Su Cheng's Little Head, Big Confusion

Afternoon, club activity time.

Regarding the incident during lunch break, Su Cheng didn’t know how to bring it up, so he simply decided to act as if nothing had happened. After all, Li Guanqi had just ruffled his hair in response without giving any substantial reply.

At the equestrian field…

Ji Qingyi was still sitting under the parasol, a tea set spread across the table. Her fingers tapped lightly on the surface as she stared at the teapot, her legs—encased in black stockings—crossed lazily, exuding an air of both elegance and allure.

She slightly lowered her head, letting her long hair obscure the teardrop mole at the corner of her eye, making it impossible for others to guess her thoughts.

Suddenly, as if sensing Su Cheng’s gaze, she lifted her head and glanced at him before returning to her previous posture.

Seeing this, Su Cheng pressed his lips together.

He knew the club president was still angry with him.

Was it really such a big deal that I poked your cheek yesterday?

Come on, is this necessary?

Though, to be fair, the sensation had been incredible—soft and addictive, leaving him wanting to do it again and again.

Su Cheng muttered these thoughts internally but maintained a composed expression, forcing a smile as he greeted, "Good afternoon, President."

However, his smile quickly froze.

Ji Qingyi abruptly turned her head away and lowered it again, as if she hadn’t heard him at all.

Su Cheng’s expression nearly cracked.

I get that you’re mad, but isn’t this tsundere act a bit much?

This is so out of character!

He’d have preferred if she’d just pretended not to hear him—what was with the sudden head turn?!

Could this president be an imposter?

No, she probably just happened to look away at that moment.

Though he was dying to complain, Su Cheng rationalized the situation in his mind and chose not to press further. Instead, he obediently took his seat and waited for his president’s instructions.

But Ji Qingyi acted as if he weren’t there, continuing to stare at the tea on the table, lost in thought.

Time crawled by, the two of them sitting like statues, the atmosphere growing increasingly awkward.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Su Cheng broke the silence. Looking at his president cautiously, he ventured, "President… should we… talk for a bit?"

"Mn."

Ji Qingyi responded with a faint acknowledgment before finally turning to face him.

But before he could say anything else, a butler suddenly approached. Bowing respectfully to Ji Qingyi, he said, "The heir of Hualuo Group will arrive at the estate in one hour. Please return as soon as possible."

"Understood."

Ji Qingyi replied indifferently, then stood up. After giving Su Cheng a deep look, she said, "I must take my leave."

"Oh…"

Su Cheng nodded, watching as she walked away. Once she was gone, he lifted his gaze to the clear blue sky, but instead of feeling relieved, his mood only grew heavier.

Because he knew—it was time for him to make his move.

…………………

Over a decade ago, at a certain banquet…

A 'young Ji Qingyi' appeared in a pure white evening gown. While other children her age gathered in lively groups, she sat alone, isolated.

Even in her youth, her innate aloofness and detachment were unmistakable, her every movement radiating an air of distinction.

"Who might this princess be?"

Just then, a handsome little boy emerged from the crowd. Dressed in suspenders and a red bowtie, with short, neat hair, he looked both adorable and radiant. He approached 'young Ji Qingyi' with an eager expression.

Surprisingly, Ji Qingyi’s face showed a flicker of surprise and confusion before she replied in a slightly hoarse voice, "Don’t address me like that."

Instead of backing down at her displeasure, the boy only grew more excited. "Then what should I call you? You can call me Xiao Xian!"

Xiao Xian was the boy’s childhood nickname.

"I don’t want to say."

Ji Qingyi refused outright, her tone firm.

Xiao Xian looked hurt, pouting as he mumbled, "Why not? But I already know your name."

Young Ji Qingyi frowned, ignoring him.

She had no idea how to interact with others. Friendless by nature, her instincts made her defensive, like a hedgehog.

"Fine."

Xiao Xian shrugged, unfazed, then stepped closer to study her. Unable to resist, he finally blurted out, "You’re so pretty!"

"Thank you."

Her reply was as emotionless and curt as ever, but Xiao Xian wasn’t discouraged. If anything, his determination only grew. Glancing around to ensure no one was watching, he stood up straight, extending a small hand in invitation. "Princess, may I have this dance?"

Young Ji Qingyi turned her frosty gaze on him.

Xiao Xian shivered under her stare.

