Oh no! I've only been a freshman and I've already been targeted by a mean upperclassman.

"Okay, I'll take it."

Li Chen took out his phone to scan the QR code.

"etc."

Yan Xi grabbed him.

"Too expensive."

"Not expensive."

Li Chen smiled.

You deserve better.

He took the hair clip and pinned it directly into Yan Xi's hair.

"You're a perfect match."

Yan Xi's face flushed slightly.

"you……"

"What's wrong?"

"It's nothing."

She turned her head away, but the corners of her mouth couldn't help but turn up in a smile.

The two continued walking forward.

Li Chen bought her a bracelet, a plush toy, and a box of exquisite chocolates.

Looking at the growing amount of things in her hands, Yan Xi finally couldn't help but speak.

Why are you being so generous today?

"I've always been very generous, okay?"

Li Chen said in a very serious tone.

"It's just that I didn't have the chance to show it before."

"Yeah?"

Yan Xi raised an eyebrow.

"I remember, last time you treated me to dinner, we split the bill."

"That is..."

Li Chen was speechless.

"That's because I hadn't figured it out yet."

"Now you get it?"

"Um."

Li Chen nodded.

"I've finally figured it out."

Yan Xi smiled.

Her eyes crinkled into crescent moons as she smiled.

Li Chen's heart skipped a beat when he saw her smile.

He suddenly realized that his father was right.

Money that needs to be spent must be spent.

Seeing her smile makes any amount of money worthwhile.

……

It was almost 10 p.m. when we finished exploring the night market.

The two were walking back to school.

The streetlights cast long shadows on them.

Yan Xi was carrying a bunch of things, a satisfied smile on her face.

"I'm very happy today."

She suddenly spoke.

"Um?"

Li Chen turned his head to look at her.

"It's been a long time since I've gone shopping like this."

Yan Xi's voice was very soft.

"I used to think these things were all very childish."

"But today..."

She paused.

"Today feels pretty good."

Li Chen smiled.

"I'll bring you here often from now on."

"it is good."

Yan Xi nodded.

The two walked side by side.

No one spoke.

But a warm and sweet atmosphere permeated the air.

Yan Xi stopped at the school gate.

Thank you for today.

"You even thanked me?"

Li Chen ruffled her hair.

"Go back and get some rest."

"Um."

Yan Xi nodded and turned to leave.

"etc."

Li Chen called out to her.

"What's wrong?"

Yan Xi turned around.

Li Chen stepped forward and kissed her forehead.

Goodnight, Xixi.

Yan Xi's face turned red instantly.

She glared at him, then quickly ran into the schoolyard with her things in her arms.

Li Chen watched her retreating figure, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but turn up in a smile.

Today is a wonderful day.

……

In the following days, Li Chen suddenly became mysterious.

I'm replying to WeChat messages slowly.

They often don't answer the phone.

Even his daily morning run, which he never missed without fail, has been skipped several times.

Yan Xi sat in the library, staring at her phone screen, her brows slightly furrowed.

What are you busy with?

She sent a message.

Li Chen returned ten minutes later.

Something came up; I'll talk to you later.

Yan Xi stared at the message for a few seconds, then didn't ask any further questions.

"Hey, who's this?"

Leng Qingge walked over with a cup of coffee and plopped down opposite her.

"Even the famous senior Yan Xi can stare blankly at her phone?"

"Shut up."

Yan Xi gave her a cold glance.

Let me guess.

Leng Qingge rested her chin on her hand, looking on with a gossipy expression.

"It must be because your boyfriend has been ignoring you lately, right?"

"no."

"Still saying you don't?"

Leng Qingge smiled.

"Your expression clearly shows you're thinking about him."

"I don't."

"Okay, okay, you don't have it."

Leng Qingge waved his hand.

"But seriously, it's only been a short time since you two last saw each other, and you're already missing each other like this?"

"I wasn't thinking about him."

Yan Xi's tone was somewhat harsh.

"Yeah?"

Leng Qingge raised an eyebrow.

"What were you looking at on your phone for ten minutes just now?"

Yan Xi fell silent.

Leng Qingge laughed even harder.

"Tsk tsk tsk, women in love, really..."

"Try saying it again."

Yan Xi raised her head, her eyes dangerous.

Leng Qingge immediately raised her hands in surrender.

"Okay, okay, I won't say anything more."

She took a sip of coffee and couldn't help but add another sentence.

"But if you really miss him, just go find him. You know where he is anyway."

Yan Xi glanced at her but didn't say anything.

But in my heart, the thought had already taken root.

……

The next night.

Yan Xi was taking a walk alone on campus.

The streetlights cast a long shadow of her.

She walked very slowly, her mind filled with thoughts of Li Chen.

What has he been busy with these past few days?

Why won't you even give an explanation?

Just then, a familiar voice came from behind me.

"Xi Xi".

Yan Xi suddenly turned around.

Li Chen stood behind her, a smile on his face.

"you……"

Before Yan Xi could finish speaking, he grabbed her hand.

"Come with me."

"Where to?"

"You'll see when you follow along."

Without saying a word, Li Chen pulled her towards the school gate.

Yan Xi stumbled a little as he pulled her.

What are you doing?

"I'll take you somewhere."

Li Chen's tone carried a hint of mystery.

"Where?"

You'll know when you get there.

Yan Xi watched his retreating figure, a strange sense of anticipation welling up inside her.

……

The car drove for more than half an hour on the mountain road.

It eventually stopped at a viewing platform.

This place is very remote; there's no one around.

Only the city lights in the distance twinkled in the night.

"arrive."

Li Chen turned off the engine and got out of the car.

Yan Xi got out of the car and looked at the pitch-black surroundings with some confusion.

"Why did you bring me here?"

"You wait."

Li Chen walked to the trunk and took out an exquisite wooden box.

He held the wooden box and walked up to Yan Xi.

"What is this?"

Yan Xi asked.

"Your birthday present."

Li Chen's voice was very soft.

"Even though it's not your birthday yet, I really can't wait."

Yan Xi was stunned.

"My...birthday present?"

"Um."

Li Chen nodded.

"Open it and take a look."

Yan Xi took the wooden box and carefully opened it.

Inside the box lay an exquisitely crafted boxwood palace music box.

Every detail of the palace is carved with lifelike detail.

Eaves, window frames, steps...

Even the small stone lions in front of the palace are clearly visible.

Yan Xi's breath caught in her throat.

"This is……"

"The music box you wanted when you were a child."

Li Chen's voice rang in her ears.

"I know your parents promised to buy it for you back then, but they broke their promise."

"So I thought I should fulfill this promise for them."

Yan Xi's eyes instantly reddened.

She looked at the music box in her hand, her throat felt like it was blocked by something, and she couldn't speak.

"Open it and try it."

Li Chen said softly.

Yan Xi opened the music box with trembling hands.

The gears started to turn.

The melodious music began to play.

At the same time, the viewing platform was suddenly illuminated by a myriad of fireflies-like lights.