Chapter 31 Song Ni: I Used to Be the School Bully
Wisps of smoke swirled around, and Song Ni gazed deeply into Tan Zheng’s eyes. She couldn't tell if it was the smoke or Tan Zheng himself, but she could never fathom what those eyes held. The car window was wide open, and a gust of wind blew in, carrying the scent of tobacco. Song Ni couldn't help but frown. Without the neutralizing effect of Tan Zheng's presence, the smoky aroma was somewhat irritating to her, but perhaps it was a consequence of her affection for him, so she could tolerate it.
Tan Zheng let out a low chuckle, took a deep drag, and after letting the smoke linger in his lungs, he looked at Song Ni before finally turning his head to exhale out the window. He didn't take Song Ni's words seriously; at that moment, he genuinely wanted a cigarette. And so, they sat in the car, the man smoking one cigarette after another, while Song Ni watched him. The heat in her eyes was the same as on the day of their blind date, on the way from school to the restaurant.
Tan Zheng took his last puff and asked, "You keep watching my hands, and now you're watching me smoke. Your preferences are quite peculiar."
Song Ni's eyes twinkled, "Can't I just tell you you're handsome?"
Tan Zheng glanced at her. He was a straightforward person, intolerant of unnecessary detours. It was impossible for him not to feel a little pleased by Song Ni's compliment. In his youth, handsomeness was an asset; a single face could make him popular among women. Those women would use all sorts of flowery language to describe him, but he would merely smile, indifferent. Hearing it too often naturally made him weary. Back then, his entire focus was on racing; he had no interest in romance. Now that he was older, his sharp edges had softened, and there were many women who were attracted to him. However, those women always maintained an air of reserve, unwilling to express their feelings directly, turning a simple matter into a lengthy conversation. Unlike Song Ni, this young lady never hesitated to voice her thoughts. For instance, her direct gaze, her straightforward words. Although she maintained an air of pride, someone who grew up spoiled would hardly bow easily. He found her arrogance rather interesting. With that thought, Tan Zheng chuckled. "Alright, if you know how to speak, say more."
Song Ni couldn't help but roll her eyes. "You're so shameless, handsome."
Tan Zheng laughed even more unrestrainedly, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel with a hint of excitement. "You can also call me Brother Zheng."
Song Ni: ...
The man raised his eyebrows, a genuine happiness on his face that Song Ni had never seen before. Song Ni thought that this man was truly overbearing. She had only called Xi Xu ge a few times. If there were any romantic developments in the future, wouldn't he be a huge jealous type? "You wish," the eldest daughter of the Song family would not let someone have their way so easily.
Tan Zheng wasn't annoyed. No rush; there was plenty of time. He was sure he would eventually hear what he wanted to hear from that stubborn mouth.
...
The two families quickly set a date for a meeting over dinner. Matters of engagement and marriage would be discussed by the elders at the table. The day before the dinner, Tan Zheng, for the first time in a long while, came to Xingda University. He hadn't informed Song Ni in advance, so she was quite surprised when she received his call. Without even tidying up her belongings, she rushed over from the library.
Tan Zheng was still driving the same urban SUV. He was wearing a black shirt, unbuttoned at the collar, with a matching black undershirt visible beneath, subtly outlining the contours of his chest muscles. Two necklaces hung around his neck. Black trousers and black hiking boots made his long legs appear even longer. He leaned against the car, and with his buzz cut, he drew frequent glances from people entering and leaving the campus, as if he were some sort of delinquent.
Song Ni slowed her steps when she was about ten meters away from Tan Zheng, her eyebrows twitching. It was her first time seeing someone wear a black shirt in such an unkempt manner, exuding a roguish charm. As she got closer, Song Ni finally understood why people were looking at Tan Zheng with such peculiar expressions. He had shaved part of his eyebrow, a popular "broken eyebrow" design. Tan Zheng's features were striking, his facial contours sharp, giving him an aggressive appearance. The broken eyebrow on his face brought out his wildness to the fullest. Moreover, the unintentional hint of debauchery and roguishness at the corners of his eyes and mouth seemed to steer that wildness towards questionable paths. It was no wonder those people looked at him with unfriendly eyes.
But Song Ni was different from those people. She was utterly captivated by Tan Zheng's appearance. Her interest in him had reached a peak after he cut his hair, and now, with this broken eyebrow, it ascended to another level. She imitated a street punk and whistled. "Handsome, what do you want with me?"
Tan Zheng's brow furrowed. He had no idea where Song Ni had learned such things. "Get in the car first." Tan Zheng stood up and opened the passenger door. Song Ni stood there, smiling broadly, unmoving. "Handsome, you have to give me a reason. This is against the rules."
Rules? What rules were there to speak of? Tan Zheng didn't waste time arguing with Song Ni. He stepped forward, grabbed her arm, and pulled her towards the car. Song Ni resisted with a smile. "I'm going to call you a hooligan."
The man glanced at her and snorted. "Go ahead and call me one." The moment he finished speaking, he pushed Song Ni into the car and slammed the door shut with a bang, giving Song Ni no chance to shout.
Song Ni crossed her arms and, after Tan Zheng got in, said calmly, "I have to meet my advisor tonight." The implication was, speak quickly if you have something to say.
Tan Zheng started the car. "I'm taking you out to dinner." Song Ni narrowed her eyes, she didn't believe Tan Zheng had suddenly become enlightened and invited her for dinner to foster their relationship. "What's the matter?"
Tan Zheng refused to say for now and asked, "Where did you learn that hooligan demeanor?" Speaking of which, Song Ni became proud. "You wouldn't know, but I was the school bully in middle and high school." However, she was different from other school bullies. Her grades were excellent, so teachers couldn't do anything about her, not even the principal. Of course, her parents were called to school, but only Song Jing went every time. Song Ni was quite mischievous; in the principal's office, she acted demurely, and even though Song Jing knew she was faking it, he didn't expose her. It could be said that Song Ni's recklessness was inseparable from Song Jing's indulgence. Song Ni had learned karate from a young age, and because of this, she never lost a fight. Who would have thought that a girl who looked as well-behaved and delicate as a little white rabbit would deliver blows that were more ruthless each time?
Tan Zheng raised an eyebrow. "With your small frame, you were a school bully?"
Song Ni: ...
Tan Zheng didn't believe her? "Do you believe that even with my small frame, I could take you down?" As she spoke, Song Ni clenched her fist and made a feint. Tan Zheng found the girl's stubbornness rather endearing.
The car stopped in front of a late-night food stall. It wasn't dark yet, and it was just past dinner time, with tables just being set up. Tan Zheng was clearly a regular, exchanging a few words with the owner before turning to ask Song Ni, "Can you eat this?"
Song Ni recited a string of classic late-night snack dishes. The owner chuckled, "This young lady really knows how to eat." Tan Zheng was also somewhat surprised that Song Ni had actually eaten at such a place; he thought a pampered young lady wouldn't deign to eat such food.
Song Ni gave Tan Zheng a look and skillfully got out of the car, pulling out a chair to sit down. "I told you I used to be the school bully, and you didn't believe me."
(End of Chapter)