Vol 2 Chapter 16: Complexity

Time seemed to freeze at that moment.

The two locked eyes.

Liu Changqing lowered his gaze, looking at her.

Li Wanran slightly raised her head, looking at him.

Until... Liu Changqing exhaled, then inhaled sharply.

Adjusting his mindset, he spoke calmly.

"Don't make me curse. I'll give you three seconds to get off my bike. And..."

His eyes shifted to her arms wrapped around him.

"Don't you think it's inappropriate for you to hug me like this given our current relationship? Aren't you afraid of gossip?"

After speaking, Liu Changqing glanced at the surrounding pedestrians watching them.

"They've all seen this. Who knows what rumors will spread tomorrow. If the teachers hear about it, you'll definitely get called into the office. A model student like you being publicly reprimanded wouldn't look good."

Li Wanran listened to Liu Changqing's words.

An ordinary sixteen-year-old girl would likely feel deeply ashamed hearing such harsh words.

Some might even tremble with anger or burst into tears.

But Li Wanran was no ordinary girl.

Hearing this from Liu Changqing didn't surprise her—it was exactly what she'd expected.

Her gaze lingered on his face before finally scanning their surroundings. Seeing the curious onlookers, she showed no embarrassment, maintaining her usual unbothered demeanor.

"Let them talk if they want. I don't care."

"..."

"Take me home."

"..."

"You saw what happened yesterday. That road is dangerous. What if something happens to me..."

Li Wanran's voice carried a hint of fear, clearly still shaken by what had happened to An Yuanyao the previous night.

On the bicycle, Liu Changqing frowned at her words.

He remembered yesterday's events clearly.

He also knew the dangers girls faced walking alone at night.

Normally this wouldn't concern him, but Liu Changqing was fundamentally kind-hearted.

He easily sympathized with those in difficult situations.

If something actually happened to Li Wanran walking home alone, his conscience would trouble him.

Otherwise...

He wouldn't have turned back with that brick yesterday, confronting overwhelming odds to intervene.

Even though he'd taken quite a beating.

His back still ached—hence the sharp inhales when Li Wanran hugged him earlier.

That dull, persistent pain.

After Li Wanran's plea, the silent Liu Changqing stopped refusing.

He sighed deeply, turned forward, and pushed off on the pedals.

Somewhat unsteadily, he rode the old bicycle.

Slowly moving away from the school gates.

Side-sitting on the rear rack, Li Wanran never imagined she'd one day ride a bicycle like this.

Hugging someone she loved.

Though uncomfortable compared to a car, the experience felt entirely new.

A fresh sensation.

Living this second life.

Today...

She felt the world brighten again.

As Liu Changqing rode away with Li Wanran, their unusual pairing drew astonished looks from classmates.

Meanwhile...

Having forgotten her notebook, An Yuanyao saw everything upon returning.

Watching their retreating figures.

Seeing Li Wanran leaning against Liu Changqing's back.

She stood motionless.

Holding her books.

Just... watching silently from afar.

Liu Changqing knew Li Wanran's route home by heart—it had become muscle memory.

The ride passed mostly in silence, with only brief exchanges before quiet returned.

Both privately savoring the moment.

Until reaching her house.

Even knowing Li Wanran's family wealth, such a grand residence in this era truly marked her as nobility.

The bicycle stopped.

Balancing on one foot, Liu Changqing stared ahead without turning.

"Get off."

"..."

No response came.

After waiting, he glanced down at her arms still around him.

"Your house."

"Mmm. Just a bit longer."

"Are you insane? We're already here!"

"..."

Instead of taking offense at Liu Changqing's harsh tone, Li Wanran actually smiled.

This only frustrated him more.

Somehow, dealing with Li Wanran felt like punching cotton—all effort, no impact.

"Tch..."

Turning away again, Liu Changqing sighed.

By now he was convinced the girl behind him wasn't quite right in the head.

From the moment she appeared after his transmigration yesterday...

Her every action baffled him.

Fortunately, "a bit longer" wasn't too long. Within a minute, Li Wanran released her hold.

Dismounting, she turned to face him.

Softly, she said:

"Thank you for bringing me home."

"..."

Liu Changqing remained silent, eager only to leave.

As he pedaled to depart, Li Wanran suddenly grabbed him.

Forcing another stop.

"What now?"

"As thanks for seeing me home..."

Li Wanran stepped closer.

Leaning in as if to kiss him.

Liu Changqing's previously dull eyes widened instantly.

With lightning reflexes, he broke free.

Leaping off the bicycle.

Stumbling back several steps in shock.

With a clatter, the unsupported bike fell over, forcing Li Wanran back too.

"..."

"..."

Silence.

The atmosphere turned peculiar.

Liu Changqing stared at the strange girl before him.

This utterly incomprehensible woman...