Strategy

When Su Cheng arrived at the bathroom, he was immediately captivated by the scent inside. It was the rich aroma of rose essential oil, so potent that he couldn't help but take a deep breath and then touch his nose.

"Turns out my senior is quite the wealthy lady," Su Cheng muttered to himself. From what he knew, this essential oil was top-tier, considered one of the most expensive in the world, and yet she used it for her baths. And not sparingly at that.

It seemed the maid's salary was pretty decent too.

Next, he glanced at the clear water in the bathtub and frowned. Had Liu Qingyue not taken a bath? Why was the water so clean? And if she had, why hadn’t she drained it?

With that in mind, he dipped a hand into the tub to check the temperature.

"She must have bathed, right?"

Su Cheng couldn’t quite decide, as the water was still scalding hot and as pristine as when he had first filled it.

Now, he faced a pressing dilemma.

To drain or not to drain?

If it were just him, he definitely wouldn’t drain it. In fact, he’d probably bring a bowl of rice to eat while soaking, saving both water and time, and skipping dinner altogether.

But since it was Cornelia’s turn next, he reluctantly made up his mind.

"Better drain it."

Su Cheng shook his head regretfully, plunged his hand into the water, and emptied the tub. Then he started refilling it with hot water.

After finishing, Su Cheng stepped out and immediately spotted Liu Qingyue lounging on the couch in a loose white robe, her eyes half-closed, exuding an air of laziness. Behind her, Li Guanqi was diligently blow-drying her hair.

Cornelia turned to look at him, and their eyes met briefly before she averted her gaze. Su Cheng spoke up, "The water’s ready. You can go take a bath now."

"Okay."

Cornelia picked up her bag and headed toward the bathroom.

"You should sit down and rest for a bit too."

At that moment, Liu Qingyue opened her eyes and patted the spot beside her, her tone gentle and inviting.

Li Guanqi also paused her blow-drying and glanced at Su Cheng.

Su Cheng, hearing the invitation and after a quick look at Li Guanqi, didn’t refuse. He sat down next to Liu Qingyue and turned his attention to the TV. However, the faint, unique fragrance emanating from Liu Qingyue kept distracting him.

Especially since she was wearing a thin nightgown, her chest slightly exposed, revealing her fair neck, which made his throat itch inexplicably.

Su Cheng wasn’t sure why he was reacting this way. Maybe it was just because he was a normal student.

He was now desperately trying to regain control of his thoughts.

He truly regretted having girls over at his place. This was pure torment.

His pure mind and body had already suffered irreversible damage.

But there was nothing he could do now—he had already agreed to it.

"Senior, I’m done."

Li Guanqi set down the hair dryer and took a seat beside Su Cheng. Liu Qingyue, hearing this, glanced at Su Cheng and then crossed her legs, resting her elbow on her knee and her chin on her palm, eyeing the small hair tie on Su Cheng’s wrist with interest.

Su Cheng followed her gaze to the hair tie.

"What’s up?"

Su Cheng asked, though he already knew.

"Nothing."

Liu Qingyue shook her head with a faint smile, then rummaged through her robe pocket and pulled out a small hair tie. Without warning, she reached over and wrapped it around Su Cheng’s wrist, then lightly scratched the skin on his arm with her nail.

"Does this mean I can make a wish now?"

Liu Qingyue asked, her expression innocent, as if completely unaware of what she was doing or that Li Guanqi was watching from the side.

Su Cheng looked at the new orange hair tie now adorning his left wrist and couldn’t help but twitch his lips in exasperation.

"Why does this have to be tied to some anime trope?"

Su Cheng muttered under his breath.

"I think it’s fun."

Liu Qingyue glanced at the newly enchanted hair tie on his wrist, satisfied, and then turned her attention back to the TV.

"..."

Su Cheng was at a loss for words. He leaned back on the couch, only to be hit by a mix of two distinct fragrances.

Individually, both scents were pleasant, but combined, they stirred something bold within him.

Yes, bold.

The scent from Li Guanqi was calming, while Liu Qingyue’s was more provocative. Together, they evoked a daring impulse.

What kind of impulse?

The kind where he wanted to wrap his arms around both of them and, when Cornelia came out, say, "You’re just in time—sit on my lap."

At that thought, he abruptly stood up and explained, "I’m going out to the store to buy something. I’ll be back soon."

He needed to step out and cool his head.

"I’ll go with you. I need to pick up some toiletries too."

Li Guanqi also stood up, glancing pointedly at Liu Qingyue’s nightgown as she did.

"Alright, Senior, we’re heading out."

"Could you grab me a pack of refreshing lemon-flavored chips?"

"Sure."

Su Cheng nodded, and the two of them walked out the door one after the other.

