Chapter 157: Another Appearance

Having recovered well, Mu Qingxi did not return to school after being discharged from the hospital, choosing instead to wait quietly for the college entrance examinations. She did not aim for the Communication University, opting for a very ordinary institution—a choice further constrained by her academic performance.

Qin Yu and Guo Chen both received acceptance letters from the Communication University, while Xi Haifei headed to a university in the south.

Bai Fanhao, now out of danger, had rushed back for the exams, insisting on participating. Unable to sway him, his parents finally relented, agreeing that he could take the exams and then head abroad once they were over.

After the exams concluded, the group gathered to celebrate Mu Qingxi’s birthday. Whether it was a joyous or sorrowful occasion remained unspoken; everyone knew what they needed, and they spoke with reserved caution, keeping any potential drama at bay. Through the series of events they had endured, they had all matured, shedding their former erratic and impulsive ways for a newfound sense of composure.

At the gathering, when Qin Yu, Guo Chen, and the rest of the group appeared, Mu Qingxi felt a bittersweet mix of sadness and joy. She had not expected so many people to come and celebrate her birthday.

Just as everyone raised their glasses, a gentle voice drifted from the doorway: "It’s been so long, I almost forgot."

The voice startled everyone, filling them with both shock and delight. Mu Qingxi stood frozen, afraid to look toward the door, fearing that what she heard was merely a hallucination. She found it hard to believe.

Bai Fanhao watched the person standing motionless and walked slowly inside. With his eyes fixed on Mu Qingxi, he asked, "It’s only been a few months, and you don’t recognize me anymore?"

Mu Qingxi looked up abruptly at Bai Fanhao, who was dressed in casual white. "How could I not? It’s been a long time—are you doing well?"

He said nothing in response, simply picking up a goblet, pouring a splash of red wine, and holding it out. "Happy birthday."

Mu Qingxi raised her own glass, clinking it against his. "Thank you."

After finishing their drinks, no one brought up the past. Everyone understood the situation implicitly, but no one felt it appropriate to ask. Mu Qingxi remained quiet, her gaze fixed on the pale-faced man sitting opposite her.

The gathering lacked both boisterous excitement and heavy, oppressive silence. It was calm, peaceful, and tranquil; everyone cherished this hard-won atmosphere. Bai Fanhao sat across from her, watching her as well. The two simply looked at each other, wrapped in a harmonious and gentle air.

When the party ended, no one offered to take them home. Once the others had departed, Bai Fanhao and Mu Qingxi strolled along a small path, exchanging idle, sporadic conversation.

The next day, Bai Fanhao left for abroad. Mu Qingxi continued her life with the same composure, acting as if he had never appeared and had left no mark upon her.

***

Dear readers, my novel "The Fairy Under the Sunset" is currently being updated. My classes have been quite intense lately with no weekends, so I am squeezing in time to write. Although it is only one chapter a day, I am committed to updating it conscientiously.

As for Zuo Hun, he is the protagonist of another one of my stories—a tall, cunning, handsome, and wealthy man of the new era.