Ma Hongjun was still excitedly turning in circles, admiring his muscles, when Lin Zhixia suddenly nudged him with her elbow and flicked her eyes toward Bai Chenxiang. Bai Chenxiang stood by the reef, twisting the hem of her clothes between her fingers, her cheeks as red as the evening clouds on the horizon. Every so often, she would sneak a glance at Ma Hongjun, then quickly look away again, like a startled little sparrow.
Ma Hongjun froze for a moment. Following her gaze, he instantly understood, and his ears flushed red with a swish. Taking the chance, Lin Zhixia pulled Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, and Xiao Wu two steps back. The four girls huddled together, secretly smiling as if they were hiding jars of honey in their hearts. Xiao Wu covered her mouth, her eyes curving into crescents. Though Zhu Zhuqing did not laugh aloud, she lightly poked Lin Zhixia's arm with her fingertip, her eyes full of teasing. Ning Rongrong simply took out a strawberry candy from her Soul Tool and peeled it as she whispered, "Want to bet whether Xiangxiang will agree right away?" Lin Zhixia smiled and shook her head. "Don't rush. Watch the fatty."
Ma Hongjun took a deep breath and walked up to Bai Chenxiang with clenched fists. His usually booming voice dropped several octaves and even trembled a little. "X-Xiangxiang, I have something to tell you."
Bai Chenxiang suddenly looked up, meeting his eyes, then immediately lowered her head again. Her voice was as soft as a mosquito's buzz. "Y-you say it."
"I know I used to be fat, and I wasn't particularly capable either." Ma Hongjun scratched his head, but his gaze grew firmer and firmer. "I can't compare to Boss Dai and Zhuqing. I can't be as powerful as they are, protecting