"Chu Lulin, do you have a girlfriend?"
Jian Ran stopped in her tracks. She looked at the girl, then at Chu Lulin. This familiar scene—she really had bad timing.
Normally, she should have slipped away immediately. But looking at the girl's back, Jian Ran couldn't help but be dazed for a moment.
From her angle, she couldn't see the girl's expression, but she could see her straight back and clenched fists at her sides. Clearly, she had gathered all her courage to ask that question.
Once upon a time, she had stood before Zhou Yu like that.
Maybe it was because the scene resonated with her, Jian Ran unconsciously held her breath, waiting for Chu Lulin's answer.
"No," Chu Lulin shook his head at the girl.
The girl's face lit up with joy. But before she could say anything, he added softly, "But there's someone I like."
"Ah?" The girl was clearly stunned. She stared at Chu Lulin, trying to figure out if this was just an excuse to reject her.
Chu Lulin met her gaze candidly.
The girl bit her lip, struggled for a moment, then blushed and continued, "That's okay. We could try getting to know each other. Maybe you'll find that I..."
But Chu Lulin didn't let her finish. He cut her off firmly. "Sorry. My heart is small, and it can't fit anyone else."
It was direct and ruthless.
But undeniably, this kind of rejection, which left no room for hope, was actually the kindest.
Jian Ran couldn't help but think again: if Zhou Yu had rejected her just as decisively back then, even if it were an excuse, she would have backed off immediately.
After all, most persistence came from some response—no matter how small.
She'd told herself not to think about it, but she still couldn't help it. Frustrated, Jian Ran smacked her own head as a warning.
After being rejected, the girl ran off in tears. Jian Ran watched her retreating figure until it disappeared, then suddenly remembered why she'd come.
She blinked, looked at the other party still standing there, and decisively abandoned her plan to ask for directions.
Better to look for someone else. If she went up now, he might realize she'd been eavesdropping.
But just as Jian Ran was about to quietly slip away, Chu Lulin's voice rang out from behind.
"Big Sister, wait a moment."
Jian Ran froze. In her moment of hesitation, Chu Lulin had already swiftly walked up to her.
They stood face to face.
Caught eavesdropping, Jian Ran felt awkward. Her mind went blank, and she didn't know what to say.
"Big Sister, are you lost?" Chu Lulin asked.
"Ah?" Jian Ran blinked, confused.
Wait—she hadn't said anything yet. How did he know she was lost?
Chu Lulin paused, then explained, "There are many paths in the villa. Most guests get lost the first time."
Jian Ran nodded in realization. That made sense. Otherwise, she would have suspected she had "I'm directionally challenged" written on her forehead.
She cleared her throat and pretended to be calm. "Yes, I'm lost. I happened to be passing by and thought I'd ask for directions."
So, she hadn't been eavesdropping on purpose.
Chu Lulin gave a soft "Mm." A hint of a smile flickered in his eyes as he lowered them. "Are you heading back to your room? This stretch can be a bit winding. Do you want me to walk you back?"
Jian Ran hesitated, then nodded.
Since he'd already asked, refusing now would seem contradictory.
Along the way, Chu Lulin didn't bring up what had just happened, and Jian Ran breathed a sigh of relief.
No matter the reason, eavesdropping still felt somewhat shameful. She should have left immediately out of politeness.
As Chu Lulin had said, the way back was indeed winding.
Jian Ran initially tried to memorize the route so she wouldn't get lost again, but after a few turns, she gave up.
It was hopeless.
When they reached the row of wooden houses, she finally recognized her surroundings. Chu Lulin stopped at her door, hesitating as if he wanted to say something.
"Something on your mind?" Jian Ran asked.
Chu Lulin nodded slightly. "Have you chosen a travel plan, Big Sister?"
Travel plan?
Jian Ran was taken aback for a moment before remembering. He'd sent her a message about choosing a plan, and she hadn't replied.
"If none of the villa's plans are to your liking, I made a few of my own. I can send them to you now," Chu Lulin said, pulling out his phone to share the files.
Jian Ran quickly waved her hand. "No need. I didn't plan to go out during this trip."
Chu Lulin silently put away his phone. "Oh," he said, visibly disappointed.
Jian Ran frowned, thinking he might be worried she was dissatisfied with his service. "Don't overthink it. The butler service here is excellent. I'm very satisfied."
So he wouldn't get a bad review—even though she had a face that looked like she might give one.