SW - 23

Tang Yin had a pair of peach blossom eyes. When she looked at someone, her gaze carried a dreamy haze that seemed both tipsy and lucid—it was impossible to look away.

Her current demeanor truly made it seem as though she were possessed by a mischievous spirit. And yet, she still taunted Zhao Ruying so brazenly. Zhao Ruying nearly ground her teeth into dust in frustration.

This wasn’t the first time Tang Yin had provoked her like this. Now, she was doing it again.

Zhao Ruying couldn’t understand—how could Tang Yin be so shameless and yet act as if she were completely justified?

“Thank you for your kind words, Miss Zhao,” Tang Yin said sweetly.

Her voice pulled Lu Chi out of his daze. His gaze flickered to where their arms were still connected, and he subtly tried to tug his arm back.

But Tang Yin refused to let him go.

Lu Chi didn’t want to make a scene in front of so many people by forcefully pulling away. He had no choice but to endure her hold, though his expression clearly showed his displeasure.

Zhao Ruying had originally hoped for Lu Chi’s attention, but now she felt even more frustrated. From the moment they arrived until now, he hadn’t paid her the slightest bit of attention or taken her words seriously!

Lu Chi struggled for a long while to free himself but eventually gave up, his face stiff. He turned his head slightly and muttered softly, “Let’s... go.”

Tang Yin hummed lightly.

Ding Tong secretly watched the spectacle unfold, quickly sending a message to her classmates on her phone: OMG, Lu Chi is dating someone! The bookworm has been claimed!

The reply came almost instantly: Who? Who managed to melt the ice block?

Lu Chi was famous for being cold in their class. While he had close friends, very few girls ever exchanged more than a few words with him.

Hadn’t he only transferred to Jia Shui Private School a month ago? How had this happened so quickly?

Ding Tong discreetly snapped a side profile picture of Tang Yin, gazed at it admiringly for a moment, then forwarded it with the caption: She’s super beautiful and has such an amazing vibe when she puts someone in their place.

Deep down, Ding Tong genuinely thought this girl radiated a comforting presence. In contrast, the other girl, though pretty, had a personality that left much to be desired.

The response came back even faster this time: Impressive—it’s her, I should’ve known. No wonder…

Ding Tong frowned. Was this girl well-known? Had she missed some crucial gossip recently?

She sent another message asking outright, but there was no reply from the other side.

________________________________________

The standoff dragged on, and the atmosphere grew increasingly awkward.

Chen Chen also felt uncomfortable staying there any longer. Who would have thought Zhao Ruying, usually so aloof, would act as if she’d swallowed something bitter today? Several people browsing books nearby were glancing over at them, making Chen Chen feel utterly embarrassed.

It had been the same last night—Zhao Ruying insisted on arguing with Tang Yin.

Everyone at Jia Shui Private School knew Tang Yin’s personality: unyielding when she had the upper hand, and always getting what she wanted.

Chen Chen gently tugged at Zhao Ruying’s sleeve and whispered, “Ruying, let’s go…”

Zhao Ruying snorted coldly. Seeing Tang Yin still leaning casually against the counter, she angrily dumped all her study materials there and stormed off toward the stairs.

Chen Chen didn’t want to buy anything anymore and quickly followed her out.

Tang Yin raised an eyebrow and waved mockingly. “Take care.”

Seeing the abandoned pile of study materials on the shelf, Ding Tong frowned in disapproval. What nonsense was this? Now she’d have to clean up after them. Such bad manners—it was no wonder people disliked her.

She hated it when people left things scattered around for her to tidy up.

By the time they left the bookstore, Zhao Ruying’s face was still clouded with anger.

Chen Chen trailed behind, struggling to keep up with Zhao Ruying’s quickened pace.

She couldn’t understand it either. Lu Chi had only transferred recently and barely interacted with anyone in the class. Why did Zhao Ruying care so much about his affairs?

And not just once—but twice now.

Most importantly, the first time she confronted him, she was immediately shut down. Why did she insist on bringing it up again, knowing full well she’d likely get the same reaction?

Zhao Ruying was well aware of Tang Yin’s reputation at Jia Shui Private School. If she disliked her, fine—she could keep it to herself. But why bring it up and risk being overheard by the person involved?

Even Chen Chen had felt incredibly awkward hearing the word “fox spirit” earlier.

Zhao Ruying’s mind was a tangled mess.

How long had Lu Chi and Tang Yin known each other—a month? Perhaps a little longer? And yet they were already so close?

