Chapter 27: Composure

The first day of the system’s morning run task is complete. Five kilometers again tomorrow morning; seven consecutive days of this, and I will gain two centimeters in height.

This is effortless for him, requiring only an extra half-hour of sleep lost.

He has already mapped it out: finish the run, shower, have breakfast, and then plan the day's itinerary—whether meeting friends or running errands, nothing will be neglected.

Maintaining this for a week—improving his physique while securing a reward—why not?

Thinking of this, he feels deeply satisfied.

Setting aside these stray thoughts, he gets into bed to rest. The night is serene, with distant car headlights flashing past the window.

Li Yan closes his eyes, replaying the day’s events in his mind: the morning run, passing the second stage of the driving test with ease, treating Wang Zhen to lunch, filming at the Gangan Workshop in the afternoon, and dining with Gangan in the evening.

Although he appears to be lingering among various social interactions and material indulgences, he remains rational and self-controlled, never losing himself in any single relationship.

This lifestyle is likely the freedom and composure Li Yan pursues.

He is confident that his future university years will be even more fulfilling.

As for romance, he is in no hurry, feels no panic, makes no promises, and simply enjoys the pleasure of the present moment.

By the time he reaches Shu City, perhaps he will encounter even more interesting people and stories—and that will be the beginning of another chapter.

The morning breeze is gentle, the sky barely brightening.

Li Yan’s alarm goes off at 5:30 sharp. He expertly shuts it off and sits up.

Yesterday was day one, and today is day two; he shows no sign of slackening.

This persistence isn't because he is particularly fond of exercise, but rather stems from an affirmation of self-challenge.

Running five kilometers a day for seven days to grow two centimeters is a small reward, but also a test of his self-discipline.

Donning the Nike quick-dry T-shirt and shorts he bought yesterday, along with light running shoes, he slips out of the bedroom while his parents are still fast asleep.

The residential complex is the same as always, the morning greenery glistening with dew, the streetlights dimming but not yet extinguished.

Li Yan opens his running app and begins his jog along a fixed route, his breathing steady and his stride rhythmic.

The air carries the faint scent of grass and trees, and in the distance, an elderly person practices Tai Chi.

These scenes make him feel that time is moving at a leisurely pace, just like his own life.

After finishing the five kilometers, he returns home, takes a hot shower, and retrieves milk and bread from the fridge for breakfast.

After eating, he changes into a light T-shirt and jeans, ready to head to the driving school.

Today is the final day of preparation before the third and fourth stages of the driving test.

With the second stage already passed, the third and fourth are tomorrow, which will allow him to finally obtain his license.

Although many people have driver's licenses these days, for Li Yan, it is a fundamental skill; it may prove convenient for navigating his life when he moves to Shu City.

How could a "God-tier" wealthy man be without a car?

Having arranged to meet Wang Zhen, Li Yan sends him a WeChat message: "I’m heading to the driving school now. You?"

Wang Zhen replies quickly: "I'm just about to leave, too. The third stage is tomorrow; I want to get in one more practice run."

Li Yan smiles, thinking that Wang Zhen is still a bit nervous.

To him, the third stage is more about road sense and fine details than the second, but he isn't flustered; he has practiced one-on-one sessions before and has a good grasp of it.

Besides, he considers this a spur-of-the-moment refresher; he could pass tomorrow regardless of how he performs.

He takes a taxi to the school and meets Wang Zhen, who seems relatively calm. "Brother Yan, I had dinner with Liu Yuting yesterday. It went quite well."

Li Yan asks as they walk toward the training ground: "Oh? How's the progress?"

Wang Zhen smiles, slightly excited: "We saw a movie and even held hands. Though I haven't made my feelings clear to her yet, the atmosphere was great."

Li Yan nods: "Very good. Just be natural and let it develop slowly. Don't rush into a confession; see how it feels."

The two find their respective instructors, explain their arrival, and are told to get in the cars to familiarize themselves with the route.

The third stage of the test consists of nothing more than straight-line driving, shifting gears, overtaking, and pulling over. These are things Li Yan already knows by heart.

He gets into the car, his movements practiced and smooth. The instructor glances at him: "Not bad, kid. You haven't been here in days, yet your technique is still this steady."

Li Yan smiles: "It's clear in my mind; I review it twice a day, so there's no issue with muscle memory."

On the other side of the lot, the instructor encourages Wang Zhen: "Don't be afraid. Your foundation is solid; just don't panic."

The practice needs no further description. Two hours later, they step out of the cars as the sun climbs higher, just in time to head home for a midday nap.

On the way back, Wang Zhen asks Li Yan: "Brother Yan, how do you plan to celebrate once you get your license tomorrow?"

Li Yan ponders for a moment: "Let's get the license in hand first, then we'll see. I’ve scheduled dinner with Shen Qingyue the day after tomorrow. It’s a way to give her some closure; after all, she put some feelings into me, and I don't want to burn bridges, though I have no intention of taking it further."

Wang Zhen is slightly surprised: "You're planning to wrap things up with Shen Qingyue already?"

Li Yan nods.

"Pretty much. I've lost interest in pursuing anything deeper, and I have other things to deal with over the next few days. People ultimately chase the thrill of something new. I'll ask Shen Qingyue out in two or three days, have a meal, and consider it a farewell."

Wang Zhen offers an awkward smile: "You really are... as steady as a seasoned pro."

Li Yan neither confirms nor denies this.

He remains consistently calm, wasting no extra effort on emotions, controlling the situation with measured tenderness and resources.

He doesn't need Wang Zhen to understand; as long as he feels it is appropriate, that is enough.

In the afternoon, Li Yan takes a nap at home. Since his parents are at work, he has plenty of private space.

Upon waking, he messages Gangan: "Are you free tonight? I'm not looking for dinner, just wondering how the editing for that Liuli video is coming along."

Gangan replies: "I was planning to work overtime to edit, but since you asked, let's meet up. Do you want to come to my workshop or grab a coffee somewhere?"

Li Yan thinks for a moment. He has been meeting at the workshop for the last few days, so it might be better to change the venue to make the atmosphere more casual.

"Let’s go to the cafe on the top floor of the Binfen Plaza in the city center. The environment is nice. See you at seven?"

Gangan agrees: "Sounds good."

Putting his phone away, Li Yan chuckles.

Gangan’s affection for him is already quite obvious, and the atmosphere between them has been more natural since their dinner the night before.

Li Yan is in no rush; he enjoys this hazy, relaxed stage.

After all, they have been in an ambiguous phase for quite a while now, and the closing of this chapter shouldn't be handled too crudely.

With nothing to do in the afternoon, Li Yan browses rental listings, imagining his future life in Shu City.

As dusk falls, he changes into a more casual polo shirt and khaki shorts, then catches a taxi to Binfen Plaza.

The cafe on the top floor has soft lighting and minimalist decor, and sitting by the window offers a view of the city’s nightscape.

Gangan has arrived a few minutes early, sitting on a sofa by the window. Her long hair is draped over her shoulders, and she wears a light-colored off-shoulder top with a denim skirt, looking both cool and showcasing a great figure.

Seeing Li Yan arrive, she waves slightly.

"Li Yan! Over here~"