The Scheming Ex-Husband's Courtship-Chapter 623 - 539 Old Friend_2

Jian Si turned over the roasted meat in front of her. Without mentioning Feng Piaopiao, she had almost forgotten those small incidents from high school. Back then, her relationship with Gao Ruobing was indeed not good; although they had never quarreled or argued, Gao Ruobing just didn’t like her. Whenever they bumped into each other in the hallway or classroom, Gao Ruobing would never greet her, let alone initiate a conversation.

Jian Si couldn’t understand what she had done to offend Gao Ruobing. Jian Si, with her gentle personality, didn’t talk much normally and wasn’t an active member of the class. She always diligently focused on her studies and life, until later a deskmate hinted to her that people always compared her with Gao Ruobing. Apart from having a wealthy family, Gao Ruobing seemed to be inferior to her in every aspect, and perhaps that was the root of the jealousy.

Jian Si originally didn’t take these matters to heart, but what happened later made her never want to face Gao Ruobing again. She hoped they would be like two parallel lines, never intersecting in this lifetime.

Gao Ruobing entered the private room inside. Sitting in the main seat was a woman who was elegant and dignified, exuding a stern righteousness between her brows.

"Auntie Helan," Gao Ruobing greeted warmly, stretching out her hands for a hug with Helan Ying, "It’s been a long time. I’ve really missed you. I just didn’t dare to disturb you because I knew you were busy with work. You’re not mad at me, are you?"

Helan Ying pointed to a chair beside her with a smile on her face: "I have indeed been too busy, so busy I almost forgot about your big marriage plans."

When the topic of marriage was mentioned, Gao Ruobing couldn’t help but blush with embarrassment, "Auntie Helan, what about Nan Zhan? Didn’t you say he would come?"

"Yes, he has already promised me. He should be on his way now. Let’s order first, and when he arrives, the food will be ready." Helan Ying was about to hand the menu to Gao Ruobing when the latter hastily said, "Auntie Helan, you order. I’ll have whatever you recommend."

Helan Ying nodded with a smile on her lips: "Okay."

Helan Ying selected a few dishes. As they waited for the food, she chatted idly with Gao Ruobing, who flattered her relentlessly, making Helan Ying very pleased, complimenting her for being sensible and articulate.

Not long after, the waiter began serving dishes, yet Nan Zhan was still nowhere to be seen.

Gao Ruobing was clearly becoming restless, occasionally glancing towards the entrance.

Even someone as composed as Helan Ying was becoming impatient. While comforting Gao Ruobing, she picked up her phone: "Bingbing, I’m going out to make a call. He’s probably stuck in traffic."

Helan Ying walked to the restroom entrance, her face stern as she searched her contacts for Nan Zhan’s number. The phone was picked up after a few rings, and she spoke with a displeasure in her voice, yet tried to keep it low, "Nan Zhan, didn’t we agree to have dinner together? The dishes are all served. Where are you?"

Nan Zhan was sitting on a balcony lounge chair, flipping through a thick law book, with his phone on speaker beside him on the table.

"Mom, is it just you and me?"

"Of course. Who else do you think there is?"

Nan Zhan chuckled lightly, turning a page of the book in his hand: "Mom, you might not remember, but the last time you had a meal alone with me was two years ago."

Helan Ying was momentarily taken aback, apparently having forgotten.

"At that time, you needed my help. So for today’s meal, let me guess... You definitely arranged a meeting with Gao Ruobing, right?"

"Nan Zhan." Helan Ying felt exposed and became flustered and angry, "My time is precious, I don’t have time to play guessing games with you. Anyway, no matter where you are now, get to the restaurant within half an hour. Matters of life are not a joke."

"I’m sorry, Mom, but it’s precisely because it’s a matter of life that I can’t just follow your orders. Enjoy your meal."

Helan Ying wanted to say more, but the beep of the call ending came from the other end. Helan Ying, who always held a superior position and did not tolerate insubordination, had just been defied by her own son and instantly her face turned stern.

Nan Zhan glanced at the darkening phone screen and closed the book in his hands.

How could he forget that day? It was his birthday. He was excited, thinking that Helan Ying wanted to celebrate with him, but she was only there to ask for help with an old classmate’s case. During the meal, she didn’t eat a bite, just talked about her friend’s case the whole time, and then she rushed off after receiving a phone call.

However, she then came back not long after he thought she finally remembered. But instead, she had just forgotten to tell him there was a case next week he needed to prepare for. In her eyes, aside from work, there was only work, and even her son was just part of her work.

Nan Zhan put the book on the small tea table, rose to grab his coat, and strode out of the door.

~

Zhengzheng sat near the window in the classroom while the teacher was giving instructions for the summer vacation. He listened haphazardly, as these were things only little kids needed to worry about. In his mind, he had long stopped considering himself a child.

"Alright, that’s all. Did everyone get that?"

"Got it," echoed the unison, exaggerated response from his classmates.

After school, the entrance was crowded with parents picking up their children. Zhengzheng was searching for Auntie Lu from the neighborhood but unexpectedly saw a familiar tall figure among the crowd, standing out like a crane amongst chickens.

"Wow, that uncle is so handsome, whose parent is he?" whispered a girl nearby in admiration. "He’s even more handsome than my dad."

The young teacher had also noticed him. She was familiar with each and every one of the children’s parents, but this man was new to her, dressed in a simple black shirt and suit trousers, one hand casually tucked into his pocket, standing among ordinary folks like a deity.

While the teacher was still astonished, Zhengzheng had already run over, standing before Nan Zhan with a surprised look: "Big brother, why are you the one picking me up? Where’s my sister?"

"She’s busy and couldn’t come, so she entrusted you to me, let’s go."

"Wait a moment, I need to say goodbye to my teacher." After explaining their relationship to the teacher, she nodded to let him leave. It was only after the tall figure and the child went their way that another teacher asked curiously, "Who’s that handsome guy? Is he Jian Zheng’s dad?"