Lemon Soda Candy - 70

When Zhou Anran handed the soda to Zhang Shuxian, she still couldn’t bring herself to confess her little crush on him. In the end, she only mentioned that last Friday, she’d noticed he was injured by chance and gave him some cotton swabs and Band-Aids, which was why he treated her to a drink in return.

Zhang Shuxian, perhaps aware that they rarely interacted otherwise, didn’t seem to think much of it.

As for the cola he’d treated her to, Zhou Anran couldn’t bear to drink it that day. She secretly tucked it into her backpack and brought it home.

The next day was Zhang Shuxian’s birthday.

Zhou Anran arrived at the classroom early with a gift prepared for her, but she couldn’t shake the feeling, maybe it was her imagination, that Chen Luobai’s group of friends kept glancing her way. Whenever she looked over, though, Tang Jianrui and the others would avert their eyes, pretending to mess around or chat.

Was it because of the drink he’d bought her at the supermarket the day before?

But he didn’t like people assuming he had something going on with a girl. He’d probably clear things up, right?

Still, Zhou Anran could tell their glances held no malice—mostly curiosity. It made her a bit self-conscious but didn’t bother her much otherwise. Besides, that day, all the teachers seemed to have conspired to run their classes overtime, leaving her barely enough time to think about it.

At noon, Zhang Shuxian treated them to hotpot, and in the evening, the three of them treated her to dry pot in return.

After dinner, back at the school building, Yan Xingxi and Sheng Xiaowen went up to the sixth floor, while Zhang Shuxian was stopped by a friend outside the classroom, so Zhou Anran returned alone.

Entering the classroom, Zhou Anran didn’t dare look directly at the sixth desk of the second row, but her peripheral vision told her he wasn’t in his seat.

She sat down at her desk and pulled out a math worksheet to work on.

Soon after, Zhang Shuxian returned.

Zhou Anran scooted over to let her in.

Once seated, Zhang Shuxian glanced at Lou Yiqi in the next row, then leaned in and whispered, “My friend said Yin Yizhen hasn’t been to school the past two days. Zong Kai’s absent today too, wonder if he’s with her.”

Zhou Anran’s pen paused.

Yin Yizhen hadn’t been to school for two days?

Was it because of the blunt remark he’d made that day?

But it could be something else. That incident involved his and Yin Yizhen’s privacy, after all, so Zhou Anran didn’t say much, only reminding Zhang Shuxian, “You haven’t done your physics homework yet.”

Zhang Shuxian’s shoulders slumped. “Ugh, having to do homework on my birthday is just cruel.”

Still, she dutifully pulled out her notebook.

The dry pot from lunch was a bit salty, and after a few problems, Zhou Anran started feeling thirsty.

After finishing the water in her bottle, she got up to refill it. Noticing Zhang Shuxian was focused on her homework with a full water bottle, Zhou Anran didn’t disturb her.

The water fountain was closer to the back door.

Since he wasn’t back yet, Zhou Anran decided to head out that way.

But just as she reached the back, she nearly collided with Chen Luobai, who was returning.

The boy seemed surprised to run into her at the door, his brows lifting slightly.

Zhou Anran’s heart skipped a beat.

She still got so nervous around him.

Clutching her bottle, she tried to act natural, like she would with any ordinary friend. She gave him a slight nod, then lowered her head and stepped to the right to make way for him.

But in her lowered gaze, she saw his long legs shift to her right as well.

Was he trying to go around to the right? Or was he letting her go first?

Zhou Anran stepped left again to make way.

But those long legs moved left too, the tall boy blocking her path once more.

Confused, Zhou Anran looked up at him.

Behind him, Zhu Ran and the others were waiting. Zhu Ran gave her a meaningful glance, then pushed Tang Jianrui with a chuckle. “Come on, let’s go in through the front door. Don’t get in someone’s way.”

Tang Jianrui and the other guys seemed to glance her way again.

Then the whole group headed to the front door.

Zhou Anran’s ears warmed, and she pushed down her unease, saying softly, “You go first.”

