His Version of “Keeping Distance”

Wen Zhaoci watched Sang Jiuning put on this show of fury when she clearly wasn’t that angry underneath, and a flicker of amusement passed through his eyes—so quick it was barely perceptible.

He stopped walking, turned to face her, and the glow of the setting sun spilled across his sharply defined features, softening his usual cool, distant lines.

“That’s not what I meant.” His voice was low and gentle, carrying a soothing quality. “I just thought you looked really tired today. If this job makes you feel worn out, I don’t want you to push yourself. As for money—”

He paused, his gaze earnest as it rested on her. “My girlfriend—of course I’d want her to have an easier time, not work so hard. This isn’t charity. It’s a boyfriend’s responsibility.”

“Who… who’s your girlfriend!” Sang Jiuning’s heart skipped at his words “boyfriend’s responsibility,” her face growing even hotter, though her mouth still refused to yield. “Didn’t we agree to… keep our distance? What do you call this, then?”

“Keeping distance doesn’t mean I can’t care about you.” Wen Zhaoci stepped closer and gently took her wrist again. This time, Sang Jiuning struggled briefly, but when she couldn’t break free, she let him hold on.

“Besides,” he leaned in slightly, lowering his voice with a hint of teasing, “this is the first time I’ve seen you since you laid down that rule.”

“What… what first time!” Sang Jiuning’s heart missed a beat. Her eyes darted away, afraid to meet his gaze so close to hers.

They’d literally seen each other yesterday.

“Mm, not the first time.” Wen Zhaoci played along, the corner of his mouth curving into a faint smile. “Then consider my waiting for you here today as me borrowing from future meetings in advance. I just… wanted to hold your hand early.”

His words came one after another, like feathers gently brushing against Sang Jiuning’s heart, sweeping away all the carefully prepared “troublemaking” lines she’d stored up.

She opened her mouth to retort, only to realize she had no real argument left.

‘This guy… is way too good at this!’

Sang Jiuning wailed internally, feeling her “cold treatment breakup plan” careening wildly out of control.

She’d thought Wen Zhaoci was the aloof, hard-to-please type who’d get annoyed at the slightest provocation. Who knew he’d be so… impervious to her tactics, easily deflecting her attacks, and even making her heart race in the process?

“You…” Sang Jiuning took a deep breath, forcing her voice to sound still angry. “Don’t think saying all that will make me forgive you! I still think you’re a handful!”

“Mm, I know.” Wen Zhaoci nodded, his expression utterly undeterred, growing even gentler instead. “That’s fine. A little trouble is the only way you’ll remember me, isn’t it? Come on, let’s go eat. Any later and we’ll lose the table.”

He took her hand without further argument and continued walking.

Sang Jiuning stumbled slightly as he pulled her along, feeling both frustrated and helpless—along with a tiny, sweet flutter she refused to admit to herself.

She stole a glance at his hand holding hers. His palm was broad and warm, radiating a reassuring strength.

‘Whatever. Let’s just eat first!’

She consoled herself. ‘Think of it as… as getting a preview of what the female lead gets to experience!’

Her plan was already in shambles anyway—might as well enjoy this meal first!

Having quietly found an excuse for herself, Sang Jiuning gradually fell back into step with Wen Zhaoci.

“Get in.” Wen Zhaoci opened the passenger door of a sleek black sports car.

Sang Jiuning only then noticed the vehicle before her—its smooth lines, glossy finish, stylish and eye-catching, clearly worth a fortune.

She instinctively stepped back, feeling flustered. “This… this is your car?”

In the book, Wen Zhaoci came from a wealthy family—that was established. But Sang Jiuning had never imagined experiencing it so viscerally.

He usually dressed simply and kept a low profile—not at all like someone who’d drive such a flashy sports car.

Wen Zhaoci hummed in acknowledgment, his gaze catching her slightly altered expression as he explained: “I drove it over today. Don’t use it much normally. Get in—the restaurant’s a bit far.”

Sang Jiuning hesitated for a moment, then bent down and slid into the passenger seat.

The seat was soft and comfortable. The car carried a faint, crisp, clean scent—much like his own smell.

She fumbled with her seatbelt, feeling a little uneasy, and discreetly looked around the interior—simple, yet every detail exuded refinement.

Wen Zhaoci started the engine, and the sports car glided smoothly out onto the street.

The scenery outside the window blurred past. Sang Jiuning watched the neon lights stream by, her heart a jumble of emotions.

She’d originally come with the goal of giving Wen Zhaoci the cold shoulder in hopes of breaking up. Yet here she was, sitting in his car, heading to a restaurant he’d booked.

Everything was going completely against her plan.

“What are you thinking about?” Wen Zhaoci’s voice broke the silence.

Sang Jiuning snapped back to the present and shook her head. “Nothing.”

She didn’t want him to see the conflict inside her.

Wen Zhaoci glanced at her, didn’t press, and simply turned the music down a little. Soft, soothing melodies filled the cabin, and a delicate quiet settled between them.

After about twenty minutes, the car pulled up in front of a restaurant that looked exceptionally upscale.

A doorman approached respectfully and opened the car door. Wen Zhaoci got out first, then walked around to the passenger side and opened the door for Sang Jiuning.

She stepped out and looked at the brilliantly lit restaurant before her, her anxiety mounting.

She was still wearing her simple blue dress—clearly a student’s outfit—and it felt completely out of place in this setting.

“Do we… have to eat here? It feels so expensive…” she murmured, already having second thoughts.

Wen Zhaoci naturally took her hand and led her inside. “Don’t worry, it’s my treat. I know the owner here—we get fifty percent off.”

His palm was warm and dry, lending her an unexpected shred of courage.

He guided her through the lavishly decorated lobby to a window-side table.

Through the window, they could see the beautiful night view outside.

The waiter handed them the menu. Sang Jiuning stared at the unfamiliar dish names and exorbitant prices, completely at a loss.

She tugged lightly at Wen Zhaoci’s sleeve and whispered: “Even with the discount, this place is crazy expensive. Can we go somewhere else?”

Wen Zhaoci looked up at her, amusement in his eyes. “Since we’re already here, let’s give it a try. Order whatever you like.” He slid the menu toward her.

Sang Jiuning bit her lip, having no idea what to choose. She pushed the menu back toward him. “You order. I’m fine with anything.”