The last time she asked Lu Chi about homework, he hadn’t explained anything to her. Instead, he turned around and discussed the problem with Tang Yin. The difference in treatment was glaring.

Chen Chen spoke softly. “Ruying, don’t be upset. Let them be. The school won’t allow them to date anyway—it’s against the rules to have early relationships.”

Of course, those rules might not apply to Tang Yin…

Before she finished speaking, Zhao Ruying suddenly kicked an aluminum can by the roadside, muttering under her breath, “Shameless!”

Her voice wasn’t soft, and Chen Chen heard it clearly.

The can flew onto the road just as a car passed by, flattening it with a loud noise.

________________________________________

Back on the second floor of the bookstore.

Once the surrounding gazes shifted elsewhere, Lu Chi exhaled deeply and whispered, “Let... go.”

“You can say whatever you want,” Tang Yin said teasingly, finally releasing him.

Lu Chi’s ears flushed with heat, but he forced himself to remain calm. With practiced composure, he placed all the study materials on the checkout counter.

Ding Tong accepted the books, greeting him casually, “Long time no see, Lu Chi.”

Lu Chi nodded briefly.

She was familiar with his reserved nature and wasn’t offended by his curt response. Slowly scanning the items, she packed them into a bag and pushed it over. “That’ll be 238 yuan.”

Lu Chi paused for a moment.

Tang Yin rested her elbow on the counter. “What’s wrong?”

“Something’s... missing.”

He murmured softly and turned back toward the senior three materials section.

Ding Tong chuckled quietly. This trait of his hadn’t changed—he always double-checked prices mentally. Unlike her, who never bothered calculating.

While he went to retrieve the missing item, Tang Yin asked, “Do you know Lu Chi?”

“Oh, yeah. I used to sit in front of him,” Ding Tong replied, surprised that such a stunning girl would ask her about him. “Lu Chi didn’t talk much at First High. He rarely spoke to anyone.”

She lowered her voice conspiratorially. “And honestly, I’ve never seen him so close with a girl before. He barely even responded to questions in the past.”

This answer pleased Tang Yin immensely.

As for Lu Chi’s life at First High, she could easily have gathered information if she wanted to. But she hadn’t. First High was First High, and now he was at Jia Shui Private School—everything was different.

Ding Tong then asked, “Are you his girlfriend?”

“No.”

Before Tang Yin could respond, a cool voice from behind answered firmly.

Lu Chi approached, placing the physics reference book on the counter, his usual stoic expression restored.

Tang Yin shrugged playfully at Ding Tong, winking as her tone turned teasing. “Not yet—but soon.”

Ding Tong couldn’t help but stifle a laugh. She mouthed silently to Tang Yin: Wish you success.

Tang Yin’s eyes curved into crescents, her mood exceptionally bright.

As they walked down the narrow staircase, Lu Chi finally couldn’t hold back any longer. “Next time… don’t say things like that.”

Especially the part about “scholar”—just thinking about it made him blush.

Tang Yin casually asked, “What things? I’ve said a lot today.”

But Lu Chi suddenly fell silent.

Only then did Tang Yin realize what he meant. She turned to look at him and burst into uncontrollable laughter.

After a while, she chirped cheerfully, “Mm-hmm.”

Hearing her agree so readily, Lu Chi knew she hadn’t taken his words to heart. His attempt had been in vain.

The bus stop was diagonally across from the bookstore. Lu Chi and Tang Yin didn’t cross the road but instead walked side by side along the sidewalk.

It was the weekend, so there weren’t many people outside. First High School was on break, though occasionally students passed by to buy something. Seeing Lu Chi walking with a girl left them somewhat surprised—especially since he rarely interacted with anyone.

Beside the bookstore was a small alleyway leading to an old residential area.

Lu Chi, being taller, had longer strides. As they neared the alley, his gaze shifted slightly, and he frowned.

“If you call again, you can leave.”

Tang Yin was behind him, holding her phone as she urged Su Kexi not to bother her with calls. Just as she looked up, she bumped straight into Lu Chi’s back.

“...Why did you stop?”

Seeing him staring intently at something, Tang Yin grew curious. She moved around him to peek, but before she could react, Lu Chi reflexively blocked her.

Before she could process anything further, Lu Chi pulled her forward. She stumbled slightly, clutching his shirt with both hands.

She’d always known Lu Chi was taller than her, but their height difference felt even more pronounced when they were this close.

His hand rested lightly at the back of her head. Though he appeared slim, his chest was surprisingly sturdy. Tang Yin couldn’t resist poking it gently with her fingers, feeling the strong, steady heartbeat beneath.

