Chapter 46 - Operation 1: after effects

The next day was a usual day for Xiong Zhi. Taking her time to walk downstairs, staring boldly at Linfeng, and her usual ride to her school.

However, for a certain someone, it was different. Linfeng was waiting for a chance to mention to Xiong Zhi that the key chain was switched. Initially, he thought Xiong Zhi would speak first about it to him. However, throughout the ride, she did not speak. He had no choice but to speak of it first.

Inside the car, Linfeng was about to open his mouth when his gaze landed at the driver. From time to time, the driver would check them through the review mirror. It was a habit of them since they were trained before they got hired as Xiong's descendant driver. They had to be vigilant in case something happened. Hence the driver could not help but glance at them from time to time. However, this made Linfeng back out for a moment. What if the driver saw the key chain he was giving to Xiong Zhi? He might misunderstand! Especially...that keychain has an ambiguous design with their names on it. The driver might think he had some romantic relationship with their young miss. Giving such a thing to their young miss!

So he had no choice but to wait for another chance. When they alone, when no one could see it.

Xiong Zhi, on the side, who was aware of his every move naturally saw how Linfeng wanted to say something but abruptly stop.

"What is it?" Xiong Zhi directly looked at Linfeng and asked him.

Linfeng swallowed the imaginary lump in his throat before he replied.

"N-nothing.." But Xiong Zhi saw that Linfeng was putting something in his pocket.

Xiong Zhi understands what Linfeng wanted to do.

When they arrived at TIHS, Linfeng was looking for a chance to give it to Xiong Zhi. They were now alone and walking towards the junior's building.

"...X-Xiong Zhi..." Xiong Zhi swiftly turns.

'Did I hear it clearly? He called my name...'

"Ms. Xiong Zhi..." Linfeng quickly corrected himself. Since that day, he found out it was more comfortable to call Xiong Zhi with her name rather than young miss or Ms.

"What is it?" Xiong Zhi said with a small smile. She was in a good mood since Linfeng called her name for the first time without force.

"This..." Linfeng said while reaching out from his pocket.

"I like the Ferris wheel keychain. Can I keep it?" Xiong Zhi said immediately.

"Uh...you can?" Linfeng said confused. He had no choice if Xiong Zhi wanted it. But how about the other?

"Thank you. In exchange you keep mine." Then she quickly enters the building in case Linfeng recovered his wits.

____________________

As Xiong Zhi entered the room she was in a good mood. From a distance, she saw Song Xuantin beside her place. Xiong Zhi was ready to wave back when no enthusiastic wave came to her. Xuantin was sulking in her chair and she seemed like in deep thought.

'Eh? What happened? '

It was very very unusual for Xuantin to act like that. Walking to her place, Xiong Zhi observed Xuantin. Xuantin sighed and then furrowed her brows. Then she would shake her head.

"What happened?"

"Ahhhhhh!!" Xuantin squeak but then calmed down.

"Geez! Xiong Zhi! Don't startle me like that!"

"...."

Xiong Zhi just sat in her place and tilted her head. For the first time, Xiong Zhi was willing to lend her ear genuinely to Xuantin. Well, if not for Xuantin, Xiong Zhi would not have that unforgettable memory in that amus.e.m.e.nt park. Thinking about this,  Xiong Zhi becomes more courageous to endure Song Xuantin's unending talk.

However, contrary to her expectation, Xuantin just said one word.

"Failed."

"..."

Silence remained between them. Xuantin was in no mood to tell the details of her failed mission. She was suffering from the blow until now.

While Xiong Zhi did not know what to say. How to comfort someone? She did not know. Maybe silence was the best answer.

Lunch came and Xuantin's heart was so heavy that she just remained in her place. Xiong Zhi was about to leave her however, Xiong Zhi's conscience was telling her to be a good friend. She owned Xuantin so much. Without her, Linfeng might not call her name until now.

Xiong Zhi sighed and got back to her seat.

