Sending you a little peach heart.

Chapter 05: "Only Those Without Hope Have No Desires"

Before leaving the school, Cheng Jingchuan didn't ask about the issues between Qiao He and Huo Tinglan. Instead, he asked why she hadn't been staying at home recently—if she was still sulking with Yunlin.

Qiao He was taken aback but quickly made an excuse, saying Fang Keqi had just moved into a new place and wasn't used to it yet, so she was keeping her company.

Cheng Jingchuan clearly didn't believe her excuse and only said, "Yunlin owes you an apology. I'll make sure he gives it to you."

Oh my, what a classic "CEO" line!

Behind his back, Qiao He stuck out her tongue a few times.

There was a popular milk tea shop near Z University, so Qiao He went to grab a cup. While waiting in line, she glanced through the glass window of the Hunan restaurant next door and happened to see Xiang Zhi and Huo Tinglan.

The table was filled with signature dishes, but neither of them had touched their food. Huo Tinglan said something, and Xiang Zhi suddenly lowered her head, her profile reflecting in the glass, looking deeply upset.

Qiao He had studied in a teacher education program at college, where she had learned some special education skills, including basic lip-reading. With her half-baked ability, she barely made out Huo Tinglan's words: "Someone like me is not fit to be loved."

He paused, then added, "If you're willing, we can just remain ordinary friends—just ordinary friends."

At this point, Xiang Zhi tried to interrupt him, but he ignored her and continued, "If you're not willing, then let's not keep in touch anymore."

He spoke slowly, as if to soften the tone.

Qiao He stumbled through reading his lips and sighed.

What a way to turn someone down—no mercy at all...

Xiang Zhi lifted her head and asked tearfully, "Aren't you lonely living alone?"

Huo Tinglan smiled faintly and said, "Loneliness, to me, is a kind of enjoyment. I don't like people giving too much for me, nor am I used to giving back. I hate carrying too many emotions—it's a burden."

Qiao He shook her head while sipping her drink, thinking that while Cheng Jingchuan's indifference was just a bit of a personality quirk, Huo Tinglan's coldness came from his core, seeping into his very bones.

Elegant and icy, like an expensive suit of armor in a sci-fi movie: handsome and captivating in appearance, but ultimately heartless. No matter how much affection you pour into him, there's no response.

People who don't even need to be loved—are they incredibly strong or incredibly fragile?

That evening, after her shower, Qiao He actually received a call from Yunlin. Standing in front of her bathroom mirror, she listened to Yunlin's halting apology, admitting his mistake and asking her, as a kind senior, not to hold a grudge against him.

Qiao He looked at the number on the screen, feeling like her whole day had been surreal.

Later, in her pajamas, she jumped into bed and, with a puzzled look, told Fang Keqi, "I think Cheng Jingchuan's gone mad."

Fang Keqi was wearing a face mask and couldn't show much expression, so she just gave her a questioning look.

Qiao He recounted the day's events, and Fang Keqi gave her a meaningful glance, lifting Qiao He's chin, and said, "He's not mad. He's had an epiphany."

Qiao He puffed out her cheeks in confusion. She didn't understand, but she figured that when someone acts strangely, there's usually something behind it. Best to keep her distance from Cheng Jingchuan.