Chapter 49 — A Taste of Youth
Bai Xia felt a small smile escape her lips as she typed back:
> come pick me up in front of Sow Beauty <
A few minutes later, the familiar hum of a motorbike approached. When it stopped in front of her, she saw Fu Jian astride it. Today, he looked surprisingly youthful — a plain white T-shirt under a light denim jacket, casual dark jeans, and sneakers. His hair was slightly tousled by the wind, giving him the easy charm of a carefree college student.
"I hope you don't mind my basic ride," he said, his lips curving in a small, confident smile.
Bai Xia chuckled softly. "I quite like it."
"Then hop on," he grinned, patting the seat behind him. "I'll take you somewhere to get something delicious."
"Hm? So mysterious," she teased, putting on a playful face.
Today, Bai Xia wore a simple cropped yellow T-shirt and high-waist jeans. Her hair was tied in a loose bun, giving her a refreshing, youthful charm that matched Fu Jian perfectly — the two of them looked like university lovers on a casual weekend outing.
She climbed onto the motorbike and, after settling herself, wrapped her arms around Fu Jian's waist. Instantly, Fu Jian felt something soft press against his back — his body stiffened slightly. When he realized where his thoughts were heading, he quickly shook his head, embarrassed.
"Are you okay? Why don't you go?" Bai Xia asked curiously.
Fu Jian's voice came out a little hoarse. "I'm sorry, I was just thinking about something."
He started the motorbike, and they zoomed off. The wind brushed against their faces as the city blurred around them. Each time Fu Jian went faster, Bai Xia's arms instinctively tightened around him, her warmth pressing closer — and that only made his heartbeat race faster.
Unable to resist, he accelerated again.
"Hey! Stop going so fast — do you want to get us killed!?" Bai Xia shouted, half-scared, half-angry.
Fu Jian panicked instantly. Did he scare her? Did she notice what he was doing? Would she think he was some kind of pervert?
"Watch out!" Bai Xia cried. Fu Jian swerved sharply to avoid another bike speeding by.
Her heart pounded furiously. "Stop! Stop, I want to come down!"
Fu Jian quickly pulled over by the roadside, guilt written all over his face.
"Are you trying to kill me!? You must have been sent by the Bai family to come after my life!" she snapped, her fear turning into frustration. Even though she knew she was exaggerating, she couldn't help it — this was her second life, and she wasn't about to die so easily.
Fu Jian's expression turned soft and pitiful. "I'm sorry… I wasn't sent by anyone. My chest just… acted up again."
He lied smoothly.
When Bai Xia saw his remorseful look, her anger quickly melted. "It's okay… but where were you taking me anyway?"
"There's a little market up ahead," he replied, a faint smile returning to his lips. "There's a small store there I think you'll like."
"Alright," she sighed, "but please don't drive so fast again. It's scary."
He nodded earnestly.
They got back on, and this time Fu Jian rode carefully. Soon, they turned into a narrow street lined with food vendors, the air rich with the smell of spices, grilled meat, and sweet buns.
Fu Jian parked in front of a small, slightly shabby restaurant. "It might not look like much," he said, helping her off, "but the food here is really good."
Bai Xia blinked. She had expected a fancy five-star place, but surprisingly, she liked the humble vibe. The restaurant was clean, quiet, and warm.
As they entered, a middle-aged woman approached, her face lighting up. "Ah, Fu Jian! It's been so long! Who's this, your girlfriend?"
Both of them tried to explain, but the woman waved a hand, giving them a teasing "I understand everything" look before walking away.
Fu Jian coughed awkwardly. "Bai Xia, what would you like to eat?"
"Anything's fine. Since you come here often, why don't you recommend something?"
He smiled. "Then you should try their curry rice — it's delicious."
"Alright then," she nodded.
Soon, their food arrived: two plates of steaming curry rice with tender beef slices and soft potatoes, a side of stir-fried greens, crispy fried dumplings, and two glasses of chilled soy milk.
They began to eat, and just as Bai Xia was enjoying her first bite, a high-pitched voice echoed from the kitchen door.
"Brother Jian!"
The sharp tone made Bai Xia flinch slightly.
A young woman — Gu Nan — hurried over, her expression brightening when she saw Fu Jian, only to twist with jealousy upon noticing Bai Xia. Her porcelain skin and calm beauty made Gu Nan's stomach turn.
"Brother Jian, who is this?" she asked rudely.
Fu Jian's face darkened.
Gu Nan had been infatuated with him for months. She'd even taken a job here just to see him occasionally, imagining he'd one day return her affection. But seeing him with another girl — a stunning one — shattered her illusion.
Before Bai Xia could respond, Fu Jian cut in coldly. "Don't call me brother. We're not that close. It's Mr. Fu to you."
Gu Nan's face went pale. He had never spoken to her like that before.
"You look so young," she snapped at Bai Xia bitterly, "but you already go around sleeping with men?"
The entire restaurant went silent.
Fu Jian's calm cracked instantly. His voice dropped low and dangerous. "Leave. Now. Or else."
His glare was so cold that even Bai Xia felt a chill run down her spine.
Gu Nan's face crumpled. She turned and ran off, tears spilling down her cheeks.
Fu Jian sighed, his tone softening. "I'm sorry for that just now."
Bai Xia looked at him curiously — just a moment ago, this man had looked like a beast ready to kill, and now he seemed like a gentle puppy.
"Do you… have any relationship with her?" she asked quietly.
Fu Jian's head shot up, his expression serious. "No! I swear, I barely know her — maybe four or five times at most."
Bai Xia smiled slightly, deciding to tease him. "Oh? Four or five times? That's more than you've seen me."
Fu Jian panicked. "No, that's not true! Please don't misunderstand me."
"Why do you care if I misunderstand?" she asked lightly. "I'm not your girlfriend."
"I know," he said quickly, "but… I don't want you to think I'm that kind of guy."
"Why?" she pressed gently.
"Because…" His voice trailed off, the air between them suddenly thick and quiet.
Then, the sound of Bai Xia's phone broke the silence.
"I'll be right back, I have to take this," she said, standing up and walking to a quiet corner.
After a short conversation with Bai Xuan about their mother, she returned. "I think I have to go soon."
Fu Jian stood up. "Then I'll take you home."
"Okay."
They left the restaurant together. Along the way, Bai Xia stopped at several street stalls, buying small trinkets and snacks. Fu Jian paid for everything and carried the bags with an easy smile. They looked almost like an old married couple — natural and warm.
But just as they were about to leave the market, a familiar voice called from behind.
"Bai Xia! How are you?"
Bai Xia froze. She turned slowly, and when she saw who it was, her smile faded.
What bad luck…