Chapter 3, dare to give it a try

Xu Haibo stared at her for a while, furrowing his brows and asking: "Are you really foolish or just pretending to be foolish?"

On the evening two days later, as usual, Xu Ruofan and Xu Haibo were having dinner when Gao Feng once again arrived, carrying a backpack and a large bag of KFC.

Xu Haibo took something out of his backpack and handed it to Gao Feng, saying: "Stop joking around, hurry up and leave"

Then I will also come to you to attend a class.

Xu Ruofan said: "No, I haven't eaten yet, right? Let's eat together"

How can you even say that? You are not even as good as I am

Xu Haibo whispered to Gao Feng: "That should be enough."

Gao Feng saw Xu Ruofan about to leave and hurriedly said: "How about I give you a ride back to school since it's on my way? I estimate that someone will be back at my place by now, so you won't have to go out again."

As Xu Ruofan pushed the door open and entered, he frowned upon seeing Xu Haibo and said, "So you've been playing on your phone here all this time!"

Oh, sister. "Gao Feng clarified the confusion and said with a smile, "Isn't it a cousin? We share the same surname."

Xu Haibo watched from the side, occasionally interjecting remarks to undermine Gao Feng

When Haibo's mother is able to return home at noon, she will wash and cut all the dishes for dinner, preparing everything in advance. Both she and Xu Haibo can cook, and the two of them will stir-fry together, simmer a bit of rice, or directly buy some staple food downstairs. Sometimes, when Haibo's mother is really pressed for time, she will call a familiar restaurant downstairs to have them deliver the meal to their door.

Xu Haibo: Damn, what the hell is wrong with your mind

Xu Haibo suddenly felt a bit regretful for stopping Gao Feng from pursuing Xu Ruofan. He thought she should experience some hardships, but then he considered that with her naive disposition, if he didn't intervene, she would definitely suffer losses. The thought of how he had gone to great lengths to shield her from bad relationships, only to be met with such an attitude from her, truly infuriated him.

"I'm really damn anxious." Gao Feng said, "Alright, I won't mess with you anymore. Can't I just keep my distance from her?"

Occasionally, there are misunderstandings. When Gao Feng was laughing heartily at a funny story shared by Xu Ruofan about her college, he coldly interjected, "What is so funny that you have to laugh like this?"

I have noticed that your way of speaking is increasingly resembling that of Teacher Chen

Gao Feng seemed indifferent as if he hadn't heard anything, while Xu Ruofan took it upon himself to share an amusing anecdote. However, upon saying this, he felt quite disheartened and cast a glance at Xu Haibo, wondering what had gotten into him today to be in such a foul mood.

"No, I am Shuangren Xu, he is Yan Wuxu, they are not the same person," Xu Ruofan said

Gao Feng: Am I really that bad

Xu Haibo: What do you think? Besides, she is two years older than me and three years older than you

Gao Feng looked at Xu Haibo and, putting his arm around his shoulder, said: "What sister? We are childhood friends. If you have something on your mind, just clearly tell your brother. There is nothing to be embarrassed about."

Gao Feng Chong Xu Ruofan raised his hand and said: "Leaving, sister"

Then I won't be polite. Gao Feng said, "I thought there was only Hai Bo at home, so I bought some KFC to add to the meal. I'll go wash my hands first." Gao Feng placed the bag on the dining table and raised an eyebrow at Xu Hai Bo as he turned to wash his hands in the bathroom

Gao Feng: You speak as if you are so innocent. I finished watching those videos you copied last time. Copy some more for me and bring them to school tomorrow

Hi! Gao Feng greeted Xu Ruofan, still wearing a look of confusion on his face

"What the hell, you look like a rubber band to me," Xu Haibo said. "Did I tell you not to have any improper thoughts about her? Are you doing this on purpose?"

After the meal, Xu Ruofan went to wash the dishes. The writing desk in Xu Haibo's room was too small for two people, so he and Gao Feng returned to their room to grab their backpacks and went to the dining table to do their homework and study

Xu Ruofan began to have dinner at the school cafeteria a few times before going to tutor Xu Haibo. After Haibo's mother suggested several times that she go directly to their home for dinner, she no longer declined the invitation

At the peak: A woman three years older than you embraces a golden brick, and haven't you heard? During the day, you call her sister, and at night, she calls you sister; it's quite exhilarating

As Xu Haibo was changing clothes in his room, he unexpectedly saw Gao Feng and Xu Ruofan exchanging phone numbers. Gao Feng, half-seriously and half-jokingly, said: "I really should catch up on these two subjects; otherwise, it would be quite challenging during the exam. I wonder if my sister will allow me to make up for them."

Xu Haibo returned to his bedroom and, as usual, picked up his phone to take a glance before studying. He saw a message from Gao Feng: "The young lady is quite beautiful. Does she have a boyfriend?"

