The Little Wallflower Boldly Strikes

Yundi Villa, second floor.

That in-depth test on "architectural acoustics" had finally come to an end.

In front of the huge panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, the smart curtains left only a narrow gap. Cold moonlight poured in like mercury, drawing a long band of light across the floor.

The room was filled with a charming and lazy atmosphere.

Zhou Jialu, like a Persian cat drained of all her strength, curled up under the Egyptian long-staple cotton quilt. Her wavy hair was scattered on the pillow, with a few strands clinging to her flushed cheeks. One of her arms rested outside the covers, dazzlingly white, her fingertips still trembling slightly.

Meanwhile, Su Bai, the "instigator," was leaning against the headboard, full of energy.

He casually picked up the phone from the nightstand. The glow of the screen seemed a bit glaring in the dim room.

"You're still not sleeping... Are you made of iron?"

Zhou Jialu opened her eyes groggily. Her voice was terribly hoarse, carrying a thick nasal tone and a hint of coquettishness. She struggled to shift her body, resting her head on Su Bai's thigh and rubbing against it to find a comfortable spot. "What time is it..."

"It's still early, only eleven."

Su Bai gently stroked her silky smooth hair with one hand while swiping on the phone screen with the other. "I just remembered something and wanted to look it up."

"Look what up? A multi-billion dollar business deal?" Zhou Jialu teased with her eyes closed.

"You could say that. It's about an employee background check."

Su Bai smiled and opened WeChat Moments.

His finger paused on a chat box with a cartoon bunny avatar—it was Ke Yujia's WeChat.

Just now, when he was taking her home, even though they had acknowledged each other as kindergarten classmates, Su Bai actually didn't know much about her current situation. He only knew she was a substitute in the dance troupe and lived in Yun County.

Out of a curiosity born of their "reunion," Su Bai clicked into her Moments.

The girl's Moments were very simple. There were no heavily photoshopped selfies or fake socialite afternoon teas like Zhao Feifei's. Most of her posts were check-ins for dance practice, a stray cat she met on the street, or some shared articles about the dance profession.

"Huh?"

Su Bai's finger suddenly stopped.

He clicked on a photo from three months ago.

It was a casual photo of Ke Yujia. In the picture, she was wearing a simple white T-shirt and denim overalls, standing under a huge ginkgo tree, smiling brightly and innocently. Although she was petite, she exuded a vibrant, youthful aura.

The focal point wasn't the person, but the background.

Behind that ginkgo tree was an old-fashioned red brick teaching building with several large characters hanging on it: "Jiangcheng Normal University, Yifu Building."

Su Bai raised an eyebrow and scrolled down a few more posts.

Sure enough.

[Finally finished final exams!]

[Although the sweet and sour pork ribs at the Normal University cafeteria are delicious, I can only look at them to control my weight. (Crying.jpg)]

Jiangcheng Normal University.

Dance Department.

Freshman.

Looking at this information, a playful smirk curled the corners of Su Bai's mouth.

"It really is a small world."

He muttered to himself.

He had thought she was just an ordinary dance troupe employee, but unexpectedly, she was actually a college student. And... coincidentally, she went to the same school as Li Xingya?

This meant that the Little Sniveler he had rescued at the rest area, the one he had shared a bed with in kindergarten, was not only his employee, but also his pure little girlfriend's... schoolmate? Possibly even a classmate?

This web of connections was simply unbelievable.

"What are you smiling at? You look so devious."

Zhou Jialu, resting on his lap, noticed the change in Su Bai's mood. She forced one eye open and peeked at the phone screen like a detective.

When she saw the petite girl on the screen wearing overalls and smiling foolishly, Zhou Jialu instantly sobered up a bit.

"Oh, isn't this the Little Sniveler from today?"

Zhou Jialu propped herself up halfway. The blanket slipped down, revealing her fair, creamy shoulders, but she didn't care at all. Instead, she reached out and poked Su Bai hard in the chest.

"Wow, Su Bai, you scumbag!"

"Holding me right after doing that kind of thing, and you're actually studying another woman?"

"Are you trying to piss me off to death so you can inherit my Hermes bags?"

Although she called him a scumbag, there was no real anger in Zhou Jialu's tone, but rather a jealous kind of flirtation. As a smart woman, she knew how to use moderate jealousy to spice things up.

"What do you mean, studying another woman?"

Su Bai grabbed her mischievous finger, brought it to his lips, and kissed it, saying righteously, "I am caring for my employee. Besides, I just found out that this girl is actually a college student, going to the same school as Xingya."

"Xingya?"

Zhou Jialu paused for a moment, then rolled her eyes. "Fine, you're trying to bag the entirety of Jiangcheng Normal University, aren't you? One Li Xingya isn't enough, you have to add a little nobody too?"

"You can't say that."

Su Bai put down his phone, pulled Zhou Jialu back into his arms, and let his hand wander over her smooth back. "Look at Ke Yujia. Even though she's a bit short, maybe around one meter fifty-eight, she can't compare to Xingya's long legs."

"But..."

