Chapter 254: Do You Like It?
Chapter 254: Chapter 254: Do You Like It?
If Su Zhaozhao hadn’t transmigrated into a book, she never would have believed something so fantastical could happen in this world.
As for Li Weichuan, perhaps because of this recent experience, he seemed to be more willing to go out.
Before, aside from going to school, he always stayed at home, even preferring to lock himself in his room.
But now, he was different.
The next day, Su Zhaozhao tried asking Li Weichuan to go for a walk, and Li Weichuan nodded. "Of course. If Sister Zhaozhao invites me, I can’t say no."
His jet-black eyes held a striking glint, making him seem just like an adorable, well-behaved puppy.
Su Zhaozhao felt she might not be able to resist the urge to pat his head.
’Seriously, the Li Weichuan of today is just too adorable.’
"Let’s go. We’ll just wander around."
Li Tiantian came along as well.
Su Zhaozhao and Li Tiantian walked in front, with Li Weichuan following them like a little shadow.
There wasn’t much to see nearby, just the vegetable market, the supply co-op, and a walk through the surrounding farmland.
But Li Weichuan didn’t seem the least bit impatient. His gaze was fixed on Su Zhaozhao ahead of him. He watched as she walked arm-in-arm with Li Tiantian, occasionally turning her head to speak to her friend. Her voice was sweet, and her face, bathed in the sunlight, was exceptionally beautiful.
His heart fluttered, and he couldn’t help but smile.
Just as Li Tiantian turned her head, she saw the smile on Li Weichuan’s face.
The young man was already quite handsome, with delicate features that carried a hint of cold arrogance.
When he smiled, the sunlight fell on his face, making him look as vivid as a painting.
Li Tiantian froze. For some reason, a thought occurred to her, and she couldn’t help but frown.
’I hope I’m just overthinking this.’
When Li Weichuan saw Li Tiantian turn to look at him, the smile on his face quickly vanished.
They continued their aimless wandering for a while. After they parted ways, Li Tiantian and Li Weichuan started walking home.
She turned to Li Weichuan. "Li Weichuan, you haven’t fallen for Zhaozhao, have you?"
At their age, it was easiest for the tender feelings of youth to blossom.
She had always been very supportive of Li Weichuan and Su Zhaozhao getting together, because she really liked Su Zhaozhao.
But now, Su Zhaozhao was married. ’How can he possibly like her now?’
Li Weichuan was stunned by Li Tiantian’s words. "Like?"
’Do I like Su Zhaozhao?’
’It’s true, I’m happy when I see her, happy when I talk to her, and happy when she praises me.’
’And when I found out someone was bullying her, I would get angry.’
’I’ve rarely felt these emotions, but during my time with Su Zhaozhao, I’ve been able to experience them all so clearly.’
’So, I do like Su Zhaozhao.’
’Is that it?’
’Is this what they call ’like’?’
Li Weichuan didn’t actually know what it meant to like or dislike someone.
He only knew that the feelings Su Zhaozhao stirred in him were truly different.
In the past, he always thought his world was dark and gray.
Only now was he realizing that colors could be so vibrant, and that his emotions didn’t have to be calmly suppressed.
He, too, could have all sorts of emotions.
He was, bit by bit, walking out of that dark world.
And Su Zhaozhao was the one guiding him.
Li Weichuan was naturally immensely grateful to Su Zhaozhao, and perhaps because of this, he had developed even deeper feelings for her.
His emotions for Su Zhaozhao were amplifying infinitely.
’So, this is what it means to like someone.’
"Anyway, Li Weichuan, don’t do anything foolish. It looks like your condition is mostly better now. Why don’t we tell Zhaozhao she doesn’t have to come every day anymore?"
Li Tiantian decided to do this because she was worried she would lose her good friend, as well as her good brother.
’Oh god, Li Weichuan has only just started acting normal. What if his feelings for Su Zhaozhao lead to nothing? Will he go back to how he was before?’
’And Su Zhaozhao... if she finds out my brother likes her, I’m afraid she’ll keep her distance, and maybe even cut ties with me.’
’SOB... Su Zhaozhao is my only good friend here in West State. I really don’t want to lose her.’
"No, my condition isn’t better yet," Li Weichuan said, stopping Li Tiantian.
Meeting Li Tiantian’s angry, questioning gaze, Li Weichuan said, "My feelings for Sister Zhaozhao are just because she helped me. I’m very grateful to her."
After hearing Li Weichuan’s explanation, Li Tiantian breathed a small sigh of relief.
"That’s good. But I suppose it’s almost time anyway. School is starting soon, and you’ll have to live on campus," Li Tiantian said as she walked through the door. She didn’t turn back, so she didn’t see Li Weichuan freeze in place after hearing her words.
’Oh, right. School’s starting soon. I have to go back to school.’
He used to quite like the start of the school year, because studying was the only thing he found any enjoyment in.
He liked to grind through practice problems—all sorts of them. He enjoyed tackling them all.
Because whenever he did, he could focus completely on the world of those problems, without having to think about his troubles in the outside world.
When he was a child, during the period he was at his absolute lowest, he had thrown himself into grinding through problems to escape the pain.
Over time, the habit stuck, leading to his current state.
But now, for the first time, he felt a sense of loathing toward school.
Going to school meant he would have to live on campus. He could only come back once a week. And since he was in his last year of high school, he would probably only be able to come home once a month.
The time he could spend with Su Zhaozhao would be drastically reduced.
The young man stood at the doorway, his gaze falling on the military compound not far away. Like a fledgling about to leave its mother, he felt a sense of bewilderment and unease.
But time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it was time for Li Weichuan to start school.
The day before he left for school, Su Zhaozhao made a point of pulling some stationery out of her dimensional space—a pencil case, various drafting tools, and of course, several workbooks.
She had chosen each item with care, making sure they were both well-made and practical, while also not being so unusual as to arouse suspicion.
It had taken her several days of searching to gather them all.
On the day Li Weichuan was leaving for school, Su Zhaozhao gave the items to him.
Li Weichuan looked at the large bag of items, his pupils trembling slightly as he lifted his gaze to Su Zhaozhao.
Su Zhaozhao told him, "Study hard! The college entrance exams are coming up soon, and so is the math competition. If you can win that, I think you can get direct admission into a really good university. Do your best!"
Su Zhaozhao smiled at Li Weichuan, her eyes curving into crescents. Her brilliant smile was as bright as the sun.
But this time, Li Weichuan didn’t feel as happy as he usually would.
"I’m going to school now," he said slowly. Because he rarely spoke, his tone was flat, and he enunciated each word deliberately, like a child.
Su Zhaozhao told him, "I know. You like going to school. Remember to do the workbooks I gave you."
Li Weichuan stared at Su Zhaozhao, a prickling sensation in his eyes. He quickly took the gift from her, turned, and got into the car.
"Okay, I will. Goodbye, Sister Zhaozhao."