The call connected just a few seconds after he dialed.
"Li Yuan, where are you? Are you... are you all right?" The anxiety in Xia Zhijin's voice was evident. She was clearly very worried about Li Yuan.
Li Yuan felt a pang of guilt but had no choice but to lie. "Zhijin, I'm sorry for making you worry. I drank too much last night and slept in until noon."
Xia Zhijin's tone was filled with concern. "Li Yuan, are you feeling okay? Do you want me to come over and take care of you?"
Li Yuan was tempted. He hesitated for a moment but still hardened his heart and declined.
"Zhijin, don't worry about me. I just stayed up a bit late last night, but I'm fine. I'm not going to school this afternoon. I'll stay home and write for a while, and I'll see you tomorrow when school starts."
Disappointment flickered in Xia Zhijin's heart, but she still forced a smile. "Mhm, okay. Don't work too hard. Make sure you take a break if you're tired."
