Xia Chuan came down from the rooftop after lunch. Mo Yao’s sandwiches were way too generous, leaving him feeling stuffed.

He’d lingered too long up there, so by the time he returned to class, lessons were about to start.

Before Xia Chuan could even warm his seat, Liu Yixia rushed over, eyes sparkling with gossip.

“What’s up?” Xia Chuan feigned innocence.

“Heard a gorgeous older sister came looking for you earlier,” Liu Yixia teased with a sly grin.

“Yeah? So what?”

Xia Chuan searched her expression for something deeper, but found only curiosity and playful nosiness. A bitter pang twisted inside him.

*Xia Chuan, what are you even thinking? You could never be worthy of Liu Yixia.*

“Heard you’ve even got a kid?” Seeing his odd look, Liu Yixia pressed, thinking she’d struck a nerve. “Cat got your tongue?”

“No, that’s not my kid,” Xia Chuan blurted, desperate to clear it up—especially for her.

“Hah! Not yours? Must be the neighbor’s then. No wonder I spotted green on your head.”

“What nonsense! She’s just my neighbor,” Xia Chuan snapped, annoyed.

“Oh-ho, already playing the protective husband?” Liu Yixia covered her mouth, giggling.

Knowing he couldn’t win, Xia Chuan fell silent.

“Mad now? Okay, okay, my bad,” Liu Yixia apologized instantly. She’d always been this straightforward, which was why she had so many friends—and why she could talk to Xia Chuan without others shunning him.

Liu Yixia was genuinely kind. That’s why he liked her. But her warmth wasn’t just for him.

“Just ignore the rumors. I don’t care, but she’s a pure young lady. Don’t cause her trouble,” Xia Chuan sighed.

“Huh? From your tone… you really like her?”

“No.”

“Stop hiding it.”

Her relentless teasing finally sparked irritation in Xia Chuan.

Without thinking, he blurted: “I like *you*, alright?”

“Huh?” Liu Yixia froze.

Xia Chuan froze too. He hadn’t planned to say that—just wanted to tease back, but his head overheated.

*How do I fix this?*

He glanced at her instinctively. His pupils shrank. Her expression wasn’t playful shock; it was raw panic.

*Is she… afraid of me?*

Anyone would’ve taken it as a joke, but her fear was real. Xia Chuan had always suspected she knew about his feelings. Now he was sure.

She’d stayed silent to spare his feelings. Because she didn’t like him back.

The last flicker of hope in Xia Chuan died. He never stood a chance.

*Why make her suffer over this?*

Something inside him shut down.

After a heavy silence, he forced a smile to spare her discomfort: “Just kidding. Why so tense?”

Liu Yixia exhaled in relief, scolding, “You scared me!” They slipped back to their usual banter.

*This is fine. I won’t trouble her anymore,* the boy thought.

Time flew. School ended in the afternoon.

“Master, walk home together?” Bai Yifan patted Xia Chuan’s shoulder.

No reply. Xia Chuan was lost in thought.

“Master!” Bai Yifan shouted right into his ear, jolting him.

“Huh?” Xia Chuan snapped back.

“What’s on your mind?” Bai Yifan pouted.

“Nothing. Just stuff. Go on home—I’ve got things to do,” Xia Chuan waved him off.

“Fine.” Bai Yifan left reluctantly.

Watching him go, Xia Chuan’s thoughts tangled again. He’d resolved to be just Liu Yixia’s friend, but his feelings hadn’t vanished. How could they?

He took a deep breath, checked his watch, and remembered: he needed to pick up Qian Yu.

Grabbing his bag, he headed out.

Xia Chuan hurried home with Qian Yu. Lingering at school had made it late. Would the market still have fresh veggies?

To save time, he cut through alleyways—faster than the main roads.

But after a short walk, he heard commotion. Glancing around, he spotted a shadowy alley entrance blocked by over a dozen thugs.

Their street-punk clothes screamed trouble. They were surrounding someone.

Xia Chuan wasn’t a hero. No need to risk himself for strangers.

He silently prayed the victim would be okay and turned to leave.

Then a familiar voice cut through:

“I’ll stay. Just let her go—she’s got nothing to do with this.”

*Liu Ziyang.*

Followed by an angry shout:

“Why are you picking on senior?”

*Liu Yixia.*

Liu Yixia had been happy today. It was her first “date” with Liu Ziyang.

Well, technically just buying student council supplies.

Still, it thrilled her.

*Had* thrilled her.

Until unwelcome guests showed up—Liu Ziyang’s so-called middle school classmates, clearly up to no good.

Outnumbered, they were quickly surrounded.

“I’ll stay. Let her go—this isn’t her fight,” Liu Ziyang bargained with the leader.

“Why target senior?” Liu Yixia demanded before the leader could reply.

The leader just smirked, shaking his head, and advanced.

Liu Yixia’s bravery faltered. She was just a girl. The thought of what might happen chilled her.

She scanned desperately for help—only seeing closing-in shadows.

*Wait.*

Her eyes locked on a familiar figure through the gaps.

*Xia Chuan!*

He was a delinquent, right? He’d once beaten twenty guys alone. He could save them.

Deep down, she still saw him as that tough guy.

“XIA CHUAN!” she screamed, waving wildly.

The thugs turned toward the shout.

Liu Yixia kept yelling.

But Xia Chuan didn’t move closer.

*Xia Chuan?*

To her disbelief, he *ran away*.

“He’s your savior? Pathetic!”

“Coward.”

Liu Ziyang’s heart sank, but he seized the distraction. In one swift move, he shoved Liu Yixia toward the exit.

“RUN!”

She snapped to attention, bolting out. Staying would only slow him down—she needed help.

The thugs hesitated too long. By the time they reacted, she was too far; chasing her would draw attention.

“Whatever. Deal with this guy first,” the leader growled, charging at Liu Ziyang.

Liu Ziyang’s face hardened.

Xia Chuan sprinted through alleys, heart pounding.

He’d heard Liu Yixia’s cry—but he had to run first. He *wanted* to charge in, but…

He was carrying a child! He had to drop Qian Yu off first.

After a frantic search, he found a nearby convenience store. The owner knew him well enough to trust with Qian Yu.

Qian Yu pouted unhappily as he left.

Xia Chuan ruffled her hair. “Be good, Qian Yu. Dad’ll be right back.”

Ignoring the owner’s shocked stare, he dashed out.

*Please be safe.*

All he wanted was to reach that alley.

Back at the entrance, thugs were beating Liu Ziyang. No sign of Liu Yixia.

*Did she escape?* Xia Chuan’s chest loosened slightly.

Seeing the assault continue, he didn’t hesitate. His shout cut sharp: “STOP!”

The thugs froze, turning to glare.

Xia Chuan saw Liu Ziyang in the center—bruises marring his handsome face, unconscious.

Liu Ziyang was his rival. Well, Xia Chuan didn’t even deserve that title. But the guy had always been kind to him. That alone demanded action.

Plus, he’d shoved Liu Yixia to safety, facing a dozen alone. Damn, he had guts.

The thugs at the alley mouth noticed Xia Chuan, their gazes turning hostile.

Meeting their stares, Xia Chuan’s eyes turned icy cold.