Su橙's Wednesday

Su Cheng was carrying a carton of water out of the supermarket, muttering to himself, "Though not much, this is my honest and hard-earned money."

With that, he wiped the non-existent sweat from his forehead, thinking about how he had earned two hundred yuan in just a few minutes, and couldn't help but smile contentedly.

This trip had been quite rewarding!

It was really hitting two birds with one stone.

A true hero should be like this.

Not only benefiting oneself but also others.

Just as he walked a bit further, an unexpected guest appeared before him.

The physical education commissary from earlier was bending over, gasping for breath near the roadside. Seeing Su Cheng, he immediately grabbed at the lifeline, hurriedly saying, "This classmate, I'll take it from here... thank you for your trouble!"

His attitude had done a complete 180.

Su Cheng was taken aback and didn't know what to say, so he instinctively stepped back, pretending not to recognize the person and said unhappily, "What is it, this classmate?"

This man was trying to exploit him, to steal the fruits of his labor.

If he handed over the water, wouldn't he also have to return the delivery fee?

That simply wouldn't do.

He must defend his hard-earned fruits!

"...Uh, I, I..."

The PE commissary was momentarily tongue-tied, then awkwardly glanced around, relieved to see that no students were paying attention to them and that Su Cheng was wearing a mask.

However, he was also very vexed.

He should've known better than to have someone run the errand!

To avoid Su Cheng being recognized later, he quickly apologized and then added, "This classmate, I was the one at the basketball court who asked you to buy water. I'll take care of moving the water myself, you can rest nearby."

"No way! It wasn't you earlier!"

Su Cheng sternly declared, then continued, "I was entrusted by someone, so I fulfill my duty. Have the person involved come talk to me!"

With that, he resolutely refused to budge, carrying the water and continuing to walk forward, totally disregarding the PE commissary's explanations and attempts to stop him.

In the end, the PE commissary couldn't persuade Su Cheng, so he could only keep offering words of comfort nearby, even fanning Su Cheng with his hand, as if to alleviate some of his fatigue, fearing that Su Cheng might take off his mask if he felt too hot.

"Are you tired? Maybe rest over there for a bit, have a drink?"

The PE commissary bought an expensive energy drink from a vending machine, opened it, and offered it to Su Cheng with concern, pointing to an empty corner bench where Su Cheng could sit and rest.

Su Cheng looked at the expensive drink, feeling tempted to taste it.

But he was also too embarrassed.

On the surface, he still wore a cold expression, glancing at the PE commissary indifferently, then shook his head and said, "Not necessary, enduring hardship and working hard is my traditional virtue."

Hearing this, the PE commissary's face showed a hint of embarrassment, then he stopped insisting, took back the drink, and quietly continued standing there, cheering for Su Cheng.

After a long while, the two arrived at the basketball court.

Zhao Feifei and Cheng Bangzhi had been waiting there, and seeing the PE commissary like a little shadow following Su Cheng, they couldn't help but find it amusing.

"That's just like Su Cheng, that's probably why he stands out from us common folk!"

Zhao Feifei muttered to himself, full of admiration and esteem.

"Oh? What reason?"

"He's completely selfless, always benefiting others!"

The two exchanged a knowing smile.

"Hmm, where's that guy just now?"

Su Cheng arrived carrying the water, pretending not to know and asking deliberately.

Hearing this, the two pointed to the embarrassed PE commissary standing behind him.

"Huh?" Su Cheng pretended to be startled, then turned around to see the PE commissary standing nearby, looking utterly crestfallen.

"Oh dear!"

Su Cheng quickly put down the water, pretending to be shocked, "It's really you!"

"Sorry, I’m a bit blind. I didn't recognize you earlier."

Su Cheng scratched his head awkwardly, continuing, "I thought someone was trying to mess with the water!"

Hearing this, the PE commissary almost spurted blood but held back his temper and forced a smile, saying, "It's okay, it's okay."

"Alright."

Su Cheng put the water on the ground, walked over and patted the PE commissary on the shoulder, smiling amiably, "Now that the water's delivered, I'm off. Keep me in mind for next time, got it?"

"Yes, thank you."

The PE commissary replied.

He silently vowed inwardly that he would never ask others to run errands again.

