Encore and Camellya's Defeat

The moment Chun extended the invitation, her heart sank slightly.

These words had been brewing in my heart for a long time, and I only dared to say them under the cover of night. My fingertips were slightly hot, and even the hand holding Encore unconsciously tightened a little.

"Tipping Bucket Garden? I remember that place being really expensive, right? Chun managed to rent a two-bedroom apartment there, that's amazing."

"I'll definitely go see it if I have the chance in the future, but it's too late today, so it's not convenient."

Tsubaki:...

Why did you focus on money first, before answering my question? Isn't it obvious which issue is more important?

Clearly, Chun was unaware that a girl named Yangyang had been frequently inviting Wuling to her home to play, to the point that it had become commonplace.

It's a pity that my first time being so brave was rejected, especially in this way.

Chun, defeated.

From that moment on, the atmosphere was somewhat silent all the way to the entrance of the residential area.

Chun didn't say anything because she felt too awkward and a little shy, while Wuling was already used to it.

As for Encore, he was sandwiched between two people, and the pressure was so great that he could hardly breathe, so naturally he couldn't say anything.

The group walked to the entrance of the residential area, Wuling decided to leave.

Chun blinked subtly twice, giving Encore a hint. Although the hint was abstract, Encore understood it nonetheless.

She grabbed Wuling's wrist as he was about to leave and pulled him into a tight hug.

"Brother Wuling ~, I'm afraid of the dark, will you take me home?"

Wuling hesitated for a moment, but "Don't you have Chun with you? Why are you asking me to stay?"

"Sister Chun is also afraid of the dark, so we need you to help us get back."

"Please, big brother~."

Encore swore this was the most affected voice she had ever used in her life, so affected that even she felt it sounded cheesy, but someone just happened to fall for it.

Wuling Ling looked down at Encore, who was clinging to his arm. Encore was gripping his wrist tightly, her little face tilted back, her eyes wide and watery as she looked at him, determined not to let go until she agreed.

Wuling tried his best, but in the end he still couldn't overcome his own will. In fact, he didn't exert any effort at all, because he has always been someone who responds better to gentle persuasion than force, Encore's approach just happened to suit him.

He hesitated before speaking.

"But the lights in the neighborhood are quite bright, so there shouldn't be anything to be afraid of, right?"

The streetlights are so bright, and there aren't any dark figures standing below. What are you afraid of?

"It's bright, but the wind howls at night, and the swaying shadows of the trees are really scary."

Encore shook her head wildly, rubbing against his arm and acting incredibly cute, continuing to escalate the situation.

"Sister Chun is timid, and so am I. We're both cowards, and we need Brother Wuling's protection."

Chun, standing to the side, felt her ears burn slightly upon hearing this, and lowered her eyes, not daring to look up.

She's not afraid of the dark at all; on the contrary, she enjoys reading horror stories, the kind she reads in bed at night.

Encore isn't afraid of the dark, of course. If you had to say what he's most afraid of, it would probably be homework.

But now, at this crucial juncture, she naturally can't undermine Encore; what if she gets rid of him?

So she nodded gently in agreement with Encore's words.

"Hmm... there aren't many streetlights in the alleys, so it's a bit dark. I hope Wuling."

When Wuling saw the two girls, one big and one small, staring at her with feigned unease, her heart softened instantly.

Alright, we can't really let two girls walk alone on back paths at night.

Although it's not even 8 o'clock yet, and there are still quite a few pedestrians on the road.

"I give up, I just can't do anything with you."

Wuling then casually patted Encore's head.

"Then I'll walk you to the stairwell entrance, and I'll leave once I'm there."

"Yay, Wuling is the best!"

Encore immediately let go of Wuling's wrist, jumped up happily, and then took their hands in hers again, leading them into the neighborhood with a delighted expression.

In reality, even if Wuling had stayed, the distance from the main gate to their apartment building was only two buildings.

In terms of time, it's only a little over a minute.

In that minute or so, it's hard to say whether the game matchmaking will even get to the loading screen.

Although Encore tried her best to slow down, hoping to buy herself as much time as possible, it was unfortunately over in the end.

Encore, defeat.

The group headed towards their destination, with pedestrians constantly passing by. The streetlights overhead were so bright they were almost blinding. Even Tiga could be fully charged here, let alone the underworld.

A little boy with big ears and an old man chased each other past them.

Wuling couldn't help but mutter to herself, "Kids and girls these days are so timid."

In a short while, the distance between the two buildings was covered.

To be honest, it truly lives up to its reputation as a high-end residential area; even the hallways have a different feel, all shimmering with gold.

Wuling stopped, breathed a sigh of relief, and spoke.

"We're downstairs now, it's safe now, right?"

He looked down at the two people beside him and said, "Then I'll head back first. You two go upstairs, and remember to lock the doors and windows."

After saying that, he naturally raised his hand and gently rubbed Encore's head, then turned to leave.

Seeing that he was about to turn and leave, Encore hurriedly tightened her small hand and secretly squeezed Chun's palm hard, frantically sending a secret signal.

My last chance, Sister Chun! I've already used it and let him go. I don't know if I'll have another chance like this, so I have to seize it!

Chun's fingertips trembled. Did she not want to? The problem was, she was too embarrassed to say it. She always felt shy.

Forget it, I've already done it once, what's one more time?

"Wuling, wait a minute."

Upon hearing the shout, Wuling, who had just turned halfway around, stopped and turned back, her eyes filled with doubt.

"What's wrong? Did you forget something?"

The golden light of the hallway fell on Chun, casting her shadow on the ground.

Encore tightened her grip on Chun's hand, her eyes fixed on them, her heart pounding with nervousness. Success or failure hinged on this moment.

Chun's heart pounded like a drum, and the tips of her ears burned hot.

Even though I've rehearsed my lines countless times in my mind, when it's time to actually speak, my mind goes blank for a moment.

Ultimately, this was the first time she had ever invited a boy to her home.

She couldn't very well say directly, "I don't want you to leave, I want to stay with you a little longer." That would be too blunt, and she simply didn't have the courage.

The silence lasted only two seconds, yet it felt like an eternity.

Wuling didn't urge her, but stood quietly waiting for her to speak.