Chapter 23: Ambush in the alley
Meanwhile, several girls started teasing Chen Lingshan and Su Can. Their remarks left Chen Lingshan scarlet-faced and both of them deeply embarrassed. Usually composed and poised, Chen Lingshan still carried some authority among the girls. She took Su Can by the hand and made to leave. "Let's not listen to their nonsense!"
Chen Lingshan had actually gripped Su Can around the joint of his wrist. Though their palms were not touching, the sight of her pulling him along suddenly took on a romantic air. The girls around them fell silent at once. Their teasing smiles remained on their faces, but the gesture had caused quite a stir inside them.
Chen Lingshan herself was startled by what she had done. It had been instinctive, but now that she realized it, withdrawing her hand would only make it more conspicuous. She could only pretend to be casual and walk with Su Can onto the wooden bridge over the little lake, screened off by the trees. Only then did she let go and smile. "Li Lumei and the others just love fooling around. You'll see once you spend more time with them. Don't take it to heart!"
Girls of this era naturally talked about little besides romantic rumors and gossip. Su Can had not minded much. He scratched his head. "It's fine. I suppose I'll get used to it."
To Chen Lingshan, however, his words carried another possible meaning. Get used to it-did that mean they had already, imperceptibly, become part of the same circle? Remembering the feel of his wrist in her hand, warm and distinctly masculine, she felt an inexplicable stirring inside.
"Midterms are coming up, so we probably won't have much time lately. We'll probably get together after the exams. Will you come too?"