138: E-sports genius forced love 8

The setting sun’s afterglow painted the school gate a warm orange-red. When Wen Ci walked out of the school gate, she immediately saw the tall figure standing under the sycamore tree.

Lu Chen leaned against the tree trunk, looking down at his phone, his fringe falling over his forehead, casting subtle shadows on his face.

"Lu Chen!" Wen Ci unconsciously quickened her pace, jogging towards him.

The boy, hearing her voice, looked up. His usually indifferent eyes lit up the moment he saw her, and the corners of his mouth curved slightly, revealing a gentle smile he only showed in front of her.

Wen Ci felt her heart skip a beat, and her chest felt like it was filled with a warm, soft ball of cotton, both plush and hot.

She ran up to him, bringing with her a faint scent of gardenias, and looked up, sweetly saying, "Let’s go home together."

Lu Chen’s body visibly stiffened, his pupils slightly constricted, as if those words had struck the softest part of his heart.

His Adam’s apple bobbed, and his voice was a few shades lower than usual: "Mm, we’re going home."

This was the first time anyone had said the word "home" to him.

Not back to a cold apartment, not back to an empty training base, but with her, back to that place that had gained warmth since her appearance.

Wen Ci noticed the emotion that flickered in his eyes, and a bittersweet feeling rose in her heart.

She knew Lu Chen must have a special sentiment towards the word "home."

Thinking of this, she unconsciously reached out and gently tugged on his sleeve. This small gesture made Lu Chen’s gaze even softer.

The two walked side by side on the street bathed in golden sunlight, their height difference allowing Wen Ci to reach just his shoulder.

She secretly glanced at the boy beside her, finding him particularly handsome today. His well-defined profile was edged with gold by the setting sun, his long eyelashes cast delicate shadows beneath his eyes, and his slightly pursed lips hinted at a subtle, almost imperceptible tension.

Wen Ci suddenly recalled that unexpected kiss, and her cheeks immediately burned.

It was her first kiss; his lips were softer than she imagined, with a faint minty taste that made her crave more...

"Watch your step." Lu Chen’s deep voice interrupted her thoughts, and a warm hand timely steadied her shoulder, helping her avoid a small puddle.

Wen Ci then realized she had almost stepped into the water, feeling a bit embarrassed.

After Lu Chen’s hand withdrew, it dropped down, and as he walked, it brushed against the back of her hand, seemingly by chance, yet also like a cautious probe.

Wen Ci’s heart rate suddenly accelerated. She looked down at their arms, gently swaying with their steps, with less than an inch separating them.

She suddenly wondered what it would feel like to hold those distinctly jointed hands, capable of performing various high-difficulty maneuvers in esports competitions.

She had already experienced the softness of those crimson lips that afternoon; now she wanted to know what it would feel like for his long, strong fingers to intertwine with hers...

Just as she was lost in thought, she suddenly felt her pinky finger gently hooked.

A jolt of electric numbness shot from her fingertip straight up her spine. Wen Ci looked down in surprise, seeing Lu Chen’s pinky carefully intertwining with hers.

Wen Ci held her breath, not pulling her hand away.

This unspoken signal made Lu Chen a bit bolder. His fingers slowly, one by one, slipped into the gaps between hers—first his ring finger, then his middle finger... until his entire palm fully covered hers, dominantly and irresistibly intertwining with her fingers.

With a "boom," Wen Ci felt all the blood rush to her cheeks.

Lu Chen’s hand was even warmer and drier than she had imagined. The calluses on his fingertips rubbed against her skin, sending subtle shivers through her.

She secretly glanced up at the boy beside her, noticing that while he appeared calm and composed, the tips of his ears were already red enough to almost drip blood.

So, even someone as aloof as Lu Shen could get shy from holding hands.

This discovery filled Wen Ci’s heart with a honey-like sweetness. She quietly tightened her fingers, holding his hand even more firmly.

Lu Chen seemed to freeze for a moment, then the corners of his mouth curved into an almost imperceptible smile, and the pressure in his hand also increased slightly.

The two walked on in silence, neither speaking, but their clasped hands grew tighter and tighter, as if this could keep the other by their side forever.

Passersby frequently turned their heads, not only because of the striking appearance of the young boy and girl, but also because of the unspoken understanding and intimacy between them.

Soon, they arrived at the apartment building.

In the elevator, Lu Chen still showed no intention of letting go, and Wen Ci didn’t remind him.

It wasn’t until they stood in front of her door that she had to speak: "Lu Chen, I... I should go in."

After saying this, she expected him to say goodbye and leave as usual, but to her surprise, Lu Chen immediately replied, "Mm, I’ll come in with you too."

"Huh?" Wen Ci was completely stunned, her eyes wide.

She knew that no matter how much she used coaxing or tricks, Lu Chen always insisted on not entering her room, always refusing with excuses like "it’s too late" or "it’s not appropriate."

But now, he actually offered to come in?

Seeing Wen Ci’s dazed expression, Lu Chen seemed to realize how ambiguous his words were and quickly cleared his throat, explaining, "I... I didn’t mean it like that, I just wanted to sit for a bit... Is that okay?"

His voice grew softer and softer, his gaze flickering, completely losing the composure he usually displayed on the esports stage.

Wen Ci looked at him like this, and her earlier shyness largely dissipated. She couldn’t help but laugh: "Of course."

She took out her key, opened the door, and pulled him in by the wrist.

The room wasn’t large but it was very cozy. Light blue curtains swayed gently in the breeze, a few open textbooks and a small potted plant sat on the desk, and several plush toys were on the living room sofa.

Lu Chen stood at the doorway, suddenly becoming awkward, unsure where to put his hands and feet.

"Sit down." Wen Ci pointed to the small sofa in the living room. Lu Chen, like a robot receiving an order, immediately walked over and sat upright, his back perfectly straight, his hands neatly placed on his knees.

Wen Ci suppressed a smile and went to the kitchen to pour him a glass of water: "Have some water."

"Thank you." Lu Chen took the glass, tilted his head back, and drank it all in one gulp. His Adam’s apple bobbed with his swallowing, and a few drops of water slid down his chin, disappearing into the depths of his collar.

Wen Ci unconsciously stared, only hastily averting her gaze when she realized how strange her behavior was.

"Um... what do you think of my room?" To ease the awkwardness, Wen Ci casually asked, "Do you like it?"

Lu Chen looked up at her words, scanning every corner of the room, his gaze finally settling on her face: "I like it."

His voice was very soft, yet unusually firm, "I don’t just like the room... I like you even more."

With a "boom," Wen Ci once again felt all the blood rush to her cheeks.

Lu Chen had stood up at some point and was walking towards her, step by step, until he had her cornered against the wall, with nowhere to retreat.

He lowered his head, gazing into her eyes, his gaze so fervent it almost melted her.

Wen Ci nervously reached out and poked his chest. The touch was much firmer than she expected; she could feel distinct muscle lines through his thin hoodie.

This discovery made her even more flushed, and she quickly found an excuse: "I, I’m going to cook, I’m so hungry..."

She tried to slip out from under his arm, but Lu Chen wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her back.

The boy buried his face in the crook of her neck, taking a deep breath. His warm breath fanned across her sensitive skin, sending a subtle shiver through her.

"Ci Ci..." His voice was incredibly hoarse, "Be my girlfriend, okay?"

Wen Ci’s heart pounded wildly, almost bursting out of her chest.