Saying this, Zhan Jingrui found the remote and turned on the air conditioner, which wasn't high-end in its decor and therefore not high-end in its configuration.
He set the warm air to 30 degrees, shut the windows with a crackle, and drew the curtains. Then he turned back to look at He Yao.
He Yao was somewhat stunned by his series of actions and his words just now.
Zhan Jingrui said he had no intentions towards her, but he always did things that exceeded normal classmate relations when she needed help, and he was so willing to spend money. How could she not overthink it?
Moreover, He Yao dared to think now.
Her thinking had been narrow-minded before, believing that a crush or liking someone must have an ending.
Not anymore.
After spending just over ten days inside, interacting with a few open-minded sisters, her perspective on life had suddenly broadened.
Liking someone didn't necessarily require an ending; enjoying the process of being with him was also quite good.
Even if Zhan Jingrui didn't like her, and just wanted something purely from her.
Considering his looks, his physique, and everything else, He Yao felt she wasn't losing out.
Because she would eventually experience these things with a man anyway.
Rather than just anyone, it might as well be Zhan Jingrui.
After another quiet gaze, a few seconds later, He Yao walked towards him and took the front of his clothes into her hands.
This was the closest they had ever been. She looked into his eyes.
"Zhan Jingrui..."
With this action, Zhan Jingrui's rationality was instantly restored.
He didn't know what had come over him just now, why he had been so impulsive, but this wasn't what he wanted.
He had never even thought about these things.
He turned his head, intending to shake off He Yao's hands, but He Yao held on tightly.
"I know you are a gentleman, I know you are a good person, I know you are different from others. But, I will eventually meet a man, and eventually experience everything with him. Rather than someone else, it might as well be you."
"I can guarantee you that I am clean."
Zhan Jingrui's ear roots suddenly turned red.
These were not the words or actions he expected at his age.
Although he didn't deny that He Yao attracted him, but...
He Yao seemed to be a mind reader. "I won't ask you for anything. We are not people from the same world. Don't worry, I'm not that naive."
"I just want to make myself feel better. If I am to accept your help with a clear conscience, I at least need a justifiable excuse."
"From now on, we'll be like usual. I won't let anyone know about our relationship, nor will I pester you in private. You don't need to have any psychological burden."
But these were not the words Zhan Jingrui wanted to hear.
It wasn't because of psychological burden that he couldn't accept; this was completely outside his scope of understanding!
However, he was so conflicted. If he really had to push He Yao away, he couldn't bring himself to do it.
Even though her makeup was heavy, her eyelashes looked like fly legs, her eyes were painted pitch black, and her lips were like a dark purple mulberry.
Yet, she was still very beautiful.
Without makeup, she was simple and elegant, like a beautiful little daisy.
Now, she had a kind of exotic beauty.
She perfectly matched Zhan Jingrui's aesthetic.
Seeing that Zhan Jingrui didn't push her away, He Yao seized the opportunity, moved even closer, wrapped her arms around his waist, and pressed her face against his chest.
"What time is it?"
This was a question he could answer. Zhan Jingrui raised his wrist to check.
"Almost five o'clock."
"Today is my birthday, Zhan Jingrui. You are the only one, and the first one, to spend this important day with me."
She looked up at him with her big, dark, glistening eyes, her voice soft and sweet, her smooth, lustrous hair brushing against his chin.
Zhan Jingrui's carefully maintained rationality almost melted into dust.
He Yao was like a pitiful, lovable, and boneless cat, tickling his heart.
Each stroke was perfectly placed.
If he didn't leave immediately, he would be lost.
After He Yao finished speaking and saw that he didn't react, she poked his chin with her soft fingers.
There was a slight stubble.
Suddenly, she felt that Zhan Jingrui was hers, and said in a spoiled tone,
"Aren't you going to wish me a happy birthday?"
Zhan Jingrui suppressed the turmoil in his heart and turned his head away. "He Yao, don't do this."
"I haven't done anything, have I? I'm not asking for a birthday gift, just four words."
She knew perfectly well what he meant, but she deliberately changed the subject. Still, Zhan Jingrui replied to her.
"Happy birthday."
"Thank you, Zhan Jingrui. You are the man who has taken the best care of me and been the most obedient to me in my life so far. Today, whether you agree or not, you have to agree. I'm sticking with you. You're mine from now on, okay?"
If he listened any longer, Zhan Jingrui was afraid he would lose control and do something he would regret.
Besides, he hadn't slept at all last night, and he wouldn't be able to concentrate in class tomorrow.
Just before his reason completely collapsed, he forcefully pushed He Yao away.
"You stay here and rest. I'm leaving. Don't skip class tomorrow, or someone will catch you again."
He had lied to Father Tang, saying he was staying at a classmate's house tonight. So, after leaving He Yao's place, he didn't go home. Instead, he found a hotel nearby and stayed for a few hours.
He had no intention of sleeping, lying on the bed until seven o'clock before going to school.
Fortunately, He Yao had been obedient. She had removed her makeup, dressed as usual, and also came to class.
The day began seemingly calm. Zhan Jingrui hadn't had time to think about how to deal with He Yao.
A few minutes before the first class began, He Yao was called out by the homeroom teacher.
She was now the focus of everyone's attention. As she left, the classroom erupted.
There was much speculation about why she was called by the teacher and whether she would ever return.
It was as if He Yao had done something heinous, harming everyone's interests. Almost everyone unanimously rejoiced that she wouldn't return, and that this rotten apple wouldn't spoil their pot of porridge.
Zhan Jingrui looked at his classmates, whose faces were contorted with smiles, including his deskmate who had been showering her with praise just a few days ago, and found it extremely ironic.
He Yao did not return during the first period.
She still hadn't returned during the second period.
As the third period approached, Zhan Jingrui could bear it no longer. He asked his deskmate for his phone.
"Why do you need my phone?"
Zhan Jingrui stated unequivocally, "If I say I want to take a look, I want to take a look. Stop talking nonsense."
To brazenly ask to look at someone else's phone, his deskmate sullenly handed the phone over.
Zhan Jingrui found He Yao's number on his phone, memorized it, and stood up with the phone.
Xu Zheng called out to him, "Hey, hey, hey, what are you doing? Class is about to start, where are you going?"
"I'm not feeling well, I'm going to the infirmary."
Once in the hallway, he called He Yao.
He thought she might be scolding or being punished and unable to answer, but after a few rings, He Yao's faint voice came through.
"Hello."
"This is Zhan Jingrui, where are you?"