Blocked

Shi Sui slept from morning self-study all the way through the long morning break. He didn’t even respond when Wang Cheng called him to go eat.

He didn’t want to hear Lu Huaizhi ask him what he wanted for breakfast again. He would simply not eat.

Just as he was in a daze, he suddenly heard Wang Cheng’s frantic voice.

“Shi Sui, wake up! Old Man Deng is storming over!” The Dean’s real name was Deng Weiben; “Old Man Deng” was the nickname they used behind his back.

Shi Sui was shaken awake. He had two sleep creases on his chin and the corners of his eyes were red, clearly not fully conscious yet.

“Stop spacing out! Hurry up and find a school jacket to wear!” Wang Cheng poked his head out the window to look back. “Old Man Deng has already checked Class 2 next door!”

Old Man Deng had launched a sudden grade-wide inspection, going classroom by classroom to check who wasn’t wearing their uniform. He didn’t even skip the restrooms and had already caught a large group of people.

“Uniform?” Shi Sui looked down at his clothes with a delayed reaction. The tiger head on his black T-shirt was large, prominent, and looked quite majestic.

Wang Cheng knew Shi Sui would definitely get caught like this. As he paced around anxiously, he happened to see the Academic Rep next to them give her uniform jacket to the Sports Rep. The tiny jacket was nearly bursting at the seams on the Sports Rep’s nearly 1.8-meter frame.

Wang Cheng’s eyes lit up. “Quick, find someone who brought a jacket and put it on!”

Shi Sui also saw the extremely ill-fitting uniform on the Sports Rep. The key was that the guy looked proud, even taking a secret sniff of the collar when people weren’t looking. He looked both bashful and perverted.

Shi Sui, witnessing the whole thing, was now fully awake and felt like his eyes had been blinded. He turned his gaze away in disgust, only to see a school jacket sitting on his desk.

It was folded neatly, the white fabric practically glowing, and he could faintly smell the scent of fresh laundry detergent.

Lu Huaizhi said: “You can wear mine.”

For some reason, Shi Sui suddenly thought of the Sports Rep’s intoxicated expression while sniffing that jacket, and a string in his brain snapped— He would never wear Lu Huaizhi’s uniform!

When the Dean appeared at the door, Shi Sui stood up abruptly. The chair scraped against the floor, making a harsh, screeching sound.

The classroom fell silent for a moment.

Deng Weiben, with his “Mediterranean” hairstyle, had eyes as bright as his forehead. They locked onto Shi Sui instantly. He narrowed his eyes. “Very well, Shi Sui. You go to the field and run five laps too!”

This time, Shi Sui didn’t resist at all. As he left the classroom, he even had a look of relief on his face.

Wang Cheng was dumbfounded. “Has he gone crazy?” Running laps was easier than wearing a jacket?

Lu Huaizhi looked down at his clothes on the desk and remained silent.

There were quite a few people running on the field, showing the success of Deng Weiben’s surprise attack. The Dean stood on the outside of the track with his hands behind his back, watching the scattered group. He said sternly: “Did you all not eat? Run faster! Anyone who isn’t done in ten minutes gets an extra lap!”

These words were effective; everyone’s speed picked up immediately.

Shi Sui spotted a familiar face in the crowd: Qian Hao. He had a silver chain around his neck and a large rip in the middle of his pants. As he ran, the wind blew in, puffing the fabric up like a balloon. A total “non-mainstream” punk look.

Since the last time he rejected Qian Hao in the classroom, the guy had rarely appeared in front of him. Having not seen him for a few days, the guy seemed a bit different.

For example, right now, he was recklessly crowding Shi Sui on the inner lane. He even looked back to give Shi Sui a provocative glare.

Shi Sui raised his eyes, reached out directly, grabbed Qian Hao’s exaggerated silver chain, and swung him backward. A successful overtake.

Qian Hao stumbled and nearly collided with the students behind him. By the time he managed to steady himself, Shi Sui had already pulled far ahead.

Afterward, he put all his effort into trying to catch up to give Shi Sui a piece of his mind, but Shi Sui kept him at an arm’s length—not too far, not too close—teasing him like a cat playing with a toy.

By the time the five laps were finished, he was exhausted and hadn’t even touched the hem of Shi Sui’s shirt.

Shi Sui was the first to finish. This guy’s speed was too fast…

There were many onlookers by the track. Seeing Shi Sui burst out so quickly, they all looked on in admiration.

“Whoa, who is that? He runs so fast, and he’s kind of hot!” “Shi Sui from Class 2-3. Their class almost beat the Sports Class for first place at the last sports meet!” “He is handsome, but I advise you not to get any ideas. He has a terrible temper.”

Just as those words were said, Shi Sui slowly raised his hand and flipped the middle finger toward Qian Hao, who was bent over gasping for air. He wordlessly mouthed two words— [Dumb sh*t.]

His chest heaved slightly, and the sweaty hair on his forehead was pushed back, revealing sharp, arrogant facial lines. Combined with his words, he looked completely defiant and unrestrained.

Qian Hao nearly choked on his breath from the insult, his face turning red from coughing.

