Visiting Again, Always Visiting

Though this was just a confession...

But...

Su Cheng felt he had to reject her outright.

Yet just as he was about to speak, Xuan Ying suddenly pulled away from his chest, turned around, and bolted.

Mid-sprint, she tripped and fell, her mascot headpiece flying off. But she scrambled back up, grabbed it, put it back on, and kept running.

That clumsy yet adorable retreat left Su Cheng feeling helpless.

If not for the thick costume padding, that fall would’ve scraped her badly—but the cartoon outfit cushioned the impact, sparing her injury.

Still, he realized Xuan Ying might have sensed his impending rejection, hence the frantic escape.

If she already knew he’d refuse, then saying it outright hardly mattered. Even if he did, it wouldn’t change her feelings.

With a sigh, Su Cheng turned and sat back under the tree, pulling up his system panel.

[Ding—]

[Confession successful]

[100,000 Flame Currency deposited into host’s account]

"It’s a C-rank."

His expression remained unsurprised.

[Loading character information]

[Xuan Ying]

[Intelligence: 5]

[Charm: 8]

[Stamina: 3]

[Status: Daughter of the Chairman of International Shipbuilding & Repair Co., Ltd.]

[System description: A popular moe-style beauty at school, hailing from an affluent family. Sharp-tongued and blunt with others, yet timid and meek around her crush. Normally cold to everyone except close friends, she transforms entirely for the boy she likes—clingy, obedient, even reshaping her personality, appearance, speech, fashion, and habits for him.]

"Hmm..."

Su Cheng nodded at the profile, quietly marveling. Xuan Ying was truly a gem.

Who in this world could reject a girl like her?

This reward of 100,000, combined with Cornelia’s earlier voice-recorder bonus, brought his total to over 200,000.

Two hundred grand...

He took a deep breath. This was no small sum.

"Donate it?"

His first instinct was to send the money to impoverished mountain regions, helping children in need—any child, really. He’d gladly assist.

"How are you celebrating your birthday this year?"

Suddenly, two girls walked past, chatting.

The question made Su Cheng frown.

He remembered he did need money—for birthday gifts. When classmates celebrated, he’d need lavish presents to reciprocate.

Realizing this, he decided to keep the funds untouched, saving them for future gift expenses.

"What’s on your mind?"

A familiar voice snapped him back. Li Guanqi stood before him, her tone flat and emotionless.

Su Cheng blinked in surprise but quickly recovered. "What brings you here?"

Wordlessly, Li Guanqi handed him her phone, showing their chat log. He glanced down—ah, he’d stopped replying earlier. That explained her visit.

Returning the phone, he suggested, "Class is almost over. Let’s go change?"

"Okay."

They headed to the locker room together. Tonight, Li Guanqi would visit his home.

After changing into uniforms, they went straight to the Archery Club.

With classes still in session, the clubroom was empty.

While Li Guanqi waited outside, Su Cheng entered to fetch his gear. But upon stepping into Ji Qingyi’s private practice area, he froze—there she stood, brush in hand, gracefully composing calligraphy at her desk.

Her poise was regal, every stroke radiating elegance. Su Cheng stared, mesmerized.

Then came the awkwardness.

He hadn’t knocked.

This was beyond rude.

"I thought you weren’t here..."

Su Cheng flushed, though it made sense—she’d only left for the equestrian field earlier to teach him. Now, she was back.

"I am. Did you need something?"

Ji Qingyi didn’t look up, her voice cool.

His intrusion clearly displeased her.

Anyone would be irked, let alone someone as prideful as Ji Qingyi. Even close relations didn’t excuse such informality.

"I—I just came to get my things."

He stumbled over his words but kept it polite.

"In that case."

Ji Qingyi set down her brush and finally met his gaze, gesturing to the chair before her. "Sit."

"Thanks."

Su Cheng obeyed, perching nervously on the edge.

She placed both hands on the desk, leaning slightly to loom over him. The pressure made him shrink back.

"Did I... interrupt you?"

He swallowed hard, pulse quickening under her breathtaking proximity.

"You disrupted my practice."

Su Cheng exhaled in relief. At least she acknowledged it.

"Here."

He pulled candy from his pocket as a peace offering. "I know it’s abrupt, but please accept this small token."

Ji Qingyi studied him silently, the frost in her eyes thawing. Then she reached out, taking the sweets.

"An apology gift?"

"Y-yes."

"Then I’ll take it."

With a slight nod, she tucked them into her skirt pocket—a simple motion executed with peerless grace. This woman embodied elegance.

Truly, the heiress of a conglomerate: a living emblem of refinement.

"Since you’re here, stay for tea."

At her words, attendants swiftly cleared the calligraphy set and brought a tea service.

Ji Qingyi prepared the brew herself, pouring a cup for Su Cheng.

He sipped, savoring the rich aroma and lingering sweetness.

"Delicious."

Her brow arched faintly at the praise. She took a sip herself before setting her cup down. "Have more, then."

Meanwhile, Li Guanqi waited outside the clubroom.

......

After several cups:

"President, I should get going. Another time."

Su Cheng rose, gathering his belongings.

"Go ahead."

Ji Qingyi dismissed him with a wave.

Pausing briefly, he finally left.

As Su Cheng left, the room fell silent. Ji Qingyi picked up her teacup, took a delicate sip, then idly twirled the cup in her hands.

Suddenly…

She set the cup down and pulled out a phone identical to Su Cheng’s. Unlocking the screen, she tapped on Ji Yuewu’s profile and initiated a video call.

"Young Mistress?"

Liu Qingyue’s beautiful face appeared on the screen, though her expression was tinged with confusion. Ji Qingyi had just unwrapped a piece of candy and popped it into her mouth—an action that struck Liu Qingyue as oddly out of character.

"It seems that without Su Cheng around, the club activities have reverted to how they used to be."

Liu Qingyue sighed softly, her tone laced with regret.

Ji Qingyi, however, remained silent, the candy still dissolving on her tongue as she gazed thoughtfully at Ji Yuewu on the screen.

Noticing Ji Qingyi’s pensive look, Ji Yuewu asked, "Young Mistress, do you have any instructions?"

"He just left," Ji Qingyi finally spoke.

"So… the candy was from him?"

Liu Qingyue’s eyes widened in surprise before comprehension dawned. She pressed further, "Did he go back to the new club or head home?"

"Home, most likely."

"Hmm… Didn’t he invite you to his place last time? Since both of you are free now, why not visit his home for today’s club activity?"

Liu Qingyue’s sudden suggestion hung in the air.

Ji Qingyi fell silent again, as if weighing the idea.