An Unconventional Solution

Bai Qiao fell silent for a moment. “Actually,” she finally said, “I wouldn’t mind using the men’s restroom…”

Bai Chen raised an eyebrow, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. “Looking like that?” he challenged. “You’re hardly a gender-neutral woman. You’d undoubtedly terrify everyone if you just barged in.”

“Then… will you accompany me into the women’s restroom?!” Bai Qiao retorted, her gaze fixed on Bai Chen with an utterly serious expression.

Bai Chen’s mouth twitched involuntarily. “Are you kidding me?!”

Bai Qiao’s body trembled imperceptibly as she fixed him with an unyielding stare. “Do I look like I’m joking?!”

Bai Chen remained silent for several seconds before quietly pointing in a direction. Bai Qiao followed his gaze, and her face instantly contorted into a grimace, a deep flush spreading across her cheeks. “You, what are you doing?!” she stammered, “That’s… the woods!”

“What else? The woods are so dark; no one will notice anything. I won’t be able to see either…”

“This… this is too humiliating! Ugh…” Bai Qiao’s body trembled once more. She had been too concerned with her dignity to speak up until now, but she simply couldn’t hold it in any longer. Her face, she realized, was so flushed it felt as if blood might drip from it at any moment. She silently stood up and, without a word, began walking towards the small patch of trees.

“You… don’t look…” Bai Qiao mumbled, her face crimson, as she fumbled with her belt.

“Mhm.” Bai Chen averted his gaze, looking away into the distance. Only then did Bai Qiao finally relax.

“Phew~” Bai Qiao exhaled deeply. Finally… even though it was incredibly embarrassing, there was no other choice.

*Rustle…*

Bai Qiao nearly jumped out of her skin at the sound. Someone was walking through the grass! Someone was nearby! Someone was approaching! Bai Qiao swore she had never felt such terror in her entire life—not when she was cornered in an alley by enemies, nor when she suddenly encountered Mo Xiao while rushing to save Bai Chen. Nothing compared to this fear.

How could she have forgotten such a crucial detail? The small woods! A sacred place for dates! So many people would… well, in any case, many people frequented this spot! Being discovered would be utterly mortifying!

The footsteps… they were so close! Too late! What should she do? What should she do?! Bai Qiao glanced up, catching sight of Bai Chen’s profile as he looked outwards. ‘Even if it benefits you…’ she thought.

Suddenly, Bai Qiao lunged forward, pulling the still-bewildered Bai Chen into a forceful kiss. Bai Chen visibly stiffened, staring at her crimson face mere inches from his own. A faint smile touched his lips, and he reached behind her head, pressing down to deepen the kiss aggressively.

“Mmph, mmph mmph…” Although she desperately wanted to push Bai Chen away, she was constrained by the two approaching individuals. She could only endure it, barely.

“Tch! More people! Why are there people everywhere!” A male voice echoed nearby.

“Never mind, honey, let’s find another spot~” The sound of two pairs of footsteps gradually faded into the distance. Bai Qiao swiftly pushed Bai Chen away, frantically fastened her belt, and strode out of the woods without a backward glance.

Bai Chen stumbled as he was pushed, but quickly regained his footing and followed her. He remained silent about what had just transpired, which, surprisingly, made Bai Qiao feel much better.

“Yo~ This chick is hot!” A young man with焦yellow-dyed hair approached, followed by three more youths.

“Hey, beautiful, wanna have some fun?”

“…………” Bai Qiao had never imagined she would be harassed like this. Ignoring them, she turned to walk away, but the young man blocked her path. He looked at Bai Chen with disdain and sneered, “What’s the use of a pretty boy like him? He can’t even say a word in a situation like this. Beautiful, why don’t you come have a good time with us brothers? Ditch that kid.”

‘…………Actually, I *do* want to ditch him,’ Bai Qiao thought to herself, though she didn’t voice it aloud. The murderous aura emanating from behind her was already intensely potent. Bai Chen had never been insulted in such a manner, and now his woman was being harassed—it was simply unbearable. His face darkening, Bai Chen stepped forward, subtly shielding Bai Qiao behind him.

“Yo! Got some backbone, kid. Then let us brothers properly teach a lesson to an ignorant brat like you.”