"Here we are. Let's go."
The subway arrived at Chenghua Road Station in no time. The moment the train stopped, Jiang Fan pulled off his headphones, stood up, and jerked his chin toward Lin Mengyao before stepping out of the carriage.
Outside the station, it was past 10:30 AM. The UV rays were so intense the air seemed to warp. Jiang Fan instantly regretted stepping out—why bake under the sun when he could stay in the air-conditioned station?
But that was just a thought. How would he finish his assignment if he hid in the subway? He’d borrowed paper and pens from the library before—surely he couldn’t ask the security checkpoint this time. Doing homework on the subway felt as absurd as cramming at an internet café.
Gritting his teeth, he trudged toward the city library under the scorching sun. Lin Mengyao, equally overwhelmed by the heat, wasn’t some delicate lady who’d burn at a sunbeam’s touch—but she rarely braved weather like this. Sweat already beaded on her forehead.
After a few minutes, Jiang Fan realized this wouldn’t work. The library was only a five-minute walk away, too short for a Didi ride or bus. Glancing at Lin Mengyao’s unsteady steps, he spotted her swaying slightly. Heatstroke risk. He halted abruptly and turned to her. "It’s too hot out here. Let’s rest in that shop first."
Lin Mengyao wouldn’t refuse—she’d been struggling silently, refusing to let him think her weak.
They ducked into the nearest store. One perk of city life: shops were always ready to offer shade. The blast of cold air hitting them felt like a drought-stricken land finally catching rain.
It was a small convenience store with metal benches by the entrance. They collapsed onto them, instantly revived. Jiang Fan slumped like a sack of potatoes, face blissfully slack. Lin Mengyao, however, maintained her poise—she was a pretty girl, after all.
Ten minutes later, Jiang Fan straightened up. Ignoring Lin Mengyao’s puzzled look, he strode into the store. He returned moments later, tossing her a sun umbrella and a can of cola. "Eighteen fifty total. WeChat or Alipay?" He held up his phone, a matching umbrella tucked under his arm, and gulped his cola before belching loudly.
"...I don’t drink this." Lin Mengyao frowned at the Pepsi. She avoided junk food and sodas—only sipping wine at her father’s business dinners or when visiting Jiang Fan’s bar.
"Suit yourself. More for me later. And sixteen for the umbrella—no skipping out." Jiang Fan rolled his eyes, shoving his phone closer.
Lin Mengyao sighed inwardly. After all this time, she was used to his stingy act. She scanned his QR code. Seeing the payment confirmation, Jiang Fan pocketed his phone, chugged the rest of his cola, and launched the can toward a distant trash bin. It arced perfectly into the opening. He whistled sharply. *Still got it.*
"Time to go. No more breaks this time." He offered his hand to Lin Mengyao on the bench.
*He can be gentle sometimes... Why not always?* She placed her hand in his, expecting him to pull her up. Instead, he stared blankly.
"Hold on—I was asking for my cola back. Why’d you grab my hand? Trying to take advantage?"
A giant question mark popped over Lin Mengyao’s head. *What species of oblivious guy are you? Do carbon-based lifeforms even say this?!* His wary expression flooded her with humiliation. He was doing this on purpose!
"Hurry up! I’m waiting. Planning to steal my soda? Buy your own!"
"Die, you bastard!!!"
October 17th: Thirty minutes after Lin Mengyao bit Jiang Fan’s arm, his forehead gained a fresh bruise. Primary suspect "Can" has confessed and (was forced to) self-destruct.
———
After further delay, they finally reached the city library. Lin Mengyao trailed behind, still fuming, though she’d silently brought Jiang Fan ice to reduce the swelling. She hadn’t spoken a word. Jiang Fan stayed quiet too—no provoking the madwoman. *A wise man avoids fighting women.*
After borrowing paper and pens from the front desk, they settled in a quiet corner. They’d grown used to stray glances by now. Jiang Fan took Lin Mengyao’s phone and dove into his assignment. Bored, she borrowed a book and sat opposite him.
But her focus kept slipping. Back at school, she could read for hours. Now, her eyes drifted to Jiang Fan every few pages. Her mental diary would read:
*11:02: Watching Jiang Fan solve problems.*
*11:04: Watching Jiang Fan solve problems.*
*11:06: Watching Jiang Fan solve problems.*
*11:07: Lin Mengyao, stop staring!*
*11:08: Watching Jiang Fan solve problems.*
...
By the time he finished, her book remained open to the preface. Not a single word absorbed.
"Tough questions. Might not score high, but I’ll pass," Jiang Fan muttered, frowning. Lin Mengyao snatched back her phone and his answers, eager to check his score—and hide her flustered state.
Just then, a pleasantly surprised voice cut in beside them.
"Hey! Small world—we keep running into each other. Must be fate."
They looked up. A stunning silver-haired girl beamed at Jiang Fan, waving.
