The boy’s deep voice fell into her ears. When Liang Zhiyi met his dark eyes, she inexplicably felt the intensity of his aura, making her heart race.
Since the college entrance exam ended, why does it feel like this person has changed…
A few seconds later, she nodded reservedly. “Hmm.”
He then led her towards the school. As they exited the campus, they saw Xuan Xia, Fan Gao, Ji Fei’er, Mian, Liang Tongzhou, and some members of the school basketball team gathered together rather unexpectedly.
When they saw the two of them walk out, Xuan Xia shouted, “Ready!” and they all started singing Jeff Chang’s “Love Is Just a Word”:
“Brushing away the dark clouds in the sky, like beautiful blue velvet,
I’ve crossed mountains and rivers for you, only to enjoy the scenery,
I can’t help myself, each thought brings a new dream,
I hope you haven’t forgotten, I will always protect you…”
The two of them: ???
When they reached the chorus, Xuan Xia and Fan Gao pretended to hold each other’s hands affectionately, singing the lines with deep emotion:
“Love is just a word, I’ll only say it once,
You know I express it through actions,
Fireworks are too extravagant, I hold onto my persistence, watch me gamble it all for you,
Love is just a word, I’ll only say it once,
Afraid that those who hear it will be reminded of their longing,
In this bustling city, searching for your shadow,
Making you happy is what I care about most in life…”
When the song ended, the group burst into laughter. Nearby students passing by turned to look. Liang Zhiyi’s face instantly turned red, feeling so embarrassed and shy that she wanted to turn around and leave.
What kind of ridiculous friends are these? So embarrassing, haha…
As the two of them approached, Xuan Xia clenched his fist like a microphone and held it up to Pei Chen. “Now, let’s interview our male lead—Pei Chen. Congratulations on finally breaking through the clouds to see the ‘sunrise.’ How do you feel about Liang Zhiyi returning to Lincheng?”
Pei Chen’s ears turned red, and he rubbed his forehead, smiling helplessly. “…Stop talking, don’t mess around.”
The group laughed, and Xuan Xia then held the “microphone” up to Liang Zhiyi. “Now let’s interview Liang Zhiyi. After hearing our heartfelt performance of this song, how do you feel right now?”
Seeing that they were determined to continue this awkward game, the girl blushed and smiled, mimicking Pei Chen’s tone, “Stop talking, don’t mess around.”
“Hey, it’s only just begun, and you’re already acting like a married couple?”
Several of the basketball team members made remarks, causing the group to burst into laughter.
Liang Zhiyi’s face was completely flushed.
Xuan Xia said to the two of them, “You two are taking a break tonight for some alone time, huh? It’s not easy getting through the college entrance exam; we should all go out and have some fun!”
Ji Fei’er, who was standing nearby, giggled, “Pei Chen, we’re going to be the third wheels tonight, so don’t get mad, okay?”
The boy smiled slightly and said it was fine.
Wasn’t there plenty of time?
Xuan Xia and the others had already reserved a place for dinner. As the group headed over, Liang Zhiyi went to find Ji Fei’er and Mian. Ji Fei’er smiled and gently pushed her to stand next to Pei Chen.
“Go, go, spend time with your Pei Chen.”
So, Liang Zhiyi and Pei Chen ended up walking at the front of the group. The girl’s cheeks were slightly red, and after a while, she heard Pei Chen ask:
“Do you want to get a drink first?”
She felt a bit thirsty and nodded, so Pei Chen turned back to the group and said, “We’re going to get some drinks. What do you guys want?”
“Do you two really need to be in such a hurry to spend time alone, haha…”
“Got it, we must be such an eyesore…”
The group said they didn’t want anything and that they’d drink something at the restaurant later, so the two of them turned right to head to a drink shop.
Liang Zhiyi hadn’t been to this area in a long time, and many new shops had opened, making the surroundings unfamiliar to her. They walked to a tea shop behind the station that they used to visit. Pei Chen asked if this place was okay, and she said it was.
