Chapter 6: Youth Campus Romance (V)

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Chapter 6: Youth Campus Romance (V)

Once he had an understanding of Miao Lichen’s relaxed moods, Lin Moxi’s favorability rose from 60 to 70, but then stalled. Even when they were almost as close as conjoined twins and became a common sight at school, their favorability had hit a roadblock and never increased again.

On the other hand, his favorability with Song Qingxin had clearly increased significantly. Every time class ended, Song Qingxin would follow behind him, likely due to Lin Moxi’s presence.

Miao Lichen had no opinion on Song Qingxin using him to be near Lin Moxi. He would go to the infirmary every day to read his Beauty Album. As Song Qingxin and Lin Moxi interacted more, they began to develop a better understanding of each other. They could ignore Miao Lichen as he read and cheerfully chatted amongst themselves. As for what they were thinking, only they themselves would know.

Miao Lichen suddenly looked up at the entrance. Under the sunshine, a youth dressed in white slowly walked in, holding a bouquet of roses, with an unruly smile.

At the entrance of the infirmary, Dongfang Yi flicked his shoulder-length hair back with practiced ease. He quickly walked over to Song Qingxin, held out the roses and placed them in front of her. The bright red roses matched the girl’s rosy cheeks, giving the impression that they were meant to be together.

“Dongfang, is sending flowers to girls the only thing you know how to do? Not every girl likes that.” Lin Moxi mocked him. Despite their happy conversation earlier, he took a step back from Song Qingxin to make it clear he wasn’t interested. Instead, he sat next to Miao Lichen and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“Of course not. A young master like me has plenty of courting methods. But it seems that Qingxin prefers roses more?” Dongfang Yi said as his lips twitched higher and he raised an eyebrow. His eyes landed on the only bookshelf in the room, and the bright red roses that remained there. The color of the water indicated that these roses had been there for more than just one day.

“I don’t like them, but A’chen said the infirmary looks prettier with them.” Song Qingxin felt her face grow hot and wished she could fan herself. But she pretended that she was flushed from anger. “Only idle young masters like you would give these flowers that can only be used as decoration.”

Miao Lichen paused in the middle of flipping a page, then continued as if he hadn’t heard anything. But the hand holding the book gripped it a little tighter, and his reading speed slowed.

“A’chen, I didn’t mean you! I was talking about Dongfang Yi; he’s the one who likes to give flowers to court girls…” Song Qingxin realized the potential misunderstanding and quickly clarified.

“It’s fine. I am an idle young master. You are not wrong.” Miao Lichen replied as he stroked Song Qingxin’s head. Something flickered in his eyes before they became unusually focused. “Besides, I don’t see anything wrong with liking roses that symbolize love.”

“Mhm.” Song Qingxin responded, the embarrassment fading away from his warmth. Those who believed Miao Lichen was difficult to get along with were simply judging him based on appearances. In reality, both Miao Lichen and Lin Moxi were kind individuals, with Miao Lichen being more attentive than Lin Moxi to her at times.

The traitorous thoughts alarmed her. ‘ What am I thinking? I like Lin Moxi! Not Dongfang Yi, and not Miao Lichen,’ she reminded herself.

“Roses aren’t just for decoration. If Qingxin doesn’t know, you can look it up.” Dongfang Yi raised an eyebrow. He had long known that it was Miao Lichen who liked roses, specifically the roses Song Qingxin gave him. But with Song Qingxin’s background, how could she afford to buy roses? That’s why a spendthrift like him kept giving her roses. He also didn’t know why he was doing this.

Dongfang Yi admitted that he was finding it increasingly difficult to understand Miao Lichen, which only served to make him more curious about him. At times, he would act as though it had to be Song Qingxin, but then he would be willing to let Song Qingxin and Lin Moxi interact more. Could this be the highest level of love, where as long as the person you loved was happy, that alone was enough?

Contempt flashed through Dongfang Yi’s eyes. If he wanted something, he would have it. If her happiness had nothing to do with him, he would rather destroy it. “Since Qingxin doesn’t like it, it has no reason to exist.” Dongfang Yi let go, allowing the flowers to fall and scatter their petals on the ground. His white shoes stepped on them, creating a scene of broken beauty.

“Why do you have to be so cruel? No matter who I like, it won’t be you!” Song Qingxin expressed her rejection of Dongfang Yi. She looked at the roses he had stepped on and felt a sense of unknown disappointment and frustration.

