Sweet Kiss - Chapter 4.1

Chapter 4.1: “Bullying”

The morning sun streamed through the bedroom window, lighting up every corner of the room and filling it with warmth.

The bright sunlight woke Li Yansui. She slowly opened her eyes, her vision gradually clearing.

She sat up, momentarily thinking she was at home, until she got out of bed and stubbed her toe on an open suitcase. The pain quickly reminded her she was in Bai Tingshou’s apartment.

Rubbing her sore toe, she looked at the messy suitcase and finally remembered where she was.

Just as she was about to start her morning routine, there was a knock on the door, followed by a gentle voice, “Are you awake?”

Recognizing Bai Tingshou’s voice, Li Yansui quickly tied her hair, threw on a coat over her pajamas, and opened the door.

Bai Tingshou couldn’t help but find her outfit—pajamas with a black coat—quite unflattering. He simply said, “Breakfast is downstairs,” and turned to leave.

Li Yansui acknowledged and went to wash up.

When she reached the dining table, she saw two steaming bowls of wonton soup, a glass of milk, and a slightly imperfect fried egg.

The aroma made her stomach growl.

She picked up a spoon and tasted a wonton, its tender wrapper and flavorful filling awakening her appetite.

As she ate, she glanced at Bai Tingshou, who was eating his breakfast with a calm demeanor, seemingly unaware of her gaze.

After swallowing a wonton, she asked hesitantly, “Was this your first time calling me?” She felt a bit guilty, recalling a faint knocking in her dream.

Bai Tingshou glanced at her and replied flatly, “No, it was the fourth time.”

Li Yansui: “…”

His honesty was startling.

Without dwelling on her embarrassment, she continued eating her wonton soup.

Her phone buzzed with a message notification.

It was from her aunt, asking, “Are you up?”

Li Yansui put down her spoon and replied, “Yes.”

Bai Tingshou pushed the plate with the fried egg towards her, suspecting she wouldn’t remember to eat it otherwise.

His guess was right.

Li Yansui put away her phone, looking at the egg. “For me?”

“Who else?” Bai Tingshou replied, glancing at her. “I don’t eat eggs.”

Li Yansui remembered and smiled apologetically.

After finishing her wonton soup and milk, she grabbed her bag and urged Bai Tingshou, “We should go. You’re so slow,” showing no guilt for waking up late.

Bai Tingshou calmly picked up his bag and followed her out.

As they walked downstairs, Li Yansui looked around and asked, “Does it take about ten minutes to walk to school? ”

“Hmm,” Bai Tingshou agreed.

With time to spare in the morning, they opted for the stairs instead of the elevator to help with digestion.

Outside, they discovered various breakfast stalls lining the street. The sight reignited Li Yansui’s appetite, and she tugged on Bai Tingshou’s arm, pleading, “We still have time. Why don’t we check them out? ”

Before he could reply, she was already pulling him towards a small shop.

“You just ate,” he remarked, though he allowed himself to be led by her, a smile forming on his lips. The feeling was quite pleasant.

The shop owner greeted them warmly, “Hey, what can I get for you? ” Her eyes drifted to their joined hands, instantly understanding.

Bai Tingshou remained silent, letting his hand stay in hers, and waited to pay.

Unaware of the owner’s expression, Li Yansui said, “Auntie, I’d like a cup of milk and two pastries.” She then looked at Bai Tingshou and said, “What about you? ” Her eyes filled with anticipation.

Initially intending to refuse, he saw her expectant look and changed his mind. “Auntie, two meat buns and a cup of soy milk, please.”

Li Yansui nodded in satisfaction and smiled at the owner, “Thank you.”

“No problem. To go, right? ”The owner responded cheerfully.

While paying, Bai Tingshou sent a message to Qi Jingyang: [Got you breakfast. Hang tight.]

The reply came quickly: [You’re the best, bro! along with a bear hug emoji.

Qi Jingyang, a boarding student, usually had classmates bring him breakfast since he had limited time to get it himself. Today no one volunteered, making Bai Tingshou’s message a lifesaver.

The owner handed them the packaged breakfast, and Bai Tingshou gave it to Li Yansui, who thanked the owner with a sweet smile.

Leaving the shop, they headed straight for school.

Noticing she hadn’t touched her pastry, Bai Tingshou frowned, “Eat it before it gets cold.”

“It’s not for me,” Li Yansui replied, walking faster to keep it warm.

He didn’t ask further, and they continued on their way.

Li Yansui planned to part ways with Bai Tingshou about a hundred meters from the school. It was then she realized she had been holding his arm the whole time, and they were quite close. Embarrassed, she quickly let go and lowered her head, her face turning red. She finally understood why the shop owner had given them such a peculiar look.

Bai Tingshou didn’t seem to mind and continued walking. After a while, he noticed she wasn’t following and stopped, thinking she might be too shy to move.

“Why did you stop?” he asked, turning back to see her standing there. “We’ll be late.”

Li Yansui looked up at him with her beautiful, watery eyes and said sincerely, “It’s not appropriate for us to go in together.” After all, a boy and a girl arriving at school together would surely spark rumors.

Besides, if Director Wang found out she was trying to take his precious student, he might not be too happy.

Li Yansui shivered at the thought, feeling a sense of danger.

Hearing this, Bai Tingshou narrowed his eyes slightly, a dangerous glint appearing in his gaze.

Her words reminded him that their relationship needed to be discreet.

Feeling a sudden irritation, he paused for a moment before retorting, “We’re not a couple, so what are you afraid of?”

Without waiting for her response, he walked away.

Li Yansui was stunned. “…”

Right, we’re not a couple, so what am I afraid of?

Just as she was about to say something, she noticed he had already walked quite a distance ahead, clearly upset.

Li Yansui: “?”

Confused, she checked the time and realized they were running late. Deciding to explain at lunch, she quickened her pace to catch up.

At the school gate, they entered one after the other, without drawing any attention.