Chapter 21: So, Lin Siqing, did you enjoy yourself?

Lin Siqing stood before Fu Siqiao’s booth, reluctance etched across his face. His hair was slightly tousled, strands falling over his forehead, yet it did not diminish the sharpness of his stern features. His eyes blazed with fury, like a lion provoked, fixated intently on Fu Siqiao as he ground his teeth and said, “I lost the bet, and the dare was to come here.”

His hands involuntarily clenched into fists, knuckles whitening from the strain, as if struggling to suppress the rage within. Fu Siqiao glanced up slightly, a flicker of confusion and displeasure crossing her gaze. Her cheeks were flushed from a day’s hard work, strands of hair dampened by sweat clinging to her fair skin.

She frowned gently and said, “What does this have to do with me? I’m already exhausted today; I don’t want to draw anymore.” Her voice was tinged with weariness and hoarseness, lips cracked from the day’s toil.

The fire in Lin Siqing’s heart grew fiercer, convinced that Fu Siqiao was deliberately defying him. “Zhang Chenxi did this on purpose. He knows I dislike you the most.” His voice rose, cutting through the noisy surroundings with clarity. He leaned forward slightly, as if trying to see through Fu Siqiao, his gaze almost devouring her.

Fu Siqiao’s heart tightened. She knew of Lin Siqing’s disdain for her, yet she refused to be coerced. “I don’t care about your issues with each other. I act according to my own will.” A stubborn glint flashed across her eyes as she gripped the edge of the drawing table tightly, her fingers turning pale from the pressure.

Lin Siqing snorted coldly, eyes full of contempt as he regarded Fu Siqiao. “You’ve gotten bolder lately, even daring to refuse me.” A mocking curve lifted the corner of his mouth, deepening the dimples that now seemed chilling rather than warm. He stepped forward, his imposing presence forcing Fu Siqiao to take a small step back.

Taking a deep breath, Fu Siqiao steadied herself. “Why wouldn’t I refuse? You can’t always be so unreasonable.” Her eyes locked onto Lin Siqing’s, fear flickering beneath her resolve, yet she would not show weakness before him. Her chest rose and fell gently, betraying her tension and agitation.

At this moment, classmates began to gather, whispering curiously as they watched the scene unfold. Lin Siqing’s face flushed deep red, his pride wounded. He had not expected Fu Siqiao to refuse so resolutely; in his mind, she had always been timid and weak.

“Who do you think you are? Don’t think I won’t do something to you.”

His voice carried a hint of menace, his gaze fierce. Fu Siqiao trembled slightly but stood firm. “If you dare mess around, I won’t let you off.” Her voice quivered, yet the defiant spirit remained undiminished.

Lin Siqing’s eyes narrowed, unwavering and laced with anger. His brows furrowed deeply, like twin hills shadowing his forehead, his once-bright eyes now contorted with rage. A sneer curled his thin lips, revealing teeth that gleamed white but no longer gentle—instead, they resembled a beast’s fangs.

“You will draw whether you want to or not. I’ll pay you extra!” He spat the words through clenched teeth, each syllable exploding like a grenade, heavy with intimidation. His hands waved emphatically before dropping heavily to his sides, fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white, as if ready to strike should Fu Siqiao refuse again.

Fu Siqiao lifted her gaze, exhaustion and stubbornness shining in her eyes. Her cheeks, flushed from hours outdoors, resembled ripe apples. Sweat-soaked strands clung messily to her forehead and cheeks, adding a wild beauty to her appearance. She bit her cracked lips, pale but resolute, and uttered simply, “No.”

Though soft, her voice carried clearly in the tense air. Her hands instinctively gripped the table’s edge, fingers whitening as if drawing strength from it to resist Lin Siqing’s dominance.

As Lin Siqing raised the offer repeatedly, gasps and murmurs arose from the crowd, all eyes fixed on the pair as if witnessing a fierce tug-of-war. Yet Fu Siqiao remained unmoved.

When Lin Siqing’s offer reached ten thousand, his tone was laced with frustration and disbelief. “What’s wrong with you?” He leaned forward, chest heaving with anger, almost touching Fu Siqiao. His eyes brimmed with confusion, unable to comprehend her refusal of such a generous sum—money he thought would sway anyone.

Fu Siqiao took a steadying breath, her body still trembling faintly but her gaze firmer than ever. “I said no, and that means no.” She met Lin Siqing’s eyes without fear, her expression a firm stand for her principles. Her shoulders rose slightly, like a small hedgehog bristling with spines to fend off threats.

Though her presence might not match Lin Siqing’s in sheer force, her stubbornness and resilience earned her newfound respect from onlookers.

From the crowd, Zhang Chenxi strode forward, laughter booming and clear, breaking the tension like a fresh breeze. His eyes narrowed into slits, crow’s feet forming at the corners from mirth, his bright gaze sparkling with schadenfreude.

Hands on his hips, he leaned back slightly, as if enjoying a masterful farce unfolding before him. “Lin Siqing, you’ve got your comeuppance!” he mocked mercilessly.

With a jaunty step, he approached Lin Siqing, each movement dripping with the confidence of a victor. His hair swayed gently in the breeze, playful strands dancing across his forehead.

Lin Siqing’s face darkened instantly upon hearing Zhang Chenxi’s voice. He whirled around, his eyes ablaze like twin blades aimed straight at Zhang Chenxi. His fists clenched fiercely, veins bulging along his arms, coiling like snakes ready to strike.

But Zhang Chenxi seemed unbothered, standing tall and deliberately scrutinizing Lin Siqing with exaggerated amusement. “What’s the matter? Not enjoying being rejected?” A wide, mocking grin spread across his face, teeth gleaming brightly in the sunlight.

He wagged a finger teasingly in the air, as if scolding a misbehaving child. Lin Siqing’s chest heaved violently as he ground his teeth, growling, “Zhang Chenxi, don’t get too cocky!” His voice was low, hoarse, filled with barely contained fury.

Stepping closer, the distance between them shrank until their breaths mingled. Yet Zhang Chenxi showed no fear; instead, he laughed even louder, slapping his thigh as though hearing the world’s funniest joke.

“I’m as cocky as I want—what are you going to do about it?” His eyes gleamed with provocation, pouring fuel onto Lin Siqing’s fire.

Feigning innocence, he spread his hands and shrugged. “I just had you complete a dare—didn’t expect you’d look so pathetic.” Every word stung like a barb, piercing Lin Siqing’s pride.

Around them, students gathered, watching the spectacle unfold with keen interest.