6
Current time: 3:00 PM
Current location: Sweetheart Street, No. 25, Tennis Court
People on-site: Lan Ruo, Yu Wenye, Zuo An'an (Secretly watching)
Scene Record: ...
I imagine that tennis should be a sport similar to badminton, right? A racket, a round ball, and two people fighting it out like there's no tomorrow. With such a simple sport that doesn't even require much brainpower, I figured there wouldn't be anyone who couldn't play it.
But, as it turns out, I was wrong. Tennis, a sport that requires the intense elasticity of the ball and the player's ability to hit it with quick reflexes, is incredibly difficult for some people. And for someone with a seriously underdeveloped brain and no ability to coordinate their hands and feet—it's even harder, right?
Speaking of lack of coordination, Yu Wenye is really something… I swear, anyone with working limbs shouldn't be hitting tennis balls like he does. With his body being so uncoordinated, I bet his brain's cerebral cortex doesn't even have any sulci! No, scratch that, for someone like him, his cerebral cortex probably doesn't even have wrinkles!
On the other hand, look at Lan Ruo—she looks like a delicate little girl, but when she plays tennis, she's incredibly fierce! The way she swings her racket, I almost thought I saw Popeye possessing her for a second!
Compared to Lan Ruo's fierce style, Yu Wenye looks like the definition of weakness. A ball hit by a girl, and yet, he manages to receive it but doesn't have the strength to return it! Is Lan Ruo hitting a wave ball or something? Is the force really that strong?
The sound of the racket hitting the tennis ball is so sharp, it seems like Lan Ruo really hits it with more force than you'd expect. But Yu Wenye… I think this is the first time I've seen him look this miserable!
Watching Lan Ruo swing her racket again and again while Yu Wenye keeps picking up the ball and his racket, I almost can't bear to watch anymore. Picking up the ball is one thing, but it seems like the ball always ends up in the exact spot where Yu Wenye is standing, hitting him hard and without mercy.
Seeing the bruises gradually appear on Yu Wenye's face, I suddenly realize that this guy does have some courage. He's bravely pursuing his love. The way he's tirelessly working for his love makes him look especially handsome! I always thought this guy was just a lazy, carefree type. But now it seems like he has a cool side too!
But, no matter how handsome he is, the situation on the tennis court hasn't changed a bit. It's like Lan Ruo treats the tennis ball as her weapon, relentlessly hitting it at Yu Wenye, while this guy, despite his long limbs and good physique, is clumsy as hell when it comes to returning the ball. Besides getting hit by the ball over and over, all he's doing is running around gasping for air and picking up the ball. I'm hiding in the corner of the tennis court, watching this "tennis match," and it's honestly a complete disaster with these two people whose skill levels are worlds apart.
I originally planned to win Yu Wenye's favor and leave a good impression on Lan Ruo, but in the end, it turned out that Yu Wenye fainted after being hit on the head by a tennis ball.
Given that Yu Wenye is a big celebrity, I couldn't just take him to the hospital to have a doctor check the big bruise on his forehead from the tennis ball. So, with no other choice, I had to resort to the time-honored wisdom of the Chinese people—using ancient remedies. "I've already boiled all the eggs at home. If you don't reduce the swelling, I'll have no choice but to give up!" I said helplessly, as I took a peeled egg and placed it on his forehead.
"Ouch! Be gentler!" As soon as the egg touched his head, he screamed in fear.
What a drama queen. Does he really think it's going to hurt that much just because a peeled egg touched his forehead? He's a guy, for crying out loud. How can he be this afraid of pain? I grumbled to myself while gently pressing the warm egg against his head.
But what frustrated me even more was—are we really looking a little too close right now? At this moment, he was sitting on the couch with a defeated look, and I was standing in front of him, almost right next to him, pressing the warm egg on his forehead.
If someone saw us now, they might think we're a couple, right? But thankfully, we're at his house, so no one will see. But then, if no one can see us now, why is my heart racing? And my face feels a little hot, too?
