After the bell rang, I slipped back into the classroom, blanking my mind and gaze. I pretended not to see Jilianbing and settled into my seat.
Then I started pondering Jiang Xueqing’s title color change.
Her title and name had been white like most others, but just now, they’d turned green. So far, only Teacher Xiaozhen had a green title. Jiang Xueqing’s shift must mean she’s become like Teacher Xiaozhen in some way—and I’m the cause.
What sets Teacher Xiaozhen apart from white-title people? Probably her closeness to me.
What does this color mean? Could it be like a game’s affinity system? Green for “friendly”?
So, because I lent her a cushion, she sees me as a good guy?
But if my theory’s right… this affinity is way too easy to gain.
If I had more friends, I could test this. Sadly, I’m only close to teachers. What a depressing truth…
Does this mean Jiang Xueqing considers me a friend? My first friend… hehehe…
No! Stop daydreaming! She never said it outright. How can a random color change confirm her feelings? This wild imagination is your fatal flaw, An Juncheng!
Wait—I decided not to trust these weird titles! Why am I overthinking the colors again?
Forget it. Right now, the priority isn’t this mess. It’s Jilianbing…
I need to plan where to hide next break.
This time, she’ll probably chase me when I run. If I go to the pavilion, she might catch me.
I must hide somewhere she can’t enter… a place women can’t enter!
The men’s restroom!
Deciding on this hideout eased my nerves a little.
I tied my shoelaces and waited for the bell. Just like last period, I bolted straight out of class toward the restroom.
I entered the last stall, dropped my pants, and sat on the toilet. Chin propped on clasped hands, I waited silently for the bell.
Even Jilianbing would grow annoyed after being ignored and dodged so many times.
Until I fully understand her motives, avoiding her is safest…
Knock knock.
The stall door rattled twice.
Ugh, is it that busy? Hogging the toilet feels rude… But as long as I’m in the men’s restroom, Jilianbing can’t get in. I should give up the seat.
“Sorry, I’ll be out in a sec—”
I started pulling up my pants to talk to the guy outside. But halfway up, the door swung open—and the person standing there was the last one who should be here.
“Oh? So eager? Dropping your pants at the sight of me… How flattering and shy-making~”
Jilianbing covered one eye with her hand, pretending shyness. Yet her left eye peeked through her fingers, fixed on my lower half. Not a trace of blush colored her cheeks.
I don’t see even a hint of shyness on your face!
No—focus! Why are you—a woman—in here?!
I yanked up my pants, fumbling with the belt. “This is the men’s restroom!”
“I didn’t want to do this, but you’ve been ignoring me, Juncheng~”
Yeah, I’m avoiding you—but chasing me into the men’s restroom?!
Fine… I’m done. A blunt rejection should kill her interest for good.
First, I need to change locations. “Let’s talk outside,” I suggested.
“No, here’s fine. No one’s around. I don’t mind.”
They fled because of you!
Jilianbing, the unattainable ice queen, storming the men’s restroom? Rumors will spread in minutes! For your own reputation, we should move!
“I mind. Please leave. I need to use the facilities.”
“Hmm… Go ahead. It won’t interrupt our chat, right?”
Jilianbing didn’t budge. She stepped into the stall, locked the door behind her.
This… is utterly unreasonable!
“Don’t call me by my name. We’re not that close, Jilianbing.”
“Oh? You remembered my name… I’m delighted~”
My icy tone didn’t faze her. She stayed cheerful, deflecting like a master of evasion.
“Straight to the point: What do you want? Why are you suddenly clinging to me?”
Cutting to the chase might end this faster.
“Hehehe…”
Jilianbing chuckled softly, her eyes crinkling into a bewitching smile.
“Because I like you, Juncheng.”
A lie.
I knew it was absolutely false. She wasn’t clinging to me out of affection.
“How could you possibly like me?”
“You’re not me. How can you know I don’t?”
“…”
Don’t dodge with “you’re not the fish” nonsense!
“Deep down, you’re thrilled, right? Who wouldn’t be happy getting confessed to by a beauty like me?”
She leaned close, her breath warm on my face. Her left hand stayed behind her back; her right index finger poked my chest, then traced slow circles.
This woman… is dangerously alluring.
No wonder so many guys fall under her spell. Jilianbing truly has that level of charm.
“No. Quite the opposite—I’m troubled. Please leave me alone.”
But I don’t want ties with her.
Dangerous. She’s dangerous.
Beyond her ominous title, after this real contact, I sensed Jilianbing’s perilous aura. She’s no pushover. Even if not a killer, she’s the type to trick innocent boys into ruin.
“Leave… you?”
Jilianbing’s expression shifted subtly, as if pondering.
“What’s wrong with that?”
“Nothing… I was just wondering why you avoid me. I only want to be friends. We both lack friends, don’t we?”
“Dare I say, mingling with you brings trouble. Your admirers might gang up on me out of jealousy. We’re different worlds—you shine under everyone’s gaze; I stay an unnoticed nobody. Why cross paths?”
That should make her quit.
But then—something caught me off guard. Her title… Jilianbing’s title turned green too!
Huh?
What the hell?
“…Hehehe. How fascinating. You really are interesting, An Juncheng.”
Chilling!
Her smile vanished. The fake-friendly tone dropped. Her mask slipped off!
I couldn’t call it killing intent, but a bone-deep chill shot down my spine.
Just her stare made me feel like I’d be killed any second.
“…!”
The pressure lasted mere seconds. Then Jilianbing snapped back to her usual self, grinning as she stroked my cheek.
Her hand was warm—so warm it made the dread feel like a hallucination.
“Anyway, I won’t take back my words. I’ll wait for your reply… Juncheng.”
With that, she left.
I slumped against the toilet seat, drained. I couldn’t move until the bell rang.
This confirmed it: Jilianbing is undeniably dangerous.
Rejecting her might get me killed… but accepting only delays the inevitable?
Ugh. Why did I get stuck in this nightmare?
