AVOIDING A BLOODSHED

"I like you, so you should marry me," Zhang Fan declared with complete conviction, as though everything he fancied belonged to him by default.

Bai Nuanxi gave him a look reserved for fools, "Is something wrong with you?" she asked, tapping her temple pointedly. Who else but someone with a screw loose would say such a thing? Just because he liked her, she was supposed to marry him? What was he—a civil registrar? Did he see someone he fancied and then secretly pencil in her ID details on his family registry? Ugh…how did this guy even get into college?

"No, no," he replied, seemingly undeterred. "You don't have to worry. My mom knows all about you—I showed her your picture, and she really likes you! She said that when we get married, she'll live with us to take care of me…and, of course, you too."