CHAPTER #03 “ new friendship activate”

As Chen He Yi watched the two friends chase each other, the door swung open once more, and the pair skidded to a stop, their eyes fixed on the newcomer.

"Xi Yi," Li Na said, her voice a mix of annoyance and amusement. "It's about time you got here; I've been waiting for you. And, of course, this stupid pig is here too." She shot Ke Lin a mock-angry glance.

Xi Yi walked in, while Chen He Yi remained engrossed in his book. "So, what's the plan?" Xi Yi asked, scanning the room before her eyes landed on Chen He Yi.

"Plan?" Ke Lin chimed in. "Don't you two have unfinished homework?" Chen He Yi looked up from his book, flipping through the pages.

"Homework, again? Even on a holiday!" Ke Lin feigned a sob.

"Shut up, Ke Lin. If you don't want to do it, then don't," Li Na said sternly. Li Na clapped a hand on Xi Yi's shoulder with a rough, boyish gesture. "Let's get studying, Xi Yi, my partner in crime." Xi Yi smiled, looking like she was about to burst out laughing.

As they sat at the table, their pencils scratched across the paper. Xi Yi's eyes darted between her work and Chen He Yi, who was gazing at her with a subtle smile. Xi Yi's cheeks flushed, and she quickly looked away, her heart skipping a beat.

Li Na's brow furrowed. "Xi Yi, your face is so red."

Xi Yi's hands instinctively rose to her cheeks. She fumbled for her phone, her fingers trembling slightly. "Must be the cold," she muttered, avoiding eye contact.

Chen He Yi's smile grew, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he focused on his homework.

Xi Yi's eyes locked onto the butterfly as it fluttered outside the window. She stood up, her sudden movement jolting the others. Chen He Yi's brow furrowed in concern. "What's wrong?"

Xi Yi's gaze remained fixed on the butterfly. "Nothing. I just need some fresh air."

Chen He Yi pushed his chair back. "I'll go with you."

Xi Yi's expression turned serious. "I need space." She gathered her things and stepped out into the wind.

As she walked away, Ke Lin rubbed his jaw thoughtfully. "Did you notice something's off with her?"

Li Na shot him a look. "What are you thinking?"

Chen He Yi's gaze followed Xi Yi's retreating figure. "She needs space. Let's give it to her."

The purple butterfly danced ahead, leading Xi Yi to the seaside. Sea waves crashed against the shore, whipping her dress and hair into a frenzy. Xi Yi's eyes followed the butterfly, her thoughts a million miles away.

"What's on your mind, buddy?" she asked, her eyes still fixed on the butterfly.

Xi Yi stood at the water's edge, her gaze lost in the vast expanse of sea. A butterfly fluttered before her, its wings beating rapidly as it hovered in the air. "I'm here to give you an update about the novel. I guess you didn't read the whole novel, am I right?"

Xi Yi's eyes remained fixed on the horizon. "Too bad, I didn't even finish it."

The butterfly's wings glimmered in the sunlight as it spoke, its tone intense yet friendly. "That's not the case. You can read the novel, familiarize yourself with the plot... in this world, you can control and even change the novel. But—"

"—it has a punishment," Xi Yi repeated, her voice laced with worry. "Punishment? I'll never go back to the real world and get stuck here?"

The butterfly's wings fluttered in a slow nod. "It's close to the true answer."

Xi Yi's feet sank into the white sand as she paced in a circle, her movements agitated. "What do I do to make everything right in place?"

The butterfly's wings stilled, its voice matter-of-fact. "It's simple. Rule number one: follow the writer's want. Rule number two: fall in love with the male lead in the story..."

Xi Yi's footsteps faltered, her eyes dropping to the sand. "But it's not Chen He Yi... the male lead, you know that."

The butterfly's wings beat steadily, its gaze unwavering. "I know that."

Xi Yi's voice was barely audible, her words tinged with disappointment. "I only like him. It's because of him I'm here."

The butterfly regarded her calmly. "I understand, but it's the writer's will."

With a sudden flick of its wings, the butterfly took off, calling out "Bye bye!" as it vanished into the distance.

The waves washed over Xi Yi's feet, her shadow stretching out before her like a dark reflection. Her face was a map of conflicting emotions—uncertainty, longing, frustration—as she stood there, frozen in indecision.

As she gazed down at her shadow, a figure began to take shape beside hers. Qing Zhi's eyes flicked up, and her heart skipped a beat. Chen He Yi stood beside her, a gentle smile on his face. Qing Zhi's hand instinctively went to her heart, as if trying to calm its racing beat. "Chen He Yi? You always scared me."

Chen He Yi's smile widened. "What are you doing here at the seaside?"

Qing Zhi's gaze drifted back to the sea, her voice tinged with disappointment. "Can't you see I'm here to think... I don't know what to choose."

Chen He Yi's eyes followed hers, his gaze lost in the vast expanse of water. "Just choose what makes you happy."

Qing Zhi's eyes snapped back to his, a hint of desperation creeping into her voice. "What if the one who makes me happy is the one who'll put me in danger?" Her words hung in the air, and she searched Chen He Yi's face for answers. "What can I do... what can I choose?"

They sat side by side on the sand, eyes fixed on the horizon as the sun began its descent. The sea's gentle waves lapped at the shore, a soothing melody accompanying the fading light. Chen He Yi's gaze drifted to Xi Yi, his voice soft. "I guess the things that'll keep you safe and sound are the ones that are good but not for you."

Xi Yi's face was a mix of longing and melancholy, a faint smile on her lips. "Really?" Her eyes searched his, a hint of vulnerability in her gaze.

Chen He Yi's eyes locked onto hers, his voice gentle. "What makes you think that? You're not sure, are you?"

Xi Yi's gaze didn't waver, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's just between safety and the person I value the most."

