Chapter 102 My request is, tonight you sleep with me.
*
"Team Leader, do you hate him?"
"I don't."
"But he betrayed you twice."
"I wouldn't call it betrayal; he just... likes a lot of people."
"You’re actually defending that? Your moral compass is seriously skewed."
Su Xian burst out laughing. "True, I’ve been corrupted. But I'm lucky to have met such a kind and upright 'little friend'. You’re so cute." She reached out to ruffle his hair, but he swatted her hand away, giving her a look of stern warning. She immediately corrected herself. "Oh, sorry. Can’t say the 'S' word (Small/Little)."
"The world is being ruined by people like you—low morals and muddled thinking," he said huffily. "Even I’m being influenced and led astray by you."
"Don’t worry, you’re fine. We’ve lived under the same roof for eight or nine months since the breakup and maintained a pure friendship. It shows you haven't been negatively affected by me at all."
"Isn't that pure friendship mainly thanks to you? I’ve always been a person of few desires; staying platonic is my natural state, effortless. You, on the other hand, have to put in a massive effort. So, go ahead, give yourself a pat on the back."
Su Xian frowned. Something about that didn't sound right—it didn't feel like a compliment. She flicked his forehead. "Just get back to your studies. If you fail, expect a beating!" She stood up and walked out of his room.
Honestly, I come over to help tutor you out of the goodness of my heart, and you have the nerve to mock me for having ulterior motives? I do not!
**
The exam was in late July, and the Golden Week holidays in May were the perfect time to catch up. So, neither went out. Every day, they woke up and studied; eating and exercise became mere tools to increase efficiency. Their only entertainment was grocery shopping.
By April, Su Xian had helped Li Chengshi go through all the subjects once to understand the core concepts. During the first ten days of the May holiday, she took him through everything again to find any gaps. Next was a cycle of constant revision—crossing off mastered content so the workload decreased and the time spent on each cycle shortened. By the exam, they’d likely cover the material ten times. Except for some extremely tough topics, he should have a solid grasp.
However, on the last day of the holiday, they decided to relax. They slept until they woke up naturally, went to an all-you-can-eat BBQ on an empty stomach, and visited the racecourse in the afternoon. They bought over 10,000 yen worth of betting tickets but only won back 2,000—not even enough for a movie theater ticket. So, they bought a giant tub of popcorn and a big bottle of coke to watch a film at home.
*
Su Xian chose a 1999 classic, Fight Club. Li Chengshi opened the popcorn and turned off the lights.
"I can't believe you haven't seen such a great movie!" Su Xian found it incredible.
"What’s so strange about that? I wasn't even born then."
"I feel like you’re calling me old in a roundabout way."
"I’ve never thought you were old; on the contrary, you’re the one always looking down on me for being young."
"I don't... I’m just... envious of your youth."
"Liar. Every time you call me 'little kid,' the subtext is that I'm immature, incompetent, and lack 'that kind' of attraction."
"Which kind of attraction? Hahaha." She couldn't help but chuckle.
"Stop playing dumb."
"Ok. Why would I think you lack attraction? Don't forget, I was the one begging to sleep with you back then, and you were the one putting on airs."
"Because I had to get my mother's permission first! Let's not talk about that. Remember that request you promised I could make?"
"Of course I remember, but..."
"Hey, hey, there were no strings attached at the time. Are you trying to back out now?"
"Because based on the context, I have a premonition you might make an irrational request. As your senior, I have the duty to guide you in the right direction—"
"Cut the act. A person is only as good as their word, Su Xian. My request is, tonight..."
Su Xian lunged forward to cover his mouth, but it was too late. The final four words leaked clearly through her fingers: "You sleep with me."
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The popcorn tub fell from his arms, spilling all over the floor.
*
This was awkward.
Despite the movie’s rising tension, Su Xian couldn't focus at all. Her "gentle and kind" little cute Li Chengshi had actually made such an outrageous demand; she was at a loss.
He’s a kid with such strong principles! How could he?!
"Do you really want to... with me? Won't it be awkward? Doesn't it violate your moral code?"
"If it violates it, so be it. I haven't seen you people with low morals getting punished. As for whether it's awkward, we’ll only know after trying."
Su Xian felt her face beginning to burn. Luckily the lights were off, otherwise her image as a "seasoned romantic" would be ruined if he saw her blushing.
She adjusted her breathing to stabilize her emotions and told herself: Psh, what’s there to be afraid of? I’ve slept with him hundreds of times already. Living together after a breakup... no one would believe we're 'innocent' anyway. Besides, am I someone who cares about this?
She said calmly, "Alright then. After the movie, I’ll go to my room and get ready, then I’ll call you up."
"Huh?" He let out a weak gasp. "You... you're actually willing?"
Su Xian immediately caught his panic. Her confidence returned instantly. She smirked secretly, leaned in close, and said, "Because a person must keep their word. Besides, we have our history; it shouldn't be difficult..."
Her breath brushed against his ear, making it itch slightly. Li Chengshi shivered. He wanted to run away, but wouldn't that just prove her point about him lacking "attraction"? He took a deep breath, feigned composure, and suddenly turned his face to accurately kiss her lips.
She had arrogantly assumed the "little kid" was too scared to move and was about to flee in panic, so she had stayed close and defenseless. When he suddenly kissed her, she reflexively jerked back, her voice turning sharp and high-pitched. "Hey! Li Chengshi! Are you for real?!"
He immediately caught her panic too and let out a cold laugh. "Of course I'm for real. What are you hiding for? Come here."
How could she admit defeat now? Su Xian slowly leaned in, actively cupped his face, and pressed her lips to his again, sucking gently. His body was as stiff as a rock, and his heart was thumping like a drum, the vibrations unsettling the very air.
Afraid he might have a heart attack, Su Xian let go and started to giggle, which turned into uncontrollable laughter. she leaned against his shoulder, her whole body shaking.
Kid, I almost thought you’d finally grown up! Hahaha!
"Su Xian, you bastard!" Li Chengshi finally snapped out of it. He had, in the end, proven on the spot that he lacked "that attraction." Feeling humiliated and angry, he pushed her away and stomped over the spilled popcorn back to his room, slamming the door.
**
Su Xian turned on the light and grabbed a broom to clean up the mess. Many kernels had stuck to his shoes and dropped along the path to his room. Su Xian swept her way over and knocked on his door. "Little Bear, I'm coming in."
Pushing the door open, she saw him lying face-down on the bed, refusing to look at her, clearly sulking.
She flipped his slippers over and picked off the popcorn stuck to the soles. "Are you mad at me?"
"I am not!" He punched his pillow. "Just because you don't feel anything for me doesn't mean I lack attraction. Plenty of people think I'm attractive; you just have no taste!"
"Mm-hmm, definitely. You’re handsome, tall, and have a great body. Lots of girls must be attracted to you. Maybe I really just... have no taste."
"Get out! You're not allowed in my room from now on."
"Then do I still need to come over and tutor you tomorrow?"
"Of course you do! Don't you dare try to slack off!"
"Got it." Su Xian retreated from the room.
"Wait!" He shouted.
"Is there something else?"
**
