Chapter 8: Do You Like It?

In the cramped, narrow alleyway, Fu Siqiao stood in a tense standoff with the boy who had provoked her.

Not far away, in a hidden corner, Zhang Chenxi stood quietly, like an observer concealed in the shadows. He possessed a tall, upright stature, clad in a simple white shirt and light blue jeans that made him appear fresh and sharp. His dark hair swayed gently in the breeze, with a few stray bangs falling casually across his smooth forehead, adding to his effortless charm. His deep, piercing eyes were fixed with great interest on every move made by Fu Siqiao and the boy, his lips curled slightly into a playful, intrigued smile. With his hands tucked leisurely into his pockets and his body leaning back against the mottled wall, he watched with the air of someone enjoying a magnificent theatrical performance.

When Fu Siqiao bravely picked up a wooden stick to defend herself, a flash of surprise and admiration crossed his eyes. He couldn't help but chuckle softly, "Heh, this little girl has quite a bit of courage."

Beside him, Lin Siqing frowned, his expression one of impatience. He had a sharp, well-defined face; beneath his high-bridged nose, his thin lips were pressed tightly together, exuding an innate sense of detachment. His eyes were deep and cold, like a frigid pool, making it impossible to discern the emotions within. With his arms crossed over his chest, his cool black jacket rose and fell with his movements, and his black trousers paired with distinctive combat boots only accentuated his untamed, rebellious nature.

Upon hearing Zhang Chenxi’s remark, Lin Siqing merely cast a faint, indifferent glance in Fu Siqiao’s direction, his eyes devoid of any ripples. "Her business has nothing to do with me." His voice was low and cold, as if it had traveled from a distant ice cellar.

Zhang Chenxi turned his head to look at Lin Siqing, the smile on his face deepening. A hint of teasing danced in his eyes, as if he were trying to elicit some sort of reaction from Lin Siqing.

Lin Siqing snorted coldly. "If you find her so interesting, why don't you hang out with her yourself?" His tone carried a trace of displeasure as he turned to leave, as if staying for even a second longer might mean being tainted by Fu Siqiao’s affairs.

Zhang Chenxi hurriedly reached out to grab Lin Siqing’s arm, stopping him. "Don't be like that; I was just afraid you wouldn't approve." His face still wore that playful smile, yet there was a faint, imperceptible trace of seriousness in his eyes.

Lin Siqing yanked his arm away, a flash of anger crossing his gaze. "I despise this sister of mine, so naturally, I have no interest in her affairs." He quickened his pace, desperate to distance himself from the place that bothered him so much.

Zhang Chenxi watched Lin Siqing’s retreating back, shook his head helplessly, and turned his gaze back to Fu Siqiao. By now, she had successfully scared off the boy and was standing in place, gasping for breath. Her hair was somewhat disheveled, with a few strands dampened by sweat and clinging to her cheeks.

Her face was flushed a deep red from the anger and tension, looking like a ripe apple. The fire of battle still flickered in her eyes, her chest heaved violently, and her hands gripped the wooden stick so tightly that her knuckles had turned white.

Zhang Chenxi slowly stepped out of the corner and walked toward her. His footsteps were exceptionally clear in the quiet alley. Hearing the sound, Fu Siqiao raised her head alertly, but upon seeing it was Zhang Chenxi, the wariness in her eyes did not immediately vanish.

"Are you all right?" Zhang Chenxi asked softly as he reached her. His eyes were filled with concern as he scanned her to check for injuries.

Fu Siqiao nodded slightly. "I'm fine, thank you." Her voice still trembled; after all, she had just experienced a harrowing confrontation.

Zhang Chenxi smiled. "You were very brave just now; I saw everything." His smile was like the spring sun, warm and gentle, attempting to dispel the fear and unease in her heart.

Fu Siqiao lowered her head, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I just didn't want to be bullied." A sense of determination shone in her eyes; after this ordeal, she seemed to have grown stronger.

Zhang Chenxi gently steadied her arm. His palm was broad and warm, transmitting a reassuring heat through her clothes. Fu Siqiao’s body was still trembling slightly; the aftermath of the recent turmoil left her shaken. A few stray hairs, dampened by sweat, clung to her fair, flushed cheeks like petals kissed by morning dew. Her eyes, clear yet filled with a lingering, deer-like panic, drifted involuntarily toward the corner where Lin Siqing had been hiding, but she saw only an empty street.

"It seems he won't be showing up. Let me walk you home." Zhang Chenxi’s voice was gentle and firm, like a flowing stream passing through her panicked heart. He turned slightly, his other hand rising naturally as if to shield her from the mild sunlight—a gesture elegant and gentlemanly, carrying an air of effortless care.

Fu Siqiao nodded softly, her lips pressed together, showing a mix of gratitude and shyness. They walked side by side down the street, their pace slow and synchronized. As they passed an exquisite shop window, Fu Siqiao’s gaze was instantly drawn to a pair of adorable plush toys. They were a pair of teddy bears with fluffy bodies, round bellies, and perky ears, their shiny, dark eyes looking at one another with infinite sweetness.

Zhang Chenxi keenly caught the flicker of light in her eyes. He stopped, leaned down slightly, and brought his face close to her ear, whispering, "Do you like them? If you do, I'll buy them for you."

His breath brushed lightly against her earlobe, warm and intimate, causing Fu Siqiao’s heart to skip a beat. He looked at her with intense focus, his deep eyes reflecting only her, as if the entire world had stilled, leaving only the two of them and the pair of toys.

Fu Siqiao’s cheeks heated up rapidly, turning as red as the evening glow. She lowered her head, her gaze darting away from his burning stare, her hands unconsciously twisting the hem of her shirt like a child who had done something wrong.

"No, thank you," she whispered, her voice as thin as a mosquito’s, yet carrying an unmistakable flicker of excitement.

Zhang Chenxi did not give up easily. He straightened up, his lips curled into a charming arc, his eyes filled with indulgence and persistence. He gently took her wrist, the movement soft yet firm, as if conveying a silent promise. "Let's go; consider it a reward for your bravery today." With that, he led her into the shop.

The store was filled with a faint floral fragrance, and soft music flowed through the air, creating a cozy and romantic atmosphere. Zhang Chenxi walked straight to the pair of bears in the window, his stride confident and composed. As he picked them up, his fingers brushed lightly over their soft fur, his movements delicate and meticulous, as if handling a rare treasure.

Fu Siqiao stood to the side, watching his back, a warmth rising in her heart. Her gaze rested on his tall, sturdy frame; his broad shoulders seemed capable of bearing the weight of the world for her. His hair caught the soft indoor light, the lines of his profile were smooth and charming, and beneath his high-bridged nose, his slightly upturned lips held endless tenderness.

After paying, Zhang Chenxi turned and handed the toys to her. "Here you go. I hope they can keep you company and make you happy every day." His gaze was focused and affectionate; he held the toys out with both hands, his arms slightly extended, a gesture as if he were offering the most precious gift in the world.

Fu Siqiao carefully took the toys, holding them gently as if they were the most fragile treasures on earth. She looked up at him, her eyes shining with emotion and joy.

"Thank you, Zhang Chenxi."

Her voice no longer trembled; in its place was a sincere, sweet sense of gratitude.