Chen Lu sat in a coffee shop on the first floor of the mall. The environment was very nice, and there weren't many people there yet, so it was very quiet.

Just like the music playing in the store, the entire store is decorated in a Victorian style.

The tables, chairs, and tableware are all classic.

The only downside was that the lighting was a bit dim.

A moment later, a long-haired girl timidly walked in.

Chen Lu, who was sitting in the corner, waved to her, signaling her to come over.

This was Liang Zhirou's first time entering a store like this.

She had always thought this was a very high-end place, and that things must be very expensive.

It seems expensive now, but not as amazing as she had imagined.

"Why do you always arrive early..." Liang Zhirou sat down opposite Chen Lu, feeling a little embarrassed.

It seems that apart from the day she delivered clothes to Chen Lu, Chen Lu always waited for her in advance every time after that.

Even when she brought Chen Lu breakfast every day, she always thought she was early enough, but she would still see Chen Lu sitting in the familiar place waiting for her.

I felt a strange sense of satisfaction, as if I was being valued.

"I'm used to it," Chen Lu said with a light laugh.

This is indeed his habit, but some people appreciate his efforts while others don't.

Seeing the hair tie on Liang Zhirou's wrist, Chen Lu's smile deepened. He had only mentioned it casually, but he hadn't expected this simpleton to actually remember it...

He added, "Actually, I was shopping with my sister before I came here, it's just a pity I didn't run into you."

Liang Zhirou pretended not to know anything, "Is...is that so? Maybe we just missed each other. I haven't seen you either."

She said that, but in reality, she kept watching Chen Lu until he disappeared from her sight.

However, she never expected Chen Lu to go around to the other side to see her.

Chen Lu looked at Liang Zhirou's reaction and a slight smile appeared on his lips.

This simpleton can't even lie.

"It's a bit of a pity." Chen Lu looked at the nervous girl in front of him and was completely certain that the girl in the mascot costume was her.

Liang Zhirou felt uncomfortable under that look and quickly took out the things she had bought to change the subject.

She carefully placed the shopping bag on the table and said in a barely audible whisper, "It's for you..."

Hearing that it was a gift for him, Chen Lu was somewhat surprised and looked at her intently.

The girl was at her wit's end. If she didn't change the subject, she would feel uncomfortable being stared at, but if she did, she would still be stared at and would be extremely embarrassed.

She could only lower her head and look away, not daring to look at him.

Chen Lu didn't stand on ceremony, took it, and opened it to take a look.

"This photo album is beautifully designed."

He quite liked the design of the pocket watch; after all, photo albums are meant to be used to reminisce about the past.

"Do...do you like it?" Liang Zhirou finally managed to squeeze out the words with great effort, her ears burning and her head lowered even further.

"I really like it." Chen Lu smiled gently, making the girl momentarily dazed.

The incredibly handsome boy in front of her and his gentle smile were the only ray of light shining into her dark life.

She loved seeing him smile.

"That's good..." Liang Zhirou finally breathed a sigh of relief, and even the fatigue on her face disappeared.

This was the first time she had ever picked out a gift for a boy, and she was incredibly nervous.

"I'm going to print out the photos I took of you and put them in here," Chen Lu said earnestly, putting the album back into the shopping bag.

"ah?"

Liang Zhirou's face flushed red instantly, all the way to the roots of her ears. "I...I didn't buy it for you to do this..."

I bought it for you because I thought you liked photography...

Seeing the girl's expression, Chen Lu continued with a mischievous grin, "This album can hold four hundred photos. I'll take more for you when I have the chance. It would be a waste if it didn't fill up."

"I'm not good-looking... please stop taking pictures..."

Liang Zhirou felt like she had been tricked.

How could I have been so foolish? Why didn't I just give her something else...?

She felt her refusal lacked any persuasiveness, firstly because she was simply not used to refusing Chen Lu's requests...

Secondly, Chen Lu always argues so seriously that he easily gets her confused.

Every time I try to reject Chen Lu, he gets more excited...

Just as Chen Lu was about to continue bullying people, his phone rang.

Chen Lu picked it up and glanced at it unhappily.

It was Lin Miaomiao calling.

"What's wrong?" Chen Lu asked, somewhat exasperated. This was just delaying things.

Lin Miaomiao said anxiously, "Liang Zhirou has gone missing! We can't get through to her on the phone at all!"

"Why are you calling me when I can't get through to her?"

"You... right, why would I call you?" came a not-so-bright voice from the other end of the phone.

Chen Lu smiled at Liang Zhirou, who looked on with curiosity, and turned on the speakerphone. "I'm just kidding. I'm right next to her right now. Her phone is dead."

"Then I'm relieved. I knew this idiot wouldn't even be willing to rent a power bank."

As she was talking, Lin Miaomiao seemed to remember something and suddenly shouted:

"You despicable couple! You deserve to be drowned in a pig cage!"

Liang Zhirou remained silent, her face full of guilt, while she pondered what to buy for Lin Miaomiao.

After a moment of silence, she looked up and asked:

What do you want to talk to me about?

The girl still remembered why Chen Lu had asked her to come here. Although she would have stayed even without a reason, she was still afraid that Chen Lu might have something to say.

"My parents are looking for a tutor for my sister recently, and I was wondering if you'd be interested." Chen Lu didn't mention that he had already paved the way, so she had to agree.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!