Chapter 13: A Brush Past

“Why did you suddenly ask about Representative Xia?”

The spirit that had been gradually relaxing tensed up once more. Xue Yun thought to herself, some things really cannot be hidden.

Had Senior Shen Yuna finally figured it out?

Since their cross-server chats, Shen Yuna had assumed Xue Yun had misunderstood her intentions, so she hurriedly explained, “It’s just that after receiving the gift last time, I thought an ordinary office worker probably couldn’t afford such an expensive present, so I was curious.”

“You two are close friends who play games together, right? So when it came to mind, I just asked out of curiosity.”

Comforted by Shen Yuna’s words, Xue Yun, who had already decided to keep their relationship hidden from others, planned to find another opportunity to talk with Xia Xing and explore a better way to get along.

After all... this was also about being responsible to Xia Xing. She couldn't keep tangled in this ambiguous state forever.

So when Shen Yuna assumed they were just “close gaming friends,” Xue Yun went along and admitted, “I know a bit. He really should be quite wealthy.”

“If I remember correctly, he seems to own an apartment nearby?”

“The housing prices here are very high, right? Not something an average family can afford.”

Shen Yuna thought to herself, this was far beyond what a typical family could manage— even small business owners wouldn’t easily have that kind of cash on hand.

“To be honest, I think Representative Xia is quite handsome. Someone so young, rich, and seemingly flawless almost feels unreal.”

Using this approach, Shen Yuna hoped to indirectly learn some interesting tidbits about Xia Xing’s flaws or quirks.

Unexpectedly, Xue Yun’s expression darkened with a touch of sorrow, as if recalling something painful.

“It seems so... After spending so much time together, I don’t think I’ve really noticed any particular flaws in him.”

“Sometimes he’s a bit busy and leaves messages unread or unreplied—is that considered a flaw?”

Shen Yuna’s words struck at a deep, previously unacknowledged problem in Xue Yun’s heart.

Why could she never take that next step? It wasn’t only because of career worries and other issues she’d been tangled in.

Maybe... part of it was because she always felt Xia Xing was almost too perfect to be real.

An appearance anyone would rate highly, emotions stable and mature except for occasional shyness, a wealthy family background...

Had Xue Yun truly never noticed his flaws, or was he just too good at hiding them?

He seemed like an unreal person. Could there really be someone so perfect in this world?

From Xue Yun’s bewildered demeanor, Shen Yuna became even more convinced that she and Xia Xing were merely acquaintances who played games together online.

Only such a situation could explain why, despite knowing each other for so long, they still didn’t know each other’s little flaws.

After all, it was just playing games online—if someone was bad at the game, you might scold them, but it wouldn’t rise to the level of personal flaws.

Shen Yuna, who had never dared to message Xia Xing before, cautiously asked, “Unread and unreplied... I guess that’s not really a flaw? After all, in our industry, sometimes we’re too busy to respond.”

“Though we all hope for timely replies, we’re not children anymore.”

She switched to another way of putting it.

“But he does seem like one of those cold-faced guys who just won’t reply when busy…”

Expressing an opinion like this, whether affirmed or denied, could at least yield some useful information.

Xue Yun shook her head, “Though he doesn’t talk much and is always blunt, he’s the type who answers if you say something.”

“Sometimes if you joke or tease him, he’ll think seriously and respond.”

“So he’s not really coldhearted—maybe sometimes he’s just a bit slow.”

“If there’s a problem, we just discuss it together.”

These words were meant for Shen Yuna, but largely spoken to herself as well.

At this thought, the girl recalled some silly moments with Xia Xing and couldn’t help but chuckle.

Though attentive, he was clumsy when it came to understanding emotions, which made him seem childlike.

Thinking they were just gaming friends, Shen Yuna assumed Xue Yun was teasing Representative Xia for being stubborn in games.

“Haha, I never noticed that. But taking others seriously and replying—that’s definitely good.”

Having composed herself, Xue Yun didn’t respond further, instead putting her phone back in her small bag and standing up to thank Shen Yuna.

“I’m lucky to have met you today, senior. After hearing your comfort, I know what I should do next.”

“Goodbye.”

“You’re welcome.”

Feeling she had gained something too, Shen Yuna was also in a good mood and prepared to leave.

“If you’re ever upset, just come chat with me. No need for formalities—just speak casually with me.”

In truth, Shen Yuna had been treated by JYPE as a trainee for NMIXX, and barring surprises, they would have been teammates.

But when ITZY was about to debut in 2019, a shortage of members arose, so the then 16-year-old Shen Yuna was unusually added to ITZY.

“Hmm...” Xue Yun tried using casual speech briefly and quickly got used to it.

“Oh, Yuna.”

“What is it?”

“I still don’t know why you’re here.”

Suddenly sweating, Shen Yuna quickly changed direction, awkwardly laughing, “Haha, I planned to go for a run outdoors but got distracted chatting…”

-----------------

True to her word, after running two kilometers along the Han River and confirming Xue Yun had taken a taxi away, Shen Yuna, panting, found a supermarket near Han River Park.

She really didn’t know why she’d come up with such a lame excuse on the spot...

Now utterly exhausted, she needed to buy some sports drinks to replenish her energy.

Just as she stepped into the supermarket, she saw a very familiar figure.

He wore a Burberry black Kensington long coat, which demanded a great figure, layered over a cotton dress shirt. Though less formal than his previous suit, it added an air of elegance and ease.

She saw him casually take a shopping cart at the entrance and walk inside.

Just as she was about to greet him, she suddenly remembered something, took out her phone, and checked her appearance with the camera. Satisfied she didn’t look too disheveled from running, the girl greeted, “Oh! What a coincidence, Representative Xia.”