They lined up, and when it was their turn, the server asked, “What would you like to order?”
The girl looked down at the menu and noticed that there were many new options. Seeing the long line behind them, she casually said, “Kumquat lemon tea, please.”
After ordering, she remembered something from the past, and her cheeks grew warm. The server asked how many cups she wanted, and feeling Pei Chen’s gaze on her, she touched her nose and said:
“Two… two cups…”
After ordering, Pei Chen took out his phone and scanned the QR code. After a while, they received their drinks, and she handed him one of the cups.
They both inserted their straws and took a sip. The girl, who loved kumquat lemon tea, was satisfied and said, “It tastes good.”
Pei Chen responded with a light “hmm” and looked at her. “Just like before, it’s very sweet.”
Upon hearing this, her ears grew warm.
Is he saying that on purpose…?
Xuan Xia then sent the restaurant’s location to Pei Chen’s phone, and the two of them started walking towards the restaurant. As Liang Zhiyi looked around, she suddenly felt a wave of nostalgia.
“There are so many new stores here, I hardly recognize the place.”
“After you’re done browsing, we can go around together.”
The girl nodded, and the two of them walked forward. Suddenly, a middle-aged woman’s voice rang out beside them, “Hey, Zhiyi—”
Liang Zhiyi turned her head and saw Zhang’s mother, dressed in bright, flashy clothes, with Zhang Xinxin following behind her. The girl had her head down, looking slightly distressed.
Zhang’s mother had come to pick up Zhang Xinxin after her exams. The mother and daughter walked up to Liang Zhiyi. After transferring schools last year, Liang Zhiyi had finally learned from Zhong Xinrou that it was Zhang’s mother who had told her about Liang Zhiyi chasing after Pei Chen at school.
Although her parents had already noticed, Liang Zhiyi particularly disliked Zhang’s mother for her habit of gossiping behind people’s backs. From that moment on, she disliked Zhang’s mother even more.
However, Zhang’s mother was an elder, so out of politeness, she forced a smile and greeted her, “Auntie.”
Zhang’s mother quickly noticed Pei Chen standing next to the girl and was surprised. Recognizing him, she chuckled lightly, “Oh, isn’t this the boy who delivered New Year’s goods to your family last year?”
When Pei Chen saw Zhang’s mother, memories flooded his mind, and his expression faltered slightly. He pursed his thin lips and greeted her, “Hello.”
Liang Zhiyi noticed the slight change in his expression and sensed that something was off.
Zhang’s mother asked with a smile, “So, where are you two headed?”
Liang Zhiyi replied, “We’re planning to have a meal with some classmates.”
“Ah, that sounds nice. It’s good to relax a bit after the college entrance exams,” Zhang’s mother probed, “Zhiyi, how did you do on your exams?”
The girl noticed Zhang Xinxin sneaking a glance at her and then smiled warmly, “I think I did quite well.”
Zhang’s mother’s face stiffened slightly, and Zhang Xinxin looked down in dissatisfaction. Liang Zhiyi guessed that Zhang Xinxin hadn’t done well on her exams, but she didn’t care at this moment. She smiled and said, “Auntie, if there’s nothing else, I’ll head off with my classmate now.”
“Alright…”
Liang Zhiyi and Pei Chen continued walking forward, and the girl asked in surprise, “Did you run into my aunt last year when you came to deliver the New Year’s goods?”
The boy’s expression was a bit calmer, “Yes.”
“I have to tell you, my aunt is particularly sharp-tongued and inexplicably superior. She looks down on everyone and loves to gossip behind people’s backs. I really can’t stand her. Did she say anything to you back then?”
Pei Chen lowered his eyes, “She just said a few things in passing.”
She paused and pressed, “What did she say to you?”
Pei Chen had already let go of that matter and didn’t want to upset the girl by recounting it. He gently replied, “It’s nothing, it’s in the past.”
Liang Zhiyi still felt like he was hiding something, and she secretly noted this suspicion in her mind. She then comforted him, “If she said anything unpleasant, don’t take it to heart. I don’t like talking to her either.”
