After being kicked out of the library, Jiang Fan and Lin Mengyao weren't sure where to sit.

The sun blazed overhead as usual. Just standing outside for a moment would drench you in sweat. Jiang Fan, a shut-in who avoided sunlight like the plague, flatly refused. Lin Mengyao, in only a thin T-shirt, was even less willing. Did she want to sweat buckets just to give him a free show?

"Where next? The cafeteria’s AC isn’t on. Know any empty classrooms?"

Jiang Fan rarely left his classroom. After so long, he’d forgotten most of the school layout. Now, he only knew two routes: gate to classroom, and classroom to cafeteria.

"How many students do you think are here? Still dreaming of empty classrooms?" Lin Mengyao rolled her eyes. Even if empty rooms existed, they’d be in buildings marked for demolition—fenced off and powerless. It wouldn’t be much cooler anyway.

"How about the office? Teacher Shu could see us there. Saves a trip back later."

Hearing this, Lin Mengyao was slightly taken aback. It was a solid suggestion.

But... seeing his confident look, a hidden corner of her heart resisted. She truly hated tutoring him. Yet Jiang Fan’s dismissive attitude—like he wanted to shoo her away—made her deeply resentful. If he proved he didn’t need her help, she’d feel dumped. She’d come willingly to help, only to be rejected carelessly. This pissed her off.

Truth was, her oversized pride was acting up. As the helper, she should stand above him. But his refusal yanked her down from her pedestal, even below him. Like thinking you’re kindly helping a beggar, only for him to stand up, shed rags to reveal a suit, and say he’s just slumming it. A sense of loss hit hard. Immature Lin Mengyao didn’t know how to adjust. She got stuck in a mental rut.

As Jiang Fan stepped toward the office, she grabbed his arm, forcing him to stop.

"...No!"

Lin Mengyao didn’t know why she refused. But she pushed through: "The office... it’ll disturb other teachers! We need another spot!"

She looked up. Jiang Fan stared back, face pale, voice trembling: "You idiot... don’t grab my wound... it hurts like hell!"

In her haste, she’d gripped right over his injury. Worse, she’d squeezed too hard, desperate to hold him. Earlier, she’d bitten him in fury—intent on hurting the bastard. He hadn’t bled much, but the teeth marks were deep. Deeper than Mu Yuli’s bite. Luckily, it was his arm—thick-skinned, few blood vessels. A neck bite might’ve severed his carotid. Still, the librarian had brought a first-aid kit. This wasn’t a scratch saliva could heal.

Lin Mengyao flinched back, flustered. She eyed him anxiously: "...Does it really hurt that much?"

"...What do you think? Want me to bite you back?" Jiang Fan rubbed his arm, glaring coldly.

She’d mocked his bandage earlier, calling him a wuss. Now, she realized how hard she’d bitten.

"I’m sorry..." Lin Mengyao whispered, head down. She disliked him, but only meant to give him a taste of his own medicine. She never wanted real harm. Her grudge vanished; she apologized sincerely. "You look pained. Hospital?"

She watched him, helpless.

"Hospital? Got rabies? Then yeah, I’ll get a shot." Jiang Fan resorted to verbal jabs. But Lin Mengyao’s eyes reddened. Tears spilled as she wiped them.

"...I didn’t mean it... Bite me back if you don’t believe me!" She thrust her fair arm forward in resignation. One hand wiped her eyes, but her nose tingled. She stood sobbing quietly.

Women were so sly. A few tears melted hearts. Jiang Fan felt like the bully.

"Enough. Who wants your hand? We can’t go to the office like this. We’ve got leave—let’s just walk around." Seeing her tears continue, he raked a hand through his hair. He lifted her chin to meet his gaze. "Stop crying. I’m not petty. Must I kowtow?"

"No need..." Lin Mengyao’s voice choked.

Jiang Fan’s annoyance spiked. He released her. "Wait here." He ran off.

Lin Mengyao crouched, face covered. She wasn’t scheming. Genuine guilt mixed with hurt. She’d apologized sincerely, yet he mocked her. She knew she was wrong! Why no forgiveness? His words echoed—should she kowtow for absolution? He must think she cried for sympathy, so he’d abandoned her. She hadn’t meant to hurt him! The thought twisted her stomach. Crouched there, silent tears fell again.

Soon, Jiang Fan returned, panting. Lin Mengyao looked up. Something icy pressed her cheek.

"Here. This’ll plug your tear ducts. 14 yuan a cone—killing me. I haven’t even bought my girlfriend one this pricey!"

He... hadn’t left her?

Lin Mengyao stared blankly. Sweat dripped into her eyes. Tears or sweat—she couldn’t tell.

"Tch. Eat it before it melts. No second cone."

She gazed at the giant strawberry-chocolate ice cream cone shoved into her hands. Her small tongue darted out, gently licking it.

So sweet...