Xia Zhijin quietly lifted her head to see Li Yuan already at her side. Her jade-white cheeks turned crimson once again.
"Xia, let's go eat together."
Li Yuan's gaze fell on Xia Zhijin's shy face, the corners of his mouth curling upward. This treasure of a girl blushed so easily. This kind of youthful shyness could greatly arouse a man's protective instincts and compassion, especially for a middle-aged "old man" like him.
Xia Zhijin kept her head down, not daring to look at Li Yuan. She just stood there, rooted to the spot, unsure whether to stay or go.
"I, I'm not hungry."
"Not hungry? It's already noon, time to eat," Li Yuan said, a hint of surprise in his voice. "You helped me out today and kept me from embarrassing myself in front of the whole class. You're so kind, you won't refuse my thanks, will you?"
Xia Zhijin looked blankly at Li Yuan and still shook her head firmly. Her voice was as faint as a mosquito's buzz, barely audible. "No, there's no need to thank me."