Liu Qingyue, still watching TV, pouted slightly. "Such a reserved guy and a scheming girl."

...

Once outside, Li Guanqi reached out and grabbed the hem of Su Cheng’s shirt. Su Cheng didn’t react much—he was used to it by now.

The two walked side by side toward the apartment gate, with Li Guanqi’s hand never letting go of Su Cheng’s shirt.

Since it wasn’t completely dark yet, many residents were out for their evening strolls. The sight of Su Cheng and Li Guanqi in their school uniforms drew quite a few glances.

Su Cheng noticed this too.

What surprised him, though, was how much attention Li Guanqi was getting.

He looked down at the hem of his shirt she was holding and suddenly realized something.

So, holding hands wasn’t the only way to make Li Guanqi more noticeable!

"Xiao Su, you’ve brought your little girlfriend back this time?"

Just then, an elderly woman holding a child’s hand approached, greeting Su Cheng with a warm smile.

This was the same granny who had once brought him dumplings.

"My, your little girlfriend is quite the looker!"

The granny exclaimed upon getting a closer look at Li Guanqi.

Li Guanqi, hearing this, took a few steps back, her black-stockinged legs retreating slightly behind Su Cheng. Though her expression remained neutral, her cheeks flushed slightly as she brushed aside a strand of hair and ducked her head behind Su Cheng. The gesture was downright adorable.

Su Cheng, standing beside her, was momentarily stunned.

"Hahaha… Oh, don’t be shy!"

The granny laughed heartily, slapping her thigh and pointing at the bewildered Su Cheng. "Why aren’t you holding her hand? It’s almost dark—aren’t you worried she’ll get lost?"

Li Guanqi peeked out from behind Su Cheng and greeted the granny with a soft, "Hello, Granny."

The term "Granny" made the elderly woman beam with joy. She immediately stepped forward, let go of her grandson’s hand, and without waiting for either of them to protest, grabbed one hand from each and clasped them together.

"You youngsters are so shy. It’s making me anxious just watching you!"

Su Cheng: "......"

Were they really being shy?

The granny continued, "What are you waiting for? Go on your date already!"

With that, she shooed them off.

Su Cheng glanced down at their intertwined fingers, then looked up at Li Guanqi, who was also looking at him. Without hesitation, he led her forward. "Alright, Granny, we’re off!"

Li Guanqi waved her free hand to bid the granny goodbye.

For the two of them, holding hands wasn’t something they’d normally feel shy about—they did it often. But this time, it felt a little awkward.

Stepping out of the apartment building, Su Cheng put on his mask, and the two of them walked hand in hand to the store. At this time, there were already many customers inside.

As soon as they entered, Su Cheng could feel the envious and jealous gazes of many male customers.

It couldn’t be helped. Their school uniforms were a mark of their status, and since they were holding hands, everyone could see Li Guanqi’s presence. No one could ignore such a top-tier beauty.

He could understand.

"I’ll go buy some chips for my senior. Do you want any snacks?"

Su Cheng turned his head to ask Li Guanqi as they entered the store.

Hearing this, Li Guanqi pointed to a cream cake on the counter and said, "I want one of these."

Su Cheng glanced over and saw that it was a cake with an incredibly high sugar content. He immediately frowned. "You shouldn’t eat something so sweet at night."

But as soon as he said this, he noticed that the gazes of the men around him turned fierce, and even the cashier gave him an unhappy look, as if saying, "How could you refuse her? Buy it for her! Is this how you act as a boyfriend? If you can’t handle it, just break up. I’ll buy it for her!"

"Uh…"

Su Cheng was momentarily stunned by the sudden reactions.

Then he realized what was happening and couldn’t help but laugh bitterly.

Li Guanqi also noticed this and quickly pointed to a strawberry lollipop instead. "Then I’ll just have a lollipop."

At the same time, the surrounding gazes turned to him again, as if saying, "Buy it for her! If you refuse again, you’re really being ungrateful!"

"Alright, sure."

Su Cheng nodded, then turned around and grabbed a strawberry lollipop, handing it to Li Guanqi.

Li Guanqi reached out and took the lollipop. "Thank you!"

Afterward, the two of them entered the mall and began shopping for various items.

Originally, Su Cheng had gone out alone to get some fresh air and clear his mind. But since they were already here, he decided to do some early shopping.

…………………………

Meanwhile,

Cornelia walked out wearing an adorable bunny pajama set. She had initially felt a little shy about wearing pajamas in front of Su Cheng, but since someone else had taken the lead, it didn’t feel as awkward anymore.

She excitedly stepped out of the bathroom, but her smile froze as soon as she entered the living room.

Because she found that only Su Cheng’s sister was in the living room, playing with Ya Ya.

