Chapter Six: Li Feng’s Confession

"Xue Ran, let's leave together later. I said I'd treat you to spicy hotpot."

In truth, Xue Ran was a bona fide foodie; when it came to eating, nothing could lift her spirits more—except, of course, for Li Feng.

"Alright, I was going to let you off the hook today, but since you walked right into my trap, I won't be polite." With that, Xue Ran shot Zhou Xiaoqi a sly, mischievous look, as if she could gobble her up whole.

Zhou Xiaoqi gave Xue Ran a playful slap on the shoulder. "If you keep looking at me like that, I promise you won't get a bite. Let's go."

With her bag in hand, Xue Ran dashed after Zhou Xiaoqi. But as soon as they reached the school gate, Zhou Xiaoqi realized she was doomed—there was no time to escape, for Li Feng was already standing right in front of her.

"Shall we walk together?" Li Feng looked at Zhou Xiaoqi, completely disregarding the curious stares from those around them.

Zhou Xiaoqi was at a loss for words when Xue Ran, ever the oblivious one, arrived just in time. To Zhou Xiaoqi, Xue Ran's appearance was a godsend, even more welcome than her own mother. "Sorry, I've already made plans with Xue Ran for spicy hotpot," Zhou Xiaoqi said, clutching Xue Ran as if afraid she might escape.

Before Xue Ran could even process the situation, Li Feng smiled politely and extended his hand. "You're Xue Ran, right? I'm Li Feng. Since you already have dinner plans, would it be alright if I joined you?"

Zhou Xiaoqi was about to refuse, but Xue Ran, utterly charmed by Li Feng's smile, nodded repeatedly, not even knowing what she was agreeing to. At this point, it seemed that no matter what Li Feng asked, the starstruck Xue Ran would say yes.

And so, three people who had never really been on the same wavelength found themselves walking together—a rather peculiar sight, to say the least.

They made their way to a small restaurant not far from school, a place famous among students for its delicious spicy hotpot. The owner’s wife was especially friendly, and Xue Ran, a frequent customer, ordered with practiced ease.

As soon as they sat down, Xue Ran couldn't contain her excitement and curiosity. "Li Feng, handsome as ever, when did you meet our Xiaoqi?" Her face all but spelled out 'please tell me now.'

By contrast, Li Feng was much more composed. He rinsed the bowls and chopsticks with hot water before placing them in front of Zhou Xiaoqi. He was attentive, knowing his actions might embarrass her, so he quickly did the same for Xue Ran. Zhou Xiaoqi sat there, tense and uneasy, while Xue Ran looked utterly delighted—she knew she owed this close encounter with her idol entirely to Zhou Xiaoqi.

"I've known her for quite a while. I met her on the very first day of high school," Li Feng replied calmly as he busied himself with the tableware.

Zhou Xiaoqi raised her head, frowning slightly. "First year? I don't recall us ever interacting. Sure, you're pretty famous at school and I've heard of you, but I doubt our paths would've crossed at all, right?"

Instead of clearing things up, her words only made Xue Ran more nosy. "Could it be that our great Li Feng secretly has a crush on our Xiaoqi?"

Zhou Xiaoqi was about to say that Xue Ran was just joking and there was no need to answer, but before she could speak, Li Feng replied.

"Something like that," he said, giving an answer that left everyone dumbfounded—even Zhou Xiaoqi was more shocked than she had been at lunchtime when Li Feng had greeted her.

She immediately looked at Xue Ran, knowing full well how Xue Ran felt about Li Feng. As expected, Xue Ran's mood plummeted, if only for a brief moment—but Zhou Xiaoqi noticed it all the same.

"Xue Ran, you don't actually believe that, do you? Li Feng's just joking with you," Zhou Xiaoqi said awkwardly, giving Li Feng a subtle look, hoping he'd pick up on her predicament.

Li Feng seemed to understand. "Yes, I'm just kidding. You two looked so serious," he said. The moment he spoke, Xue Ran brightened up instantly.

"Xue Ran, can you check if our food's ready? I'm starving," Zhou Xiaoqi asked, deliberately changing the subject.

"Hold on, I'll go ask the owner."

When Xue Ran left the table, Li Feng leaned toward Zhou Xiaoqi. "You owe me a favor. Don't forget it—I'll let you know when I collect," he said.

Zhou Xiaoqi was about to refuse when Xue Ran returned. The meal left Zhou Xiaoqi on edge the entire time, and what puzzled her most was how, despite all the trouble Li Feng had caused, she somehow ended up owing him a favor.

After dinner, Li Feng offered to walk Zhou Xiaoqi home, but she declined.

"Why don't you walk Xue Ran home? My place is nearby—I'll go by myself." Zhou Xiaoqi thought that if she could match the two of them, it would be wonderful.

Li Feng seemed to read her mind and didn't refuse. Turning to Xue Ran, he said, "Let's go. I'll take you home—I brought my bike."

Before leaving, Xue Ran gave Zhou Xiaoqi a quick kiss, while Li Feng, turning away, flashed her a '2' with his fingers. Zhou Xiaoqi understood—it meant two favors. But she had no way to refuse, which only made her more frustrated as she walked home.