Chapter 42: A romantic fairy tale plot

Lin Yuhan was famous.

Not just among this year’s seniors at Experimental High—hardly anyone didn’t know her.

Even students from other schools recognized her name.

With her wealth and beauty, who wouldn’t take notice?

So, when she threw herself into Meng Zhi’s arms, gasps rippled through the crowd.

Meng Zhi froze, but before he could speak, Lin Yuhan tightened her hold on his neck, whispering in his ear.

“…Help me out.”

He looked down, meeting her glistening, pleading eyes.

He knew she meant Lu Ziming, standing nearby, stunned and pale.

…Here we go again.

Meng Zhi stifled a laugh.

Just played shield for Chen Xinya, now for Lin Yuhan?

‘Am I some toy for everyone to mess with?’

“Uh, if I may ask—”

Lu Ziming, unwilling to give up, forced a smile.

“What’s your relationship?”

“He’s my idol.”

Lin Yuhan clung to Meng Zhi’s arm, her smile sweet.

“I’m chasing him.”

Meng Zhi: “…?”

“Oh… I see.”

Lu Ziming’s smile was worse than a grimace.

The goddess he could never reach was so docile and adorable with her crush.

It was crushing.

Whispers grew louder around them.

Seeing her plan work, Lin Yuhan flashed an apologetic smile.

“Sorry, I need to talk to Meng Zhi alone.”

She grabbed his hand, dashing through the crowd.

In the bustling throng, her elegant black dress made her look like a runaway princess, clutching her beloved’s hand.

They didn’t stop until they reached the hotel’s entrance.

“Phew… escaped.”

Lin Yuhan exhaled, her flushed face breaking into a smile.

“Thanks.”

“You shouldn’t say thanks. You should say sorry.”

Meng Zhi’s face was blank.

“Your hug cleared your mess, but it also killed my peach blossom luck.”

“Oh! Right! That makes sense!”

Lin Yuhan realized her stunt might scare off any girls planning to confess to him.

“Sorry, I didn’t think it through.”

She clasped her hands, cautious.

“How about… I treat you to dinner?”

Meng Zhi: “…”

Clearly, this girl took food seriously.

“Another time.”

He waved tiredly.

“Favor’s done. I’m out.”

“Wait, hold on!”

She grabbed his arm, fidgeting shyly.

“Since you’ve helped this much… could you go all the way?”

Seeing his expression sour, she quickly added, “I-I’ll treat you to burgers! Ten of them!”

“Not enough? Fifteen? You can have mine too…”

Her pleading eyes seemed to beg, ‘Leave me a couple, okay?’

…‘Feeding a pig here?’

Meng Zhi rubbed his forehead, exasperated.

“What else?”

“You remember my friends?”

Lin Yuhan looked down, twiddling her fingers.

“They think I went to the bar that day to hit on you… Since then, they keep asking about our progress.”

“I didn’t want to admit I failed, so I bragged we’re moving fast.”

“So… could you take a photo with me? A close one, to shut them up?”

She clasped her hands by her lips, her long lashes fluttering, eyes full of hope.

Meng Zhi paused, then turned away slightly.

“…Hurry up. I need to get back to my friends.”

“Thanks!”

Her eyes lit up with excitement.

She looped her arm through his, leaning close, and raised her phone.

She seemed to want to press against him but hesitated to get too flirty.

Their cheeks brushed faintly, tickling him.

Her citrusy perfume, fresh like lemon and orange, filled the air.

“Smile a bit.”

Her cheeks flushed, carrying the perfect shy charm of a girl in love.

Strands of her hair grazed his earlobe, hinting at her quiet resentment.

He faced the camera, forcing a reluctant smile.

“Got it~”

“Say cheese~”

Click, click.

She snapped several shots, striking intimate poses, even puckering as if to kiss his cheek.

When she showed him, she blushed.

“Is this… too forward? Do you mind?”

She hesitated.

“Do what you want.”

He didn’t care to edit them.

But maybe it was his imagination.

His smile in the photos, meant to be begrudging, looked… doting.

Like a hapless boyfriend indulging his girlfriend’s antics.

‘Am I that good an actor?’

He started questioning himself.

Lin Yuhan loved the photos.

She flipped through them repeatedly, reluctant to put her phone away, and thanked him earnestly.

“Thank you.”

“I-I won’t keep you. Go back.”

She waved, looking adorably awkward.

Used and discarded, what a ruthless heiress.

Meng Zhi sighed, turning to leave.

But a few steps later, he felt irritated and spun back.

“Hey, remember.”

“You owe me a meal.”

He said seriously, “The most expensive, the best.”

Lin Yuhan froze, then her smile grew radiant.

“Mm!”

She nodded eagerly.

As Meng Zhi walked back, she lingered, clutching her phone, her smile uncontainable.

The photos were her treasure, studied over and over.

In them, the boy and girl were so close, so intimate.

Like a turn of the head could lead to a kiss.

Romantic, like a fairy tale.