Chapter 24: Shen Qingyue's Doubts

As he went for his run, he mentally mapped out his day. After the morning jog, he would shower, grab breakfast, and head to the driving school with Wang Zhen for the second stage of the license exam.

He was supposed to meet Shen Qingyue for lunch afterward, but he found his interest in her waning. After all, he had already "succeeded" last night; the novelty had worn off, and he had his sights set on Gangan, who held much more potential. Considering Shen Qingyue’s feelings and expectations, Li Yan didn't want to reject her outright, so he decided to suggest meeting in two or three days.

As for the evening, he had a dinner date with Gangan. He found the local influencer far more intriguing. Meanwhile, Wang Zhen had hit it off with Liu Yuting last night and wanted Li Yan to play wingman for their date tonight, but Li Yan naturally declined—he had his own dinner plans with Gangan.

Life was becoming quite colorful; he truly felt liberated these days. He just had to keep his goal of getting into the Advertising program at Sichuan University in mind. Once that was settled, he planned to head to Chengdu early to rent an apartment, get acclimated to the environment, and experience the local culture and university life ahead of time. He’d heard the local girls were gentle and charming, and he was sure that would make his college life all the more vibrant.

The five-kilometer run took less than half an hour. His rhythm was light, and his physical foundation was solid. When he returned to the residential complex, he was covered in a light sheen of sweat and felt refreshed. His parents were just waking up. His mother asked with a puzzled look, "Why are you up so early for a run?"

Li Yan wiped the sweat from his brow and smiled, "Couldn't sleep."

His father nodded, "That's good. Young people should get more exercise."

He returned to his room, took a hot shower, and changed into a fresh t-shirt and jeans. In the kitchen, he quickly prepared a simple breakfast of oat milk, bread, and a fried egg. By the time he finished, it was just past seven. He messaged Wang Zhen: "I'm heading out. I'll be at the driving school before eight. You should hurry."

Wang Zhen replied instantly: "Got it, Brother Yan. I'm leaving now too."

Having a reliable friend made the ordeal of testing much easier to handle.

Li Yan took a taxi to the driving school. It was one of the largest in the city, with comprehensive, standard facilities where the second-stage exam was held. The driver chatted with him on the way and, upon learning he was taking the exam, smiled and said, "Good luck, kid. It’ll be a lot easier once you're done." Li Yan nodded with a smile, "Thanks."

He arrived at the gate just before eight. Wang Zhen was already waiting by the side of the road. Seeing Li Yan step out of the taxi, he remarked, "Brother Yan, you didn't even bother practicing yesterday. You've got some nerve."

Li Yan said dismissively, "I've practiced enough; there's no need to gild the lily. You stopped practicing, too, didn't you?"

Wang Zhen gave a wry smile, "I stopped because I was too nervous to practice, while you’re just confident. I didn't sleep well last night; I was scared to death."

Li Yan shrugged, "Don't overthink it. Just treat it like you're getting into the car on any other day."

The two entered the test site. There was nothing much to describe; they followed the instructions to queue up, scan their IDs, and listen to the proctors' arrangements. Li Yan hadn't exactly been a novice when it came to cars, but he hadn't truly touched a steering wheel before. Now, however, he knew the requirements for the five maneuvers of the second stage by heart.

Wang Zhen was shaking slightly beside him. Li Yan patted his shoulder, "Relax, just perform as you usually do." Wang Zhen nodded, though his gaze remained unfocused.

The exam itself was straightforward. Once Li Yan got into the car, his movements were precise: adjusting the seat, fastening his seatbelt, shifting gears, and steering—all in one fluid motion. Reversing into the bay, parallel parking, starting on a slope, driving through the curved path, and making right-angle turns were all completed with ease. When the electronic display showed he had passed, he remained calm, as if it were only natural.

Afterward, he met up with Wang Zhen, who rushed over in high spirits, "Brother Yan, I passed too!"

Li Yan laughed, "See? What were you so nervous about?"

Wang Zhen shook his head, "I was a nervous wreck yesterday, but I feel so relieved now that it's over. Finishing the second stage means we're halfway there. The third and fourth stages can wait."

After picking up their certificates of completion, they left the driving school around ten-thirty. Wang Zhen suggested, "Brother Yan, want to grab some lunch to celebrate?"

Li Yan checked his phone. Shen Qingyue had just sent a message: "Are you done? Let's grab lunch together. Didn't you say you were free?"

Li Yan thought for a moment. After what happened with her last night, she surely felt their relationship had progressed. But Li Yan’s heart wasn't in it anymore; the novelty had faded, so why waste his energy? Still, he didn't want to make her resentful—he disliked messy entanglements that might ruin his mood.

He replied on WeChat: "Just finished. Got some things to handle later, so I'm not free tonight. How about a few days from now? My treat."

He’d worry about two days later when the time came; he might be busy with other things by then.

Shen Qingyue replied shortly after, "Alright. You're so busy, I'll wait for your message."

He could sense a hint of disappointment in her words, but Li Yan didn't care. After all, he hadn't promised any long-term emotional commitment. That was how he always operated: no easy promises, no active declarations of affection, just going with the flow.

Once the other party invested expectations, he wouldn't turn cold immediately; he would simply use a stalling tactic.

Wang Zhen looked at Li Yan scrolling through his phone and asked, "Brother Yan, you busy at lunch?"

Li Yan smiled, "A girl wanted to grab lunch, but I pushed it off for a couple of days."

Wang Zhen teased, "Changing flavors already?"

Li Yan smiled without answering. He didn't feel like explaining his attitude. His life philosophy was one of total control, unbound by outside forces. Shen Qingyue was just an experience from yesterday; today, he wanted to focus on progressing things with Gangan.

Wang Zhen chuckled, "Well, why don't you join me for lunch then? I'm meeting Liu Yuting this afternoon. Let's grab something light; I'm taking her to a movie tonight."

Li Yan replied as they walked, "I have plans tonight, too—dinner with Gangan. Probably won't have time to join you."

Wang Zhen gave him a knowing look, "You're already onto a new target, as expected."

Li Yan shrugged, "Not a new target, just someone I know. Need to discuss something."

Wang Zhen feigned a serious sigh, "Brother Yan, I really admire you. I’ve only just managed to ask out Liu Yuting and I’m already feeling shaky, and here you are moving on to another beauty."

Li Yan patted his shoulder, "To each their own. No need to be envious. You have your path, and I have my direction."

After they left the driving school, Wang Zhen wanted to eat barbecue to celebrate, but Li Yan felt it was too hot for that—he didn't want to be sweating through his clothes. He suggested a Japanese set-meal restaurant nearby that was air-conditioned and quiet.

They ordered grilled eel rice, a beef set meal, and two glasses of iced oolong tea. Wang Zhen looked around, "I haven't really been to this kind of Japanese place. Two or three hundred per person for lunch is a bit pricey."

Li Yan laughed, "Consider it a reward for passing the test. My treat."

Wang Zhen beamed, "Brother is generous! I really need to learn from you. Though I’m not as well-off as you are."

Li Yan replied nonchalantly, "It’s all about perspective. Money is just a tool—if I have the means, there's no need to shortchange myself. Besides, I'm in a good mood today."