Chapter 44: Chapter 44 Afraid of WarmthAfter Cheng Lie finished drinking, he handed the cup back to her.

    The boy’s expression remained indifferent, without a trace of emotion.

    It was as if he had drunk his own water, not someone else’s.

    Even though Yun Shifei’s water bottle was newly purchased for this trip, and she hadn’t even used it herself, Cheng Lie drinking unhesitatingly, without caring if she had drunk from it before—was this really okay?

    Yun Shifei felt something wasn’t quite right.

    She stared at Cheng Lie for a while.

    The boy lowered his gaze, his long lashes casting shadows beneath his eyes, making his pale skin appear even more snow-like.

    His thin lips were gently pressed together, giving him an unusually quiet and well-behaved look.

    So well-behaved that one couldn’t bring themselves to blame him.

    Yun Shifei stayed silent, guessing Cheng Lie’s motives for his actions, and eventually asked, "Did you forget to bring water?"

    Cheng Lie nodded.

    So that was it! He was probably thirsty.

    This kid, seriously—going on a trip and forgetting to bring water.

    Yun Shifei stuffed the water bottle into Cheng Lie’s hand. "Take it, it’s for you to drink. It’s a new bottle. I haven’t used it."

    Meanwhile, she figured she’d buy a bottle of mineral water when they got to the attraction.

    Cheng Lie stared at the cup in his hand.

    The pink transparent bottle looked so gentle under the light, like a dream.

    Actually, he did bring a water bottle.

    He just hadn’t taken a sip from the water inside.

    That morning, as he came downstairs, he saw Cheng Huai placing his water bottle on the table. At the sight of him, Cheng Huai smiled warmly: "Xiao Lie, good morning."

    His tone was lighthearted, as usual.

    But Cheng Lie noticed Cheng Huai secretly tossing a paper, dusted with some powder, into the bin.

    He said nothing, quietly watching as Cheng Huai packed the water bottle into his backpack.

    Now thirsty, upon seeing Yun Shifei take out her water bottle, he grabbed it and took a sip.

    He thought Yun Shifei would be angry, but instead, she simply handed the bottle to him.

    Holding this soft pink water bottle that was completely mismatched with him, Cheng Lie felt an indescribable emotion rising in his heart.

    That rare feeling of being cared for sent a warm current surging through him.

    But did he really need that warmth?

    It was like being in darkness for so long, then suddenly seeing the sun—the eyes instinctively stung.

    After lingering in the shadows for so long, receiving warmth unexpectedly made him uneasy.

    By the time Yun Shifei started dozing off, the bus finally arrived at the forest park.

    After disembarking, the students gathered at the entrance. Once the teacher counted everyone, they were allowed to explore in groups until four in the afternoon, with instructions to meet back at the entrance.

    After emphasizing safety precautions, the teacher specifically approached Yun Shifei.

    At the time, Cheng Lie was standing next to Yun Shifei, his face void of expression, quietly blending into the background.

    The teacher sighed softly and said to Yun Shifei, "Shi Fei, please keep an eye on Cheng Lie for me."

    "Sure, Teacher."

    Yun Shifei knew the teacher was worried, but she wasn’t too concerned. Her mental age surpassed Cheng Lie’s by quite a bit, and Cheng Lie was so well-behaved that taking care of him wouldn’t be an issue.

    She bought herself a bottle of water at the small stall near the entrance, while Song Yang and his group opted for sodas and hot dogs.

    Seeing her together with Cheng Lie, Song Yang couldn’t resist taking a jab. "Hey, Ugly Freak, are you really sticking with this idiot all day?"

    "Stop calling us Ugly Freak and idiot—we have names," Yun Shifei replied.

    "Tch—" Song Yang scoffed, "You’ve got such a pretty name, but paired with that face, it’s such a mismatch. Ugly Freak suits you much better."

    Yun Shifei wanted to strangle Song Yang on the spot—his foul mouth was beyond irritating.

    Yet, in the end, she held back.

    After all, Song Yang was a big guy, and she was petite and slender. If she fought him, there was no way she’d win.

    Besides, she knew Song Yang’s sole intent was to provoke her. The angrier she got, the more satisfied he’d be.

    She refused to give him what he wanted.

    "Thanks for complimenting my name!" She flashed Song Yang a smile, then tugged Cheng Lie’s arm. "Let’s go, Cheng Lie."

    Surprised by Yun Shifei’s lack of reaction, Song Yang froze for a moment, then furiously threw the soda can in his hand onto the ground.

    "I was calling you ugly, not saying your name’s nice!"

    By then, Yun Shifei and Cheng Lie were already strolling at an unhurried pace along the shaded path.

    The forest park was vast, and although there were over a hundred students, its numerous branching paths quickly scattered everyone.

    "It’s pretty, isn’t it?" Yun Shifei turned to Cheng Lie with a cheerful smile.

    The fresh air here was so rejuvenating that she couldn’t help but take a deep breath.

    This time of year, the forest park was lush with greenery, a symphony of cicadas and birds filling the air.

    This return to nature was immensely calming.

    As they walked, Yun Shifei struck up a conversation with Cheng Lie, "I heard from Uncle Liu you’re really good at painting, is that true?"

    "I’ve never seen one of your paintings before. I bet they’re beautiful."

    "I actually like painting too, but I don’t have any talent for it. Everything I paint turns out terrible," Yun Shifei admitted sheepishly, even sticking her tongue out in embarrassment.

    She chose topics she thought Cheng Lie might find interesting, hoping he’d slowly open up and respond.

    But to her surprise, Cheng Lie remained silent.

    Yun Shifei sighed, realizing how challenging it was to get him to say even a single word!

    It seemed like the only times he spoke were when he was upset. Sёar?h the n?vel_Fire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    She recalled the only two instances she’d heard Cheng Lie speak.

    Each time, it was because something had touched a nerve, prompting him to respond.

    She felt a little helpless—she certainly couldn’t intentionally bring up sensitive topics just to make him talk.

    Especially after learning about his past, Yun Shifei was even more cautious in her interactions with Cheng Lie, careful not to accidentally hurt him.

    In many ways, they were alike, and she understood Cheng Lie.

    After walking for a while, Yun Shifei began to feel tired.

    It was now noon—lunchtime.

    She sat down on a bench, pulling out two lunchboxes from her backpack.

    She handed one to Cheng Lie with a smile. "I asked Aunt Zhong to make two lunchboxes. Her cooking’s amazing—you’ve got to try it!"

    Cheng Lie’s gaze fell on the lunchbox offered to him.

    The aluminum container hid its contents, revealing nothing.

    But this simple gesture made Cheng Lie’s eyes narrow slightly.

    The boy’s cold demeanor seemed to soften, like ice thawing slowly.

    No matter how much he tried to suppress it, cracks began to show.

    Yun Shifei didn’t notice Cheng Lie’s changing expression.

    She opened her own lunchbox, revealing a generous spread.

    Inside were broccoli, leafy greens, stir-fried beef, a fried egg, and a small drumstick.

    Though made in the morning, the warm weather—coupled with careful preparation—had kept the meal comfortably warm.

    Yun Shifei handed a set of chopsticks to Cheng Lie.

    But the boy didn’t take them.

    Could it be that he actually had brought his lunch? Yun Shifei hadn’t asked Cheng Lie if he had food earlier, assuming the Cheng Family’s attitude toward him would result in something like plain dry rations.

    She lifted her gaze and caught the boy staring directly at her.

    In his eyes, a shadow of suppressed emotion seemed to linger, like a pressure heavily contained.