Call him "Daddy"? How would you know if she hasn't? Well, in this era, the lewd "call me Daddy" meme doesn't exist yet. But Chen Nuo understood.

By the poolside, Luo Qing's eyes were wide with anger. In the water, the boy from the couple had already climbed out, his face a mask of fury. When he stood up, he was clearly a head taller than Luo Qing, with broader shoulders and a more muscular physique.

"What are you doing!"

"What do you think I'm doing!" Luo Qing roared.

He lunged to push the boy but was blocked by the other's outstretched arms. Luo Qing felt his strength was inferior, and his face flushed red.

At that moment, the poolside security guard rushed over, blowing his whistle as he ran. "You two! Stop it! No fighting by the pool! Do you hear me? Break it up!"

The security guards were adults hired by the school, and they held a certain authority over the students. Luo Qing and the other boy instinctively stepped back. But just as Luo Qing, craning his neck, was about to argue further, a hand clamped down hard on his shoulder from behind.

Luo Qing was yanked back. He turned to see Chen Nuo.

"Chen—"

"Shh, don't make a scene here and become a laughingstock," Chen Nuo said with a smile, pulling Luo Qing away. Without another word, he dragged Luo Qing off.

"Hey! Hey! Wait, I still have things to… Chen Nuo, don't pull me… Aiyah…"

Luo Qing was no match for Chen Yanluo's strength and was easily dragged away. Chen Nuo pulled Luo Qing straight into the men's changing room, then called out to Sun Keke, "Go change. Wait for me at the main entrance."

It felt like over a month since Chen Nuo had last seen Luo Qing. Luo Qing seemed a bit taller now; seventeen and eighteen-year-old boys were, after all, in their final growth spurt. He was slightly taller but still looked a bit thin. There was stubble on his upper lip, evidence of his laziness in shaving, though his hair was a neat buzz cut. A few pimples dotted his forehead.

The biggest change in Luo Qing, unbeknownst to Chen Nuo, was that he seemed to be in a relationship. Well, perhaps "relationship" wasn't quite accurate. Let's put it this way: Luo Qing had met a girl over two months ago. Her name was Xu Yixue, a second-year student from their high school.

How to describe this girl? Her looks scored a seventy or above. While far from a stunning beauty, her charm lay in her delicate and pretty features. She was the type to intentionally keep long hair with side-swept bangs, possess fair, pale skin, and often, a pallid complexion. In autumn, she'd wear long, pure cotton dresses and flat sneakers, usually seen strolling across campus with a book in her arms.

As for the book? That varied. It could be Xi Murong or Tagore, perhaps Haruki Murakami, or even Du Lasi. She would also profess a love for movies—certainly not Hollywood blockbusters, and definitely not Hong Kong films. She'd look down on the likes of Stephen Chow or Jackie Chan. When discussing cinema, it had to be "Once Upon a Time in America" or "Waterloo Bridge"; at the very least, one had to start with Wang Jiawei. Her dream travel destinations were places like Tibet, Nepal, or perhaps Daocheng. Mention Hawaii or Los Angeles, and she'd just offer a gentle, knowing smile.

Such girls rarely wore expensive jewelry, mainly because they couldn't afford it. At most, they might wrap strands of fine beads around their wrists—perhaps small bodhi beads, or some cheap stones with a religious connotation, undoubtedly sourced from some remote, obscure tourist spot.

When speaking, she always kept her voice soft and delicate, like a timid little creature ready to bolt at the slightest fright. If a boy confessed his feelings to her, this type of girl would typically display an innocent, surprised expression and say weakly, "But… but I've always seen you as an older brother… Isn't it nice to be friends? Friends never, ever break up, you know."

"I know you're very good to me, and I'm very touched… I don't know if this feeling is love yet, but in my heart, you're different from other boys!"

If a boy who liked her already had a girlfriend, and this girlfriend became hostile, she would often adopt a vulnerable stance and tell the boy, "Actually, I don't blame her. She's so smart; everyone must like girls like her. I'm always so clumsy, I can't do anything right…"

"I really envy your girlfriend; she's so pretty and good at makeup. I'm so clumsy, I don't even know how to apply foundation…"

"She really misunderstood me. I've always wanted to be friends with her, but I don't know why she always seems to dislike me. Maybe I'm just bad with words and can't express myself well…"

These lines were usually delivered with a look of forced cheerfulness while suppressing deep hurt, maximizing their effect. This kind of girl would message you late at night: "I'm all alone and feeling so down and empty. Can you chat with me for a bit?"

