It turned out the things Jiangg Ning wanted to get were a stack of books. Some were still in their packaging, so Chen Yuan helped her unwrap them.

Looking at the titles, he felt a little puzzled.

These weren't new books. Many were old and yellowed, and some were even missing their covers, so you had to open them to the title page just to find out what they were called.

"Did you buy so many old books to collect them?"

"No, these are all reference books I need. Some are foreign editions, but I wanted to read the versions translated by Mr. Dao Qian. I couldn't find them myself, so I had to ask Lan to look for them."

"Reference books…"

Chen Yuan's expression was a bit strange. 'Why isn't Ningning reading philosophy or social science books? Instead, she's reading business publications. Is she planning to pursue another degree?'

He'd never heard her mention any interest in this field before.

In fact, Jiangg Ning rarely told people that she was quite fond of business analysis. This was because she had bought many related books in high school, including the aforementioned translations by Mr. Dao Qian.

But for some reason, Jiangg Ruxue didn't approve of her daughter studying this subject and threw all the books away without her permission.

When Jiangg Ning came home, all she saw was an empty bookshelf. She went to ask Jiangg Ruxue about it.

Back then, her cold mother offered no explanation, simply letting her stand there and question her in confusion.

After that, Jiangg Ning had felt disheartened.

Now that she had more freedom, she wanted to pick this passion back up. Life was long, and being able to do what you love after entering a new phase was truly valuable.

It was unfair, in a way.

Most underage students who wanted to build on their passions couldn't possibly do so without their parents' support; they were constrained by their age.

Jiangg Ning was now an adult with her own capabilities.

Just like Jiangg Yao, who had escaped from Mingzhu City and only began to explore the path of becoming a virtual idol after arriving in Lanjing.

At this moment, Chen Yuan was completely unaware that for the sake of their relationship, Jiangg Ning had already resigned from her position as an associate professor at Landa University.

...

"Why are some of these books damp?"

"Damp? It might have happened during shipping. Is it serious?" Lan, who had been busy nearby, came over.

"It's nothing serious. They should be fine if we just let them air out in the sun."

"Then you should go to the balcony. Take the damp books out there. In the meantime, I'll make you two a cup of tea."

As the only man present, Chen Yuan naturally felt obligated to handle a small task like moving books. He picked up a stack, not caring if it would dirty his clothes, and headed up the winding staircase to the shop's second floor.

After he left, Lan suddenly sidled up conspiratorially and nudged Jiangg Ning with her shoulder.

"Look at you! Single for so many years, and now you finally have a boyfriend. And such an outstanding one, too. Not bad taste…"

"He's alright." A smile played on Jiangg Ning's lips.

Her happiness was self-evident. With Chen Yuan's looks, height, and, most importantly, his age, he would be the center of attention anywhere she took him.

What girl didn't dream of dating someone so dazzling?

Just basking in the envious and jealous gazes of others was enjoyable enough.

"So how far have you two gone?"

"I'm not telling you."

"Ooh-la-la~ Look how clingy you two are. You can't stand to be apart for a second. This must be the honeymoon phase, right?"

"Yes, you could say it's the honeymoon phase."

"I'd say your boyfriend is about eighteen or nineteen."

"You guessed it. Eighteen, exactly."

"Hey, a guy that age must be in great shape, right? Have you tried…" Lan gave her a knowing look.

"What a weird question! I'm not talking to you anymore."

Jiangg Ning's cheeks suddenly flushed red. She also picked up some books and headed to the second floor.

Chen Yuan had no idea that the moment he left, Ningning's friend had started speculating about his physical prowess. He was currently on the second-floor terrace, looking around with great interest.

'This Lan really has a flair for living.' The second-floor terrace was almost completely filled with flowers. There was a wooden swing, and next to it, a small table for tea.

Many of the flowerpots looked like they were repurposed from discarded teacups and a torn soccer ball. Even so, the plants and grasses grew vigorously; even their withered roots seemed full of life.

'Come spring, this whole terrace must be a spectacular, verdant sight.'

On a crudely built concrete platform, a number of toy cars were arranged, enclosed by thin bamboo sticks to form something like a racetrack.

This kind of thing was irresistible to guys of any age.

Chen Yuan couldn't help himself. He pressed down on a toy car and rolled it forward a few steps, having a surprisingly good time all by himself.

It wasn't until he heard Jiangg Ning's footsteps coming up that he realized he had forgotten about airing out the books.

Dusk was approaching. Only the last, rich colors of the sunset remained, and the warmth of the light on his skin had faded considerably.

Ningning walked over, laid the books out on the concrete platform, and pulled out a tissue to wipe them one by one, looking relaxed and serene.

Chen Yuan helped her.

"Little star, little star…"

Ning suddenly leaned in a little closer, teasing him in a low voice.

"Stop it, I can't take the praise."

"Don't you think it sounds intimate? You're *my* little star. I don't even follow celebrities, but I feel like those actors in TV shows aren't even as good-looking as you."

"That's an exaggeration. You're probably just looking at me through rose-colored glasses."

"Am I?" Jiangg Ning was skeptical.

"I think so."

"Then come closer and see if my eyes have a filter."

Chen Yuan actually did lean in, meeting her gaze. If they weren't on someone else's balcony, they probably would have kissed.

Couples in their honeymoon phase really are clingy.

RATTLE—

The sudden sound made the two of them quickly pull back.

"Lan, your balcony is so quaint and picturesque. Did you buy those toy cars and put them there yourself?" Chen Yuan asked curiously.

"No, those were actually a gift from a little boy."

"A little boy?"

"Yes, he used to live next door. His family ran a noodle shop. He was a very cheerful and lively little boy. We were good friends, and when he moved away, he gave me a whole bag of toy cars."

No wonder they looked like a child's toys.

Chen Yuan went over, took out his phone, and took a picture with interest. He didn't usually post on his social media, but he thought something this interesting was worth sharing.

Watching him crouch down to take the photo, Jiangg Ning suddenly remembered something.

"Why don't we take a picture together?"

"Okay."

"You take it. Right here, by the edge of the terrace. Make sure it's a good one. I want you to post it on your social media tonight."

"Post… Post it on my social media???" Chen Yuan was stunned. He hadn't expected Jiangg Ning to say that.

"What, are you surprised?" Jiangg Ning said, her face flushing slightly. "From now on, you can make our relationship public. No more hiding it."

"Why?"

"I was planning to tell you this over dinner tonight, but since you asked, I'll just say it now. I…" Ningning took a deep breath. "I resigned from Lanjing University. From now on, the teacher-student barrier between us is gone. We don't have to care what other people think anymore."

Resigned?

The word echoed in Chen Yuan's mind like a clap of distant thunder.

Contrary to Jiangg Ning's expectations, he wasn't overjoyed. Instead, his expression suddenly turned grim.

This had all happened far too suddenly.

"Why didn't you discuss it with me first?" Chen Yuan asked, a strained smile on his lips.