Chapter 39: Goodnight Kiss

Chapter 39: Goodnight Kiss

Fan Xiaoyao wrapped her arms around Wu Jing’s neck, acting spoiled as she spoke, “I don’t care. Auntie is my warm cotton jacket, a child with auntie is like a precious treasure, auntie is the best.”

Rong Fenghua saw that Fan Xiaoyao was showering Wu Jing with sweet words again and quickly stepped forward, speaking to Fan Xiaoyao with a stern expression, “You—only coax your auntie with that honeyed mouth, but I’ve never seen you try to sweet-talk me.”

Fan Xiaoyao leaned against Wu Jing, looking at Rong Fenghua with a hint of complaint, “I want to coax my dear uncle too, but you always have that frosty face wherever you go. It makes me nervous just looking at you…”

Rong Fenghua sighed when he heard Fan Xiaoyao compare his expression to an icy block. “Your mother called this afternoon. She wants you to bring Guocheng home next weekend.”

Fan Xiaoyao looked anxious as she asked Rong Fenghua, “Uncle, did my mom say anything else?”

Rong Fenghua put on a grave demeanor. “You’ll find out when you go home next weekend. You sure have some nerve, daring to try out an online romance.”

Wu Jing noticed that Wang Guocheng looked a bit embarrassed when Rong Fenghua said this, so she quickly tugged at Rong Fenghua’s sleeve. “Ahem… Fenghua, Feng Lun called this afternoon. He said he’ll be returning to Kangcheng tomorrow morning and asked if Xiaoyao and Guocheng wanted to catch a ride with him.”

Fan Xiaoyao was delighted at the prospect of a free ride. “Great! Tomorrow Guocheng and I will take Uncle Feng’s car back to Kangcheng. Haha… That’ll save some money on transport and food.”

Wu Jing tapped Fan Xiaoyao’s forehead lightly. “You little miser! All right, it’s getting late. Finish your midnight snack and get to bed! Tomorrow morning, you and Guocheng can ride with your Uncle Feng to Kangcheng. The weekend is almost over—don’t let romance distract you from your work.”

Fan Xiaoyao’s cheeks flushed slightly. “I’m not, I’m a diligent little bee—working by day, writing by night… earning hard-won money…”

Wu Jing ignored her, tidied up the kitchen, and went to her own room. Rong Fenghua, holding a glass of water, stood behind Fan Xiaoyao and reminded her, “Uh… you two, be careful tonight…”

Fan Xiaoyao groaned inwardly, murmuring under her breath, “No, we’re perfectly innocent, uncle, don’t say such things… we really aren’t…”

Rong Fenghua’s words were actually meant for Wang Guocheng, but he hadn’t expected his somewhat clueless niece not to understand.

Wang Guocheng, however, picked up on Rong Fenghua’s hint. He met Rong Fenghua’s gaze with sincere honesty. “Uncle, rest assured—until Xiaoyao and I are married, we won’t cross the line, not even by accident…”

Fan Xiaoyao blushed deeply when Wang Guocheng said that so openly, wanting nothing more than to find a hole to hide in. She hurried back to her room, slammed the door, and locked herself inside.

Rong Fenghua was a bit speechless at Wang Guocheng’s candor. He smiled faintly, patted Wang Guocheng’s shoulder, and said, “Boy, Xiaoyao is a good girl. She may have her little quirks, but her nature is pure and kind. You must treat her well, never bully her, never break her heart.”

In fact, Wang Guocheng had always harbored a knot in his heart over Fan Xiaoyao’s previous relationship. He’d never asked, but it lingered in his mind. “Uncle, I’d like to ask about Xiaoyao’s last boyfriend… they…”

Rong Fenghua understood immediately that this young man was struggling with the same hurdle most people face regarding exes—including himself. “Guocheng, come with me to the rooftop.” Rong Fenghua got up and headed upstairs, Wang Guocheng following closely behind.

Once on the rooftop, Rong Fenghua settled into a lounge chair, patting the one opposite him. “Sit down. I hope that after you hear this, there will be no more misunderstandings between you two.”

“Xiaoyao met Tim the year she graduated. She was working as a phone operator at a company run by a prominent family. Through work, she got to know Tim. They were of similar age and had common interests, so they seemed more like friends than lovers. Due to work, they rarely saw each other—just a handful of times a year—but she loved truly, loved deeply.

As for the details, I don’t know much. I only know that one day, Tim’s family encountered financial difficulties. They tried to rescue GLT Company through a business marriage. So, just like in a romance drama, Tim suddenly left one day…

Xiaoyao fell seriously ill after that. We were all very worried about her. She even went on a hunger strike in protest… But reality is cruel. No matter what Xiaoyao did or what happened, Tim truly disappeared from her life.

This situation lasted two years. It was only this year that Xiaoyao finally broke free from Tim’s shadow.”

Hearing about Fan Xiaoyao’s past with her ex, Wang Guocheng couldn’t help but sigh. He felt fortunate that Tim left Fan Xiaoyao behind, giving him the chance to meet her. Perhaps Xiaoyao’s love for Tim was tinged with helplessness, but her love for Wang Guocheng was one of courage.

Indeed, Wang Guocheng had traveled miles and miles, eloping without his parents’ knowledge just to see Fan Xiaoyao. Even Rong Fenghua admired such determination.

Rong Fenghua glanced at the sky, patting Wang Guocheng’s shoulder. “Guocheng, you should call your parents tomorrow. I heard you left without telling them. As parents ourselves, we hope you’ll talk to them so they won’t worry.”

Wang Guocheng looked at Rong Fenghua, somewhat abashed. “Uncle, do you think I’m selfish? That I’m unfilial for leaving home without permission?”

Rong Fenghua patted Wang Guocheng’s arm. “Guocheng, you’re overthinking. What you did is normal. Uncle was young once too. I was wild enough to sneak your aunt out of her house… haha… The fact that you’d do this for Xiaoyao shows how important she is to you. Uncle is happy for her.”

After talking with Rong Fenghua, Wang Guocheng felt much lighter, and his confidence in his relationship with Fan Xiaoyao grew even stronger.

Coming down from the rooftop, Wang Guocheng didn’t return to his own room. Instead, he walked downstairs toward Fan Xiaoyao’s room.

He explained to Rong Fenghua, “Um… uncle, don’t misunderstand. I just want to say goodnight to Xiaoyao!”

Rong Fenghua nodded knowingly and went to his own room.

“Xiaoyao, are you asleep?” Wang Guocheng carefully approached her bedside.

Fan Xiaoyao half-opened her eyes, looking at Wang Guocheng with a curious expression. “What’s wrong? Up so late?”

Wang Guocheng leaned down and pressed a kiss to her cheek. He whispered gently, “Nothing, just wanted to bring you a goodnight kiss. I love you!”