Chapter 13

The two of them looked into each other’s eyes.

Shen Siyan’s gaze flickered, while Xu Zhilu stared at him intently, pressing her lips together. “If I remember correctly, you didn’t know how to shoot, right?”

In Xu Zhilu’s memory, Shen Siyan couldn’t shoot arrows at this point in time.

They had only gone out to play once before, and at that time, Shen Siyan had shown some interest in archery but had only played for a few minutes and was terrible at it. Xu Zhilu had even complained about it. After that, whenever Xu Zhilu suggested playing again, he always refused.

But now—

She looked at the arrow in the bullseye not far away and felt something indescribable.

How did she think that the picture of Shen Siyan just shooting an arrow was very familiar, as if she had seen it before.

Clearly, they’d only played once.

Shen Siyan’s heartbeat was a little faster, and he lowered his eyes to look at her.

The two were at a stalemate for a moment, and he opened his eyes and said, “Well, I learned it when I was bored.”

Xu Zhilu was half-believing, half-doubting. “Really?”

Shen Siyan nodded, his expression unchanging. “Don’t believe me?”

Xu Zhilu snapped back to reality, giving him a suspicious glance and muttering, “Who said I don’t believe you? I was just curious how you got so good.”

She let go and stepped back. “No other meaning, don’t overthink it.”

Shen Siyan: “I’m not overthinking.”

He looked away. “Do you want to find a place to sit?”

“No.”

Xu Zhilu watched him. “I’ll watch a bit longer. You seem quite talented.”

“…”

Shen Siyan didn’t respond.

Xu Zhilu muttered to herself, “Last time, I didn’t feel that you had talent, and you still said that this thing is not interesting.”

Shen Siyan remained silent.

Xu Zhilu murmured for a while but didn’t suspect anything further.

She occasionally watched Shen Siyan’s movements but didn’t linger.

Shen Siyan’s archery posture was actually similar to most people’s, but watching him was just… pleasing.

Maybe it was his looks and height that gave him a unique aura.

Not just Xu Zhilu, but even passersby who unintentionally saw him couldn’t help but let their gaze linger on him.

This person was born with an attractive aura.

Xu Zhilu found herself lost in thought, watching Shen Siyan intently.

Shen Siyan played for a few more minutes before stopping.

Xu Zhilu, sipping her milk tea, looked at him in confusion. “Done playing?”

“Yeah.” Shen Siyan said it lightly. “Don’t you still want to play?”

Xu Zhilu didn’t think much of it. After putting down her milk tea, she said, “There’s still some time, so I’ll play a bit more.”

“Alright.”

–

When the two left the shop, it was already late.

They found the other three, who were still having a great time.

“An’an.”

Xu Zhilu called out, “Do you want to keep playing?”

Xin An’an, wearing earphones, shouted, “What time is it?”

“Past eight.”

Xu Zhilu lowered her voice. “How about we come back tomorrow?”

Xin An’an nodded. “Alright, are you heading home?”

“Yeah.”

Upon hearing this, Xin An’an didn’t hesitate, immediately handing her game controller to Shen Siyan. “You guys play, we’ll head home first.”

Shen Siyan: “…”

He looked at Xu Zhilu. “Going back now?”

Xu Zhilu nodded, her tone calm. “You guys play. We’ll head back first.”

Shen Siyan smiled slightly and looked at the other two. “Cheng Song.”

“Huh?” Cheng Song turned around.

Shen Siyan pointed. “I’m heading home.”

Cheng Song: “…”

He looked at Shen Siyan in disbelief, pointed at the time. “Brother Yan, it’s just getting lively, and you’re heading home? Aren’t you coming for a late-night snack?”

“Nope.” Shen Siyan refused without hesitation. “I’m going home. We can hang out tomorrow.”

Cheng Song had no choice but to wave his hand. “Alright then, Gao Chi and I will head back later.”

Xu Zhilu listened to their conversation, pursing her lips. “You’re coming with us?”

Shen Siyan glanced at her. “Yeah, why?”

Xu Zhilu thought for a moment and said softly, “You can keep playing; there’s no need to leave with us.”

Shen Siyan stared at her for a few seconds, then tapped her head lightly. “What are you talking about? Missing out on one game isn’t a big deal.”

He responded lazily, his tone very nonchalant. “Let’s go, I’ll walk you home.”

Xu Zhilu: “…”

Xin An’an couldn’t hold back a laugh. “Thanks, Brother Yan, for walking us home.”

Shen Siyan started walking ahead, leaving behind a casual, “Let’s go.”

After leaving the mall, Shen Siyan suggested sending Xin An’an home first.

Xin An’an’s house was a bit farther away from both of theirs, in the opposite direction.

They hailed a cab, with Shen Siyan in the front seat and the two girls in the back.

Xin An’an glanced at Shen Siyan and took out her phone to chat with Xu Zhilu.

Her phone vibrated, and Xu Zhilu glanced at her.

Xin An’an nudged her phone as a signal.

Xu Zhilu looked down and saw the message she sent.

Xin An’an: Shen Siyan is quite considerate, isn’t he? A true gentleman and a handsome guy.

Xu Zhilu smirked. “Why didn’t you call him a gentleman when he was fighting?”

Xin An’an: …I didn’t see that.

Xu Zhilu: Maybe he just doesn’t want to play games anymore.

Xin An’an: Don’t deny it. He’s worried about us two girls going home at night.

Xu Zhilu: Oh.

Xin An’an saw her reply and sent back: You’re so cold and heartless.

Xu Zhilu: You’re being unreasonable.

Xin An’an: …

She looked at Xu Zhilu’s expression and silently mourned for Shen Siyan for ten minutes.

With Xu Zhilu’s attitude, if Shen Siyan really wanted to pursue her, it might take three to five years.