Chapter 23 So Refreshing, Almost Can’t Take It

“Why aren’t you playing?”
Su Niansheng looked up confused. Shen Junxi immediately averted his gaze, guiltily picking up the harmonica.
Haha~
Why does he look like a thief?
On the lake, the ukulele’s lively notes blended with the harmonica’s unique, melodious tune—beautiful and harmonious, easily evoking childhood summers.
Su Niansheng stared at him—intending to 监督 (supervise) the lazy thief, but zoning out as she watched.
At the bow, he played the black-gold harmonica intently—messy short hair blown by the night breeze, casting a faint shadow on his eyelids.
In the light and shadow, his eyebrows were deep, features sharp—so handsome it seemed unreal, like a lake spirit in disguise.
In a blink, she and Shen Junxi grew up.
He seemed different from childhood—but she couldn’t say how, just different.
The boat drifted to the lake center unnoticed. Shen Junxi watched the rippling waves, wishing they’d never stop.
Carrying him and Xiaoqian—from childhood to old age, drifting together forever.
Just keep drifting.
“Why don’t you live on campus anymore?”
“Long story.” Su Niansheng stopped, wistful—then looked at him. “You, though—I heard you were eager to move out?”
Shen Junxi stiffened. “Oh? I don’t recall.”
“Yes—Aunt Jian Yan and Uncle Li said so. No denying!”
“Fine, I did—but changed my mind.”
“Why?”
Curious, Su Niansheng saw her urgency—he narrowed his eyes. “Why, Su Xiaoqian—so eager for me to move out, to claim my big room?”
“Hey, Shen Xiaoxi—you’re suspicious again!”
“Can’t help it—you’re so charming, making my mom so happy she wants you as a goddaughter. What if you coax her into disowning me?”
“Hehe—with me around, you’ll be kicked out!”
Shen Junxi’s eyes crinkled. “Then I’ll leech off you for life.”
“Leech away!” She leaned in mysteriously. “But first—help me with something?”
“What?”
“I want to go home—but we’re on bad terms. Going back like this, no forgiveness. Need sincerity—so you must help. If not, I’ll leech here forever, steal your family fortune!”
Helping her was instinct for Shen Junxi—but the “leech forever” tempted him, stirring selfishness to keep her forever. Yet he wanted her to get what she wanted, free of worries.
“How? Plead with the Su family for you?”
“Nonono!” She waved a finger. “My uncle handles that. I need your help with credits—finals are near, I’m far from passing. Failing would ruin going home.
“After the ‘library assignment’ incident, I left the group—lost credits for ‘Craftsmanship and Practice’ elective. Even more behind.
“You’re taking ‘Economic Thinking’—tons of credits, but super exclusive. Professor Feng Shuyu’s star student—ask, he’ll add a spot!”
She rambled on. Shen Junxi’s eyes softened—glad she noticed him, not just Shiyu Bai.
“Okay—but what’s in it for me?”
“?”
Su Niansheng heard the blatant blackmail, paused—then set down the ukulele, sitting beside him.
She extended a small hand piteously, tugging his Corner of clothing —cherry-pink cheeks, fluttering lashes, eyes reflecting him.
“Junxi gege~”
Her gentle tug sent electricity to his heart—her coquettish “gege” made him suck in a breath, “Sss—”
Before he recovered, she unleashed a smooth coquettish combo.
“Please~ Pretty please~ You’re the best!”
Her voice was hypnotic, melting his heart.
Shen Junxi bit his back teeth, turning away—his handsome face twisted with restraint.
This is killing me!
“Who taught you that?”
“Don’t care—just say yes or no?”
She leaned closer.
A whiff of fragrance hit him—like a mind-altering poison, wiping out his sanity.
Now—he’d give not just a class, but his life.
But he hated losing this sweet torture—fought to refuse. “Stop that—I’m not falling for it.”
He’s not?
His voice trembled, lips nearly reaching his ears—telling her he’s not?
Seeing her boss around all her life, now forced to be meek—felt so refreshing!
Su Niansheng ignored him, pressing on.
Shen Junxi was indeed so refreshed, almost couldn’t take it.
If she kept calling—he’d lose control…
What 19-year-old boy, full of vitality, could resist his beloved girl’s bold teasing? Especially in the dark, alone—one impulse, turning into a beast, taking her… irreversible.
He was about to give in.
Her patience ran out—she frowned, threatening fiercely. “Shen Xiaoxi—answer! Or I’ll jump off!”
She walked to the narrow bow.
Shen Junxi stared at her slender figure swaying, then laughed. “Su Xiaoqian—so much effort to make me give you CPR?”
“Eww~” She shuddered. “You’re disgusting!”
“Know disgusting? Then come down!”
Huh?
She caught a flash of worry in his eyes—felt triumphant, 叉腰 (hands on hips). “No! I’ll jump—make you guilty, regret, lose your childhood sweetheart forever!”