"It's all your fault! You said I should play tennis," Yu Wenye suddenly said, looking pitiful.
How was I supposed to know your small brain has no wrinkles? The ball goes east, and you're determined to go west. You finally managed to keep up with the ball, and you end up hitting it with your head. I don't know if it's you taking revenge on the ball, or the ball taking revenge on you.
"Yeah, sorry about that!" Even though I didn't think it was my fault, I've learned over the years working that the person paying is always the biggest. So, I just went along with him.
"Hmph!" He snorted.
What a rude guy. I rolled my eyes at him, feeling frustrated. Of course, I made sure to do it discreetly, so that he wouldn't notice the "eye-roll."
"We've got a plan, but is your head okay?" I said, looking at the large bruises on his head. Too pale of skin has its disadvantages; once there's a bruise or swelling, it's super obvious. If he had darker skin, even if he was bleeding, you probably wouldn't notice.
"It's fine. This little injury… Ow! Be gentler, it hurts!"
Tough guy on the outside, but calling it a "little injury" while whining like this.
"Well then, what's your plan next?" Suddenly, Yuwen Ye looked up at me.
Having our eyes meet so closely like that made me feel a little unsteady for a moment. His clear eyes seemed as though they could look straight through to the pure path deep inside his heart. I don't know if it was because of that purity I had never seen before, but my heart immediately started racing.
"Talking?" Noticing that I was lost in thought, he waved his hand in front of my eyes, as if trying to bring me back to my senses.
"Ah, I… I was just thinking about the plan for next!" I said hurriedly, trying to hide the fact that my heart had just sped up.
"Have you figured it out?" He looked at me expectantly.
"Yep!" I smiled slightly, my lips curving up.
"What is it? What is it?" His handsome face was full of curiosity.
"Well..." I elongated my voice, wearing a mysterious smile.
Current time: Exactly 10 AM
Current location: Sweetheart Street, Cinema No. 34
People on site: Lan Ruo, Yuwen Ye, Zuo An'an (secretly watching)
Scene record: ...
A classic movie like Roman Holiday is rarely shown in theaters these days, right? Fortunately, I used to work at a cinema, and I still have some connections with the owner. After some pleading, the owner agreed to show the film in one of the smaller screening rooms.
Right now, I'm hiding in the last row of the theater, peeking over the backrest of the chairs, observing Yuwen Ye and Lan Ruo who are sitting in the row ahead. By the way, ever since that tennis incident, Lan Ruo seems to have been avoiding Yuwen Ye, whether intentionally or unintentionally. She never said anything, but it's obvious from how she kept rejecting his invitations. However, even though Lan Ruo didn't want to come… What's something that can defeat me, Zuo An'an? The answer is, nothing! Using all my connections, I managed to find out where Lan Ruo works and got Yuwen Ye to go pick her up. She had no way to refuse. With Yuwen Ye's looks and the way I arranged his entrance, even if she didn't like him, she'd at least give him some face. But even after giving face once, I don't know if she'll do it again. So, Yuwen Ye, you'd better seize this rare opportunity!
I was crouching over the back of the chair in front of me, observing the two of them from a distance.
What exactly are these two doing? Seriously, after I went through all this trouble to arrange this date, they're just sitting there like wooden dolls, hardly interacting at all! Wait, there seems to be some kind of interaction, but since I'm sitting so far away and the booming sound system in the theater makes it impossible to eavesdrop, I can't tell what kind of conversation they're having.
As I thought about this, I bent down low and started to crawl forward quietly, moving closer to the front row. Sure enough, as I got closer, I could hear more clearly.
"This movie is really good, isn't it?" It was Yu Wen Ye speaking, his tone full of excitement.
"Mm." Lan Ruo hummed in response, the sound serving as her answer.
After that, the two of them didn't speak again.
These two really… I don't even know how to describe them. I think even two strangers would have better vibes than what these two have right now! Although I've never been in a relationship, if all relationships were as stiff and boring as what these two are showing, then maybe it's better to stay single!
