Chapter 12: Old Habits Die Hard

Gu Beihuai looked at the woman beside him who was talking earnestly with Wang Aihong, even seeming interested.

If it weren't for his fingers still being hooked by hers, he might have doubted whether he was imagining things. How else could he be experiencing such a situation?

"I heard that Old Guan didn't want to come this time, but since this is his last batch of graduates, he still showed up!" Wang Aihong gestured towards the stage for Tang Chuxia.

Tang Chuxia looked up. In the original owner's memory, Old Guan was indeed a good teacher, but unfortunately, due to his status, he suffered a lot of unfair treatment.

Just as she was about to ask something, Gu Beihuai pinched Tang Chuxia's fingertips, forbidding her from moving recklessly in his palm.

Tang Chuxia was stunned for a moment, then smiled, "Shall we catch up with Old Guan later then?" Not only did she not settle down, but she also tried to hook Gu Beihuai's fingers, interlocking her own.

Gu Beihuai gritted his teeth. Although he wasn't afraid of being discovered, seeing Tang Chuxia's blatant behavior still made him grind his teeth.

Fortunately, everyone's attention was on the stage, and no one had noticed their little interaction.

Wang Aihong, of course, hadn't noticed either. She even suggested, "We should present a plaque or something. Old Guan worked hard to see us graduate!"

Many of them had jobs now, like Wang Aihong, who had gone to medical school after graduation. Despite her high school education posing a slight disadvantage, her family supported her well, and she quickly found a job.

The classmates who attended the reunion were mostly those with good grades, plenty of them went to college, while a few started working. Of course, there were also some like Tang Chuxia who weren't doing anything.

Very few!

Tang Chuxia agreed, but mentioned that it was a bit late to discuss it now as making a plaque would take time.

When the teachers finished speaking one after another, the banquet officially began.

Due to the large number of people, seating was arranged by grade, so Tang Chuxia and Gu Beihuai certainly couldn't sit together.

"Let go!"

Gu Beihuai whispered a warning when the crowd dispersed.

Tang Chuxia turned back with a smile.

"Alright!"

She cooperated readily. If her earlier actions of flirting with him were obvious, then she let go just as swiftly now.

Gu Beihuai just looked at her. Tang Chuxia fluttered her eyelashes suddenly, innocence sparkling in her lively eyes.

"Brother Beihuai, am I obedient?"

Innocent and endearing.

But Gu Beihuai only wanted to tear off that mask and see what she truly was underneath.

He remained in place, even after Tang Chuxia was taken away by Gu Nanzhi.

"What's wrong?"

Wu Haipeng patted Gu Beihuai's shoulder, curiously glancing around.

Gu Beihuai replied that it was nothing and then proceeded to find their seats, though he couldn't help but glance at the adjacent table.

Tang Chuxia whispered something to his sister, smiling, clearly in good spirits.

Where was the scene from earlier with their fingers entwined?

He clutched his heart, feeling its rhythm strangely different, a slight restlessness permeating his blood. The previous night's event replayed in his mind.

Only after gulping down a cup of tea did he feel somewhat relieved.

Sitting beside him, Wu Haipeng and Qin Zhan exchanged glances, seeing curiosity in each other's eyes.

"Chuxia, do you really plan to go to the countryside?"

Wang Aihong inquired quietly. Among their classmates, it was Tang Chuxia who drew the most attention.

"Waiting for the result! Will comply with all arrangements!"

She was bold in her response, though Gu Nanzhi knew Tang Chuxia didn't want to go to the countryside; after all, given her health, it might be a dire situation.

Wang Aihong nudged Tang Chuxia's arm, "Why isn't your sister sitting with you?"

At that moment, Tang Wanqiu was sitting next to Hu Mingcheng, with everyone around that table curiously engaging with her, though she believed it was her charm that attracted attention — they were only trying to flirt.

Gu Nanzhi overheard and remarked, "It's simple, even twins have different preferences!"

Opposite them, Liu Meijuan ate with resentment; despite the embarrassment, she showed no intention of leaving.

After the meal, everyone parted ways since they achieved the reunion's purpose and had no other activities planned.

Tang Jianbing took Tang Chuxia home to rest since her health wasn't fully recovered. He worried she might faint at any moment during the reunion.

On the way back, Gu Beihuai and his companions were together.

"Brother, you were really late! Missed a good show earlier, Xiaxia actually hit someone!"

Gu Nanzhi followed closely behind Gu Beihuai, chattering nonstop.

Wu Haipeng played along, "Indeed a spectacle. It's been years since I saw her take action. Thought she'd changed her nature!"

Gu Beihuai glanced at him, Wu Haipeng nudged his shoulder, "What? Did I say anything wrong? Didn't you often pick fights before you went to military school?"

"Old habits die hard!"

Gu Beihuai uttered four words.

Tang Chuxia still loved to fight; she used to resist him physically, and today she did as well, though in a different manner.

Remembering the sensation in his palm, he thought it necessary to have a good talk with Tang Chuxia.

His eyes landed on Tang Jianbing, who was holding the back of Tang Chuxia's collar. He judged it wasn't a good time.

The group walked back, although it was five stops away, it didn't take long at all.

At the alley entrance, Tang Jianbing got called away by his colleague. The factory had issues with some old equipment, and they needed his expertise!

Faced with work and Tang Chuxia, Tang Jianbing opened his mouth, wanting Tang Wanqiu to look after Tang Chuxia, but seeing her ignoring him stirred his frustration.

"Brother, Xiaxia can come to my place. I'm free today and will be with her all day. She won't get into any trouble!"

The real motive was to continue discussing gossip.

With Gu Nanzhi's assurance and the pressing work needs, Tang Jianbing had no choice but to agree.

"Wanqiu, you have work tomorrow, go rest well at home, no going out. Xiaxia, I'll come pick you up in the evening!" Tang Jianbing instructed before being dragged away by his colleague.

"Tsk, tsk... See that? That's how a brother should be!"

Gu Nanzhi snorted at his own brother, grumbling and pointing at Tang Jianbing's back to criticize Gu Beihuai.

Gu Beihuai couldn't be bothered to respond, just looking at Tang Chuxia who tilted her head and smiled at him sweetly. He held his breath tightly, unable to exhale.

No one was home at the Gu family then. Once inside, the boys started playing leaf cards, with Gu Nanzhi pulling Tang Chuxia to sit by her side to help calculate cards.

Seated beside her was Gu Beihuai.

After one round, everyone's interest was piqued. Tang Chuxia leaned against Gu Nanzhi, hugging her arm, earnestly helping with the cards.

While by her side, Gu Beihuai fiercely kept his face taut, fearing he might uncontrollably let out a sigh.