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Chen Yang’s words caused the classroom to fall unusually quiet.

Everyone’s eyes immediately shifted to where their fingers were still touching. From the outside, it looked completely normal—there was no way to tell who had won just moments ago.

Liu Chenchen, however, had seen everything clearly. She had been closely watching them and knew exactly what had happened.

She opened her mouth to say, “She—”

But her friend quickly yanked her arm, whispering urgently, “Chenchen, think carefully before you speak.”

Liu Chenchen froze.

Her friend leaned closer, lowering her voice. “He said she won, so she won. It’s just a game with no real prize. Why would you jump in now? What do you think you’re trying to achieve?”

Her friend couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. Liu Chenchen was truly single-minded, completely oblivious to the nuances of male-female dynamics. She hadn’t even realized what was going on right in front of her.

It was obvious that Chen Yang had deliberately let her win.

Otherwise, how could someone like him—a top dog in the grade who frequently got into fights—possibly lose to a delicate girl like Le Ya? Even using common sense, it was clear as day.

After being reminded, Liu Chenchen finally understood—or at least pretended to—and wisely chose to stay silent.

From the front, Zhao Mingri announced, “That concludes this game. The winners will each receive a bottle of yogurt. Though it’s just a small prize, don’t complain—it’s all about the fun!”

Someone placed a bottle of yogurt on each of the five tables.

The yogurt was one of the popular items sold at the convenience store outside, but the real purpose wasn’t the prize itself—it was all about keeping the atmosphere lively during their class party.

Their table was returned to its original spot.

Xie Qingyu, who had been watching from the corner like it was a soap opera, waved cheerfully when Le Ya returned. “Congratulations, hahaha!”

Le Ya replied dryly, “You don’t have to laugh at me.”

Xie Qingyu grinned. “I’m congratulating you! Who said I was laughing? Look at your thoughts now—they’re all over the place.”

Le Ya was left speechless by her teasing.

Returning to the corner, things went back to how they were before. As a new skit began on stage, she leaned over and whispered to Chen Yang, “You didn’t have to let me win just now.”

She wasn’t particularly concerned about winning or losing anyway. She knew she wouldn’t have stood a chance against him, so there was no need for him to go out of his way.

Chen Yang tilted his head to look at her.

Just as Le Ya felt her face heating up under his gaze, he finally spoke slowly. “You were tempting me so much. How could I not let you win? It would’ve been a disservice to you.”

Le Ya: “...”

She hadn’t expected Chen Yang to still be fixated on this.

Le Ya denied it firmly. “I didn’t tempt you.”

After a moment’s thought, she added, “And I definitely didn’t seduce you.”

She was completely innocent, yet he kept insisting otherwise. His accusations made her frustrated.

Chen Yang shrugged casually. “Alright, you didn’t.”

His response was obviously dismissive.

Unable to hold back, Le Ya leaned closer and raised her voice slightly. “I really didn’t! You’re the one who started flirting with me later!”

At that exact moment, the music in the classroom abruptly cut out.

Her words echoed loudly throughout the room.

Dozens of pairs of eyes turned toward the source of the voice, landing on Chen Yang and Le Ya.

The classmates: “...”

Were they about to witness a murder?

The students realized something shocking—Chen Yang, the epitome of self-restraint in Class Seventeen, had suddenly become quite the flirt.

Le Ya nudged Chen Yang. “Did you hear that?”

Chen Yang glanced around at his classmates, then burst into quiet laughter. “I heard it.”

Le Ya sighed in relief. “Exactly. That’s how it is.”

But when she turned back, she was met with countless pairs of eyes staring at her. Only then did she realize the classroom had fallen eerily silent.

Her classmates’ gazes burned into her.

Though they didn’t know who she was, it didn’t stop their gossip-loving instincts from kicking in.

Chen Yang was known as the untouchable figure in Class Seventeen. Almost every day, girls came to confess their feelings to him, and most of the girls in the class secretly wanted to do the same.

Of course, none of them succeeded. Rumors even spread that he was either asexual or simply didn’t like girls.

But now, those rumors were shattered.

Chen Yang had actually learned how to flirt.

Liu Chenchen finally began to understand.

This was the first time she’d witnessed such blatant chemistry between two people, completely different from the few rumored couples in the class. Those relationships were usually revealed through whispers among roommates—”Oh, so they’re dating,” or “Ah, that’s why they always walk home together.”

But this was happening right in front of her.

For a while, Liu Chenchen lost interest in the rest of the party. She kept sneaking glances at the couple in the corner, holding her breath every time she noticed something. She felt her own nerves tightening along with the situation.

It was also the first time she’d seen Chen Yang show so much patience with a girl. Usually, only the class representatives exchanged words with him regarding homework or other matters.

Who was this girl?

Liu Chenchen couldn’t help but shift her focus to Le Ya, studying her intently. Her heart filled with admiration—and a tinge of envy.

