Big Bad Guy
Gradually people began to gather around them. It was after school, so the crowd was mostly students and parents, buzz of discussion unending.
Chen Yiyang wasn't afraid of being stared at, but the tutor cared about face. He panted heavily, looked around anxiously, and found the public opinion wasn't going his way. To save himself, he lowered his head, unwillingly mumbled under his breath, "Sorry."
Chen Yiyang demanded, "Can't you speak louder? You haven't eaten?"
The tutor cursed "You're sick" and shook off Chen Yiyang. He staggered back half a step, clutching his tightened collar and coughing violently, face turning bright red.
Chen Yiyang's attitude didn't soften at all. His eyes were cold enough to send chills.
"..."
The tutor gritted his teeth and forced out a loud, "Sorry!"
The faint chirping of early summer cicadas mixed into the after-school crowd, voices hot and noisy.
Yun Mi's eyes widened.
She saw Chen Yiyang seemed finally satisfied. The boy's imposing figure, thin lips curling into a cold smile.
He didn't look at the tutor again. Instead, he grabbed her school uniform sleeve and said, "Let's go." He used a lot of force and his legs were long, so she could barely keep up, ignoring the crowd watching behind them as she trotted after him.
He led her through the crowd, across the street.
He led her to a newsstand near the school, where there were few people, and bought a popsicle.
The boy's jawline was taut and crisp. Lips pressed together, he raised his phone to scan the code with a "beep," turned around, and held the popsicle out to her. "Here."
He was taller than her, slightly bowing his head. The boy's pitch-black sharp eyes, his well-defined fingers lightly pinching the popsicle wrapped in transparent plastic.
Exuding a hint of coldness.
Yun Mi felt the sunset glare stung her eyes. She looked up in a daze, staring straight at Chen Yiyang's handsome, imposing, youthful face.
There was a hint of bewilderment in her clear eyes, a touch of disbelief. She asked softly, "F-for me?"
"Mm," Chen Yiyang said coldly. "Eat something sweet."
Yun Mi lowered her head and whispered, "This one isn't good."
Orange flavor.
Chen Yiyang frowned impatiently. "Then don't eat it." He prepared to pull his hand back.
Suddenly, it was empty.
Yun Mi snatched it away. She tore open the wrapper, brought it to her lips, and took a bite.
Chen Yiyang heard a faint "Thank you."
From Shanghai to Shancheng. From brilliant to uncertain future. From one life to another.
After so many days at Shanfu, Yun Mi still felt like she was dreaming.
Chen Yiyang looked down at Yun Mi. The girl's eyes were still red. She bowed her head, taking big, fierce bites of the popsicle as if she had a grudge against it.
He felt disappointed and somewhat angry. He asked, "Why weren't you more tough?"
When that guy said she was "no good," she didn't get fiercer. When Du Yun scolded her before, same thing.
Yun Mi felt Chen Yiyang had a misunderstanding about her. But upon hearing his question, she lowered her eyes again, feeling like crying. She said, "I don't like losing my temper at people," as if explaining or pleading. "Losing your temper doesn't solve anything. And..." She took a deep breath, pretending to be in much better spirits. "He was so angry because I fired him. In Du Yun's office, he didn't say anything good for me, didn't believe me."
"..."
Chen Yiyang wanted to just leave her there. As he turned around, someone grabbed his shoulder.
"Chen Yiyang! Your backpack!"
The newsstand's iron roof was scalding hot from the setting sun. Old magazines were neatly arranged inside the glass counter.
Zhou Shihui caught up and tossed the backpack into the boy's arms. He leaned on Chen Yiyang, panting and cursing, "You treat me like a coat rack, don't you?"
"That was too much. You threw your stuff at me and ran off."
He had been left on the roadside and had been looking for them for a long time.
Looking up and seeing Yun Mi standing there, his breathing unconsciously softened.
Yun Mi was biting her popsicle while texting Aunt Wen about firing the tutor. Wen Liangyu replied, "Okay." Hearing Zhou Shihui's words, the tips of her ears involuntarily turned red.
So, Chen Yiyang had rushed over the moment he saw her being bullied?
Yun Mi felt embarrassed. She looked up and asked softly, "Aunt Wen asked how we'll arrange the tutoring from now on?"
Where could they find excellent teaching resources for the college entrance exam class on such short notice...
Zhou Shihui quickly caught up, very understanding. "We can teach you." He said it matter-of-factly. Chen Yiyang glanced at him in surprise. Zhou Shihui put his arm around Chen Yiyang's shoulder and said, "Me, Yiyang... and A Yue. None of us score below 140 in math. It's more than enough to teach you. Right, A Yang?"
Yun Mi was also slightly stunned at this. Subconsciously, she looked at Chen Yiyang's expression.
Chen Yiyang was silent for three seconds.
Seeing no reaction, Zhou Shihui pinched his arm and dragged out his tone threateningly: "A Yang?"
Chen Yiyang remembered Yun Mi's rabbit-like red eyes just now. He gave a light scoff.
As if he didn't agree.