He quickly waved his hands, clarifying, "No, no! I just saw you sitting alone and thought you might like to dance!"

Yet Ji Qingyi remained unmoved.

Undeterred, Xiao Xian mustered his courage and tried a different approach, his voice softening. "Then… can we be friends?"

His sincerity was palpable, his expression brimming with hope.

Ji Qingyi’s eyes flickered slightly, but her demeanor stayed icy. She pressed her lips together, silent.

Taking her hesitation as a sign of relenting, Xiao Xian brightened and reached out—only to be abruptly yanked away by an adult.

"You brat, have you lost your mind?!"

A burly man smacked his backside, scolding, "Didn’t I tell you to stay away from that girl? Why can’t you listen?!"

Ji Qingyi averted her gaze. Such scenes were nothing new to her; she had long learned to ignore them.

But this time, she was caught off guard. The boy—Xiao Xian—slipped away from his father and dashed back to her, stubbornly stretching out his hand once more.

"My name is Chen Xian," he declared. "Let’s be friends!"

The longing in his eyes was unmistakable.

So unmistakable that it stirred something unfamiliar in her heart.

Ji Qingyi lowered her gaze, considering. Just as she was about to reach out, Chen Xian was hauled away again by his father.

After that day, she never saw him again.

………………

Ji Family Estate

A sleek black luxury car pulled up at the entrance, and a young man stepped out—none other than the heir of Hualuo Group.

Chen Xian, now twenty, stood tall and lean at over 170 cm, his striking features ensuring he drew attention wherever he went.

Though his smile was bright, his heart raced with anticipation. After ten long years, he was about to reunite with Ji Qingyi.

And this time, under extraordinary circumstances.

"On behalf of the head of the Ji Family, welcome to our home."

At that moment, a maid approached with a standard curtsy and smiled.

Chen Xian snapped out of his thoughts upon hearing her, slightly disappointed that it wasn’t Ji Qingyi who had come to greet him. But then again, this was perfectly in line with her character. He nodded and asked, "Where is your young mistress?"

"Our young mistress is resting in the courtyard. Please follow me," the maid replied with a professional smile before leading Chen Xian into the hall.

Chen Xian remained silent, quietly trailing behind the maid.

As he walked, he observed his surroundings while pondering what excuse he could use to exchange a few more words with Ji Qingyi.

However, just before entering the courtyard, the maid suddenly stopped and said, "Young Master Chen Xian, I have already informed the young mistress of your arrival. She is now waiting for you in the courtyard."

Chen Xian froze for a moment, his gaze landing on the slender figure seated on a rattan chair in the depths of the courtyard. Even from a distance, he could sense something extraordinary about her—as if everything about her was utterly different from before.

He remembered the first time he had seen Ji Qingyi—how breathtaking she had been.

But now, this second encounter made him truly understand the meaning of the word "breathtaking."

She was like a snow-capped mountain, her beauty concealed beneath ice, yet all the more heart-stirring.

"I see."

Regaining his composure, Chen Xian gave a slight nod and stepped inside.

Deep within the courtyard, inside a pavilion.

What should I do?

Even though we interacted as children, I still don’t know what to say to her. What should we even talk about?

Well… I should just go in.

If I act the same as before, it should be fine, right?

His heart pounding nervously, Chen Xian lifted his foot and slowly entered the courtyard. At the same time, Ji Qingyi turned her gaze toward him. Her eyes were icy as she stood up without a word, her cold demeanor unmistakable—as if she could see right through him.

His heart raced wildly.

A sense of shame, as if he had been caught red-handed, washed over him.

Biting his lip, he tried to suppress his nervousness.

This feeling was unbearably awkward.

"Your Highness, how have you been lately?"

Clearing his throat, he raised a hand and smiled at Ji Qingyi, his expression gentle and refined—like a perfectly mannered noble.

"Your Highness?"

Ji Qingyi’s face remained impassive. She simply stared at Chen Xian before enunciating each word coldly: "Did the Hualuo Group not teach you proper etiquette?"

Chen Xian stiffened, his smile freezing in place before crumbling entirely. He lowered his head, visibly wounded.

"I… I’m sorry. That was presumptuous of me. I thought… you might still remember our childhood."

His voice was low and hoarse, filled with self-reproach.

"Sit."

Ji Qingyi spoke curtly before sitting back down, not sparing him another glance as she picked up a teacup and took a sip.