Chen Luobai’s gaze landed on her face, his expression almost exasperated, yet the corner of his mouth twitched upward, like he was faintly amused. “Didn’t you see I was blocking you on purpose?”

Zhou Anran: “…?”

“Why would you block me?”

Chen Luobai wasn’t entirely sure why he’d done it. Maybe because she still acted like they weren’t close, which irked him. Or maybe, like before, her obedient, soft demeanor made him want to tease her.

His eyes dropped to the empty water bottle in her hand.

“Getting water?”

Zhou Anran nodded. “Yeah.”

Chen Luobai: “Mind getting me a bottle too?”

So he’d blocked her just to ask her to get him water? 

Zhou Anran was puzzled.

He’d treated her to a drink, and his friends were already starting to get the wrong idea. Why would he ask her to get him water?

Maybe he wasn’t thinking much of it—just a casual favor between friends?

Regardless of his reasoning, Zhou Anran found she couldn’t say no to him. She held out her hand. “Give me your bottle, then.”

Chen Luobai’s gaze lingered on her pale, delicate palm. The words “how are you so obedient” nearly slipped out again.

Seeing him stare at her hand without responding, Zhou Anran’s ears warmed, and she blinked. “What’s wrong?”

Chen Luobai: “Never mind.”

“What’s never mind?” Zhou Anran asked, confused.

The boy suddenly leaned closer.

Like yesterday, he kept a respectful distance, staying within bounds.

But Zhou Anran’s breath still hitched, and she heard his low, amused voice by her ear. “Didn’t bring my bottle today. Just messing with you.”

The rain, held off all day, finally fell that night and continued for nearly two days, clearing up only on Thursday afternoon.

On Thursday, Zhou Anran’s family had a big birthday celebration for an elder relative. She went out during the break to attend the banquet. On her way back, traffic was bad, and the bus broke down, forcing everyone to switch to another one. By the time she reached the school gate, evening self-study was about to start.

Zhou Anran ran to the corner near the school building, but as she turned, someone came from the other side. She nearly crashed into them, only to be steadied by a large hand. A familiar, clean scent hit her.

A familiar voice, laced with amusement, followed.

“Slow down.”

Zhou Anran looked up, her gaze meeting the boy’s dark eyes.

How did she almost bump into him again?

Ever since she tried slipping away after giving him medicine last Friday night and got caught, it felt like she was running into him more often.

Maybe because she’d been running, her chest heaved noticeably. Chen Luobai looked away, releasing her arm. A second later, his gaze returned to her face.

“Why’re you in such a rush?”

Zhou Anran snapped back, lowering her eyes to avoid his. “I’m almost late.”

Chen Luobai’s voice came from above, familiar and casual. “The pre bell hasn’t rung yet. What’s the hurry?”

Zhou Anran: “…?”

“It’s about to ring. How is that not urgent?” She paused, then, as if remembering something, looked up at him. “Why are you heading out now?”

Chen Luobai: “Guess.”

Zhou Anran blinked. “?”

The girl’s face was flushed, still that obedient, pretty look.

Chen Luobai leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. “To skip class, of course.”

Zhou Anran: “?!”

She knew he wasn’t the most rule-abiding student. He’d skipped plenty of school events, barely showing up for the sports festival in their first year. But skipping class? She didn’t think he’d done that before.

Surprised, she asked, “Skipping class? Do you have something urgent?”

Chen Luobai saw her wide, round eyes and her slightly chubby cheeks, soft and pinchable. His hand, tucked in his school uniform pocket, twitched but stayed put. “Do I look like I’ve got something urgent?”

Zhou Anran forgot to avoid his gaze. “If it’s not urgent, why skip class?”

Chen Luobai tilted his head. “Bored? Looking for some excitement?”

Excitement?

What was he planning to do?

She knew with his family upbringing, he wouldn’t do anything too out of line. And with their current level of acquaintance, prying into his business might be overstepping. Still, Zhou Anran couldn’t help worrying and asked anyway.

