Chen Hao, in fact, was the man on Zhou Lin, the ugly duckling's, phone wallpaper.
About a month ago, Chen Hao had inexplicably entered Zhou Lin's life. After a series of persistent efforts, coupled with Zhou Lin's lifelong insecurity and never having been in a relationship, the two started dating.
However, despite dating, they had never made it public, rarely even displaying the expected intimacy of a couple in front of others.
This continued until April Fools' Day.
On that day, Chen Hao had told Zhou Lin in advance that he would give her a huge surprise in the center of the main sports field.
But the ugly duckling waited from dusk until past nine o'clock, and Chen Hao never showed up.
More and more people gathered in the square, and the ugly duckling grew anxious, but for the grand surprise Chen Hao had promised, she suppressed her unease.
Finally, as it approached half-past nine, the streetlights suddenly went out.
A dense crowd surged towards the ugly duckling.
Like a tidal wave.
They swayed their phone lights in their hands, like bioluminescent organisms in a dark sea.
The ugly duckling grew increasingly nervous, her hands clenched tightly, until Chen Hao appeared amidst the parted crowd.
Her brow finally relaxed, and just as she was about to cry out, she abruptly froze.
She noticed Chen Hao holding the hand of another youthful and radiant girl. That person was Yan Ling, who had a face like a movie star.
This was Chen Hao's grand surprise, a major shock that sent ripples through the entire school.
…
Zhou Lin finished her story, her bitter gaze slowly shifting to the frowning Ren Yuanhao, and she said with a wry smile, "Was I very stupid?"
Thump!
"Why did you hit me?!"
The sudden knock on her head made the already heartbroken Zhou Lin's eyes redden. Just as she was about to burst into tears, she heard Ren Yuanhao, his joking demeanor gone, say, "Everyone meets unsuitable people, especially in love. But you need to understand one thing: life isn't just about love. Family and friendship are also very important. Regardless of gender, if one is solely immersed in love, it is undoubtedly immature."
"Life isn't solely occupied by love. Besides, you just encountered a scumbag, and you're thinking of dropping out? You want to drop out because of your insecurity, because you feel you've lost face in front of everyone, right?"
Zhou Lin's eyes grew even redder. Why would you say things like that!
But she couldn't help but nod.
Ren Yuanhao smiled, "Are all the beautiful girls in the world insecure?"
Zhou Lin subconsciously nodded, then her cheeks flushed as she realized her mistake and said, "I, I'm not beautiful!"
Ren Yuanhao gently patted the girl's small head and chuckled, "I've already called the school, and they said you can return anytime. And I heard there's a masquerade ball tonight, ostensibly to relieve academic pressure, but really, it's just an inability to resist temptation."
Zhou Lin looked down at her expensive attire, but it didn't bring her any joy.
While it was true that gold adorns the Buddha and clothing adorns people, this feeling was like Cinderella in a fairy tale. She was merely enchanted by the man beside her, and when the clock struck midnight, everything would revert to its original state.
The beautiful crystal slippers, the shimmering green dress, the dazzling necklaces and jewelry – all of it would disappear one by one.
"From now on, you listen to me, understand?"
Zhou Lin looked at Ren Yuanhao. She saw an undeniable resolve in his eyes and instinctively nodded.
Before long, Tianyi Science and Technology University Town appeared before them.
Some motorcycle gangs arrived, carrying girls, their roaring engines like thunder.
But when Ren Yuanhao's Ferrari appeared at the school gate, its speed leaving everything else far behind, all eyes converged on them as if by spotlights!
"Wow, a red Ferrari, that's really flashy. Whose rich kid is this bringing his girl?"
"It's pitch black, who knows who it is."
A cacophony arose from the crowd, and the roaring motorcycles instantly seemed subdued by the Ferrari's rumble.
Zhou Lin felt a surge of panic, her body trembling slightly. The flashing lights and the murmuring crowd – these elements perhaps reminded her of the scene that had made her so fearful that day.
Ren Yuanhao handed her Kaneki Ken's mask, gently patted her shoulder, and put on Levi Ackerman's mask himself. Then, like a gentleman, he opened the car door for Zhou Lin, who had also put on her mask.
They walked towards the entrance side by side, in silence. The crowded onlookers thoughtfully cleared a path.
"Tsk tsk tsk, the rich young master's girl is really stunning. That water-green dress looks tailor-made for her!"
"I wonder if that mask hides a face that could shock the world."
These words, though spoken softly, faintly reached Zhou Lin's ears. Fortunately, she was wearing a mask; otherwise, her face, as red as a tomato, would have been exposed, which would have been excruciatingly embarrassing.
"See, have confidence. What you've lost, you must reclaim in the same way. Don't worry, I'm here," Ren Yuanhao said, holding Zhou Lin's hand tightly, trying to dispel her fear and insecurity.
Walking forward a short distance, they saw the familiar tree-lined university avenue filled with students rushing to the auditorium. Beneath their various masks, they were unrecognizable to each other, making it easier to let loose.
And at this very moment, Zhou Lin's body suddenly stiffened. Ren Yuanhao clearly felt her trembling intensify and her breathing quicken. Just as he was about to ask, he heard someone call out.
"Chen Hao, the ball is about to start. Where's your Yan Ling? Don't tell me you found another dance partner?"