“Weiwei, are you really going to give him water?” A short-haired girl saw Shi Sui’s flippant gesture and looked worried.

Tao Lingwei hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded. Last time she gave Shi Sui milk tea, he accepted it but didn’t agree to add her on WeChat. Thinking back, she might have been too impatient. She wanted to try one more time.

Wang Cheng saw Shi Sui running hard and was about to go meet him. Suddenly spotting Tao Lingwei, he immediately pulled Lu Huaizhi. “Top student, wait. I think Shi Sui doesn’t need us.”

He recognized that girl as the one who had come to the classroom to give Shi Sui milk tea.

Wang Cheng had a mischievous look. “This kid’s luck with girls has been pretty good lately!” He rarely saw a girl with the courage to approach Shi Sui again after being rejected.

“Let’s not get in the way.” Wang Cheng was about to head back when he saw Lu Huaizhi keep walking without stopping, heading straight for Shi Sui.

Shi Sui was wiping his sweat and adjusting his breathing. He had run too fast, and combined with not eating breakfast, his stomach had a burning sensation and he felt a bit nauseous.

“Are you okay?” A soft female voice came from in front of him. “Do you want some water?”

Tao Lingwei handed the ice-cold water she had just bought at the supermarket to Shi Sui. Boys usually liked cold drinks when they were hot, so she had specifically picked it from the freezer.

Shi Sui looked up. This time, he recognized Tao Lingwei immediately.

However, he didn’t take it. His meaning when he rejected her last time should have been very clear.

“Um, don’t feel burdened.” Tao Lingwei explained quickly, her hand tightening around the bottle. “At worst, you can just transfer the money to me later.”

These words made Shi Sui waver; he was truly thirsty.

The temperature was high, and the sun shone directly down, making things hot and restless.

Just as his hand lifted, the sunlight beside him was suddenly blocked. A cold voice spoke: “He can’t drink ice-cold water right now.”

Lu Huaizhi stood beside Shi Sui. “He didn’t eat breakfast this morning; his stomach won’t be able to handle ice-cold water.” After speaking, he handed over a bottle of room-temperature mineral water. “Drink this.”

Two bottles of water were thus placed in front of Shi Sui. The scene looked bizarre no matter how you viewed it.

The person who caused this situation looked perfectly normal, except the bottle in his hand was practically being shoved into Shi Sui’s palm.

Shi Sui’s rebellious streak flared up. He brushed Lu Huaizhi’s water aside, intending to take Tao Lingwei’s. But just as he moved, Tao Lingwei pulled her water back with an apologetic look. “Ah! I didn’t know you hadn’t eaten. I almost caused trouble.”

Shi Sui’s hand froze in mid-air.

“It’s fine.” Lu Huaizhi naturally took over the conversation. “But thank you for bringing him water. Why don’t you give it to me, and I’ll give it to him after he settles down?”

Tao Lingwei, completely off-guard, handed the water to Lu Huaizhi.

Lu Huaizhi even added her on WeChat on the spot and transferred the money to her.

Tao Lingwei felt something was strange as she accepted the money, but she simply chalked it up to the two of them being very close friends. With the water delivered, she had no reason to stay.

After Tao Lingwei left, Shi Sui’s face was stiff as he glared coldly at Lu Huaizhi. He hadn’t realized this person was so “familiar” before—even paying for his water?

“Who gave you the right to—” Before the word “decide” could leave his mouth, he saw Lu Huaizhi unscrew his bottle and hold it out to him.

“Your lips are dry. Drink some water.” The action was incredibly natural.

Shi Sui instinctively took it. It wasn’t until his palm felt the cool bottle that he snapped out of it, realizing he had been played. Angry, his fingers gripped the bottle tightly. “You…”

But he forgot that the cap had already been unscrewed by Lu Huaizhi. Under the pressure, the bottle deformed and water spilled out. He scrambled to let go, nearly splashing his pants.

A smile glinted in Lu Huaizhi’s eyes.

“What the f*ck are you laughing at!” Shi Sui tilted his head back and gulped down some water. He realized he simply couldn’t win a contest of wills with this guy.

But as soon as he swallowed the water, a phone was extended in front of him. A QR code was on the screen.

“This bottle plus the one from that girl makes six yuan total.” Lu Huaizhi said. “Or, do you want to pay in cash?”

Shi Sui: “…” Where the f*ck was he going to get cash right now!

So, expressionlessly, he took out his phone, added Lu Huaizhi as a friend, and transferred the money.

“You won’t delete me the next second, will you?” Lu Huaizhi suddenly asked.

Shi Sui slowly moved his finger away from the [Delete Friend] button. “Why would I? I don’t do such low-class things.”

Lu Huaizhi nodded. “True.”

And so, Lu Huaizhi successfully settled into Shi Sui’s friend list.

After school, Shi Sui, Wang Cheng, and a few others were playing pool at a billiards hall.

“Chi Qing, has Qian Hao been unusually fired up lately?” Wang Cheng asked. “I saw him trying to pick a fight with Shi Sui during the laps today.”

