3rd chapter:-a different side of him

*I guess he's only like that with his family.*

*...He looks quite handsome when he smiles.*

After enjoying our pastries, Lin Yunxi and I walked over to the counter to pay.

Gu Chen was standing at the counter.

His expression had already returned to its usual calm, unreadable look.

"The total is thirty-eight yuan."

*He's back to being expressionless again.*

*To think my heart actually raced when he smiled at his mother...*

I handed him the money.

"Here."

Gu Chen counted the cash before looking up.

"You're five yuan short."

"Oh!"

I quickly checked the money in my hand.

"I'm so sorry. My mistake."

"It's alright."

His voice remained calm.

"No worries."

I blinked in surprise.

*He... actually said 'No worries'?*

*I thought he was rude to everyone.*

*Why is my heart racing again...?*

After leaving the pastry shop, Lin Yunxi and I went our separate ways.

When I arrived home, my older brother, **Su Yichen**, was sitting on the sofa playing video games.

The moment he saw me, he put down the controller.

"My little cutie pie is back!" he said with a grin. "How was college? Did anyone bully you? Tell your big brother, and I'll teach them a lesson."

I laughed helplessly.

"No, Brother. No one bullied me. Don't jump to conclusions."

"So, how was your day?"

"It was great. Yunxi and I stopped by a pastry shop after class."

"That's good." He smiled. "Are you hungry? I can cook something for you."

I shook my head.

"Nah. I don't have much of an appetite. I'll just make a cup of noodles."

"Alright. Dad and Mom won't be home tonight. They're away on a business trip."

"I know."

"I'll be in my room playing games. If you need anything, just call me."

"Okay. I'll finish my assignments and go to bed early. I have important lectures tomorrow morning."

"Goodnight, little cutie pie."

"Goodnight, Brother."

The next morning...

Beep! Beep! Beep!

My alarm rang.

Half asleep, I reached over, turned it off, and went back to sleep.

A few minutes later...

Beep! Beep! Beep!

The alarm rang again.

I slowly opened one eye and looked at the time.

"...What?!"

I shot up from my bed.

"I'm late!"

Without even eating breakfast, I grabbed my bag and rushed out of the house.

*There's a bakery on the way to the university.*

*I'll just buy some bread there.*

I hurried down the street without paying attention to where I was going.

Bang!

I collided with someone.

Both of us lost our balance and fell to the ground.

When I opened my eyes...

I realized I was lying on top of him.

Our eyes met.

Neither of us spoke.

For a few long seconds, we simply stared at each other.

Finally, a calm voice broke the silence.

"Are you planning to get up today?"

I instantly came back to my senses.

"S-Sorry!"

I quickly stood up and bowed repeatedly.

"I'm so sorry! I was in a rush. I didn't mean to bump into you."

Gu Chen slowly stood up.

"Being in a rush doesn't justify bumping into someone."

"I know..."

I lowered my head.

"I'm really sorry."

Without saying another word, Gu Chen turned around and walked away.

I sighed.

*Out of everyone... why did I have to bump into him?*

Just as I was about to leave...

Footsteps approached.

I looked up.

Gu Chen had come back.

In his hand was some medicine in bag.

Without saying anything, he knelt down in front of me.

Only then did I notice the scrapes on my hand and knee.

He carefully cleaned the wounds with disinfectant before gently wrapping them with a bandage.

I stared at him in surprise.

"You don't have to do this," I said softly. "I can do it myself."

"Be still."

His tone was calm but firm.

I obediently stayed still.

After finishing, he stood up and turned to leave.

"Wait!"

I grabbed his sleeve.

He stopped.

"You have a wound too."

"It's not a big deal."

"No."

I shook my head.

"It does look like a big deal. You were hurt because of me, so it's my responsibility."

Before he could refuse, I gently held his hand.

I carefully cleaned his wound and wrapped the bandage around it.

Every now and then, I softly blew on the scrape.

"It must hurt..."

I murmured.

Gu Chen quietly looked at me.

For the first time in a long while...

He found himself speechless.

After making sure the bandage was secure, I tied the ends into a small bow.

"There," I said with a satisfied smile.

"All done."

I looked up at him.

"Try not to get it wet, okay?"

Gu Chen lowered his gaze.

A small bow was neatly tied on the bandage around his hand.

For a long moment...

He simply stared at it.

"..."

Without another word, he turned around and walked away.

I watched his back disappear into the crowd before letting out a quiet sigh.

He's... not as cold as everyone thinks.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***