An Utterly Ordinary Chapter

The young man and maiden,

Amidst their playful banter,

Exchange gifts of peonies.

— "Book of Songs · Airs of Zheng · Qin Wei"

…………………………

Especially with Valentine's Day just around the corner, Su Cheng suddenly stole a peony from Ji Qingyi's garden. One could easily imagine the reactions of the two young women upon discovering this.

As for why Su Cheng didn't just buy one outside?

Why did he have to steal from Ji Qingyi's garden?

Because peonies don’t bloom in this season. However, Ji Qingyi's garden is equipped with a temperature control system, and each potted flower is meticulously tended to by specialists who regulate temperature, light, humidity, and soil conditions.

As for why Su Cheng took the peony?

Isn’t it obvious?

He must be giving it to someone.

But to whom?

Ji Qingyi and Li Guanqi exchanged glances, each detecting an unusual emotion in the other’s eyes.

"Junior Li, your heartbeat seems unstable. Are you recalling something?"

Ji Qingyi spoke with an indifferent tone, as if making casual conversation.

Though it might seem contradictory for him to steal a flower from her only to gift it back, one must not forget that Su Cheng possesses the ability to rejuvenate flowers, making them even more vibrant.

Ji Qingyi suspected that his theft of the peony was deliberate. Perhaps he intended to return it tomorrow—more radiant than ever.

"Apologies, I was just lost in thought."

After a moment of contemplation, Li Guanqi replied calmly and honestly.

Though her words revealed little, there was no need for further explanation. Both women understood perfectly well.

By now, the attendants had withdrawn, leaving only the two young women in the tea-scented clubroom. The atmosphere grew quiet.

Yet Ji Qingyi seemed unaffected by the silence, sitting composedly at the tea table, savoring her drink. Li Guanqi remained silent as well, though her gaze occasionally lingered on the senior’s back.

"It seems you believe you understand him well. Then allow me to make my own prediction. I believe he will return the flower—more exquisite than before."

After a pause, Ji Qingyi suddenly spoke, her tone as cool as ever, with no trace of the earlier aloofness.

"If that’s what you think, Senior, then I’d like to see what kind of surprise awaits."

Their eyes met, and a faint, almost imperceptible smile flickered in Li Guanqi’s gaze.

The entire wager unfolded without unnecessary words—no terms, no stakes. It was a testament to their absolute confidence, hidden beneath their composed exteriors.

Thus, their anticipation was carried on the fragrance of a single flower. Who would emerge victorious, and who would concede defeat? The answer would only be revealed in time.

……………………………………

The interview concluded, and Li Guanqi left with her camera, while Ji Qingyi remained seated, continuing her tea as if she had no intention of leaving.

"Young Mistress."

After a while, a slender, short-haired young woman entered.

Setting down her cup, Ji Qingyi lifted her gaze. "You overheard our conversation, didn’t you?"

"Yes."

The woman nodded, her expression unreadable, as if long accustomed to her mistress’s enigmatic demeanor. "So, you wish to hear my thoughts on the matter?"

Ji Qingyi nodded. "Indeed."

"I believe it will be a draw."

…………………………………………

Near Su Cheng’s Apartment

This was a park nestled between the apartment complex and the villa district—a place of serene beauty and picturesque scenery.

Here, Li Guanqi found Cornelia and Ailiya, though their attention was currently occupied by an extraordinarily flashy stray dog.

The dog wore a straw hat, carried a wooden box on its back, and had a short sword strapped to it. Its rogue-like appearance drew the eyes of everyone in the park.

What was even more surprising was that the two girls seemed to be arguing with the golden retriever.

Li Guanqi promptly began documenting the scene.

"Da Huang, where did you take Da Bai?"

Ailiya gripped the dog’s head, shaking it as she demanded, "Tell me right now!"

"Woof… woof woof!" Da Huang wagged his tail in refusal.

"Yeah, Da Huang, where did you hide Da Bai?"

Cornelia clung to the dog, nuzzling it pleadingly.

"Woof woof woof—!" Da Huang looked thoroughly unimpressed, wriggled free, and then dashed off.

"Ahhh! Look at your Da Huang! He stole my Da Bai!" Ailiya stomped her foot in frustration.

Cornelia’s expression was equally troubled. She had invited Ailiya over to her apartment today. Knowing that Cornelia owned an exceptionally clever golden retriever, Ailiya had recently splurged on adopting a border collie of her own.

After all, border collies were in a league of their own—far more intelligent than ordinary dogs, let alone one with championship bloodlines. It was an incredibly rare and valuable companion.

Though not quite as brilliant as Da Huang, it was still remarkably smart!

But just moments ago, after a quick trip to the restroom, they returned to find the border collie missing—only Da Huang remained outside. Witnesses claimed Da Huang had untied the leash himself.

Now, both girls wore expressions of distress.

Just then, Li Guanqi’s sharp eyes caught a familiar figure outside the park. She quickly adjusted her camera lens toward the approaching figure.

Su Cheng, riding his bicycle, was heading their way.

Spotting him, Cornelia and Ailiya immediately brightened and called out in relief, "Su Cheng!"

With him here, they knew they could recover their lost Da Bai.

Hearing them, Su Cheng stopped his bike and nodded in acknowledgment.

The two girls rushed toward him.

"Su Cheng—"

"My Da Bai—"

"Da Huang, he—"

"Wait, I know you’re anxious, but take a breath first."

Su Cheng dismounted, signaling for them to calm down.

"Da Huang—"

"Da Bai—"

Seeing them speak over each other again, Su Cheng rubbed his temples and interjected, "I know you have a problem to solve, and I’ll help. But right now, I know nothing about the situation."

"Ugh, let me explain!"

Ailiya, unable to contain herself, covered Cornelia’s mouth and blurted, "Da Huang hid my border collie! Make him bring Da Bai back!"

"So Da Huang set your border collie free, huh?"

Su Cheng mused, then scanned the area before beckoning to Da Huang in the distance.

"Woof woof!" Da Huang trotted over obediently, lowering his head to affectionately lick Su Cheng’s pants.

"Where’s Da Bai?"

Su Cheng ruffled the dog’s fur, crouching down to ask softly, "Bring Da Bai back to me."

"Woof woof."

Dahuang began leading Su Cheng in a certain direction, with two lolitas following closely behind, chattering noisily the entire way.

Meanwhile, Li Guanqi trailed behind, meticulously recording the entire process.

Much later, Su Cheng rode his bicycle back home, and Li Guanqi also came to a stop, waiting outside for news. A faint sense of tension began to spread through her.

Time passed slowly.

Night gradually fell.

In the park, a gentle breeze rustled the treetops.

Li Guanqi sat on a park bench, tilting her head up to gaze at the starry sky.

She had been waiting here for three hours, nibbling on bread from her bag when hungry and taking sips from her water bottle when thirsty.

She didn’t know what Su Cheng was doing at home, nor did she understand why she was staying here—but she simply wanted to. All she knew was that this place brought her a sense of peace.

Ding-dong~

Just then, her phone buzzed with a new message.

It was from Su Cheng.

The time was 10 PM.

Su Cheng: How’s the night treating you?

Li Guanqi thought for a second before replying with a simple "Not bad."

She remembered Su Cheng saying those words before, though she hadn’t responded at the time.

Now, hearing them again made her frown.

She sensed there was more to this message.

But then—

Su Cheng: Remember to rest early, don’t stay up too late. Oh, and my bike accidentally fell into a ditch.

She froze for several minutes, lost in thought over the deeper meaning behind these messages—when suddenly, Su Cheng emerged from the apartment entrance, pushing his bicycle.

This completely derailed her train of thought.

Didn’t it fall into a ditch?

At the same time, a car in the distance flashed its high beams, illuminating Li Guanqi’s face as she sat on the apartment bench. Under the glare of the light, though her expression remained blank, her lips pressed together slightly, and her eyes betrayed a hint of unease to any onlooker.

Because this direction led straight to the school.

Ji Qingyi’s private estate was also located there.

Her mind involuntarily replayed Ji Qingyi’s words.

In the end, she chose to follow.

She simply wanted to know the answer.

Su Cheng leisurely pushed his bicycle ahead, while Li Guanqi stumbled along behind him—though her legs could barely move anymore.

Suddenly, Su Cheng stopped.

And she was forced to halt as well.

At that moment, the only sounds were the fading noise of passing cars, the cold wind whistling, and the rapid thumping of her own heartbeat. The silence stretched on, more unsettling than any noise.

Then, Su Cheng parked his bicycle by the roadside and turned into a coffee shop.

Li Guanqi sat on a nearby bench, staring intently at the café.

After a while, she noticed Su Cheng had chosen a seat by the window—one that faced sideways, allowing her a clear view of his profile.

He ordered a coffee, then pulled out a small notebook from his chest pocket, flipping it open and carefully jotting something down, as if documenting something important.

She remained on the bench, watching him in a daze for a long time—until he finished his coffee, closed the notebook, and stood up to leave.

She rose and followed.

This time, Su Cheng didn’t ride his bike. Instead, he pushed it as he walked slowly toward Flame City Private Academy.

Half an hour later,

Li Guanqi stood at the entrance of Flame City Private, while Su Cheng seemed to have already entered the campus.

She hesitated, lingering outside the gates before finally slipping in unnoticed.

The clock struck midnight.

Valentine’s Day had arrived.

The campus was eerily quiet, with only a few patrolling security guards in sight.

Li Guanqi walked hesitantly along the path toward the private estate, taking far longer than necessary to reach it.

But just as she arrived at the entrance, she saw Su Cheng walking out.

It was obvious—

Su Cheng had returned the white peonies he picked that afternoon.

A complex swirl of emotions rose in her eyes, and an inexplicable ache settled in her chest.

So, they weren’t meant for her after all.

They were for his club president.

Of course. Last time, she hadn’t responded to him.

Why would he give them to her now?

By then, Su Cheng had already ridden his bicycle far away—perhaps heading home, perhaps somewhere else.

Li Guanqi stood there for a long while before finally stepping out of the estate, wandering aimlessly across the campus.

Just as she was about to leave—

She suddenly stopped, her gaze locking onto something ahead.

A bicycle lay in a ditch.

…Was that Su Cheng’s bike?!

Li Guanqi hurried over and bent down to inspect it. Sure enough, it was his.

She frowned. Su Cheng usually took great care of this bike—he would never abandon it like this.

Then, a possibility struck her, and her pupils constricted.

Su Cheng: How’s the night treating you?

Su Cheng: Rest early, don’t stay up too late. Oh, and my bike fell into a ditch…

She recalled his earlier messages, and now, seeing his discarded bike here… There was only one explanation—

If she wasn’t mistaken, he was probably waiting for her on the lawn.

He might have even known she was following him, deliberately leaving his bike here as a clue for her to find.

But why would he do this?

Because he wanted atmosphere. Romance. A sense of ceremony.

Did she truly understand Su Cheng?

Did Su Cheng understand her?

Since she hadn’t responded last time, if he wanted to confess again, he would naturally go all out to set the mood, to craft a perfect, romantic scene.

He might have planned everything since noon—from picking the peonies in the afternoon to every other detail—all carefully orchestrated for this moment.

"Does he still have the peonies?"

Li Guanqi lifted her head toward the sky, now veiled in darkness, the stars hidden.

Without hesitation, she headed toward the lawn.

The path was empty, and she reached the grassy field quickly.

But the lawn was deserted.

The dim glow of the streetlights cast a lonely, desolate atmosphere. The sparse trees and deep shadows only amplified the sense of melancholy.

What was once a warm, comforting spot for their afternoon breaks now felt heavy with an unspoken sorrow, making it hard to breathe.

"He’s not here?"

She murmured to herself, a sudden panic creeping into her heart.

But then—

Something unexpected happened.

A flock of crows burst from the trees, their black wings flapping soundlessly as they swirled around the lawn, gathering into a dark, swirling mass.

They circled her, the rush of air from their wings forcing her to shut her eyes.

When she opened them again—

The crows were gone.

As if they had never existed.

She stood there, stunned.

But in that moment of hesitation, a gentle breeze swept by, dispersing the traces left by the crows and calming her panic, allowing her heart to gradually settle.

Because right across the river, a familiar figure appeared.

Su Cheng!

He stood not far from her, holding a bouquet of peonies deliberately dyed black, smiling softly at her.

Had he dyed them specially because he knew she loved black?

This particular peony, dark and bewitching, paired with his gentle smile, gave off an almost enchanting, otherworldly allure.

As she gazed at this unique black peony, her heart began to pound uncontrollably.

"For you," he said, his voice tender yet resolute.

She stared at him, stunned.

At the same time, countless deafening explosions erupted behind him—fireworks in a riot of colors burst into the sky, shattering the darkness and illuminating the world below in a dazzling display.

The entire sky lit up, bathing both of them in a dreamlike glow of radiant hues.

Yet in that moment, their eyes held only each other, free of distraction, as if silently conveying the deepest yearnings of their hearts.

Suddenly, the crows reappeared, swarming in an orderly formation to construct a black bridge of wings across the river, stretching toward one another.

Li Guanqi’s gaze fell upon this dark bridge, mesmerized by the arch of crows, momentarily frozen in awe.

Then, a crow clad in a red sweater emerged, plucking the peony from Su Cheng’s hand and flying straight to Li Guanqi.

Instinctively, she grasped the flower, her fingertips brushing lightly over its petals before clutching it to her chest, her lips trembling slightly. "Then… how will you come over?"

"By crossing the crow bridge, of course."

"You’re lying. It could never hold your weight."

Li Guanqi pressed her lips together, then pouted slightly in dissatisfaction—there was no way for her to respond to him in this situation.

"Well, if I make it across, you’d better hold onto me tight!"

"Okay!"

She nodded solemnly, one arm cradling the flower while the other reached out, suspended in midair, waiting for his arrival.

Su Cheng smiled, then snapped his fingers. A majestic steed appeared behind him—tall, powerful, and exuding grace—rearing up with a proud whinny.

Without hesitation, Su Cheng leaped onto the horse’s back, gripping the reins as the steed took a few steps back, gathering strength for the leap.

Then, in the next instant, she watched as the horse reared once more before charging forward, soaring through the air beneath the moonlight. Su Cheng, atop the steed, performed a breathtaking leap of faith over the crow bridge!

Before she could even process it, they were already riding together.

Suddenly, the sound of school patrol officers with their alarms echoed behind them—but she had already forgotten everything else.

At that moment, Su Cheng lowered his head to look at Li Guanqi, just as she happened to glance up. When their eyes met, it was as if they could see straight into each other’s souls.

"I’m going to give you my answer now~"