Used as "Practice" Then Kissed? I'm Done with Him!

Chapter 17

"Our house is too quiet. Mind if we join in for a game?" Mrs. Carter joked with a smile.

In previous years, our two families always celebrated the Spring Festival together.

This year, because of my relationship with Ryan, my mom had declined Mrs. Carter's invitation to have the reunion dinner together.

But with guests at the door, we couldn't turn them away.

Ryan naturally sat down next to me, watching me play mahjong.

My cousins who didn't know about Ryan and me kept teasing us.

I smiled and clarified each time.

Ryan's expression became quite unpleasant.

At midnight when we went out to set off fireworks, he pulled me aside, seeming to want to say something.

But my phone suddenly rang.

My face reddened a bit as I pulled my hand away from Ryan's and went to answer the call.

It was a local classmate I had met through a club, named Ethan.

He was very good-looking too.

Not the cold, handsome type, but a funny, smiley boy.

He talked a lot, was quick-witted, and often made me laugh so hard I couldn't stand up straight.

He said he called because he was bored being alone, and wanted to join our New Year's countdown.

I didn't think much of it. It was New Year's after all, so I didn't hang up and let him participate in our countdown ceremony.

Before hanging up, he chuckled.

"Actually, I just wanted to be the first person to wish you Happy New Year after midnight.

"Happy New Year, Mia."

I laughed happily and wished him well too.

After chatting for a while longer, when he was finally willing to hang up, I turned around to find Ryan standing behind me with an icy expression.

I don't know how long he had been listening.

"Boyfriend?" he asked hoarsely.

"Not quite yet," I replied honestly after thinking for a moment.

"..."

Ryan was silent for a long time.

I thought he had nothing more to say and was about to go back inside to continue playing mahjong.

But he suddenly spoke again, "Out-of-town guys aren't necessarily reliable. You should find a good local boy that you know well."

I nodded.

"You're right. You never really know someone. I'll keep observing.

"Thanks for the reminder, big brother Ryan. You should settle down soon too."

Ryan seemed pained by something and didn't speak again. He left the yard directly.

I didn't think much of it. It wasn't the first time he had acted strangely.

In the past, I had the rose-colored glasses of a lover on, thinking everything he did was great. But now...

After that, I accompanied my grandmother and parents to visit relatives, then went on road trips. I basically wasn't home at all.

I didn't run into Ryan either.

The winter break was short. Soon I was back at school.

But the next day, I actually saw Ryan at the university entrance.