Pei Chen responded with a sound, and the frustration in his eyes dissipated, turning into a gentle expression.
In truth, after confirming his own feelings, he had already prepared himself to face gossip and rumors. Those words would no longer make him retreat.
After a while, they arrived at the restaurant. The waiter led the two of them to a private room, where a few people inside started teasing as soon as they saw them:
“Oh wow, these two finally came back after spending so much time alone together!”
“Pei Chen, were you in such a hurry that you had to steal her away for so long before bringing her here?”
Liang Zhiyi smiled helplessly and explained on Pei Chen’s behalf, “I just ran into a relative.”
“Alright, alright, we’ll believe that excuse for now, haha.”
They had saved seats for the two of them, and after they sat down, the dishes were brought out. Someone next to them poured drinks for everyone, and Xuan Xia raised her glass:
“Come on, everyone, let’s have a toast! The college entrance exams are over! We’re finally free!”
Everyone happily clinked their glasses together:
“Wow, I’m so happy! Finally, no more studying like crazy!”
“Freedom at last! I’m drinking tonight, and I’m not going home until I’m drunk!”
After the battle of the college entrance exams, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted, and everyone was in high spirits.
Xuan Xia then glanced at Liang Zhiyi and Pei Chen with a mischievous grin and said, “And we should also congratulate the new couple for finally making it through the exams!”
“Hahaha, what do you mean by ‘new couple’…”
“Are we drinking at a wedding reception or what? Haha…”
As the group continued to joke around, Liang Tongzhou noticed his sister blushing and finally laughed and said, “Alright, alright, that’s enough, guys. Are you going to let us eat or not?”
Lan Zhi and Wang Weibo from the basketball team laughed and said, “Oh wow, we haven’t even started, and the little brother is already defending his sister and brother-in-law. That’s family for you.”
“Liang Tongzhou, you better come clean. Do you have a girlfriend or what? Is it possible that our school’s other handsome guy doesn’t have any romantic prospects?”
The conversation shifted to Liang Tongzhou. The boy lowered his eyes with a smile, and Ji Fei’er, sitting next to him, couldn’t help but speak up playfully, “Hey, why are you guys changing the target?”
“Ji Fei’er, why are you defending him so much?”
Ji Fei’er’s face turned red, and she lowered her head to open the can of soda in her hand, “I’m not…”
The group started teasing her, while Liang Tongzhou, with a faint smile on his lips, took the can from Ji Fei’er, who was struggling to open it, and easily popped it open with one hand. He placed it in front of her and said to everyone with a gentle smile:
“Don’t tease her. If you have something to say, say it to me.”
“Oh wow…”
Ji Fei’er’s cheeks turned even redder. She looked over and saw Liang Zhiyi also smiling, which made her pout, “Aren’t you and Pei Chen the main characters tonight?”
The girl raised her eyebrows mischievously and leaned in, saying, “Why does it feel like my brother is protecting you so much?”
“Don’t say things like that…”
“Whether I’m saying things or not, I’ll find out when I ask.”
Ji Fei’er pouted at her, “Go find your Pei Chen…”
Liang Zhiyi laughed even harder.
As dish after dish was served, everyone ate and chatted, with laughter constantly filling the table. A plate of shrimp was passed to Liang Zhiyi, and Pei Chen asked her, “Do you want some shrimp?”
She liked shrimp but shook her head, “No, I don’t want to get my hands dirty.”
“It’s okay, I’ll peel them for you.”
Pei Chen got up and left the private room. After a while, he returned with a few pairs of disposable gloves. He put on a pair and started peeling the shrimp for her, then placed them in her bowl. She smiled brightly.
Next to them, Xuan Xia mimicked Pei Chen’s voice and asked Fan Gao, “Do you want some shrimp?”
Fan Gao, acting coy, replied in a delicate voice, “No, I don’t want to get my hands dirty.”