Chi Qing was one of the people who had eaten barbecue with them; he was in the same class as Qian Hao.

Chi Qing took a shot before replying: “I don’t know if he found a backer, but he’s been acting very arrogant lately.” He looked back at Shi Sui, who was frowning at his phone. “Did you make him lose face today? He went back to class and vowed to get his revenge.”

Those words were clearly meant for him to pass on to Shi Sui. Truly both cowardly and annoying.

Shi Sui didn’t even look up. “Let him come. I’m waiting.”

When it came to being arrogant, Shi Sui had never lost.

“Wait, Shi Sui, what are you constantly looking at on your phone?” Wang Cheng put down his pool cue and walked over, trying to take a peek, only to see Shi Sui press the phone onto the table like a thief.

“Nothing.” Shi Sui’s expression was a bit unnatural.

Since school ended, Lu Huaizhi had sent him nearly ten WeChat messages. The timing was extremely consistent—one every ten minutes.

– Lu: Are you home yet? – Lu: Oh, Wang Cheng said he went to the billiards hall with you. – Lu: Where is the billiards hall? Is it fun?

Shi Sui didn’t understand why a cold, quiet person would turn into a chatterbox after adding someone. And he was so calculating. He probably figured that once he knew the address, he’d find his way there next time, right?

Shi Sui remained unmoved. He wouldn’t fall for it.

– Lu: Don’t skip breakfast. It’s bad for your stomach. – Lu: What do you want to eat tomorrow morning? – Lu: I’ll bring it for you.

Shi Sui’s eyelid twitched. Does it ever f*cking end?

Countless times he wanted to blacklist or delete him, but he felt that if he did, it would look like something was actually going on between them. So he could only watch Lu Huaizhi pop out messages like a timer.

Midway, he found the name [Lu] very annoying—it looked like an intimate nickname. Shi Sui changed it to [Lu Huaizhi], but it still didn’t look right. Finally, it became [Class 2-3 Lu Huaizhi].

It perfectly demonstrated his distant relationship with this person. Shi Sui was finally satisfied.

He put his phone on the table. A moment later, it vibrated. Shi Sui glanced at the clock on the wall. Sure enough, exactly ten minutes.

He endured it with a wooden face for a while, but eventually, he picked up the phone.

– Class 2-3 Lu Huaizhi: These are today’s homework and answers. I only sent them to you. Remember to copy them.

Shi Sui: “…” Who the fck wants to copy your sht homework!

Wang Cheng saw Shi Sui wasn’t playing and was just sitting there sulking. He found it a bit funny. “Who provoked my Brother Shi again? Say the name, and I’ll help you take care of him!”

He rarely saw Shi Sui look this frustrated. Usually, if someone annoyed him, he’d just punch them. Not like now, getting angry at a phone.

It was a little cute.

But that thought only lasted for a second. Shi Sui stuffed his phone into his backpack, walked to the pool table, and took the cue with a cold face. He leaned down—Bang!—a shot went straight into the pocket.

Shi Sui: “You’re so bad. I was afraid you’d sink the 8-ball.”

Wang Cheng: “…” He took back the “cute” comment.

After a round, the group sat on the sofa to rest. Shi Sui instinctively reached for his phone, but after a thought, he forced his hand back into his pocket.

“Brother, what exactly is on your mind?” Wang Cheng couldn’t take it anymore and asked.

Shi Sui: “?” “What’s on my mind?”

Wang Cheng saw he was being stubborn. “If you don’t believe me, ask Chi Qing.”

Chi Qing nodded. “You are a bit distracted.”

Shi Sui was going to deny it, but then he thought: what normal straight guy wouldn’t be affected by a confession from someone of the same s*x? This was a normal reaction.

Shi Sui decided to voice his confusion: “Tell me, if two people who originally didn’t get along, and one of them suddenly confesses to the other, why would they do that?”

He was afraid of being exposed, so he didn’t mention gender.

“That’s simple.” Wang Cheng, who was recently obsessed with melodramatic school dramas, quickly provided an answer. “They want to get the person, then dump them as revenge!” Shi Sui fell into a brief silence.

“But there’s another possibility.” Wang Cheng’s eyes crinkled as he smiled. “That is, the other person really fell in love. Usually, in this case, the two will definitely become entangled until death. I bet on it!”

He patted his chest with a look of certainty. Shi Sui fell into complete silence.

Chi Qing looked at Shi Sui’s “CPU-is-overheating” expression and laughed until his stomach hurt. How had he not realized Shi Sui was this innocent before? He’d believe anything.

At this moment, the phone in Shi Sui’s backpack vibrated again. Shi Sui stared at the backpack quietly for a moment, then reached in and pulled the phone out.

– Class 2-3 Lu Huaizhi: How about soup dumplings and soy milk for breakfast?

Shi Sui: “…”

For some reason, he thought of Wang Cheng’s words: [entangled until death].

And so, Shi Sui’s hand reacted faster than his brain. With a swipe, he tossed the person into the blacklist.

Then he put the phone into the deepest compartment of his backpack and sealed it shut. Entangled my *ss.