Chapter 8

Su Miao couldn’t help but feel that Feng Bai carried far too heavy a burden on his own. It really was true, behind every wildly successful person lay a tragic, lonely backstory that few ever saw.

She let out a soft sigh. Looking at his helpless state, she knew that if she walked out the door right now, he wouldn’t be able to look after himself properly.

He couldn’t even pour a glass of water without scalding his own hand!

There was no way she could leave him like this with a clear conscience.

After weighing her options, she asked hesitantly, “Would you… like to try some of my cooking?”

She watched his expression intently, ready to back off the second he showed any sign of reluctance.

Instead, she caught a distinct flash of pure joy lighting up his dark eyes, the corners of his lips curving upward into a subtle smile. He looked like someone who desperately craved care and affection.

“Won’t that take up too much of your time?” he asked, his dark eyes locked on hers.

Su Miao shook her head vigorously. “Of course not!”

Classes hadn’t started yet anyway, and she had nothing pressing to do at home.

With her mother keeping a tight leash on Su Ran, spending time here with Feng Bai wouldn’t cause any issues at home.

“I’ll head to the local supermarket nearby to grab some groceries. Is there anything specific you want to eat?” Su Miao’s excitement was palpable, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Truth be told, even a casual trip to the grocery store with a guy like Feng Bai was bound to draw a crowd of staring girls. Feeling those hot, lingering gazes trailing after him, Su Miao knew that if she didn’t do something soon, the jealous fire burning in her chest was going to consume her completely.

Feeling flustered under his intense gaze, Su Miao ducked her head in embarrassment.

Just as she was wondering whether she should ask him to take off his face mask, Feng Bai unexpectedly set down the items he was holding, reached out, and gently adjusted her mask for her, his movements impossibly soft and tender.

Su Miao: “……”

The girls sneaking glances: “……” Guess they’re a couple… No chance for us.

Feng Bai bent down, picked up the grocery bags, and murmured softly, “Let’s go home.”

Su Miao: “……” My heart is going to burst out of my chest.

They had barely taken two steps when a bold, attractive girl stepped out, blocking their path.

The girl flashed a charming smile directly at Feng Bai. “Hey there! Mind if I get your number?”

Feng Bai paused for a fraction of a second, his voice dropping into a cool, detached tone. “I’m with my friend.”

“Yeah!” Su Miao chimed in happily, practically beaming beside him.

This was their very first time grocery shopping together. They had headed down to the neighborhood supermarket, and while Su Miao was busy picking out fresh vegetables, Feng Bai had spent the entire time staring at her, lost in thought. In a blind spot out of her line of sight, a fond, helpless smile had touched his lips.

When they finished paying and stepped out of the supermarket, Su Miao had suddenly stopped him.

Under the envious stares of half a dozen girls, she had awkwardly reached up and strapped a protective mask across his handsome face, shielding his sharp features from the crowd.

The girls sneaking glances: “???”

You covered his face?! How are we supposed to sneak looks now?!

He’s that handsome, what’s the harm in letting us admire him a little longer?!

Feng Bai focused his gaze entirely on Su Miao. Under his undivided attention, her cheeks burned a furious pink.

When he turned to the girl blocking their path, his voice was ice-cold, completely stripped of the gentleness he had shown Su Miao. “It’s not convenient.”

From the girl’s perspective, the look in the young man’s eyes was terrifyingly dark and frigid.

A cold shiver ran straight down her spine. Driven by pure survival instinct, she took two quick steps backward, practically throwing herself out of their way.

Su Miao blinked in sheer bewilderment as the girl scurried off.

“???” That girl was way too cooperative! One rejection and she instantly cleared the path? No follow-up attempt at all? Giving up that easily?!

She must have decided Feng Bai’s charm wasn’t strong enough!

Su Miao let out a quiet sigh of relief.

She began to ponder: next time she took Feng Bai out in public, maybe she should strap a mask on him before they left the house! It would save them from so much unnecessary attention.

Which brought her to the real question: What excuse could she possibly use to make Feng Bai wear a mask on a regular basis?