Chapter 92: The Delicate and Willful Cannon Fodder Female Supporting Character (10)

One whole night.

Song Jing tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

His mind was filled with the voices and images of Qiao Yiyi and Hao Qin discussing Shi Jiachen.

Shi Jiachen had a sunny personality and played basketball. There were many girls in school who admired him, but he was different—besides studying, he had nothing else.

Some even thought that since he was so detached from others, of course his studies were good.

Song Jing deeply understood why he was unpopular. Otherwise, his mother would not have left without looking back and never contacted him again. He was also afraid that too much contact with Qiao Yiyi might not be good for him.

After all, he clearly knew his mindset was changing.

Maybe she just pitied him.

Thinking that it was because of pity made Song Jing feel restless and unable to sleep.

He didn’t want to go tomorrow, so he wouldn’t have to hear Qiao Yiyi plan how to confess to Shi Jiachen on Christmas Eve.

By then, he didn’t know if he could keep his emotions steady and not damage their relationship.

Making up his mind, Song Jing covered himself with the blanket and went to sleep.

Dawn gradually broke.

Rays of sunlight streamed through the cracks.

Song Jing suddenly threw off the blanket, his eyes clear. He got up quickly, washed up, and caught the first bus, arriving early at the bookstore.

By the time he got there, the sky was already bright.

He didn’t have a phone, so he checked his watch. It was 7:30. Nearby was a food street, and he remembered a good old rice noodle shop there with great taste.

He could take Qiao Yiyi there to eat later.

People came and went downstairs in front of the bookstore. Song Jing kept checking the time; it was almost nine.

He looked toward the direction Qiao Yiyi would come from but hadn’t seen her yet.

He had no phone or her contact info and couldn’t reach her.

He waited until 9:30, then went inside the bookstore to the section for senior year supplementary materials, but still no sign of Qiao Yiyi.

He could only pick some materials for her first.

By the time Song Jing finished buying the materials, Qiao Yiyi still hadn’t shown up.

Now he was truly worried. He quickly checked out and headed toward her home.

He couldn’t even wait for the bus and hailed a taxi. Once inside, he gave the address and kept staring out the window, afraid to miss her.

At the gate of the community, Song Jing saw Qiao Yiyi coming out before he entered.

She kept her head down, dragging her feet, looking tired and dispirited.

Song Jing watched her all the way but didn’t call out.

Qiao Yiyi walked right up to him, surprised at first, then forced a smile, her tone full of surprise: “Why are you here?”

Then she apologized: “I overslept. I was just about to come find you. I didn’t even know if you were still around.”

Song Jing stared at her face and softly said: “I’m glad you’re okay.”

“I’m fine,” Qiao Yiyi said, seeing the books in his hand. “You went to buy books yourself?”

“Just bought them on the way. Are you hungry? Want to eat?” Song Jing asked.

Qiao Yiyi scratched her head, a little embarrassed: “I said I’d treat you to some private kitchen dishes, but I forgot to make a reservation last night. That place requires booking a day in advance.”

Song Jing said: “Then next time. I’ll take you for hotpot.”

“Hotpot, huh—” Qiao Yiyi reacted slowly but then smiled, taking big steps forward. “Let’s go!”

Song Jing watched her back, his face worried.

She didn’t seem very enthusiastic. Was something bothering her?

About Shi Jiachen?

Song Jing didn’t ask and put away his thoughts, walking quickly to her side.

They arrived at the hotpot restaurant and sat down. Song Jing asked again: “Want some milk tea? I’ll go get it for you.”

“I haven’t eaten breakfast yet, so no,” Qiao Yiyi shook her head.

Song Jing’s expression softened a little: “Then drink it later.”

“Mm,” Qiao Yiyi picked up the menu and discussed what to order with him.

Because she hadn’t eaten breakfast, Song Jing didn’t order anything spicy, keeping it light.

“One moment, please.” The waiter took the menu away, leaving just the two of them.

Qiao Yiyi rested her elbow on the table and looked at Song Jing to find a topic: “What study materials did you buy? Let me see.”

Song Jing lifted the bag and took out the materials one by one, placing them on the table and explaining.

His voice was soft, more than any time before.

Qiao Yiyi rested her head on her hand, nodding occasionally.

She tried hard to agree and listen carefully, but Song Jing could still sense her distracted thoughts.

There were faint bruises under her eyes, clearly from a poor night’s sleep.

“Wow—”

When the hotpot and dishes arrived, Qiao Yiyi exclaimed and smiled at him, pulling her lips apart: “I’m already hungry.”

Song Jing put the ingredients into the pot, then put some cooked meat slices into her bowl: “Eat something first to line your stomach.”

“Did you eat breakfast?” Qiao Yiyi asked.

“No, I forgot,” he replied.

“Forgot or waiting for me?” Qiao Yiyi asked with a playful smile.

Song Jing didn’t say anything, nor did he deny it.

Qiao Yiyi looked at him, her smile slowly fading as she glanced at the food in her bowl. “Sorry, I’m the one who didn’t keep my promise.”

“It’s not a big deal,” Song Jing replied and put some hot duck blood into her bowl.

Qiao Yiyi, who had been loudly complaining about being hungry earlier, now ate only a few bites, still eating bit by bit.

Song Jing couldn’t help but say, “Since you didn’t eat breakfast, don’t eat too much.”

He noticed her poor appetite and worried she might feel uncomfortable if she ate too full.