"Take care."

The PE commissary waved repeatedly until Su Cheng was out of sight, then let out a long breath.

"Whew, it's finally over!"

He wiped the sweat from his forehead, then looked around the environment before turning to Zhao Feifei and the others, asking, "Why aren't you two playing basketball?"

Seeing the two staring blankly at him, he lifted the water and said, "Come on, let's play basketball together, we just happen to be short two players."

"Oh, okay!"

The two finally came to their senses, realizing that the PE commissary was trying to befriend them and include them in the group.

"I'll help you carry the water, PE commissary."

"No need, I can do it myself, let's go."

The two readily agreed, then followed, though they turned their sights towards Su Cheng, who had discreetly slipped away, his good deed quietly done.

Benefiting the masses silently,

Eradicating class differences invisibly.

Bring about peace without harming a single elder,

Leading the multitudes towards equality!

……………………

On the other side, Su Cheng was hiding in a corner, happily counting his small earnings.

"Hehehe, what great luck today."

Su Cheng kept grinning, completely oblivious to the strange look the long-haired girl nearby was giving him.

"Did you pick up some money?"

Li Guanqi suddenly leaned in near his ear, curiously asking in a soft voice.

Earlier, she had noticed the masked Su Cheng skipping over to the corner, and curious, she followed, only to see him counting over two hundred yuan again and again.

"You scared me!"

Su Cheng was startled, then realized and saw Li Guanqi beside him, curiously studying him. He explained, "This is what I earned from my labor. Come on, let's go splurge a bit!"

Su Cheng shook the cash, ready to share this joy with Li Guanqi.

"Alright."

While Li Guanqi didn't know why Su Cheng was so happy or the specifics, since he had decided, she naturally wouldn't refuse.

Moreover, the fact that Su Cheng wanted to share his joy with her made her feel very warm.

The two went to the vending machine one after the other.

With a grand gesture, Su Cheng bought the school's most popular coffee, which cost fifty yuan per bottle. He had long been curious about the taste and today was a perfect opportunity to try it.

"Here."

He opened a bottle and handed it to Li Guanqi, while he himself picked up another and took a sip.

Sitting on the bench, Li Guanqi didn't refuse. She accepted the coffee, took a small sip, then looked up and asked, "Did anything happen just now?"

Su Cheng sat down beside her, then recounted the whole incident.

"I see."

Li Guanqi nodded thoughtfully.

"There's nothing special about this taste."

Su Cheng looked at the bottle of coffee in his hand, puzzled.

“Don't you think the texture of this coffee is quite soft?”

Li Guanqi asked.

"Hmm? Is it?"

Su Cheng tasted it carefully, still not feeling anything, but pretending to understand, he nodded, "Mhm."

Then, the two enjoyed the afternoon breeze, warm and comfortable.

Neither spoke, quietly sipping their coffee.

After a long while, Su Cheng coughed lightly, asking, "Didn't you eat anything sweet today?"

"Aside from the sweet and sour pork earlier, and this coffee now, nothing else sugary."

Li Guanqi shook her head, her tone a bit regretful.

"Is that so?"

"Certainly."

Su Cheng looked at Li Guanqi, sighing inwardly. Finally, he glanced around to make sure no one was watching, then took out the candied haws given by the club president this morning from his system space.

"Here, for you."

Su Cheng placed the candied haws in front of Li Guanqi.

Li Guanqi was momentarily stunned, then her eyes lit up. She accepted the candied haws.

As soon as she took it, she tore off the packaging of the candied haws and held it to Su Cheng's mouth.

Su Cheng was slightly taken aback but still took a bite, chewing as he said, "It's really good, tangy and sweet."

"Mmm."

Li Guanqi nodded, then took a bite herself before handing it back, her mouth full as she mumbled, "One is enough."

"Alright, I'll save it for next time."

Su Cheng put the candied haws back into his system space and continued sipping his coffee.

The bell signaling the end of gym class rang, and Su Cheng headed toward the riding school alone.

He had a club activity to attend.

Under the sunshade, Ji Qingyi sat elegantly at a tea table, her slender fingers skillfully manipulating tea leaves.

Noticing Su Cheng approaching, she paused her movements and turned to look at him.

