Chapter 43: In Truth, She Likes You

Qingshui Middle School, inside the classroom, Luo Chen sat bored at his desk, listening to the familiar lessons. His right hand absentmindedly twirled a ballpoint pen as his mind wandered, contemplating his next creative work. He wondered whether Yuan Ning had received the gift he left at the end of yesterday's video.

Lost in thought, Luo Chen suddenly sensed a gaze from the upper corner. He turned to look and saw a girl of fifteen or sixteen, leaning sideways in her seat. Between her stomach and the desk was a sketchboard, and in her hand was a mechanical pencil, her head tilted as she stared intently at Luo Chen.

The girl wore a pink camisole dress trimmed with a hint of blue lace at the hem, the short skirt just reaching mid-thigh and exposing a stretch of snowy skin. The beret that once adorned her head now rested on the desk, leaving her long ponytail split and cascading down her waist. The hand holding the pencil trembled slightly from time to time.

Wasn’t this Dai Xinhua?

Noticing Luo Chen’s glance, Dai Xinhua quickly turned away, her face flushing red to her neck as she pretended to listen attentively to the lesson. At the very least, she could have hidden her sketchboard, Luo Chen thought helplessly. This wasn’t the first time he’d noticed; ever since he caught her sketching him, he’d paid special attention to her.

It seemed necessary to approach her now. After all, he was in need of a competent artist, and if there was a unique connection between them, all the better. Luo Chen had plenty of excellent comic ideas; with a skilled artist, any one of them could make the artist famous. Yet, human nature was unpredictable—who knew what someone might do for personal gain? He was building a website and didn’t wish to raise a traitor.

The long-awaited bell signaling the end of school finally rang. The students, freed from an afternoon of restraint, left in groups, chattering as they exited the school.

Luo Chen rose and glanced back. Dai Xinhua was packing up her sketchboard and pencils while chatting with a girl her age, showing no hurry to leave.

After a moment's hesitation, Luo Chen resolutely walked over. Lately, the girl seemed to be avoiding him, and he’d found no chance to approach her. Since he wanted to establish his website, the sooner he built up popularity, the better.

“Xinhua, you haven’t seemed yourself these last few days. Is everything alright?” Le Zheng Ling looked at Dai Xinhua with concern.

“Sigh, Luo Chen seems to have noticed something lately. What should I do, A-Ling?” Dai Xinhua’s mood was low as she organized her sketchboard, looking plaintively at her close friend.

“I told you not to sketch Luo Chen anymore. He’s caught you more than once these past days. Maybe you should just admit it; he won’t really do anything to you,” Le Zheng Ling sighed, seeing Xinhua’s look of desperation.

“No way—I’d probably get killed!” Dai Xinhua shuddered at the thought of being discovered, imagining a fate worse than death.

“It’s not that scary. You’re overthinking it,” Le Zheng Ling laughed lightly, though she wondered what she’d do if someone drew her like that. Should she drown them or bury them alive? No, a slow death would be best!

Unaware of her friend’s frightening thoughts, Dai Xinhua relaxed a little after hearing the comforting words. Perhaps she really was overthinking.

“Hmm? Xinhua, Luo Chen seems to be walking towards us,” Le Zheng Ling said with a mischievous smile as Dai Xinhua began to calm down.

“Really?” Before Dai Xinhua could take a breath, she saw Luo Chen approaching, just as her friend said.

Was he really coming for her?

Panic instantly overcame Dai Xinhua. She hurriedly stuffed her sketchboard into her backpack and glared at Le Zheng Ling, annoyed by the late warning.

Seeing Luo Chen nearly at her side, Dai Xinhua glanced at her friend, who was covering her mouth to stifle a laugh. A sudden idea struck—she shoved Le Zheng Ling towards Luo Chen, grabbed her bag, and darted from the classroom.

Luo Chen quickened his pace, intending to talk, but Le Zheng Ling, caught off guard by her friend's betrayal, lost her balance and fell into Luo Chen’s arms.

Startled by the unexpected collision, Luo Chen instinctively caught the girl, wrapping his arms around her to steady her.

Feeling the softness of her body and the fragrance wafting from her hair, Luo Chen suddenly came to his senses, hastily withdrawing his hands and gently helping her stand. He stepped back, observing the girl, still confused by what had just happened.

“Ah…” Le Zheng Ling, shocked by her friend's betrayal, hadn’t yet processed what happened. As she escaped Luo Chen’s embrace and realized the situation, her flawless face turned scarlet, embarrassment and anger welling up as she silently cursed Dai Xinhua.

“Um…”

“Never mind, it was just an accident. It’s nothing,” Le Zheng Ling spoke before Luo Chen could apologize, acting unconcerned—though her flushed cheeks betrayed her true feelings.

It really wasn't Luo Chen’s fault; Dai Xinhua had pushed her friend to mess with her, and Luo Chen just happened to take the blame.

“By the way, Dai Xinhua seems to be avoiding me lately. Is something wrong?”

Since Le Zheng Ling didn’t mind, Luo Chen didn’t dwell on the incident, but he did have questions.

After calming herself, Le Zheng Ling looked at Luo Chen curiously. Could it be he hadn’t figured it out yet? Luo Chen’s comic was well-known among all the girls in the school; hadn’t anyone told him?

Strictly speaking, the “comic” was a bit risqué, but it was only explicit drawings. It was fine when others were depicted, but if she herself were drawn…

Should she tell Luo Chen?

Le Zheng Ling considered telling the truth as revenge for being set up, but the words died on her lips. She wouldn’t let Dai Xinhua off so easily.

Putting on a serious face, Le Zheng Ling said to Luo Chen, “Actually, Xinhua likes you!”

Thanks to readers Can Meng He Chu, Big Foodie Yuyuko, and Xiao Xiao Ming for their generous rewards of 100 Starting Coins each—throwing flowers. Also… please recommend and bookmark!!!