They settled on Sunday—again at the shopping plaza.

Chen Yaoyi wore a black mask covering most of his face. He still couldn’t show himself in public—not due to health, but because news outlets had branded him a “disgraceful teacher.”

Thanks to Su Ziqing’s financial influence, no one knew what Chen Yaoyi or May looked like. But Zhao Xiaoluo, the self-proclaimed “hero,” became the media’s focal point.

Naturally, people close to him drew paparazzi attention too. As a wealthy young heiress, Su Ziqing was no exception—though no one dared tail her.

May wasn’t so lucky. Zhao Xiaoluo, in his self-righteousness, escorted her home three times, cementing her image as the “victim girl.” Cameras—long lenses and all—swarmed her residential complex.

The whole neighborhood grew uneasy. Eventually, Zhao Xiaoluo, feeling “too guilty to bear,” told Su Ziqing and even grumbled, “How did those guys even find out May’s identity?”

Unable to resist Zhao Xiaoluo’s pleading, Su Ziqing used her “money power” to clear the paparazzi near May’s home. So their third “date” was moved to a natural park on the city’s outskirts.

Had Chen Yaoyi not stumbled upon them while “inspecting the goods,” Zhao Xiaoluo would’ve likely left May with more trauma.

Still, Zhao Xiaoluo insisted on escorting May to and from school. Despite her repeated refusals, he showed up punctually downstairs every day.

For May, commuting with him was painful. He treated her like a fragile little girl, arranging overprotective measures—even refusing shortcuts, insisting crowded routes kept her “safe.”

But May didn’t need that. And with Zhao Xiaoluo, conversations always circled back to the past—and inevitably, to badmouthing Chen Yaoyi, at length. No wonder she avoided long talks with him. When topics ran dry, he’d just keep harping on it.

Today, though, May chose the meeting spot herself: the shopping plaza—specifically, where Chen Yaoyi had first pinned her against the wall.

True to habit, Chen Yaoyi arrived early and waited.

She stepped out of the station and headed straight for him. A black fitted crop top revealed her toned midriff; a slightly flashy shirt tied at her waist accentuated her curves. Denim shorts highlighted her long legs. A pure black baseball cap tamed her flowing flaxen hair. Light makeup—flawless, no caking—made her glow.

Beaming, she waved, clutching her crossbody strap, steps light and lively. Like a star shimmering in the crowd, she drifted through the sea of people, stealing every glance—the undisputed heroine of this world, now running toward Chen Yaoyi, the one never called the male lead.

She skidded to a halt before him, skipped greetings, crouched slightly, leaped—and lunged.

If Zhao Xiaoluo had stood there, he’d have flushed crimson, too flustered to believe May mistook him, too shy to even wave.

But it was Chen Yaoyi—the fake boyfriend who wouldn’t flinch at her tackle-like charge.

She trusted him completely. Her smile bloomed like spring blossoms.

He caught her firmly, spun to absorb the impact, pulled her close, then gently set her down. As he loosened his hold, May rose onto her tiptoes, wrapped her arms around his neck, and left a faint lip print on his cheek.

“Ten things left on our list. This was item four from last night’s plan—”

A blush dusted her cheeks, but she forced a smile. She released him, steadied herself, then waved a hand before his stunned face. “Snap out of it!”

“Sigh… Didn’t expect you to be this bold today…”

“Nonsense! I’m super brave, okay!” Flushed but fearless, May nudged his side. “B-But… don’t you have anything else to say…?”

She was hinting.

“Honestly,” Chen Yaoyi mused, chin in hand, “your outfit’s striking. Makeup’s flawless—light, no caking. Hair’s curled. Anyone would be flustered.”

“And…?”

She hadn’t heard the words she wanted. Elbowing his ribs, she huffed, “I’m asking for *your* opinion! Chen Yaoyi’s!”

Anger flickered across her face. She puffed her cheeks, stomped cutely. She knew he was playing dumb—and he was.

Pressed this far, he couldn’t pretend anymore. “Uh… Well. It’s really nice. At least… I like it.”

First time complimenting a girl with zero ulterior motives. Naturally, he felt awkward. He glanced away—toward the distant clock tower.

“You’re shy, aren’t you? Hehehe!” May traced circles on his chest. Through the thin cotton shirt, her fingertip felt like skin on skin.

“Don’t push me to poke back, okay—”