Chapter 17
Today’s morning self-study session was led by Teacher Wen. Her voice, calm yet firm, carried easily through the classroom as she reminded everyone that the monthly exam was only the day after tomorrow. She stressed, again and again, that they must revise seriously—and if there was anything they didn’t understand, they should ask immediately, without hesitation. The atmosphere she left behind was one of quiet urgency, like a taut string pulled just a little tighter.
The moment the session ended, Su Nuo was already on the move. Clutching his Chinese workbook to his chest, he hurried after Teacher Wen, who had just stepped out of the classroom, his steps quick and purposeful, as if every second truly mattered. Someone nearby couldn’t help but sigh in admiration.“A top student really is a top student… he doesn’t waste even a single minute.” Xia Zhen rested her chin lazily on her hand, her gaze following the direction Su Nuo had disappeared. A faint, knowing smile curved her lips—subtle, unreadable.
Then, as if sensing something, she turned her head slightly. Her eyes met his. The boy had been looking at her the entire time. Lu Jin. His expression was as calm and composed as ever, almost indifferent at first glance—but his eyes, fixed so steadily on her, carried an invisible weight. There was pressure in that gaze, something quiet yet impossible to ignore, as though it pinned her in place without ever touching her.
Xia Zhen turned her entire body towards him, resting her chin on her hands, blinking ingratiatingly, staring intently at him alone, refusing to glance at any other boy. Was there any girlfriend in the world more obedient than her? No. Absolutely not. So in the end, it was Lu Jin who gave in first. Beneath the desk, hidden from everyone’s sight, he slowly extended his hand. Xia Zhen’s lips curved instantly, her smile soft and knowing. Without hesitation, she slipped her hand into his, letting him take it. His fingers closed around hers—firm, unyielding. As if once he held on, he had no intention of letting go.
—
Unfortunately, that quiet moment didn’t last. After school, Lu Ci appeared again. Just a second ago, Xia Zhen had been chatting lightly with Lu Jin, her laughter soft and genuine. But the moment her gaze fell on Lu Ci, something shifted. The smile remained. But the warmth within it… thinned.
Lu Ci had probably just come from club activities. He wore a bright red sports jersey, his posture relaxed, a bundle of clothes casually draped over his arm. He looked radiant, full of youthful energy—handsome in an effortless, sunlit way. He smiled as he approached.
“Brother, Senior Xia Zhen… we meet again.” Lu Jin gave no response. Xia Zhen, however, answered with a polite smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “What a coincidence.” Lu Ci let out a light chuckle. “Not really. I came here on purpose to wait for my brother.” His gaze lingered, probing. “It’s already so late, and Senior Xia Zhen still hasn’t gone home… are you staying behind for his sake?”
Before she could speak, Lu Jin’s cold voice cut in. “She’s on duty today.” Xia Zhen glanced at him briefly, then nodded as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “Yes, I’m responsible for classroom cleaning today, so I’m heading home later.” Lu Ci smiled faintly “I see.”
Of course. He had already come to his own conclusion. How could a girl like her—a bai fumei (白富美 – “fair, rich, and beautiful,” a Chinese internet term describing a high-class, refined young woman)—possibly remain unchanged after learning about Lu Jin’s past? Even now, she was pushing his wheelchair. But that was only because girls were reserved by nature—they wouldn’t make their distancing too obvious. He had seen it before. Some girls approached Lu Jin at first, offering help out of sympathy. Most were eventually pushed away by his cold indifference. A few, after hearing about his past, began to look at him differently. But truly well-mannered people wouldn’t show it outright. They would simply withdraw. Bit by bit. Quietly. “I’ve really troubled you, Senior Xia Zhen,” Lu Ci said gently, his tone courteous. “Taking care of my brother should be my responsibility.”
Before he could move any closer— Xia Zhen stepped forward. Her movement was subtle, but decisive. She placed herself between him and Lu Jin, completely blocking his path. Then she lifted her hand and pointed casually to the side .“But it seems someone is looking for you over there.”
Sure enough, a group of boys stood not far away, waving enthusiastically. “Lu Ci! Over here!” They began walking toward them, their gazes—almost involuntarily—drawn to Xia Zhen. They all had heard the rumors. About a stunning beauty had transferred into Class One of the third year. But they had only ever glimpsed her from afar. Now, seeing her up close— She was even more breathtaking than they had imagined.