Chen Luobai looked down at her clean, beautiful eyes, catching the obvious concern in them.

Guess they weren’t ‘not close’ anymore.

He leaned closer again. “Wanna know? Skip class with me, then.”

Zhou Anran: “?!”

She, skip class?

Zhou Anran had never skipped a class in her life. Even with his invitation, she shook her head without a second thought.

Chen Luobai’s brow lifted slightly.

She’d agreed to get him water the other day without hesitation, but she refused this outright.

Skipping class was clearly a hard line for her.

He nodded toward the school building. “Better get inside, or you’ll really be late.”

Zhou Anran hesitated, then added, “Maybe don’t skip class? Or at least ask Teacher Gao for leave.”

Chen Luobai’s lips curved. “Worried about me?”

Zhou Anran’s heart thudded.

“Leading a good student to skip class sounds even more exciting.” He paused, leaning just a bit closer.

This time, he was closer than ever.

His clean scent enveloped her, his dark eyes locking onto hers, reflecting only her, making his gaze feel intensely focused. Zhou Anran’s breath caught, her mind blanking for a moment.

His voice dropped further, carrying an inexplicable charm. “So, you coming with me?”

The pre bell rang abruptly.

Zhou Anran snapped back to reality, her ears burning. She didn’t dare look at him or keep persuading him. She even felt that if the bell had rung a second later, she might’ve been swayed enough to nod.

Then her little crush would’ve been completely exposed.

“I’m going in.”

As she slipped past him, Zhou Anran thought she heard a faint chuckle from him.

Or maybe it was her imagination.

She ran back to the classroom and sat down, head lowered.

Zhang Shuxian, who’d texted earlier and knew about the traffic and bus switch, saw her flushed face and wasn’t surprised. “Ran all the way?”

Zhou Anran nodded.

“Good thing you’re not late,” Zhang Shuxian said.

Zhou Anran mumbled, “Mm,” grabbing a notebook to fan her burning face.

What did he mean, come with me?

Didn’t he know how to keep his distance from girls? Didn’t he realize that line sounded a bit ambiguous?

And just now, by the school building, he’d leaned so close to talk to her. Even though it was almost class time, and hardly anyone was around, if a teacher had seen them, they’d probably be called to the office for a talk.

The bell for evening self-study rang. Zhou Anran glanced back.

Everyone else was in their seats, making his empty one stand out.

Her heart crept up with worry, hoping the class teacher wouldn’t show up tonight or that Zhu Ran or someone would cover for him.

But as if her fears summoned it, before she could wish three times, Gao Guohua strolled into the classroom, hands behind his back.

Zhou Anran’s heart lodged in her throat.

Gao Guohua stepped onto the podium, facing them, but seemed not to notice someone was missing. He just smiled and said, “I won’t take up your self-study time today.”

Zhou Anran’s worry mixed with confusion.

The teacher was right there—how could he not see the empty seat?

But Gao Guohua’s smile stayed wide. “Last semester, you ranked first in the grade again. I promised you all a little something, and I finally got it today, a notebook for each of you. Don’t complain.”

Zhou Anran heard Zhu Ran pipe up from the back. “Complain? Teacher Gao, we’ll treasure these notebooks like heirlooms.”

Gao Guohua chuckled, tossing a piece of chalk at him. “Always the smooth talker.”

Zhou Anran started to sense something was off.

Zhu Ran sat right next to him. Even if Gao Guohua hadn’t noticed at first, there was no way he’d miss it now.

Another boy called out, “Teacher Gao, where’re our notebooks?”

Gao Guohua glanced toward the door. “I had Chen Luobai go pick them up. He should be here soon.”

As soon as he spoke, the tall boy walked in through the front door, carrying a bag. He tilted his head slightly, his gaze landing on her.

Zhou Anran’s suspended heart settled back into place. She lowered her head to avoid his eyes.

“Put them here,” Gao Guohua said.

The boy’s voice, carrying that same hint of amusement from earlier, replied, “I’m heading to my seat anyway. I’ll pass them out for this row.”

