Chapter 238: Long Time No See
The morning after tomorrow.
Wang Haoran was in a car with Lin Chen and Qiu Qianwei, on their way to the airport. Originally, it was Lin Chen’s job to pick up Bian Suwen. However, Wang Haoran wanted to meet Bian Suwen, so he told Qiu Qianwei that he was curious about the female Divine Doctor. Being as accommodating as she was, Qiu Qianwei naturally agreed to his request.
Lin Chen, however, was visibly displeased. During the drive, Lin Chen, who was in the driver’s seat, constantly shot glares at Wang Haoran through the rearview mirror. Occasionally, he made sharp turns, hoping to make Wang Haoran, who was sitting comfortably in the back seat, uncomfortable.
Wang Haoran quickly noticed Lin Chen’s antics. He was just as displeased with Lin Chen. If it weren’t for Lin Chen’s annoying aura of invincibility, Wang Haoran would have taught him a lesson right then and there.
While Wang Haoran couldn’t harm Lin Chen directly, he could certainly disrupt his mindset. He took advantage of the moment when Lin Chen was glaring at him through the mirror and reached over to hold Qiu Qianwei beside him.
Lin Chen’s fury was palpable, his eyes nearly bulging out of his head.
[Ding, the host caused the protagonist Lin Chen’s mindset to become unbalanced, gaining 1000 villain points, Lin Chen’s protagonist aura -50, host’s villain aura +50!]
“You jerk, where exactly did you just put your hand?!” Lin Chen spat out, voice thick with anger as he glared at Wang Haoran.
Wang Haoran replied with feigned innocence, “Who told you to drive so recklessly? My hand just slipped.” He then looked at Qiu Qianwei and added, “I didn’t mean to just now, you don’t mind, do you?”
Qiu Qianwei smiled and replied, “It’s okay, it wasn’t your fault.”
Lin Chen, frustrated and at a loss for words, could only grit his teeth. Realizing he couldn’t outplay Wang Haoran, Lin Chen adjusted his driving, now maintaining a much more steady course, not daring to swerve again.
Nonetheless, during times when Lin Chen couldn’t see through the rearview mirror, Wang Haoran behaved a bit playfully. Meanwhile, Qiu Qianwei sat with her eyes closed, pretending to nap, as if nothing was happening.
Before long, they reached the vicinity of the airport. After parking, all three got out of the car.
“Seventh Sister, why is your face so red?” Lin Chen asked after noticing Qiu Qianwei’s flushed cheeks.
“Is it?” Qiu Qianwei touched her cheek, realizing it was indeed warm. Though slightly flustered inwardly, she answered calmly, “The weather is really hot and the car was stuffy, so I felt a bit uncomfortable.”
Concerned, Lin Chen suggested, “Then let’s hurry and pick up Third Sister. She can check on you later.”
Inwardly, Wang Haoran thought: Even your Third Sister can’t fix this, only I can. If I take your Seventh Sister for an hour, she’ll be perfectly fine.
Of course, he kept these thoughts to himself and didn’t utter a word.
Smiling softly at Lin Chen, Qiu Qianwei reassured him, “It’s not that serious, really. I just need some fresh air.”
Feeling somewhat assured, Lin Chen didn’t pursue the matter further.
The trio headed to the airport exit to wait. A constant stream of people emerged from the exit. Amidst the crowd, a particularly striking figure stood out: Bian Suwen.
As she stepped out of the exit, Bian Suwen paused, taking in the skyline and familiar yet distant surroundings. Though she had been here before and left with memorable experiences, she had decided to forget this place. Yet, now that she was back, memories began to flood in. She didn’t want to come, but she was compelled to because a junior disciple of hers had encountered significant trouble here and had been arrested.
This time returning to Qingling, Bian Suwen aimed to rescue this junior disciple. Additionally, she hoped to meet a few of her good sisters. She wasn’t planning on running into anyone she didn’t wish to see.
After a brief pause, Bian Suwen steeled herself and continued forward.
Meanwhile, Wang Haoran was already watching. Even amongst the crowd, Bian Suwen’s beauty was undeniable. Who else could it be but the female lead, Bian Suwen?
“Third Sister!”
“Third Sister!”
Both Qiu Qianwei and Lin Chen called out to the striking woman. Subsequently, Bian Suwen approached them.
As she drew nearer, Wang Haoran could finally see Bian Suwen clearly. In reality, she was even more beautiful than in his “memory,” with a presence that was truly captivating.
Bian Suwen’s elegance was distinct; unlike Qiu Qianwei’s noble and dignified presence, hers was like a snow lotus on Tianshan Mountain—aloof and untouched.
After exchanging pleasantries with Qiu Qianwei and Lin Chen, Wang Haoran felt it was the right time to step in. He lowered his head while stepping forward, offering, “Let me carry the luggage.”
With his head down, Bian Suwen didn’t immediately “recognize” him and asked Qiu Qianwei, “Who is this?”
“Third Sister, he’s my friend,” Qiu Qianwei introduced.
Bian Suwen nodded, politely releasing the suitcase handle, saying, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Wang Haoran bent down to lift the luggage, and as he did so, his wallet accidentally slipped from his pocket, landing near Bian Suwen’s feet.
As Bian Suwen picked it up, her gaze fell on a photo in the wallet, leaving her momentarily stunned. The photo was of her.
Curiosity piqued, Bian Suwen scrutinized Wang Haoran. When she finally recognized his face, astonishment colored her expression, “It’s you?”
Her voice held a complex mix of resentment, regret, surprise, and other emotions.
With a sense of calm, Wang Haoran slowly raised his head and softly said, “Long time no see.”
Bian Suwen found herself speechless, her emotions intertwined. Compared to two years ago, Wang Haoran had matured, losing his youthful naivety and gaining an attractive charm that subtly drew people in.
[Ding, the female lead Bian Suwen’s favorability towards the host has increased by 10, current total favorability is -60 (resentment).]
A few moments later, Wang Haoran felt pleased by the system’s notification. His appearance alone had managed to slightly sway Bian Suwen’s favorability. Though still negative, it posed a chance for him to win her over.