《为爱唯爱(英文篇)》江枫不眠

3、不速之客 ……

　　The convenience store was blasting the air conditioning, a stark contrast to the scorching heat outside. It felt like stepping into an entirely different world.

　　Zhang Heyu eagerly pulled open the freezer door. A rush of icy air hit him, and he let out a contented sigh. He expertly grabbed two bottles of ice-cold cola, along with a handful of the peppermint candies he knew Lu Cheng'an liked.

　　"Deskmate, you bought me water, so I'm treating you to candy. We're even!" Zhang Heyu said with a bright smile, pressing the candies into Lu Cheng'an's hand. As he did, his fingertips deliberately brushed against Lu Cheng'an's palm.

　　Lu Cheng'an glanced down at the delicately wrapped candies in his hand. His brow arched slightly. He didn't say a word, simply allowing himself to be pulled toward the cashier.

　　The moment they stepped out of the store, they nearly collided with someone.

　　It was a boy wearing the Class 1, Grade 11 uniform. Tall and slender, with gold-rimmed glasses, he looked refined and handsome. Holding a freshly bought bottle of oolong tea, he was looking down at his phone and almost crashed right into Zhang Heyu.

　　"My apologies," the boy said, looking up with a gentle, polite tone.

　　Zhang Heyu waved a hand dismissively. "No worries, no worries. I was walking too fast."

　　The boy was about to nod and walk away when his gaze suddenly landed on Lu Cheng'an, who was standing behind Zhang Heyu. His eyes instantly lit up, as if he had stumbled upon a delightful surprise.

　　"Lu Cheng'an?"

　　Lu Cheng'an stopped in his tracks. Looking at the person before him, his expression remained as placid as ever. "Senior Lin."

　　Lin Xu, the academic prodigy of Class 1, Grade 11, was famously known as the gentle senior of Nancheng No.1 High School. Rumor had it that not only were his grades impeccable, but his temper was also flawless. Always smiling at everyone, he was the "white moonlight" in the hearts of countless girls.

　　"What a coincidence. You're here to buy water too." Lin Xu walked forward with a smile. His gaze drifted between Lu Cheng'an and Zhang Heyu before finally settling on the subtly intimate distance between them. "And this is...?"

　　"Oh, this is my new deskmate, Zhang Heyu!" Zhang Heyu immediately chimed in, a hint of unconscious pride lacing his tone.

　　Lin Xu turned to Zhang Heyu with a polite smile. "Hello, I'm Lin Xu. Cheng'an and I were middle school classmates. We've known each other for years."

　　Zhang Heyu blinked, his eyes darting between Lin Xu and Lu Cheng'an. His sharp instincts caught onto something.

　　How did the phrase "known each other for years" carry such an inexplicable, lingering weight when spoken by this gentle senior?

　　"Hello, Senior Lin." Zhang Heyu flashed a brilliant smile and proactively extended his hand. "Please take care of me in the future."

　　Lin Xu shook his hand. The moment their fingertips touched, Zhang Heyu noticed that Lin Xu's hand was cold. It was nothing like Lu Cheng'an's—despite his icy exterior, Lu Cheng'an carried an underlying warmth in his very bones.

　　"Cheng'an," Lin Xu turned to Lu Cheng'an, his tone as natural as if they shared a secret rhythm. "Are you free this weekend? I found that original English novel you mentioned last time. We could read it together..."

　　"No need." Lu Cheng'an interrupted him. His voice was calm but left absolutely no room for negotiation. "I can find it myself."

　　Lin Xu froze, clearly not expecting such a blunt rejection. He smiled, a fleeting trace of imperceptible disappointment flashing in his eyes. "Alright, then..."

　　"Senior," Zhang Heyu suddenly spoke up, cutting Lin Xu off. He took a step forward, seamlessly positioning himself between Lu Cheng'an and Lin Xu. The smile still played on his lips, but a sharp edge had crept into his eyes. "Do you need something from Cheng'an? If it's for the weekend, he might be unavailable."

　　Lin Xu looked at Zhang Heyu, his brow arching slightly. "Oh? How does Zhang classmate know Cheng'an is free this weekend?"

　　Zhang Heyu shrugged, his answer completely unapologetic. "Because he's going to play basketball with me this weekend."

　　The air suddenly fell silent for a second.

　　Lu Cheng'an turned his head, looking at Zhang Heyu's profile, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes.

　　Lin Xu was taken aback as well, but he quickly recovered with a smile. "Is that so? What a pity. Cheng'an, let's catch up another time then."

　　"Mhm." Lu Cheng'an gave a faint acknowledgment. Grabbing Zhang Heyu's wrist, he pulled him back the way they came. "Let's go."

　　Zhang Heyu stumbled slightly at the sudden tug. Looking back over his shoulder, he waved cheerfully at Lin Xu. "See you later, Senior!"

　　Standing in place, Lin Xu watched their retreating figures. The smile on his lips gradually faded. He lowered his gaze to his own hand; his fingertips seemed to still retain the warmth of Zhang Heyu's palm from their brief handshake.

　　Interesting.

　　This new transfer student didn't seem quite simple, after all.

　　Back on the playground, the sunlight was still blindingly bright.

　　After being pulled along by Lu Cheng'an for a while, Zhang Heyu finally couldn't help but ask, "Deskmate, why are you pulling me so fast?"

　　Lu Cheng'an stopped and turned to face him, his dark eyes piercing. "What you just said... was it true?"

　　Zhang Heyu blinked, his expression a picture of pure innocence. "What did I say?"

　　"'Playing basketball with me on the weekend.'"

　　Zhang Heyu laughed, looking exactly like a sly fox that had just stolen a piece of candy. "Yeah, I really am playing basketball this weekend. But..." He paused, leaning in closer to Lu Cheng'an and dropping his voice to a whisper. "I'm missing a partner. Care to consider the position, Deskmate?"

　　Lu Cheng'an looked at the face now inches from his own, his bright eyes reflecting his own silhouette.

　　He remained silent for two seconds before reaching out and lightly flicking Zhang Heyu's forehead.

　　"Ouch!" Zhang Heyu covered his forehead, looking at him with a pitiful, aggrieved expression.

　　"Serves you right." Lu Cheng'an withdrew his hand and turned to continue walking. Yet, the faintest hint of a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Basketball court. Saturday at 8:00 AM."

　　Zhang Heyu froze for a moment before his eyes lit up, as if filled with a galaxy of stars.

　　"You got it! I'll be there!"

　　He jogged to catch up with Lu Cheng'an's pace. Their shadows overlapped in the sunlight, sealing a silent promise.

　　Not far from the convenience store, Lin Xu watched this scene, his gaze slowly darkening.

　　He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, a meaningful, enigmatic smile curving his lips.

　　Lu Cheng'an, it seems... you've found yourself a new toy?