Chapter 72: Because I’m Hopelessly in Love, My Boyfriend’s Twisted Side Doesn’t Matter (4)

Bai Yao took advantage of the moment she went to get her bag to hastily freshen up her makeup. When she came running out, the tall young man was already waiting for her under the moonlight.

Seeing Bai Yao, he smiled with eyes curved like crescents. “It’s only been a short while since I last saw you, Miss Bai, but you seem even more beautiful now. Is it just my imagination?”

Had any other man spoken to her this way, Bai Yao would have found it oily and insincere. But this man was so open and boyish, radiating a sunny charm that hovered between adolescent and adult. No matter what he said, it always seemed utterly genuine.

Bai Yao, who had been rushing, unconsciously slowed her pace, becoming more reserved. She walked up to Lu Sheng, smiling brightly. “Mr. Lu, you’re so witty and humorous—you must be quite popular, aren’t you?”

Lu Sheng pondered, then shook his head with a gentle smile. “I can’t say I’ve noticed it myself. You’re actually the first person to tell me I’m likable, Miss Bai.”

Perfect!

Bai Yao was now certain he didn’t have a girlfriend, and her heart fluttered with anticipation.

Their conversation flowed easily as they walked together. After about ten minutes, Lu Sheng led Bai Yao into a noodle shop. He pushed open the door and let her enter first.

The owner, spotting unfamiliar faces, immediately had a strange gleam in his eyes. He stared intently at Bai Yao as if seeing a delicious piece of meat, practically drooling over the sight.

But as soon as he saw Lu Sheng walk in behind her, his expression changed at once.

Lu Sheng stood beside Bai Yao, his tall figure casting a protective shadow over her, making her seem even more petite. He smiled and said, “I come here often—the food is quite good.”

Bai Yao looked up at the menu posted on the wall and asked, “I’d like the braised beef noodles. What about you?”

“I’ll have the same,” Lu Sheng replied.

He turned to the owner and smiled kindly, “Two regular beef noodles, please.”

The owner hesitated. “Regular beef noodles?”

Bai Yao asked curiously, “Is there something special?”

Lu Sheng explained, “Most people in this community like their noodles extremely spicy, so the usual order is extra chili sauce. But I can’t handle that much heat. I suppose you don’t like spicy food either, Miss Bai?”

The owner’s expression grew complicated.

Bai Yao truly couldn’t tolerate much spice. She told the owner, “We’ll just have the regular beef noodles.”

The owner glanced at Lu Sheng.

Lu Sheng smiled gently.

The owner quickly said, “Of course! Please wait a moment, your noodles will be ready soon.”

Bai Yao and Lu Sheng took seats by the glass window. She thought to herself that, under the circumstances, inviting someone out just for noodles seemed rather plain. So she said, “Once I’ve settled in, I’ll treat you to a proper meal.”

Lu Sheng smiled, “I’ll look forward to it.”

This was what Bai Yao liked about Lu Sheng—he didn’t bother with unnecessary politeness or refusal. He said what he meant, making it easy and comfortable to be around him.

Lu Sheng poured her a glass of water and asked casually, “Tomorrow’s Monday—are you heading to school as well, Miss Bai?”

Bai Yao tilted her head. “Did I ever mention I’m still studying?”

Lu Sheng’s smile deepened. “Last night, when I delivered the flowers, I saw textbooks in your living room. So I guessed you’re in university.”

With all the things she’d moved yesterday, Bai Yao had scattered her belongings everywhere and already forgotten where she’d put what.

Lu Sheng had noticed even such small details!

She took a composed sip of water, then put down the cup and said openly, “That’s right, I’m a sophomore majoring in Fine Arts.”

“Is it a heavy workload?” Lu Sheng asked.

“It’s not too bad,” Bai Yao replied. “Except for Wednesdays and Thursdays, I usually only have two or three classes a day.”

Lu Sheng smiled, “So you’ll be able to come home and rest early after classes tomorrow.”

Bai Yao nodded, “Exactly. There are still some areas in the house I haven’t had time to clean yet, so even when classmates invite me out, I have to turn them down.”

Lu Sheng’s tone was warm, “There’s always a lot to do when moving into a new place. If you need any help, don’t hesitate to ask. As neighbors, I’ll gladly lend a hand whenever I can.”

Bai Yao’s beautiful eyes curved into delightful crescents. Her smile was radiant, her voice sweet. “Mr. Lu, you really are a good person!”

The owner, who came over with their noodles just in time to hear Bai Yao’s words, nearly lost his footing. Fortunately, he steadied himself and set the two bowls of beef noodles on the table, politely saying, “Enjoy your meal.”

He couldn’t help but steal another glance at the young man before leaving with an even stranger look on his face.

Bai Yao took a bite of the noodles. Lu Sheng asked, “Does it suit your taste?”

She nodded. “These are even better than those from the big restaurants.”

“The owner here has been making noodles for over forty years—he’s a true master,” Lu Sheng said.

Bai Yao was a little puzzled. “The owner looks only about thirty or forty years old.”

Lu Sheng chuckled. “He just looks young, but in fact, he’s not.”

“How nice,” Bai Yao sighed. “I wish I could look young when I’m older.”

“You must be someone blessed by time, Miss Bai. I doubt you’ll have anything to worry about,” Lu Sheng said.

Youthful and full of energy, Lu Sheng’s sunny smile was truly contagious. There wasn’t a trace of negativity about him; rather, he exuded an uplifting charm that invigorated everyone he met.

Bai Yao thought to herself that she must win this man over!

Through their conversation, Bai Yao learned more about Lu Sheng. He worked at a newspaper, and when not busy, kept a regular eight-to-five schedule. According to him, his parents lived elsewhere; he lived here alone. When bored, aside from exercising, he liked to take his camera out and shoot beautiful scenery.

He showed Bai Yao some of his past photos, and they were indeed impressive—every landscape was striking.

Bai Yao noticed a photo of a black cat licking its paw and asked curiously, “Is this black cat your pet?”

“That’s Xiao Xiong’s pet,” Lu Sheng replied.

“Xiao Xiong?”

“He’s the boy who lives in the house behind yours—a mischievous seven-year-old.”

Realization dawned on Bai Yao. “Oh, him!”

“You know him?” Lu Sheng asked.

“I’ve seen him twice since moving in. Once, he even snuck into my house—and he wasn’t wearing any clothes,” Bai Yao said.

“Maybe it was because of the heat,” Lu Sheng suggested.

“Perhaps. He was covered in prickly heat powder. Still, running around like that so late at night would give anyone a fright,” Bai Yao remarked.

Lu Sheng gazed at her for a moment, then chuckled softly. “Yes, it would indeed.”