Or, on Qixi Festival or Valentine's Day, she might post on her Moments or QQ Space: "Spending another festival alone. I feel so silly, always unable to be as likable as other girls. To my solitary self: stay strong, keep going! (smile, smile, smile)" This would be accompanied by a photo that didn't show her face—perhaps a cup of tea or coffee, or a lonely landscape.

Furthermore, these girls shared another common trait: they had few female friends and were generally unpopular within female circles.

Xu Yixue was one such girl. Even her name, Xu Yixue, was an alias; her real name was Xu Yanfang. She had found her original name too rustic and had gone to the police station to change it.

Luo Qing and Xu Yixue met one evening towards the end of the previous semester. A fierce wind howled, and rain poured down in sheets. They both sought shelter at the entrance of a small supermarket near the school. Luo Qing had seen Xu Yixue around before. After all, they were in the same grade, and though they hadn't interacted, he recognized her. That day, sheltering from the rain, Xu Yixue wore a long cotton dress and thick-soled sneakers, clutching a book.

Luo Qing, being well-off, bought an umbrella from the supermarket, intending to leave. Before he did, Xu Yixue glanced at him. She said nothing, but her fragile gaze and pale face softened his heart, sparking a desire to help. He lent her his umbrella.

Then, he witnessed a peculiar side of Xu Yixue. Holding his umbrella, she opened it but didn't leave. Instead, she squatted down near the convenience store entrance, hugging her knees, her eyes fixed on the ground.

What is she doing? Luo Qing was curious. He couldn't resist approaching to see.

And then, he beheld a remarkable scene. The girl carefully held the umbrella, her eyes intently focused on the ground where a snail was slowly crawling.

"With such heavy rain, it will surely get soaked," she murmured. "It's so pitiful. If I hold the umbrella here, it can avoid some of the rain."

In that instant, Luo Qing's heart leaped. Don't find it laughable. For seventeen or eighteen-year-old boys, what kind of girl is most likely to touch their hearts? According to statistics, it's this type: pretty and delicate, kind and innocent, and also a little endearingly helpless and weak.

Key point: appearing a little endearingly helpless is especially crucial. The subtlety of this act is what distinguishes an ordinary tea practitioner from a true tea master. Too little, and it lacks flavor; too much, and one risks being seen as dim-witted. What's needed is that appearance of being slightly clumsy, yet capable of evoking a boy's pity, making him feel she's both silly and adorable, thereby stimulating his protective instincts. This type of girl, statistics show, is most adept at capturing the hearts of young men.

From that day on, Luo Qing started paying attention to this girl, Xu Yixue. Same school, same grade; her classroom was even on the same floor of the same building as his. At mealtimes in the cafeteria, Luo Qing noticed she always ate alone, unlike other girls who gathered in groups. During occasional joint P.E. classes, she seemed unathletic and detached from the other girls' circles, often standing alone in a corner.

Simply put, in Luo Qing's eyes, Xu Yixue appeared pitiable, weak, helpless, and in dire need of protection. Her delicate face, accentuated by her pale skin, added to her fragile aura. Unlike other girls who laughed heartily when happy or shrieked when excited, Xu Yixue always smiled demurely, covering her mouth, and spoke in a soft, gentle voice.

Once, Luo Qing even witnessed Xu Yixue in an argument with another girl. The scene unfolded like this: Xu Yixue's eyes were wide, her expression aggrieved and weak, as she repeatedly said, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I didn't realize you'd think that. Anyway, I apologize…"

What Luo Qing couldn't understand was that the other girl seemed to grow angrier with Xu Yixue's apologies. The more Xu Yixue apologized, the more furious the other girl became. Luo Qing, too, became enraged. This was blatant bullying! He rushed over, pushed the other girls aside, and pulled Xu Yixue away. Amidst the girls' screams and curses, Luo Qing ran out of the school gates with Xu Yixue.

Once outside, Xu Yixue released Luo Qing's hand, an apprehensive look on her face.

"Um… I…" Luo Qing felt a bit awkward himself.

"Actually, I know you. You lent me your umbrella that time."

"Oh? You remember?"

"Of course, I remember. Thank you. It was raining so heavily that day, and you still lent me your umbrella. I've always remembered you." Xu Yixue seemed to blush, her voice low. "I even thought about returning it to you later, but I… I didn't dare…"

A wave of indescribable heroism surged through Young Master Luo. "Huh? Didn't dare? Am I that scary?"

