Agreed to Just Once - Chapter 6: I Like You So Much
Chapter 6: I Like You So Much
With the experience from the previous two times, He Wenshuo now felt slightly more confident—though not entirely sufficient.
Holding Jiang Yinian’s face and examining it from different angles, he suddenly had an idea and suggested, Nian Nian, what if we try a different wig this time? The short one isn’t bad either.
Jiang Yinian kindly reminded him, Aren’t you worried that if I change to a completely different hairstyle in just a few days, others will become even more suspicious?
He Wenshuo thought it over and agreed, You’re right.
Snapping back to reality, he couldn’t resist holding Jiang Yinian’s face adoringly and said, I really like you so much.
Jiang Yinian was just too good—not only willing to help him out but also offering suggestions.
Jiang Yinian urged him impatiently, Can you hurry up?
The sooner they started, the sooner it would be over. This was the price he had to pay for not being able to control his own mouth.
He Wenshuo once again took out the long wig from last time, carefully placed it on Jiang Yinian, and adjusted it bit by bit. He couldn’t help feeling a little regretful.
Jiang Yinian would definitely look great in the other two wigs too—it was a shame he wouldn’t get to see it.
But even if the wig couldn’t be changed, other things could.
For example, the lipstick.
This time, He Wenshuo chose a light-colored one. Unlike the matte texture from last time, this lipstick had a shiny finish.
Once applied to Jiang Yinian’s lips, it looked dewy and exceptionally beautiful.
He Wenshuo held the lipstick, staring intently at Jiang Yinian’s lips, and said, We should have used this last time too. It looks even better—makes me want to try kissing them.
Jiang Yinian knew his words didn’t mean what he seemed to imply and shot him an annoyed glare. …
Enough is enough.
He Wenshuo immediately composed himself. Alright, alright, we’re almost done. We just need to change the clothes now.
Jiang Yinian urged, Hurry up.
His mind was now occupied with only one thought: start early, finish early, and be free sooner.
He chose the same outfit as last time: a denim jacket with a fake two-piece top and a light-colored long skirt.
After changing, Jiang Yinian checked his reflection in the mirror once again.
It was passable. Whether it looked good or not was another matter, but at least it was enough to go out without being recognized.
He Wenshuo left the room, checked the living room and kitchen, then returned to report to Jiang Yinian, Grandma isn’t here. Let’s go.
Jiang Yinian replied, Mm.
Familiarity breeds ease.
When He Wenshuo brought Jiang Yinian to the vicinity of the school again, his mood was even brighter than last time. This time, they had come on a leisurely stroll.
As they walked, he kept looking around for something for Jiang Yinian to snack on.
Fried chicken?
Don’t feel like it.
Rice noodle rolls?
No.
Oden.
Forget it.
Freshly squeezed juice.
Jiang Yinian shook his head. Nothing they came across appealed to him. To be honest, the food options around He Wenshuo’s school weren’t as good as those near their own school.
He Wenshuo scanned the surroundings as they walked a few more steps and happened to spot an elderly Boss riding an old-fashioned bicycle and selling handmade sugar-coated haws on a stick.
The Boss had been selling his sugar-coated haws around the school for years—affordable, cost-effective, clean, and hygienic. He was unanimously approved by the students at their school.
He Wenshuo tugged at Jiang Yinian and pointed, They say these sugar-coated haws are delicious.
Jiang Yinian followed his gaze and looked over. The transparent display case on the old man’s cart was spotlessly clean, filled with various types of sugar-coated haws on a stick. They looked quite decent.
He picked a skewer that combined all flavors together—strawberry at the top, hawthorn at the bottom, with grapes, raisins, and oranges in between.
The outer layer of syrup was thin and crisp, making a satisfying crunch with each bite. It was both sour and sweet, offering a rich variety of flavors.
As Jiang Yinian ate the sugar-coated haws, he looked up and spotted several boys across the street—the same ones who had been sitting next to him last time on He Wenshuo’s school playground. He nudged He Wenshuo with his elbow to confirm, Those guys are from your school, right?
He Wenshuo followed his gaze and happened to meet their eyes. He curled his lips slightly and nonchalantly looked away, moving closer to Jiang Yinian. Yeah, the one with curly hair is Tao Hao, and the one in black is Guo Jian. We’re in the same project group.
Jiang Yinian nodded, committing their names to memory.
They hadn’t walked far when they reached the shop selling sugar-fried chestnuts.
As a regular customer, He Wenshuo instinctively tilted his head toward Jiang Yinian and suggested, Chestnuts? Want some? The line doesn’t look too long today.
Jiang Yinian usually ate freshly prepared ones after school, so this was his first time seeing the chestnut shop in person. It was clear the business was thriving and popular.
Even with such a long queue, He Wenshuo claimed it wasn’t crowded. It was hard to imagine how long the lines usually were when He Wenshuo came alone.
Jiang Yinian stared at the line. This will still take a while, won’t it?
Not really, He Wenshuo said, pulling Jiang Yinian into the queue. Their line just looks long, but they serve quickly. We’ll reach the front in no time.
Besides, waiting alone might be boring, but with two people, there was no need to worry about boredom. Chatting or doing something together made time fly.