“Hah, I am simply such a cruel man. But you can only like me!” Dongfang Yi’s fingers brushed Song Qingxin’s cheek. The smile he wore was full of arrogance and danger.

“Senior, you should be more gentlemanly towards a girl.”

Dongfang Yi glanced at the fair hand on his arm, then locked eyes with Miao Lichen’s slightly disapproving gaze. Dongfang Yi smiled even more broadly and put his hand down as he wished.

∇ Capture Target Dongfang Yi Favorability: 45.

“He really is a bastard, I definitely won’t like someone so cruel.” Song Qingxin muttered to herself as she took a step back, positioning herself behind Lin Moxi. His firm back seemed to give her courage, and her gaze quickly regained its lively look. Her eyes, bright like the sun, made her youthful face even more dazzling.

Miao Lichen also released Dongfang Yi’s arm and returned to his book as if nothing had happened. However, he didn’t turn the page for a long time, his eyes dimming slightly.

“You don’t need to repeat yourself; the answer will always be revealed at the end. I’ll be taking her, you guys can continue.” Dongfang Yi said as he went around Lin Moxi, grabbed Song Qingxin’s wrist and dragged her to the door. Song Qingxin struggled the whole way, but couldn’t overcome the natural strength advantage that boys had over girls.

“A’chen.” Lin Moxi placed a hand on Miao Lichen’s shoulder, stopping him. “This is their matter. They should clear it up themselves. I believe that Dongfang Yi isn’t the type to continue pestering. If Song Qingxin really doesn’t like him, he should accept the answer.”

Miao Lichen nodded, closed his book and glanced at the roses on the shelf. A complex feeling flitted through his eyes. “Let’s go. We won’t come here anymore. It won’t be quiet anymore.”

“Sure. I know a better place that you will definitely like. It’s cozier than the infirmary.” Lin Moxi smiled. That place also wasn’t a public place like the infirmary. Since Song Qingxin did have feelings for Dongfang Yi, she shouldn’t bother Miao Lichen.

“Mhm.” Miao Lichen nodded to show he had heard. However, when he thought of Song Qingxin, he couldn’t help but frown. He had no strong feelings towards this girl at first, neither liking nor disliking her. But now he was slightly fed up with her. He could tell she had feelings for Lin Moxi. She also harbored feelings for Dongfang Yi. Even the version of Miao Lichen he portrayed had won her affection.

“Dongfang Yi, let go! Do you hear me?! Let go!! Let go!!!” Song Qingxin continued to struggle, her voice full of indignation. When will Dongfang Yi learn to be respectful? Is this the love he speaks of? Dragging her like a sack of potatoes, does he not realize how others will view her? He really is beyond redemption!

“Have you complained enough?!” Dongfang Yi looked back at Song Qingxin. He did have some feelings for her, but only to an extent. He was starting to get impatient with her. Though it might be better to say that he had found someone more interesting than her.

“Do you hear yourself, Dongfang Yi? You’re the one who pulled me out here, and now you’re complaining about me complaining?!” Song Qingxin freed her hand and rubbed her reddened wrist. She looked at Dongfang Yi aggrievedly. Her attitude was as tough as ever, but people couldn’t help but want to comfort her.

“Fine, I suppose it’s my fault.” Dongfang Yi said, turning away and rubbing his nose. Arguing with a girl was not something someone of his status should be doing. He raised a hand and patted her head, intending it as a comforting gesture. However, the force he used had the opposite effect, leaving her neat hair in a tangled mess resembling a bird’s nest.

“Hey! Dongfang Yi, can’t you act normal?!” Song Qingxin slapped his hand away from her head, and reorganized her hair. The grievance in her heart dissipated and was replaced by rage. This man was truly mean. Mean enough to make one disgusted with him. She really didn’t understand why so many girls liked him. Was it just his looks?

“No,” Dongfang Yi frowned and looked at his palm as he stretched his fingers. It was his first time doing such a gesture, and he was disliked. He was rather unhappy about it. He wasn’t suited for such gentle gestures after all. Since when did he need to lower himself to indulge someone else?

“Dongfang Yi! Stay far, far away from me!! Let me never see you again!!!” Song Qingxin shouted and turned around to leave. She took two steps, paused, squeezed her fists, and then continued. Song Qingxin felt very foolish for being angry with such a person. The best way to deal with people like him was to completely ignore them.

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