On that day, Xu Ruofan was cooking, while Xu Haibo was cutting cooked food nearby. Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Xu Haibo put down his knife, wiped his hands, and went to open the door. Meanwhile, Xu Ruofan finished cooking the dish, turned off the range hood, and heard that the visitor was a male, likely a classmate of Xu Haibo. The voice did not suggest that he was about to leave, so she wiped her hands and left the kitchen

Goodbye. Xu Ruofan displayed a polite smile, and once Xu Haibo closed the door, she turned to the kitchen to bring out the food and start the meal

Do you believe that I will really call Teacher Chen?

Xu Haibo had seen this kind of expression and tone from Xu Ruofan; it was the same smile she had when speaking to her younger brother

Although Gao Feng promised to delete Xu Ruofan's phone number, Xu Haibo could not feel at ease since he did not see him delete it with his own eyes. Therefore, on another Tuesday, when Xu Ruofan came to give him extra lessons, he asked her if Gao Feng had contacted her during these days

It sounds as if you believe you can pass the exam...

Xu Haibo explained to Gao Feng: "Her parents were classmates with my parents, and my mother asked her to help me with history and geography."

Xu Haibo said: "Anyway, just ignore him, he is fine as a friend, but not reliable as a boyfriend"

Gao Feng: She is not even your biological sister, so there is no need for you to look down on her

Xu Haibo and Gao Feng accompanied Xu Ruofan back to school. On the way back, Gao Feng said to Xu Haibo: "Why are you so blind? Can't you see that my sister and I are in love with each other?"

Gao Feng jokingly said, "Given our relationship, can my sister charge me a fee"

Xu Haibo: That is not the case; it is purely that I have no regard for you

When Xu Ruofan was genuinely curious, he earnestly introduced her to various topics and shared some interesting anecdotes from their school. Gao Feng smiled at the corners of his lips, his eyes sparkling with interest, listening attentively and expressing a face full of envy towards Xu Ruofan's university life. Every question he posed and every statement he made seemed to be directly delivered to Xu Ruofan, allowing her to speak comfortably. Additionally, he occasionally cracked a few jokes, delivering a punchline every three sentences, which kept Xu Ruofan laughing throughout the meal. He expressed a face full of envy towards Xu Ruofan's university life, and every question he posed and every statement he made seemed to be directly delivered to Xu Ruofan, allowing her to speak comfortably. Furthermore, he occasionally cracked a few jokes, delivering a punchline every three sentences, which kept Xu Ruofan laughing throughout the meal.

"Whether the library is open or not has nothing to do with you. Do you even read books?"

Xu Ruofan, my classmate Gao Feng," Xu Haibo said casually

Xu Haibo frowned and said, "Are high school students just little kids?"

Isn't she just the child of your father's classmate? You really consider her your sister, huh

"Can you rephrase that? Every day, I am threatened by Teacher Chen." Xu Haibo still showed no intention of studying

Upon mentioning her mother's evaluation of her, Xu Ruofan finally realized and incredulously said: "Don't tell me your classmate wants to pursue me"

Xu Ruofan was also aware of Xu Haibo's good intentions. Seeing that he seemed genuinely upset, she tilted her head slightly and said with a soft smile, "Are you angry? Didn't I say I wasn't talking about you? How about I treat you to KFC?"

Xu Haibo, seeing him like this, understood his intention. He stood at the door, not planning to let him in, and said in a low voice: "Don't go looking for trouble."

Xu Haibo: Regardless, I will go down myself

Gao Feng ignored Xu Haibo, stretched his neck to look inside, and upon seeing Xu Ruofan's figure, pretended to say, "Sister, what a coincidence, you are here today too"

Xu Ruofan realized that her words had affected Xu Haibo, clicked her tongue, and laughed, saying: "No, no, I misspoke, that is not what I meant"

"It is time for your sister to properly make it up to you," said Gaofeng

It is chargeable

Gao Feng quickly changed the subject: "It's time to charge a fee. With a head as hollow as yours, whoever teaches you will suffer." After saying this, he smiled at Xu Ruofan and added, "Sister, charge him a bit more, don't hold back."

Xu Ruofan did not intend to get involved in the banter between the two, and merely smiled without saying a word

Xu Haibo knew that she was just bluffing, but he had to give her a way out, pretending to concede by saying: "Alright, I’m scared of you, Teacher Xu"

Xu Ruofan chuckled: "Oh, thank you. Rest assured, even if he pursues, he has no chance, because I only engaged with him a few words since he is your friend. How could I possibly be interested in such a little brat?"

Xu Haibo replied: No, but don't dwell on it.

Xu Ruofan finished washing the dishes and came out to explain to Xu Haibo the mistakes he made in his midterm exam for the liberal arts. Gao Feng was also nearby, sitting in on the class and occasionally asking questions. She explained earnestly without any suspicion, and he nodded in apparent understanding.

