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When they returned to Class Seventeen, a boy and a girl were singing a duet love song. The classroom was filled with cheering classmates.

Aside from a few who noticed their return, most people paid little attention.

Le Ya obediently sat back in Chen Yang’s seat. Since their earlier exchange, she hadn’t heard him say another word—whether he was angry or not, she couldn’t tell.

She pushed the yogurt she had won toward him. It was likely bought by a girl, so it was strawberry-flavored. She also handed him the straw—it was rightfully his anyway.

Chen Yang remained silent, casually inserting the straw into the yogurt bottle with a soft “pop,” which was drowned out by the loud music.

Then, he placed the yogurt back on Le Ya’s desk.

Liu Chenchen, who had been closely observing them, wore an expression of smug satisfaction—”I’ve figured everything out”—and secretly grew excited.

Chen Yang, on the other hand, felt that speaking would be exposing too much. Just moments ago, the girl had touched him with her hands, her wet eyes staring at him pleadingly.

And then… she had begged him.

Chen Yang pressed his lips together, recalling the image of Le Ya’s kiss-swollen lips. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he licked his molars and muttered a curse under his breath.

Le Ya didn’t catch what he said but stole a glance at him before timidly asking, “Chen Yang, are you feeling unwell?”

Chen Yang’s expression had already returned to its usual calmness. He closed his eyes briefly, reopened them, and turned his head slightly to look at her. “I’m fine.”

Of course, nothing was truly “fine.”

Le Ya didn’t understand why he suddenly seemed so low-spirited, even his voice had grown hoarser, though it still sounded pleasant.

She cautiously pinched her earlobe, bowing her head to think deeply. Being good-looking really did have its advantages.

Chen Yang asked, “Aren’t you going to drink it?”

Le Ya had been lost in thought about him, her mind wandering to things she didn’t dare say aloud. Startled, she quickly grabbed the yogurt and took a large sip.

She ended up choking herself.

Chen Yang chuckled softly, his tense expression easing. He gently patted her back, the motion softened by her down jacket.

Le Ya coughed twice and grabbed a tissue to wipe her mouth.

After recovering, she realized she had drunk the yogurt meant for him. “Actually, I originally intended to give it to you.”

But then, startled by his gaze, she ended up drinking it herself.

Chen Yang’s eyes shifted from the yogurt to her face. “It doesn’t matter if you drank it. It’s not a big deal.”

Le Ya silently agreed. It wasn’t a big deal indeed.

Not far away, the duet love song ended, and Zhao Mingri announced that there were only five performances left. The next act was a comedic double-act performance.

Though it didn’t compare to the grand Spring Festival Gala shows, it was still quite entertaining for a group of students.

Le Ya clapped enthusiastically after watching for a while.

However, she was shocked when she saw Chen Yang casually pick up the yogurt from her desk, take a sip in front of her, and place it back exactly where it had been.

Le Ya’s face froze in disbelief.

Not far away, Liu Chenchen: !!!

She knew it! Something was definitely going on. They were drinking from the same yogurt bottle! All her careful observation had finally paid off—she had caught the key moment.

Her friend nudged her repeatedly, looking utterly exasperated. “Isn’t it obvious? Even if he sings a love song now, I wouldn’t be surprised.”

Liu Chenchen whispered, “The school bully has fallen in love.”

Her friend nodded. “Yeah, I’m actually curious how that rumor started. There’s no photo, no evidence, though I’m kind of scared of him too.”

Nevertheless, his fearsome reputation had spread. Although the students rarely saw him get angry, they all visibly feared him.

Le Ya nudged Chen Yang’s elbow. “Um…”

Turning his head, Chen Yang responded, “Hmm?”

Le Ya pointed to the yogurt in his hand, hesitated for a moment, and finally spoke. “Just now… that one was already used by me.”

Chen Yang half-closed his eyes. “Is there a problem with that?”

Le Ya mechanically shook her head.

How could she dare say anything? She was afraid Chen Yang might say something unexpected or do something strange again.

One sip was just one sip…

After the double-act performance ended, streams of colorful confetti blew through the classroom.

Chen Yang had nearly dozed off until Le Ya nudged him awake. He almost yawned but managed to suppress it in time.

Le Ya rested her chin on the desk, tilting her head up to look at his weary face. “Are you very tired?”

Chen Yang paused for a moment, then propped his face up with his right hand, locking eyes with her. “No. Do you want to go out and play?”

Le Ya thought for a moment. “Can we leave now?”

Chen Yang smiled faintly. “Of course we can.”

Although the main gate was closed, there was a small door near the security room. While the guards were engrossed in a card game, the two of them slipped out unnoticed.

