Li Hai sighed heavily as he left the police station. "Alas, what is all this fuss about day after day? Why am I so unlucky?"
"There were scares but no real danger. It won't be like this again."
"Sigh, I was so scared today. You're truly amazing. Your aim for throwing things is unbelievably good, and you're strong too. Girls should be like this, that way they won't be bullied. When you go to school, you should also train well and pay attention to safety."
"Mm, I know."
"These heartless scoundrels, you're the victim and don't know anything, yet they still pester a little girl like you. Hmph, a bunch of cowards who bully the weak. I'll go to the temple to burn some incense and get you a peace charm or something."
"Mm, thank you, Uncle Li."
Li Hai froze, tears welling up in his eyes. "Good child, it's my fault." His voice was a little choked, and he quickly turned his head away, wiping away two tears with his sleeve. Even so, he was incredibly happy. The original owner had never addressed him as an elder. Sometimes, they wouldn't even speak a few words a month. To hear him call him 'Uncle' was more than enough.
On the way home, he insisted that Jun Jiuli not cook and took her to eat a bowl of claypot noodles. "Does it taste good? Is it enough? Do you want more?"
"Mm, it tastes very good, I'm already full."
Li Hai went to pay the bill, his entire being radiating joy. After returning home, he didn't interact much with Jun Jiuli. He lay on the bed, still chuckling foolishly, like a child who had received candy, easily satisfied.
Zhao Jinxiu drifted beside Li Zhenjun, watching him meticulously plan out his savings. He was browsing online for items to decorate a confession scene and had also contacted his good friends to help. At first, she didn't understand why Jun Jiuli had brought her here. After watching Li Zhenjun for a while, she remembered who he was. She knew he liked her, but she hadn't met him many times before, and her heart held only debt, not affection. If she hadn't been kidnapped and then confessed to by Li Zhenjun, she thought she definitely wouldn't have accepted, as they were too much strangers. However, after observing him these past few days, she realized Li Zhenjun was a very good person. If his confession failed, he would surely be heartbroken, wouldn't he? What started as guilt gradually turned into genuine concern as she watched him painstakingly prepare everything he needed. He counted down the days, looking at the circled date – it was her birthday. It seemed Li Zhenjun understood her family situation well, knowing her birthdays were always ordinary, which was why he chose this date.
Watching Li Zhenjun psych himself up for a long time, repeatedly cheering himself on, he finally took out his phone, typed in her QQ number, and clicked to add her as a friend. Zhao Jinxiu was somewhat surprised. This person actually remembered her QQ number. It seemed he liked her very much. Then why hadn't he said anything before? After Li Zhenjun added her, he became completely tense, constantly checking his phone. Seeing that she hadn't approved yet, he felt a little dejected. He picked up a book to read but didn't turn any pages for a long time, feeling utterly down.
Seeing him like this, Zhao Jinxiu felt a pang of sympathy. Why did he like her so much? She didn't have any outstanding qualities. How could she be worthy of such a good person's affection? In her past life, she had even harmed him... "Zhao Jinxiu, why haven't you accepted yet? Do you hate me?" Li Zhenjun's thoughts escaped his lips unconsciously. After saying it, he felt a bit better. Thinking that speaking could alleviate some of the pressure, he kept talking more and more, as no one would hear these words anyway. "You study so diligently and seriously. I didn't say anything earlier because I was afraid of scaring you. After finally graduating, I finally gathered the courage. I really, really like you, but you don't even know. I want to try, even if you reject me, it doesn't matter. I don't want any regrets in the future."
With a click, the door was pushed open. Mother Li walked in with a teasing look, and Father Li followed with a small stool. The couple sat down beside Li Zhenjun, staring at him intently. Li Zhenjun's face immediately flushed, and he quickly lowered his head. "Mom... Mom, why are you eavesdropping?"
"Hehe, isn't your mother smart? You've been absent-minded these days, often locking yourself in your room. I was afraid something might happen to you."
"You shouldn't do that..."
"Alright, alright, just forgive your mother this once. You bought so many packages, what with the balloons and candles. You also went to the flower shop from time to time. Your mother already guessed what you were planning, and that's why I eavesdropped." Mother Li felt a bit ashamed as she said this, realizing she had done something wrong and awkwardly smoothed her hair. "Mom promises not to do this again, really. From now on, if Mom has any doubts, she'll ask you directly." Father Li nodded in agreement, "Jun Jun, it's normal for you to want to date when you grow up, but you can't do anything out of line or bully the girl." Li Zhenjun couldn't even lift his head. "Dad, what are you talking about? Alright, alright, you two should go out now."
"Oh, why are you still shy? Your dad is talking about serious matters. You absolutely cannot be a scumbag, or I'll skin you alive."
"I know, I know. Besides, it's not a sure thing yet."
Mother Li teased, "What kind of girl could make my son so lacking in confidence? Should Mom help you out and give you some ideas?"
"Your mother is right. Tell us, and we'll help you strategize. Like your uncles and aunts, your mother gave them ideas back then that helped them marry their wives." Li Zhenjun's mouth twitched. He thought that after so many years, things should be different.
"Silly boy, why are you just standing there?"
"Oh, what should I say?"
"Alas, why are you so dumb? Of course, you have to talk about what this girl likes, what her personality is like, and how long you've known her!"
"We were classmates in junior and senior high school, just never in the same class. She's very beautiful, has a great temper, is gentle and quiet, and also studies well. I've had a crush on her for four years."
"Oh my, a crush, tsk tsk tsk..."
"Mom, please stop laughing at me. Tell me, what should I do to increase the chance of my confession succeeding?"