From the start of the movie to the middle climax, they didn't speak more than once. Meanwhile, the weird atmosphere between them led me to start chatting with Mr. Sandman halfway through the film.
When the movie ended and the originally dark theater suddenly lit up, I was startled awake. However, to avoid being noticed by Lan Ruo, I quickly crawled under the seats as soon as I snapped out of it.
Once they walked out side by side, I crawled out from under the chair.
Looks like the plan to watch my favorite movie together failed! But failure is the mother of success, so we must not be discouraged and keep trying. At least this time turned out better than the last time on the tennis court!
With that thought, I took out my phone and sent a message to Yu Wen Ye.
"How about we go to XX dessert shop for some sweets? I heard you love desserts!"
After sending the message, I put my phone away and rushed to the XX dessert shop. On the way, I even prepared a secret trump card for Yu Wen Ye. As for what the trump card is... Haha, you'll find out when the time comes.
Current time: 2:00 PM
Current location: Dessert Street, No. 58 Dessert Shop
Characters present: Lan Ruo, Yu Wen Ye, Zuo An An (secretly spying)
Scene notes: ...
In today's world, having a four-wheeled car doesn't always mean it's a good thing. During rush hour, it's slower than walking!
I had been waiting in the dessert shop for more than ten minutes when, slowly, two people finally walked in.
I had already found a spot next to them earlier, one that was both hidden and close, and was sitting with my face covered by a newspaper.
"What did you bring me here for?" Yu Wenye pulled out a chair for Lan Ruo, and just as she was about to sit down, she spoke with a hint of dissatisfaction.
For some reason, hearing Lan Ruo's tone filled me with a surge of anger. There was someone treating her to delicious food, and yet she still had the nerve to complain? She really was an ungrateful girl.
"I heard the desserts here are really delicious," Yu Wenye replied. Though I couldn't see his expression, I could almost sense the expectation in his voice.
"What? Desserts?" Lan Ruo's voice was clearly filled with surprise.
In that moment, I had a very bad premonition. And this premonition, without a doubt, came from the sharp pitch of Lan Ruo's voice.
"Yeah!" However, Yu Wenye didn't seem to think there was anything wrong with Lan Ruo's surprised tone.
"You're actually treating me to desserts?" Lan Ruo's voice went up by another octave.
With the volume of her voice rising, I instinctively lowered the newspaper in my hands and carefully peered over it at the scene unfolding in front of me. I could see the strange interaction between the two people at the table. Since Lan Ruo had her back to me, I couldn't see her expression, but Yu Wenye, with a hint of anticipation on his face, already had a flicker of unease in his eyes.
"Mm!" In response to Lan Ruo's sharp question, Yu Wenye froze for a moment before nodding awkwardly.
"Don't you know I've been dieting? For someone who's on a diet, high-calorie food is a total taboo. Are you trying to ruin all my hard work? Or do you want to watch me get fat?" Her voice was filled with anger she couldn't hide.
Yu Wenye seemed completely unprepared for Lan Ruo to react this way, and for a moment, his face looked completely stunned.
"I... I didn't... I wasn't..." Caught off guard by her sudden outburst, Yu Wenye seemed utterly confused, unsure of how to respond.
"Miss Lan Ruo, these flowers are from Mr. Yu Wenye for you," just as Yu Wenye was fumbling for words, suddenly, a young man wearing a white T-shirt appeared. The T-shirt had the words "Sweetheart Flower Shop" printed on it... This was the very flower shop I had passed on my way here. That was fast! This was exactly the backup plan I had prepared for Yu Wenye. Didn't I read online that it's a good idea to give flowers to girls? They say girls love flowers.
I started to look forward to Lan Ruo's expression. It is said that Lan Ruo loves chrysanthemums the most! If I give her the flowers she likes, even if she's upset, she should forget about it, right?
"Did you give these to me?" However, Lan Ruo didn't reach out to accept the flowers that the Sweetheart Flower Shop person handed to her. Instead, she raised her chin high, her tone even more irritated than before.
