Meng Renshu appeared calm on the outside, but he was actually on the verge of jumping forward and punching Dai Zhiqiang in the face. Those types of violent impulses rarely came to him, as people rarely could annoy him.

However, he really found Dai Zhiqiang an eyesore right now. Every word he said just hit his nerve in the most displeasing way.

Brimming with hostility, Meng Renshu couldn't help but want to spite him.

"I don't see the need to deny anything because I don't remember ever saying I have some kind of romantic relationship with Xiaoyi. I indeed like her, though. We have been together since young, so some feelings will inevitably grow. We have a deeper relationship which some people would never understand."

He smiled smugly before shifting his gaze towards Li Caiyi. "Do you like the gift I gave you? You won't throw my sincerity away just because your boyfriend doesn't like it, right?"

Everyone's gaze, including Dai Zhiqiang, turned to Li Caiyi at once, demanding an explanation. She felt like shrinking and hiding from the pressure, but she stood her ground, feeling the warmth in her hand.

"I appreciate it, but you don't need to give me any in the future. Not because my boyfriend doesn't allow me, but because I don't want to make him feel wronged."

Li Caiyi emphasized the word 'boyfriend', making the smile on Meng Renshu disappear without a trace, and only coldness remained. She shuddered to be at the receiving end of his sharp and intense gaze, so she quickly added in a fluster.

"Zhiqiang, shall we go now? We can't waste time here."

Dai Zhiqiang nodded because he also didn't feel comfortable letting Meng Renshu interact with Li Caiyi more than this. "Yes, let's go."historical

They left the place while still holding hands, and a groan of envy erupted among the crowds.

"Grr, why did I even bother to look? I only seek trouble for myself!"

"Gosh, Zhiqiang is so cool. Li Caiyi must be born under a lucky star! She got two school idol's in her palm."

"Since when did both of them are dating?! Hold me, I think I'm going to faint. My heart is breaking."

Meng Renshu's complexion darkened even more, watching the two of them walking away side by side. It was such an unpleasant sight he didn't want to stay and look at it anymore, but he couldn't take his eyes off them.

"It's okay. You only need to wait for your chance. In the end, Xiaoyi will realize who she truly likes," Meng Renshu muttered to himself before leaving the place, completely ignoring the curious gaze on him.

***

Li Caiyi was worried Dai Zhiqiang would feel upset about the gift Meng Renshu gave her. Hence, she carefully explained after they gained some distance from the school.

"About the gift from him..."

"You don't need to explain it to me. I understand." Before she could finish, he interrupted her words.

"But I don't want you to misunderstand."

"There is nothing to misunderstand. I believe you, and you guys are childhood friends. It wasn't strange for him to give you a celebratory gift."

Li Caiyi clamped her mouth shut, feeling conflicted about whether she should say anything or just let the matter go like this. She could sense he didn't want to talk about this anymore from his tone.

"Are you okay? You don't look very well. If Brother Renshu upsets you, I'll apologize on his behalf."

Dai Zhiqiang stopped in his tracks before he stared at her with a deep frown on his face. "Why would you apologize for him? Who is he for you that you feel obligated to excuse his behavior in front of me?"

Li Caiyi had misspoken. She meant that he shouldn't mind Meng Renshu's words because whatever offensive words he heard from him were partially her fault.

The words didn't come out right and aggravated the situation.

"I didn't mean it that way. Brother Renshu is a sly and more sharp-mouthed than you thought, and you have to hear that because of me—"

"Enough. Don't explain anything." Dai Zhiqiang stopped her from explaining.

He didn't want to hear the word 'Brother Renshu' come out of her lips anymore. It pierced his ears every time he heard it.

Dai Zhiqiang noticed her troubled look and took a deep breath to calm himself down. Whatever gloomy feeling he felt right now resulted from his insecurity and had nothing to do with her. He had to sort out his thoughts without making her feel bad.

"Sorry. I don't mean to scold you or anything."

"No, I understand. It's because I made you misunderstand."

"Let's not talk about this anymore and go to the bookstore now."

"Sure."

Even if they had ended that conversation, their earlier excitement and good mood had disappeared entirely.

They walked toward their destination in silence. One was too busy with his own thoughts, and the other was silent out of self-consciousness.

Li Caiyi could sense that Dai Zhiqiang must have something in his mind again. When he did that, he tended to make an extreme conclusion, so she carefully said something else to divert his attention. Something that had been bugging her too since earlier.

"Zhiqiang, do you mean what you said earlier?"

"Huh?" Dai Zhiqiang exclaimed in confusion.

"About you being my boyfriend." Li Caiyi said shyly.

"Ah." Dai Zhiqiang actually didn't mean to say that and only did that in the spur of the moment. It completely slipped his mind until she mentioned it again.

"Of course, I mean everything I have said."

Although feeling slightly disappointed with his brief pause, Li Caiyi still felt happy when she heard that.

"I was very happy. But is it okay to let everyone know like that?"

Dai Zhiqiang felt a pang of guilt, looking at her acting carefully towards him.

"This is something I should have done from the beginning. I clearly asked you to be by my side, but I denied you the confirmation you needed. All because of my selfishness."

Li Caiyi shook her head. "Even if we aren't lovers, I'm content with what we have so far. There is no need for such a title when we are very open of our feelings toward each other."

Dai Zhiqiang held her hand tighter before pulling her closer to him. His eyes looked down at her firmly.

"No, I changed my mind. I can't let people misunderstand. I want everyone to know you aren't available anymore, so they should keep their eyes and hands off you."

Li Caiyi's heart skipped a beat hearing the possessiveness in his words. To think he would feel jealousy to such an extent, she knew she shouldn't, but it made her inexplicably happy inside.