In some ways, Shen Jianxi was a remarkably carefree person. After that day, Wen Huaizhi sent her an apology text. When they met again, he seemed to have moved on, appearing as gentle and polite as when they first met. Even when they were alone, he maintained a proper distance.
Shen Jianxi wasn't worried about Wen Huaizhi's behavior; after all, her favorability with him was already established. If he wanted to play along, she would play along.
What was more bothersome for her was the upcoming school anniversary dance.
She wasn't one to seek the spotlight, but as Ye Chuan Ci's dance partner, they were expected to perform the opening dance together.
Looking at the practice dance attire before her, Shen Jianxi said with some helplessness, "I can dance. There's no need to practice."
Upon hearing this, Ye Chuan Ci said righteously, "I can't! You have to practice with me, you have to teach me!"
Shen Jianxi: "..." Seriously, can someone lie so perfunctorily?
Would the Ye family really not be able to afford a dance instructor? She didn't believe it.
Sensing the clear exasperation on the young girl's face, Ye Chuan Ci took her hand and shook it, wiggling his body. He whined charmingly, "I don't care, I don't care, I just want you to teach me, Xi Bao~ Come on, come on~"
"Pfft!"
Shen Jianxi couldn't help herself. Anyone seeing a nearly six-foot-three guy acting spoiled in front of them would be unable to resist. She reached out to pat Ye Chuan Ci's head but found it slightly out of reach. Seeing this, Ye Chuan Ci bent down and placed his head under her hand.
The touch was as soft and comfortable as she had imagined. As she vigorously ruffled his hair, Ye Chuan Ci looked at her with innocent eyes, like a puppy.
After she had her fill of ruffling his hair, Shen Jianxi mercifully released his now disheveled hair, smiling at him and saying, "Alright, I promise!"
***
***
"Creak."
The somewhat old door opened, and Ye Chuan Ci, who was lounging on the sofa, looked up.
The first thing that caught his eye were her legs, encased in white dance pants, without a trace of excess fat, long and well-proportioned.
Moving upwards, the tight dance outfit perfectly outlined every curve of her body.
With just one glance, Ye Chuan Ci felt a warmth surge in his nose. He hurriedly averted his gaze, placing a hand to his lips and giving a slight cough to hide his lapse.
"Why aren't you looking at me? Am I not good-looking?"
Seeing him like this, Shen Jianxi was even more inclined to tease him. She reached out and straightened his head, forcing him to look at her.
Before him was the peak he had already scaled, and he knew the exquisite scenery within. Ye Chuan Ci swallowed, his heart pounding, "Good, good-looking."
"If I'm good-looking, why aren't you getting up to change and practice?! Only I'm changing, are you here to watch a performance or practice dancing?"
The young girl's sudden change in demeanor caught Ye Chuan Ci completely off guard. Were all girls this fickle? Madam Gu Ruolan was like this, and his own girlfriend was also like this.
"Hurry up!"
Shen Jianxi was getting impatient. What was he doing sitting there motionless? Was he planning to give birth? This annoying man was delaying her precious time, as bothersome as that lazy eggplant didn't update.
Sensing that the young girl was about to get angry, Ye Chuan Ci dared not entertain any more stray thoughts. He quickly got up and changed into his practice clothes.
"Come here."
Ye Chuan Ci obediently walked over.
"Raise your hand."
"Place it on my waist."
"Your waist! Where is your waist?! Keep your hands to yourself!"
"Are you doing this on purpose!"
"Damn it!"
...
The young girl teaching was exceptionally strict. Ye Chuan Ci hunched his neck like a quail, being scolded all afternoon. Initially, he was a little distracted, but later, he didn't dare to say a word, obediently following her instructions. He felt like crying, this was quite different from how he imagined practicing dancing. After going back, he would treat Ye Mingming better; he had made things difficult for him during tutoring.
That evening, Ye Mingming, who was playing games in his room, had his door knocked on. When he opened it, he saw his brother smiling at him with a benevolent expression. He greeted him warmly and then left. Looking at Ye Chuan Ci's haggard figure, Ye Mingming shivered. Tomorrow he would have to tell Mom that they needed to find a Taoist priest, as there seemed to be a ghost in the house, and it had possessed his brother.
***
***
That night, after seeing Ye Chuan Ci off, who wanted to stay over, Shen Jianxi collapsed on the sofa, utterly exhausted. Although she hadn't eaten dinner yet, she didn't even have the strength to pick up her phone.
A knock sounded at the door. Shen Jianxi laboriously stood up, dragging her weary body to the entrance.
"Uh, that, I made too much food, do you want to eat together?" Jin Ke's words were like heavenly music to her ears. What a wonderful person, Shen Jianxi was so touched her eyes were welling up.
"Let's go! Thank you, my good neighbor!"
Jin Ke smiled shyly, a blush spreading across his face.
Was he this easily embarrassed? Shen Jianxi glanced at him, feeling a sense of unease. How could a person change so much?
"77, is there anything unusual about this Jin Ke?"
77 checked all information about him. "No, Host. Everything is normal."
Shen Jianxi still felt uneasy. Her intuition had always been accurate. "Then check his favorability."
It seemed that from their first meeting until now, 77 had never reported Jin Ke's favorability.
"Host! Jin Ke's favorability cannot be checked."
77 was shocked, looking at the locked favorability progress bar. This situation had never been taught during her training!
Looking at the man who was bending down to get her slippers, Shen Jianxi's gaze turned sharp. She was certain that Jin Ke's favorability towards her was definitely not low, but she didn't know his intentions in approaching her, or what he truly wanted.
"You wear these." Jin Ke neatly placed the slippers in front of her, his clear eyes curved into crescent moons, exuding a pure and harmless appearance.
"Thank you," Shen Jianxi said indifferently. Jin Ke's strangeness made her wary.
Fortunately, Jin Ke didn't seem to mind her attitude and turned to get another set of clean bowls and chopsticks from the kitchen, placing them on the table.
Sitting opposite him, Jin Ke's cooking skills looked excellent. Shen Jianxi picked up a spoon and tasted the soup. The savory flavor made her eyes light up.
"This is so delicious! I think if you opened a restaurant, it would be a huge hit."
Shen Jianxi's praise gave Jin Ke a sense of accomplishment. She was still the same, unchanged from before. This realization brought him some pleasant surprise. "If you like it, eat more. It's easy for me to make too much when I cook for one. If you're willing, you can eat with me from now on."
Hearing this, Shen Jianxi gave him a knowing smile. Anyone hearing this would have to remark on how loudly her intentions were being broadcast.