Is there something wrong with her voice? Or is it my ears that are malfunctioning? If neither of these are the case, then why would Lan Ruo speak to Yuwen Ye like this?
"Uhh, I guess so!" Yuwen Ye seemed to notice Lan Ruo's displeasure in her tone and stuttered a bit as he spoke.
"Don't you know I'm allergic to pollen?" Lan Ruo's tone kept getting sharper, and I could only imagine the twisted, almost terrifying expression on her delicate face at that moment. Just hearing that high-pitched voice gave me goosebumps. I couldn't even imagine how Yuwen Ye was putting up with it right in front of her.
I glanced at Yuwen Ye's handsome face, which had now turned a dark shade of awkwardness. It seemed like that guy was also seeing Lan Ruo in a new light, realizing her true nature. I couldn't help but feel a weird excitement at the thought of this.
But... why am I feeling excited? As soon as the thought crossed my mind, I couldn't help but question myself. Why would I feel excited? Watching these two act so discordantly, I should actually be anxious. After all, if they don't get together, I won't have my shortcut to the 300,000, right? But instead of being anxious, I'm feeling a sense of satisfaction that I can't hide.
What's wrong with me? I frowned, pondering this. Eventually, I came to a conclusion—maybe it's that I'm finding joy in their misery? Isn't it said that people sometimes feel happy when they're overwhelmed with sadness? Maybe that's what's happening to me right now.
"I..." Yuwen Ye stood there, dumbfounded and clueless.
"And, even if I weren't allergic to pollen, how could you give me something like this? This is the kind of thing people give when visiting someone who's passed away. Are you trying to curse me to death?" Lan Ruo's voice was filled with hysteria.
Lan Ruo really seemed angry! But what I don't get is, why is she so angry? According to her profile, she loves sweets! Why would she put aside her favorite things just to lose weight? And according to her profile, she really loves chrysanthemums! So why is she saying this now? No wonder people say, "Women and petty people are the hardest to deal with."
"No, no, it's not like that, I, I just..." Yuwen Ye stammered, and from the sound of his voice, it was clear that he didn't even know what to say.
He's usually the kind of guy who talks so much that I think people around him might develop calluses on their ears. So why is he suddenly speechless? Standing there like an idiot, unable to say anything, it was making me so frustrated, just listening to his stammering.
While I was still anxiously waiting for the next part of the story from Yu Wenye, Lan Ruo unexpectedly turned and walked toward the door without looking back.
Meanwhile, Yu Wenye, who had a bad expression on his face, just stood there dazed, seemingly unsure of what to do. He just stared blankly at her receding figure.
Watching Lan Ruo walk out, I quickly put down the newspaper and rushed over to Yu Wenye, who had become completely dazed.
"Are you... are you okay?" I asked cautiously.
Yu Wenye didn't answer. He just continued staring ahead, his gaze fixed on the place where Lan Ruo had disappeared.
Is this guy... completely spaced out? Did that fierce woman really scare him into a daze? His eyes look so hollow, like they're not focused at all!
"Boss?" I pushed him gently, trying to snap him out of it.
Yu Wenye, still in his dazed state, didn't respond.
Suddenly, it hit me — Lan Ruo's reaction must have truly shocked him. Yeah, when we were at the cinema earlier, I thought they were getting along much better than before on the tennis court. I assumed the dinner would go smoothly. Yu Wenye probably thought the same. The higher the hope, the greater the disappointment. Lan Ruo, that brat, really knows how to make people angry. Even if she really can't eat sweets or doesn't like chrysanthemums, couldn't she express that in a more tactful way?
At least that way, it wouldn't feel so abrupt. Watching Yu Wenye stand there absentmindedly, I couldn't help but feel a little uneasy inside.
This guy has done so much for her, but is it worth it? This girl named Lan Ruo is only cute in appearance, but that's it! She's got such a bad temper. If she were in a novel, she'd definitely be the villainess, the second female lead. The most important thing is that her heart is already with someone else. For a girl who doesn't love him and has someone else in her heart, Yu Wenye continues to be foolishly devoted to her, tolerating her bad treatment. Is he an idiot?
