She’s the School Beauty Side Character in a BL Novel - Chapter 006

006:

The meeting took place at an exclusive Japanese restaurant—elegant, discreet, accessible only to regular patrons.

Following the server’s guidance, Shen Lin led Xi Ning into a tatami room steeped in traditional aesthetics.

Inside, a striking noblewoman conversed with Xu Jing. After introductions, Xi Ning learned this was Gu Xiaobai’s aunt, Gu Ai—his sole maternal figure since his mother’s passing.

Gu Ai and Xu Jing moved in overlapping social circles. Having heard Xu Jing’s glowing praise of Xi Ning and seeing photos that suggested compatibility with her nephew, Gu Ai had arranged this meeting despite low expectations.

The Gu family valued both career and marriage for their men—a stable home life was believed to focus ambitions. With eldest son Gu Ji Xuan already engaged, attention had turned to Gu Xiaobai’s romantic prospects.

Previous attempts to introduce suitable matches had been rebuffed with claims of academic priorities. As the favored youngest son, no one pressured him—until now.

Xu Jing’s personal recommendation demanded consideration. Though initially dismissive of Xi Ning’s background, Gu Ai had been struck by the girl’s ethereal beauty in photographs—a quality that might complement her nephew’s temperament.

To her surprise, when presented with Xi Ning’s photo, Gu Xiaobai hadn’t immediately refused. Seizing this opening, Gu Ai hastily arranged tonight’s dinner.

Throughout the evening, Gu Ai discreetly assessed Xi Ning—the graceful neckline, the perfectly poised hands resting on her knees. For a twenty-year-old in such company, she displayed remarkable poise: neither overeager nor timid, her quiet dignity appealing particularly to women of Gu Ai’s generation.

Exchanging an approving glance with Xu Jing, Gu Ai inquired, “Where’s our protagonist tonight?”

Gu Ai smiled at Xi Ning. “I insisted he come, but a client from his pro bono case called. He’ll arrive shortly—”

As if summoned, a server announced another guest’s arrival.

The sliding door revealed the same striking figure Xi Ning had encountered hours earlier, though now transformed. Gone was the casual student; in his place stood a man in a tailored white dress shirt and black trousers, every inch the elite attorney.

Entering, Gu Xiaobai first acknowledged Xu Jing and Gu Ai. Xi Ning, seated with her back to the door, didn’t turn as he approached.

He offered sincere apologies for his tardiness to Shen Lin and Xi Ning—graciously dismissed by Shen Lin, who insisted he sit beside Xi Ning as fellow students who surely had much to discuss.

Their eyes met without acknowledging their earlier encounter. As he settled beside her, Xi Ning caught his crisp, pine-like scent—yet his profile remained aloof, his gaze averted.

Not a word passed between them until the meal began.

As the women sipped wine with their sashimi, Shen Lin noted the silence and offered Gu Xiaobai some red wine.

Gu Ai interjected proudly, “Xiaobai abstains completely from alcohol.”

Shen Lin marveled, “How remarkable! What reassurance in a young man.”

Gu Ai demurred, “He has his qualities, but Miss Xi is equally exceptional. I’ve taken quite a liking to her.”

Noticing Xi Ning’s flushed cheeks from the wine, Shen Lin suddenly declared, “Our Ning Ning can’t hold her liquor! No need to force yourself, dear—we understand.”

Xi Ning feigned tipsy embarrassment. “My apologies. Alcohol doesn’t agree with me.”

In truth, Shen Lin had rigorously trained her in wine appreciation. Her complexion simply reddened easily, aconvenient facade.

Gu Ai urged, “Then no more! Xiaobai, do look after Miss Xi.”

With a polite assent, Gu Xiaobai fetched warm lemon water. “Miss Xi, sobering tea is coming. Please drink this first.”

Accepting the glass from those elegant fingers, Xi Ning murmured thanks.

Their unspoken charade of being strangers—despite today’s encounter—rankled her. His effortless pretense erased their earlier meeting entirely.

As she sipped the water, Xi Ning resolved to disrupt this performance.

Xu Jing, spotting their interaction, suggested, “Xiaobai, exchange contacts with Ning Ning! Young people should get to know each other.”

He complied, opening his phone’s dial pad rather than a messaging app—offering only his number, not his private social media.

Xi Ning’s displeasure deepened. Even knowing campus lore that no girl had ever secured Gu Xiaobai’s WeChat, this deliberate distance stung.

Taking his phone, she deliberately lingered when their fingers brushed—inputting her number and dialing to confirm before returning it.

—

After Dinner

Outside, a valet delivered Gu Xiaobai’s black Lexus—understated yet refined, like its owner.

Xu Jing suggested, “It’s early yet. Why don’t you two find somewhere quiet to talk? We’ll head back first—Xiaobai, see Ning Ning home later.”

With that, the three women departed, leaving Xi Ning conspicuously alone under the entrance lights—her yellow chiffon dress fluttering in the evening breeze, showcasing legs so perfectly sculpted they drew every passing gaze.

Noticing the attention, Gu Xiaobai’s brow furrowed as he opened the passenger door.

“Xi Ning,” his voice resonated deeply in the night air, “get in.”

Sliding inside, Xi Ning noted the car’s immaculate emptiness.

“I rarely drive,” he explained, starting the engine.

Studying his striking profile, she mused, “You’re really unique, Senior.”

A faint smile touched his lips. “Thank you.”

He had avoided calling her “junior” all evening.

As the car moved, he asked, “Home? Or somewhere to walk off the wine?”

Her cheeks still flushed, Xi Ning met his gaze—her exquisite eyes luminous. “I don’t want to go back yet, Senior.”

His attention lingered on her face—the delicate eyelids, the dark, shining pupils that seemed to hold entire pools of emotion.

This version of Xi Ning was new. The girl he’d known was quietly reserved, almost detached in her serenity. Now, tipsy and rosy-cheeked in yellow chiffon, she has a naive intoxicating charm.

Despite the AC, the cabin felt stifling.

His throat moved as he looked away. “Anywhere particular in mind?”

Slouching in her seat, Xi Ning began tracing his name on the fogged window—over and over.

Her voice took on a coy edge. “Gu Xiaobai, I want to go clubbing. I’ve never been. Have you?”

Noticing the graffiti of his name, something peculiar stirred in his chest—though he said nothing.

Instead, he leaned across to fasten her seatbelt, his deep voice near her ear:

“Once. A friend’s place. With male companions.”