Chapter Seventeen: Savage Tenderness

For several days after that, Shi Zhaodi felt awkward whenever she saw Zou Kai. The moment she ran into him, she would hurriedly avert her eyes.

Deep down, she was still grateful to him. After all, he was a grown boy, yet he had gone out to buy those things for her that day.

But she still felt embarrassed, and she could never find a suitable opportunity to pay him back.

Zou Kai seemed just as uncomfortable. He ignored Shi Zhaodi as well.

The two of them were practically behaving as though royalty from rival kingdoms must never meet.

“Zhaodi, did you and Zou Kai have a falling-out?” Qian Duoduo asked her curiously one day.

“No.” Shi Zhaodi shook her head.

“Really? Why do I feel that whenever you two see each other, it’s as if you’re looking at sworn enemies?” Qian Duoduo muttered.

“We’re just the same as before. You’re being too sensitive.” Shi Zhaodi gave an uneasy smile.

“Let me tell you something in secret.”

“Hm?”

“I heard the school beauty is pursuing Zou Kai! Someone saw her give him a love letter!”

“Really? Isn’t dating forbidden at school?”

“How could anyone really stop something like that? Besides, if they refuse to admit it, what can the teachers do?”

“Oh.”

“But I heard Zou Kai didn’t even accept it! If he can turn down the school beauty, what kind of girl could possibly catch his eye?” Qian Duoduo said, baffled.

“How should I know?” Shi Zhaodi replied helplessly.

She had no interest in Zou Kai’s romantic affairs. All she cared about was whether he could attend class on time and improve his grades a little.

That day, it was Shi Zhaodi and Zou Kai’s turn to perform classroom duty.

Zou Kai simply sat in his seat without lifting a finger, like a piece of furniture.

Shi Zhaodi had already given up on asking him to help. After wiping the blackboard, she picked up the broom and began sweeping the classroom.

By the time she finished, the sun had already set.

Shi Zhaodi returned to her seat and picked up her schoolbag. After hesitating for a long while, she finally summoned her courage and asked softly, “How much did those things cost?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about. Are you done? I’m going home.” Zou Kai swung his schoolbag over his shoulder and asked carelessly.

“I’m done. We can go. I’ll give you fifty yuan, and if that isn’t enough, let me know.” Shi Zhaodi took fifty yuan from her schoolbag and held it out to him.

“I said I don’t want it.” Zou Kai pushed her hand away.

“How can I let you spend your money for nothing? Hurry and take it.”

“No. Why are you so troublesome? It’s already dark. Aren’t you coming?” Zou Kai said impatiently.

“If you have somewhere urgent to be, you can go on ahead. It’s all right.” Shi Zhaodi held the money, unsure what to do.

“If I weren’t waiting for you, I would have gone home long ago.”

“Waiting for me? Is something wrong?” Shi Zhaodi put on her schoolbag and looked at him, puzzled.

“Idiot. Of course I’m taking you home. What else would I be doing here?” Zou Kai snapped. He seized Shi Zhaodi’s hand and pulled her toward the classroom door.