At this moment, Li Sitong finally knew for sure.
She had completely fallen for Ye Chen.
If it had been only a faint liking, she would have recoiled when they got so close.
Only true affection let her feel happy while Ye Chen held her like this.
Ye Chen had no idea what Li Sitong was thinking.
Once he was sure she was seated, he pedalled off toward her home.
The boys nearby were green with envy.
Li Sitong's looks drew stares wherever she went.
There were already plenty of people around the Shopping Mall.
Watching the two of them so intimate, many guys felt a pang of sourness.
"Man, I came out to shop and got a face full of dog food."
"I've wasted my life. He's dating at that age and I'm still single."
The girls were just as envious.
"Wow, that boy looks so cool riding a bike!"
"I want to be the girl on the crossbar."
"So romantic—why don't I have a Boyfriend that handsome?"
Ye Chen rode slowly down the road.
Both of them stayed silent, enjoying the quiet moment together.
It felt so wonderful they could hear each other's heartbeats, as if the world held only the two of them.
Happy times always fly; soon they reached Li Sitong's gate.
Ye Chen stopped and Li Sitong reluctantly hopped off the crossbar.
"All right, we're home," Ye Chen said with a smile.
"Ye Chen… thank you," Li Sitong murmured, reluctant to part.
"No problem. See you tomorrow."
He was about to push off when—
"Ye Chen!"
Li Sitong suddenly called him back.
Ye Chen turned to her.
She had been mustering courage the whole ride; now she finally found it.
"Ye Chen, I…"
Halfway through, footsteps sounded behind her.
"Si Tong, why are you so late?"
"It's Father!"
Li Sitong swallowed the rest of her sentence.
Ye Chen asked curiously, "What's wrong?"
"I… I'm going inside too," she answered after a deep breath.
Father Li reached the gate and frowned when he saw Ye Chen.
"Si Tong, go inside first," Li Li said.
Sensing his tone, Li Sitong explained, "Dad, I lost my bike key, so Ye Chen gave me a ride."
Father Li nodded. "Don't worry. He brought you home so late; I should thank him."
Li Sitong glanced at Ye Chen uneasily; he waved a reassuring hand.
After she entered the villa, Father Li stepped up to Ye Chen.
"Ye Chen, thank you."
Expecting a scolding, Ye Chen was surprised by the gratitude.
"It's nothing; I was glad to help."
"I took your advice and eased off work lately; my daughter and I get along much better now."
"That's great. Si Tong looks proud, but inside she's quite fragile."
"You know her well," Father Li remarked.
"We've been desk-mates for three years; it's natural."
"Ye Chen, I know my daughter likes you, but you're in Senior Year. Focus on studies; romance can wait until University."
"Did Si Tong tell you our Mock Exam results?"
Father Li blinked. "No, she never mentioned one."
"She used to rank in the teens school-wide; since we've been studying together she's now third—good enough for Huaqing University."
Father Li was startled. "Really?"
"Who says dating ruins grades? That's a grown-ups' myth. Still, thank you for understanding."
He was grateful Father Li hadn't scolded him; to teachers and parents, High School romance is a mortal sin.
"Uncle, I'll head home now."
Father Li stared after him, astonished by the boy's calm.
He felt he'd talked with an adult, not a high-schooler.
Li Sitong spied from the window; though she couldn't hear, the conversation looked friendly.
Her father hadn't lost his temper; she exhaled in relief—yet her confession had failed again.
When the door opened, she tensed.
She guessed her dad had seen her perched on Ye Chen's crossbar.
Seeing Li Li enter, she edged toward the stairs.
"Si Tong, is Dad that scary? Come chat with me."
She dropped her bag and reluctantly sat on the sofa.
"Dad, what is it? I'm in Senior Year; I have to study."
"Freshman and sophomore years you said the same thing. Don't you like talking with me?"
"Of course I do—you're my dad and my wallet."
"So I'm just an ATM? No other use?"
"You're busy; I didn't want to bother you."
"Someone told me kids need company, not cash."
Li Sitong blinked. "You mean Ye Chen?"
"He said your Mock Exam rank was third."
"Yes!"
"He tutored you?"
"Without him I couldn't have done it."
She pulled out a paper Ye Chen had set for her.
"He's been coaching me with targeted drills."
"Nice handwriting," Li Li smiled, glancing at the sheet.
His eyes widened as he read. "These questions are top-level."