Xu Haibo said, "No need, I will just go out for some fresh air"

Xu Haibo helplessly muttered, "No wonder your mother always says you lack insight."

Gao Feng was taken aback by Xu Haibo's sudden anger. He said that his three parts of pursuing Xu Ruofan were genuinely because he found the young lady quite attractive, while the other seven parts were actually due to Xu Haibo undermining him, which instead ignited his fighting spirit, wanting to stir up some trouble with him, not expecting to truly provoke him.

I am looking for something, but there is no one at home, and I forgot to bring the door key

Xu Ruofan greeted Gao Feng, and Xu Haibo had no choice but to step aside to let him enter the room

Xu Haibo felt like flipping the table; inviting someone to KFC is merely a trick to appease a child

Xu Haibo urged her to leave, or perhaps there were things that were inappropriate to say in her presence, so she did not linger.

Xu Haibo said with a dark expression: "In any case, it is not possible!"

Xu Haibo: That won't do either. With your character, don't ruin things for others. After all, we grew up together, and I can't let you destroy it.

Xu Haibo glanced at Xu Ruofan and instinctively frowned

Xu Haibo replied: "Send a message to the classmates"

Xu Ruofan did not think of anything else; she only considered that her classmate Xu Haibo was looking for her to be a tutor. Her decision to tutor Xu Haibo was entirely out of friendship, and she did not mind the small amount of pocket money. Naturally, she was unwilling to spend time and energy on unrelated individuals. Therefore, when Gaofeng made that remark, she merely smiled lightly without responding, treating it as just another joke he had made.

Xu Ruofan thought to herself that introducing oneself is not something she is good at. It is not that they are concerned about what to call me, but rather they want to know the relationship. She smiled at Gaofeng and said: "I am his sister"

Xu Haibo finally let go.

"Having only met once, what are you even pursuing? If you are desperate, go find someone else. Can you not target the people around me?"

You just want to know how to skip class safely

"Stop! How dare you!" Xu Haibo suddenly became furious, turning around to grab Gao Feng by the collar and said, "I am not messing with you, just try to move a single step."

While the two were having dinner, they chatted casually while watching television. After the meal, Xu Ruofan, as usual, asked Xu Haibo to go back to his room to do his homework. She went to tidy up the table and wash the dishes. By the time she had nearly finished cleaning up, he would probably have completed his work, and she would then check his answers and explain the problems.

Xu Ruofan was taken aback, still not understanding: "What do you mean?"

Stop with this nonsense and get lost

We spend seven to eight hours together at school every day, and there is always something to talk about; we still have more to discuss now

During the meal with three people, Gao Feng continuously sought topics to chat with Xu Ruofan, asking her what university life was like, how it differed from high school, whether there were many instances of skipping classes, how to choose elective courses, whether the library and gym were open at all times, whether the food in the cafeteria was good, and he had heard there were meal subsidies. In short, he covered all the topics he could think of.

Xu Ruofan said: "No, why? Does he really want me to give him extra lessons? I certainly do not have that kind of free time"

Gao Feng, provoked by this, deliberately retorted: "If you insist on saying that, I must pursue her without fail"

Gao Feng expressed his apologies to Xu Ruofan, saying: "I forgot to bring my house key, and my family won't be back until quite late. I thought I would come to the Shanghai Museum to do some homework first. I hope I haven't disturbed you."

Gao Feng leaned close to Xu Haibo's ear and joked softly, "Your call of 'brother-in-law' is settled."

Xu Haibo does not believe that his feelings for Xu Ruofan are of a romantic nature, yet he does not elaborate further, simply stating: "Where is your phone? Hurry up and delete her number."

Xu Ruofan usually tutors Xu Haibo, but he is often distracted, playing while learning, as if she were his mother specially brought in to keep him company and alleviate his boredom. Today, however, he said nothing at all, hastily went through a few mistakes, and urged her to leave quickly. She felt that Xu Haibo must be in a bad mood today or had been criticized at school. She even speculated that Gao Feng's visit today was not simply because he forgot his keys, but perhaps out of brotherly loyalty to keep him company and offer him some comfort

"Damn it," Gao Feng chuckled, "Look how scared you are."

Xu Ruofan took out his phone and threatened, "I really will make the call!"

Xu Haibo said: "I charge for everything, who do you think you are?"

The person who came in was Gao Feng, a classmate of Xu Haibo. After entering, he exchanged only a few words with Xu Haibo when a girl walked out from inside. Gao Feng smiled at Xu Ruofan and looked at Xu Haibo, waiting for him to make the introduction

After a while, Gaofeng's message finally came back: Are you thinking about it yourself?

Xu Haibo quickly stepped forward and said a few other things to divert the topic

Gao Feng laughed and said: "What do you mean by being intentional? A gentleman is well matched with a graceful lady. I don't have a girlfriend, and she doesn't have a boyfriend. I am pursuing her openly and honestly, who am I offending?"