Jian Sichun sensed an ambiguous atmosphere forming between these two and quickly made her stance clear to join in.
"I'm in too! I swear I won't harm you!"
Shi Hai nodded solemnly in response.
"Okay, I believe you."
Although Tian Shui felt Jian Sichun was a bit of a nuisance, she concealed her thoughts well.
Since Shi Hai had already stated his stance, continuing to press the issue would only make her seem narrow-minded, narrowing her future path.
Moreover, this current situation wasn't worse than before.
The letter's content wasn't entirely aimed at her; it mentioned 'any woman showing obvious affection toward you,' meaning anyone approaching Shi Hai with good intentions would be viewed with caution. This included Jian Sichun.
So, although she missed the opportunity to gain an early advantage, others wouldn't have a head start either.
This merely reset the playing field for all women who might approach Shi Hai. Tian Shui could accept this status quo. Given this, there was no need to bicker with Jian Sichun.
What mattered was to leave a good impression on Shi Hai again.
Seeing the dangerous atmosphere dissipate, Shi Hai asked both of them, "But I'm still curious about your reasons for approaching me... Will you tell me?"
"..." Both fell silent. This was a question they couldn't answer.
"Alright, consider it as unasked."
Shi Hai folded the letter and put it back in the envelope.
Tian Shui, with her arms crossed and her chin pointed at Jian Sichun, asked, "Junior, didn't you have something important to tell him?"
Shi Hai also looked at Jian Sichun, who hesitated.
"Uh..."
Actually, she had claimed to have something important just to stop Shi Hai. In reality, she hadn't thought it through.
She desperately wanted to restore her relationship with him, which would require revealing she came from the future, would become his girlfriend, live with him, and always be together...
But saying all this would mean facing the 'ending' she least wanted to acknowledge, essentially declaring her own death to him.
It was too cruel.
She couldn't say anything.
Nothing at all.
Seeing Jian Sichun's indecision, Tian Shui offered with an apparently magnanimous air, "Do you need me to step out for a bit?"
In reality, she was pressuring Jian Sichun to make a quick decision.
Jian Sichun didn't hesitate for long since there was no other choice.
Even if she told everything, would Shi Hai believe it?
And if he did, how much would he believe?
Moreover, the deep feelings built over time and shared experiences couldn't be restored just by recounting them.
Finally, she swallowed all she wanted to say, clasped her hands behind her back, and forced a bitter smile.
"No need to trouble you, senior."
She shook her head with her eyes closed.
"I have nothing more to say..."
Tian Shui gave her a 'sensible' look and took the opportunity to strike back for earlier remarks.
"Is that so? I thought you wanted to confess to him."
"Guh—!"
Jian Sichun immediately opened her eyes, seeing Tian Shui's teasing smile.
This wicked woman—! Pouring salt on her wounds!
Jian Sichun glared back fiercely, but Tian Shui, relishing the mischief, smiled even more brightly.
She enjoyed watching others' helpless and frustrated expressions.
Shi Hai pretended not to hear, although he also suspected Jian Sichun might want to confess to him. But since it wasn't said, he didn't have to think about how to reject it.
"Well, if there's nothing more, I'll head home."
Shi Hai, finding talking to two women more exhausting than an all-nighter, just wanted to go home and play games, enjoying the bliss of a blank mind.
"Wait a minute, I need to confirm, you're going home 'alone,' right?"
"Of course."
"..."
Shi Hai hadn't forgotten Jian Sichun's earlier wish to go home with him, but her reason then was 'something important to tell you.'
Now, since she had nothing to say, there was no reason for her to follow him home. Hence, Shi Hai automatically dropped the matter.
But Jian Sichun hadn't given up on going home with him; Tian Shui noticed her expression change.
Sure enough, this woman still wants to sneak into his home!
She needed to warn Shi Hai, indirectly dissuading her.
Tian Shui nonchalantly walked to Shi Hai's side and said, "Let's go down together."
"I'll come too!"
"Don't you have classes this afternoon?"
"Haha, classes are optional for me."
Such a bold response left Shi Hai speechless.
And Jian Sichun firmly stated, "No!"
Actually, Jian Sichun had no memory of her sophomore year schedule, but class wasn't important now. She was determined to go to his house, even if it meant skipping class today! Nothing could stop her!
"By the way, Sichun, were you and Shi Hai friends before?"
"No, we met today."
"Oh~ So, you 'just' met today..."
Tian Shui's control over her tone was impeccable.
Such a strong hint of sarcasm!
Of course, Jian Sichun took the bait.
"And when did you meet Shi Hai, senior?"
"Haha, just a bit earlier than you."
To defuse the tension, Shi Hai added quickly, "I also met her today, actually just this afternoon."
"This afternoon... So, just a few hours ago."
(What the heck! Just a bit earlier! What's there to be smug about!)
"Yes, just 'a bit' earlier than you, junior."
(Even if it's a bit earlier, it's still earlier than you!)
"Ugh ugh ugh—!"
Though it was a case of the pot calling the kettle black, coming from Tian Shui, it carried a hundred percent taunting effect.
Jian Sichun, unable to outtalk her, felt furious and could only downgrade Tian Shui's status in her mind once more, from a 'perfect wealthy woman without time' to a 'malicious bad woman.'
But riling up Jian Sichun was just Tian Shui's first step.
"Would anyone invite a friend they just met to their home?"
"—!"
"True..."
"Going to someone's home the day you meet them, only a stalker would do that, haha."
Tian Shui sounded the first alarm.
"And look, the letter mentioned to keep a distance from women deliberately approaching you... Especially those who follow you home."
Tian Shui sounded the second alarm.
"So, be careful, don't let a stalker into your home, okay?"
Tian Shui sounded the third alarm.
Jian Sichun couldn't stand it anymore and snapped.
"Who are you calling a stalker!"
"Oh my, I wasn't referring to you, Sichun. After all... you wouldn't do such a thing, right?"
"Ugh—!"
Jian Sichun was sinking.
Shi Hai felt a déjà vu.
He remembered being similarly teased by Tian Shui at noon. Now, he saw his shadow in Jian Sichun and sympathized.
This senior Tian Shui was a master at stirring emotions.
Reaching the ground floor, Tian Shui waved at the two with a smile, watching them leave.
After confirming they went in different directions, she returned to the old dormitory. She had preparations to make, to complete some tasks earlier...
However, after Shi Hai left the school gate, Jian Sichun quickly made a U-turn.
Tian Shui underestimated Jian Sichun's determination and tenacity.
Or rather, she misjudged Jian Sichun's dedication to getting into Shi Hai's home.
For Jian Sichun, Shi Hai's home was the place she knew best.
Their nine years of cohabitation, over half spent in his home, meant in her mind...
Shi Hai's home = her home
So it's normal for her to go back to her (Shi Hai) home, there's nothing weird at all!
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