Her cheeks flushed faintly under his shadow.

Coming back to her senses, Tang Yin asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing... nothing,” Lu Chi replied coolly.

Unusually, he encircled her wrist with his hand. Her slender wrist felt delicate in his grasp, leaving some slack. He led her directly across the street without another word.

This behavior was rather abnormal. Tang Yin felt puzzled.

Lu Chi’s strides were long, but he deliberately slowed down a bit, allowing Tang Yin to match his pace.

Just as they reached the other side of the road and turned, Tang Yin tilted her head slightly. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of the scene inside the alley.

She suddenly smiled.

The alley wasn’t large and was dimly lit, but it was clear that someone was urinating in the corner. Pants down, swaying unsteadily, he had likely been drinking.

Seeing Tang Yin glance back, Lu Chi quickly turned her face away.

His expression was one of dissatisfaction.

Tang Yin hadn’t anticipated the situation earlier.

Far from feeling uncomfortable, she felt a warmth in her heart.

Seeing Lu Chi act so assertive was unexpectedly endearing. She couldn’t get enough of discovering these hidden facets of him—how many more secrets lay beneath the surface?

First High School had a high volume of foot traffic, and since it wasn’t a boarding school, there was a KFC nearby.

The two stood by the bus stop for a while, waiting for the bus that hadn’t yet arrived.

Tang Yin had visited here multiple times. Seeing fewer people around now, she glanced at the surroundings for a few seconds before tugging lightly on Lu Chi’s sleeve. Smiling sweetly, she tilted her head up slightly. “Let’s go buy something to eat.”

Lu Chi lowered his gaze to her face. After a moment, he blinked and nodded.

Tang Yin immediately pulled him into the store.

Inside was much brighter than outside, with warm lighting making everything feel more comfortable.

At the counter stood a young girl.

When she saw the two walk in, it was immediately obvious that their relationship was special. She quickly rehearsed several meal combos in her mind.

As Tang Yin and Lu Chi approached the counter, the girl greeted them warmly. “The couple’s combo is 20% off today!”

With so many students around, early romances among high schoolers were common, and couples were everywhere. Their meal combos catered specifically to such pairs.

Tang Yin withdrew the finger she had pointed at the burger menu and winked at the girl. “Couple’s combo?”

This girl was quick on her feet.

Tang Yin glanced at Lu Chi, giggling mischievously, then turned back to ask, “What’s included in the combo?”

Lu Chi interjected, “We’re not... not...”

Before he could finish, Tang Yin nudged him playfully. “He and I are fighting, and I’m trying to make up with him. Hurry and recommend something.”

Lu Chi: “...”

He suddenly realized how inconvenient his stuttering could be.

The girl instantly understood. Seeing his conflicted expression, she stifled a laugh and quickly introduced the options. “These three are our latest combos. You can choose your own drinks from over here.”

They all seemed similar, so Tang Yin tilted her head. “Which one do you like?”

Lu Chi’s eyebrows furrowed almost painfully. “No...”

Before he could finish, Tang Yin interrupted again, pouting pitifully. “I don’t have any money left.”

Lu Chi: “...”

He had plenty of money and could easily pay.

Not giving him a chance to protest again, Tang Yin grinned widely and randomly pointed at one. “This one, this one.”

The girl quickly jotted it down. “Alright. And the drinks?”

Tang Yin swiftly made her choice and glanced at Lu Chi.

Lu Chi took a deep breath, still somewhat unhappy about the entire situation. Curling his fingers, he tapped lightly on one option and immediately withdrew his hand.

Tang Yin hadn’t seen it and curiously asked, “What did you pick?”

Lu Chi blinked, realization dawning. “I... I forgot.”

He hadn’t even looked; he’d just randomly selected one.

The store was empty except for the two of them, so their order came quickly.

As the tray was placed on the table, Tang Yin’s attention was immediately drawn to the pink drink. She watched as it was set directly in front of Lu Chi.

The girl left with a cheerful “Enjoy your meal!” and scurried away.

Tang Yin picked up her drink, then glanced at the vibrant pink beverage across from her. Unable to hold back her laughter, she teased, “Lu Chi-chi, I never knew you had such a girly side.”

So the drink he’d randomly chosen—or perhaps deliberately forgotten about—was pink cola. Whether it was an accident or intentional, this question was worth pondering.

Lu Chi: “...”

His hand hovered above the drink as he stared at the pink cola, visibly conflicted.

What kind of nickname was “Lu Chi-chi”?