He Wenshuo playfully fiddled with Jiang Yinian’s hand. Jiang Yinian wasn’t plump, and even his hands lacked much flesh—his five fingers were slender and long, with only the palm being soft and pleasant to squeeze.
Jiang Yiani couldn’t be bothered to argue. His attention soon shifted to the roasting oven at the chestnut shop’s entrance. Inside, oval-shaped sweet potatoes had burst open, oozing glistening syrup that looked incredibly tempting.
He Wenshuo glanced sideways at Guo Jian and the others across the street, then leaned down to rest his chin on Jiang Yinian’s shoulder, following his gaze. The roasted sweet potatoes look good.
Jiang Yinian nodded in agreement. They did look good. Since they had already waited in such a long line, it would be a shame not to try them.
An exceptionally attractive couple whispering intimately in public always drew extra attention.
Amid the stares, He Wenshuo continued whispering to Jiang Yinian, They’re definitely looking over because they’re envious.
Jiang Yinian shifted the heavy head off his shoulder. Envious of what? That you have a fake girlfriend?
He Wenshuo corrected him, Envious that I have a good-looking partner.
Jiang Yinian retorted, What’s the use? It doesn’t put food on the table.
He Wenshuo replied, Don’t worry, we’ll have food soon. We’re almost at the front.
Jiang Yinian said, I’m not worried.
The line indeed moved quickly. The two bought chestnuts and picked two perfectly shaped, beautifully colored roasted sweet potatoes.
He Wenshuo led Jiang Yinian to a small park by the roadside and found a bench where they could sit side by side, enjoying the steaming hot roasted sweet potatoes.
Without idle passersby around, it was unusually quiet.
After taking a few bites, Jiang Yinian began poking the sweet potato with his small spoon and casually warned He Wenshuo, If we get caught someday, I’d like to see how you handle it. In any case, he wasn’t going to step forward and share the embarrassment with He Wenshuo.
He Wenshuo wasn’t worried at all and declared confidently, We won’t get caught.
Jiang Yinian said, People say, walls have ears.
We’ll deal with it if it happens.
Seeing that Jiang Yinian had lost interest in eating, He Wenshuo took the sweet potato from him, pulled out a tissue and lipstick from his pocket, and somewhat clumsily reapplied color to his lips.
Jiang Yinian pressed his lips together and asked, Where to next?
He Wenshuo had already planned it out: To our school’s basketball court.
Jiang Yinian looked at He Wenshuo: ?
He Wenshuo explained, I originally had plans to play basketball, but since you’re here now, I’m definitely not playing. I just need to go and let them know.
Jiang Yinian stood up: Let’s go.
The sooner they went, the sooner it would be over, and it wouldn’t delay an early return home.
Back at school after a long time, He Wenshuo once again attracted a lot of attention. He held his head high the entire way.
When they reached the basketball court, quite a few people were already there, though no one was playing a game. A group of boys sat on the ground, chatting and joking around.
As soon as He Wenshuo appeared,
Guo Jian chuckled a couple of times and announced to the group in a knowing tone, See? What did I tell you? I said he’d definitely bring his girlfriend. Whoever bet against me, don’t forget to buy me breakfast tomorrow.
Someone shushed him, and the attention quickly returned to He Wenshuo and his companion, their eyes gleaming with curiosity.
This was exactly the effect He Wenshuo wanted. This time, he’d see who would dare spread rumors about him again.
If they liked to speculate wildly, he’d give them a good look today.
Tao Hao ran a hand through his hair, strode over to stand in front of He Wenshuo, and pretended to casually glance at Jiang Yinian for a couple of seconds before breaking into a wide grin. He addressed He Wenshuo first: You’re here.
Then he greeted Jiang Yinian: Hello, I’m He Wenshuo’s friend. You can call me Tao Hao.
He Wenshuo immediately pulled Jiang Yinian behind him, blocking Tao Hao off, and answered for Jiang Yinian: Cut it out. He doesn’t like talking to people he doesn’t know.
Jiang Yinian cooperated by staying silent. If he spoke, he’d definitely give himself away.
Oh! Got it, got it. Tao Hao instantly accepted the explanation. Girls, after all, tended to talk more only around people they were familiar with.
But no worries—they’d get to know each other soon enough.
Tao Hao invited He Wenshuo, Come on, let’s play some ball.
Considering He Wenshuo had brought his partner today, he decided to be generous and go easy, letting He Wenshuo win an easy game.
He Wenshuo declined, No, you guys play. I’ll take him around for a bit.
With that, he took Jiang Yinian’s hand and walked off with an air of effortless coolness.
Tao Hao watched their retreating figures, then turned to look innocently at the guys behind him and sighed, I feel like he came here just to show off his girlfriend.
You’re absolutely right!
Guo Jian threw the basketball at Tao Hao. If he won’t play with us, we’ll play without him. But it’s really annoying to watch. How about we all go give him a hard time tomorrow and get some good food out of him?
Sounds good, everyone agreed. It’s settled then. The task of plucking feathers from the iron rooster falls to you, Guo Jian.
Guo Jian: …
Author’s Note: