Chapter 103: A Casual Journey Home

“Lin Zheng Ran! I’m late!”

At the school gate, Lin Zheng Ran turned to see Xiao Heqing hurrying toward him.

Sweat beaded on the girl’s forehead as she slowed from a sprint to a walk, catching her breath in front of Lin Zheng Ran. “Sorry about that,” she said, “I took a bit longer packing in the dormitory and ended up a few minutes late.”

She tugged at her skirt, the kind that exposed her calves and a hint of her thighs—something Xiao Heqing rarely wore because it made her feel shy.

Yet in high school, most girls dressed like that; it looked great, and theirs were even shorter.

Lin Zheng Ran glanced at her smooth, jade-like legs. “You’re not really late,” he said, “I got here early. But I don’t see you in something like this often.”

“Ah?” Xiao Heqing adjusted her skirt again, eyeing her own sleek legs.

“This is actually my first time wearing this skirt,” she explained. “Wen Wen and I spotted it while shopping last time. She said my leg shape would suit it, so I bought it to show you. These days, popular skirts barely cover half the thigh.” She gestured to midway up her thigh.

“But Wen Wen and I picked ones a bit longer since we don’t think we’re cut out for the super short ones.”

She asked shyly, “Does it look bad on me?”

Lin Zheng Ran replied casually, “The length you’re wearing suits you both just fine. No need to go shorter. And yeah, your legs look really white and nice.”

Xiao Heqing’s face flushed red, and she stared at the ground, at a loss for words.

“As long as you like it, that’s what matters…”

Soon, the bus arrived, and Lin Zheng Ran and Xiao Heqing scanned their tickets and boarded.

Whenever they headed home together, Xiao Heqing always picked those double seats at the back.

She did it because Lin Zheng Ran would let her sit inside, next to the window.

That way, she’d be pressed close to him, their legs touching.

Once seated, Lin Zheng Ran asked curiously, “Last night, I suggested a taxi, but you weren’t keen. Why insist on the early bus?”

Xiao Heqing hesitated before answering, “Taxis are just expensive, and when we take one, you either sit up front or keep your distance. I don’t like that.”

Her voice trailed off so softly, she wasn’t even sure if she’d said it out loud.

Lin Zheng Ran frowned slightly.

Xiao Heqing waved her hands quickly, backtracking. “I mean, it’s all the same anyway! And the first bus to town isn’t crowded, so no point in a taxi.”

Lin Zheng Ran didn’t mind either way—as long as there was a seat, it was fine. If not, he’d grab a taxi.

So, as long as she was happy, that was enough.

Of course, he’d caught what she said earlier.

Xiao Heqing glanced down as the bus swayed, her thigh brushing against his every now and then.

Each light bump

brought a shy flush to her face.

For her, that was the best part of the bus ride—the gentle rocking that let her lean against him naturally.

And even

when the driver took a sharp turn, Xiao Heqing slid with the inertia against Lin Zheng Ran’s shoulder.

Once the bus steadied, she straightened up, resting her hands on her lap.

And there were perks like that… Long live the bus.

After an hour on the bus, Lin Zheng Ran and Xiao Heqing stepped off in their familiar small town, where traffic was a far cry from the city district.

Vendors lined the streets, including one selling roasted sweet potatoes.

The aroma hit Xiao Heqing from afar, and since she hadn’t eaten breakfast, her eyes and nose locked onto it.

She quietly checked her phone for her remaining budget this week.

She had just enough for one.

She suggested softly, “We don’t have to rush home… I want to get a sweet potato.”

Lin Zheng Ran nodded. “Go ahead.”

Xiao Heqing dashed over without delay. “Boss, how much for a sweet potato?”

“Seven for a large, five for a small,” the vendor replied, pointing out the difference. Xiao Heqing had only six yuan. “I’ll take a small one, and make it as sweet as possible.”

“Alright, this one’s ripe,” the boss said, selecting one. Xiao Heqing’s stomach growled at the scent as she nodded.

Wrapping it up, she held it carefully. Even with the paper, it was hot, so she peeled the skin slowly, revealing the golden, steaming flesh inside.

She lifted it to her nose, inhaling the irresistible aroma, then offered it to Lin Zheng Ran. “You probably haven’t eaten, right? I peeled it for you. It smells amazing.” She added happily, “I’ll hold it so it doesn’t burn your hands.”

Lin Zheng Ran looked at her goofy expression. “For me? Wasn’t this for you?”

Xiao Heqing said matter-of-factly, “I bought it for you. I overspent this week, so I could only afford one. Figured you’d need something to tide you over since you skipped breakfast. I’m not craving it myself.”

As she spoke, she swallowed a bit of drool—such a greedy girl.

Lin Zheng Ran was speechless: “.”

He gently pushed it back. “You eat it. I’m not hungry. If I were, I’d have bought my own. I’ve got money.”

Xiao Heqing stared at him blankly. “You’re not tempted? It smells so good…”

Lin Zheng Ran said, “Not really. It’s just a sweet potato.”

Xiao Heqing held the steaming treat, tempted but hesitant. “But it feels wrong to eat it all myself. How about you take a bite first? Then I can have the rest. Does that sound okay?”

Lin Zheng Ran saw the eager look in her eyes.

“After all, good things should go to you first. If you don’t eat, I won’t have an appetite either.” She looked so innocent.

Lin Zheng Ran knew she was the persistent type, so he didn’t drag it out.

He opened his mouth.

Xiao Heqing caught on instantly and quickly brought the sweet potato to his lips. He took a small bite.

Then she asked excitedly, “Is it good?”

“It’s good. You finish the rest.”

“Okay!”

Once he ate, she felt justified digging in. She swallowed hard, then took a big bite from the sweet potato.

It burned her mouth, so she huffed to cool it, chewing slowly.

With eyes half-closed, she said, “So sweet! Want more?”

“No, you go ahead. Just take it slow so you don’t burn yourself.”

Xiao Heqing replied, “Got it.”

But she took another huge bite anyway—because it was just that delicious.

Back home, Lin Ying Jun was on the sofa watching TV.

Seeing his son and Xiao Heqing return, he greeted them, “You two back together?”

Xiao Heqing said politely, “Hello, Uncle.”

Lin Zheng Ran told his dad, “I’m heading out with Heqing today and we’ll be back tonight. Oh, and she’s staying over here.”

Lin Ying Jun nodded, then paused. “Xiao Heqing’s staying here tonight?”

This was news to Xiao Heqing too; her face turned red as she glanced at Lin Zheng Ran.

Noticing their confusion, Lin Zheng Ran asked her, “Otherwise, are you going back to school? Up to you.”

Xiao Heqing stammered, unsure since she’d completely forgotten about it.

“I-I… I don’t want to go back…”