"Xuantin..." She nudges Xuantin who was still sulking.

But Xuantin did not bother. For her, it was like the end of the world.

'Gu Zhen...'

Throughout that day Gu Zhen did not even glance at her. Was those computers was attractive than her? Could they smile so lovingly like her? See their body! So dull! She, Xuantin had curves! Why Gu Zhen was so blind?! Could she really win against those s.l.u.tty computers?!!

"--Xuantin, don't give up now. You said love has a long way to go. It was only operation 1. You have still many chances in the future." Did I say the right words?

Xiong Zhi said sincerely. Xuantin looked at her. But still sat unmovingly. However, her eyes were now sparkled with courage.

"Common. It's lunch. Let's use this chance. Let's eat with Gu Zhen. I know you have many tricks left right?"

Xuantin nodded enthusiastically.

"Don't worry, you claimed yourself as my friend. So I will help you. Since you helped me."

Xuantin stands up.

"Yeah! With your help, I can get closer to him! Of course, I will not give up! I have been in love with him since I was seven! What a mere day? I can endure even ten years!" Xuantin said placing her fist on her chest.

"Good! Let's go now!"

So the two of them exited in the classroom.

____________________

In the cafeteria, Gu Zhen was typing nonstop. He then grabbed a juice to drink while his other hand was still typing. At that moment, two huge shadows hovering above him. Subconsciously he looked up. Two pretty girls were looking at him. If it was another guy they might swoon right now. However, Gu Zhen just nods and ignores them. This brought a stab to Xuantin's heart. But no! She must endure!

Xiong Zhi just sat across from him and pulled Xuantin to sit beside her. Xuantin followed obediently like a bunny.

And they ate in silence.

"...."

"...."

"...."

Xiong Zhi could not help but nudge at Xuantin signaling at her to make her move. If this continues the bell might ring.

"I--Gu Zhen...d-do you want more juice?"

"...." Xiong Zhi

'Juice? What kind of move is that?'

"Why? Do you have more?" Gu Zhen said then gulped the last drop of his juice.

"I-I'm going to buy! I am thirsty...so to save time I will also buy yours ..I'm just going to the counter anyway hehe" And then Xuantin quickly ran to the counter.

"..." Xiong Zhi

Gu Zhen looked at the running figure of Xuantin before going back to his typing. But the corner of his lips was slightly curved. Xiong Zhi who was observing at the side, of course, noticed this.

' Is he smiling? What's that a smile? Come to think of it...this guy never smile even we were alone...hmmm...cadon't believe this move is effective...maybe I should try sometimes...'

***[RR]: oh poor Linfeng..be prepared!****

(A/N: Why are you popping suddenly?)

***[RR]: why? Are you the only one who had a privilege to pop up?****

(A/N:....)

In the counter, Song Xuantin accepted the two juice in her hands. Stalking Gu Zhen for nine years, she knew what he likes and dislikes. Apple flavor for him an orange for her. She was about to go back when she saw a junior student writing something on the carton of juice.

'Fighting!' The girl keeps the juice and then gave it to some guy in her table. Then the guy smiled at the girl.

Song Xuantin then looked at the juice's carton. She was drinking this juice since the first day but never notice that in the corner was like a blank whiteboard design on it. On top it was written: convey your message!

Then her eyes lit up. She borrowed a pen from the counter, wrote and draw something on it.

She went back to their table and handed the apple juice to Gu Zhen. Gu Zhen just mattered 'thanks' and drank from it. However, throughout the lunch, he seemed to not notice Xuantin's message on the carton juice. This brought another stab to Xuantin. But who cares? Did she not suffer for many stabs for all those years? Even he did not notice it, it did not matter. She could try again!

The bell rang and all of them prepared to go. Xuantin and Xiong Zhi went ahead first. But before they turn to the corner Xiong Zhi saw Gu Zhen in front of the trash bin studying the carton of juice in his hand.