Chapter 8: The Color of Love

Realizing he was being treated like trash, Chen Lin felt an odd sensation.

Of course, this peculiar feeling wasn’t the perverse thrill of being looked down upon by a beautiful girl.

While some old gentlemen might revel in it, Chen Lin was no gentleman with such peculiar hobbies.

Right now, his mind was solely occupied with how to clear up the misunderstanding.

That chance encounter the other day had made him realize Shihan likely held a serious misconception about him.

Sure, he had followed Senior Meiyue—and yes, his intentions hadn’t been exactly innocent…

When he thought about it carefully, it didn’t seem like a misunderstanding at all…

But in the end, he had managed to restrain his desires.

Faced with this harsh reality, Chen Lin’s expression darkened. He felt socially dead, unsure how to redeem himself in Shihan’s eyes.

He didn’t expect her to see him as an outstanding man—he just didn’t want to be seen as garbage.

As Chen Lin agonized over how to approach her, a strong hand slapped his back.

It was his best friend, Jin Jie, whose hair was slicked with wax today.

“Hey, morning! What are you standing around for? The school gate’s about to close. Do you want to get chewed out by that weird old dean?” Jin Jie urged him.

Chen Lin glanced at the gate and then at the time.

Indeed, time was running out. If he didn’t enter now, he’d be late.

Jin Jie didn’t wait for him; he strode into the school ahead.

Chen Lin figured this matter couldn’t be resolved in a moment, so he temporarily gave up, planning to explain to Shihan when a better opportunity arose.

Watching Chen Lin’s retreating figure, Shihan’s cheeks flushed crimson. She fidgeted, circling her index fingers.

Her heart raced—just seeing him made it feel like it would leap out of her chest.

An indescribable feeling flooded her mind, as if she were no longer her usual calm self.

Seeing Chen Lin again confirmed her feelings.

‘Really, I don’t understand why I seem to like such a man. He has no noteworthy qualities and even looks kind of creepy…’ she muttered in a voice only she could hear.

Yet strangely, her tone held no bitterness—instead, it felt remarkably happy.

What is the most painful thing in life?

Not meeting the person you truly love.

But if you do meet them, that moment is the happiest.

Love, that human emotion, is never rational. Even the most logical person can go mad for love.

It was like winning the lottery. Shihan felt her chest filled with happiness because she seemed to have met the one destined for her.

Her destined one had appeared.

Though he wasn’t entirely satisfactory and bore no resemblance to Prince Charming, so what?

As long as it was him, she was willing to unconditionally accept even his worst flaws.

Her once dull, routine life now seemed more colorful—perhaps this was the power of love.

Now that she had strong emotions she’d never felt before, her perspective on the world had changed.

Neither never having nor always having something is frightening. What’s frightening is having and then losing.

Because she liked him so much, Shihan worried about how devastated she’d be if she ever lost him.

She feared that version of herself might even scare her.

But such a change was only natural, wasn’t it? Who could bear having their beloved taken away?

Shihan shook her head violently, trying to banish those dark thoughts.

The thought of a bad future unleashed dangerous ideas like Pandora’s box, emerging from the depths of her mind.

She even felt that cruel, bloody methods might be justified—that was what worried her about her own mental state.

“Miss, if we don’t leave now, you’ll be late for school,” the driver reminded her, concerned. His job was to ensure she got to and from school on time.

Shihan stopped fidgeting and murmured to herself, ‘Uh-oh, I almost got swallowed by negative thoughts. I should think positively.’

“Miss? Did you say something?” The driver hadn’t heard clearly.

“Get moving. Take me to school.”

At her command, the driver immediately obeyed and started the car.

With his excellent driving skills, he was confident he could get her to school on time.

“Can I ask you a question?” Shihan inquired.

“Feel free, miss. I’ll answer anything,” he replied.

“Let me be clear: this is just a joke. Take it as one. If I were to confess to some high school boy, what do you think my chances are?” Shihan asked, tensing up slightly.

Though she called it a joke, it wasn’t entirely one. She awaited his answer.

The driver paused briefly before responding, “As your longtime driver, my answer will be objective. I don’t know the build or appearance of this hypothetical high school student, or if he excels in other ways. But if it’s you, miss, there’s no reason for him to refuse.

From any angle—wealth, looks, taste, intelligence—you’re an impeccable match. In my opinion, only a fool with a damaged mind would reject someone as excellent as you.”

“That’s right. Exactly,” Shihan nodded, getting the answer she wanted.

She knew this wasn’t flattery; she truly had the capital to back such confidence.

Just this semester alone, she’d lost count of how many confessions from peers—middle schoolers, even high schoolers—she’d turned down.

Why was she doubting herself? She needed more confidence.

There was no reason for her to fail—none at all. If he would only look at her more, pay more attention, he’d discover countless shining qualities. He’d surely like her too.

Perhaps then, she wouldn’t need to confess; he’d take the initiative.

Then her worry wouldn’t be how to confess, but how to ‘reluctantly’ accept his confession without letting him get too cocky.

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