Change

…

Jiu Li prayed that he wouldn't run into Zheng Hu today as he walked into his classroom. He was starting to get REALLY desperate now. The protagonist definitely remembered him after he fainted.

Jiu Li was again reminded about his resentment towards the body of his. Suddenly, Jiu Li thought, what if he just became Zheng Hu's friend. Made his life so much easier. It wasn't like he did anything to offend or anger Zheng Hu after his transmigration.

He was so blinded by desire for survival to the point that he hadn't thought of something that simple. Jiu Li formed a adjustment to the plan for survival in his mind. He was going to befriend Zheng Hu so he could live and get protection of a protagonist. A PROTAGONIST! Surely nothing can go wrong, right?

Heh, Jiu Li, you're a genius! Jiu Li praised, proud that he found a way much more easier way to survive.

…

Jiu Li's attitude towards Zheng Hu had taken a drastic turn. Back then, Jiu Li seemed like a thief getting caught stealing something and ran away in a hurry every time Zheng Hu saw a single strand of his (Jiu Li's) hair, now, he seemed to be making a effort to get closer to Zheng Hu after being carried to the infirmary.

Well, the change didn't feel bad. Zheng Hu hoped that the change would be permanent.

"Zheng Hu!"

Jiu Li called to him.

"Hm?"

"Do you want to grab lunch together?"

Jiu Li asked, trying to keep his voice steady and friendly. He avoids looking directly at Zheng Hu, instead focusing on his textbooks scattered on the desk.

Zheng Hu raises his eyebrows in surprise, taken aback by the sudden invitation.

Zheng Hu looked at Jiu Li, trying to gauge if the sudden invitation is genuine or not. He nodded slowly.

"Uhm, sure?"

Jiu Li let out a sigh of relief. You-! What is there to sigh about? (Erm, things…?)

…

"Do you have any interest in a romantic relationship?"

Erm…

How did this slip out of my mouth? I meant did you and Lily meet yet!

Lily was the female lead of the novel Jiu Li read. Zheng Hu's first encounter with her was when Zheng Hu went out for a walk in the night and saw her. They exchanged an conversation about a mutual interest, Jiu Li didn't remember the topic, before it started raining lightly, and they parted. Zheng Hu was intrigued by how passionate she was about thier mutual interest and fell inlove with her.

Zheng Hu visibly shows a look surprise, caught off guard by the question. Jiu Li quickly tries to redirect the conversation, realizing his slip-up.

"Uh, I mean, I just thought you seemed... popular, you know? …Like, someone who could easily have a girlfriend!"

Jiu Li stammered, his face flushing slightly as he fumbled for words.

Zheng Hu blinked, clearly still processing the unexpected question.

"Oh, I don't have a girlfriend and I don't have thoughts of getting one. I would like to focus on my studies"

Jiu Li relaxed a little at that.

"Oh, right! Of course! You should…"

What? Was the novel I read a lie? Or is this because of my actions? Since when was Zheng Hu an nerd? Anyways, Jiu Li! Why did you ask him about Lily?!

He mentally kicked himself for his slip up. He needed to keep the conversation light and friendly, not dive into awkward territory.