Su Bai recalled the timid yet adoring way Ke Yujia had looked at him in the car earlier today, and that somewhat round face brimming with collagen.

"This kind of petite and exquisite girl is actually quite cute. She must be very light to hold, like holding a large action figure."

"Besides, don't you think this kind of little girl who blushes easily when teased has a special kind of charm?"

"Action figure? Charm?"

Zhou Jialu ground her teeth as she listened, then bit down on Su Bai's shoulder. "I think you have a perverted charm! You won't even let an old classmate off the hook! How old is she? Aren't you afraid of scaring her to death, you big bad wolf!"

"Ow, ow, ow... let go!"

Su Bai laughed and begged for mercy. "I was just saying that casually. Besides, do I look like the kind of person who isn't picky when hungry? I call this having an eye for discovering beauty."

"Hmph, I think you have an eye for discovering prey."

Zhou Jialu released her bite. Looking at the neat row of teeth marks, she snorted with satisfaction. "But to be honest... that little girl really does make people want to dote on her. Crying like that at the rest area today, even I wanted to protect her. If you really make a move on her, you have to be gentle. Don't break her."

"..."

Su Bai's face darkened with exasperation.

What kind of wild, dirty thoughts were running through this senior's head?

"Alright, time to sleep."

Su Bai turned off his phone and rolled over, pinning Zhou Jialu beneath him. "Since you still have the energy to bite, it seems the 'test' just now wasn't thorough enough. Shall we add another hour?"

"Ah? No! I was wrong! Su Bai, let me go... Mmph..."

The rest of her protests were completely drowned out in the night of this minimalist, tech-style villa.

...

Meanwhile.

Yun County, Textile Factory Family Quarters.

Compared to the romantic atmosphere over at Su Bai's place, the vibe on Ke Yujia's side was much more down-to-earth, even carrying a hint of awkwardness and helplessness.

In the old two-bedroom apartment, the radiator wasn't particularly warm. Ke Yujia, wearing thick coral fleece pajamas, sat on a peeling faux-leather sofa with a cup of hot water in her hands, currently enduring a joint interrogation from her parents.

The TV in the living room was broadcasting a rerun of a Spring Festival Gala warm-up show, but clearly, no one was watching it.

Father Ke and Mother Ke sat opposite her. Their gazes were intensely eager, staring at Ke Yujia as if they were looking at a gold mine.

Yujia, tell Mom the truth.

Mother Ke peeled an orange and handed it to her daughter, her tone full of probing. That Boss Su who brought you home today... was he really just dropping you off on his way?

Mom, I've told you eight hundred times.

Ke Yujia sighed helplessly. It really was just on the way. We happened to run into each other at the rest area. He helped me out of a tough spot, and seeing that I was also heading back to Ancheng, he kindly gave me a ride.

Kindly?

Father Ke chimed in from the side, Silly girl, where do you find so many kind-hearted people these days? Let alone a big boss like him who drives a luxury car worth millions! If he wasn't interested in you, would he have that... that beautiful woman drive for you while he personally gave you a ride? And even give you tens of thousands in a year-end bonus?

At the mention of those tens of thousands of yuan, Father Ke's eyes practically glowed.

Those were real, solid red banknotes!

They had counted them several times just now—a full twenty thousand! That was almost equivalent to the old couple's pension for more than half a year.

Their daughter was only a college freshman, yet she could earn this much money working part-time at a dance troupe.

That was... that was to help me save face...

Ke Yujia defended herself in a small voice, but it grew quieter and quieter.

In truth, she wasn't sure herself.

Was Su Bai good to her because of their kindergarten friendship, or was it because... he actually had feelings for her?

Helping you save face says even more!

Mother Ke slapped her thigh and said excitedly, That means he cares about you! Yujia, you need to be smart about this. A high-quality man like him is hard to find even with a lantern! Although that woman beside him looked quite pretty, we aren't bad either! You're a college student, a dancer, you have a great figure, and you're young...

Mom! Stop it!

Ke Yujia's face flushed red as she listened, wishing she could find a hole to crawl into. He has a girlfriend! It's that older sister from today! Besides... besides, I haven't thought that much about it. Right now, I just want to focus on school and practicing my dancing.

So what if he has a girlfriend? If they aren't married, it's fair competition!

Mother Ke was relentless. Besides, I think that woman is too alluring; she doesn't look like the type to settle down with. A man like Boss Su will definitely end up liking a well-behaved and sensible girl like you.

By the way, are you dating anyone at school?

Father Ke suddenly interjected, his expression turning serious. Let me tell you, we didn't let you date before because we were afraid it would affect your studies. But now... if some poor boys at school chase after you, you absolutely must not be foolish! We need to look at the long term; if you're going to find someone, find someone like Boss Su!

Dad...

Ke Yujia was completely speechless.

This was one of the reasons she didn't like coming home.

Although her parents loved her, that love was always mixed with too much snobbery and calculation. Especially since they found out she had chances to interact with rich people in Jiangcheng, they would beat around the bush every time they called, asking if any rich heirs were pursuing her.