"Club leader."

"Mmm."

Ji Qingyi slightly inclined her head and gestured for him to sit across from her. She poured a cup of tea for him and placed it in front of him, her voice indifferent. "Club activities are postponed for today. Let's just enjoy tea."

"Okay."

Su Cheng agreed, lifting the cup to take a sip. The rich aroma instantly filled his mouth.

As usual, it was delicious. Indeed, this taste wasn't just because of its prestige but also due to its strong, refined flavor.

Putting the cup down, Su Cheng looked up at Ji Qingyi across from him. She still had that frosty expression, her beautiful eyes calm and unreadable, making it impossible to guess what she was thinking.

But now Su Cheng knew that the club leader was both gentle and interesting. At least when it came to him, he could feel the sincerity and warmth of being treated as a friend.

It was a very strange feeling.

Inexplicable.

As Su Cheng pondered, Ji Qingyi suddenly spoke, "What ability did you receive from me before?"

Her tone was indifferent, but her eyes gleamed with a mix of hope and curiosity.

Su Cheng was caught off guard. Then, glancing around, he signaled for Ji Qingyi to lean closer.

Seeing his gesture, Ji Qingyi nodded slightly and actually leaned her head toward him, waiting for him to speak.

Su Cheng cleared his throat, a bit dazed, as the scent of Ji Qingyi wafted toward him.

After a few seconds, he lowered his voice and said, "It allows me to forcibly control a living being for three minutes. And during that time, they'll lose the memory of those three minutes."

Hearing his words, Ji Qingyi slightly narrowed her eyes, clearly amazed and startled by the nature of this ability.

She pulled back and looked at Su Cheng, remaining silent.

Because she already understood how formidable this ability was, able to control someone else's will.

No matter where it was used, it was an unresolvable power.

Thinking this, her expression grew more serious. Then, speaking earnestly, she asked, "Did you use this on the butler today?"

"Yes."

At that moment, Ji Qingyi's eyes suddenly narrowed, and Su Cheng felt an instant drop in temperature around them, as if the air had turned quiet and chilly.

After a long silence, Ji Qingyi unexpectedly sighed and rubbed her forehead, saying, "Don't you know what price you'll have to pay for doing this?"

"I know."

Su Cheng looked down, softly replying, "But my senior told me she would take care of the trouble completely."

"You trust her a lot."

Hearing this, Ji Qingyi picked up her teacup and sipped, then said, "I believe she has that ability, but don't you think this was too reckless?"

"Yes."

Su Cheng nodded, his face showing no hint of regret. "Even if she didn't handle the trouble, I would've done it anyway."

Upon hearing this, Ji Qingyi's expression softened. She noticed the firm conviction sparkling in Su Cheng's eyes, which stirred something in her heart. She looked at Su Cheng and eventually nodded.

Then, she picked up her phone beside her, indicating they could change the subject. So, Su Cheng stopped dwelling on the previous matter and shifted to other topics.

Su Cheng asked, "Do you ever experience lags when using your phone now?"

He felt Ji Qingyi was becoming more dependent on electronic devices, so he was curious.

"I don't experience that."

Ji Qingyi said, seeming to understand what Su Cheng was thinking. Her tone was indifferent as she explained, "I'm not actually dependent on it. I only take it out at specific times. In my opinion, a phone is an imperfect means of communication."

"Imperfect?"

Su Cheng was puzzled and asked, "What's your insight, club leader?"

"There's an important reason."

After saying this, Ji Qingyi put her phone aside and began preparing the tea.

Seeing her movements, Su Cheng didn't interrupt and quietly watched.

As she poured tea, she explained, "I've noticed that even if someone sends a message or calls, you can choose to ignore or reject it. So, you can selectively manage your relationships and decide whether to communicate based on your mood."

"That's true."

Su Cheng nodded, then thought of something and added, "Oh, I have a social app here. It shows if the other person has read or not read a message. And if you get a membership, you can even see the messages they've retracted. I'll set it up for you, and then we can use it to communicate."

As Su Cheng said this, he prepared to configure the app for Ji Qingyi.

Ji Qingyi, however, picked up her phone and waved it off, saying coldly, "No need to waste your effort. I don't need it."