Chuyun almost died of fright when he heard that silly Han Youwei had been talking about him nonstop after getting home. If she spilled the beans about him touching her and holding hands, he’d be doomed for sure. Even though it wasn’t his fault, who would care?

But glancing at the graceful young woman called Auntie Qing, Chuyun saw no sign she meant to confront him. That meant Han Youwei hadn’t mentioned the petting or hand-holding.

This time, that clumsy girl had finally been smart enough. Chuyun almost teared up.

Still, Auntie Qing was stunningly beautiful, with dignified and elegant manners. Would Han Youwei ever turn out like that?

Chuyun tried imagining it, but the thought felt seriously incongruous. Her silly, clumsy vibe suited her better anyway.

Just as Chuyun was lost in thought, the graceful woman beside Han Youwei turned her gaze to him.

“So you’re Chuyun, the one little Youwei keeps chattering about? I’m Han Qingqing, her maternal aunt. Call me Auntie Qing like she does. Thank you for taking such good care of our little Youwei at school. She must’ve caused you trouble, right?”

“Hello, Auntie Qing. It’s fine. Han Youwei’s quite well-behaved.”

Chuyun snapped back to reality, appearing calm. Inside, he was panicking like crazy. His relationship with Han Youwei was complicated beyond words. Facing her aunt, not having his legs turn to jelly was already impressive.

“Mm, that’s good. I worried little Youwei might trouble you. She’s so introverted, and sometimes just a bit silly.”

Chuyun nodded deeply in agreement. Han Youwei could indeed be torturously clumsy at times.

“I’m not silly! Auntie Qing, you’re mean!” Han Youwei puffed out her cheeks, looking very upset.

Han Qingqing doted on her, gently rubbing her little head. “Yes, yes, our precious girl is the smartest,” she cooed softly.

“By the way, little Youwei, are you going to school with Chuyun today, or shall Auntie Qing take you?”

Blushing, Han Youwei glanced at Chuyun, then turned to Han Qingqing. “Auntie Qing, I want to go with classmate Chuyun.”

“Mm, then Chuyun, I’ll trouble you to look after our little Youwei today. If you have time, come over for a meal sometime. Little Youwei’s mom and I really want to thank you properly.”

“Sure, Auntie Qing. I’ll definitely come when I can.”

“Alright, I’ll take my leave now. Little Youwei, listen to Chuyun.”

“Mm-hmm, bye Auntie Qing.”

After watching Han Qingqing’s graceful figure walk away, Chuyun turned to Han Youwei. “Han Youwei, let’s go too. But first, I need to pick up Lin Waner, then we’ll head back to school together.”

“Mm-hmm, I want to hold hands.”

Blushing, Han Youwei held out her fair, tender little hand. She adored the incredibly comfortable feeling of Chuyun holding her hand and petting her.

“Han Youwei, not now. It’d be bad if someone saw us.”

Being seen by others was minor; being seen by Sis Waner was the real problem. Chuyun silently added in his heart. He didn’t have the guts to hold Han Youwei’s hand in front of Lin Waner. So today, he decided not to hold anyone’s hand.

“Eh, okay...”

Dejected, Han Youwei followed behind Chuyun. She didn’t understand why holding hands was okay at school but not here. But she didn’t dare ask, afraid Chuyun would get angry and never speak to her again.

After walking a short distance, Chuyun finally reached Lin Waner’s house. Just in time to see her stepping out of the iron gate.

Lin Waner, newly out of her house, saw them approaching. She asked in surprise, “Xiao Yun, why is junior Han Youwei here? Does she live nearby too?”

“Yeah, I bumped into her on the way. We’re heading to school together.”

“Eh, really? That’s such a coincidence. Same class, desk mates, same neighborhood—it’s almost like fate, isn’t it?”

Lin Waner smiled, but inside, her heart darkened. She didn’t believe in coincidences. Just when she hadn’t dealt with that little vixen yet, here came another cat trying to steal him.

She needed to investigate Han Youwei’s background soon. She couldn’t handle that schemer at Chuyun’s place, but chasing away a cat on the prowl should be easy.

Hehe, fate... fate... Han Youwei had completely fallen into Lin Waner’s trap. Destiny filled her thoughts. Could she stay with classmate Chuyun forever? Imagining daily petting and hand-holding made her beam with joy.

Seeing Han Youwei like this, Lin Waner was even more certain she was a threat. Though she looked silly, fools have luck. She needed to chase her away from Chuyun quickly.

Chuyun watched the two, utterly confused. Why was Sis Waner spacing out? And why was that silly Han Youwei grinning foolishly again? He decided to break the awkward silence.

“Sis Waner, Han Youwei, let’s head out.”

“Mm-hmm.”

...

Chuyun looked at Han Youwei still grinning foolishly. He couldn’t resist tapping her little head.

“Han Youwei, let’s go. Time for school.”

“Ow... that hurts. I know.”

Jolted out of her fantasy, Han Youwei pouted adorably, like a scolded little wife.

“Eh, why is senior Lin Waner holding Chuyun’s hand...”

Han Youwei trailed behind them. She watched Lin Waner’s small hand holding Chuyun’s large one. She clutched her chest, feeling a strange ache inside.

Why could senior Lin Waner hold his hand? Didn’t Chuyun say they couldn’t here?

Han Youwei couldn’t understand. She felt dejected. She wanted to hold his hand too, but feared his anger.

Trailing behind, her face looked utterly pitiful. Her crescent-moon eyes stared enviously at their clasped hands.

Sigh, I want to hold hands too...