Ch -27 Operation Lovebirds ☆

Tianxin's POV

"Junxi and Zhou Rui like each other."

I said it while chewing on sugarcane, as Jiasheng stood beside me scrolling his phone.

He didn't even look up.

> "Tianxin, the sky knows they like each other. They just won't admit it."

And so, Operation Lovebirds was born.

Mission: Bring Zhou Rui and Junxi together before their shy hearts exploded from all the silence.

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🧃Step One: Interrogation Mode

We cornered Zhou Rui first in a video call.

> Me: "So, Rui… you like Junxi, right?"

Zhou Rui: "I—what? No!"

Jiasheng: "She stuttered. Classic yes-in-disguise."

Zhou Rui (blushing): "I don't… dislike him."

Boom. We had our answer.

Next target: Junxi.

We walked into his room casually, only to find him doodling… Zhou Rui's name on a scrap paper.

> Me: "Caught. Explain."

Junxi: "I was just… testing pens."

Jiasheng: "Pen testing her name? You need therapy."

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🎒Step Two: The Mini Trip Setup

We planned a short weekend hike. Just us four. The plan was simple: Jiasheng and I would "get lost," giving Junxi and Zhou Rui alone time.

> "You both go ahead," I said dramatically, waving. "We'll catch up later."

"Why?" asked Zhou Rui.

"Uh... allergies. Jiasheng's allergic to sunlight."

Jiasheng: "What."

And off they went.

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💬Meanwhile, in the forest trail…

Me: "They're alone now."

Jiasheng: "If Junxi doesn't confess today, I'm making him eat tree bark."

We walked, laughed, and argued about who remembered the trail. Then suddenly... we stumbled upon a small stream. Jiasheng slipped slightly, grabbing my hand.

We both paused.

It was quiet. No teasing. No words.

> I looked up. He looked down.

He cleared his throat.

> "Let's just... go back."

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🌙 That Evening by the Fire

Zhou Rui and Junxi were oddly close.

Mei texted:

"Live update: Rui said Junxi made her tea and smiled. Girl's a goner."

As we roasted marshmallows, Jiasheng sat beside me silently. The flickering flames made shadows dance across his face.

> "You okay?" I asked.

"Too quiet. Feels weird."

I nodded.

Because it did.

Not because of the mission.

But because…

Something between us was changing too.

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