Chapter 46: New Car and a Girl’s Daydreams

What excuse should I use to meet Gu Fan?

I spent two whole classes thinking about it, making all sorts of plans—but in the end, I rejected every one.

Forget it, I’ll just honestly wait until after school and ride the bus home with Gu Fan.

When the school bell rang, I rested my head on the desk, zoning out.

The other students packed their bags and walked out chatting happily.

It looked so nice.

If only Gu Fan was in my class, maybe things would be like that too.

I couldn’t help but look forward to the class reshuffling next semester.

Hopefully, I’d end up in the same class as Gu Fan, and pick the same elective courses as him.

I could slowly catch up on any missed lessons—studying is easier than being around Gu Fan.

Wait, does that mean I think being with Gu Fan is troublesome?

That’s not what I meant. Being by Gu Fan’s side makes me happy, it’s just that it takes a lot of effort.

Maybe it’s because I can study easily without much trouble, but when it comes to Gu Fan, I have to focus all my attention on him, which is why I get tired.

After a short break, I grabbed my empty bag and left the classroom.

I originally planned to check the cafeteria to see if I could run into Gu Fan, but then I remembered the last time I arranged to meet him, and ran into Shiratori.

So I quickly gave up on that idea.

Better to just go home and eat some noodles.

I’ve earned quite a bit working at the cat café lately, but since my social skills are poor, it’s best to save money for emergencies anyway—I’m not picky about food.

After leaving school, I passed the parking lot and headed straight to the bus stop.

I should be able to catch the second bus; fewer people and more seats should be available.

I thought this to myself and quickened my pace, but it seemed like someone was calling my name from behind.

Maybe it was just my imagination?

I don’t know many people, and Gu Fan must be eating in the cafeteria right now.

I ignored the vague voice behind me and kept walking.

After a while, I heard the buzzing sound of an engine, and then a sleek black motorcycle pulled up in front of me.

The driver… I looked closely and it was Gu Fan.

“Gu Fan? You bought a new bike?”

I widened my eyes and leaned toward him—not because I was interested in the motorcycle, but because I kind of wanted to scold him for buying a new vehicle without telling me first.

“I just picked it up yesterday. I wanted to surprise you this afternoon, but I saw you at the parking lot just now, so I called out to you.”

“Oh, I did hear it, but I thought I misheard…”

So awkward!

I didn’t expect it to actually be Gu Fan.

I looked away from Gu Fan’s eyes toward the nearby wall, trying to think of something to say.

This was the first time Gu Fan stopped me halfway like this, and I felt a little lost.

“Come on, get on. I’ll give you a ride home.”

Gu Fan patted the back seat of his motorcycle, raising his chin, signaling me to hop on.

“Huh? Is that okay? Our homes are a bit far apart—it’s not very convenient to go out of the way.”

“No problem, it’s just a little detour. I promised to give you a ride.”

“Alright then, thanks.”

I hurried a few steps and jumped onto the back seat, afraid Gu Fan might change his mind.

If he’s going to bother me, he’s not allowed to back out now.

Gu Fan reached back and pressed his hand on my waist, pulling me closer to him.

“Be careful, don’t fall off.”

Eh?

My waist was touched…

A tingling sensation spread through me as my chest pressed against Gu Fan’s back.

My cheeks instantly flushed—probably because this close position felt a bit… sensual.

But judging by Gu Fan’s reaction, he didn’t seem to mind?

“Hold onto my waist. I might speed up later, don’t get scared.”

“Mm-hmm, I trust your driving skills, Gu Fan.”

That’s what I said, but I still wrapped my arms tightly around his waist, clearly feeling the defined muscles of his abdomen.

Hehe, so nice—want to touch a little more~

Opportunities to freely cozy up to Gu Fan like this weren’t common.

My cheek sneaked against his back, and my nose caught his unique scent—the fresh grassy smell of his laundry detergent mixed with the unmistakable masculine scent of a boy.

Gu Fan noticed my overly affectionate excitement but just shrugged without saying anything.

Then he started the motorcycle and smoothly rode down the road.

I think… this might be my first time on a motorcycle?

When I was very little, I rode a few times on my mom’s electric bike, back when my father hadn’t yet cheated and my mother was still a gentle catgirl to the Gu family.

Well, a little nostalgic, but there’s no turning back now.

I held Gu Fan’s waist tightly.

The bike rode so steadily I could relax against him without worry.

I don’t know if someday society’s expectations will force me into marriage, but right now, I just want to be with Gu Fan properly for three years.

That’s all.

Hmm… speaking of which, if Gu Fan ever gets married and has kids, what kind of father and husband would he be?

I hope he’s nothing like my scumbag dad.

Maybe because I was so close to Gu Fan, a constant sense of security flowed from his warm body, wrapping around me like a warm current, making me feel as safe as lying in bed lost in thought.

After my wandering thoughts, when Gu Fan softly called me, the familiar road signs appeared in front of us.

“We’re here.”

Gu Fan stretched out his long legs, planting one firmly on the ground to support the motorcycle, then kicked down the stand.

I jumped off the relatively tall motorcycle, kept a serious face, and bowed to Gu Fan.

“Thank you for giving me a ride home. I really appreciate it.”

Gu Fan waved his hand.

“No need to be so formal with me. Didn’t we agree to be friends? This is just a small favor.”

Even though Gu Fan said that, I still wouldn’t give up being polite.

When someone helps you, you have to respond sincerely — that’s a principle I stick to.

Watching Gu Fan ride away, a sudden wave of disappointment crept into my heart.

Partly because I simply didn’t want him to leave, and partly because I was reluctant to lose the chance to chat with him on the bus.

I had actually considered inviting Gu Fan to stay at my house for a while, but the sudden image of my mother coming home kept flashing in my mind, so I decisively gave up that idea.

Besides, pushing too far isn’t good — it can wear people out.

Always chasing Gu Fan, asking him to do this or that — anyone would get annoyed, right?

Eh… but if Gu Fan ordered me around like that… maybe that wouldn’t be so bad?

Thinking from another angle, realizing I actually want to be bossed around by Gu Fan made my cheeks heat up instantly.

What a shameless woman you are, Zhi Nian.

How can you be like this?

Can you please behave yourself a little?

Bursting through the door, I quickly kicked off my shoes and socks, then flopped onto the bed, rolling around again to vent the frustration in my heart.