Chapter 1: You're Nothing Special Either

Lin Lu’s performance this time was nothing short of perfect. From passionate energy to graceful gentleness, every nuance was expressed to its fullest. As a rising star in the world of dance, after several tours, she had gained a modest reputation in Northern City.

Lately, she had attracted the attention of quite a few wealthy heirs, but she hadn’t paid any of them the slightest heed. Thus, the words “aloof and proud” became her moniker within the circle.

In the audience, Xu Yancheng couldn’t help but sneer when he heard the young scions beside him discussing her. So-called aloofness was nothing more than an act. He toyed with the room card in his hand—the very one that the “aloof” dancer on stage had personally given him.

He was no saint; when prey delivered itself to his door, why would he refuse? So, that day, he went as promised.

Lin Lu wrapped her arms around his neck and said, “Young Master Xu, you’re quite punctual.”

A sudden surge of irritation overtook Xu Yancheng, and he flung her onto the sofa without a hint of gentleness. Lin Lu couldn’t hold back her tears.

Her crying annoyed Xu Yancheng, yet he showed no intention of restraining himself. “Isn’t this exactly what you wanted? And now you’re crying?”

…

When Lin Lu looked up again, he was already dressed.

“You’re nothing special—rather dull, in fact.” Xu Yancheng tossed this remark over his shoulder as he opened the door to leave.

After the performance, Lin Lu went backstage to change. Her roommate Yuan Ruoxia flashed her a smile. “Lin Lu, you were amazing today.”

“You were great, too.”

As Lin Lu stepped out of the dressing room, she saw several girls clustered around Xu Yancheng, faces flushed with shyness. He stood among them, expression calm and unruffled, neither enthusiastic nor dismissive.

It was an open secret in their circle—Xu Yancheng was a magnet for the ladies. Who could blame them, with that face? Some were simply born favored by the heavens.

She slung her bag over her shoulder and walked past the group, not exchanging so much as a glance with Xu Yancheng, as if they were complete strangers.

“Here comes the beautiful Lin!” The speaker was Zhou Ruikang, one of Xu Yancheng’s usual companions. Lin Lu responded indifferently; he looked familiar, but she couldn’t recall if he was one of those she’d recently turned down.

Without breaking stride, she heard Zhou Ruikang behind her say, “Young Master Xu, better take it easy. I hear Su Yi’s coming back soon.”

“What’s that got to do with me?” Xu Yancheng’s voice was cool.

“You’re serious this time? You two actually broke up?”

Lin Lu walked farther away; whatever else they said was lost to her. She knew Su Yi was Xu Yancheng’s ex-girlfriend.

They’d met abroad, reportedly dating for quite a while. For reasons unknown, they broke up, and Xu Yancheng returned to China. She’d also heard that, while overseas, Xu Yancheng had always been self-restrained and never got involved with other women—during those years, Su Yi was the only one by his side.

Whether it was Su Yi’s strictness or his deep love for her, she didn’t know. But the moment he left Su Yi, he began to indulge himself, never refusing anyone.

Lin Lu exited the theater, intending to hail a taxi back to her dorm. Just as she raised her hand, a black Bugatti pulled up before her.

She paused for a couple of seconds, then opened the door and climbed into the passenger seat.

Xu Yancheng glanced at her and said coolly, “Haven’t you heard I don’t like people sitting in the passenger seat?”

“Never heard that.” Lin Lu replied earnestly.

“So, is the passenger seat reserved for your girlfriend?” she quipped as she fastened her seatbelt.

Xu Yancheng let out a sardonic laugh and started the engine.

“What do you want from me?” she asked.

The sun was blazing, so Lin Lu took a pair of sunglasses from her bag and put them on.

“Let’s meet again,” Xu Yancheng said.