Seeing him standing there in a daze, his once handsome face now shrouded in a lingering gloom, I felt a lump in my chest. His clear eyes revealed his sadness so plainly that I couldn't help but call his name: "Yu Wenye." Seeing him like this, I started feeling a little lost myself.
I felt uneasy inside, but I didn't really understand why I was feeling this way.
"We... should go home," Yu Wenye suddenly spoke, his voice sounding defeated.
"Oh... okay!" I was still a bit uneasy at his sudden words. Why did he suddenly want to go home? His unexpected remark left me feeling a little... off. I followed him toward the door.
However, just then, he stopped in his tracks. Before I could react, I bumped into the back of Yu Wenye.
"Uh..." Because of that firm back, I instinctively let out a muffled grunt.
"Why did you suddenly stop? Do you know how dangerous it is to slam on the brakes like that?" I muttered while rubbing my head, feeling frustrated.
"Why didn't it work again? Are you sure you can do it?" To my surprise, I heard a pitiful voice from Yu Wenye. He turned around, pouting, with a look of complete helplessness on his face as he stared at me.
When I saw that suddenly pitiful expression of his, my heartbeat involuntarily skipped a beat.
"C-can do it!" Because of his expression, I stammered. But... why did I suddenly feel guilty? What is this feeling of unease?
Honestly, I should've told the truth.
The moment those words left my mouth, I started to regret them.
If I tell the truth, will this guy become even sadder? Maybe he'll think there's really no chance left between him and Lan Ruo? But now, if I don't say it, what else can I do?
I tilted my head, looking at Yu Wenye.
"Well, you need to try harder next time!" He looked at me pitifully and said, "You know, my and Lan Ruo's future... it all depends on you now!"
With his sad face and those words, I suddenly felt like it was me, not him, who had just been scolded by the person I like today. Why does it feel like I'm the one who needs to try harder?
"Alright, I'll try harder." But with that pitiful look of his, I just couldn't bring myself to say anything else. I could only obediently agree with him.
What is wrong with this guy? Just a moment ago, he seemed so sad, but now his expression makes it seem like he's the one watching me being sad? This guy really doesn't look like someone who just got scolded by the person they like!
"Are you okay?" I asked, feeling a bit uncertain, my voice full of doubt. I was starting to get worried. I had heard before that people who are the most sad inside tend to pretend they're fine, so others wouldn't worry. But when everyone stops worrying and lets their guard down, that person might suddenly commit suicide.
This guy usually seems so bright and cheerful, but could he be that type of person too? Could he be pretending like "I'm fine, I'm strong," and then secretly hurt himself?
"Of course I'm fine! I've already made up my mind!" His face was full of determination.
Why did his expression look like that? His eyes were wide open, and his entire face appeared so serious. That expression was exactly the kind of resolute look someone would have just before making a heroic sacrifice, wasn't it? How could it be on his face? It felt so strange no matter how I looked at it.
"What decision?" I cautiously asked him.
"I'm going to confess…" He said loudly. His voice caused everyone nearby to turn and stare at us, all attention suddenly on where we were standing.
Doesn't this guy know he's famous? He has absolutely no sense of being a public figure, shouting like this in a public place. He's asking for trouble!
As I watched the people around us point and whisper, I could vaguely hear them calling out his name. My heart began to race, and I had this ominous feeling rising in my chest. Sure enough, not long after, an even crazier thing happened. I even caught sight of someone pulling out their phone, looking like they were trying to secretly take a picture.
This can't go on! I really don't want to see anything about me in those gossip entertainment reports! With my innocent background, who knows how those paparazzi might spin it! The best plan now is to make a run for it.
I grabbed the still-acting-heroic Yu Wenye and dragged him out of the dessert shop.
This guy is really a dangerous troublemaker! As I pulled him along, I silently swore to myself that I would never go out with this guy again!
Not only does this guy's brain have no wrinkles, but his whole mind isn't functioning properly either!