"No, no, it's not that," Xu Yixue quickly clarified. "It's just… I always see you at school with so many friends, and it seems like everyone knows you. I didn't dare approach…"

Then, he walked her home. During their conversation, Young Master Luo was pleasantly surprised to discover her interest in literature. This struck a chord deep within him. However, there was a slight disappointment: her literary tastes didn't align with the popular fiction he enjoyed. She seemed to prefer Japanese authors like Haruki Murakami. Young Master Luo only knew of Tanaka Yoshiki…

Nevertheless, in Young Master Luo's eyes at that time, this girl, Xu Yixue, was a breath of fresh air. She didn't swoon over posters of Nicholas Tse or scream for South Korean pop groups. Young Master Luo felt the stirrings of first love. Looking at her pale skin, slender limbs, delicate frame, and her perpetually gentle, weak expression, he often fantasized about holding this frightened-fawn-like girl in his arms and comforting her.

Then, discordant notes began to appear. For instance, Young Master Luo heard his female classmates speak dismissively of Xu Yixue.

Hmph… These vulgar creatures are just jealous of her tranquil beauty! Young Master Luo chose to ignore these discordant voices entirely.

He deliberately sought her company daily, confident that Xu Yixue also held considerable affection for him. When they chatted, her gaze always seemed gentle, tinged with a hint of admiration. Although Young Master Luo himself couldn't pinpoint what admirable qualities he possessed, it felt good, and that was enough.

But then, the discordant notes grew louder. Young Master Luo noticed Xu Yixue seemed quite close to the male class monitor of her class. Once, in the cafeteria, he saw them eating and chatting happily at the same table. Xu Yixue was smiling, and her gentle expression made Young Master Luo extremely uncomfortable.

Afterwards, Young Master Luo casually probed. Xu Yixue's eyes widened in apparent surprise. "Why would you think that? He's my classmate. His father is an editor at a newspaper office, so he's loved books since he was young. We just discuss literature; we share a common hobby. In my heart, I've always seen him as an older brother."

What Young Master Luo didn't know then was that this "older brother" was actually five months younger than Xu Yixue. However, her innocent expression made him feel he was overthinking, even wondering if he was being too cynical and petty.

Then, he encountered a second discordant note. Besides the class monitor, another figure emerged: a senior from the graduating class. He was good at basketball, tall and well-built, with decent looks—the archetypal sunny, athletic boy. Rumor had it his family was well-off; the mountain bike he rode was the latest model. In those days, a new mountain bike cost several hundred yuan, an entire month's salary for an average person.

Once, Young Master Luo saw the basketball player waiting for Xu Yixue at the school gate after classes. They exchanged a few pleasant words, then rode off together on his bike. Young Master Luo's jealousy flared again. The next day, he questioned Xu Yixue.

Her eyes widened innocently, her expression surprised and tinged with a hint of hurt. "Why would you think that? He lives very close to me and often looks out for me. We sometimes head home together since it's on the way. I've always thought of him as a friendly neighborhood big brother." Then, she added, "So, this is how you see me in your heart…" and walked off angrily.

Young Master Luo immediately chased after her, coaxing her for a long time before the fragile girl finally smiled through her tears. He then treated her to KFC. In that era, a meal at KFC was a rare luxury among students.

Young Master Luo was utterly captivated by Xu Yixue for over two months. He actively sought her company every day, often waiting for her after school and occasionally treating her to meals—usually KFC or Pizza Hut, which were already considered extravagant splurges for ordinary students. Sometimes, he'd buy her milk tea or those tiny, exorbitantly priced pastries. Xu Yixue accepted everything, expressing ever-increasing gratitude and affection towards Young Master Luo. He confidently felt he was drawing closer to her heart.

So, one day during the summer vacation, Young Master Luo asked her out to a movie, and she agreed. After the movie, drinks, popcorn, tickets, and taxi fare, Young Master Luo was down nearly two hundred yuan. That evening, as he walked her home, he confessed his feelings beneath her apartment building.

And then… it wasn't exactly a rejection—at least, that's what Young Master Luo thought. But it felt like punching air.

"Actually, you've always been so good to me, and I'm really touched. I also love spending time with you; it gives me a sense of happiness, of being protected~ But, about what you said today… Oh dear… I just don't understand. I don't know if this feeling is love. I'm actually very scared and worried… Can we… just be friends for now, okay?"

Young Master Luo was truly dumbfounded at that moment.

What was this…? Was it a rejection? But she clearly said she felt "very happy" when she was with me, right? So that's an acceptance? But then she said "let's just be friends for now?" That's still a rejection then? But she said "for now." So there's still a chance?

Hmm! After much deliberation, Young Master Luo came to his own conclusion: Yixue is just too pure! Such an innocent girl must have absolutely no experience with love; my sudden confession must have frightened her! So… I should be more patient, continue to be good to her, slowly touch her heart, and let her eventually lower her defenses… Then she will truly accept me! Young Master Luo was full of confidence in this belief!

