novelraw Chapter 16: Back to the Foot Spa
Chapter 16: Back to the Foot Spa
At those words, Lin Tian froze.
Medical treatment?
What kind of illness would require taking a year off school and traveling abroad for treatment?
A chilling suspicion began to form in Lin Tian's mind.
Gan Yanyu—this girl, only eighteen years old—didn't have much time left.
If that were true, it would explain so many things.
Why she wanted to leave this world before fulfilling Grandpa Gan's last wish.
Why her words always carried an undertone of resignation, as though she knew she wouldn't be able to play music anymore.
Why, during their first meeting, she leaned on him—not out of affection but to avoid burdening him with her troubles.
When everything was put together, especially if she were terminally ill, it made sense.Otherwise, how could someone like Gan Yanyu—a girl who didn't strike Lin Tian as the type to crumble under pressure or abandon her grandfather's legacy over some hardship—act this way?
She wasn't just a pretty face. The way her eyes lit up when she talked about music, sparkling like constellations… Lin Tian refused to believe she was shallow.
"Hey? Lin Tian, are you even listening?"
"Hellooo??"
Xu Yong's voice crackled through the phone, repeating his calls.
"Yeah, I heard you," Lin Tian replied.
"Honestly, when you brought her here today, I sensed something was off about her vibe. Listen, man, I'm not saying this out of jealousy or anything—I'm speaking purely from a brotherly perspective."
Xu Yong's tone turned unusually serious.
"Go ahead."
"You should probably stay away from her. Something feels really wrong. If anything happens, you'll be neck-deep in trouble."
"I understand."
Lin Tian hung up and sighed softly. He knew Xu Yong had his best interests at heart.
How could he not see the logic behind it?
If Gan Yanyu went through with suicide, the police would investigate. They'd find out that she'd spent nearly every day with him recently—eating meals together, strolling around town. By then, Lin Tian would be in deep water.
Forget about whether Gan Yanyu's family might come after him; the rumors alone within the high school bubble would drown him. Never underestimate the merciless gossip mill of a teenage campus.
And besides, this whole situation was shaping up to be a terrible deal—a complete loss. What was the point of talking about being "partners" or starting something ambitious with someone whose days were numbered?
Lin Tian understood all these arguments perfectly well.
But giving up now? Impossible.
He couldn't stand by and watch someone connected to him slip away into death. Maybe none of this would've happened if he hadn't rushed to the rooftop after drinking that cup of coffee. Damn caffeine—it really did mess people up sometimes.
Since fate had dragged him into this story, Lin Tian vowed to see it through until the end. He would write the final chapter himself.
---
Lin Tian set his phone down and returned to the dessert shop.
The strawberry pudding cup on the table was down to a third of its original volume. Gan Yanyu rested her head on the table, delicately scooping tiny spoonfuls of pudding and savoring each bite with a look of pure bliss.
It reminded him of how kids behaved.
Lin Tian used to do the same thing when he was younger—not because they couldn't afford more food, but because slowly savoring the last bits of something sweet felt oddly satisfying. As adults, people often caught themselves doing it and thought, Wow, I must look ridiculous right now.
But watching Gan Yanyu live so freely without any pretense made him envious.
"Gan Yanyu."
At the sound of his voice, the girl snapped her head up, staring at him wide-eyed.
"Let's go get a foot massage," Lin Tian said with a grin.
From this moment forward, forget about producers, forget about system missions. None of that mattered anymore.
In what little time she had left, Lin Tian was determined to give Gan Yanyu the happiest moments possible. This world owed her that much, at least.
---
Golden Impression, a lavishly decorated foot spa nestled in the heart of the city, welcomed them warmly.
"Welcome~"
Two attractive hostesses bowed deeply as Lin Tian and Gan Yanyu entered. Their arrival immediately drew curious glances from others in the lobby. A pair of high school students coming to a foot spa? Talk about living large...
The receptionist recognized Lin Tian instantly. She'd served him just yesterday, and his striking good looks had left quite the impression. But seeing him again today—with a girl no less—caught her completely off guard.
So, he enjoyed his session yesterday and came back today with his girlfriend? In all her years working there, she'd never seen anything like it. And this girl beside him... delicate, refined, clearly from a wealthy family. Were high schoolers really this bold these days?
"Hello," Lin Tian greeted casually, placing a coupon worth 399 yuan on the counter. "Can I use this?"
"Yes, but only for packages above 600 yuan," the receptionist replied.
"Ah, above 600, huh?" Lin Tian glanced at Gan Yanyu thoughtfully. "Then let's go with that one."
---
Ten minutes later, Masseuse No. 7, still clad in her high school uniform cosplay outfit, opened the door to the private room. When she saw Lin Tian—and the real-life high school girl next to him—her face darkened.
"I can't take this order..." she muttered, turning to leave.
Lin Tian quickly stopped her. "Wait, wait! It's not for me. It's my friend here." He gestured toward Gan Yanyu with a smile.
The masseuse glared at him, utterly furious. Yesterday's humiliation came flooding back. Dressed as a student, she'd been mocked by a kid younger than herself. After tossing and turning all night, she finally sat bolt upright at three in the morning, seething.
And now, Lin Tian returns—with an actual high school girl?! Was this some twisted form of revenge? Like he was saying, You didn't pull off the role convincingly yesterday, so I brought the real deal today. Take notes.
This was hellish irony at its finest: a 24-year-old cosplaying as a student forced to massage the feet of an authentic high schooler.
EZ mode activated.
Apprenticeship unlocked.
Manual override engaged.
Gap analysis initiated.
Despite her inner turmoil, she had no choice. Yesterday's abrupt departure had earned her a scolding from her supervisor, and walking out today wasn't an option. With great reluctance, she turned to Gan Yanyu and said stiffly, "Miss, please follow me. We'll start with a bath."