I'm not dating anyone! No one at school is chasing me! Happy now?

Ke Yujia put down her water cup and stood up. I'm tired, I'm going to my room to sleep.

After saying that, she fled into her small room and locked the door behind her.

The world was finally quiet.

Ke Yujia leaned against the door and let out a long, heavy breath.

She walked over to her desk, sat down, and took her somewhat old phone out of her bag.

The screen lit up.

The lock screen was a selfie of her in the dance studio. In the background, a blurry silhouette could faintly be seen—it was a photo she had secretly taken of Su Bai during one of his inspection visits.

Haven't thought that much about it...

Ke Yujia muttered to herself as she looked at that silhouette.

Had she really not thought about it?

If it were in the past, she might truly not have dared to think about it. After all, she was just an ugly duckling, while he was a lofty swan.

But today...

When that black Land Rover Defender appeared at the rest area like a divine chariot; when his warm, large hand ruffled her hair and called her Little Sniveler; when he stood at the entrance of her neighborhood in the biting cold wind and defended her dignity in front of everyone...

That seed, which had originally just been buried in the soil, suddenly sprouted, bloomed, and grew into a towering tree.

Her mind was completely filled with images of Su Bai.

His side profile while driving, the way he smiled, and even his dirty yet brave face from when they were kids.

These images flashed back continuously like a slideshow, making it impossible for her to calm down.

Su Bai...

Ke Yujia lay on the desk, burying her face in the crook of her arm.

I think... I really have fallen for you a little.

It wasn't the kind of awe one has for a boss, nor the gratitude toward a benefactor.

It was the kind of... wanting to get close to him, wanting to understand him, wanting to... stay by his side a little longer. It was the fluttering heart of a young girl.

But what should she do?

He was so dazzling, and he had a great beauty like Zhou Jialu by his side.

She herself was so ordinary, so short, so unremarkable.

But... he said I'm an old classmate.

Ke Yujia suddenly lifted her head, a glimmer of hope flashing in her eyes.

He said we were destined.

And... and he even praised me for having ambition.

On this cold winter night, the young girl's thoughts rose and fell like the wind outside the window.

She looked at the chat window resting quietly on her WeChat.

Should she... give it a try?

Just one try.

After all, he had come back to his hometown for the New Year. Aside from that Miss Zhou, he probably didn't have many other friends around, right?

As an old classmate, doing her duty as a local host and showing him around Yun County shouldn't be... too much to ask, right?

Ke Yujia took a deep breath, feeling as if her heart was beating so fast it would jump right out of her throat.

With trembling fingers, she typed in the input box.

She typed and deleted, deleted and typed.

[Boss, are you asleep?] — Too cliché, feels like harassment.

[Brother Su Bai, are you free tomorrow?] — Too manipulative, he'd hate it.

[The weather is nice tomorrow...] — Too awkward.

Finally, she gritted her teeth and sent a message that seemed the most normal and fitting for the identity of an employee and old classmate:

[Su Bai, um... are you free tomorrow? A new ancient street opened recently in Yun County. It's quite lively, and there are a lot of childhood snacks. If you and Miss Zhou want to look around, I can be your tour guide. Just take it as... a thank you for driving me home today. (Playful.jpg)]

Click send.

Swoosh.

The moment the message was sent, Ke Yujia felt as if all the strength had been drained from her body.

She tossed her phone onto the bed and pulled the blanket over her head, completely too afraid to look at the screen.

Will he reply?

Will he reject me?

Will he think I am annoying?

One second.

Two seconds.

A minute passed.

The phone remained completely silent.

It makes sense. It is so late, he must be asleep by now. Or... maybe he is cuddling with that pretty girl doing naughty things.

A bitter wave of disappointment welled up in Ke Yujia's heart.

Just as she was about to turn off the light and go to sleep, forcing herself to give up hope.

Buzz--

The phone under her blanket suddenly vibrated.

Ke Yujia threw off the covers, practically pouncing to grab the phone.

On the screen, the chat box with the big white goose profile picture lit up.

It was just a simple word, but it nearly made Ke Yujia jump out of bed.

[Sure.]

Immediately after, another message popped up:

[Send me your location tomorrow at 2 PM, and I will come pick you up. I actually want to taste the flavors of our childhood again too.]

"Yes!!!"

Ke Yujia could not hold back a muffled squeal, hugging her pillow and rolling around on the bed.

He agreed!

He actually agreed!

And... he even said he wanted to taste the flavors of our childhood!

Does this mean he cares about those memories?

Ke Yujia felt like she was floating on air.

She jumped out of bed, rushed to her wardrobe, and pulled out all her clothes.

"What should I wear tomorrow?"

"Not this one, it is too frumpy."

"This one is too thin, I will freeze to death."

"This one... will this one make my legs look short?"

In this small room filled with a musty, stale scent, an ordinary girl began her own grand preparations for tomorrow's date (at least, it was a date in her eyes).

Even if she was just acting as a tour guide.

Even if he might bring another woman along.

As long as she could see him, as long as she could walk beside him.

That was enough.