Delicate. Radiant. Impossible to ignore. Only… The boy sitting in the wheelchair beside her felt oddly out of place. Like something that disrupted the picture. Standing in front of Xia Zhen, the boys couldn’t help but feel a little restrained, their earlier ease fading into awkwardness. Xia Zhen, however, remained composed, her demeanor open and unhurried.“You’re here to find Lu Ci, right?”
“Yes! We are!” Her voice seemed to pull them back to reality. One of them scratched his head, glancing curiously at Lu Ci.
“Hey, Lu Ci, the event ended ages ago—why haven’t you changed out of your clothes yet?” For just a moment, Lu Ci’s expression stiffened.
But he recovered quickly. “I was too tired today. Didn’t feel like changing.” In truth, he had his own intentions. Wearing the jersey like this allowed others—especially girls—to see a different side of him. Something more eye-catching. More memorable.
And Lu Ci had always been confident in his appearance. Another boy chimed in excitedly.“We finally managed to get in touch with some people from Shengyi Middle School today to play games! Lu Ci, why don’t you come with us?” Lu Ci didn’t answer immediately. He hesitated. “You have no idea how hard it is to connect with them,” someone added in a low voice. “If you miss this chance, it’ll be almost impossible to get another opportunity.” For students from ordinary families, even the slightest connection to that circle was precious. A stepping stone. A chance to climb higher. And Lu Ci… Lu Ci was not someone without ambition. After only a brief pause, he turned back to Xia Zhen, his expression apologetic yet resolute.
“Senior Xia Zhen, could you help take care of my brother for a while? I already promised my friends—I can’t go back on my word.” Xia Zhen smiled lightly.“Of course.” Satisfied, Lu Ci bent slightly toward Lu Jin, his tone softening deliberately. “Brother, you should thank Senior Xia Zhen properly later. Don’t be upset about it .” Lu Jin said nothing. His gaze remained distant, indifferent— So calm that no one could possibly notice the faint trace of sarcasm hidden deep within his eyes.
—
Soon after, Lu Ci left with his group of friends. And just like that— The noise faded. Leaving behind only silence.
“Zhenzhen.” Xia Zhen immediately crouched down in front of Lu Jin, her movements natural and unhesitating, as if this had already become second nature to her. Tilting her head slightly, she looked up at him, her eyes soft and attentive. “What’s wrong?” He reached out and took her hand. His fingers were cool, yet the grip was gentle—almost careful—as though he was afraid of holding too tightly, afraid she might pull away.
“I’m sorry,” he said softly. Xia Zhen blinked, caught off guard.“Why are you apologizing to me?” His gaze lowered, avoiding hers for a moment, as if the words themselves were difficult to face.
“That person…” His voice dropped, carrying a faint trace of restraint. “He’s annoying, isn’t he?” Xia Zhen knew exactly who he meant. There was no hesitation in her answer. “I hate him.” Simple. Direct. Not even the slightest attempt to conceal it. Lu Jin’s eyelashes trembled faintly as he lowered his eyes further. The long fringe cast a shadow over his gaze, veiling whatever emotions lay hidden beneath—dark, unreadable, quietly stirring. His lips parted, then closed again, as though he was weighing something in his heart.
Finally, in a voice so soft it was almost a whisper, he said, “Zhenzhen… just bear with it a little longer.” Xia Zhen tilted her head, a trace of confusion flickering across her face. His words felt… inexplicable. But before she could ask anything more, he had already fallen silent again.
—
That night, the best internet café in the city had been entirely reserved. Several wealthy young masters had booked the place, turning it into their private playground for the evening. This was Lu Ci’s first time meeting people from Shengyi Middle School. The opportunity had come through one of his followers—someone who happened to be a distant relative of a Shengyi student. Add in their shared interest in gaming, and the connection had finally been made. “Cousin, this is Lu Ci—the one I told you about. His gaming skills are amazing!”
