"What… what did it say?"
Hoshino Yikui watched his sister holding a note, tears welling up in her eyes, and swallowed hard, struggling to ask.
Hoshino Mirai tucked the note away, wiped her tears, and looked up with a smile. "Brother, let's go eat now. I'll make sure to eat on time from now on."
"…"
Hoshino Yikui stared at his sister, dumbfounded.
"Come on, let's go," Hoshino Mirai said, pulling on his sleeve. "I'm starving. If I don't eat soon, I won't have the energy for gym class."
"So, what exactly did it say?"
Hoshino Yikui snapped back to reality, still unwilling to give up, his curiosity piqued. "Can you give me a hint?"
"It said you're the prince who's always protected me~"
"Oh! Is that so? Then I take back what I said about him being a demon!"
……………………
"Thud~"
Seeing the two leave, Su Cheng jumped down from above, gazing at the stairway where they had disappeared, and let out a heavy sigh.
He hadn't expected his spontaneous act to cause such a big disturbance.
Then, his gaze fell on the penguin sculpture on the ground, and he couldn't help but exclaim: "I'm definitely not getting punished by the system again!"
If it weren't for coming to the rooftop today, he wouldn't have known about this incident.
And because of this, he was wide awake, so he decided to stroll around the campus, enjoying the breeze.
As he walked, he admired the various beautiful girls around.
This always lifted his spirits.
But suddenly, his footsteps halted.
Because his attention was drawn to the vending machine.
The vending machine sold drinks and snacks, which were quite expensive for him, but very popular.
He decided to buy something to eat.
Just as he approached, he noticed a familiar figure nearby,
This figure was tiptoeing, trying to smell a small flower hanging on the wall.
Her legs, already fair and long, looked even more slender and alluring in this position, but she didn't notice Su Cheng.
It was Zhao Yan, the class's disciplinary committee member.
Su Cheng glanced around but didn't see another figure.
This made him breathe a sigh of relief.
No Xuan Ying.
Usually, the two sisters were inseparable.
But he didn't pay much attention, nor would he intrude on someone's leisure time.
However, just as he reached the vending machine, a sweet, coquettish voice suddenly called out.
"Yan Sister, Yan Sister!"
Xuan Ying's voice came from a distance, and Zhao Yan turned to wave at her.
"What is it?"
Zhao Yan seemed to be in a good mood, her face glowing with a radiant smile, looking as bright as spring.
Su Cheng didn't turn around but continued to select items, his back to the two.
"Look at this!"
Xuan Ying held up a pen refill, excitedly saying.
"Hmm?"
"This isn't just any pen refill."
Xuan Ying explained.
Zhao Yan took the pen refill and found it was a used one, then asked uncertainly, "Isn't… isn't this the one he used up during today's exam?"
"Yes, I just fished it out from the trash can."
Xuan Ying admitted without any hesitation.
Earlier, Xuan Ying had confessed her liking for Su Cheng, and Zhao Yan had said she would help her.
After a whole night of discussion yesterday, the two had evolved from ordinary best friends to super invincible cosmic best friends.
That's why she had unhesitatingly brought the pen refill to Zhao Yan, wanting to share this joy.
"Can you not do such silly things?"
Zhao Yan glared at her, somewhat exasperated.
"You don't understand the preciousness of this pen refill!"
Xuan Ying shook her head, took the pen refill, and put it in her mouth, then blew forcefully, explaining excitedly, "After the ink ran out today, he blew it like this!"
"…"
Zhao Yan watched her, feeling a headache coming on.
She really didn't know what to say.
However, Xuan Ying looked blissfully at her pen refill, mumbling, "It's so nice~"
"Did you wash it after picking it out from the trash can?!"
Zhao Yan said helplessly.
"It was clean when I picked it up!"
Xuan Ying quickly explained.
"You really are…"
Zhao Yan looked at her helplessly, not wanting to argue, then pulled her towards the vending machine, saying as they went, "It's dirty, hurry up and rinse your mouth."
"It's not dirty!"
Xuan Ying protested, "I want to take it home and keep it well."
"…"
Zhao Yan was left speechless, unable to sway her friend's resolve, so she silently led her to the vending machine. As she looked up, she unexpectedly caught sight of a boy's back at the vending machine. This immediately made her nervous, and she asked, "Did you hear all that?"
Xuan Ying also looked panicked at the boy's back.
"………"
Su Cheng's heart was very complicated, like a herd of wild horses galloping.
He didn't know how to describe his feelings.
Why would anyone collect his pen refill, seriously!
This made him too embarrassed to ever throw it away again!
"I'll say I didn't hear it, but you probably won't believe me."
With these words, Su Cheng gave an awkward yet polite smile and slowly turned around.
Upon hearing this familiar voice and seeing this familiar face, the two girls widened their eyes in surprise.
Then, the expressions of the two visibly became rich, like a palette, from red to green, then from green to red.
Especially Xuan Ying, who was completely stunned.
