CHAPTER 79: CHAPTER 78: THE LITTLE FLAMES OF JEALOUSY

Shi Yang dialed the Zhao family’s landline, and upon hearing that Zhao Meimei had truly found him, Liu Xiue’s worried heart was finally at ease.

Shi Yang handed the phone to Zhao Meimei.

Zhao Meimei nervously gripped the phone and called out, "Mom, it’s me."

Hearing Zhao Meimei’s voice, the anger Liu Xiue had been holding back exploded instantly. She growled into the phone, "Zhao Meimei! I think you’re itching for trouble! Where did you get the nerve to run away from home? Answer me!"

Even through the phone line, Zhao Meimei was reprimanded so harshly that she bowed her head and explained fearfully, "I just wanted to see my Brother Yangyang."

Liu Xiue’s voice suddenly increased in volume, "You wanted to see him, so you went out without telling the family, sneaking away by yourself!"

Seeing her mom was truly angry, Zhao Meimei quickly apologized profusely, "I...I was just afraid you’d worry, so I left a note. Mom, I was wrong. I definitely won’t do this again."

Liu Xiue: "You’re already thinking of doing it again! Just wait till you get back! See how I’ll deal with you! I’ll make your dad give you a good beating!"

Zhao Meimei stuck out her tongue to lick her lips. The cold wind had chapped them.

Dryly swallowing, she turned to her Brother Yangyang for help.

Shi Yang took the phone, listening to Liu Xiue still scolding Zhao Meimei.

"Until school starts, don’t even think about leaving your room! I’m telling you, Zhao Mei..."

Shi Yang hurriedly interrupted Liu Xiue’s scolding, "Aunt!"

Liu Xiue suddenly heard Shi Yang’s voice and swallowed her words, "Oh, Yangyang."

Shi Yang: "Aunt, Meimei rarely makes it to the provincial city. I want to take her around for a couple of days, and then I’ll bring her back with me."

Liu Xiue hesitated for a moment, "Aren’t you working now? Will Meimei being there affect you?"

Shi Yang quickly replied, "I just finished yesterday. Tomorrow, I’ll find time to hand it over to the client. It’s almost New Year; my uncle’s factory couldn’t get leave, and I wouldn’t be comfortable letting Meimei go back alone. I’ll keep her here and take her back after a couple of days of fun."

Liu Xiue finally said appreciatively, "Oh, look at that. You’re adding trouble again."

Shi Yang looked at Zhao Meimei, who was clinging to his arm, thinking that this kind of troublesome addition was rather nice.

Liu Xiue reminded, "Be careful when you’re out having fun. Remember to call when you return."

Agreeing to every word, Shi Yang hung up.

Zhao Meimei nervously asked, "Brother, what did my mom say?"

Shi Yang pretended to have a serious face, "She didn’t agree. We’ll take you for a bite to eat first, then I’ll send you to the bus station and get you on the bus so your parents can pick you up at home."

Hearing this, Zhao Meimei immediately stomped her feet, "I’m not going back! I hardly got to see you! I can’t bear to part ways!"

Shi Yang held back his laughter, "Do you miss me that much?"

Zhao Meimei murmured with grievance, "I haven’t seen you all year; I’m on the verge of missing you to death. You’re not allowed to send me back; you can’t do this!"

Moved by Zhao Meimei’s heartfelt words, Shi Yang couldn’t help but place his hand on her shoulders, pulling her toward him, wrapping her in a tight hug, "Silly girl! I miss you too! How could I really send you back? I was just teasing you. Your mom agreed to let me take you out for two days."

Zhao Meimei tilted her head up, her eyes sparkling, "Really?"

Shi Yang laughed, "Of course!"

Holding Zhao Meimei in his arms, Shi Yang looked into her eyes, hesitated, then released her, measuring her against himself, surprised, "Meimei, you’ve grown quite a bit lately!"

In a year, Zhao Meimei had grown half a head, now almost reaching Shi Yang’s chin.

Zhao Meimei giggled, "I’m already one meter sixty!"

Shi Yang looked at Zhao Meimei.

Zhao Meimei flipped her eyelids, smiling adorably.

Zhao Meimei was wearing new clothes her mom Liu Xiue bought her for the New Year.

A beige down jacket paired with a small checkered skirt, feet clad in knee-high flat boots. A small fair face, the hair that used to look malnourished now seemed like it was intentionally highlighted in tawny, neatly cascading over her shoulders. Her fine brows and eyes carried intrigue even at a smile, with lips red and teeth white on a standard oval face.

The once awkward little girl was rapidly transforming into a blooming beauty, exuding a dazzling charm.

Shi Yang took Zhao Meimei to a decent-looking hotel near the school, booking a standard room with two single beds.

Settling into their accommodation, Shi Yang realized she hadn’t eaten and led her to a nearby street full of snack stalls, selecting a few places with nice flavors and introducing them to Zhao Meimei, who ultimately chose her favorite, hot pot lamb.

Right during dinner time, most of the customers were fourth-year students doing internships. Familiar with the local food joints, they preferred the warmth of a hot pot in this cold weather. As Shi Yang led Zhao Meimei in, several tables were already occupied.

Just as they entered, a waiter greeted them, asking, "Table for two?"

Shi Yang affirmed, and the waiter guided them to an empty table.

Shi Yang, focused on holding Zhao Meimei’s hand, listened as she shared her journey of running away.

As they walked past a table by the window, someone suddenly called his name, "Shi Yang!"

Shi Yang turned his head to look, a bit stunned.

Sitting with her companion was none other than his girlfriend from sophomore year, an economics major named Zhang Xueyao.

Their breakup hadn’t been pleasant, so seeing her out of the blue and her calling out to him made Shi Yang feel awkward. He smiled slightly at her courteously as a greeting, before turning to lead Zhao Meimei onwards.

Zhang Xueyao stopped him, "Who’s this little beauty?"

Shi Yang glanced at her, "My sister." Having said that, he nodded and led Zhao Meimei to the waiter’s vacant table, diagonally across from Zhang Xueyao’s.

Zhao Meimei sat directly facing Zhang Xueyao’s table. Seeing Zhao Meimei settled, Shi Yang moved closer, both of them placing their down jackets on the empty chair opposite as they began ordering.

The menu was familiar to Shi Yang; he knew Zhao Meimei’s likes and dislikes better than Zhao Dazhuang did.

Without needing her to order, Zhao Meimei turned to glance around idly and caught the eyes of the girl they greeted before. The girl suddenly smiled at her.