Sweet Temptation: After Rebirth, The Campus Heartthrob Can’t Hide His Feelings Anymore - Chapter 79

Xu Zhizhi fell into a brief silence as she stared at the name “Sun Xiuya.”

Could it be a coincidence?

No, it wasn’t.

Xu Zhizhi quickly flipped through the materials of past exemplary alumni and found a promotional poster featuring outstanding role models.

In the photo, Sun Xiuya wore a graduation gown, holding a bouquet of flowers, and flashed a radiant smile at the camera.

She had once been the belle of the College of Arts.

Twenty-two years ago, Sun Xiuya graduated from Jing University with the title of Outstanding Graduate.

According to the information, Sun Xiuya had been selected for an international arts troupe but ultimately chose to decline.

The poster also showcased several stage photos of Sun Xiuya. Dressed in a white gown, she danced gracefully under the spotlight like a graceful swan.

She, too, had once shone brilliantly.

Bright and dazzling.

Luminous and captivating.

Sun Xiuya had actually been a ballet dancer.

On stage, she lived with such confidence and radiance, a stark contrast to the lifeless figure now confined to a wheelchair.

She had once stood proudly at the pinnacle, only to plunge into the muddy abyss at her most dazzling moment…

An outstanding dancer, after a severe car accident, suffered critical spinal injuries that left her legs paralyzed.

Legs meant for dancing were now imprisoned in a cold wheelchair, was this the reason Sun Xiuya had lost her mind?

Xu Zhizhi stared at the information on the poster, her expression frozen, her emotions growing complex.

Then, she shook her head gently, reminding herself that Sun Xiuya was a demon, and her actions were unforgivable.

It was just that even the most despicable people had their pitiable sides.

Zhou Xuci glanced at Sun Xiuya on the poster, his eyes darkening, a chill gathering in their depths. “Is she on the guest list too?”

Xu Zhizhi shrugged, offering a relieved smile. “I just found out she’s also an alumna of Jing University.”

Zhou Xuci took her hand, interlacing their fingers, and asked softly, “Are you still afraid of her?”

Xu Zhizhi met his gaze with determination. “No.”

“Or rather, I used to be afraid, to the point of having a physiological fear of her.” Her smile deepened, revealing small dimples. “But now, I feel strong enough, strong enough to conquer the fears of the past.”

The sound of wheelchair wheels turning, the stinging pain of each lash on her back, the madwoman’s hysterical screams… all of it had been silenced, becoming a permanent part of the past.

Zhou Xuci tightened his grip on her hand, his affectionate eyes filled with heartache. “Zhizhi, go do what you want to do.”

“Whatever it is, do it without hesitation.” The corners of his lips lifted slightly, brimming with endless adoration. “Even if you tear the sky apart, I’ll patch it up for you.”

Xu Zhizhi nestled into Zhou Xuci’s embrace, resting her head on his shoulder, and said with a laugh, “I’m a good girl, I don’t cause trouble.”

Zhou Xuci stroked her hair. “I actually wish you’d stir up a little trouble, be a bit more rebellious.”

Xu Zhizhi rested her chin on his shoulder, her wide, glistening eyes looking up at him. “Zhou Xuci, don’t you like good girls?”

“I only like you.” Zhou Xuci leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek, his tone tinged with sorrow. “If you were a little more rebellious, perhaps… you wouldn’t have suffered so much.”

She was too obedient.

Bearing all the pain and bitterness, gritting her teeth and swallowing it all.

Xu Zhizhi wrapped her arms around Zhou Xuci’s waist, like a lazy little kitten, feeling the fluctuations in his emotions. She smiled and said, “Then I’ll be a bit more rebellious from now on. Whoever bullies me, I’ll give them a hammer.”

“I’m super fierce,” she said, putting on a fierce, clawing expression.

Zhou Xuci found her adorable and lowered his head to kiss her hair, whispering, “Not fierce at all.”

“Like a puffed-up little kitten.”

“Pretending to be fierce.”

Xu Zhizhi buried her face in the crook of Zhou Xuci’s neck, her eyes crinkling with laughter as she breathed in his fresh cedar scent, sinking deeper into his embrace.

“I’m not pretending. Believe me, I’ll really bite you,” she threatened playfully.

Zhou Xuci indulged her unconditionally. “Go ahead.”

Xu Zhizhi pressed her lips against Zhou Xuci’s Adam’s apple, ready to bite him.

Zhou Xuci gasped sharply, his arm tightening around her waist, yet he still humored her. “Bite a little lower. It’s hot, and I can’t wear a turtleneck.”

“You think I don’t dare?” Xu Zhizhi snorted.

Zhou Xuci replied, “Mm.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Xu Zhizhi opened her mouth and took a small bite on his collarbone.

Zhou Xuci let out a soft hiss, his entire body going numb as if struck by an electric current.

She released him, leaving a faint mark.

Zhou Xuci was defeated in an instant. He pushed Xu Zhizhi away and fled as if escaping.

Xu Zhizhi grabbed his wrist, looking at him curiously. “Did it hurt?”

Zhou Xuci’s expression turned serious. His gaze tangled with hers, and after a moment of silence, he said with restraint, “Xu Zhizhi, your boyfriend is about to go crazy. I need to take a cold shower to cool down.”

Xu Zhizhi understood instantly, her face flushing bright red. “…” So she had stirred him up.

Zhou Xuci gritted his teeth and said in a low voice, “Let go. If I keep entangling with you, I can’t guarantee I won’t do something out of line.”

Xu Zhizhi didn’t let go. She took a deep breath, raised her head, and met his gaze with sparkling, courageous eyes.

“Brother.”

“How about,” she paused, “I help you?”

A full half-minute of silence passed. Zhou Xuci, usually calm and restrained, felt his mind turn to mush, briefly short-circuiting and preventing him from thinking clearly.

“How would you help?” Zhou Xuci asked.

Xu Zhizhi lowered her head and whispered, “…With my hand.”

Zhou Xuci couldn’t help but laugh at her flustered, nervous expression. “I can’t bring myself to take advantage of you yet.”

“Huh?”

Zhou Xuci patted her head. “Focus on finishing your task first.”

With that, he left.

Xu Zhizhi watched him go with wide, longing eyes, sinking into confusion.

Huh?

He just rejected her like that?

Hmph, she’d tease him to death later!

Just then, the counselor in charge of the school anniversary arrangements sent a message, urging her to review the materials.

Xu Zhizhi didn’t have time to overthink it. She placed Sun Xiuya’s poster in the invited folder and busied herself with checking the other materials.

She thought to herself that Sun Xiuya, with her mobility issues, probably wouldn’t attend the school anniversary.

Moreover, given Sun Xiuya’s proud and face-conscious personality, a dancer who couldn’t stand would never accept the invitation.

Zhou Xuci took a cold shower and instantly felt refreshed. He saw Xu Zhizhi diligently working on her task.

He didn’t disturb her.

Zhou Xuci headed to the kitchen, took ingredients from the fridge, and started preparing dinner.

By the time Xu Zhizhi finished her task, dinner was ready. The delicious aroma of food wafted around her, filling her senses.

She turned her head and saw Zhou Xuci wearing a little bear apron.

The apron was a supermarket special she had bought on a whim because it was cheap.

Zhou Xuci ladled out some soup. “Sweetheart, it’s time for dinner.”

Xu Zhizhi closed her laptop. “Okay!”

She wanted to live this kind of warm, simple life forever.

No… she wanted to be with Zhou Xuci in the next life too.

…