“Okay.” Qiao Yiyi obediently put down her chopsticks and didn’t pick them up again. “I’m going to the restroom.”

When she came back, Song Jing had already paid the bill and was waiting by the door.

“You said I would treat you. Who told you to pay?” Qiao Yiyi came up to him, fuming and looking anxious.

Song Jing said, “It’s fine, let’s go.”

“How is it fine? It was so expensive, and you—” Qiao Yiyi stopped halfway, then changed her tone, “Anyway, I have money!”

She used to say this confidently with her head held high.

Song Jing noticed she seemed more down today.

“Want some milk tea?” he asked again.

Qiao Yiyi shook her head.

Song Jing asked, “Don’t want to drink it?”

She looked at her toes and kept shaking her head. “Forget it, I’m full.”

“I’ll buy you a cup to drink later?” Song Jing realized he was talking a lot today, as if they had swapped roles.

“It’s wasteful if I can’t drink much. It’s so expensive.” Qiao Yiyi finished and urged him to leave.

Song Jing still stood there, staring at the menu above the milk tea shop.

“Let’s go,” Qiao Yiyi came back, reached out to grab his wrist, and pulled him away.

Her hand was warm, soft, and gentle. Song Jing felt his mind go blank for a moment. His body stiffened as she dragged him along.

After walking a bit, Qiao Yiyi let go of his hand, and Song Jing felt a bit disappointed.

They wandered aimlessly around the mall. Seeing the claw machine and the entrance to the electronics store, knowing Qiao Yiyi’s character, she would probably be excited.

Song Jing offered to take her inside to play today, but she just glanced and refused, “Forget it.”

Qiao Yiyi was in a bad mood.

As for why, she didn’t say, and Song Jing didn’t ask.

Finally, Qiao Yiyi walked into an accessory store and picked out a succulent-shaped keychain. It was soft and pink in color.

“Do you want it?” Qiao Yiyi also picked up a blue one. “How about this one for you?”

The pink and blue looked like a pair of couple keychains.

Song Jing was slightly stunned, his thoughts messy.

“If you don’t like it, forget it.” Qiao Yiyi didn’t insist and put the keychain back.

Song Jing reached out to her, “Give it to me.”

She smiled softly and placed the blue one in his palm. “So cute.”

“Mm.”

After leaving the accessory store, Qiao Yiyi looked around the mall again, lowering her head. “There’s nothing else to browse. Let’s go back.”

“Okay.”

After leaving the mall, she turned to Song Jing. “Can you see me home?”

Song Jing didn’t hesitate and nodded.

“You agreed so quickly. I thought I’d have to persuade you.” Qiao Yiyi smiled and pointed ahead. “Let’s go take the bus there.”

“Let’s go.”

They arrived at the bus stop and got on the bus. It was not crowded and there was a vacant seat. Song Jing let Qiao Yiyi sit while he stood beside her.

Not long after she sat, a pregnant woman got on. Qiao Yiyi gave up her seat and stood with him.

At the community gate, Qiao Yiyi asked Song Jing to follow her inside.

“Wait for me downstairs. I’ll be out soon.”

“Okay.” He didn’t ask why. He handed her the materials and watched her small figure hurry into the building, his eyes full of worry.

He couldn’t say what was wrong.

He just felt she had something on her mind.

Soon, Qiao Yiyi came out, holding two bags, smiling as she approached and handed the bags to him.

A flash appeared in Song Jing’s eyes. He seemed to realize something. His nerves instantly tensed, and his body stiffened.

Qiao Yiyi stood in front of him, head held high, lips smiling, her voice clear: “Christmas Eve is coming, right? Taking it to school would be too flashy, so I’m giving you your gift early.”

While she spoke, Song Jing kept looking at her, his heart pounding with uncontrollable excitement and waves of emotion.

“I also bought you a sweatshirt. It’s super warm.” Qiao Yiyi handed him the two bags, her face full of smiles as she gave her wishes: “Here, a holiday gift. Safe and sound, happy and joyful.”

Song Jing didn’t move for a long time.

“What’s wrong? This is my intention. If you refuse, I’ll cry.” Qiao Yiyi smiled and shoved the bags into his hands, then said, “Let’s go home. I didn’t sleep well last night. I need to rest up because I have evening self-study tonight.”

After she finished speaking, she turned and walked into the building. Along the way, she glanced back at him, smiling brightly and waving her hand: “Bye-bye~~”

Song Jing opened his mouth, as if wanting to say something, but she had already quickly walked inside.

He stood there for a long time.

He didn’t even go home right away. He left the community and went to the nearby park, slowly taking out the gift box.

He carefully unwrapped the paper, reluctant to tear even a bit.

As the wrapping came off and revealed the large box inside, he held his breath. His fingers trembled slightly as he opened it. When he saw the handmade Christmas tree inside, his pupils suddenly dilated.

Even though he had expected it, his breathing quickened. His heart seemed to skip a beat as he stared tightly at the Christmas tree inside, his expression stunned.

This gift wasn’t for Shi Jiachen, right?

It was for him.

Song Jing had never had such a moment before, never desired a person so much.

His deep gaze was full of burning passion.

He couldn’t wait to see her again.

However, that evening during self-study, until the bell rang, Song Jing didn’t see Qiao Yiyi enter through the door.

Not even one night.

The next morning, Song Jing arrived early, but still did not see her.

The seat in front of him was empty—no sign of her.