Chapter 50 — Unspoken Words
"Classmate Zhou Liang."
Bai Xia bowed lightly, her tone polite but distant.
"Bai Xia, I didn't expect to see you here," Zhou Liang replied, his lips curling into what was meant to be a charming smile but instead carried a hint of arrogance. His eyes slid toward the man beside her — Fu Jian — and immediately, an unpleasant frown tugged at his brows. "And who's this beside you?"
There was tension in the air. Bai Xia could sense it the moment the two men locked eyes — a silent, fiery clash that needed no words.
Zhou Liang's gaze hardened. He remembered watching her on television just a few days ago, standing in the spotlight as her name flashed across the screen — the girl who had made millions from jade auctions. Millions.
From that moment, Zhou Liang had made a decision. If he could win Bai Xia's heart, he would never have to work another day in his life. A beauty like her, with fortune and grace — wasn't she the perfect ticket to the luxurious future he dreamed of?
But now, seeing her beside this simply dressed man, Zhou Liang's heart twisted in jealousy. Who is he?
Fu Jian stood calmly, his posture relaxed, eyes unreadable. He wore simple clothing — nothing flashy, no sign of wealth — and that only irritated Zhou Liang more. So this guy is the one after her money too? He thought bitterly. No way. I can't let that happen.
"Classmate Zhou Liang," Bai Xia said quietly, her voice cool as moonlight, "I don't think who I'm with is any of your business."
Her words stung. Zhou Liang's expression darkened. "Bai Xia, I confessed to you just a few days ago," he said sharply. "You said you liked someone else. Is this man that person?"
Bai Xia frowned. "Mind your business."
She grabbed Fu Jian's hand and pulled him forward, trying to walk away. But Zhou Liang's jealousy got the better of him — his hand shot out, gripping Bai Xia's wrist.
"Bai Xia—"
He didn't get to finish.
Fu Jian's eyes flashed coldly. In one swift motion, he pushed Zhou Liang by the shoulder, sending him stumbling back. "Stay away from her," Fu Jian said, his voice low, filled with warning.
Zhou Liang steadied himself, face red with fury. "You stay away from her! You think I don't see what you're doing? You're just after her money!"
For a moment, there was silence. Then Bai Xia nearly burst out laughing.
Her money? What money did she have that Fu Jian would even look twice at?
"Enough," Bai Xia snapped. "You've embarrassed yourself enough for one day."
Still holding Fu Jian's hand, she climbed onto the back of the motorbike. Fu Jian gave Zhou Liang one last cold glance before starting the engine.
And just like that — vroom! — they sped off, leaving Zhou Liang standing in the dust, fists clenched, shouting her name to the wind.
---
The motorbike roared down the long stretch of road, the cool evening breeze sweeping against Bai Xia's hair. She leaned forward slightly, resting her hands around Fu Jian's waist again. The night lights of the city blurred into streaks of gold and red as they drove — fast enough for excitement, but this time steady enough for safety.
For the first few minutes, neither of them spoke. The only sound was the hum of the motor and the quiet beating of their hearts.
After about an hour and a half, the familiar gates of the villa residence appeared. Fu Jian slowed to a stop, pulling the bike gently beside the sidewalk. Bai Xia exhaled softly, brushing her hair back from her face.
"Sorry about that," she said, still a little flustered from earlier. "He's my classmate — with a few screws loose."
Fu Jian smiled faintly. "Don't worry about it. I've dealt with worse."
She looked up at him — the way the streetlight softened his features made him look calmer, almost distant, as if lost in thought. She noticed that faint absentminded expression and, on impulse, decided to tease him.
"I only told him I liked someone else because I didn't want to embarrass him," she said lightly. "But the truth is, I don't like anybody."
Fu Jian turned his head toward her, eyes flickering with quiet curiosity. "Why did you tell me that?"
"Because," Bai Xia said, lips curving into a faint, mysterious smile, "just because I don't like anyone now doesn't mean I won't like someone in the future."
The words hung between them — soft, yet heavy.
Fu Jian blinked, his mind blank for a moment as her meaning sank in. What did she mean by that?
Was she warning him not to fall for her? Or was she hinting that there was a chance — that maybe, someday, she might like him?
Bai Xia didn't wait for his reply. She turned gracefully, waving her hand behind her as she walked toward the villa gates.
"Goodnight, Fu Jian," she called, her voice carrying a trace of laughter.
Fu Jian stood beside his bike, watching her retreating figure disappear beyond the gates. The soft glow of the villa lights reflected off her silhouette, making her look almost unreal — like a dream that slipped just beyond reach.
He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, half-smiling to himself. "What did she mean by that?" he muttered under his breath. "Is she warning me… or giving me a hint?"
He sighed, chuckling lowly. "I really need to talk to someone who's better at this stuff."
As he started his bike again, the night air carried away the soft sound of his laughter — quiet, uncertain, but warm.
And somewhere deep down, he didn't know — that short, simple conversation would linger in his mind far longer than he wanted to admit.