Le Ya was breathtakingly beautiful. Liu Chenchen couldn’t help but feel inferior.

She had seen beautiful girls before, but none like her. Le Ya exuded an air of delicate charm, clearly someone who had been pampered all her life.

Calling her “cute” felt too juvenile; she was more accurately described as stunning.

Even as a girl, Liu Chenchen couldn’t resist the urge to pull her into a hug and shower her with affection—let alone the boys.

Lost in thought, Liu Chenchen even imagined what it would be like if they were dating. How would Chen Yang, with his volatile temper, treat Le Ya?

The more she thought about it, the more upset she became.

A girl like this deserved to be cherished and treasured—not dragged into trouble by a hot-headed, fight-prone guy like Chen Yang.

Liu Chenchen glared gloomily at the corner.

By this point, the party was more than halfway through. Then she saw Chen Yang reach over and pinch Le Ya’s nose. Le Ya swatted his hand away and muttered something under her breath.

Liu Chenchen felt even more disheartened.

Her friend noticed her sour expression and asked, “What are you looking at? You seem so upset. What’s wrong?”

Liu Chenchen exclaimed, “How could Chen Yang pinch a girl’s nose like that? Doesn’t he know how rude that is?”

Her friend paused for a moment, then burst into uncontrollable laughter.

Reaching out, she pinched Liu Chenchen’s nose. “Do you even realize that between a boy and a girl, that gesture is flirting?”

It was flirting.

Liu Chenchen’s entire worldview collapsed.

Ever since her loud outburst earlier, Le Ya had been mostly quiet, too embarrassed to speak. It had been mortifying.

Chen Yang teased her with some snacks. “What’s wrong?”

Le Ya sent him a WeChat message—not a sentence, but an emoji that read, “I’m shutting myself off.”

She truly felt like retreating into herself.

Chen Yang couldn’t help but chuckle.

There were quite a few sunflower seeds piled on the table. As he peeled them one by one, he said casually, “They’ll forget about it soon.”

Le Ya ignored him.

Finally, Chen Yang turned his head and realized she was genuinely upset. He handed her all the peeled seeds. “Eat these, and I’ll take you outside afterward?”

Le Ya looked up. “Really?”

Chen Yang nodded. “Really.”

Going outside was definitely a good idea—staying in the classroom might lead to who-knows-what happening. Le Ya quickly ate all the seeds from his palm, her cheeks puffing out as she chewed.

Seizing the opportunity, Chen Yang pinched her cheek. “No one’s fighting you for them. Don’t eat so fast—you’ll choke.”

The sensation was pleasant.

Le Ya swatted his hand away and mumbled through her full mouth, “Alright, I’m done. We can leave now.”

Chen Yang sighed in resignation. “Fine.”

They were already in the corner near the back door. When they slipped out, it was quiet enough that no one paid much attention. Those who did simply glanced over briefly.

Xie Qingyu teased, “So you’re just abandoning me like this?”

Le Ya thought for a moment, then said earnestly, “I’ll go out first. If you want to leave later, you can come with me.”

Xie Qingyu glanced at the imposing figure of Chen Yang and shook her head. “No, I’ll stay here and keep watching the party.”

Once outside the classroom, Le Ya finally exhaled in relief.

Being stared at like a rare animal had been an odd experience—one she’d never encountered during speeches or presentations.

Le Ya worriedly asked, “They won’t spread rumors, will they?”

Chen Yang lazily closed the door behind them. “Rumors?”

Le Ya fiddled with her fingers absentmindedly. “You know, gossip or something. Teachers might get involved.”

Chen Yang stuffed his hands into his pockets and replied indifferently, “They won’t.”

In other words, no one would dare.

Seeing his carefree demeanor, Le Ya unconsciously relaxed, pushing the matter to the back of her mind.

His current attitude reminded her of when she’d first met him at the convenience store across the street—laid-back and indifferent to everything.

Le Ya averted her gaze.

Other than the corridor lights, there was hardly anyone around. The square-shaped school building loomed under the high-hanging moon, which was perfectly round tonight.

Chen Yang led Le Ya to the stairwell, where they both sat down.

It reminded her of when they’d first met—not long after she’d patched up a wound for him in the stairwell. Only this time, it was on the opposite side of the building.

The stairwell was deserted, and the motion-sensor light remained off.

Le Ya asked, “Aren’t you performing tonight?”

Chen Yang replied, “Nothing worth performing.”

He reached into his pocket, pulled out a pack of cigarettes, and casually took one out before searching for his lighter to ignite it.

Le Ya frowned. “Don’t smoke—it’s bad for your health.”

As she spoke, the stairwell light flickered on, illuminating their expressions clearly.

Chen Yang tapped the box lightly, producing a soft clicking sound.

After her comment, Le Ya worried he might get angry. She bit her lip, refrained from saying more, and lowered her gaze to her feet.

After a long silence, she heard Chen Yang’s deep voice. “Alright.”