Unwittingly, over these two-plus months, Young Master Luo had already spent nearly a thousand yuan. Of course, for Young Master Luo, whose father was the tycoon Luo Dachan, this sum was trivial, hardly worth a second thought. However, the persistent inability to define his relationship with Xu Yixue made Luo Qing increasingly anxious.

Once, Luo Qing, feeling impatient, considered giving up. He decided to confess one last time; if it didn't work out, he'd stop actively pursuing Xu Yixue.

The result? During that confession, Xu Yixue looked deeply troubled and wronged. "Can't there be pure friendship between a boy and a girl?" she asked Luo Qing. "I've always considered you a very, very good friend…"

Young Master Luo felt like vomiting blood. "A friend? You only see me as a friend?"

"No, it's different. I don't know how to describe or express it… But you, as a friend, in my heart, I always feel you're different from others. You're warmer than other friends, and you make me feel more secure."

Young Master Luo was confused once again.

What is this supposed to mean? She sees me as a friend? But she said, my kind of "friend" is different from others. So does she like me? But she also asked if there can't be pure friendship between guys and girls? So are we just purely friends? But she also said that I'm "warmer" and "more supportive"!! This question is too hard!!!!

After that day, Young Master Luo actually felt quite defeated and even considered retreating. For two days, he didn't seek out Xu Yixue. Then, one evening, he received a call from her.

"My parents aren't home tonight, and I'm all alone. I'm feeling really down today; it's tough being by myself… Can you keep me company and chat? You're the person I trust the most…"

And then? Then Young Master Luo fell right back into the trap.

"I had originally invited her to go boating in the park today, but she said she had family matters and was going shopping with her dad. I figured, never mind, I'll go to the swimming pool. But when I got to the entrance, I saw her bicycle parked there…"

In a cold drink shop near the swimming pool entrance, Chen Nuo sat on a stool, enjoying the air conditioning and a milkshake, calmly listening as Luo Qing finished recounting his grievances and experiences of the past two months. Then, Chen Nuo sighed, tossed his straw aside, and patted Luo Qing's shoulder.

"Brother, you've encountered a master of tea arts."

"What? What master?"

"Commonly known as a green tea bitch."

Luo Qing was stunned.

Just then, the shop door opened, and Sun Keke and the others walked in.

"You're here? Sit, sit. Order whatever you want to eat or drink, my treat," Chen Nuo said with a smile, greeting Sun Keke and the group of girls.

Du Xiaoyan and the other girls cheered and ran to the counter to order. Sun Keke glanced at Chen Nuo, then at Luo Qing with a questioning look. "Luo Qing, you…"

"He's fine. Hey, it's guy talk, don't ask too much," Chen Nuo said, waving his hand dismissively. "Go get yourself a double-scoop ice cream; don't you like that?"

Sun Keke still looked a bit concerned, but Chen Nuo kept giving her pointed looks, so she didn't press further and joined the girls at the counter. Chen Nuo, of course, wouldn't reveal Luo Qing's embarrassing situation. At times like this, what Young Master Luo feared most was losing face.

"No, Chen Nuo! What was that you said just now? What 'bitch'? What does it mean?"

"You don't get it? It means she's hypocritical, pretentious, acting, stringing you along, treating you like an ATM, and playing with your emotions! Clear enough now?"

"…" Luo Qing's face flushed crimson.

"Zhu Jiuzhen from 'The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber,' get it?" Chen Nuo sighed. "You naive Zhang Wuji!"

This finally clicked for Luo Qing; it was a reference he understood instantly.

Got it in a second!

Chen Nuo nodded, then a thought struck him. "Hey, does that girl know about your family background?"

"...No." Luo Qing shook his head, his voice low. "It's… it's not exactly something to be proud of… At school, only you and Sun Keke know about my family."

Understood! Chen Nuo sighed internally. I was wondering. These 'green tea bitches' are usually smart. How could she not properly seize the opportunity after snagging a prime catch like Young Master Luo? It doesn't make sense! None of those boys at school—whether it's the literature-loving class monitor or the basketball-playing neighborhood 'big brother'—can compare to even a tenth of Luo Qing's standing! Luo Qing is genuinely wealthy, good-looking, has no bad habits, and a good personality. You couldn't find another like him in all of No. 8 Middle School! At this point, that Xu Lücha shouldn't still be playing the game of juggling multiple guys. By rights, the script should be: "Don't call me anymore; I'm afraid Xia Luo will misunderstand…" That's how it should play out! So, she didn't know!

Seeing Luo Qing's indignant expression, Chen Nuo asked, "So, what are you thinking now?"

"I… I can't accept this!"