A boy with dyed yellow hair, dressed in the Shengyi Middle School uniform, sized Lu Ci up with a few assessing glances. His gaze carried a hint of casual arrogance, the kind that came naturally to someone used to a privileged environment. “Is he reliable?” he asked, turning to his distant cousin. “Our boss has very high standards for his teammates.” Lu Ci didn’t flinch. “Whether I’m reliable or not,” he said calmly, “you’ll know after one match.” The yellow-haired boy let out a short scoff, lips curling slightly. “You’re pretty confident, huh.”
Lu Ci met his gaze without wavering.“I have the ability. That’s why I’m confident.” For a moment, the air between them tightened. Then, unexpectedly, the blond-haired boy (his hair a lighter, almost golden shade) seemed to show a flicker of appreciation. Without another word, he turned and walked toward the sofa in the center of the room. There, lounging lazily as if the world itself bored him, was someone else. “Boss,” the blond-haired boy said respectfully, lowering his voice. “A distant cousin fo mine recommended someone. I heard his skills are pretty good. Want to give him a try?”
The person on the sofa didn’t even lift his head. He reclined deeper into the cushions, one arm draped casually over the backrest, his attention still fixed on his phone. The faint glow of the screen reflected in his eyes as his fingers moved with practiced ease. “Whatever,” he replied, his tone indifferent. Just one word. Careless. Dismissive. Yet no one dared to question it. It was Song Heng. Lu Ci repeated the name silently in his mind, his gaze sharpening ever so slightly. Song Heng was the only young master of the Song family. Although he had a younger sister studying abroad, everyone knew that the family’s future rested firmly in his hands. He was the unquestionable heir. (In many Chinese elite family settings, “young master” refers to the son of a wealthy or influential family, often implying both status and future inheritance.)
If he could establish even the slightest connection with someone like Song Heng… Then his path forward—once he stepped into society—would become far smoother. Far brighter. “Hey,” the blond-haired boy called out, glancing back at him. “What was your name again?” Lu Ci stepped forward, every movement measured and polite, his expression perfectly composed. “My name is Lu Ci.” At that exact moment— Song Heng’s fingers stopped. The motion on his phone screen came to an abrupt halt. For the first time, he looked up. His eyes were dark. Deep. Completely devoid of warmth.
They landed directly on Lu Ci. “Don’t you have an older brother,” he said slowly, “named Lu Jin?” Lu Ci froze for a fraction of a second, surprise flashing across his face before he could suppress it. “I do,” he admitted. “My older brother’s name is Lu Jin.” A faint chill crept up his spine. How did he know?
—————————————————————————-
The crescent moon hung in the sky like a delicate silver hook, while scattered stars shimmered faintly around it, blinking in quiet companionship.
Lu Jin sat there in silence. His gaze rested on the swaying shadows of the trees, where light and darkness intertwined, falling across his figure in shifting patterns. The world seemed alive with motion—rustling leaves, flickering light—yet he remained utterly still, as though he did not quite belong to it. Isolated. Detached. Until a voice came.
“Lu Jin!”
The moment her voice broke through the night, something in him changed. The darkness lingering in his eyes dissolved instantly, replaced by a soft, radiant glow, like a spark catching fire in the depths of still water. She came running toward him. With light, quick steps . Her pink skirt fluttered with every step, her white shoes brushing against the ground as though she barely touched it at all. She looked like a butterfly drifting through the night air, stirring invisible ripples wherever she passed. Lu Jin opened his arms. And just like that, she reached him. Xia Zhen bent down without hesitation, slipping into his embrace as though it was the most natural place in the world for her to be. Because there had always been people around them during the day, she hadn’t been able to get close to him properly. Now, finally— She could. She leaned into him, breathing him in softly, her arms curling around him as if she had been holding herself back for far too long. Then she tilted her face up, her eyes curved into a bright, unguarded smile meant only for him.
She looked… almost like she was coaxing a cat. Gentle. Affectionate. Slightly mischievous. As if she were trying to win over a temperamental, beautiful creature. —Even though, not far away, a real white kitten lay curled up on the ground, dozing peacefully. Lu Jin lowered his head. And kissed the corner of her lips. It was light. Brief. But enough. Xia Zhen’s eyes narrowed happily, her entire expression softening with quiet delight. Lately, he had been taking more initiative—closing the distance himself instead of waiting for her. That alone made her heart bloom with a kind of secret joy. Like something she had been nurturing was finally beginning to grow. Just like every day, she had brought him food. But today…
She hesitated. Unlike before—when she would eagerly open her pink lunchbox—she held it in her hands without moving. Almost… reluctant.
