Chapter 10 - Chapter 10: Trust

Shi Hai wasn't clear about the twists and turns in Jian Sichun's mind that led her to temporarily find a place for herself.

Being looked at with such affectionate eyes by someone his age was something he truly couldn't handle.

Shi Hai turned his head aside, asking her with his profile facing her.

"Um... are you okay?"

Jian Sichun immediately raised her hand, like a good student eagerly answering a teacher's question.

"Yes! Jian Sichun is in good condition! No problems at all!"

At least, from this response, she seemed quite energetic.

Just moments ago, she had been pale, looking like she had seen the end of the world, but in no time, she shook off that gloomy atmosphere and even became "fired up."

The changes in her expression were as captivating as a pantomime.

Do girls' emotions change this quickly?

And who knows what she thought of to make her emotions fluctuate like an electrocardiogram...

It was definitely related to the love letter, since Shi Hai had also seen her change after reading it.

So, Shi Hai steered the conversation back to the sender of the letter.

"Well, did you figure out who sent the letter?"

"Isn't it just a prank by Senior Tian Shui?"

Jian Sichun voiced her thoughts, but it wasn't an objective analysis; it had a personal touch.

Unlike Tian Shui, who believed the sender's actions were a form of humiliation, Jian Sichun was somewhat grateful to the anonymous person for showing her the letter's contents.

Otherwise, she might have lost herself again upon seeing Shi Hai, inevitably repeating past mistakes.

Now that she had decided to find Shi Hai a perfect girl, Jian Sichun naturally assumed the role of a mother.

And her primary target for scrutiny was, of course, Tian Shui.

Honestly, even as a fellow woman, Jian Sichun had to admit that Tian Shui was almost too perfect as a "woman."

Some women go as far as getting surgery for beauty, while Tian Shui seemed to be God's favorite, with natural looks that would make most women envious—a stunning beauty.

And her figure was just as perfect, her breasts are at least a couple of sizes bigger than Jian Sichun's, and her hips looked ideal for childbirth, yet she had such a slim waist... a dreamlike S-line that could magnetically attract men's attention just by appearing in public.

Although her style wasn't pure, it wasn't too revealing either, and it was quite fashionable, which added points.

And she was genuinely wealthy...

The perfect rich woman, the dream girl for many men, making her truly impeccable in that aspect.

From past memories, Tian Shui remained unmarried even at thirty, with no news of her dating anyone.

But knowing someone's face doesn't mean knowing their heart; who knew what she was like behind the scenes?

Maybe she was secretly a dominatrix with a bunch of kept boys, enjoying stepping on their faces...

Of course, excluding Tian Shui based solely on such assumptions wasn't right.

But Jian Sichun still had reasons to be dissatisfied.

Her biggest issue wasn't with Tian Shui's shortcomings but with the problems her excellence would bring.

A perfect career woman like her must be extremely busy, right? If they were to date, would she have time to be with Shi Hai?

Jian Sichun didn't want to see Shi Hai silently endure loneliness after getting married and being left alone.

That single reason was enough to nullify all her previous advantages!

She wished she could spend every hour of every day with him. If she gave him to another woman who didn't cherish their time together...

Wouldn't that tempt her to become a mistress and steal him back...

No, that wouldn't do!

Besides, Tian Shui left for overseas studies starting in her third year.

So, she might leave this university soon.

Approaching Shi Hai now seemed like she was just playing around.

Jian Sichun, like Shi Hai, viewed Tian Shui as a "pleasure seeker."

If a long-term relationship couldn't be guaranteed, no matter how beautiful or wealthy, it was a pass! However, neither realized how serious Tian Shui was.

So, Jian Sichun's probing attracted all of Tian Shui's ire.

Already angry, Tian Shui heard Jian Sichun's insinuation and immediately snapped, glaring at her with disdain.

"Oh! So, you're saying this letter was a play I orchestrated? That I'm acting with you?"

Jian Sichun sensed the hostility in Tian Shui's tone and quickly hid behind Shi Hai, weakly saying.

"I-I just thought it was possible..."

"My dear junior, it's better to think through your jokes well before telling them. Otherwise, I really can't, laugh, at, all."

"Eek—!"

Under Tian Shui's deadly gaze, Jian Sichun shrank behind Shi Hai, bending her knees and curling up like a poor hamster cornered by a snake.

Shi Hai immediately realized Tian Shui was truly angry.

Thinking, 'Why did you provoke her?' he sighed and diverted the blame from Jian Sichun.

"Alright, senior, I asked her to help think about it, so don't blame her for speaking out of turn..."

Tian Shui smiled and said.

"Hehe, how could I blame her? After all, the letter was returned by me, so she has every reason to suspect me."

The smile grew brighter, her lips curling, her eyes squinting.

"Go on, continue your analysis. I'll listen well. Surely, you have specific reasons to accuse me, right?"

Though smiling like a flower, she was scarier than when she had a straight face. 

Jian Sichun had never seen anyone like this.

While frightened, she mentally added another reason to pass.

Such a scary woman would make Shi Hai a henpecked husband! "...Sigh..."

Shi Hai only felt a headache. There were no clues about the sender, and now Tian Shui's mood had plummeted.

Continuing the discussion was impossible now.

The priority was to calm Tian Shui, lest she, in her rage, made Jian Sichun disappear from this school and transferred her anger to him, which would be bad.

So, how to calm her? Flattery was out of the question for Shi Hai.

His earlier attempt at buttering up proved he wasn't good at it.

Only one method remained.

As a straightforward guy, he could only be direct.

After a moment of thought, he spoke.

"Senior, do you remember what you told me at noon?"

"Of course, I remember every word clearly."

"Then I want you to say it again."

"Oh? Do you want another chance to beg me on your knees?"

"No, the promise you made to me."

Tian Shui immediately understood Shi Hai's meaning and instinctively repeated the sentence.

"Um... don't worry, I won't harm you."

At noon, Shi Hai's response was 'hard to believe.'

This time, he decisively replied.

"I trust you."

"—!"

Tian Shui gasped, surprised.

Her mind quickly cooled, and her anger vanished instantly.

She knew Shi Hai well, so she understood his words were not just to calm her, but a genuine expression of his attitude.

This response was also the best answer to her previous question.

——You won't follow the letter's content, will you?——

To this, Shi Hai now responded.

Four simple yet powerful words, 'I trust you,' implying 'No matter your intentions in approaching me, I choose to believe you won't harm me.'

He set aside suspicion and guardedness.

Choosing to give trust.

How could Tian Shui still be angry after hearing this? She initially thought Shi Hai would avoid her because of the letter, but now things had taken a turn...

There was no reason to be angry anymore.

She was overjoyed, almost elated.

If not for Jian Sichun being present, she might have hugged his neck and kissed him.

Thank you for trusting me, Shi Hai.

I will never betray your trust.

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