Gu Lianyin's Test

Gu Lianyin's Test

"I liked how lively you were, how we shared the same interests and hobbies. I liked the way you frowned in thought when you were by my side, and I liked your silly side too. It was adorable."

Lin Yuan's gaze was gentle. Love was not merely something spoken aloud; it could be seen in one's eyes.

Gu Lianyin was delighted, but that feeling was quickly replaced by conflict and anxiety.

"But I'm not pretty!"

"I already told you, looks aren't part of my criteria for choosing a partner. Just because a girl isn't pretty, does that mean no boys can pursue her?"

Gu Lianyin was left speechless.

But she still had her concerns.

Although she had begun to believe Lin Yuan's words, Gu Lianyin knew all too well just how vicious those relatives of hers were.

Once they learned that she had transferred to this school, there was no way they would do nothing.

Though she had disguised herself as ugly, as long as someone checked her name, they would find her soon enough.

After that, they could cause trouble—for example, tell the people who had once pursued her to the point of obsession, even following her after school.

Or they could bribe people inside and outside the school to target her.

Both were entirely possible.

Once, on her grandfather's birthday, Gu Lianyin had prepared an antique as a gift.

But someone had secretly switched it out at some point. When her grandfather opened the gift, he found a clock inside.

Giving someone a clock was equivalent to wishing them death—an absolute taboo!

One could imagine just how dangerous Gu Lianyin's situation had been at the time.

Fortunately, her grandfather adored her and guessed that someone had been behind it, so he let the matter go.

There had also been a time when her mother met with a male friend from her youth. Someone maliciously took secret photos of them and spread rumors throughout the family.

They claimed she was having an affair and the like.

Such incidents never stopped happening.

As a result, Gu Lianyin had become especially sensitive and hated being deceived.

Her test had yielded no result. Fortunately, the bell rang, and the teacher entered the classroom almost exactly as it was ringing.

Otherwise, if things had continued, she would not have known what to say.

For the entire morning, the two acted like desk mates with an ordinary relationship and barely spoke a few words.

During that time, Lin Yuan heard Gu Lianyin's inner thoughts and learned the whole story.

So she thought her relatives had sent me to deliberately get close to her.

It was all a misunderstanding.

Though he knew Lianyin was disguising herself as ugly, he had seen through it himself. No one else had told him.

He did not want any misunderstanding to remain between them, so he had to explain things clearly.

That afternoon, after the teacher dismissed the final class of the day,

the other students rose in a rush. Some were eager to eat and darted out of the classroom.

Gu Lianyin did not dare face Lin Yuan. Normally, at this time, she would leave with him.

But she did not do so today. She got up from her seat, preparing to head back.

After leaving the classroom, Gu Lianyin suddenly began to worry.

Would Lin Yuan be unhappy because of how she had treated him?

What if he got angry?

Her earlier test indicated that Lin Yuan most likely knew nothing. What if he came to dislike her because of it?

She walked so slowly that Lin Yuan caught up from behind and walked shoulder to shoulder with her without her noticing.

Lin Yuan knew Lianyin's concerns. He was not actually angry with her, but despite what he thought, he said,

"Lianyin, do you not like me?"

"Huh?"

Gu Lianyin raised her head, only then discovering that Lin Yuan had appeared beside her at some point. She was clearly flustered.

"I suppose that makes sense. My family circumstances are poor. For someone like you, who casually has a million in savings, it's normal for you to look down on me."

Lin Yuan sighed and put on a deeply disappointed expression.

"That's not it!" Gu Lianyin hurriedly shook her head. "I... I actually like you too, but I... I..."

She stammered, unable to continue.

She was afraid Lin Yuan would be angry if she told him about the test.

"Then why have you been giving me the cold shoulder today? It seemed like you wanted to learn something from me. And earlier, you said I knew your secret, so what exactly is this secret?"

Lin Yuan looked at her.

Gu Lianyin guiltily said, "It's... well, a secret is a secret. If I told you, could it still be called a secret?"

Lin Yuan laughed. The old Lianyin was back.

He also breathed a sigh of relief.

The two waved goodbye at the school gate, and the morning's unpleasantness dissolved with their smiles.

Gu Lianyin hurried back to her place and quickly told her best friend Ling Wanqing everything that had happened that day, asking for her analysis.

Ling Wanqing had also returned early because of this matter. After hearing Lianyin recount the events, she fell into thought.

"Looks like he might not know anything. His reasons for liking you are fine too. But Lianyin, this still isn't enough. Should we carry out the third plan?"

Gu Lianyin thought for a moment, then nodded. "We've come this far, so let's continue. By the way, what's the third plan?"

Ling Wanqing said, "The third plan has several parts. First, use an unfamiliar number to test him again. Second... third..."

She listed several in a row, but Gu Lianyin immediately rejected the last one.

"I don't want to go to school looking like my real self to see him so soon."

She believed that once she met Lin Yuan with her true appearance, he would become even more proactive, treat her better and better, perhaps even fawn over her.

Gu Lianyin did not like that version of him.

Lin Yuan's phone suddenly received a text message from an unknown number.

[You've done very well. Within one month, I want you to take the initiative to ask Gu Lianyin out to a Western restaurant, then take the initiative to kiss her. If you dare not do it, I'll tell her everything you know!]

It was a baffling message, but Lin Yuan had already guessed who sent it.

Seriously... again?

Since she wanted to play so badly, he would play along for a while.

[Who are you?]

He replied to the message.

[You forgot so quickly? I'm the one who told you her secret.]

Lin Yuan replied, "What secret?"

[You know perfectly well.]

Lin Yuan replied, "Are you crazy? What do I know? This is ridiculous."

[Heh. I've said what I needed to say. Whether you do it is up to you. I advise you not to be ungrateful, or you'll face the consequences!]

Note: Message failed to send. The other party may have added you to their blacklist!

On the other side, Gu Lianyin and Ling Wanqing froze almost at the same time.

The message had failed to send. Lin Yuan had actually blocked them!

"Wanqing," Gu Lianyin suddenly said, "doesn't this prove a lot of things?"

"Not yet. Continue," Ling Wanqing said.

Before long, Lin Yuan's phone rang again.

It was a message from Gu Lianyin.

He took it out, and after reading it, helplessly rubbed his forehead.

Gu Lianyin: [Lin Yuan, I felt unwell a few days ago and went to the hospital. They found that I have a terminal illness and don't have much time left. I'm sorry for hiding it from you. Let's break up. I don't blame you.]

Lin Yuan knew Gu Lianyin was testing him, but her method was far too childish. He was utterly speechless.

This silly girl was adorably foolish.

Smiling, he replied, "No matter what happens to you, I'll always stay by your side. Don't be afraid. I'm coming to find you right now!"

(End of Chapter)