From her neck to her face, even her ears, all turned red.
She directly transformed into a steam engine, with wisps of smoke emanating from her head, her legs weakened, and she fainted, collapsing to the ground.
Luckily, Zhao Yan managed to catch her in time, avoiding a fall.
"Su Cheng... you…"
Zhao Yan opened his mouth, wanting to say something but didn't.
She didn't know what to say.
After all, this was too socially awkward and embarrassing.
She hadn't encountered such an embarrassing scene in her entire life.
Fortunately, she hadn't said anything strange.
"Zhao Yan, I wasn't intentionally eavesdropping on your conversation."
Su Cheng was also very embarrassed, but the most important thing now was to send Xuan Ying to the hospital.
So he suggested, "Let's first send Xuan Ying classmate to the hospital, shall we?"
"Well, I can only rely on you."
Zhao Yan looked at the unconscious Xuan Ying and said helplessly.
Su Cheng nodded, then used Xuan Ying's right hand to loop around his neck. His left hand clasped with his right to form a loop, placing his left hand under Xuan Ying's shoulder blades, with his fingers beneath her left armpit. His right hand was positioned under the bend of her black silk-covered leg.
Then, both simultaneously exerting force, bringing her head and shoulders closer to his left shoulder, finally using his waist and abdomen to lift, his arms hooking around, easily scooping up Xuan Ying in a princess carry.
"Why is this… so skilled?"
Zhao Yan watched this scene in astonishment.
This series of smooth movements clearly showed he hadn't done this a few times.
"What?"
Su Cheng wondered.
"No. Nothing."
Zhao Yan explained in a flustered manner, then quickly led the way in front.
Soon, the two arrived at a nearby hospital.
In the hospital bed.
Xuan Ying on the bed was still unconscious.
"Blood pressure elevated. It's just a temporary coma, nothing serious, let her rest for a while."
The doctor measured Xuan Ying's temperature and blood pressure, then told Zhao Yan and Su Cheng.
"Thank you."
Zhao Yan hurriedly expressed his gratitude.
Next to them, Su Cheng looked at Xuan Ying's unconscious state, his heart filled with complexity.
"Why is she holding a pen refill?"
The doctor said in puzzlement, finding that no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't pry the pen refill from Xuan Ying's hand, as if it were stuck, several attempts were futile.
"This…"
Zhao Yan and Su Cheng looked at each other, both showing embarrassed expressions, not knowing how to explain.
"This doesn't need to be managed, let her hold it."
Zhao Yan saw the doctor stubbornly trying to take the pen refill, quickly saying.
Seeing this, the doctor wisely left.
The two looked at each other, deciding not to disturb Xuan Ying's rest, so they went out together, looking at the scenery outside the window, and fell silent.
"You must have already realized that she likes you."
After a long time, Zhao Yan broke the silence, continuing, "I want to know what you think about it?"
"Well."
Su Cheng nodded with a bitter laugh: "I can see that, as an orphan with nothing. I simply can't respond to any emotions. Right now, I can only focus on my studies."
"Actually, I was planning to make my stance clear last time."
At this point, he paused, then turned to look at Zhao Yan. Zhao Yan also turned her head, and the two faced each other. He then continued: "But then you appeared. So I hope that after she wakes up, you can tell her that I'm not suitable for her and that she should give up."
Zhao Yan remained silent upon hearing this, as if deep in thought. After a while, she spoke: "No, this is something you should tell her yourself. And... do you really think she'll give up?"
Xuan Ying once went through the trash for a pen refill without a second thought.
She even changed herself for Su Cheng. Most likely, she'll just be sad for a while and then make up her mind to try again.
After all, a girl's steadfast and unwavering heart of love won't shatter just because of a rejection.
After hearing this, Su Cheng's mood grew even more complicated.
Zhao Yan was right.
Xuan Ying was quite stubborn.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have gone to pick up his pen refill.
And she even boasted about it afterward...
"I understand."
Finally, he took a deep breath, nodded, and then walked toward the door.
But as he reached the staircase, he suddenly remembered something and stopped in his tracks. He turned to Zhao Yan behind him and said: "Please tell her for me. Don't change yourself for anyone; it's meaningless."
With that, he disappeared down the corridor.
"..."
Zhao Yan watched his retreating figure, her heart filled with mixed emotions, but she quickly regained her composure. She then pushed open the door to the ward, only to find Xuan Ying's face covered in tears, her lips tightly pressed together.
Seeing her like this, Zhao Yan couldn't help but sigh. She reached out and wiped away the tears from Xuan Ying's cheeks, instinctively comforting her: "Don't cry. His meaning is that he prefers your cute self from before."
She just couldn't stand seeing Xuan Ying cry. For some reason, whenever she cried, it made Zhao Yan want to comfort her.
Xuan Ying shook her head, not saying a word.
"Oh, by the way, he was the one who brought you to the hospital."
Zhao Yan quickly added.
