"That's true."
"Since that's the case, I won't be attending the club activity today. I need to protect Su Cheng. I'll also make sure he stays with me over the weekend to avoid any retaliation!"
Xuan Ying volunteered enthusiastically, raising her hand. She looked like a guardian, causing everyone to chuckle.
"Alright, I'll join you,"
Zhao Yan nodded.
"But does anyone know the history between Su Cheng and Ailiya?"
A boy spoke up at this moment, having watched for a while without understanding what had happened between them.
Upon hearing this, the class fell silent, everyone lost in thought.
"Maybe Su Cheng confessed to her, and she felt humiliated?"
"I think she was standing up for Cornelia."
"That's not important."
At this point, the class monitor spoke: "What's important is that we don't tell Su Cheng about this when he returns."
Su Cheng, as a commoner, was already fragile and sensitive.
If he found out, it might have a significant impact on him.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Alright, everyone, disperse. Do what you need to do."
The monitor's words prompted everyone to nod and shift the conversation to other topics, though the class soon fell silent again.
Everyone looked at the door in surprise as they saw Su Cheng return.
"Why does he look better?"
A boy exclaimed in surprise, unable to contain himself.
Others also turned to look at Su Cheng. They noticed that he was drastically different from his previous appearance. His features were the same, but his skin was much fairer, and his eyes were brighter, making him exceptionally striking.
"Did he put on foundation and wear contact lenses?"
This was the only thought in everyone's mind.
"Psychologically speaking, we had biases against him before, so we found him unpleasant. Now that the bias is gone, all his good qualities are showing."
A girl wearing glasses pushed her black-framed glasses up with her middle finger and said.
"I see."
A boy next to her nodded thoughtfully.
"Eh, do you really believe that?"
The girl with glasses looked surprised.
………………………………
"Indeed, they immediately noticed the change."
As Su Cheng walked back into the class, he felt everyone's unusual gazes and felt a bit awkward.
He had never experienced such a dazzling transformation in his appearance.
"Um... Is something wrong, everyone?"
Su Cheng blinked his innocent big eyes, pretending to be clueless.
"Gulp~"
Some girls in the class subconsciously swallowed, but soon, some recovered and looked away, pretending to read their books, while others secretly observed Su Cheng with amazement and curiosity.
"Welcome back, Su Cheng."
Zhao Yan stared at Su Cheng without blinking, her lips curling into a smile, but she was also surprised. Not just her, but Xuan Ying next to her had a look of astonishment.
Su Cheng's skin and eyes were different from before. Although he was also fair, the difference was too significant, which is why she was so surprised.
"Su Cheng, what did you use? The change is so drastic."
Xuan Ying couldn't help but step forward to closely examine Su Cheng's face. His skin was fair and smooth, especially his eyes, like black pearls, crystal clear and very beautiful.
There was no trace of makeup, which made her even more puzzled.
"Well..."
Su Cheng decided to tell his perfectly crafted lie, so he said: "Because I had swimming class this afternoon, I removed my makeup and took out my contact lenses beforehand."
"Huh!!"
"Removed makeup, had contact lenses before?"
"So that means..."
"This..."
The class erupted in surprise, with many girls gasping.
"Before, someone said I didn't look manly, so I made my skin look more rugged."
Su Cheng blinked weakly, looking helpless and innocent.
"I see."
"So that's how it was."
"So he was covering it up with makeup before."
The class murmured, and some girls understood.
"But makeup is already very unmanly."
Xuan Ying frowned and said seriously, looking at Su Cheng: "I think you look great now!"
"You don't need to wear makeup anymore."
"You look very handsome like this."
"Yes."
The monitor also agreed.
"Is that so?"
Su Cheng scratched his head awkwardly, looking innocent and naive.
He felt relieved in his heart, thinking: "As expected of me, I can come up with such a perfect lie."
At this moment, some boys felt an inexplicable urge to protect Su Cheng.
However, this urge quickly passed, and they returned to normal, secretly despising themselves for having such feelings towards a man, which was quite embarrassing.
The girls were even worse, each wanting to pounce on Su Cheng and give him a good squeeze.
They never expected that the Su Cheng they had always disliked would be such a handsome, pure, kind, and shy boy. He was a perfect guy.
Even to fit in with the group, he awkwardly wore makeup, which made him a naive and sweet boy.
But they had previously chosen to hurt such a pure boy.
At this moment, the guilt and shame of the entire class reached their peak.
"Su Cheng."
At this moment, the monitor approached Su Cheng, sincerely saying: "As the monitor, I failed to provide positive and uplifting help, and instead, I made you suffer in this matter. I apologize on behalf of the entire class."
With that, Li Wen bowed deeply to Su Cheng.
This humbled posture made Su Cheng feel honored and quickly reached out to support the monitor's shoulder: "It's okay, I'm not bothered by it anymore. Please don't take it to heart."
Su Cheng said while supporting the monitor.
The monitor looked up but was very ashamed.
She hadn't understood why the senior club member, Ji, invited Su Cheng to join the club. Now she understood. It was because Ji might have seen such a kind and pure person for the first time and wanted to protect Su Cheng.
"Alright, since the person involved has said so."
Zhao Yan continued: "Let's put this matter behind us."
"Yeah!"
Su Cheng quickly nodded, feeling relieved.
He also secretly admired Zhao Yan's insight.
Then he nodded to everyone and walked to his seat.
He was actually very troubled.
Because of this incident, he, who was originally inconspicuous, suddenly became the focus of attention, which made him very uncomfortable. However, there was no other way now, and he could only endure it.
"Su Cheng, do you go straight home after class?"
As soon as he sat down, Xuan Ying, looking like an inquisitive child, leaned over and asked.
"Yes, I go straight home."
Su Cheng nodded slightly, not understanding what she meant by this sudden question.
"What do you usually do on weekends?"
Xuan Ying continued, her face full of excitement and anticipation.
"I just stay at home on weekends."
Su Cheng shook his head and replied.
"Oh, I see."
Xuan Ying looked disappointed but soon her eyes lit up and she said: "There's a gathering this weekend. Can I invite you to join?"
"Uh........."
"I don't like crowded places..."
Su Cheng was taken aback and quickly declined.
Xuan Ying blushed and regretfully patted her forehead.
Fortunately, Zhao Yan quickly intervened: "What she meant was, there's a class gathering. Would you like to join?"
"Class reunion?"
Upon hearing this, Su Cheng was momentarily at a loss for how to react, and his heart couldn't help but waver.
Under normal circumstances, he would have definitely refused without hesitation, but just moments ago, he had claimed not to care. If he were to refuse now, it would seem petty, as if he were still holding a grudge.
For a moment, Su Cheng found himself in a dilemma, unsure of how to handle the situation.
Just as he was grappling with his thoughts, Zhao Yan, who was beside him, waved her phone in front of him: "Su Cheng, let's exchange contact details first. You can think it over and get back to me later."
"Me too."
"And me!"
...
Soon, the entire class of girls gathered around, encircling Su Cheng and demanding to add him on WeChat.
Su Cheng: "........."
Surrounded by the fragrant aura of many, he felt a sense of helplessness, almost to the point of tears. He truly didn't want to be so popular!