Deskmates - Chapter 15

Chapter 15.  Adorable

This time, Lin Sitian reacted swiftly, snatching her phone from Zhou Cheng’s hand as soon as she opened her eyes. However, Zhou Cheng had already seen everything clearly and had no intention of contesting with her for it.

Lin Sitian instantly sat up straight, “That’s from last time! The webpage automatically opened to the last viewed page!”

“You were on Chapter 8 before; this is now Chapter 45,” Zhou Cheng coolly pointed out. “Besides, the page was displayed as soon as you turned on your phone.”

“Wuwuwu-,” 

Lin Sitian resorted to her usual tactic, feigning tears, “Why must there be men like you who leave no dignity for women…”

Zhou Cheng genuinely felt a twinge of guilt at her accusation.

In the past, he remained unaffected by girls’ tears, often finding them merely annoying, especially when studying. But Lin Sitian crying… seemed quite adorable.

Even knowing it was fake, he didn’t feel bothered. Instead, seeing her squeeze out a few teardrops, her nose wrinkled and eyes red-rimmed, made him want to hold her close…

Wait, stop.

That moment wasn’t his true self. Those thoughts were the male lead’s from the erotic novel, filling his mind. He knew reading such material could influence one’s perspective; even just skimming through once had left him feeling unsettled.

“Last time you said I couldn’t read it in class; now you’re saying even at home is not okay?” 

Lin Sitian retorted indignantly, surprisingly firm despite being clearly on the wrong side of the argument.

Zhou Cheng sighed, “I mean, with midterm exams approaching soon, and… knowing I was coming over today, didn’t you find it inappropriate to still be reading that early this morning?”

“Not at all,” Lin Sitian abruptly stopped her tears. “Why should I feel uncomfortable?”

Zhou Cheng fell silent. ‘Does she have no hint of embarrassment whatsoever?’

“It’s not like you’re ugly.”

Zhou Cheng’s gaze stiffened. “What does my appearance have to do with anything?”

She read those novels… and then mentioned his appearance… The implied connection made Zhou Cheng inhale sharply.

‘Is it not meant the way I think it is?’

Realizing that she might have revealed too much, Lin Sitian averted her eyes and muttered defensively, “Besides, you sound so righteous – are you really not interested at all?”

“In what?”

“You’ve never had such thoughts? I highly doubt it!”

Frowning, Zhou Cheng showed his confusion, “What kind of thoughts?”

“That! You know- ‘that’!” 

Lin Sitian’s tone became more and more assertive as she came closer, almost face to face with him. The richness of the Chinese language allowed for ambiguity, but a wise person would understand immediately. Zhou Cheng’s face instantly turned red as he hastily backed away to avoid her.

” What’s wrong with you, Lin Sitian?”

“It would be more abnormal if you hadn’t thought about it!” Lin Sitian scoffed.

“We are still students…”

“Humans have seven emotions and six desires.”

Zhou Cheng had never met such a bold and shameless girl who could so confidently justify reading erotic novels.

“You can’t deny that you’ve never masturbated!” 

Zhou Cheng might seem like a bookworm to her, but Lin Sitian firmly believed that no one could escape human instinct. Zhou Cheng remained silent, refusing to answer.

“See!” 

Lin Sitian felt triumphant that she had caught Zhou Cheng off guard, ready to take advantage of his vulnerability. 

“Don’t lecture me when you’re just the same! For all I know, you might even do it every day…”

Feeling utterly embarrassed, Zhou Cheng raised his arm to cover his burning cheeks and made one last desperate protest, “I don’t!”

The room suddenly fell silent. Lin Sitian slowly stepped back, leaving some space between them.

This was the first time she had seen Zhou Cheng visibly nervous and agitated. She had never imagined that Zhou Cheng, who had always focused solely on academics and problem solving, could be so unnerved by things outside of academics. Despite the tense atmosphere a few moments ago, she couldn’t help but feel…

Zhou Cheng is actually quite charming.

***

A/N: So, here’s the question: Is our Sweetie really a female rogue or just a little sweetheart?