This chapter is dedicated to vanz30 for leaving nice comments in my story for the month of June! Thank you so much for the support! I hope to see more of your comments soon!

***

It was Zhang Ren's turn to have a break. With him and Shi Lian agreeing to spend his 30-minute break together, both of them met at the usual place where they were before.

Shi Lian smiled at him the moment Zhang Ren arrived with his snack. He even bought baozi for her, making the girl's smile beam more brightly as she got the snack from him.

"You didn't have to give me a snack—I should be the one giving you since you're working,

" she commented, Zhang Ren shaking his head as he disagreed with what she said.

"Don't say that… it's the thought that counts. We can bring each other anything that we want,

" he replied, both of them now sitting on the floor as they ate their snack.

"So, what's going on with Shu Xian?

"

"So far so good,

" Zhang Ren answered, further updating her with what happened.

"Other than Zhong Li, our other co-library student assistant, giving her food for a gift, I could see that there is no need to further distract the birthday girl.

"

"Hold on, hold on…

"

Shi Lian narrowed her eyes at him and wondered about what she heard, catching what he said immediately as she remembered his words in verbatim.

"Other than Zhong Li, your other co-library student assistant, giving Shu Xian food for a gift…

"

Zhang Ren chuckled, amazed with how Shi Lian immediately got what he said when the important part of what he informed her is the part when he no longer needs to further distract Shu Xian.

"Do you think that this Zhong Li is interested in our Shu Xian?

"

With this question thrown at him, Zhang Ren nodded slowly, telling her honestly what he thinks.

"I think he is since he rarely is nice towards girls. He's aloof and most of the time quiet. And recently did I only know that he gave Shu Xian food the other day and another one today when he heard about her birthday.

"

"What?

"

Shi Lian got another information that is of interest to her.

"You mean to say… that he gave her food before?

"

"Yes,

" Zhang Ren confirmed, letting out another chuckle.

"You really pick the interesting details other than the important ones,

" he added, making Shi Lian ignore what he said as she asked another question.

"Well? What do you think?

"

Zhang Ren shrugged and answered,

"Well, maybe yes, maybe no? He's not actually a bad guy even though he's what I described him to you. He's socially awkward so maybe he thinks that in this way, it's better to express himself.

"

"Hmm… tell me more in the future, alright?

"

Shi Lian then took a bite of her baozi.

"No men has ever interacted with Shu Xian before when we were in high school since then. Well, yes, because we're in an all-girls school, but… you get the picture.

"

Zhang Ren nodded, asking her a question.

"You're worried about her?

"

"Is it that obvious?

"

Shi Lian sighed, further telling him what worries her.

"Unlike me, I can easily talk to boys and tease them or have a quick comeback if ever we argue but for Shu Xian… she's kind of innocent and naïve, right?

"

"Uh, yeah,

" Zhang Ren agreed, nodding slowly.

"Well, you do have a point. But so far, those two guys who may show interest in her are good guys,

" he added, Shi Lian now turning her head to look at him.

"Just continue to watch over her,

" she reminded, Zhang Ren, nodding.

"Yessir~!

"

Both of them started eating. With them thinking about Shu Xian's birthday celebration later, Shi Lian then spoke again to talk about it, getting Zhang Ren's attention.

"Later after my last class, I'll immediately come to the house to prepare after buying a gift. And you… once you have your time out, just make an excuse Shu Xian will believe so she won't suspect a thing.

"

"Of course,

" Zhang Ren answered, taking a sip of his green tea.

"But won't she wonder if we suddenly go busy all of a sudden on her special day? Didn't you tell me over the phone last night that you usually have a meal with Shu Xian during her birthday in a restaurant or something and treat her?

"

"Well, yes…

" Shi Lian sighed, furrowing her brows in worry.

"Now that you mention it, I feel kinda guilty of not doing the yearly routine. It might make her feel bad if I suddenly have an alibi saying that I'm busy.

"

"It's only for this year since we're giving her something that's simple even though it's a surprise,

" Zhang Ren commented, giving Shi Lian a small pat on her head.

"Don't worry too much about it.

"

Shi Lian smiled and nodded with what he said. With Zhang Ren cocking his head to the side, he asked her a question regarding their simple present for Shu Xian.

"Before you go, can you buy her a present that may come from both of us? I can pitch in,

" he said, already getting money from his wallet and giving it to her.

"What do you think does she like?

"

"Hmm…

"

Shi Lian contemplated for a while, thinking what her best friend would like this year.

Since Shu Xian doesn't like fashion much, maybe clothes may not be the best gift for her. As for stuffed toys, it is indeed a cute present, however, it will only be decorated in her room.

Since Shu Xian does like reading and loves reading English novels, too, then maybe a boxset of an author's work or a series would be nice to give as a present!

"Shu Xian likes books,

" Shi Lian suggested, Zhang Ren listening to her.

"Maybe we can buy her a couple of boxsets of classic books and give it to her as her present!

"

"Alright,

" Zhang Ren smiled, nodding at her suggestion.

"You know her best so I know that you'll be able to get what Shu Xian likes.

"

With that, Shi Lian then kept Zhang Ren's contribution for Shu Xian's present so she would be able to buy for her gift later on once classes would end before she could help with the party preparation in Pan An's house.