Right after getting dumped, He suddenly learned that his best buddy was the legendary cold-as-ice school beauty. - Chapter 70

Lu Yibei thought of Zhou Zhou again.

Not for any particular reason.

It was just reflection—he had chased Zhou Zhou for so long, yet she had never once mentioned love.

Now, his mind drifted to Qingqian’s soft, full thigh pressing against him, her fingertips gently twirling through his hair.

They had gone out together, sharing the same chopsticks, sipping from the same cup of juice.

The heroine’s rendition of “Courage” had been so brave, so heartfelt.

In truth, Lu Yibei had long realized the ambiguity in his relationship with Ji Qingqian.

But every time the thought surfaced, he would forcibly suppress it with a “wait a little longer.”

Yet now, if he kept avoiding it, how was that any different from his pursuit of Zhou Zhou?

Lu Yibei had been caught in the rain before—it was his own foolishness, his own fault.

But Qingqian… she was so wonderful. How could she be subjected to such things?

He wanted to hold an umbrella over Ji Qingqian.

He parted his lips, his Adam’s apple bobbing, but no words came out.

The reason Lu Yibei felt the ambiguity was because Qingqian had treated him too well.

He believed her feelings matched his own.

If they were the same, then all he needed was to speak his heart.

Simple.

At first glance, it really seemed that simple.

But when he actually tried to speak, his heart was restless, jittery with anxiety.

He took a steadying breath, regulating his heartbeat, and continued:

“Qingqian.”

“Hm.”

“I—”

Lu Yibei planned to express his feelings directly and clearly.

Nothing flashy, nothing dramatic.

But the most understandable.

Yet the next two words didn’t escape his lips.

Ji Qingqian covered his mouth.

“No.”

“…“

Lu Yibei’s eyes widened.

Why wouldn’t she let him speak?

Could it be… the heroine’s feelings weren’t the same as his?

Thoughts like “three great illusions of humans” raced through his mind, and his carefully composed heartbeat began hammering again.

His warm, short breaths puffed onto the back of her hand.

Ji Qingqian’s voice was gentle, almost ethereal. She whispered:

“I know what you’re going to say.”

“I’ve wanted to hear it, been hoping for it all along.”

“But not now.”

“You’ve been bullied, your mood isn’t right. As people who roam the jianghu, we believe in fairness—we cannot take advantage of someone’s misfortune.”

“I want you to choose a day when you’re truly happy, and then say it to me, proudly and openly.”

“…Okay?”

Lu Yibei slightly parted her hand from his mouth, smiling:

“Heroine, I’m not foolish enough to confuse gratitude with love.”

“I know.”

Ji Qingqian said lightly, “But I just want you to say it when you’re happy. I’m being selfish, don’t you mind?”

Lu Yibei paused, then chuckled.

Sometimes, transmitting one’s feelings was more important than the words themselves.

And the heroine clearly understood his heart.

“…Okay.”

Though feelings were more important than words, expressing them still carried weight.

Lu Yibei thought to himself that he must plan carefully.

A good girl like her deserved a proper, dignified confession.

Not rushed.

“Mm.” Ji Qingqian’s voice held a hint of a smile.

Lu Yibei opened his mouth to speak again, but her hand suddenly covered his eyes.

“Wha—”

In the dark, he felt his bangs lifted.

Then, a warm, soft, wet touch pressed against his forehead.

…Lips.

Her hand moved aside.

Lu Yibei’s vision returned.

Ji Qingqian tilted her head back, barefaced, hiding the blush creeping across her cheeks.

“I know you’ll say it to me eventually, so I’m giving you the answer first…”

Her voice was cool, but trembled slightly. She said, “…This is my first time kissing a boy. If you betray my trust, forget to say that line to me… I… I’ll twist your head off!”

Biting her teeth, she tried to sound fierce, hiding her embarrassment.

She waited for Lu Yibei’s response. He didn’t speak.

Ji Qingqian: …

She couldn’t wait any longer and finally looked down at him, resting on her lap.

Lu Yibei had crossed his small arms over his face, blocking her view.

But she could still see his ears flushed red.

His trembling lips pressed into a wavering line, only letting out incoherent murmurs.

Ji Qingqian gently traced his cheek with her fingertips, feeling the heat.

She hadn’t expected him to look so… adorable.

Which boy looked this cute when shy?

…Oh, right. He’s mine.

Seeing his reaction, her own shyness melted. She poked his cheek playfully.

“You’re so shy…”

“…It’s my first time too,” Lu Yibei whispered softly.

“What?”

“Kissing a girl…”

And it had been a surprise attack.

All that talk about being proper… and she broke the rules.

Ji Qingqian was a little shocked. “I thought you must’ve dated one or two before…”

“…Nope.”

“You’re so popular.”

“I’m not…”

His voice stayed low. “I always thought you were the popular one… I’ve told you before I’ve never dated anyone.”

“…Wasn’t that your innocent persona?”

“What would I be innocent for back then? To woo you?” Lu Yibei finally spoke a little louder.

It was still the era of Heroine Qingqian, after all…

“Really?”

“Really.”

“Really?”

“Re·ally!”

“…“

Ji Qingqian’s lips curved upward despite herself.

…So it really was his first time.

Every “first time” after this… would belong to her.

She planned to collect every achievement in Lu Yibei’s love line, all the way to platinum.

…

Meanwhile, Xia Li was ecstatic.

Seeing Lu Yibei taken away by Ji Qingqian, she placed her hands on her small waist, laughing recklessly:

“I knew it! Brother Yibei is on a completely different level from everyone else! So fast—just a few days and already holding hands! Pure bliss!”

Li Si chuckled, glancing at the little girl, then at a flustered Zhou Zhou.

And at Zhao Sun trailing behind, he thought:

“Let’s go see.”

Xia Li gave him a disdainful look. “I thought you said you weren’t interested in this stuff? Now you’re so nosy.”

Li Si adjusted his glasses:

“Lu Yibei is being dragged—well, not dragged, but shown off at the welcome party for the juniors to see his charm. A little attention is natural…”

“You mean ‘dragged,’ right? You almost said ‘dragged’!”

Li Si stayed silent, letting Xia Li bounce around beside him.

“Besides, isn’t Lu Yibei your friend?”

“I think you old fox have ulterior motives!!” Xia Li exclaimed.

Li Si just smiled wryly.