At noon, Su Cheng arrived at the school supermarket, intending to buy some chocolates to return the favor to Wang Guancong, along with other snacks to fill his stomach.
The chocolate section.
The counter displayed an array of chocolates, each exquisitely packaged.
What stood out most was the pricing—calculated by the gram, with entire gift boxes costing a small fortune.
After doing the math, he was stunned to find that the most expensive ones could run into thousands. The sight left Su Cheng momentarily dazed, forgetting even to pick any.
After a long pause, he couldn’t help but click his tongue in disbelief—especially when he noticed that the matcha truffle chocolates Wang Guancong had given him were priced at 10 yuan per gram. He nearly slapped himself on the spot.
He had casually eaten nearly a thousand yuan’s worth during break time!
Another thing worth mentioning was that this chocolate shop was filled with girls carefully making their selections. A lone boy like him standing there was practically an eyesore.
Why?
Because people had already started talking about him.
"Look, is that senior over there buying chocolates for himself because no girl gave him any? How sad," a lowerclassman whispered to her friend nearby.
Though her voice wasn’t loud, the surrounding girls—both from high school and middle school—heard it. Their gazes instantly converged on Su Cheng.
"See how he’s even wearing a mask? He must be embarrassed. Don’t call him out like that," her friend chided.
"Fine, I’ll stop teasing him," the girl said, waving her hand dismissively before turning back to the chocolates.
Su Cheng, however, couldn’t care less. Being misunderstood was nothing new to him. He simply grabbed the same brand Wang Guancong had given him and headed to the checkout.
But just as he passed by, a girl suddenly called out, "Hey hey, Senior, wait a sec~"
Su Cheng stopped in his tracks and turned around, puzzled. "Yes?"
"This is for you," the girl said with a bright smile, holding out a beautifully wrapped chocolate.
This wasn’t the same girl who had mocked him earlier but another underclassman—a stunning beauty with golden short hair, fair skin, and delicate features. Her white school uniform skirt was slightly tailored, revealing slender legs and a glimpse of smooth, pale thighs. She radiated a lively, youthful charm that made hearts skip a beat.
There was no denying it—this girl was exceptionally pretty and cheerful.
"No thanks," Su Cheng replied without even looking, turning to leave. The chocolate she was offering hadn’t even been paid for yet. Only an idiot would accept it!
Did she think he’d fall for such an obvious trap?
As he walked away, the girl pouted. "No need to be so cold…"
"Hey, Weiyang, hurry up and pay already!" her friend urged from nearby.
"Got it!" Weiyang shot one last glance at Su Cheng, pursed her lips, and finally went to the counter.
Soon after, Su Cheng finished paying and headed to the gift-wrapping area. Just as he was about to write "Wang Guancong" on a card and tuck it into the chocolate packaging, a slender, delicate hand snatched the pen right before he could.
He looked up to see the same girl who had tried to give him chocolate earlier. She held the pen slightly above her head, blinking playfully. "Senior, mind if I go first?"
"..."
Su Cheng studied her flawless, lightly made-up face, then glanced at the two chocolates she had bought. After a brief hesitation, he stepped aside.
Respecting elders and cherishing the young was a principle he lived by.
Besides, letting her go first wasn’t a big deal. Arguing over it would only make things awkward.
After all, his popularity was at an all-time high now.
As someone with an idol image to maintain, he had to be mindful of his behavior. In the past, he might’ve blurted out something far less polite—a colorful phrase combining weather, personality, animals, and family bonds into one explosive expression.
"Thank you, Senior!" The girl beamed at him sweetly before shielding what she was writing with her hand. She carefully penned two characters, then pressed a bright red lipstick kiss onto the card. Finally, she folded the wrapping paper into a heart shape and tucked it neatly atop the chocolate box, looking satisfied with her handiwork.
"Here you go, Senior."
She handed the pen back politely, her demeanor suddenly demure.
"...Thanks."
Su Cheng took it. Though he wondered why she had two chocolates but only wrote one card, he didn’t press the matter. Instead, he quickly scribbled three characters and slipped the note into his own chocolate box.
However, the girl didn’t leave. Instead, she lingered nearby, her eyes lighting up as she noticed the calluses on Su Cheng’s left palm and right index finger. A sly glint flashed in her gaze, as if she had just confirmed something.
"Senior!"
Just as Su Cheng stepped out of the supermarket, ready to return to class and deliver the chocolate, a clear, melodious voice called out from behind.
He didn’t assume it was meant for him—the area was crowded with students.
"Mask-wearing Senior!!"
This time, the sweet voice rang unmistakably in his ears.
At the sound, nearby students all turned to look at him.
Well, he was the only one wearing a mask.
Guess she was calling for him after all.
Su Cheng turned toward the voice, puzzled.
There stood the same girl from earlier, smiling at him. One hand cradled two chocolate boxes against her chest, while the other waved subtly in front of her, beckoning him over.
Despite the curious onlookers around her, she acted as if sharing a secret, her shy smile resembling some sort of coded dating signal. The passing students couldn’t help but smirk knowingly.
"Ahem…" Su Cheng felt awkward but walked over slowly. "What is it?"
"This is for you."
She held out one of the chocolates, but when Su Cheng didn’t take it, she quickly clarified, "Don’t misunderstand—I already have someone I like."
Her words only confused him further. "Then why give me chocolate?"
"Your uniform looks new, so you must be a first-year senior, right? I’d like to ask you to deliver this chocolate to Senior Su Cheng from Class 1-2."
She held up the other, more elaborately wrapped chocolate as an example, then extended the first one toward him again. "This one’s a thank-you gift for your help. Please deliver it for me. Thank you!"
"Huh?"
For… Su Cheng?
Su Cheng froze, staring at her blankly for several seconds, completely thrown off guard.
"What’s with that look? Are you so moved by receiving chocolate from a girl for the first time that you’re getting ideas about me? Well, I’ll have you know—I already like someone! If you try anything weird, I’ll call the police on you!"
With that, the girl hugged the chocolates protectively to her chest and took a step back, her defensive stance leaving no room for doubt.