Jiang Nian’s fingers were slender, her knuckles faintly defined. Her skin was pale and soft, as if a light squeeze would sink right into it.
It felt like holding a soft cloud.
For a moment, Lu Zhiheng froze. He did not even dare to apply strength, only thinking of letting go.
This felt too abrupt.
【Male Lead Lu Zhiheng irritation value +2, current value: 32.】
Sensing his intention to withdraw, Jiang Nian quickly reacted. The slight discomfort in her expression vanished, and she firmly grabbed his hand.
Wasn’t it just holding hands? Why was he avoiding it again?
System 999 chuckled. 【The male lead hasn’t touched a girl’s hand since growing up. The seniors said people like this, who rarely have contact with women, tend to strongly dislike physical touch at first!】
Before crossing over, Jiang Nian had also never properly held a boy’s hand.
After the initial unfamiliarity, she actually found it quite comfortable.
Lu Zhiheng’s hand was large and warm, his palm enveloping hers completely, giving her a strong sense of security.
But somehow, this situation still felt a little off.
At that moment, the two of them stood facing each other.
Even though their hands were clasped, it strangely felt like a formal meeting.
Frowning, Jiang Nian looked at their hands and thought for a moment. “Would it be better if we stood side by side and you held my hand instead?”
Lu Zhiheng only said “Mm,” but before he could move, Jiang Nian had already let go.
“Practice over!” she said, turning away. “Wait for me, I’m going to pack my bag!”
She did not notice the faint redness on Lu Zhiheng’s ears.
…
Outside the room.
Cheng Ze was clutching his girlfriend Zeng Xi’s sleeve. “It’s over, baby! I interrupted Brother Lu’s date again…”
Zeng Xi patted his head. “It’s fine. We didn’t know anyone was inside. Just explain and apologize later.”
Cheng Ze looked like he wanted to cry. “You don’t know! Last time I called Brother Lu away when he was on a date. This time, they finally had a good atmosphere again and I interrupted it again… and this is his first relationship!”
Zeng Xi: “……”
That did sound pretty bad.
She paused. “Then you should just kneel when you apologize. Shows sincerity.”
Cheng Ze widened his eyes. “That… actually sounds like a plan…”
“Why do you just agree with everything I say?” Zeng Xi laughed and stopped teasing him. “I don’t think Lu Zhiheng is that kind of person. Just don’t say anything wrong later.”
As they spoke, the door opened.
Lu Zhiheng greeted Zeng Xi first, then looked at Cheng Ze helplessly. “Why are you hiding? Coming to the activity room to work overtime?”
Cheng Ze quickly explained, “No! I left my Bluetooth speaker here, I came to get it…”
“But I’ve decided to treat you and sister-in-law to a meal as an apology! Where is she?”
Lu Zhiheng corrected him. “Don’t call her that randomly. She’s just my girlfriend.”
If people kept calling her “sister-in-law,” it would spread into something strange.
“Oh, then what should I call her…”
“Her name is Jiang Nian. Just call her name.”
Cheng Ze nodded—and then saw a very beautiful girl walk out.
He blurted out, “Oh my god, sister-in-law is too pretty! You two are definitely eye-catching together!”
Zeng Xi quickly covered his mouth. “Can you not react like that?”
“Thank you, you two are also a perfect match,” Jiang Nian said with a smile, greeting them.
Cheng Ze scratched his head awkwardly. “Uh… Jiang Nian, I’m really sorry for interrupting your date with Brother Lu. I’ll treat you to anything you want!”
Jiang Nian glanced at Lu Zhiheng. Seeing he did not object, she agreed.
“Since we’re already here, I want to try Qing University’s cafeteria. Any recommendations?”
Cheng Ze immediately brightened. “Of course! We have three cafeterias—whatever flavor you want, we’ve got it…”
After discussion, they chose the most diverse one: First Cafeteria.
“Let’s go!” Cheng Ze said, looping his arm around Zeng Xi.
Then, Jiang Nian subtly poked Lu Zhiheng’s back, signaling him to hold hands.
Lu Zhiheng offered his hand.
She took it, and they walked forward together.
Inside the elevator, Cheng Ze glanced at them from the corner of his eye.
At first, he was only admiring how well-matched they looked.
But now—
Are these two even dating?
Why does this hand-holding look so… stiff?
Cheng Ze shot Zeng Xi a look.
See? Total beginners.
In the elevator lobby, Cheng Ze suddenly released Zeng Xi’s hand and deliberately held hers more obviously, swinging it back and forth.
After walking a bit, he realized the couple still hadn’t understood his hint.
So he spoke up loudly, “Baby, this ring is so pretty. Who bought it for you?”
Zeng Xi played along. “Of course you did!”
He raised their interlocked hands and shook them in front of the couple like a demonstration.
Only then did Jiang Nian understand.
Oh.
So that’s what was missing.
Couples were supposed to interlock fingers.
She gently adjusted Lu Zhiheng’s hand, and naturally slipped her fingers between his.
Their hands fit together perfectly, even allowing them to feel each other’s knuckles.
Lu Zhiheng was not used to this kind of hand-holding.
His thumb unconsciously brushed her smooth skin.
A sudden electric sensation spread through him.
【Male Lead Lu Zhiheng irritation value +5, current value: 37.】
System 999 was delighted. 【Niannian! His ears are red from anger! He’s not even talking anymore!】
Jiang Nian felt relieved.
So he really did dislike her touch earlier as a warning. Fine—she would not argue with him over this 5-point irritation increase.
Soon they arrived at the cafeteria.
Cheng Ze volunteered, “I’ll go get the food. What do you want?”
After asking both of them, he and Zeng Xi went to queue.
Lu Zhiheng and Jiang Nian stayed to find seats.
Not far away, there was a table for four.
Jiang Nian quickly pulled him over and released his hand.
She whispered, “How was it? I don’t think they noticed, right?”
She scanned the surroundings like a little scout.
After a few seconds, Lu Zhiheng still did not respond.
He was looking down, lost in thought.
She waved her hand in front of him. “Hey, what are you spacing out for?”
“…Nothing.” He came back to himself. “What did you say?”
That soft, lingering sensation still seemed to remain in his palm.
“How can that be ‘nothing’?” she muttered.
She repeated herself, and he replied, “Probably didn’t notice.”
Soon, Cheng Ze and Zeng Xi returned with food.
The cafeteria dishes looked rich and appetizing.
Jiang Nian ordered spicy fish, eggplant with minced meat, and seaweed egg drop soup.
But just as she was about to eat, she hesitated.
She had forgotten to say she did not eat scallions—every dish was covered in chopped green onions.
She was about to pick them out with a tissue when Lu Zhiheng pulled her tray over.
She froze.
He silently removed all the scallions from her food with his chopsticks.
Soon, her plate was cleaned.
“Eat,” he said.
Then, as if realizing he sounded too serious, he lowered his voice slightly.
“…NianNian.”