<h4>Chapter 84: Rejection</h4>


    Throughout the entire duration of the ss, Qu Qi was the center of the discussion of the female students around her.


    Zhan Rui’s change in attitude caused Qu Xiao to fall from her position as a Goddess to the bottom, and be the object of ridicule by her ssmates.


    Qu Xiao did not want to participate in any high school drama. She only wanted to pass the University Entrance Examination and get admitted to A University. She wanted to work with the professor to find a way to cure Shang Yan’s leg disease.


    However, since she had already epted Zhan Rui’s invitation, Qu Xiao packed her things and went to meet him after ss.


    At the yground in front of the teaching building, Qu Xiao saw a familiar figure. Her eyes flickered as she stared at Zhou Ce.


    Zhou Ce was covered in hot sweat after ying basketball.


    He held the basketball with one hand and stood in front of the vending machine, kicking it in frustration.


    The female students around him did not dare to strike up a conversation. They only stood at the side and whispered amongst themselves.


    Qu Xiao frowned slightly and walked to his side. She threw her school bag into Zhou Ce’s arms and said, “Hold it for me.”


    Zhou Ce raised his eyebrows in surprise when he saw what she did, but he quickly shrugged his shoulders andpromised. He hung her school bag on his shoulder.


    He quietly watched the girl who was bending over, and a trace of yfulness and curiosity appeared in his eyes.


    The school’s vending machine was very old, and the items in it would often get stuck.


    Many students would resign themselves to their fate when they encountered such problems and just pay again, or leave while swearing. Qu Xiao was afraid that he would smash the vending machine, so she came over to help him. After all, they were ssmates and deskmates.


    “Next time when this happens again, use your brain. Just lift up the cab on the left and knock on it a little.”


    Qu Xiao easily knocked the coke into the collection point, picked it up and stuffed it into Zhou Ce’s arms. At the same time, she took out two pieces of candy from her pocket and gave it to him.


    “Look at how tall you are. Why can’t you even take care of yourself?”


    “If you often feel dizzy, always keep some candy or chocte in your pocket. Don’t exercise too intensely.”


    Qu Xiao reminded Zhou Ce like he was a child.


    She could see that Zhou Ce’s health was not good. It was very likely that his body was weak because of long-term low blood pressure and low blood sugar. His face was pale, and his lips were pale. His sleepiness in ss was also probably because of his health.


    Zhou Ce’s eyes brightened, and the corners of his lips curled up. He raised his arm and wrapped it around Qu Xiao. “You like me?”


    Qu Xiao furrowed her eyebrows with some disdain. She raised her hand and patted Zhou Ce’s head lightly. Pushing his arm away, she replied, “Don’t overthink. You’re like my little brother.”


    Zhou Ce watched as Qu Xiao gradually walked away. He lowered his head and looked at the two big white rabbit milk candies in his palm. He chuckled lightly.


    Outside the school, in a western restaurant, Zhan Rui pulled out a chair gentlemanly and invited Qu Xiao to take a seat.


    Qu Xiao looked at the boy’s actions and silently sighed in her heart. Children nowadays were really mature!


    Zhan Rui ordered a few of their signature dishes. He felt Qu Xiao’s gaze on him and raised a polite and gentle smile, “Actually, I’ve noticed you since the first day. I fell in love with you at first sight. I hope you can give me a chance...”


    “You’ll need a lot of help in an aristocratic school. I can help take care of you.”


    Although Zhan Rui was only a high school student, he really had a way with words. No wonder countless female students had crushes on him.


    Qu Xiao lowered her eyes for a long while and then raised her head to look at the boy opposite her. She raised the ring on her ring finger and said softly, “I’m sorry. I’m sure you’ve heard that I’m already married and have a husband.”


    “I’m afraid I cannot ept your confession.”


    Zhan Rui’s expression was calm, as if he was not surprised. “I know that your marriage was not of your own free will, but because of your family obligations. You were forced to do marry.”


    “I can help be your escape from your difficult marriage life. I don’t mind!”


    Zhan Rui’s persistence surprised Qu Xiao. She opened her mouth slightly in surprise and was unable to speak for a long time.


    “No matter how long it takes, I promise I will wait for you.”


    Zhan Rui said what he thought was a moving oath with deep affection, but Qu Xiao lowered her head and burst intoughter.


    “You’ve only known me for two days. What do you like about me?”


    “Appearance? Personality? Or was it just a ‘feeling’ you got?”


    Hearing Qu Xiao’s retort, Zhan Rui did not know how to answer.


    “A promise is a very serious matter. It shouldn’t be brought up casually. The same goes for feelings. You have to figure out whether you’re feeling a momentary novelty or a curiosity towards the unknown. But no matter which one it is, it’s not love.”