He who advances hastily will retreat quickly.

During the break, the classroom buzzed with youthful energy.

Yet, Su Cheng seemed detached from this lively atmosphere, seated by the window in that legendary spot—like a solitary king.

As a king, it was his duty to guide others forward.

He flipped open The Basic Laws of Web Novel Protagonists, only to discover traces of erased pencil marks behind each protagonist rule. Though carefully rubbed out, the faint imprints were still visible under the morning light.

Was this Li Guanqi’s doing?

At this thought, he glanced toward the corner.

There, Li Guanqi wasn’t chatting or playing around like the other students. Instead, she was engrossed in a literary work, occasionally jotting down notes.

Now that fit the image of a literary girl.

Su Cheng withdrew his gaze and looked out the window again.

His mind drifted back to this morning’s encounter with Li Guanqi in the parking lot, prompting some self-reflection.

Had he been too rash and impulsive?

But if it were anyone else, he wouldn’t have bothered. The issue was, this web novel was something he had given Li Guanqi, and she had helped him multiple times before. By reason and sentiment, he owed her a timely warning.

He knew all too well how murky the world of online literature could be. Most books were packed with fluff, training readers to skim rather than absorb.

Over time, it would become harder to focus on—let alone comprehend—content with real substance.

And that would undermine one’s ability to self-study.

Besides, if she dove into male-oriented works, she’d likely find them jarring, reinforcing stereotypes about authors and readers. If she turned to female-oriented ones, most were riddled with skewed morals, easy to lead her astray.

Sighing, Su Cheng fell into thought.

Though his actions might come off as presumptuous, staying silent would gnaw at his conscience.

So the real question was—was he doing this just to ease his own guilt?

After some deliberation, he realized the crux might lie in the fact that he was the one who introduced her to this world.

Had she stumbled into web novels on her own and gotten hooked, Su Cheng would’ve simply lamented the waste of a promising literary girl—but it would’ve been her choice to make, her responsibility to bear.

Yet he was the one who brought her in, and he’d already tripped into plenty of pitfalls himself.

As a veteran, he felt obligated to warn newcomers about the treacherous paths and traps ahead.

Intervening now might well steer her clear of those pitfalls—but at the cost of coming across as overbearing or paranoid.

If he chose not to interfere, she’d likely plunge in headfirst, learn the hard way, and later resent him for not stopping her before she reached that point.

Even if he wasn’t actually responsible to that extent, he’d still feel guilty.

"Maybe I should apologize first?" After a moment’s hesitation, Su Cheng stood and walked to Li Guanqi’s desk, lightly tapping its surface.

Li Guanqi closed her book, turning its cover toward him as if to prove her innocence.

"I came to apologize for this morning," Su Cheng cut straight to the point.

"Hm?" Li Guanqi seemed caught off guard, her eyes flickering with confusion.

Lowering his voice, Su Cheng spoke earnestly, "Let’s talk somewhere else. This might take a while."

Li Guanqi nodded, and the two moved to the end of the hallway.

"Go ahead," she said calmly.

Su Cheng gathered his words. "I was too impulsive this morning. I bulldozed over your feelings and stance, demanding you comply with my wishes. That was wrong of me."

To his surprise, Li Guanqi shook her head. "I understand why you did it."

"No, that’s not the point," Su Cheng insisted. "I should’ve first understood your situation, then figured out how to help—not just bark orders at you. That went against my own intentions, and causing you trouble was entirely my fault."

"Then why were you so impulsive?" Li Guanqi asked curiously. This morning’s wall slam had been wildly out of character for this usually reserved and distant guy.

Su Cheng smiled wryly. "I already owe you favors. When I found out you’d picked up a bad habit because of me, I lost control."

Li Guanqi’s eyes widened slightly. "So, besides apologizing, is there something else you want to say?"

"Yeah." Su Cheng nodded. "After calming down, I realized my words this morning were just self-righteous moral grandstanding. So I’ve decided to help you my way—if you’ll give me the chance."

"How do you plan to help?" Li Guanqi’s interest was piqued.

