Chapter 14
1221 Words
Archer entered the classroom and saw Phoebe eating pan-fried buns.
The newly appointed class monitor, Harry, was constantly fawning over her and showering her with attention.
As expected, the school’s beauty is never lacking in admirers.
Despite Harry's efforts, Phoebe did not offer him a kind look.
When Phoebe saw Archer, she appeared slightly embarrassed and unconsciously explained, "Archer, I said I didn't want any, but Harry insisted on buying them for me."
Archer smiled faintly and asked, "Why are you telling me this?" Phoebe was startled.
The moment she saw Archer, she wanted to put some distance between herself and Harry.
Occasionally, Phoebe would message Archer, asking him to buy her breakfast.
From a psychological perspective, the breakfast Archer bought appeared much tastier than the one Harry purchased.
Phoebe had a chauffeur who picked her up and dropped her off at school every day.
She had just passed the bus stop outside the school gate when she saw Archer through the bus window; he was holding two cups of soy milk.
Phoebe, known as the school beauty, had naively assumed that one of the cups was meant for her.
But now, Archer had only one cup of soy milk left, which he had already consumed himself.
Was it intended for the girl wearing the peach blossom pendant?
A pang of jealousy welled up from deep within her heart.
Originally, she and Archer were simply ordinary friends.
Now, a rival had emerged, posing a serious threat to her status as the school’s beauty, and she couldn't help but feel anxious.
Archer had no idea that Lin Mushi could have such a complex inner monologue in just a few seconds.
He sank into his seat and picked up a magazine from Charles's desk to read.
Charles was often late for morning reading, and it was common for Mr. Tommy to punish him by making him stand outside the classroom.
"Phoebe, please drink your milk, it is still warm." Harry was still earnestly complimenting the school beauty.
"Harry, please don't buy me breakfast anymore, I'm afraid Archer might misunderstand." Phoebe furrowed her brows slightly.
Upon hearing this, Harry felt as though he had fallen into an ice cave.
Snowflakes fluttered, the north wind howled, and the world stretched out as a vast expanse of white…
In Phoebe's heart, Archer had always been the most exceptional boy in the class.
Harry was like a clown, not even worthy of carrying Archer's shoes.
Seeing Jocelyn yesterday especially intensified Phoebe's competitive spirit.
She did not understand love, but seeing Archer close to other girls made her feel uneasy.
This thought caused her delicate cheeks to flush slightly.
In class today, Archer returned his usual diligent demeanor.
Ms. Hayes came to math class and made a special effort to check on him, as he had cried so much on the podium the day before.
"Thank you, Ms. Hayes, I'm fine now," Archer said, deeply moved.
Mr. Tommy had proactively helped Archer conceal his illness, having previously informed Ms. Hayes that Archer was merely emotionally distressed due to a setback.
At lunchtime, Archer accompanied Charles to the cafeteria.
In fact, he hesitated several times, wanting to text Jocelyn to invite her to lunch.
However, he reminded himself that they had just met that morning, and contacting her again might come across as clingy, so he decided not to.
The cafeteria was lively and noisy.
Archer and Charles found a spot near the vending machine.
"Hey, why do you seem a bit distracted?" Charles asked, chewing on a large piece of braised pork.
"No, I am eating very seriously."
Although Archer was eating, his eyes continually scanned the crowd, as if searching for someone.
He was holding his chopsticks upside down, completely unaware of it.
Men understand other men best.
Charles understood Archer's subtle thoughts effortlessly.
He asked mysteriously, "Tell me again, how did you and that girl meet?"
Archer then began recounting his story, beginning with his chance encounter with Jocelyn beneath the ginkgo tree.
He stayed with her until they finished fishing by the river, then saw her onto the No. 19 bus.
"Did you say that both of you drank the same milk tea?" Charles's eyes grew wide.
"Yes, she insisted on giving it to me, and I couldn't refuse." Archer's lips curved into a smile.
"That's an indirect kiss! Are you aware that kissing can lead to pregnancy?" Charles shouted.
"Are you serious? Do you think I am a three-year-old?" Archer said irritably as he picked up a piece of braised pork from his plate.
Charles, a lifelong bachelor, shamelessly pestered Archer, asking him to describe what it felt like to share a cup of milk tea with a girl.
Was it sweet? Did it go smoothly? Did your heart race?
Archer ignored him and focused on his meal.
Suddenly, his gaze shifted downward and landed on a pair of snow-white canvas shoes.
Two slender legs, resembling lotus roots, as if sketched by a cartoonist.
"Excuse me, may I take a seat here?" A melodious and sweet voice, reminiscent of a nightingale.
Archer suddenly looked up and met Jocelyn's gaze.
Charles quickly said, "Please sit down." Jocelyn set her plate down, smoothed her skirt, and sat beside Archer.
A faint, sweet fragrance drifted into his nostrils.
"Hello, my name is Jocelyn. I am a friend of Archer's," Jocelyn introduced herself to Charles.
"I...I'm Charles, Archer's close friend." Charles had never spoken to a girl so beautiful before and stammered a slightly.
Archer inwardly grumbled, "Dog meat can't even be served at the table, and I can't speak properly in front of a beautiful woman."
"I'll buy you a drink, what would you like?" Jocelyn asked as she looked at the vending machine beside her.
"That's great! I'll have a Fanta," Charles said quickly.
"I'll have a Coca-Cola," Archer said.
The doctor used to advise him to reduce his intake of carbonated beverages, but now that restriction has been lifted, and he is free to drink whatever he wishes.
Cola is also known as "the water of happiness for overweight individuals,," and right now, he is desperately seeking that happiness.
After purchasing drinks, Jocelyn asked Charles, "Is Archer usually that boring?"
Charles nodded firmly, "He's just a ruthless test-taking machine. He is not good at anything else, especially video games. He truly moves me to tears."
"Are you referring to video games?" Doubt appeared in Jocelyn's eyes.
"He is not very skilled at video games. He only knows how to play one fish, and he's so bad at it that he's practically picking his toes," Charles complained.
"I'm incredibly powerful, known as the Piranha of the Canyon," Archer said, unwilling to lose face in front of the girls.
"You are merely boasting. I think you're a clumsy, fat fish," Jocelyn said disdainfully.
"Jocelyn, if you don't believe me, I will show you just how powerful I truly am later." Once Archer started, he couldn't stop bragging.
The three of them left the cafeteria after lunch, even though it was not yet 12:30.
Archer planned to go back for a nap, so he asked Jocelyn, "I'm going back to sleep. Do you want to come along?"
Jocelyn looked shy and said, "Huh?"
How could you ask so straighforwardly?
Charles appeared embarrassed as well.
"Shall I go then?"
- Writer