Zhou Anran: “…”

He’d completely fooled her, and he seemed pretty pleased about it.

She knew he liked to tease people, she’d often seen Zhu Ran get worked up over it before, but she never expected him to trick her like this. And here she’d been, worrying her head off.

She kept her head down, cheeks puffing slightly.

A pale, slender hand appeared in her vision, a small brown mole on the wrist. He tapped her desk lightly and placed a new notebook on it.

On top of the notebook was a piece of chocolate.

Zhou Anran didn’t look up.

His clean scent lingered briefly before he moved on.

Zhang Shuxian leaned over, letting out a soft “Huh?” “Why’d you get chocolate?”

Zhou Anran’s heart jumped. She whispered, “No one else got one?”

Zhang Shuxian glanced around.

“Nope.” She leaned closer, as if worried someone might overhear, then scribbled on a draft paper and slid it over: What’s going on? Did Chen Luobai give it to you? Why’s he treating you to stuff again? Did you help him with something?

Zhou Anran stared at the chocolate on the notebook.

Was it just for her?

He tricked her and now was trying to make up for it with chocolate?

Or did he just accidentally leave it there?

He never seemed to make up with Zhu Ran after teasing him, so it was probably the latter.

Zhou Anran pursed her lips and wrote back: Probably left it by accident.

Zhang Shuxian seemed to think that made more sense and didn’t reply again.

There was a lot of homework that day. Zhou Anran spent a few minutes calming her flustered heart, then focused on her assignments.

After one self-study period, Zhang Shuxian tugged her arm. “Ranran, I need to use the bathroom. Come with me?”

Zhou Anran nodded. As her mind shifted from her work, his face popped back into her thoughts. She reached into her desk and grabbed the chocolate. “Let’s go out the back door.”

“Giving it back to him?” Zhang Shuxian nodded. “Alright.”

Holding hands with Zhang Shuxian, Zhou Anran headed to the back door. She didn’t look up, but her peripheral vision caught him lounging lazily in his seat, his gaze seemingly on her.

Her cheeks puffed again. As she passed his desk, she placed the chocolate on it.

“What you dropped.”

Before Chen Luobai could say anything, she linked arms with Zhang Shuxian and hurried out, head down.

“What’s that about?” Zhu Ran craned his neck curiously. “Why’s Zhou Anran look like she doesn’t want to talk to you? What’d you do?”

Chen Luobai glanced at the chocolate on his desk. “Nothing.”

Zhu Ran didn’t buy it. “Nothing? And you got someone that good-tempered so upset?”

Chen Luobai pictured her slightly puffed cheeks, his lips curving again. “Really nothing. Just couldn’t resist teasing her a bit. Turns out she’s got a temper after all.”

The last sentence was almost a murmur to himself. He picked up the chocolate and stood from his seat.

Zhu Ran watched him head out. “Where are you going?”

Chen Luobai: “To make amends.”

When Zhou Anran and Zhang Shuxian returned through the front door, her peripheral vision flicked to the back row again.

Zhu Ran seemed to be in his seat, but Chen Luobai’s was empty again.

Where’d he go now?

It was almost time for the second self-study period. Was he actually skipping class?

Zhou Anran sat down with Zhang Shuxian.

She picked up a pen absentmindedly.

Even if he did skip, as long as his grades didn’t slip, the teachers probably wouldn’t do much. She was the fool, believing everything he said, worrying herself silly.

Her cheeks puffed again.

Her desk was tapped lightly.

Zhou Anran snapped out of her thoughts, her gaze landing on a distinct, bony hand, the brown mole on the wrist standing out.

The hand placed a chilled, dewy can of cola on her desk.

Then an ice cream.

Two lollipops.

…

He kept placing things down.

Finally, the chocolate she’d returned.

His familiar voice sounded by her ear. He seemed to have run back, his breathing slightly uneven, but his low tone carried an inexplicable gentleness.

“Don't be mad anymore?”

---

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