Chapter 24: Sister-in-Law, My Lifelong Happiness Depends Entirely on You

"Alright!" Chen Fan nodded decisively.

"It was my fault before. I was only worried about making you anxious and neglected your feelings."

"I apologize to you."

Su Ruochu was finally satisfied, gently linking her arm through Chen Fan's and reaching out to touch his wound with cautious care. "Does it really not hurt anymore?"

Just as she spoke, a figure descended the stairs. It was Huang Hu.

The three of them bumped into each other, and all were momentarily stunned. Chen Fan remained expressionless, while Su Ruochu hesitated for a second, but this time, she showed no sign of awkwardness or desire to pull away. Her hands remained firmly linked to Chen Fan’s arm.

After all, the college entrance exams were over. She could finally be with Chen Fan openly.

Only Huang Hu looked at the pair with a complex expression, then suddenly changed his demeanor, breaking into a grin. "Chen Fan, how did you do on the exams? I really admire you; you were able to persist through the exams even with such an injury."

Chen Fan replied with a chuckle, "Thanks for your concern, Class Monitor. You must have done quite well yourself, right? By the way, be careful when walking alone in the future. Whatever you do, don't end up like me."

Huang Hu’s expression faltered noticeably, sensing that Chen Fan’s words were a veiled threat. Unable to hide his discomfort, he offered a sheepish laugh. "I have things to attend to, so I'll be going now. Oh, and don't forget to return to school this afternoon; the answer keys for the exams will be announced."

Having said that, Huang Hu couldn't stay a moment longer and hurried away. For some reason, the way Chen Fan looked at him made his skin crawl. Could it be that this guy already knew he was the one who had hired people to deal with him?

Chen Fan withdrew his gaze from Huang Hu's retreating back and looked at Su Ruochu with a faint smile. "Are you going home for lunch? I noticed your mother has been picking you up every day."

Su Ruochu shook her head. "I'm not going back."

"You aren't staying behind just to keep me company, are you?"

Su Ruochu’s face flushed, and she lowered her head, remaining silent.

"Hungry yet? Shall we find somewhere to eat?"

"Mhm," Su Ruochu nodded softly.

"Oh, and there's Guo Shuai, too. Let’s call him and Li Na, and head to the usual spot." Chen Fan added with a playful smile, "Who knows, we might not have time to eat there in the future."

"Okay," Su Ruochu agreed obediently. Ever since she had agreed to be Chen Fan’s girlfriend, she had become increasingly gentle and affectionate.

After waiting at the school gate for a while, Guo Shuai rode out on his bicycle. Seeing Su Ruochu holding onto Chen Fan’s arm from a distance, Guo Shuai braked sharply, his expression as if he had seen a ghost.

"Holy... crap! You two... no way, right?"

Su Ruochu blushed and tried to pull her hand back, but Chen Fan laughed and gripped her small hand firmly. "You're a lucky guy, you're the first one to know this news."

"Damn! Are you showing off on purpose?" Guo Shuai retorted. "I distinctly remember someone saying they'd stand on their head if..."

"Cough, cough, so... is the class committee member hungry? Shall we go get something to eat? My treat." Guo Shuai quickly tried to change the subject.

"If we hadn't been waiting for you to pay, we would have left already," Chen Fan teased.

Guo Shuai flipped him the middle finger. "You really are my best brother; I knew you were up to no good!"

Chen Fan laughed and tapped the back of the bicycle, signaling for Su Ruochu to climb on. "Hold on tight, let's go!"

The midday sun beat down on the road, but the three of them, fresh from their exams, felt no heat. Instead, they were filled with excitement and visions of the future.

Back at the small restaurant, Su Ruochu glanced at Guo Shuai, who had gone to buy beer, and asked in a low voice, "What’s wrong with Guo Shuai? He’s been sullen ever since he finished that phone call earlier."

Chen Fan leaned in close to Su Ruochu’s ear and whispered, "I’ll tell you a secret, but don't tell anyone else. Guo Shuai likes Li Na and he confessed to her, but she hasn't given him a clear answer yet."

Su Ruochu’s beautiful eyes widened in surprise. "Really?"

"Really," Chen Fan smiled. "I guess he's feeling down because he found out on the phone that Li Na isn't coming."

Su Ruochu immediately realized the situation. "No wonder he was always organizing these group meals; it turns out he was doing it to pursue Li Na..."

Chen Fan gave a dry cough. "Well... I have to confess, part of the reason was also to create opportunities for us."

Su Ruochu huffed softly, clearly having known all along. Suddenly noticing that Chen Fan was leaning in too close, their faces nearly touching as they whispered, her lovely face turned a shade of pink.

"You should find a chance to ask Li Na about her thoughts this afternoon."

"Mhm."

Seeing Guo Shuai returning with a pack of beer, Su Ruochu quickly scooted away.

"Don't anyone stop me, you have to drink with me today!" Guo Shuai declared.

Chen Fan laughed and took a bottle of beer. "For the sake of your heartbreak, I’ll grant you that favor."

Guo Shuai panicked slightly, glancing awkwardly at Su Ruochu, then glared at Chen Fan. "What are you talking about? Who’s heartbroken?"

"Alright, Ruochu isn't an outsider. I already told her. She’ll help you ask Li Na what’s on her mind this afternoon."

"Really?"

Hearing this, Guo Shuai jumped up, raising his can. "Sister-in-law, my future happiness depends on you! I won't say any words of gratitude; it's all in the drink."

The title "Sister-in-law" turned Su Ruochu’s face bright red. Seeing Chen Fan grinning triumphantly, she gave his leg a secret pinch under the table. Though she was shy, it was clear she was in a good mood and not truly angry.

"Pour me a glass, too."

Chen Fan doubted he had heard right. "You want to drink, too? We still have to go back to school this afternoon."

Su Ruochu said softly, "The exams are over; I want to celebrate with you guys."

Guo Shuai immediately clapped and gave a thumbs up. "Sister-in-law is amazing!"

Chen Fan smiled and poured her a glass. "Just this one, no more."

"Cheers! Let’s raise our glasses and celebrate the end of the college entrance exams!"

"To a brilliant future, and may our friendship last forever!"

The three of them clinked glasses. Chen Fan and Guo Shuai downed theirs, while Su Ruochu drank about half of hers. Chen Fan looked at her with exaggerated surprise. "I didn't realize you knew how to drink."

Su Ruochu rolled her eyes charmingly. "There’s a lot you don't know about me."

Chen Fan laughed and picked up a piece of meat for her. "Eat more, my wife is too thin."

With Chen Fan being so mushy in front of Guo Shuai, Su Ruochu felt a bit embarrassed. After a moment's hesitation, she finally asked the question weighing on her heart. "How... how did you both do on the exams?"

Guo Shuai gave a bitter smile. "Not great. There were so many questions I didn't know how to answer. I’ll be lucky if I can get into a third-tier university."

Su Ruochu stared at Chen Fan, looking nervous. Chen Fan knew what she was worried about and squeezed her small hand. "I performed well. Now, no matter how far you go, you’ll never escape the palm of my hand."

"Really?" Su Ruochu’s eyes lit up with joy.

"Really."

Seeing that Chen Fan didn't seem to be lying, Su Ruochu finally let go of the worry that had been hanging over her. For the past three days, her anxiety over Chen Fan's performance had been even greater than her own. Now, hearing his answer directly, she could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Feeling completely relaxed, Su Ruochu gently placed her glass in front of Chen Fan. "Pour me another one!"