Lu Jin noticed immediately. He gently pulled her to sit beside him on the bench, turning slightly so he could face her properly. “What’s wrong?” he asked softly. Xia Zhen glanced down at the lunchbox in her hands, her fingers fidgeting nervously along its edges. “Lu Jin… I brought egg rolls today.” He nodded, his gaze steady. Her voice grew quieter. “Although… they might not look very good… the taste should be okay.” Her eyes drifted, unfocused, as if she couldn’t quite bring herself to meet his gaze. Lu Jin reached out and caught her hand. “You’re going to ruin your nails,” he murmured.
Xia Zhen pressed her lips together, finally looking up at him. Her expression was cautious—almost pitiful—but in a way that only made her seem softer, more endearing. So Lu Jin opened the lunchbox. And paused. Compared to the delicately prepared meals she had brought before, these egg rolls looked… undeniably rough. Some parts were overcooked, tinged with dark patches. Others were unevenly shaped, as if they hadn’t quite held together properly. Calling them “egg rolls” felt generous. They were closer to a poorly made omelette—jidan juan (a simple Chinese home-style egg dish, usually rolled neatly, but hers had clearly gone wrong). He let out a soft hum. It was hard to tell whether he was thinking… or surprised. Xia Zhen’s face flushed instantly, a mix of embarrassment and frustration rising within her. She quickly reached out, trying to close the lunchbox.
“This isn’t good…” she muttered. “Don’t eat it.” But Lu Jin caught her hand before she could pull it away. And in that moment— He understood.
His gaze dropped to the back of her hand, where a faint red mark lingered. There was a burn mark. His fingers brushed over it gently, almost reverently. And the look in his eyes softened—so much that it was almost unbelievable. “If I don’t eat enough,” he said quietly, “how will I have the strength to do rehabilitation exercises?” His voice was calm, but there was something deeper beneath it. “Wasn’t it you who said that?” Xia Zhen’s lips trembled slightly. “Lu Jin…” But he had already picked up the small pair of chopsticks from the lunchbox. Carefully, he picked up a piece and brought it to his lips.
He ate it. The taste was slightly burnt. Not unpleasant… but far from delicious. Xia Zhen watched him closely, her eyes filled with nervous anticipation—and just a hint of hope. Lu Jin felt something in his chest give way instantly. It soften. A faint smile appeared in his eyes, bright as scattered starlight. “It’s sweet,” he said. Xia Zhen blinked in confusion “Sweet?” He nodded. “But… I didn’t add any sugar.” Without a word, Lu Jin took her hand again. Slowly, he placed it over his chest. “It’s sweet here.” Beneath her palm, his heartbeat was steady and strong. Each beat echoed clearly, passing through fabric, through warmth, through skin—telling her everything he didn’t say aloud. How happy he was. How much this meant. Xia Zhen let out a soft, choked sound, her emotions spilling over before she could stop them. She leaned forward helplessly, pressing her forehead against his chest, her voice muffled as she complained softly—
“How are you so good at this…? Did you secretly practice with someone else behind my back?” It didn’t make sense. In front of others, he was cold, distant—completely unromantic, like an unfeeling stone. And yet, here he was, saying things that made her heart race without effort.
Lu Jin… He used to feel lifeless. But now—Now he was different. As though something within him had awakened, lighting him from the inside out, making him glow with the quiet brilliance of youth. He answered seriously, without hesitation. “I probably learned it from you.” Xia Zhen lifted her head, her face flushed pink, her eyes shining as she looked at him.
He raised her hand again, his thumb brushing lightly over the faint burn. “Does it hurt?” She shook her head quickly. “I ran it under water. It’s just a little red now—it doesn’t hurt anymore.” Lu Jin lowered his gaze. And gently pressed a kiss to the back of her hand. Soft. Lingering. Xia Zhen froze for a moment. Then a wave of warmth rushed through her entire body, leaving her numb, her heart trembling in a way she couldn’t quite describe. At that moment, a ridiculous thought crossed her mind— Even if she got burned a few more times… It would still be worth it.