Xuan Xia waved his hand, “It’s okay, I’ll peel them for you.”
Lan Zhi, sitting nearby, also chimed in, “I want some too, I want some too.”
“Gross!!”
The whole table burst into laughter.
A teammate nearby started teasing, “Pei Chen, I want you to peel some for me too!”
Everyone laughed, and Pei Chen raised the corners of his lips slightly. Finally, he looked up at them and said:
“Are any of you Liang Zhiyi?”
“You’re killing us here!”
The girl heard this and her heart skipped a beat, feeling flustered.
Pei Chen peeled the shrimp for her and asked what else she wanted to eat. She sweetly enjoyed his pampering and pointed to a few dishes, and he used the serving chopsticks to place them in her bowl.
“Here, have some of this spare rib…”
Watching her eat like a little hamster, a smile appeared in his eyes.
The group gradually got used to watching Pei Chen openly dote on Liang Zhiyi, although they still felt a bit envious.
After finishing the meal, someone suggested going to sing karaoke, insisting that the night shouldn’t end so soon. Liang Zhiyi and Pei Chen agreed, since it was rare for everyone to have such a fun time together.
So, the group left the restaurant and moved the “battlefield” to a nearby mall, booking a private room for karaoke on the way there using a mobile app.
Once they entered the private room, some people went to choose songs, while Liang Zhiyi and Pei Chen naturally sat together. Ji Fei’er, Zhi Mian, Xuan Xia, and a few others gathered around, laughing and chatting.
After a while, Xuan Xia turned to Pei Chen and asked, “Pei Chen, do you remember that one time last year during a class meeting, when you publicly admitted something?”
Pei Chen recalled what they were referring to. At that moment, the girl was sitting beside him, her ears slightly red. She asked, “What are you going to say?”
“It’s nothing, but it’s okay if you don’t remember. We’ll give everyone a recap!”
Xuan Xia pointed to the TV in front of them, “Everyone, please look at the screen!”
Ji Fei’er cast a video from her phone onto the TV. The video began to play, showing Pei Chen standing at the podium with the class laughing and cheering. “Class monitor, what about your vast sea?” they teased.
Pei Chen was suddenly stunned.
When was this video recorded??
In the private room, some people who weren’t from Class Nine saw the video and got really excited, shouting, “What a classic moment!!!”
Actually, Ji Fei’er had recorded this video and sent it to Liang Zhiyi, who was in W Province at the time. When she watched it, her eyes filled with tears.
At that moment, she felt that her long-awaited response had finally come.
Now, with the person in the video sitting beside her, she watched the screen, and when the question about liking Liang Zhiyi was asked and Pei Chen admitted it, her heart raced like a fluttering deer.
After the video ended, someone yelled, “Should we make Pei Chen reenact that scene for us?”
“Yeah, since the other party is here today, Pei Chen, don’t be shy, haha!”
Liang Zhiyi: ???
She was blushing from the atmosphere. A few seconds later, she heard Pei Chen’s deep, muffled voice say, “I’ll talk to her privately.”
Upon hearing this, she felt her ears grow warm and her heart race.
The group laughed and didn’t make things difficult for the two of them.
While the others sang, Liang Zhiyi, Ji Fei’er, and Zhi Mian went to the bathroom. Liang Zhiyi scolded them:
“Did you two plan this in advance? Tonight, it’s all about teasing me and Pei Chen.”
The two of them laughed, “You used to never be shy about these things.”
The girl muttered, “Well, it’s different now…”
“That’s true. You should let Pei Chen take the initiative. Everyone’s really looking forward to seeing you two together. And Pei Chen has changed so much now; he wouldn’t have tolerated our teasing before. Didn’t you see how willingly he put up with it tonight?”
Mian nodded in agreement, “Zhiyi, now the class monitor is openly showing his feelings for you…”
Liang Zhiyi felt sweet and touched inside.
She certainly felt the difference; Pei Chen no longer seemed like the aloof person from before.
It seemed that liking someone was something even the most rational person couldn’t hide.
