Hunting Deer Without Fear

Lu Mian says: He’s my brother.

Song Siyu says: She’s my student.

It’s the perfect cover. If you miss someone, you can say you’re thinking of them because of your teacher-student bond. Even after graduation, there’s still a chance to meet again.

Much later, the time Song Siyu and Lu Mian arrange to go on a trip together.

Song Siyu: “So, will you give me a chance?”

Lu Mian pauses and turns her head. “What chance?”

Song Siyu: “Can’t you tell that... I like you?”

Lu Mian shakes her head, looking incredulous. In her head: When I was still your student? You helped me with homework, gave me books, signed me up for tutoring classes?? This...

Song Siyu: “I’ve been through all the bitterness and sourness of this world with you. There’s just a little sweetness at the corner of your mouth that I haven’t tasted yet. How about you let me find out what it’s like, and I’ll let you taste the fragrance of the Longjing tea I just drank?”

Lu Mian: “…Did you copy that from Zhihu?”

Song Siyu presses on: “Two families join in marriage, a union solemnly pledged. May this fine match endure, and may your home be blessed. As the peach blossoms bloom today, may you build a happy home; may your descendants flourish for generations to come. With this promise of lifelong devotion, I write these words upon fine paper, and record our pledge of love in the marriage register.”

Lu Mian thinks: A true language teacher. Please spare me...

Just as Song Siyu is about to rally and try again, Lu Mian leans in, hooks one arm around his neck, and lifts the corners of her mouth. Her eyebrows curve, and her eyes shine as if they hold an entire galaxy. Then she whispers in his ear:

“You think you can flirt with me looking like that?”

Song Siyu: I must uphold the dignity of the teacher’s calling.

“Why don’t you try?”

Lu Mian gently rests her head on Zhao Muyuan’s shoulder and says, one word at a time:

“I really like you.”

Song Siyu’s expression goes blank in an instant.

It’s not that your sweet talk is especially flirtatious. It’s actually quite simple. It’s just that because it’s you, hearing it makes me especially happy.

A sweet little treat. Come on in and have some candy.