Chapter 52: Clearing the Stage

Chapter 52: Passing the Test

Wang Guocheng watched as Fan Xiaoyao timidly covered her eyes, feeling a bit bored, so he reluctantly put his clothes back on. His intention was only to tease Fan Xiaoyao; once he was dressed again, he joked to her, “I’m done undressing…”

Fan Xiaoyao, still covering her eyes, was unaware that Wang Guocheng had already put his clothes back on. She hesitated, murmuring, “You… put your clothes on…”

Seeing Fan Xiaoyao’s shy demeanor, Wang Guocheng couldn’t help but laugh. He stepped forward and gently pried her hands away from her eyes.

“Xiaoyao, open your eyes and see for yourself. What kind of person do you think I am? Alright, I’ll stop teasing you. It’s getting late, go freshen up. Aren’t we meeting your girlfriends soon?”

Standing so close to Wang Guocheng, enveloped in his scent after his shower, Fan Xiaoyao was momentarily dazed. When Wang Guocheng waved his fingers before her, she snapped out of it, embarrassed. “Oh, then you wait for me in the living room!”

When they left together, Fan Xiaoyao wore a pale green down jacket over a long white dress. Wang Guocheng, as always, wore a suit—though this time, the color was a bit more striking: a bright pink wool suit.

“Aren’t you afraid of the cold? Kangcheng may not be as chilly as Border City, but the nights are still cool…” Fan Xiaoyao asked, puzzled by Wang Guocheng’s lack of a thick coat.

Wang Guocheng took her hand gently and said, “With you by my side, I’m not cold. You’re my little heater.”

Fan Xiaoyao was amused at discovering this new “heater” function she apparently possessed. “I didn’t know I had another use.”

Wang Guocheng affectionately pinched the tip of her nose. “You have many functions—I’ll tell you more in the future.”

By the time they arrived at Kangcheng Cuisine House, Feng Youru and Yang Yeyeye were already waiting for them.

Fan Xiaoyao and Wang Guocheng entered Kangcheng Cuisine House hand in hand, chatting and laughing. Guided by a waiter, they went upstairs to the Diamond Suite.

“Oh my, what’s this? In just two days, you’re glued together?” Yang Yeyeye teased as she saw them arrive arm-in-arm and take their seats.

Though Fan Xiaoyao was used to Wang Guocheng’s affection, she grew nervous before her girlfriends and quickly withdrew her hand, blushing. She protested, “Yeyeye, don’t all couples hold hands and link arms?”

Wang Guocheng took the initiative to introduce himself to Feng Youru and Yang Yeyeye. “I’m Wang Guocheng. It’s a pleasure to meet Xiaoyao’s friends.”

Feng Youru sized him up, commenting, “The young man’s height is decent, and his looks are respectable. Even his name is fit for a prince.”

She reached out to shake Wang Guocheng’s hand, playfully saying, “Nice to meet you. I’m Fan Xiaoyao’s best friend and former roommate, Feng Youru. But with you here, I guess I’ll step aside.”

Yang Yeyeye, now pregnant and gentler than before, extended her hand and said with formal seriousness, “Hello, I’m Fan Xiaoyao’s best friend and sister-in-law. Welcome to Kangcheng.”

Fan Xiaoyao couldn’t help but laugh at Yang Yeyeye’s diplomatic demeanor. “Yeyeye, your welcome speech is so official. Anyone would think you’re the spokesperson for some foreign ministry.”

Yang Yeyeye cleared her throat and shot Fan Xiaoyao a look. “Listen to yourself. I’m formally welcoming Guocheng—it’s my way of showing approval. Got it?”

Fan Xiaoyao pulled a face and teased, “Alright, whatever you say, sister-in-law.”

Once they were seated—Fan Xiaoyao and Wang Guocheng on one side, Yang Yeyeye and Feng Youru on the other—the room quickly transformed into an emotional test for Wang Guocheng, with Yang Yeyeye and Feng Youru as examiners.

“Mr. Wang Guocheng, please listen carefully. When was your first love?” Yang Yeyeye asked the first question.

Wang Guocheng looked at Fan Xiaoyao beside him, then at Yang Yeyeye, and replied earnestly, “My first love is happening now. Miss Fan Xiaoyao here is my first love. I swear to heaven.”

“Mr. Wang Guocheng, did you ever have ambiguous moments with other girls in college? Like kissing a girl’s cheek, for example…” Feng Youru’s question was even sharper.

Under the table, Wang Guocheng held Fan Xiaoyao’s hand in his palm, steadied himself, and answered truthfully.

“I was busy with coursework in college and didn’t bother with romance. But now, yes, I’ve kissed Miss Fan Xiaoyao’s cheek, and we’ve shared little flirtations.”

“Mr. Wang Guocheng, would you ever pounce on someone you fell for at first sight?” Yang Yeyeye chimed in, her question making Fan Xiaoyao’s face flush instantly.

Fan Xiaoyao hadn’t expected Yang Yeyeye to be so blunt. Pounce? Good heavens!

She quickly waved her hands. “No, nothing like that.”

Wang Guocheng hadn’t anticipated such spicy questions from the two friends, and felt a bit awkward. In fact, he’d entertained thoughts of pouncing on Fan Xiaoyao as early as their flight from Tongcheng, but after these days together, he realized she was outwardly bold but inwardly traditional, so he needed a new approach.

He answered honestly, his gaze full of affection for Fan Xiaoyao.

“No, although I fell for Xiaoyao at first sight and deeply want to hold her, I wouldn’t do that. I want to cherish her, spoil her, let her grow used to my presence and intimacy—only then will I hold her close.”

Fan Xiaoyao, cheeks red, glanced at her two friends across the table. “What are you two doing? It’s like you’re hosting some emotional talk show—it’s not a TV program.”

Yang Yeyeye and Feng Youru exchanged a look, ignored Fan Xiaoyao’s embarrassment, and high-fived each other, then shook Wang Guocheng’s hand together. “Congratulations, you’ve passed our test. We hope you’ll spoil and cherish Xiaoyao as you promised.”

Wang Guocheng had expected more tricky questions from these two spirited girls and was trying to think how to respond, but they declared he’d passed. He was pleasantly surprised. “I passed?”