She dozed off and woke up at eight oclock in the morning.

Mei Yangyang brought her a new quilt jacket that was white in color and thick enough to keep her warm.

Long Xiaoxi adhered to her mothers instructions and put on the jacket, only to discover that it was really comfortable.

What does Dummy do for a living now?

Mei Yangyang began singing praises for Ji Gui. Hes really impressive. Hes a math genius. Hes already set up his own company despite being so young.

Hes been excellent at math ever since we were children. How about Rongyan? said an unsurprised Long Xiaoxi.

Rongyan is working at the hospital. He graduated from medical school a long time ago.

She expressed assent and began eating quietly.

Long Xiaoxi used to sport a short bob. However, she began to grow her hair out after she went abroad and had been keeping her hair long ever since. She had her long locks permed and dyed and allowed them to cascade beautifully down her back.

She remained silent throughout.

Long Xiaoxi headed out. She decided to go on foot instead of asking the chauffeur to send her.

She left with her purse and a pair of boots on her feet. Shortly after, a car pulled over beside her and the door was opened. Out came a handsome and neat-looking man. He took a close look at her features before asking, Are you Xiaoxi?

Long Xiaoxi answered, Its me, Rongyan. Long time no see.

Staring at her, Jin Rongyan smiled and said, I really havent seen you in a long time. When did you come home?

Yesterday.

Where are you going? Im on my way to work, I can give you a ride.

Nah, its alright. Id like to take a stroll outside and enjoy the breeze.

Jin Rongyan nodded. Just as he was about to turn around, he pointed at a car and said, There, thats Ji Guis car.

Long Xiaoxi immediately stepped forward. As soon as Ji Gui alighted, he felt his leg being kicked. Whod have the audacity to kick me? Is he tired of living? he thought. The moment he saw Long Xiaoxi, he exclaimed in shock, Xiaoxi!?! Oh my god, am I seeing things? It really is you.

Dummy, why have you become like this? What happened to the dimwitted Dummy I used to know? Long Xiaoxi remarked while staring at him.

Goddamn it. Im really dashing now. The dimwitted style doesnt suit me.

Long Xiaoxi said with a sigh, People really do change with time.

Ji Gui was bewildered. Im so handsome and Im almost comparable to those young hunks of the entertainment industry, he thought to himself. Although he had a trendy, curly, center-parted hairstyle, Long Xiaoxi found it hideous.

I almost couldnt recognize you. Why have you become so tall? Im towering over many others with my 1.8-meter stature and yet I suddenly seem so short next to you. Youd better avoid stilettos. I really wonder if you took any steroids to boost your height when you were abroad.

Long Xiaoxi rolled her eyes and said, Screw you.

Youre welcome.

Long Xiaoxi could not believe how quick-witted Ji Gui had become. He was worlds apart from his younger self. She said, Im leaving now. Not going to waste my breath talking to you.

Xiaoxi, what do you say we catch up over dinner tonight?

Sure, lets exchange phone numbers.

She had already met all of her childhood friends except Jin Yiheng.

However, Long Xiaoxi knew that she would see him eventually. After all, they lived right opposite each other and Wei Ni Estate was not exactly large. It would be inevitable for her to run into him someday.

No matter how hard she tried, she still could not get over the unhappy issue that would forever remain as a thorn in her flesh.

Although it had already become a thing of the past, she still could not move on from it.

Long Xiaoxi decided that it was time she tried to walk forward and carry on with life.

She left the estate and headed to the address that Long Tianze had given her, only to discover that there were open auditions for a modeling contest. The best candidates would be shortlisted.

Long Xiaoxi was not intending for her family to pull their connections in order to help her. Hence, she decided to sign up for the contest as a normal candidate.

Mei Yangyang and Long Tianze respected her decision and hence would not interfere without her permission.

In fact, they had faith and confidence in their daughters abilities.

She managed to sign up successfully.

The results of the open auditions would require a few days to be processed and released. Hence, Long Xiaoxi headed home straight after signing up.

The temperatures were freezing and she did not want to loiter out in the cold.

At about five oclock in the afternoon, she received a call from Ji Gui, who told her that he had already booked a private dining room in a restaurant. He informed her of the room number and told her to be there in half an hours time. Long Xiaoxi dolled herself up and headed to the restaurant together with her brother.

She arrived to see that Ji Gui was already there, but Jin Rongyan had yet to show up.

The Long siblings sat down, after which Long Xiaoxi poured herself a cup of tea and began sipping on it slowly. I heard my mother say that youre really capable. Youve even started your own company. Dummy, youve really become something.

Enough about me, lets talk about you. What have you been doing abroad?

What else could I have been doing? I went to school, graduated, and looked for a job.

Ji Gui said apprehensively, You actually went to school? Spill the beans. What have you done abroad?

I told you the truth. I studied well and looked for a proper job. I lived like a normal human being. Life was very fulfilling for me and I had something to occupy my time with every day.

Do you have a boyfriend now?

Shaking her head, Long Xiaoxi answered, No.

Ji Gui began laughing hysterically upon hearing Long Xiaoxis words.

What are you laughing for?

Welcome to the Singles club.

Do you have a girlfriend? Long Xiaoxi asked.

No, neither does your brother or Rongyan. I really wonder if our estate has been cursed. Otherwise, why are we all still single? How frustrating. I wonder if my future wife is still in someones womb. Ive been waiting since forever.

Youve got such a horrendous hairstyle. You deserve to be single. My brother just hasnt met the right one for him yet. Why doesnt Rongyan have a girlfriend, though?

He said that he has a crush on someone but hasnt had the chance to confess to her yet. How about you?

I was too preoccupied with studying and didnt have the chance to date anyone. Now that I have the time, Im in the midst of finding a suitable partner.

Xiaoxi, you may consider me. Lets become a couple and save the public from trouble he said with a sinister smile.

You must be tired of living.

The door of the private room was opened. The three of them looked up to see that Jin Rongyan had entered, followed by