At the same time, a maid poured tea for Chen Xian.

He sat across from her, not daring to meet her profile directly. Instead, he lifted his own cup and drank, using the motion to mask his discomfort.

Glancing at Chen Xian subconsciously, Ji Qingyi suddenly realized that this person bore no resemblance to Su Cheng.

Su Cheng was lively, always chattering away, acting as if she could hold up the sky if it ever fell—sometimes recklessly brave, other times inexplicably timid. But Chen Xian was gentle, introverted, excessively clever, timid yet stubborn.

"You must have heard, right?"

Suddenly, all traces of disappointment and awkwardness vanished from Chen Xian’s face, replaced by a solemn expression. He spoke up: "The Ji Family and Hualuo Group intend to secure peace between our factions through a political marriage between us."

Pausing, he lifted his gaze to meet Ji Qingyi’s.

Ji Qingyi remained expressionless, silent.

Chen Xian continued, "That’s why I came today—to discuss this matter with you."

"Oh."

Ji Qingyi responded indifferently, as if his words held no weight.

Frowning slightly, Chen Xian resisted the urge to press further, instead waiting for her reaction.

But Ji Qingyi simply continued drinking her tea, showing no response.

A sense of foreboding crept into Chen Xian’s heart.

"What if I refuse?"

Ji Qingyi finally spoke, her voice cool and detached.

Hearing this, Chen Xian trembled slightly, his gaze flickering before he mustered his courage and said, "The orders of our parents and the arrangements of matchmakers are not something I dare defy."

After speaking, he lowered his head again, a trace of pain flashing in his eyes before he added, "When I learned of the Ji Family’s intentions, I seized this opportunity. I know this is cruel for you, but without the authority to mobilize family resources, you’ll only lose…"

He looked up, hope glimmering in his eyes as he continued, "But if you marry me, you won’t have to worry about anything else. I’ll give you a life of your own. I promise to take you away from the Ji Family and ensure your happiness."

"You really are like a fairytale prince."

Ji Qingyi set down her teacup, sighing softly—yet her eyes remained devoid of emotion, not even a flicker of sentiment. Then she asked, "Why would you go this far for me?"

"What do you think?"

Suddenly, Chen Xian stood up, extending a hand toward her with unwavering determination. "If you take my hand now, I swear I’ll fulfill every wish of yours."

The scene seemed to freeze, transporting both of them back to a moment ten years ago.

"Then you might not be able to."

After a brief pause, Ji Qingyi shook her head. "Because there’s only one person in this world who can fulfill my wishes."

The hope in Chen Xian’s eyes faded instantly, replaced by disappointment. But he quickly steadied himself and nodded in understanding.

"Thank you."

Ji Qingyi offered her gratitude.

"There’s nothing to thank me for. I already had a feeling you’d refuse."

With that, he turned his back to her, his voice tinged with melancholy. "Though I’m a little bitter about losing to someone else, for your sake, I’ll do everything in my power to help you secure victory."

"That won’t be necessary. I already have a plan."

Ji Qingyi stated.

"A plan?"

Chen Xian was taken aback before a look of realization dawned on his face. Still facing away, he murmured, "I see."

Then he began walking away.

Because Ji Qingyi didn’t even want his help.

With every step, memories of their childhood together resurfaced.

Back then, they had almost held hands.

Now, they didn’t even have that chance.

He had spent years preparing for this—to rescue Ji Qingyi from the Ji Family.

And yet now…

A bitter smile tugged at Chen Xian’s lips before he turned back to face Ji Qingyi one last time.

"Then I wish you a swift and decisive victory."

With those final words, he walked away.

Just as he turned around, footsteps echoed through the courtyard.

Soon after, Su Cheng entered, followed by a maid.

At the sight of Su Cheng, Chen Xian’s heart jolted, his gaze flickering slightly.

He recognized the newcomer.

Though he hadn’t investigated personally, he had heard plenty about the other’s exploits—and the close ties to Ji Qingyi.

Chen Xian’s eyes narrowed as he sensed something off about the other’s demeanor—a forced calm, even a hint of hostility directed at him.

Yet when Su Cheng stepped closer, he froze on the spot, staring at Chen Xian in disbelief. He even rubbed his eyes inelegantly before blinking hard, as if to confirm what he was seeing.