"I never said I was going," Lu Chuan took a step to the side, making it clear he wanted to distance himself from them.
Ye Ziming immediately became anxious. The six-foot-tall guy started to act coy, shaking his shoulders as if throwing a tantrum.
"Come on, Lu Chuan, you have to come. If you don't come, I'll be the only guy left. That's not good."
"Ugh~" Liu Ruyan and An Ran were disgusted and instantly moved away, keeping a meter distance from him.
"But I don't need to review," Lu Chuan had the remarkable ability to deliver the most damaging remarks in the calmest tone.
These two weren't exactly normal people. Liu Ruyan shook her head in disdain, realizing that only she could handle the situation at a crucial moment.
"Well, that's simple. Since Lu Chuan, the campus heartthrob, looks down on us, let's just disband our group of four and find a new, top-notch guy to replace him. We can form a new group of four."
Liu Ruyan nudged An Ran and flashed her most infatuated smile. "Anyway, there are plenty of handsome academic elites around, right?"
Seeing Lu Chuan's increasingly murderous expression from behind, An Ran swallowed the words she was about to agree with Liu Ruyan and forced a smile. "Okay," she said, and then walked across the street.
"Am I not impressive?" Ye Ziming stood there scratching his head, talking to himself.
"Look, isn't that Lu Chuan and Liu Ruyan?"
"Yeah, what are they doing?"
A glance from Lu Chuan made everyone shut their mouths immediately, though their eyes continued to dart in their direction.
Under everyone's gaze, Lu Chuan held onto Liu Ruyan until they reached the bus stop before letting her go. "We're taking the bus today."
Xie Yunchuan had only come to pick them up on the first day. Since then, he had been leaving early and coming back late every day. Liu Ruyan had a hard time seeing him, as if transferring her to this school was just to ensure she went to and from school with Lu Chuan.
"Taking the bus is fine, but why are you so touchy? What's wrong with you?"
Experiencing Lu Chuan's domineering side for the first time, Liu Ruyan found herself surprisingly unable to muster any resistance, only muttering to herself.
The No. 5 bus arrived quickly. Just as Liu Ruyan was about to board, someone suddenly squeezed in from the side with such force that Liu Ruyan nearly got pushed off. Fortunately, Lu Chuan, standing behind her, quickly grabbed her and pulled her back. He frowned slightly and said, "Excuse me, please be careful. You're pushing people."
"Sorry, sorry! It was the people behind me pushing."
Although Lu Chuan's voice was not loud, it was clear he was angry. As he got upset, the person who had pushed quickly took a large step back, clearly startled.
"Oh, it's okay, it's okay. You didn't do it on purpose." Liu Ruyan quickly pulled Lu Chuan onto the bus.
The No. 5 bus was known for its rough driving style. The usual twenty-minute ride from school to their apartment complex was reduced to fifteen minutes. Lu Chuan sometimes wondered if the drivers were retired race car drivers.
Since it was the evening rush hour, there were no seats available when they got on. Liu Ruyan found a spot to stand and held onto the handrail, while Lu Chuan stood behind her in a protective stance. Despite the crowded bus, Liu Ruyan wasn't jostled at all.
As the bus swayed, Lu Chuan held onto Liu Ruyan's backpack strap to steady her. Though it was meant to help, the sensation of being lifted wasn't very pleasant.
But the onlookers had a different perspective. Every girl around wished she could switch places with Liu Ruyan, eager to experience being protected by the campus heartthrob.
Liu Ruyan glanced back but only saw Lu Chuan's shoulder. When she looked up, Lu Chuan was staring out the window with a blank expression, his well-defined nose perfectly visible to her.
How did he get so tall? Liu Ruyan wondered.
"What's the matter? Why are you staring at me?" Lu Chuan asked without moving his head, just looking down at her.
"Nothing, nothing," Liu Ruyan said, pouting and turning back around.
Liu Ruyan looked out the window, where the pink-purple sunset aligned perfectly with her view. It was beautiful, and Liu Ruyan couldn't help but admire it silently.
"Hey, we're getting off soon, Liu Ruyan!"
When Lu Chuan called her, Liu Ruyan was still lost in the evening scenery.
"Coming, coming. Please move aside," Liu Ruyan hurriedly squeezed through the crowd to the door.
After getting off the bus, it was a short walk to their apartment complex. The security guard saw them from afar and kindly opened the gate for them.
The greenery in the community was excellent. The small paths were lined with various trees and flowers, making the stroll through the area not only cool but fragrant as well.
"Why do you keep looking at me?" Lu Chuan had already noticed that Liu Ruyan kept glancing up at him every few steps.
"Nothing. I just didn't realize how popular you are at school. I didn't know you were so handsome before."
"Heh, you're just realizing that now? Only you would criticize such a super handsome guy every day."
Lu Chuan playfully poked Liu Ruyan's head. "What are those big eyes for, if not to use?"
"Hey, I've told you so many times not to poke my head!"
Liu Ruyan soon resumed her smile. "But you do have a good sense of appreciation. I admit I am a bit good-looking, but next time, tone it down a bit. Choosing me as the class flower in front of the whole class is still a bit..."
"Hey, why are you walking so fast? Wait for me!" Liu Ruyan realized Lu Chuan had already quickened his pace and was walking ahead.
"You might be misunderstanding your own attractiveness. I thought I picked you because everyone else was uglier," Lu Chuan teased as Liu Ruyan caught up with him.
"Do you want ice cream?" Liu Ruyan suddenly asked seriously.
"Let's go. Sister Yan will buy you ice cream."