Xu Zhilu hesitated before saying, “It’s okay if there’s a little on the chopsticks.”

Shen Siyan said nothing, his expression darkening.

Reluctantly, Xu Zhilu accepted the new chopsticks, saying, “Sorry.”

Everyone smiled and continued their meal.

As for the mango dessert, Shen Siyan moved it aside and didn’t spin it on the turntable, ensuring it was placed out of Xu Zhilu’s reach.

Xu Zhilu didn’t dare to be distracted again and focused on eating quietly.

Shen Siyan ate the mango himself and didn’t speak to her.

Zhao Shuchen observed Shen Siyan’s actions for a while before asking curiously, “Shen Siyan, you and Xu Zhilu seem to have a good relationship.”

Shen Siyan simply replied with a “Hmm.”

Zhao Shuchen paused, then looked at Xu Zhilu with a hint of resentment. “She said she didn’t know you very well.”

Shen Siyan paused, chopsticks in hand. “She may not be familiar with me, but I know her well.”

Zhao Shuchen was left speechless.

Shen Siyan didn’t engage further and finished his meal quietly.

On the way back, the two groups parted ways.

Once on the bus, Xu Zhilu found a seat in the corner. Shen Siyan soon boarded, carrying several bottles of water.

He handed them to the driver, the teacher, and another classmate.

The English teacher smiled and said, “I just went to buy some water.”

Shen Siyan nodded. “Thank you for your help, teacher.”

The teacher shook her head. “It’s no trouble. There’s room for everyone.”

She glanced at Xu Zhilu. “I didn’t expect you to come.”

Shen Siyan nodded. “I was just bored.”

The teacher smiled knowingly but said nothing more.

Shen Siyan then asked, “How much was the meal, teacher? I can’t just eat and drink for free.”

The teacher chuckled. “Don’t worry about it. I can afford to treat you.”

She added with a smile, “Just be more diligent in class and help improve the grades.”

Shen Siyan responded obediently, “Okay, no problem.”

He continued, “From now on, I’ll make sure never to be late or leave early for your classes.”

The English teacher laughed. “Remember what you said.”

“Okay,” Shen Siyan affirmed.

Listening to their conversation, Xu Zhilu realized that Shen Siyan was more sociable and easygoing than she had initially thought.

Though he had a rich kid’s temperament, he was actually very considerate and generous. He could joke around and was thoughtful in many ways.

Xu Zhilu’s thoughts wandered back to her college days.

They both attended a northern university. Xu Zhilu had always been apprehensive about interacting with strangers, finding it difficult to chat with unfamiliar friends. She was like a timid duck hiding in a corner, hesitant to stick her head out.

In contrast, Shen Siyan had quickly bonded with his roommates and classmates within three days of starting school. He was often seen in the cafeteria with friends, chatting and laughing, and making plans to play sports.

Boys seemed to develop friendships faster than girls.

At that time, Xu Zhilu had envied him and asked if he had any secrets to his social success.

Shen Siyan had boastfully replied that it might be because he was more handsome.

Xu Zhilu had been put off by his arrogance but had to admit he was good-looking.

Now, she saw that he had a more refined demeanor. Although he appeared indifferent, he was actually quite attentive. His background, appearance, and personality all spoke of someone from an upper-class upbringing.

As she pondered this, Xu Zhilu realized something.

There was really no reason for her to like such an outstanding person or to expect his affection in return. After all, she was far behind him in many aspects.

Apart from her decent grades, she was sensitive and her looks were average. There were countless beautiful people out there, so she didn’t believe she had any special advantages.

It was entirely reasonable that Shen Siyan might not like her.

She had no complaints.

Just then, a bottle of water was handed to her.

Xu Zhilu snapped back to reality.

“Why are you looking at me?” Shen Siyan raised an eyebrow. “Don’t you want to drink?”

Xu Zhilu shook her head. “Shen Siyan.”

“Yeah?”

Shen Siyan looked at her and said, “I didn’t mean to be harsh earlier. I just couldn’t control my tone.”

Xu Zhilu didn’t mind him stopping her from eating the mango. She pursed her lips and shook her head. “I don’t mind that.”

“Then why do you look so glum?”

Xu Zhilu turned to him and said, “I just suddenly realized that you’re actually quite good.”

“…”

Shen Siyan looked at her in surprise and instinctively reached out to check her forehead. “Are you feeling feverish?”

“…” Xu Zhilu swatted his hand away and retorted, “You’re the one with a fever and a damaged brain.”

Shen Siyan chuckled. “Since you don’t have an answer, don’t keep saying such confusing things. It’s hard for me to guess.”

Xu Zhilu smiled faintly.

“You don’t seem to appreciate my compliments. Do you just want me to scold you all day? Are you a masochist^[1]refer to a person who finds satisfaction in suffering or being mistreated, either physically or emotionally.?”

Shen Siyan grinned, looking at her with bright eyes. “Don’t you know whether I am a masochist or not?”

“?”

Xu Zhilu looked at him blankly. “What would I know about that?”

Shen Siyan cleared his throat. “Nothing. Do you want some water?”

“I’ll do it myself.”

Xu Zhilu took the bottle, unscrewed it, and took a couple of sips.

She turned her gaze to the scenery passing by outside the window and said seriously, “What I just said was the truth.”

Shen Siyan was taken aback, staring at her profile with suspicion before responding lazily, “Okay, got it.”

He patted her head and said, “Thank you.”

Xu Zhilu was left speechless.

_

The journey back was long. At first, Xu Zhilu forced herself to look at the passing scenery, but eventually, she fell asleep without realizing it.

When she woke up, she found herself leaning against a comfortable spot.

It was Shen Siyan’s shoulder.

Xu Zhilu blinked, not daring to move. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye and saw that he seemed to be playing a game absentmindedly. Despite this, he remained in the same position, leaning forward so she could rest against him.

Xu Zhilu lowered her eyes, looked for a while, and then closed them again, subconsciously leaning toward the window.

Noticing her movement, Shen Siyan didn’t even glance up to check if her eyes were closed. He simply reached out and gently turned her head back, letting it rest on his shoulder once more.

“…”

Xu Zhilu found herself in a dilemma. She wasn’t sure whether to continue pretending to be asleep or to open her eyes.

As she contemplated, a pleasant scent wafted into her nostrils.

It smelled like mint. Shen Siyan liked mint candies, and he always had this refreshing, slightly pungent scent about him.

Initially, Xu Zhilu found it off-putting. But somehow, she had grown accustomed to it. Now, it was oddly comforting.

Her eyelashes fluttered as her thoughts drifted.

After a while, Xu Zhilu took advantage of Shen Siyan’s distraction to stand up and lean toward the window.

Perhaps because she moved too quickly, Shen Siyan didn’t have time to stop her.

The next second, Xu Zhilu cried out in pain.

She had fallen too fast and hadn’t gauged the distance properly, hitting the car window directly.

Shen Siyan, startled by her cry, immediately stopped playing his game.

“What’s wrong?”

Xu Zhilu slowly opened her eyes, looking at him. “Huh?”

She played dumb, rubbing the sore spot and shaking off her sleepiness. “It’s nothing.”