During morning reading class and lunch break, Sheng Tang made a bracelet for Gu Shiting.
She used white and light green threads that looked bright and fresh, like the tender leaves of early spring.
After school, she intentionally left a bit later, took a bus, got off one stop after, and saw Gu Shiting’s car by the roadside as expected.
He was sitting quietly in the car, hands on his knees, looking so obedient it was heart-wrenching.
Sheng Tang knocked on the car window.
The car door opened, she got in, and the driver started the car.
Gu Shiting felt a bit nervous.
He turned to look at Sheng Tang, and seeing her mischievous grin, he became even more nervous.
"For you." Sheng Tang’s smile deepened, gradually widening.
Her face lit up with joy, both playful and vibrant, yet stunningly beautiful.
Gu Shiting was entranced for a couple of seconds.
Then, he took the bracelet.
The bracelet was very well made, not at all like a beginner’s work; the colors were nice, neither too flashy nor too dull; the size was just right to fit around Gu Shiting’s wrist.
He lightly caressed it, feeling exceptionally satisfied.
"It’s beautiful!" he said seriously, "Better than any handmade bracelet I’ve ever seen!"
Sheng Tang: "..."
His compliment, though quite exaggerated, always came from such a sincere place. No matter how over-the-top the praise, when it came from him, it felt as if Sheng Tang truly deserved it.
Sheng Tang grabbed his hand and examined it: "Indeed, it’s not bad."
Then, she laughed again.
Gu Shiting was puzzled.
"...Why are you like a child, wanting whatever others have?" Sheng Tang chuckled, "And next time, if you don’t clarify your requests and just secretly manipulate me, I’ll get angry."
Gu Shiting quickly reached out and embraced her shoulders.
He wrapped his strong arms around her, wanting to encompass her entire world.
"I’m scared..."
"Scared of what?"
"Scared you’ll laugh at me, call me childish." Gu Shiting’s lips were near her ear.
His words were soft and cute, yet his grip was tight and his lips were too close, making Sheng Tang feel a sense of pressure—a dominating force enveloped her, making her instinctively want to submit to him.
She regained her composure and forcefully pushed his hand away.
She sat up straight, lightly coughed: "If you’re afraid of me laughing at you, then don’t do such childish things."
Having received the bracelet, Gu Shiting’s inner monster was thoroughly pacified, he nodded obediently: "I won’t do it again."