Speaking, Zhan Jingrui found the remote and turned on the air conditioner, which was not high-end in its decoration and thus not high-spec either.
He set the warm air to 30 degrees, closed the windows with a crackle, pulled shut the curtains, and turned to look at He Yao.
He Yao was stunned by his series of actions and his previous words.
Zhan Jingrui said he had no romantic intentions towards her, yet he always did things that went beyond a normal student relationship when she needed help, and he was so willing to spend money, making it hard for anyone not to overthink things.
Moreover, He Yao dared to think now.
She used to have a narrow mindset, believing that a crush or liking someone must have a conclusion.
Not anymore.
After spending more than ten days inside and interacting with several open-minded sisters, her perspective on life had suddenly broadened.
Liking someone didn't necessarily need a conclusion; enjoying the process of being with him was also quite good.
Even if Zhan Jingrui didn't like her and just wanted something simple from her.
Considering his looks, physique, and all other aspects, He Yao felt she was not at a loss.
After all, she would eventually experience these things with a man.
Rather than just anyone, it might as well be Zhan Jingrui.
There was another quiet exchange of glances. After a few seconds, He Yao walked towards him and proactively grabbed the front of his shirt with both hands.
This was the closest they had ever been. She looked into his eyes.
"Zhan Jingrui..."
Her action instantly restored Zhan Jingrui's composure.
He didn't know what had gotten into him earlier, why he had been so impulsive, but this wasn't what he wanted.
He had never even thought about these things.
He averted his gaze, intending to shake off He Yao's hands, but He Yao held on tightly.
"I know you're a gentleman, I know you're a good person, I know you're different from others. But, I will eventually meet a man, and eventually experience everything with him. Rather than someone else, it might as well be you."
"I can assure you I'm clean."
Zhan Jingrui's ear roots suddenly turned red.
These were not words or actions that he thought were appropriate for someone his age.
While he didn't deny that He Yao was attractive to him, but...
He Yao seemed to be a mind reader, "I won't ask for anything from you. We are not people from the same world. Don't worry, I'm not that naive."
"I just want to feel better. If I'm to accept your help with a clear conscience, I at least need a justifiable excuse."
"From now on, we'll be like usual. I won't let anyone know about our relationship, nor will I pester you privately. You don't have to carry any psychological burden."
But these were not the words Zhan Jingrui wanted to hear.
It wasn't a psychological burden that prevented him from accepting; this was completely outside his frame of reference!
However, he was conflicted. If he were truly asked to push He Yao away, he couldn't bring himself to do it.
Even though her makeup was heavy, her eyelashes looked like fly legs, her eyes were painted dark, and her lips were like a deep purple mulberry.
Still, she was very beautiful.
Without makeup, she was simple and elegant, like a pretty little daisy.
Now, she had an exotic beauty.
She perfectly fit Zhan Jingrui's aesthetic preferences.
Seeing that Zhan Jingrui didn't push her away, He Yao seized the opportunity, moved even closer, wrapped her arms around his waist, and pressed her face against his chest.
"What time is it?"
This was a question he could answer. Zhan Jingrui raised his wrist to check.
"Almost five o'clock."
"Today is my birthday, Zhan Jingrui. You are the only one, and the first one, who has spent this important day with me."
She looked up at him with her large, dark eyes, her voice soft, sweet, and smooth, her lustrous hair brushing against his chin.
Zhan Jingrui's reason almost melted into scattered fragments.
He Yao was like a pitiable, adorable, and boneless cat, tickling the heartstrings of his heart.
Each stroke was perfectly placed.
If he didn't leave in time, he would be ensnared.
After He Yao spoke and saw no reaction from him, she poked his chin with her delicate fingers.
There was a slight stubble.
She suddenly felt that Zhan Jingrui was hers, and said in a spoiled tone.
"Aren't you going to wish me a happy birthday?"
Zhan Jingrui suppressed the turmoil in his heart and turned his head away, "He Yao, don't do this."
"I haven't done anything, have I? I'm not asking for a birthday present, just four words."
She knew perfectly well what he meant but deliberately changed the subject, yet Zhan Jingrui still responded.
"Happy birthday."
"Thank you, Zhan Jingrui. You are the man who has taken the most care of me and been the most obedient to me in my life so far. Today, whether you agree or not, you have to agree. I'm sticking with you. Will you be mine from now on?"
If he listened any longer, Zhan Jingrui feared he would lose control and do something he would regret.
Besides, he hadn't slept at all tonight, and he wouldn't be able to concentrate in class tomorrow.
Just before his reason completely collapsed, he forcefully pushed He Yao away.
"You stay here and rest assured, I'm leaving. Don't skip class tomorrow, or you'll be caught again."
Having lied to Father Tang that he was staying at a classmate's house for the night, Zhan Jingrui did not go home after leaving He Yao's place. Instead, he found a hotel nearby and stayed there for a few hours.
He had no intention of sleeping and lay on the bed until seven o'clock before going to school.
Fortunately, He Yao was obedient. She removed her makeup, dressed as usual, and came to class.
As the seemingly calm day began, Zhan Jingrui hadn't had a chance to figure out how to deal with He Yao.
A few minutes before the first class started, He Yao was called out by the class teacher.
She was the center of attention now. As she left, the classroom erupted.
There was a lot of speculation about why she was called by the teacher and whether she would return.
He Yao seemed to have committed some heinous crime that harmed everyone's interests. Almost everyone unanimously rejoiced that she wouldn't return, and that this piece of rotten apple wouldn't spoil their barrel.
Zhan Jingrui looked at his classmates, whose faces were contorted into smiles, including his deskmate who had been praising her just a few days ago. He found it extremely ironic.
He Yao did not return for the first period.
She still hadn't returned for the second.
As the third period approached, Zhan Jingrui couldn't stand it any longer and asked his deskmate for his phone.
"What do you want my phone for?"
Zhan Jingrui said imperiously, "If I say I want to see it, I want to see it. Stop blabbering."
To see someone's phone so brazenly, his deskmate reluctantly handed the phone over.
Zhan Jingrui found He Yao's number on his phone, memorized it, and stood up, holding the phone.
Xu Zheng called out to him, "Hey, hey, hey, what are you doing? Class is about to start, where are you going?"
"I'm feeling a bit unwell, I'm going to the infirmary."
Once on the corridor, he called He Yao.
He had expected her to be reprimanded or punished and unable to answer, but after a few rings, He Yao's weak voice came through.
"Hello."
"This is Zhan Jingrui, where are you?"