The stairwell light dimmed again just in time.

Chen Yang put the pack away and gently touched Le Ya’s ear, soft and delicate. “You’re much braver than before.”

Le Ya dodged his hand. “No, I’m not.”

She was exactly the same as before.

Chen Yang didn’t argue. His dark pupils were mesmerizing as his hand moved from her ear to her neck.

It was cold—icy.

Startled by the sudden chill, Le Ya instinctively shrank back. In doing so, Chen Yang’s hand was caught between her clothes and neck.

The warm, soft sensation elicited a low moan from him.

Le Ya’s ears turned red upon hearing it. She shifted slightly and tugged his hand free, whispering, “Don’t make those kinds of sounds…”

“Hmm?”

Chen Yang’s voice was low and questioning.

Le Ya murmured, “Don’t make strange noises.”

Her voice was barely audible, and Chen Yang paused to decipher it before reacting with surprise. He licked his upper lip. “Le Ya, why are you so adorable?”

Le Ya replied, “A lot of people say that.”

Chen Yang chuckled. “And you’re quite proud of it, aren’t you?”

As he leaned closer, Le Ya happened to turn her face toward him, locking eyes.

Their breaths mingled, erratic and shallow.

Just as he was about to move, he pressed her shoulders against the wall, his voice hoarse with warning. “Don’t move.”

Le Ya asked, “What are you going to do?”

Chen Yang smirked faintly. “I want to kiss you.”

This time, it wasn’t a question—it was a notification.

Before she could respond, Chen Yang leaned in, gently capturing her lips with his own. A searing kiss landed on her mouth.

For a moment, Le Ya’s mind went blank.

“You…” Chen Yang sucked on her lower lip, invading her mouth, prying open her teeth, and assertively swallowing her voice.

Le Ya distinctly felt it—he was kissing her.

The stairwell was deathly silent.

The tingling sensation on her lips and tongue made Le Ya feel weak all over, struggling to catch her breath.

Instinctively, she pushed against him, but Chen Yang pinned her against the wall. Their breaths entwined, ticklish and intimate.

Le Ya whimpered softly, “No…”

Finally, Chen Yang released her. But just as she exhaled in relief, he pecked her twice more. “I’ve been holding back for a long time.”

A very, very long time.

The stairwell was eerily quiet, and Le Ya dared not speak. She had no idea what he meant by that statement.

Lowering her head, she extended her left hand, brushing her index finger against her lips. Her back tingled uncomfortably.

Chen Yang watched her. “Have you ever been in a relationship?”

“...”

Seeing her remain silent like a timid rabbit, Chen Yang said, “That means no. Good, because I haven’t either.”

“...” Still no response.

After a long pause, Chen Yang tilted her chin up, carefully asking, “Do you understand what I mean?”

Le Ya opened her eyes wide. “No.”

Chen Yang tapped her forehead lightly. “Don’t pretend to be oblivious.”

Le Ya nervously twisted her fingers together, her voice soft. “I don’t know. I’ve never thought about things like this…”

Her life for the past decade had never included someone like Chen Yang.

Just as she was about to continue speaking, voices suddenly echoed from outside: “I’m so excited today—I don’t want to go to class.”

Le Ya clamped her mouth shut, falling silent.

Another voice responded, “It doesn’t matter if you don’t want to. Tomorrow’s a holiday, but we’ll have to return to class in three days. We’re out of vacation days.”

“Nonsense! There’s still winter break—it’s so long, hahaha.”

“Let’s go back. The party will end in half an hour, and we can’t miss a single second. Luckily, this part is the singing segment.”

The voices grew closer, as if heading straight toward them. Le Ya held her breath, trying to remain as quiet as possible.

But the footsteps suddenly receded.

They had merely passed by from the water room, turning toward another classroom without needing to enter this stairwell.

Chen Yang stared at her. “Continue.”

After a long silence, Le Ya finally spoke. “Chen Yang.”

Chen Yang’s throat vibrated as he responded, “Hmm?”

Silence fell again. Le Ya took a deep breath, her heart pounding so hard it felt like it might leap out of her chest. “...Let me think about it.”

Chen Yang gazed at her for a while. “Alright.”

Le Ya exhaled in relief, only to realize her entire back was damp with nervous sweat.

Sighing deeply, she muttered, “Ah…”

A gust of wind blew through the stairwell, passing between them and dissipating the lingering intimacy. The atmosphere grew cold once more.

After a long while, Chen Yang leaned closer. His voice was husky, startling her. “I want to kiss you again.”

His eyes were half-closed, his brows tinged with desire.

Seeing the flush in Chen Yang’s eyes, Le Ya felt a twinge of fear. Then, she noticed the pressure on her waist intensify.

She pleaded softly, “Chen Yang, please.”

To her surprise, after she spoke, Chen Yang’s presence became even more intimidating. His overwhelming aura silenced her completely.

He was like a wild beast on the verge of breaking free.