"Where’s Su Cheng?"

She had been hoping that Su Cheng would help her blow-dry her hair, which was why she had deliberately wet it. But now, Su Cheng was nowhere to be seen.

"They went out to buy some things."

Su Cheng’s sister’s voice reached her ears, and Cornelia froze for a moment. Then she looked up and saw Su Cheng’s sister letting go of Ya Ya and standing up. With a face mask on, she smiled and said, "Let me help you dry your hair. Hair is a woman’s life, after all. You have to take good care of it~"

Cornelia glanced at her wet, golden hair and silently nodded, thanking her before sitting down on the couch with a dejected expression.

"Su-jie, have you known Li Guanqi for a long time?"

Cornelia suddenly couldn’t help but ask.

Hearing this, Su-jie walked over to her with a smile. "Yes, I’ve known her for a long time. But I feel like she and Xiao Su aren’t really a good match."

"Really?!"

Cornelia instantly perked up, her face filled with excitement. She looked up at Su-jie behind her with a look that said, "Great minds think alike," eagerly waiting for her to continue.

"I still think you’re a better match for him."

Su-jie added, then started blow-drying Cornelia’s hair.

This made Cornelia even more excited, and she quickly asked, "Why do you think so?"

Su-jie chuckled. "Because you’re cute and innocent. I don’t think anyone could dislike you."

Hearing Su-jie’s praise, Cornelia felt a sweet warmth in her heart, though she pretended to be indifferent and pouted. "It’s a shame that blockhead hasn’t confessed to me yet."

After saying this, she looked at Su-jie with anticipation.

Su-jie immediately laughed. "If he hasn’t confessed, it’s his loss. He’ll definitely regret not confessing to you in the future."

Then she looked at Cornelia and spoke in a serious tone. "Since you know he’s a blockhead, sometimes you need to take the initiative. Otherwise, happiness might slip away."

Cornelia felt a surge of joy in her heart but still turned her head away in a show of pride, pretending to be reserved. "Confessing is something the guy should do, after all."

Suddenly, the door opened.

The two of them fell silent and looked up to see Su Cheng and Li Guanqi walking in, carrying several bags.

Li Guanqi still had a lollipop in her mouth.

Seeing Li Guanqi walk in, Cornelia’s expression turned slightly smug. Her confidence was at its peak, and her self-assured aura was in full swing. After all, Su Cheng’s elder sister had said that Li Guanqi and Su Cheng weren’t a good match.

With such an advantage, how could she possibly lose?

Meanwhile, Su Cheng tossed a large bag of snacks onto the table and glanced at Cornelia, who was wearing an adorable yellow pajama set. "You guys chat first. I’ll go run the bath."

Cornelia, feeling a little embarrassed, turned her head away.

Li Guanqi sat down next to Cornelia.

She looked down at the snacks on the table, then glanced at Liu Qingyue, who was standing behind the couch, and Cornelia, who was sitting beside her. "If you’re interested in the topic we were discussing earlier, we can continue."

"With your abilities, isn’t it easy for you to retrieve a phone?"

Liu Qingyue put away the hair dryer, placed it on the table, and crossed her arms as she leaned back against the couch, looking at Li Guanqi with interest.

Li Guanqi shook her head. "I can’t do that unless it’s absolutely necessary."

Then she looked at Liu Qingyue. She knew that Liu Qingyue definitely had a way, and she could probably do it without even touching Su Cheng’s phone.

"Is that so?"

Liu Qingyue nodded, then stretched, causing her pajama top to rise slightly and reveal her slender, fair waist. She continued, "Then let’s hear your thoughts first."

At the same time, Cornelia stood up. She realized she had no idea what they were talking about, but she knew she couldn’t let this continue. She wanted to impress them and show off her intelligence.

She wanted to outsmart them.

So, she went to the fridge, took out a bottle of walnut milk, opened it, and walked back to her seat while drinking it.

The two of them couldn’t help but look at her curiously.

After finishing the walnut milk in one go, Cornelia suddenly exuded an aura of wisdom, completely different from her usual cute and innocent self. The two of them were stunned.

Then she wiped her mouth with a tissue, and just as she was about to reveal her brilliant and flawless plan, Su Cheng walked out. "The bath’s ready."

His sudden appearance interrupted her train of thought, and Cornelia glared at him in annoyance.

"You go ahead and take a bath first."

Li Guanqi responded.

"Alright."

Su Cheng nodded without refusing. Instead, he went to the bedroom to grab some clothes and then headed into the bathroom.

Li Guanqi and Liu Qingyue turned their attention back to Cornelia, eagerly waiting for her to share her plan.

But to their surprise, Cornelia looked at them with a blank expression, scratching her head in frustration. "I… I suddenly forgot."