Chapter 97: Childhood Promises

Ah?

Lin Xiao Li and Lin Ying Jun had just reached for a cup of tea when they suddenly froze.

Fang Meng stared at them in a daze.

Hmm?

Fang Meng’s mom asked her husband, “Honey, is that really how it was? Did I get it wrong?”

Fang Meng’s dad suddenly recalled,

“No, no, it is! Have you two forgotten? Back in university, you two were inseparable, and your mom and I were dating too. We all joked that if our kids were around the same age, we’d arrange a childhood betrothal. Did you really forget?!”

Lin Xiao Li and Lin Ying Jun stared at each other, eyes wide open.

Memories of their university days flooded back.

They said in unison, “Oh, right, that did happen.”

The couple didn’t say more, but they sensed trouble brewing. After all, that betrothal was just a lighthearted pact back then.

They never imagined the kids would get pregnant within a year, be born at the same time, and turn out to be one boy and one girl.

Over the years, they’d completely set it aside.

It wouldn’t have mattered if they remembered, but they knew their son Zheng Ran was different from other boys…

Forget the childhood friends and that female classmate—that made three already. And recently, Grandfather had introduced him to a fiancée. Now, they were adding another.

Fang Meng’s mom said, “From your expressions, I can tell you’ve remembered!” She called to her daughter, “Meng Meng, come sit down. Let’s chat about this.”

Fang Meng sat obediently, surprised to find herself in this situation. “A childhood betrothal? Do I have one too?”

Fang Meng’s mom nodded. “You do! Back then, we four were the best of friends. So, we set it up. Oh, and Xiao Li.” She asked Lin Xiao Li, “What’s your son’s nickname? And where’s he studying now?”

Lin Xiao Li felt a bit embarrassed. “We call him Zheng Ran. He’s at the nearby high school, First Middle School.”

“Oh, what a coincidence! Our Meng Meng is at First Middle School too!”

Lin Ying Jun was surprised. “Wait, so they’re at the same school?”

Fang Meng’s dad chuckled. “That’s incredible fate! You must have photos of your son on your phone. Can we see?”

Lin Ying Jun and Lin Xiao Li exchanged glances. Lin Ying Jun laughed lightly and glanced at Fang Meng. “Sure, I’ll find one.”

Things had come this far, so they had to go with it. Zheng Ran, don’t blame us for the extra hassle—it’s just how fate plays out. Besides, Xiao Meng is pretty and probably has plenty of admirers…

Lin Ying Jun pulled up a photo of Lin Zheng Ran from last year’s winter break and handed over his phone. “This is from last year. Take a look.”

Fang Meng’s parents took the phone and were genuinely shocked. They said together, “He’s that handsome?!”

Their surprise was real because Lin Zheng Ran’s natural good looks, boosted by the System’s charm, had grown remarkably over the years. Even in a photo, he drew people in.

“Your Zheng Ran must have inherited all your best traits! He looks so charming.”

Lin Xiao Li beamed with pride. “Zheng Ran really is good-looking. My husband and I can’t compare.”

She passed the phone to her daughter. “Meng Meng, this is your Zheng Ran brother—your betrothed.”

Fang Meng had seen her parents’ shocked faces and thought, How good-looking could he be?

Among the boys she’d met, Lin Zheng Ran from her class was already the handsomest. She figured no one could top the guy Qian Qian liked.

But when she took the photo, she froze, even rubbing her eyes.

Staring at the figure in a coat standing in the snow.

This boy looked just like Lin Zheng Ran—except for the clothes, they were identical.

Wait—this is Lin Zheng Ran!

Fang Meng’s eyes widened, her lips parting in surprise, speechless.

So, Lin Zheng Ran is my fiancé? And Qian Qian likes my boyfriend?!

Have I been outmaneuvered?

Fang Meng’s mom asked, “Meng Meng, what do you think?”

“Ah?” Fang Meng snapped back.

Fang Meng’s mom smiled. “Why the daze? I mean, do you want to meet your Zheng Ran brother? We’re all in the same city, not far. We could visit his parents sometime and introduce you two.”

Fang Meng looked at the photo.

“Well…”

She didn’t know what to say.

Under the adults’ expectant gazes, Fang Meng finally murmured, “Okay, let’s meet.”

Fang Meng’s parents clapped happily. “Great! So, Xiao Li and Ying Jun, it’s settled? Next time, we’ll visit your home, let the kids meet, make friends, and we four can catch up.”

Lin Ying Jun chuckled and accepted it. “Sure, just give us a call when you come. Now that we’re in touch, we can all hang out in the city with the kids sometime.”

Fang Meng stared at the boy in the photo.

She thought, Since he has a girlfriend and Qian Qian still likes him, I’ll just dig deeper into his weaknesses. I need to get closer to find out what they are…

Though, to be fair, he is pretty handsome.

——

It was the weekend, but since starting high school, Lin Zheng Ran only went home every two weeks instead of every week.

He spent that time helping the girls practice their talents anyway.

So, weekends at school felt the same.

With next week dedicated to accompanying Xiao Heqing to a competition, Lin Zheng Ran planned to lounge in the dorm all day. Even with the System boosting his energy, a good nap was still a treat.

He headed to the big supermarket outside school to grab some ready-made food and instant noodles for the dorm.

While browsing the shelves, a pretty woman in high heels and wavy hair bumped into him—she’d been focused on the shelves too.

A comforting scent washed over him.

She turned to Lin Zheng Ran, and he looked down at her.

The moment he saw her, he thought how many stunning women there were these days.

Jiang Jingshi, in fitted jeans, looked up at him with her almond-shaped eyes full of warmth and poise. She apologized softly, “Sorry, I was just looking at the shelves and didn’t notice you.”

Lin Zheng Ran smiled. “No problem, I was doing the same.”

They didn’t chat more and turned back to the shelves, both eyeing a pack of instant noodles.

Then, surprisingly, they reached for it at once, their hands touching.

They paused and locked eyes again.

After a quick laugh, they both pulled back and said together, “You take it first.”