Oh, what an awkward scene.

Miss Lu Ziqing held Liang Sheng’s left hand in her left, Su Ze’s in her right. Song An’an clung tightly to Liang Sheng’s arm, her eyes darting repeatedly toward Su Ze.

If the place were crowded, Liang Sheng might’ve felt better. But Miss Lu, wealthy and willful, had rented out the entire amusement park. Vast and empty—only rides, their small group, and scattered staff remained.

Liang Sheng suddenly recalled the classical essay from middle school: *Viewing Snow at Lake Heart Pavilion*. “Not a soul or bird’s chirp echoed across the lake”—how fitting. *Sigh… truly sorrowful. Truly.*

“Miss, shall we ride the roller coaster?” Liang Sheng broke the silence.

She’d already lost her grip on this novel’s plot. This scene wasn’t in the original—what would happen next? She had no clue.

“No… never mind. I doubt *you* dare ride it,” Lu Ziqing said, fear flickering in her eyes.

*No way?* The haughty young miss was scared? *Hah!* Still playing tough! Liang Sheng grinned mischievously. “I’m not afraid! You’re here, Miss—you’re so capable. You’ll protect me, right~?”

Lu Ziqing’s cheeks flushed. To save face, she puffed up. “O-of course! Let’s go—I’ll ride with you!”

“But… but, Ah Sheng, I’m scared…” Song An’an had been brought by Su Ze. Though reluctant, Lu Ziqing allowed her in—to appear magnanimous before Su Ze.

Before Liang Sheng could speak, Su Ze said calmly, “Don’t worry. I’ll sit with you.”

*Ding!* Affection level surged dramatically.

*Song An’an’s affection level toward Su Ze: 100+*

Song An’an replied shyly, “O-okay… Ze.”

Liang Sheng froze, indignant. *What a smooth playboy jerk—hitting on every girl he sees?!* And right in front of the young miss?! No restraint at all! How *does* this male lead bewitch girls so easily…? A sharp pang of jealousy twisted in her chest.

*Hua~* Affection level dropped.

*Lu Ziqing’s affection level toward Su Ze: 100+*

*Song An’an’s affection level toward Liang Sheng: 81*

Liang Sheng: “…I get why Lu Ziqing’s level dropped… but *you*, An’an? Ugh, my princess… so hard to please!” Outwardly smiling, inwardly weeping.

*Fine. I won’t bother.* With spirit, Liang Sheng took Lu Ziqing’s hand and stepped onto the coaster first. She turned, voice gentle: “Don’t be scared, Ziqing. I’m here.”

*Ding!* Affection level surged.

*Lu Ziqing’s affection level toward Liang Sheng: 46*

Lu Ziqing’s face reddened slightly. She turned away, feigning calm—but her grip on Liang Sheng’s hand tightened fiercely. *Ah, classic “mouth says no, body says yes.”*

Below, Song An’an gazed up at the two girls on the coaster. Hand pressed to her chest, head bowed, expression gloomy. *Why…? I finally sit beside Ze, the boy I’ve liked for so long… why can’t I feel happy?*

Su Ze glanced at Song An’an from the corner of his eye, took her hand, and said flatly, “Come. I’ll take you up.”

This time, her affection level toward him didn’t rise.

Clutching her skirt hem, Song An’an sat dazed behind Liang Sheng, stealing glances at the girl’s back. *If only… if only I were sitting beside Ah Sheng…* She bit her lip, silent.

Su Ze watched her, brows faintly furrowed. He leaned down, fastening her seatbelt and safety bar with care.

Ahead, Liang Sheng observed. She sucked in a breath—*Wow, skilled move.*

*He’s flirting hard… won’t this soft-hearted girl fall for the jerk again? Affection should spike—*

But it didn’t.

Liang Sheng blinked. *What? Did An’an develop immunity? Not even blushing?! Or… lost interest in the male lead?*

Before she could ponder, the coaster lurched forward. Liang Sheng sat blank-faced—zero fear. Lu Ziqing? Pale as paper.

At first, she clenched eyes and lips shut, pretending bravery. Then—a sharp turn. A shriek tore loose: “AAAAAH! LIANG SHENG! LIANG SHENG!”

Liang Sheng winced. *My eardrums…* Well. *If she screams like this later in bed…*

The coaster slowed to a stop. Lu Ziqing’s eyes glistened, breath ragged, chest rising and falling. Liang Sheng felt a flicker of… hunger.

