Chapter 46 - Operation 1: after effects (1/2)

The next day was a usual day for Xiong Zhi. Taking her time to walk downstairs, staring boldly at Linfeng, and her usual ride to her school.

However, for a certain someone, it was different. Linfeng was waiting for a chance to mention to Xiong Zhi that the key chain was switched. Initially, he thought Xiong Zhi would speak first about it to him. However, throughout the ride, she did not speak. He had no choice but to speak of it first.

Inside the car, Linfeng was about to open his mouth when his gaze landed at the driver. From time to time, the driver would check them through the review mirror. It was a habit of them since they were trained before they got hired as Xiong's descendant driver. They had to be vigilant in case something happened. Hence the driver could not help but glance at them from time to time. However, this made Linfeng back out for a moment. What if the driver saw the key chain he was giving to Xiong Zhi? He might misunderstand! Especially...that keychain has an ambiguous design with their names on it. The driver might think he had some romantic relationship with their young miss. Giving such a thing to their young miss!

So he had no choice but to wait for another chance. When they alone, when no one could see it.

Xiong Zhi, on the side, who was aware of his every move naturally saw how Linfeng wanted to say something but abruptly stop.

”What is it?” Xiong Zhi directly looked at Linfeng and asked him.

Linfeng swallowed the imaginary lump in his throat before he replied.

”N-nothing..” But Xiong Zhi saw that Linfeng was putting something in his pocket.

Xiong Zhi understands what Linfeng wanted to do.

When they arrived at TIHS, Linfeng was looking for a chance to give it to Xiong Zhi. They were now alone and walking towards the junior's building.

”...X-Xiong Zhi...” Xiong Zhi swiftly turns.

'Did I hear it clearly? He called my name...'

”Ms. Xiong Zhi...” Linfeng quickly corrected himself. Since that day, he found out it was more comfortable to call Xiong Zhi with her name rather than young miss or Ms.

”What is it?” Xiong Zhi said with a small smile. She was in a good mood since Linfeng called her name for the first time without force.

”This...” Linfeng said while reaching out from his pocket.

”I like the Ferris wheel keychain. Can I keep it?” Xiong Zhi said immediately.

”Uh...you can?” Linfeng said confused. He had no choice if Xiong Zhi wanted it. But how about the other?

”Thank you. In exchange you keep mine.” Then she quickly enters the building in case Linfeng recovered his wits.

____________________

As Xiong Zhi entered the room she was in a good mood. From a distance, she saw Song Xuantin beside her place. Xiong Zhi was ready to wave back when no enthusiastic wave came to her. Xuantin was sulking in her chair and she seemed like in deep thought.

'Eh? What happened? '

It was very very unusual for Xuantin to act like that. Walking to her place, Xiong Zhi observed Xuantin. Xuantin sighed and then furrowed her brows. Then she would shake her head.

”What happened?”

”Ahhhhhh!!” Xuantin squeak but then calmed down.

”Geez! Xiong Zhi! Don't startle me like that!”

”....”

Xiong Zhi just sat in her place and tilted her head. For the first time, Xiong Zhi was willing to lend her ear genuinely to Xuantin. Well, if not for Xuantin, Xiong Zhi would not have that unforgettable memory in that amus.e.m.e.nt park. Thinking about this,  Xiong Zhi becomes more courageous to endure Song Xuantin's unending talk.

However, contrary to her expectation, Xuantin just said one word.

”Failed.”

”...”

Silence remained between them. Xuantin was in no mood to tell the details of her failed mission. She was suffering from the blow until now.

While Xiong Zhi did not know what to say. How to comfort someone? She did not know. Maybe silence was the best answer.

Lunch came and Xuantin's heart was so heavy that she just remained in her place. Xiong Zhi was about to leave her however, Xiong Zhi's conscience was telling her to be a good friend. She owned Xuantin so much. Without her, Linfeng might not call her name until now.

Xiong Zhi sighed and got back to her seat.

”Xuantin...” She nudges Xuantin who was still sulking.

But Xuantin did not bother. For her, it was like the end of the world.

'Gu Zhen...'