A faint smile played on Chen He Yi's lips. "It looks like a tough decision. How about I treat you to milk tea? To ease your mind?"

Xi Yi's face brightened, a spark of excitement in her eyes. "Then it's your treat!"

As they stood up, two figures suddenly appeared before them, their high-pitched voices and laughter jarring the serene atmosphere. "Sorry to interrupt!" Li Na and Ke Lin chimed in unison, their grins mischievous.

Xi Yi's hand flew to her chest, her breath catching in her throat. "What are you doing? You two scared us to death!" Chen He Yi's eyes widened in surprise, his composure momentarily shaken.

Ke Lin's laughter echoed as he bounded ahead, his voice carrying on the breeze. "Let's go, guys! Milk tea, Chen He Yi's treat!"

Li Na's giggles harmonized with Ke Lin's, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She fell into step beside him, the two of them leading the way.

Xi Yi's smile broke free, her eyes crinkling at the corners. She trailed behind with Chen He Yi, their footsteps sinking into the sand.

The group's laughter and chatter wove together, a joyful melody that accompanied them as they walked. The sea air vibrated with their happiness, the sun's warmth casting a golden glow over the scene.

As they strolled toward the milk tea shop, their smiles and laughter seemed to dance in the air, infectious and carefree.

They headed to the Milk Tea shop, the aroma of brewing tea enveloping them.

Chen He Yi turned to Xi Yi, asking, "What flavor do you like?" Xi Yi's eyes widened as she deliberated before exclaiming, "Cookies and cream!"

Li Na looked up from the menu, chiming in, "Cookies and cream? I'm getting strawberry!" Ke Lin nodded in agreement, "Then I'll choose strawberry too!"

Li Na raised an eyebrow. "You're copying me!"

Ke Lin flashed a charming smile. "Me? Copying you? Impossible. I just happen to like strawberry too, right Chen He Yi?"

He shot Chen He Yi a look, expecting confirmation.

Chen He Yi's expression remained skeptical as he replied, "Yes, he likes strawberry."

As they placed their orders, they settled into a bench on the sidewalk, watching the constant stream of people walk by. The lively chatter and clinking of cups filled the air as they savored their drinks.

Xi Yi's eyes lit up as she took a sip of her milk tea, a satisfied sound escaping her lips.

"Mmm, it's delicious!"

Chen He Yi's gaze lingered on her, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

"Really? So next time I'm the one you're treating?"

Ke Lin chimed in, laughing. "You're next, Xi Yi!"

Li Na nodded in agreement, her eyes also on Xi Yi.

Their faces radiated joy, eyes crinkling at the corners as they laughed together. The sound of their laughter mingled with the hum of the surrounding crowd, creating a lively atmosphere that seemed to reverberate through the air.

Xi Yi's lips curved into a smile as she pondered the butterfly's words, but the presence of her friends seemed to chase away her worries. Ke Lin's eyes sparkled with mischief as he gazed at the trio.

"Let's see who can finish the milk tea first! Loser is a coward!" Ke Lin suggested, his voice dripping with challenge.

Li Na's eyes flashed with competitiveness. "You think we're cowards?"

Xi Yi's smile grew wider. "Game on!"

Ke Lin turned to Chen He Yi, his grin growing. "How about you, Chen He Yi? You're not going to back down, are you?"

Chen He Yi chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "No way, I'm in!"

Ke Lin counted down, his voice building in excitement. "1... 2... 3... GO!"

The four friends eagerly gulped down their milk tea, but Ke Lin's triumphant cry caught them off guard. "I'm done! You cowards!"

Li Na's face twisted in outrage. "You're cheating! I'm going to kill you!"

Xi Yi chimed in, her voice menacing. "You're going down!"

Ke Lin took off running, his laughter echoing through the street. "Catch me if you can!"

The other three friends gave chase, their footsteps pounding the pavement. "You're dead, cheater!" Xi Yi and Li Na shouted in unison.

Passersby turned to watch the commotion, their faces a blur as the four friends tore through the street. The sound of their footsteps and laughter filled the air, blending with the vibrant atmosphere of the street.

----

As they finally gave up chasing Ke Lin, the group trudged along, exhausted, the fading light of day casting long shadows behind them. Xi Yi and Chen He Yi bid the others goodnight, leaving Li Na and Ke Lin to stroll through the street, the evening air filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers.

Li Na's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she turned to Ke Lin. "Didn't you notice something about those two today?"

Ke Lin's gaze drifted away, his expression nonchalant. "What are you talking about?"

Li Na's annoyance was palpable. "Come on, Ke Lin, you're so slow! It's obvious!"

Ke Lin chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Isn't it normal for them? Besides, you know Xi Yi has a thing for someone else."

Li Na's eyes narrowed. "Zhang Zhen?"

Ke Lin's nod was almost imperceptible. "Mmm-hmm."

Lost in conversation, they didn't notice the familiar gate looming before them until Li Na's laughter echoed off the walls as she pushed it shut. "Looks like we're home! Bye, cheater!"

Ke Lin's protest was swift, his voice chasing after her as she disappeared into the darkness. "Hey, I'm not a cheater! I'm a gentleman!"

With a smile still playing on his lips, Ke Lin stepped into his house, the soft creak of the door a gentle farewell to the evening's antics. The night air was hushed, the trees swaying gently in the breeze like nature's own lullaby.

As the night wore on, the four friends settled into their beds, the soft click of the lights being turned off marking the end of the day. The gentle hum of their breathing filled the air, and soon, they drifted off to sleep.

"It's tough to decide, but logic says I should choose the one who'll keep me safe, following the novel's tropes. Yet, my heart belongs to Chen He Yi. In this world, the memories I shared with him – and my new friends – are unforgettable. - Xi Yi"