Chapter 28: The Awakening of Love

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Love’s Awakening

After getting out of the car and paying the fare, Xia Zhen looked at the restaurant before him. Its name was “Four Seasons Rendezvous.” He’d heard it offered a pleasant atmosphere and delicious food at reasonable prices, making it popular among young couples online. Both he and Nalan Sheng were homebodies and novices in romance, so they’d chosen this place based on top online reviews for date venues.

Stepping inside, he found the restaurant nearly full—proof of its popularity. As he searched for Nalan Sheng, he suddenly spotted a long-haired woman waving at him, wearing an orange knitted hat and a white wool coat. Xia Zhen looked closely; it was indeed Nalan Sheng, though she looked quite different from her appearance during yesterday’s duel on stage.

Their table was in a private booth for couples, facing the street. The restaurant’s elevated location offered a nice view—Nalan Sheng had chosen well.

“Sorry, I was delayed at the Professional Hall just now,” Xia Zhen apologized as he sat down.

Nalan Sheng shook her head. “It’s nothing, brother. Now you’re officially an Esper. I envy you.”

“I’m sure you’ll pass next year. I’ll be waiting for you,” Xia Zhen encouraged her. Nalan Sheng nodded; if not for meeting him, she would have become an Esper already.

The Esper evaluation was held twice a year, spring and autumn. Now, it was autumn, so she’d have to wait until the following spring.

“Thank you, brother.” She now called him “brother,” which made Xia Zhen a bit uneasy, yet sweetly so.

They quickly ordered several dishes and a hotpot, eating and chatting, deepening their impression of each other in the harmonious atmosphere.

“By the way, brother, I wonder when you might be able to visit my home?” Nalan Sheng suddenly asked.

Xia Zhen paused, “Why so soon? Isn’t it a bit… fast?”

“You misunderstand, brother…” A blush swept across Nalan Sheng’s face as she replied, “That’s not what I meant—though I wouldn’t object. The main reason is that this time, it’s my grandfather inviting you.”

“Oh…” Xia Zhen understood at last. So it was Elder Nalan. He wondered what sort of person he was; after glimpsing fragments of Nalan Sheng’s memories, he was curious about the mysterious old man.

Though not an Esper, Elder Nalan was a formidable figure from the era of genetic modification, able to match military leaders.

“Do you know why your grandfather wants to see me?” Xia Zhen asked.

Nalan Sheng thought for a moment. “Perhaps it’s related to you being a Mentalist. Brother, when I lost control earlier, I felt you could absorb my spiritual energy. My grandfather heard about it and wanted to invite you to our home.”

“I see…” Xia Zhen recalled the Soul Refining Technique he’d acquired from Dean Martin. Whether it was a blessing or a curse, it had helped avert disaster and save Nalan Sheng, so he accepted it.

“Brother, if you really don’t want to go, I can explain it to Grandpa,” Nalan Sheng offered when she saw his hesitation.

He looked at her. Her expression was earnest, without a trace of guile. After piecing together her character from those memory fragments, Xia Zhen knew he could trust her.

“It’s fine. I’m just a bit nervous, that’s all. Let’s do this—after I go home and take care of some things, it’ll be about half a month. Then I’ll visit your house. How’s that?” Xia Zhen thought the Nalan family bore no ill will toward him; after all, approving his relationship with Nalan Sheng was proof enough. She was the key to their future rise—if they didn’t trust him, they wouldn’t have allowed this.

“Really, brother?” Nalan Sheng was overjoyed. Experiencing the sweetness of first love, she wanted to stick close to Xia Zhen. Were it not for various concerns, she wouldn’t want to part from him.

“Yes. Let’s finish eating, and then we can go for a walk. After you leave, I’ll head home too.” Nalan Sheng’s family lived to the north, several hundred kilometers from Polan City. The Nalan family owned businesses in Dannute City, and Nalan Rong had brought Nalan Sheng here to participate in the Esper evaluation while inspecting the family’s enterprises. Unexpected events had occurred, but thanks to Xia Zhen, disaster had been averted, earning the Nalan family a great debt to him.

After their meal, they paid the bill and spent two hours walking the streets. It was Xia Zhen’s first time accompanying a girl shopping. The initial excitement faded into helplessness; Nalan Sheng wasn’t actually shopping for anything, but simply enjoying the experience with him.

She tried on various outfits, but in the end bought nothing for herself. Instead, she bought him a winter coat and a pair of trousers, telling him she’d begun learning to knit a scarf for him, which she’d give him when he visited the Nalan home.

What could he say to a girlfriend like this? Xia Zhen could only secretly revel in his luck.

