Chapter 4 - You’re Finally in Love?

Jiang Yi had stayed up late and, with an early class the next morning, felt drowsy almost as soon as she got into the car. She’d meant to keep an eye on Zhong Cheng, but sleep claimed her first.

From the other side of the backseat, Zhong Cheng noticed her head bobbing. His gaze drifted towards her. There, on the delicate skin of her slender neck, a telltale red mark peeked from beneath her collar, hinting at more hidden underneath.

His hand clenched, a knot tightening in his chest. As her head dipped precariously close to falling, he moved swiftly across the seat, lowering his shoulder just in time to catch her.

The movement was pure instinct. Only after her head rested against him did he react, turning cautiously to check if he’d jolted her awake. She hadn't. Her eyes were closed, and she even nuzzled comfortably against his shoulder.

Zhong Cheng froze, holding his breath. He slowly turned back, finally exhaling. A frown creased his brow; he was annoyed with his impulsive behavior. It was so unlike him.

Sensing a gaze, he glanced up, meeting the driver’s eyes in the rearview mirror. The intensity in his own gaze hadn't faded, a sharp edge lingering there. The driver’s smile vanished as he quickly looked away. 

The young master’s look was frightening, just like the elder master’s. And to think, with his usual aloofness, I thought he disliked the young lady. He never even spoke to her in the car before. Turns out he’s just a softie underneath it all.

When the car stopped, the “softie” Zhong Cheng impassively shifted Jiang Yi’s head, his expression cool but his movements gentle. He settled her against the seat back without waking her. He then exited the car without a word.

The driver watched, bewildered. After Zhong Cheng was out of sight, he gently woke Jiang Yi. “Miss, Miss, we’ve arrived.”

Jiang Yi stirred, realizing she was still in the car meant to take her to school. She sat up with a start. Her first instinct was to look beside her. The seat was empty. She glanced out the window and saw a tall figure walking away. Zhong Cheng had left without waking her. 

Well, that’s just like him. She mumbled a greeting to the driver and got out.

Once in the classroom, Jiang Yi immediately started on her studies. Soon, her deskmate Qin Feifei arrived. Seeing the test paper Jiang Yi was working on, she leaned closer, recognizing it as the English assignment from Friday.

Qin Feifei’s eyes widened. “Yiyi, you didn’t finish your homework?” she whispered.

Jiang Yi blushed. She could have finished it, if Zhong Lin hadn’t… distracted her. “Almost,” she murmured. “Just the essay left.”

Seeing her blush, Qin Feifei assumed it was from embarrassment and didn’t think much of it. She propped her chin in her hands, blinking at Jiang Yi. The girl’s skin was flawless, her features delicate, her beauty undeniable. The faint blush on her cheeks made her look even more captivating.

“Yiyi, you’re so pretty,” Qin Feifei sighed, a sentiment she expressed at least three times a day. Jiang Yi, accustomed to the compliment, dismissed it as playful teasing.

Qin Feifei continued to gaze admiringly, her eyes tracing Jiang Yi’s features. Suddenly, her gaze drifted lower, landing on the mark on Jiang Yi’s neck.

“Huh?” She leaned in closer, peering at it. “Are you seeing someone?”

Jiang Yi’s heart leaped into her throat. She instinctively recoiled. “What?”

Qin Feifei leaned in again, pointing. “There’s a hickey here. Didn’t someone kiss you?”