On the other side Lu Jin was completely oblivious to her thought process gently stroked the girl’s soft, fluffy hair, his fingers lingering with quiet tendernes. “Zhenzhen… help me stand up.” Xia Zhen froze, startled. “Can I?”
He nodded, his voice calm yet certain. “My legs can move now. I want to try… to stand.” A flicker of hesitation crossed her face, uncertainty tightening her chest. Sensing it, he softened his tone even further. “Trust me. I won’t force myself.” Xia Zhen could feel it—his resolve, steady and unwavering, layered with a fragile hope he didn’t dare show too openly. And she knew… If she didn’t help him, there would be no one else.
“…Okay,” she finally said, her voice quiet but firm. “But you have to hold on tightly.” A faint smile touched his lips. “Okay.” Under the silver wash of moonlight, that smile made him look almost unreal—like something carved from light and shadow, distant yet achingly close. For a moment, Xia Zhen felt as if she had been bewitched by him. Otherwise… how could she agree to something that made her heart pound with such fear?
She didn’t dare relax even slightly. Standing in front of him, she straightened her posture instinctively, as though becoming a pillar meant to hold him steady. She extended both arms, letting him place his hands on her for support. Her breathing slowed. Her body tensed. Her eyes never left him. Lu Jin began to rise. Slowly. Each movement was deliberate, controlled—his strength hidden beneath that careful restraint. It was as if every inch upward was a silent battle he refused to lose. Xia Zhen held her breath, her entire body taut, ready to catch him at any moment. She was afraid—Terrified—that he might fall. But he didn’t stop .
At last, he straightened fully. Standing tall. Xia Zhen blinked at him, stunned. She had to tilt her head back to look at him now. He was much taller than her—so tall that even when she lifted her chin, her gaze only reached his shoulder. Her eyes drifted upward unconsciously. To his neck.
The faint rise and fall of his throat, the sharp line of his Adam’s apple, carrying an inexplicable sensuality. Then higher— To the clean, defined curve of his jaw. Everything about him felt… overwhelming. Nearby, the small white kitten that had been sleeping suddenly sprang up in alarm, its reaction exaggerated and abrupt—yet neither of them noticed.
Lu Jin lowered his gaze, his voice low and soft as it fell over her. “Zhenzhen.” Something in Xia Zhen’s body went weak instantly. Half of her felt numb. She couldn’t explain it. Why did he feel so different now? Why… was he so irresistibly captivating, just because he was standing? A soft sound escaped her lips before she could stop herself. Unable to resist, she leaned forward and buried her face against his chest, clinging to him.
Above her, she heard it— A quiet laugh. Low. Warm. “Do you like me that much?” Xia Zhen nodded frantically in his arms, not even bothering to hide it. To her, he was like catnip—(a substance that makes cats uncontrollably attracted and excited; often used metaphorically in Chinese internet slang to describe irresistible charm)— Completely addictive. Irresistible. Everything she had done—bringing him those little star-shaped candies —it had all been worth it. Because now— He could stand. Xia Zhen wrapped her arms around his slender waist, looking up at him with bright, earnest eyes. “I’m strong enough. You can lean on me more.”
Lu Jin’s throat tightened. When he woke up that morning and realized he could move his legs, something deep inside him had stirred. A quiet certainty told him that he could try to stand. But more than anything— He had wanted her to be there. As a child, he had once dreamed of standing. Later, even those dreams faded into nothing. He had never imagined… that someone like her would appear in his life. Someone who would cherish him so completely. As if he were something rare. Something precious. His arms slowly tightened around her. Tighter. As though he wanted to press her into himself, to let her become a part of his very bones. Even now, though he stood tall, he was willing to bend for her—to lower himself, just to stay close.
A faint mist gathered in his eyes, blurring the edges of his vision. Yet at the same time, the corners of his reddened eyes lifted slightly, a quiet smile forming. “You said…” his voice was low, almost husky, “…that the day I stand up, you’d let me kiss you.” Xia Zhen lifted her head, her face glowing as she smiled sweetly at him. “Then go ahead,” she said softly. “Kiss me.”
The shadows of the trees swayed gently, blurring the silver light of the moon. And in that shifting darkness— Their silhouettes drew closer.
Until, faintly— They became one.
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