Helping her down, Liang Sheng saw Lu Ziqing’s legs trembling. “Sheng… I can’t breathe…”

Liang Sheng smirked wickedly. “Hehe~ Too much chest fat pressing down? Want me to… rub your chest—ahem! *Pat your back* to help?”

Lu Ziqing’s face flushed crimson. Eyes wide, she snapped, “Pervert!”—the third time this noble miss had cursed, all at the same person.

Shameless? Bold? Liang Sheng’s hand shot out—*squeeze*. *Mmm… nice.*

Lu Ziqing’s blush deepened.

*Hua~* Affection level dropped.

*Lu Ziqing’s affection level toward Liang Sheng: 43*

*Oops. Messed up again.* Liang Sheng slapped her own hand. “Damn it! Told you not to touch the young miss!”

*Pfft.* A giggle escaped Lu Ziqing. Liang Sheng laughed too—until Lu Ziqing snapped, “What’s so funny?!”

Liang Sheng’s smile froze.

“HAHAHA!” Lu Ziqing burst into laughter at her flustered face.

*Ding~* Affection level rose.

*Lu Ziqing’s affection level toward Liang Sheng: 51*

*Sigh… the whims of a young miss—truly beyond us commoners~*

Sunshine and laughter here. But Song An’an stood apart, face shadowed, fingers digging into her dress.

*If I’d refused to sit with Su Ze… I’d be with Ah Sheng now.* Regret burned. *If he hadn’t invited me… I wouldn’t be so far from her.* Fists clenched—anger redirected at Su Ze.

*Hua!* Affection level plummeted.

*Song An’an’s affection level toward Su Ze: 91*

Liang Sheng turned. *Huh? What did Su Ze do to upset this little troublemaker?*

“Ah Sheng… my stomach hurts!” Song An’an cried out, face twisted in pain. *Yep—faking again to grab attention.*

Liang Sheng rushed over, crouching. “An’an? What’s wrong? Sudden pain?”

“It… it just hurts so bad… waaah… Ah Sheng, it *hurts*…” Tears welled in her doll-like face, pitifully charming. Liang Sheng’s heart clenched—she believed it was real.

“I’ll carry you to the hospital,” Su Ze offered.

Song An’an gritted her teeth. *I don’t want YOU!* She shot him a resentful glance. *If only you weren’t here…*

*Hua~* Affection level dropped sharply.

*Song An’an’s affection level toward Su Ze: 79*

*Huh?! She’s upset he offered to carry her?!* Liang Sheng was baffled.

“Ah Sheng~ *Carry me~* Only your hug will make me feel better,” Song An’an pleaded, throwing caution to the wind.

Liang Sheng pulled her into her arms, conflicted. Song An’an nestled against her chest, smiling blissfully—then shot a smug glance at Lu Ziqing.

*Ding~* Affection level rose.

*Song An’an’s affection level toward Liang Sheng: 92*

The targeted girl cleared her throat lightly, seething inwardly. *Oh? You dare compete with me for everything? Hmph. Just wait. Su Ze AND Liang Sheng—I’ll claim them both.*

Lu Ziqing stood, dialed her phone, and spoke haughtily: “Hurry. My classmate’s ill. Send a car to the amusement park—*now*. Don’t let her die.” She shot Song An’an a sharp glare.

Embarrassment flooded Song An’an’s face. *Using money to snatch everything…* She seethed too.

Two girls, hidden schemes. Only Liang Sheng remained naively worried, murmuring comfort. Song An’an soaked in the warmth, clinging tightly, face buried in softness.

Soon, Lu Ziqing’s car arrived. Song An’an sprang up, innocent-faced. “I feel better! No hospital needed.”

Lu Ziqing’s face twisted. “SONG AN’AN! You faked it!”

Song An’an ducked her head, tugging Liang Sheng’s sleeve. “Ah Sheng… I *was* really in pain just now…”

Liang Sheng recalled her pained expression—but feared angering Lu Ziqing. She smoothly added, “Miss Ziqing, your kindness shines. Girls like you… are truly lovable.”

“Hmph~” Lu Ziqing’s cheeks warmed slightly, pleased but hiding it.

“Fine. I’ll let this slide. *Some* know how foolish their tricks were.” Magnanimous—but not without a jab.

*Ding~* Affection level rose.

*Lu Ziqing’s affection level toward Liang Sheng: 58*

*Only one point… Well. One point counts.* Liang Sheng sighed inwardly. *Girls really are hard to please.*