Upon hearing this, Xuan Ying lifted her head, her tears subsiding a bit, but she was still a little choked up as she asked: "Was he carrying me or...?"
"He carried you on his shoulders."
Zhao Yan said, unable to help but cover her mouth and giggle.
"Waaah~"
Upon hearing this, Xuan Ying burst into loud sobs, pounding her chest in tears.
Being carried to the hospital by Su Cheng on his shoulders? What kind of situation was that!
It was utterly humiliating!
"Alright, it was a princess carry!"
Seeing this, Zhao Yan quickly tried to comfort her.
"Really?!”
Xuan Ying immediately stopped crying and smiled, incredulously asking for confirmation.
"Of course it's true. Do you think I'd lie to you? Just enjoy it secretly."
Zhao Yan rolled her eyes, giving her a look of disdain.
Xuan Ying suddenly hugged Zhao Yan and sobbed into her ear: "But, waaah... today was so embarrassing, I don't even want to live anymore. How am I ever going to face him again!"
"Alright, alright, don't cry."
Zhao Yan smiled and said: "He just said he can't respond during his studies, not that he can't respond forever. So you still have a chance. Love takes time to develop."
"Really?"
Xuan Ying wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes and asked.
"Of course. True love is always cultivated over time."
Zhao Yan said naturally.
"Thank you, Yan Jie."
Xuan Ying hugged her again.
Zhao Yan patted her head and smiled: "You don't need to be so polite with me. No matter who you end up with, I just hope you'll be happy."
…………………………
Leaving the hospital, Su Cheng's mood was very heavy. He actually didn't understand at all.
Why would Xuan Ying like someone like him?
He had always been very ordinary before.
There was nothing about him that could attract her.
Was it because of the time he beat up the cashier?
That couldn't be, right?
How could such a rude act make someone like him?
Could it be because of the parking lot incident!?
Thinking about it this way, he suddenly felt it was very possible.
Because they were also in the parking lot at that time.
"Ah..."
Sitting on the grass, he sank into deep thought and couldn't help but sigh softly.
He realized that if someone with ill intentions wanted to investigate, then the Alzheimer's and mental illness would immediately be linked to him.
Now, there was no way to make amends. The incident had already happened, and it had spread throughout the entire neighborhood. There was no way to salvage it.
"What's wrong with you?"
Just as Su Cheng was immersed in irritation and frustration, a fragrant breeze suddenly blew past, and a graceful figure appeared beside him.
Seeing the person, Su Cheng was stunned. He then looked around and realized that, lost in thought, he had unknowingly walked to the place where Li Guanqi usually stayed.
He looked at the girl in front of him, who was wearing a school uniform, and his heart couldn't help but tremble. He blurted out: "It's nothing, I just suddenly felt tired and sat down to rest for a while."
"Have you eaten?"
Li Guanqi stared at him expressionlessly for a moment before asking.
"Uh... not yet."
Su Cheng replied awkwardly and then suddenly stood up, heading towards a nearby vending machine, saying: "I'll go buy something to eat now."
However, he found that Li Guanqi was following right behind him.
Su Cheng stopped and asked with some confusion: "What's wrong?"
Li Guanqi remained expressionless, standing still and not speaking.
"What would you like to drink?"
Su Cheng turned and asked, ready to treat her.
"Milk."
"Alright."
With that, he walked to the vending machine, inserted some coins, and prepared to buy a can of coke and a bottle of milk.
"Clang clang~"
The two drinks dropped, and he bent down to pick them up.
"Wait a minute."
Just as he was about to hand the milk to Li Guanqi, her indifferent voice came, making Su Cheng's heart skip a beat. She walked over and said: "I want the coke."
"Oh, okay."
Su Cheng quickly handed her the coke, but she took it and then took out a sandwich from her bag, handing it over.
"Here, for you."
Su Cheng was slightly taken aback, looking at her with some confusion: "For me? Aren't you going to eat it?"
"I've already eaten. This is as a thank you for the coke."
After saying that, she placed it in his hand and turned to leave.
"..."
Seeing her frosty back, and looking at the chicken, potato, ham, and lettuce salad sandwich in his hand, he felt something was off, but he couldn't figure out what.
Meanwhile.
Li Guanqi was sitting on a stone bench, looking down at a can of coke in her hand.
Without hesitation, she opened the lid, and suddenly, the gas inside the can burst out.
She reacted, wanting to dodge, but was still a bit slow, and a little splashed onto her face.
So, she took out a tissue and wiped her clean, jade-like face, but her gaze was fixed on the bubbles at the mouth of the can, as if pondering the principle behind it.
After a long time, when the bubbles were gone, she tried putting the coke to her nose and sniffed it, then frowned and looked at the ingredients list.
Finally, she decided to give it a try.
She picked up the coke and took a sip. As soon as the first mouthful entered, a spicy and pungent taste instantly filled her entire mouth, almost making her choke to tears.