Chapter 34: coward

By the time Meng Zhi got home, it was evening.

Building a PC was a hassle. Unpacking boxes, installing the motherboard, CPU, water cooling, GPU, and power supply—it took until night fell completely.

Chen Xinya didn’t understand any of it, but she knew to stay quiet by his side. If he needed help, he’d ask. If not, she’d fetch water or tea, watching his focused expression.

“…Done.”

When Meng Zhi pressed the power button, the case and GPU LEDs lit up, glowing like a mech powering on. The monitor flickered to life, confirming a successful build. Wiping sweat, he turned to her. “Kept you waiting, huh?”

“Not at all.”

She shook her head, propping her chin, eyes sparkling with joy. “I kinda like watching you focus on building the PC.”

Meng Zhi: “…”

“I-I mean…” She waved her hands, flustered. “Focused guys are the coolest. It’s a compliment.”

“…You hungry?”

“A bit.”

“Let’s eat.” He stood, stretching. “I’m starving too.”

“What do you want? I’ll cook!”

Her eyes lit up at the mention of food—one of the few chances to show her girlfriend potential.

“Egg fried rice. Keep it simple.”

“Got it, wait a sec.”

She darted to the kitchen, tying on an apron. Meng Zhi noticed she’d gone home earlier, swapping her elegant white dress for a casual tee and jeans, likely anticipating cooking.

The apron, though, was a bit small. Her chest strained against it, making it hard for her to tie it behind her back. Her face flushed red as she struggled, finally mumbling, “Meng Zhi… help me…”

He glanced at her, the apron accentuating her curves.

Chen Xinya’s figure was stunning. Not model-level, but her natural curves were a lethal weapon for any guy.

Especially in an apron, which hugged her form perfectly. For a fleeting moment, Meng Zhi imagined her in nothing but the apron—a dangerously tempting image.

“Stop staring, help me already,” she whined, her eyes glistening, lips pouting.

He stepped behind her, tying the apron strings. They were short, forcing him to pull tightly.

“Mmph…”

A soft whimper escaped her, her cheeks burning, voice tinged with grievance. “D-Don’t tease me…”

“I’m not.” He sighed. “The apron’s just small.”

“It’s not my fault. Auntie’s just petite.”

“Or maybe you’re just too chubby?”

That hit a nerve. She spun around, puffed up with indignation. “I’m not chubby! I’ve always watched my figure, okay?”

“Just kidding, relax.” He teased, clearly amused.

“Girls get upset when you call them fat,” she huffed, turning away to hide her flushed face, muttering to herself, Am I really gaining weight?

He didn’t push further. After tying the apron, he gently pulled her ponytail free from the collar. Her hair was as smooth and soft as ever, cascading over her fair neck, carrying a faint fragrance that tempted him to lean closer.

He suddenly remembered their married years. He used to love wrapping his arms around her slim waist from behind.

Her waist was perfect, easy to hold. Their heights matched just right, letting him breathe in her scent, nibble her earlobe.

Chen Xinya seemed to recall it too. As he stood close, she stiffened, holding still, as if waiting.

But all she got was a pat on the shoulder. “Done.”

“Make the food. I’m starving.”

“…Mm.” She hid the disappointment in her eyes, heading to the kitchen.

She’d hoped, just maybe, he’d hold her from behind. How happy that would’ve made her.

Sigh. Wake up, time to cook.

Egg fried rice was the simplest dish.

Chen Xinya kept it basic—eggs and diced ham. Yet Meng Zhi devoured a big bowl quickly.

“Good?”

“Not bad.” He focused on eating, barely glancing at her.

Propping her chin, she poked at her rice absently, then asked, “Oh… you said you wanted to take me somewhere after the exam.”

“Can I ask where?”

“Oh.” His mouth full, he mumbled, “No. 3 Middle School.”

No. 3 Middle School? She tilted her head, puzzled. Their old junior high, set to be demolished and rebuilt by year’s end.

“You want to visit before they tear it down?”

“Yeah.” He nodded quietly. “It’s our alma mater. Once it’s gone, we won’t see it again.”

“Why… ask me to go with you?” Her gaze drifted away.

“Didn’t I say?”

He smiled. “I promised to tell you who I like.”

Thump.*

Her blood rushed to her heart.

She fought to stay composed, forcing calm. “Does it… have to be there?”

“Doesn’t matter to me.”

He looked at her steadily. “If you want to know now, I can tell you.”

“Want to hear it?”

Her lips quivered.

But her eyes fell, her voice tinged with sadness.

“…No.”

“I-I’m not ready.”

“Tell me later.”

Saying it, her heart ached with bitterness.

Blaming her timid, cowardly self. Resenting her weakness.

These days without Meng Zhi had made her realize.

Without him, she was hopelessly spineless.