On the first day of the new semester, the campus was bustling with the vibrant energy of youth. Lin Xiaoman stood in the hallway of the teaching building, nervously clutching a piece of paper in her hand, her face etched with helplessness. It was all thanks to her "well-meaning" friend Su Yao.
"Xiaoman, please! I've had a crush on Jiang Ye for so long. Just help me deliver this love letter to him. Maybe he'll like me back," Su Yao pleaded on the phone, her voice filled with anticipation.
Lin Xiaoman had wanted to refuse, but seeing her friend's pitiful expression, she softened her heart. She reluctantly agreed, silently praying that nothing awkward would happen.
Jiang Ye was the notorious "school bully." Tall and with sharp features, he always wore a nonchalant smile as if nothing could faze him. His academic performance was average, but he was a natural talent in sports, especially basketball, where he was the star player of the school team and adored by many girls. However, Lin Xiaoman had always thought of him as a troublemaker.
Taking a deep breath, Lin Xiaoman walked towards the playground. From afar, she saw Jiang Ye leaning against the basketball hoop, casually dribbling the ball. The sunlight outlined his tall figure. He glanced up, his eyes casually sweeping over Lin Xiaoman, and raised an eyebrow.
Lin Xiaoman quickly approached and handed him the paper. "Jiang Ye, this is... someone asked me to give this to you."
Jiang Ye took the paper, his lips curving into a teasing smile. "Oh? Who's so bold as to give me a love letter?"
Lin Xiaoman didn't dare to look up and replied in a low voice, "I don't know. Someone just asked me to pass it on."
Jiang Ye unfolded the paper and read aloud, "'Jiang Ye, I secretly watch you play basketball every day. Every move you make makes my heart flutter. I really like you. Can you give me a chance?' —— So you like me this much?"
Lin Xiaoman's face turned bright red instantly. She stammered, "No, it's not mine! It's... it's from my friend."
Jiang Ye, however, seemed not to hear her and continued with a wider smile, "Oh? That's really a coincidence. I seem to like you too. How about this, meet me at the playground after school. I'll give you a surprise."
Lin Xiaoman was stunned, her mind racing with confusion. She was sure Jiang Ye had misunderstood, but before she could react, he had already stuffed the paper into his pocket and walked away.
Lin Xiaoman stood there, her mind in turmoil. She knew she had to clarify things with Su Yao; otherwise, there would surely be more misunderstandings.