Standing on the main road outside, Le Ya still hadn’t fully processed what had happened.

Chen Yang waved his hand in front of her face, noticing her blank stare ahead. “What are you thinking about so deeply?”

Snapping back to reality, Le Ya explained, “I’ve never left school during class hours before. This is my first time.”

The life of a well-behaved student was always predictable.

Chen Yang chuckled quietly. “This isn’t class.”

Tonight was a school-wide party—not just for the third-year students. The new campus included first and second-year high school students, and even the junior high students were hosting their own class parties. At this moment, everyone was probably still in their classrooms.

Le Ya said, “There’s no real difference.”

Chen Yang nodded. “You’re right. So, do you want to go back now, or would you like to come with me and have some fun?”

His voice was deep, almost seductive. He leaned down close to her face, the streetlamp casting clean shadows on his profile.

Le Ya blinked. “Let’s play.”

Now that they were already out, going back would be a waste of the nervous energy it took to sneak out. If she returned now, it would feel like coming out had been pointless.

Chen Yang straightened up. “Then let’s go.”

Le Ya didn’t know where he was taking her, so she simply followed behind him.

She had always known that Chen Yang was tall, and his black overcoat in winter accentuated his lean and lanky figure. His legs were long and slender, rivaling those of a model.

This was probably why every time he appeared, almost all the girls would glance over, whispering in awe, some even taking photos with their phones.

On this short walk alone, Le Ya noticed two girls doing just that.

Chen Yang was clearly used to it; he didn’t seem to care at all, not even turning his head. His nonchalant demeanor only made him more attractive.

The two of them first went to the convenience store.

Perhaps to make up for earlier when he had unexpectedly taken a sip of her yogurt, Chen Yang picked up another bottle and also bought a few lollipops.

Le Ya was a bit surprised.

According to Xie Qingyu, a school bully wouldn’t indulge in something as childish as candy. Yet here Chen Yang was, holding several lollipops.

As they stepped out, Chen Yang unwrapped one and placed it in her mouth.

Le Ya didn’t resist. After all, resisting wouldn’t have done much good—it might have led to other complications.

Then Chen Yang unwrapped another one for himself.

After walking for only ten minutes, Le Ya couldn’t help but ask, “Where are we going?”

Chen Yang replied, “Let me think.”

Then he stopped by the roadside.

Le Ya was a bit shocked but didn’t dare to rush him. She simply felt that Chen Yang was being quite unreliable tonight, leaving without a plan.

This road was near the school district, so there weren’t many cars, and in the dead of winter, there were hardly any people wandering about—only the streetlights illuminated the quiet path.

Chen Yang looked down at her. “You’re really so trusting?”

Le Ya didn’t understand. “Huh?”

He was tall, so she tilted her head back to look at him. The streetlight illuminated his face clearly, highlighting his flawless skin and beautiful eyes.

Chen Yang stood still, silent for a few seconds before speaking again. “Aren’t you afraid I might sell you off or do something bad to you?”

Le Ya, completely oblivious, responded with a question. “Would you sell me? Would anyone even buy me?”

Of course, someone would.

You have no idea how tempting you are.

Chen Yang chuckled softly, lowering his voice. “Who knows? Someone like me is capable of anything.”

His tone was slightly improper, yet inexplicably flirtatious.

Le Ya blinked repeatedly at his words, feeling a tingling sensation in her ears. His voice was undeniably pleasant, and she pretended to remain calm. “You’re not that kind of person.”

Seeing her feigned composure, Chen Yang found it even more amusing.

He wasn’t that kind of person.

Chen Yang licked his lips. He knew exactly what kind of person he was, and in reality, he was far worse than the image she had of him.

The atmosphere suddenly fell silent.

After a moment, Chen Yang tilted his chin. “Want to sit in the park?”

Ahead, along the main road from the school, there was a crossroads, and across it lay a large park with a vast lake. Every summer, the lake would be covered with lotus leaves.

Le Ya nodded. “Okay.”

Although it was cold outside, she was wearing thick clothes, so aside from her exposed hands, she barely felt the chill.

The park was bustling with activity. A group of elderly men and women were dancing in the square, and others were singing, creating a lively scene.

Perhaps because it was nearing New Year’s Eve, or maybe because people needed to stay active during winter.

The trees in the park were adorned with countless fairy lights, creating a picturesque night scene reminiscent of a romantic drama.

Le Ya rarely visited parks.

There were game stalls, such as ring toss and balloon shooting—common attractions at any bustling spot.

She looked around, left and right, unaware that she had already walked ahead of Chen Yang. Watching her, Chen Yang’s molars clenched in irritation.