“Brother, I… I have to go…” Nalan Sheng checked the time; she’d already exceeded the rendezvous with her father. Any later and her father might be upset. Today was one of the rare occasions she could go out freely, and it was with the person she liked. She felt incredibly happy. Yet happiness was fleeting; she’d soon return to the dull routine of training. Still, the thought of seeing Xia Zhen at home in half a month brightened her mood.

“Take care,” Xia Zhen said reluctantly. He hadn’t taken their relationship seriously at first, but after spending the day together, he’d unknowingly fallen in love.

“You too, brother…” Nalan Sheng turned away, reluctant to leave. Xia Zhen recalled their embrace and kiss on stage, and a surge of impulse overtook him. He dropped the shopping bag to the ground.

He grabbed Nalan Sheng’s hand, pulled her back toward him, and hugged her tightly. She embraced him in return, and just as their lips drew near, a cough from nearby startled them.

The two young people turned, annoyed, only to see Nalan Rong. They separated, exchanging embarrassed glances.

“Ahem… Young folks, don’t be so rash. Back when I was courting her mother, I didn’t dare embrace her in public, let alone kiss…” Nalan Rong seemed lost in memory.

“Dad!” Nalan Sheng, flustered and angry, dragged her father away, throwing Xia Zhen a sweet smile over her shoulder. Such a wonderful girl.

Xia Zhen picked up the bag and headed for the bus stop—he wasn’t going to walk all the way this time.

He bought a ticket back to Polatran City, intending to spend a couple of days at home before returning to work.

By the time he arrived home, dusk was falling. He had dinner with his parents, and his mother quickly sensed something was up.

“Son, are you dating?” she asked bluntly.

Xia Zhen was startled—was it really so obvious? He’d tried to act normal since returning home.

“N-no… Not at all…” Xia Zhen tried to deny it.

“You came out of my own gut, you think you can fool me? As soon as you got home, I noticed—you never shop for clothes, and these aren’t some random brand either. I never even buy your father clothes like these.” At that, his father gave her a wounded look.

Xia Zhen persisted, “I went to the neighboring city for the Esper assessment, and happened to see a nice shop, so I bought a few things.”

“Oh, do you know who wears this brand?” His mother picked up the coat and trousers, pointing to the logo—a stylized “Love” character.

“Um…” Xia Zhen was unsure. Damn, was this brand only for couples?

Sure enough, his mother tossed the clothes to his father. “This is a trendy couples’ brand, mainly targeted at young lovers. Tell me, why would a single man deliberately buy clothes meant for couples?”

Alas, the older generation was always shrewder—he couldn’t fool her.

So Xia Zhen explained the origins of his relationship with Nalan Sheng, omitting the dangerous and tense moments. He focused on how he’d helped her through a crisis, won her favor, and her family didn’t oppose their relationship.

“Nalan family? That’s a famous clan, isn’t it? Nalan Group belongs to them, right?” His father caught on, found information on Nalan Group on his phone, and showed it to his mother.

After reading, she wasn’t as elated as he’d expected. Instead, she worriedly said, “Son, it’s wonderful that the Nalan family appreciates you, but I must remind you: our family is worlds apart from theirs. If you two truly decide to be together, you’ll face enormous pressure. From your description, I can tell Nalan Sheng is a good girl, but her status in the Nalan clan is extraordinary. Whether you can really be together depends on time. For now, don’t devote all your energy to romance—understand?”

His father agreed; both parents had a deep understanding of “matching families.” If Xia Zhen and Nalan Sheng’s relationship were made public, it would quickly cause a stir, even negative rumors. Public opinion could easily paint Xia Zhen as someone clinging to the powerful, or worse, as a toad coveting a swan. For the sensitive and proud Xia Zhen, this was unacceptable.

Such an outcome might push him to break off ties with Nalan Sheng, not to mention the Nalan family. Few men wouldn’t want to pursue their beloved openly.

That night, lying in bed browsing novels on the Zongheng website, Xia Zhen suddenly put his phone aside and began to reflect on his relationship with Nalan Sheng.

“Status and position, huh? Maybe I used to worry about that, but now I have enough confidence.” He clenched his fist. The sweet haze of love lifted, replaced by clarity. He realized he was still a nobody, an E-class Esper. The Nalan family had agreed to his relationship with Nalan Sheng because of his potential. If he lost himself in romance and neglected his talent, he’d end up with nothing.

Understanding this, Xia Zhen felt a renewed passion to grow stronger. Only by becoming a true top-tier power could he gain enough prestige and status. Then, no one would dare question whether he was worthy of Nalan Sheng or accuse him of clinging to the Nalan family.

He was himself—he needed no one to lean on. His own identity was the most noble; he would not lose to any family or celebrity.

His excitement kept him awake all night, and he only drifted off as dawn approached.