Chapter 34 You're Back

might have the same feeling now, not because of a lack of confidence in himself, but due to past nightmares that wouldn't go away.Ding! Ding! Ding!... The clock rang on time at the set hour.Seven o'cl...Chapter Thirty-Four You're Back

The decision to confess was an impulsive one that came after a nap during the noon break today. The reasons behind it were quite complex, partly stemming from her sense of rebellion against her mother's domineering attitude at home, and partly from the sudden pang of sadness she felt when her father had self-deprecatingly said he was "getting old" after school one day. She also thought that if she kept Su Can close by, she would have an inexplicable sense of reliance and security.

When Chen Lingshan found out that Su Can used to secretly like her, she combined the image of the little boy who had always been watching her from a distance in the courtyard of the old trading company with what she knew now. Her heart was struck at that moment, feeling a mix of emotions: some warmth and gratitude intertwined with unease.

Although she had rejected Su Can's confession just as she would have rejected others, she found after that incident that her usual way of handling such things didn't work with him.

During the break between second class and afternoon classes, she would deliberately walk behind Li Lumei sometimes, perhaps simply to catch a glimpse of Su Can slowly moving through the crowd.

During PE class, seeing Su Can's shirt back drenched in sweat made her heart skip a beat and feel a bit disoriented.

Even during lessons, when Su Can was often called upon to answer questions due to his lazy disposition but answered fluently, it deepened Chen Lingshan’s impression of him. Revisiting childhood memories of the little boy playing with puppies, she couldn't help but think he had a touch of Li Xiaoyao from "Sword Art Online" or Yang Guo from "The Return of the Condor Heroes," both known for their carefree and unrestrained nature.

Now it seemed that Su Can was gradually transforming, enveloped in an enigmatic aura.

Was he still the boy who would silently watch her from afar and dream of being with her

She felt a vague excitement. The image of Su Can on the court surrounded by people like a knight was very similar to how she imagined him in her dreams: tall, full-figured.

Someday, he might appear before her under starlight and moonbeams, tell her that he is "Night Parade," or "Kaito Kid," the kind of mysterious figure who causes women's intelligence to drop to zero upon their first appearance.

At this moment, seeing Su Cen's indifferent demeanor as he slowly walked towards her, her heart suddenly felt uneasy.

To confess It was just a sudden impulse, but would she regret it later because of this impulse But if she didn't say anything now, wouldn't she regret it even more

Therefore, at least express her thoughts. Right now, they could be friends; even close friends. That way, when the time comes, their relationship progressing to that level would seem natural, naturally falling in love with him and naturally marrying him.

But right now, Su Cen's calm and sunny demeanor, still unflappable, made it difficult for her to say anything!

Moreover, this was the first time Chen Lingshan had ever decided to say such words to a man. Yet, this guy seemed oblivious to her intentions, making her feel resentful.

Thinking about Su Cen's coldness towards her father and the current situation with Xinghai Square construction project crisis, which neither of her parents helped resolve, along with his unsuccessful declaration that had implied meaning, Chen Lingshan worried whether this would create some grudge in Su Cen’s heart against her family.

Chen Lingshan was concerned about how these shadows and grievances might exist within Su Cen's heart and affect his behavior towards her father or other actions.

To be honest, she felt rather upset about this situation. But if they were together in the future, wouldn't all his grudges naturally dissipate

Su Cen noticed Chen Lingshan’s hesitant expression and slightly flushed face, smiled, and asked, "Is Uncle Chen fine"

"Huh" Chen Lingshan was taken aback for a moment, unsure of the meaning behind his words. She felt somewhat annoyed but could only ask softly, "Are you angry with me"

Su Cen thought to himself that he had guessed correctly; she wanted to apologize. He found her pitiful appearance quite cute and smiled slightly before nodding gently. He intended to tease her a bit.

"Then how can you not get angry" Chen Lingshan clenched her fingers tightly, wishing she could punch him. She never lowered herself to such an extent when dealing with boys before, but now she couldn’t understand why the somewhat threatening tone came out so softly, as if she were admitting a fault.

"That would depend on your behavior," Su Can smiled and was about to say "I was just joking."

Chen Lingshan’s heart felt like it had been pierced sharply. Does he want me to wait for his declaration based on my behavior Are you really going to strip away even the little dignity I have left Just because our family looked down on yours in the past

What if I give myself to you! Can I!

The thoughts surged like a tide, rising towards the highest emotional level within her. But the pride and self-respect she had preserved deep inside stopped this flood at her teeth, which she bit down on tightly.

Still, tears flowed from her eyes uncontrollably.

Su Can was momentarily at a loss, seeing Chen Lingshan’s originally clear beautiful eyes now red and staring at him as if she had suffered an immense grievance. Instinctively reaching out to wipe away her falling tears, he sighed, "I was just joking."

When the tips of his fingers touched her soft face, Chen Lingshan’s body trembled slightly but she didn’t move away. She lifted her head defiantly and coldly laughed, "Joking Then saying I look down on your family is also just a joke"

Su Can’s hand that was touching her face froze.

Chen Lingshan’s heart skipped a beat, feeling intense pain in her stomach. She realized she might have said something wrong. Raised in an affluent environment since childhood, although taught by her father to be modest, the fact remained that she had been treated like a princess and it was impossible to avoid. Even during junior high and senior high school, as the center of attention in this prestigious national key school no one else could enter, people who secretly liked her were spread across all corners of the country after they left campus; yet never before did she lower herself to such a level when dealing with a man, let alone ever thought it would come to this day.

This restrained pride and self-respect was already her greatest sacrifice. Pushing harder on them would only escalate into humiliation.

So Su Cen's words, "It depends on your performance," easily triggered the strong backlash of suppressed pride within her, making her angry and clouding her judgment. Instinctively, she quickly responded.

Su Cen looked at Chen Lingshan sincerely and apologized, but his tone was somewhat dejected: "I was just joking. I'm sorry."

Chen Lingshan's inner anger diminished a little more.

"Regarding our families, don't feel guilty; there never was anything to be apologetic about. As for any requests for help, they were merely nonsense from some kids." After pausing, Su Cen continued: Actually, if it were anyone else, they might also have this mindset towards their family back then. Sometimes, what is truly real are the things that come out subconsciously.

"What do you mean" Chen Lingshan asked coldly with her nose red.

“I don’t mean anything by it. Just don't take today's incident to heart,” Su Cen said helplessly with a smile.

Chen Lingshan gave a cold laugh; she did not want to act like this, but thought to herself: Alright, if you say one more nice thing, I'll soften.

Seeing Chen Lingshan's current demeanor, Su Cen’s expression darkened and he said hoarsely, "I’m leaving."

The wind blew, pulling at Chen Lingshan’s black hair, which fluttered around her face, entwining with the wet corners of her eyes and tears. Amidst this hazy moment, Su Cen turned away.

Chen Lingshan's nostrils ached with stinging pain as she stared at Su Cen's back, wanting to shout out: "Come back! Do you actually believe what I said in anger!"

But at this moment, the overwhelming pride filling her heart prevented her from saying it.the hotel, she would have to take two buses to town; it wasn't hard to see how frustrated she was.And now coincidentally, she encountered Su Cen on the No. 8 bus, hence Lin Luoran's slight frustration...