He sighed from behind her, reaching out to tug on the hood of her down jacket.

Le Ya was pulled back, her body halting with a jolt. She took a step back and turned to face him. “What are you doing? Don’t pull me.”

They were very close now, and she could smell the faint scent emanating from Chen Yang, quickly dispersed by the cold wind.

Chen Yang said, “Are ghosts chasing you from behind? Why are you walking so fast?”

Le Ya instinctively replied, “Aren’t I following you?”

Chen Yang paused, pointing to the space between them, and asked with a smile, “Are you following me?”

Le Ya blushed. “Are you going to keep walking or not?”

Chen Yang’s lips curved slightly as he released her clothes, shoving his hands back into his pockets. “We’re walking. Why wouldn’t we?”

Le Ya finally nodded.

Chen Yang walked beside her, slowing his pace. “Don’t wander too far. If you leave for too long and someone grabs you, don’t blame me.”

Le Ya fell silent for a moment. “You’re trying to scare me. There’s no one here who’d kidnap anyone in broad daylight.”

Chen Yang gave her an ambiguous smile.

Coincidentally, a child ran past, shouting loudly, with two adults chasing after and grabbing him.

Chen Yang said sternly, “Don’t wander off.”

Le Ya nodded slightly. “Okay.”

Seeing her reaction, Chen Yang stopped in his tracks, staring intently at her. When she couldn’t help but turn her head, he gently guided her gaze back. “I’m serious.”

Le Ya didn’t fully understand what he meant, sensing there was more to it, but she couldn’t delve deeper. She simply nodded. “I understand.”

Chen Yang sighed, patting the top of her head.

Her soft black hair tickled his palm, sending a gentle, feather-like sensation straight to his heart.

Le Ya shifted uncomfortably but didn’t pull away, only lowering her head slightly, lost in thought.

Finally, unable to bear it any longer, she spoke. “If you keep this up, I’ll go bald.”

Chen Yang was taken aback, raising an eyebrow. “Your hair looks plenty thick to me.”

Le Ya said, “Even if it is, you can’t keep touching it. If you really want to touch something, I’ll buy you a doll—you can touch that every day when you get home.”

Lately, she had noticed a lot of hair falling out while washing her hair. It was likely due to the stress of her final year. If he kept touching her head, it would only worsen.

Le Ya didn’t want to imagine herself going bald.

Chen Yang genuinely burst into laughter at her earnest expression.

Seeing him laugh more exaggeratedly, Le Ya’s face slowly reddened, and she couldn’t help but swat at him. “Stop laughing.”

Chen Yang chuckled, nodding. “I won’t laugh anymore.”

The park grew livelier as the night deepened.

Around nine o’clock, it was the busiest time, filled with groups of people—couples, children, and adults.

Passing by a bustling stall, Chen Yang turned his head and asked, “Do you want to play?”

Le Ya glanced at the stall crowded with children, wondering when she had given him the impression that she enjoyed such games.

She silently shook her head. “No.”

Throughout the walk, Chen Yang had asked repeatedly, and her answer had consistently been “no.” They were nearing the end of the stalls.

Le Ya looked ahead—there were only five or six stalls left. Constantly refusing to play seemed ungrateful since he had brought her out for fun.

If she kept declining, the outing would become disappointing. So, she decided to choose one.

Lost in thought, Chen Yang’s voice came. “Come here.”

He stood in front of a cotton candy stall, accepting a large, fluffy purple-pink cotton candy from the vendor, spun into many layers.

Le Ya walked over, standing beside him.

The cotton candy was still warm, freshly made. Chen Yang pulled out a napkin, wrapping it around the stick handle, then handed it to her. “Hold this.”

Le Ya hesitated briefly before taking it.

Though it looked large, it was surprisingly light. Bringing it close to her nose, she caught the sticky-sweet aroma wafting from the candy.

Holding the cotton candy, Le Ya looked up at him.

Chen Yang’s eyelids drooped slightly. “Why aren’t you eating it?”

Le Ya shook the large puff of cotton candy in her hand, then extended it slightly toward him. “Aren’t you going to eat?”

Her voice was soft, with a hint of innocence.

Chen Yang’s eyes flickered, tilting his head slightly. Thinking of something, he slowly bent down, bringing his face level with hers.

His sharp features, once blurred, now came into clear focus. She could even feel the warmth radiating from him.

His eyes, bathed in the colorful glow of the park’s night lights, momentarily mesmerized Le Ya, causing her breathing to unconsciously slow.

“Want some?” Chen Yang smirked, his voice distinct and clear to her. “Are you sure you want to share the same one with me?”