"You can keep reading, and I can even recommend books. But before you start, let me vet the content first to make sure it’s safe for you." Su Cheng proposed. "How does that sound?"

This was his new idea: instead of enforcing a ban, it would be better to guide and work together to bring about change.

Li Guanqi fell into silence.

She was surprised that Su Cheng would go to such lengths for her. Almost no one had ever paid such intense, sustained attention to her existence. Though his sense of boundaries was lacking, it gave her a peculiar thrill. She began to understand why their relationship was that of lovers.

This little trick of yielding first and then pressing forward—she had now experienced it firsthand. Simple, blunt, yet remarkably effective.

Seeing Li Guanqi remain silent, Su Cheng grew nervous, afraid she might refuse.

He hastily added, "This way, we can occasionally discuss the plot too. Isn’t that better?"

Li Guanqi raised her head and asked slowly, "I have a question. Weren’t you always keeping your distance from me? Why are you suddenly willing to sacrifice so much? Aren’t you afraid your girlfriend might misunderstand and affect your relationship?"

"She’ll understand," Su Cheng declared firmly. "The other day, when you handed me a glass of water in my moment of need, she knew about it. We never got the chance to express our gratitude, and this is the perfect opportunity."

As he spoke, he began praising Ji Qingyi: "She’s a very understanding girl. Once I explain this to her, she’ll definitely support me."

Are you really talking about the Ji Qingyi I know?

Hearing this, Li Guanqi felt thoroughly unsettled. In her eyes, Ji Qingyi was anything but reasonable. If Su Cheng told the two of them about their interactions, not only would he fail to gain support, he might even land himself in hot water.

By then, she’d likely find herself trapped with no way out.

"Sorry, I can’t accept your suggestion," Li Guanqi refused expressionlessly. "You’ve convinced me. I’ve decided to give up reading web novels. You can rest assured."

Su Cheng’s expression shifted at her words, a mix of relief and disappointment.

Relieved that Li Guanqi was willing to "turn over a new leaf," yet disappointed that he hadn’t been able to help or repay the favor.

"I see," he sighed dejectedly, turning to leave.

"Wait." Li Guanqi’s voice called out from behind.

Su Cheng turned back to see her gazing steadily at him.

"Is there something else?" he asked nervously.

Li Guanqi bit her lip lightly. "I think... you might be able to help me with something."

"With what?" Su Cheng perked up immediately.

"My family’s driver recently went back to his hometown for a break," Li Guanqi said carefully. "I’m not familiar with the new one yet, and it’s a bit uncomfortable. I heard you know a female driver—could you give me her contact information?"

Su Cheng paused, then nodded readily. "Of course." He pulled out his phone and sent the number to Li Guanqi.

"Thank you." Her tone softened slightly. "I’d like to hire her as my driver for a while, but I’ll need your help to arrange it."

"No problem, but..." Though he agreed, a hint of hesitation flickered across his face.

"What’s wrong?" Li Guanqi asked, puzzled.

"She reads web novels often. I’m worried..."

"Don’t worry. I have enough self-control for that," Li Guanqi cut him off.

Su Cheng finally relaxed. "That’s good then."

"Thank you very much."

Li Guanqi stood and bowed to him in gratitude.

"No, no, it’s nothing, really," Su Cheng stammered, flustered, his smile earnest.

"But to me, you’ve done me a great favor." Li Guanqi straightened up, her expression as composed as ever.

Yet, to Su Cheng, her demeanor only made him feel awkward. Her poker face made it impossible to sense any sincerity—it almost felt like pity.

Fortunately, Li Guanqi quickly picked up on his discomfort. She hurriedly apologized, "I’m sorry. My facial nerves aren’t very flexible due to certain reasons."

"Huh?" Su Cheng’s eyes widened in disbelief.

She’s actually expressionless?

"Yes, please bear with me." Li Guanqi apologized repeatedly, then lifted the corners of her lips with her slender fingers, forcing a stiff smile.

Though the smile was strained, she still made a sincere effort to show it to Su Cheng.