After finishing in the bathroom, the three of them returned to the private room and saw Liang Tongzhou standing outside, on the phone.
As they walked over, the call ended just as they arrived, and Liang Tongzhou’s gaze fell on Ji Fei’er. Ji Fei’er’s eyes wandered, and Liang Zhiyi noticed something was off. She smiled and pulled Mian along, saying, “Let’s go back first.”
The two returned, and Ji Fei’er tried to slip away but was blocked by Liang Tongzhou. The boy looked down at her and chuckled softly, “Where are you running off to? Do you think I can’t catch you?”
Ji Fei’er blushed and asked, “What do you want?”
“Just want to talk about the call you made to me that night.”
…
The two talked outside the private room, while inside, Liang Zhiyi returned to Pei Chen’s side. Someone handed her the microphone, and she sang a song.
She had always been skilled with musical instruments, and her voice was exceptionally melodious. Pei Chen’s gaze was almost constantly fixed on her.
The group sang, chatted, and played games, enjoying themselves. By the end of the night, it was nearly midnight, and everyone was tired from singing.
As they left the mall, the night sky was dark.
Someone suggested going to an internet cafe, but Mian and Ji Fei’er said they wouldn’t join them. Liang Zhiyi and Pei Chen also said they planned to go home, and the group let them leave, saying it was time for the two of them to enjoy their time alone together.
After saying their goodbyes, the surroundings became much quieter.
The two walked slowly down the street under the starry sky, with streetlights stretching ahead. The atmosphere between them was slightly ambiguous.
The girl had her hand resting on her crossbody bag, looking down at her shoes, feeling inexplicably nervous.
Pei Chen looked down and asked, “Are you drunk? Are you feeling uncomfortable?”
They had had fruit wine tonight, and Liang Zhiyi had tried a little.
She shook her head. “That little bit couldn’t make me drunk.”
Pei Chen’s voice was gentle. “Then why is your face so red?”
“…”
It wasn’t because of the alcohol; it was because…
She mumbled, “Maybe it’s just that I blush easily after drinking…”
Arriving at the bus stop, Liang Zhiyi asked, “Are you taking the bus home? Are you waiting for the bus here?”
“How about you?”
“I could also take the bus; there’s no subway nearby.”
Moreover, their homes were not close. Although Liang Zhiyi was planning to stay a little longer, after spending the whole day and night out, she would likely be quite tired.
They looked at the bus stop sign, and the streetlights cast a glow over the empty bus stop.
She leaned slightly against the advertisement board and asked:
“What bus are you taking?”
He answered, “187.”
Liang Zhiyi nodded, feeling Pei Chen’s dark eyes fixed on her with a slightly burning intensity, causing her ears to heat up.
Just as she was about to speak, she saw the 187 bus approaching. She pointed at the bus and said, “The 187 is here.”
However, Pei Chen didn’t get on the bus. Liang Zhiyi noticed he was still standing in front of her. When the bus pulled away, she asked in surprise, “Aren’t you getting on the bus?”
“Hmm.”
“Ah, then you’ll have to wait for the next one…”
Suddenly, he said, “That night in the second year of high school, when you accompanied me after my part-time job, I didn’t get on that bus. It was actually the last bus of the night.”
She was slightly stunned as he continued:
“That bus just now was also the last bus.”
She was taken aback.
Leaning against the advertisement board, she stood close to him. His shadow enveloped her as he looked down into her bright, shimmering eyes and said in a deep voice:
“But missing it doesn’t matter.”
“Because there’s something more important now.”
The girl suddenly jumped. “What…”
His low voice fell near her ear: “I’ve been waiting until after the college entrance exams. What do you think it is?”
He looked at her, past scenes replaying in his mind. His eyes showed restrained emotion as he remained silent for a few seconds before speaking:
“I’ve seen it in the video, but I haven’t told you in person—”
Under the streetlight, solely focusing on her, his voice was hoarse:
“Zhiyi, I like you.”
“I’ve liked you for a long time.”