago was evidence. That was the kind of treatment one only received when their favorability was quite high and their guard was considerably low.
Heh, haven't I already secured my spot in advance?
What a harvest on the very first day of rebirth...
The more Han Lie thought about it, the less his wounds seemed to hurt.
Heh heh, staking my claim, staking my claim, these devilish moves~~
...
Chen Yanfei hadn't gone far. She had merely bought some fruit at the hospital entrance and returned quickly.
Pushing the door open, her first words were, "My parents' plane has landed. Let's exchange contact information. We might not have time later..."
"Okay," Han Lie nodded, remaining very calm.
"Hey, do you use WeChat?"
"Oh, right, do you use WeChat?" they both blurted out simultaneously, their words overlapping perfectly.
"HA!" Chen Yanfei's eyes crinkled as she laughed heartily. "Sounds like you do... Add me, then."
She was straightforward, no coyness at all.
So, they added each other on WeChat and continued chatting.
"I haven't asked you yet, which class are you in?"
"Class Six, science stream."
"Huh? You're in the same class as that vixen?"
Han Lie couldn't help but chuckle. "I really didn't expect you to call her a vixen too."
"TSK!" Chen Yanfei pouted adorably. "Well, isn't she? If you guys can call her that, then so can I!"
Han Lie shook his head. "I've never called her that."
"What, can't bring yourself to say it?" Her tone was teasing, but she stared intently at Han Lie, a hint of concern in her eyes.
"That's not it. I particularly dislike her type," Han Lie stated decisively, giving her a clear answer.
This was a question even an elementary schooler could answer; getting it wrong would mean immediate elimination.
But then, Han Lie took an unconventional path.
"However, I personally feel she's just naturally alluring, and her tendency to show off, typical of some young girls, is why she draws so much criticism. If you look at her character, she's actually a very innocent and kind person."
Hearing this, Chen Yanfei's gaze turned somewhat peculiar. Her expression became unreadable as she asked meaningfully, "Giving her such high praise right in front of me?"
"I'm just stating facts." Han Lie met her gaze calmly and said in a soft but firm voice, "I won't let the loud opinions of others sway my judgment or lead me to disparage a classmate who hasn't done anything wrong."
"HMPH!" Chen Yanfei snorted softly.
A pang of jealousy pricked her heart, yet at the same time, she found this side of Han Lie even more captivating—so unique and dependable. That was just her personality; she was drawn to that kind of integrity.
Han Lie had completely figured her out.
She clearly wanted to discuss it further, but Han Lie didn't intend to indulge her.
Stopping here was good enough.
Watching Han Lie close his eyes in exhaustion, she suddenly remembered: Ah, he's severely injured...
Feeling a twinge of guilt, she stuck out her tongue playfully, picked up her phone, and quietly tiptoed out of the hospital room.
...
About an hour later, the sound of hurried, noisy footsteps echoed from the corridor.
A knock, and then the door was gently pushed open. Chen Yanfei entered first, followed by a large group of people.
Han Lie opened his eyes and calmly observed the newcomers, silently assessing them.
The tall middle-aged man was Chen Yanfei's father. She looks about fifty percent like him. The expensively dressed middle-aged couple were Pan Shaohang's parents. The man in the suit behind them must be a lawyer.
Not bad, quite the turnout.
"Excuse me, make way!"
The first to speak was actually the young nurse. She changed Han Lie's dressing, helped him sit up against the headboard, and finally, winked at him.
Is she cheering me on?
Han Lie winked back.
Don't worry, my big stick is already wound up and ready to swing!
The second person to speak was Pan Shaohang's father.
"Student Han Lie, hello!" Mr. Pan stepped forward and executed a deep bow with crisp precision. "I am Pan Shaohang's father. I'm so sorry. I was negligent in my son's upbringing, which caused you such tremendous harm. My wife and I have come to apologize to you!"
This man must be a successful business owner; he's too skilled at this.
In contrast, Pan Shaohang's mother was somewhat less adept. She also bowed, and her apology was fluent enough, but her words were grating.
"Our Shaohang has been spoiled by me. Student Han, please don't stoop to his level. Please forgive him this once. We'll pay whatever amount you ask!"
Han Lie blinked, his lips trembling as he struggled to speak.
"Where's... Pan Shaohang?"
His voice was low and trembling, almost inaudible even from a short distance. Compared to when he was chatting with Chen Yanfei earlier, Han Lie seemed far weaker now.
Don't ask. If you did, the answer would be 'a final burst of energy before the end.'
All his vitality was spent on Chen Yanfei; now he was at death's door. Perfectly scientific, right?
Only Chen Yanfei understood what was happening. Holding her father's arm, she couldn't help but purse her lips.
That scamp!
Such an actor!