Little Sweetheart

"Then can you go and tell Zhang Sicheng that you're not interested in being considered as a host?"

Gu Siyi was slightly startled. "Do I even need to say that?"

Wen Ying smiled. "Yes, if you don't say it, how would they know you're not willing?"

"Okay." Gu Siyi nodded.

She really wasn't interested in being the host, and since she could see Wen Ying really wanted to do it, there was even less reason for her to get involved.

The next day, after the student council's regular meeting, Gu Siyi found an opportunity to ask Zhang Sicheng, "Has the host for the New Year's Eve party been decided yet?"

Zhang Sicheng raised an eyebrow. "Are you interested?"

"No," Gu Siyi quickly replied. "I'm not interested. Don't consider me."

Zhang Sicheng chuckled. "Everyone else who comes to me recommends themselves, but you're actually telling me not to consider you." He teased her on purpose, "Gu Siyi, have you become a bit arrogant from all the recent praise? Do you think you'll be appointed as the host?"

Gu Siyi smiled. "What if a pie falls on my head? To avoid getting knocked out, I'm taking preventative measures."

"Alright, I understand." Zhang Sicheng nodded in acknowledgement.

After the sponsorship funds from several companies arrived, the members of the party planning committee became even busier.

Gu Siyi not only had to do behind-the-scenes work, but also had to rehearse a dance with her classmates. As a class representative, she took the lead in participating in their class's dance performance, never missing a rehearsal. However, sometimes, if the student council meetings weren't particularly important, she'd find an excuse not to go. She didn't want to waste time spacing out in meetings.

Wen Ying, using busyness as an excuse, didn't participate in the class dance performance. In reality, she didn't want to share the stage with Gu Siyi and be overshadowed.

One day, while Gu Siyi was practicing in the rehearsal room with several classmates, Wen Ying suddenly appeared at the door. During their break, she walked over to Gu Siyi and said, "I need to talk to you."

Gu Siyi followed her out the door. Wen Ying said, "Didn't you say you wouldn't be the host?"

"Yes," Gu Siyi replied.

"In today's meeting, the teacher announced the hosts. The male host is Zhang Sicheng, and the female host is you." Wen Ying's face was expressionless as she stared at Gu Siyi.

It was a seemingly restrained yet extremely sharp look, and Gu Siyi sensed her displeasure.

Gu Siyi explained, "I didn't know about this. But I did tell Zhang Sicheng I didn't want to do it."

Several classmates came out and joked, "What important matters are you two big shots discussing?"

Wen Ying instantly put on a smile and said, "I'm here to congratulate Siyi on being chosen as the host for the New Year's Eve party."

"Wow, that's great!" "Siyi, you're amazing!" Several classmates exclaimed.

Gu Siyi looked a bit embarrassed. "No… I don't want to do it…"

The disgust in Wen Ying's eyes flashed and disappeared. She smiled at Gu Siyi. "Since the leaders chose you, you should do your best. I believe in your abilities."

Gu Siyi said, "I'll go ask about it."

After saying that, she turned and left.

The others returned to the rehearsal room. Wen Ying watched Gu Siyi's retreating figure, her expression growing increasingly unpleasant.

She was convinced that Gu Siyi knew about this and deliberately skipped the meeting because she knew the announcement would be made. This way, she could continue to act aloof and detached, one thing to her face, another behind her back.

Gu Siyi called Zhang Sicheng and learned he was at the basketball court. She hurried over.

She stood on the sidelines, waiting for him to finish the last ten minutes of the game. Groups of students surrounded the court, quietly waiting, their expressions eager.

Zhang Sicheng had remained single this semester, so he had even more admirers, and everyone felt they had a chance. Many students came to cheer him on in today's game.

As for Zhang Sicheng's basketball skills… Gu Siyi felt that, besides Xia Zhijun, there wasn't anyone else as impressive.

She didn't even bother to watch, lowering her head to play with her phone.

The game ended, and Zhang Sicheng walked over to Gu Siyi, teasing, "Gu Siyi, coming to find me in such a hurry, could it be you missed me?"

Gu Siyi said unhappily, "Didn't I say I didn't want to be the host?"

"Ah, that…" Zhang Sicheng spread his hands helplessly. "I didn't decide that. The department leaders thought you were the most suitable."

"You could have at least told me during the meeting today!"

Gu Siyi was extremely annoyed.

When he notified her about the meeting, she asked if it was okay if she didn't go, and he said it was just a formality and she didn't need to come if she was busy.

…And then they suddenly decided on the host during the meeting.

"I couldn't really say anything about that…" Zhang Sicheng shrugged with a helpless expression. "If you're unwilling, you can go talk to Director Chen. But I don't understand, since it's already decided, why bother making a fuss? Even if you haven't done it before, wouldn't it be good to challenge yourself?"

"I think Wen Ying is more suitable. She was the host for school events in middle school."

"No way." Zhang Sicheng immediately denied it. "Even if you decline, it won't be her."

"Why?" Gu Siyi asked in surprise.

"She's too short, and her temperament isn't right. That type isn't suitable to be a host."

"…"

Gu Siyi was a little annoyed. She didn't like dealing with the school leaders.

But now this matter was right in front of her…

She called Xia Zhijun. "Where are you?"

Xia Zhijun: "I'm in the lab."

Gu Siyi asked again, "Have you eaten dinner?"

"No."

"Then I'll go find you. Let's eat first, and then you can continue working."

"Okay."

The two met downstairs. Xia Zhijun had a few companions with him, and they all greeted Gu Siyi with smiles.

Cheng Ling was also there, remaining mostly silent. After the two walked away, she seemingly casually remarked, "Ever since his girlfriend started school, Xia Zhijun has been spending all his time dating."

"It's not that exaggerated. He hasn't fallen behind on his work," Zhang Yang interjected.

Cheng Ling said, "But he was much more devoted to his research in his freshman year. Before, he'd forget to eat and sleep working on research, now he's racing against time to be with his girlfriend."

Zhang Yang said, "Heh heh heh… If I had such a beautiful and lovely girlfriend, I'd also want to spend every minute with her."

Yang Jie said, "Studies and career are just one part of life, and relationships are also a part of life. Isn't Xia Zhijun a winner in life? He's good at everything. Sigh~ I used to think he was aloof and had some strange genius quirks, but now I realize I was too naive…"

"…" Cheng Ling felt a bit down. It seemed that no matter what type or personality a guy had, they couldn't escape the pursuit of beauty. The aloof and noble Xia Zhijun was like this, and these guys were the same.

Gu Siyi linked arms with Xia Zhijun, resting her head on his shoulder, snuggling against him.

Xia Zhijun asked, "Something on your mind?"

"…How did you know?" She looked up at him in surprise.

"Is there anything you can hide from me?" Xia Zhijun said, his tone light, yet with a hint of certainty.

Gu Siyi could only admire him. "You're a genius, you're amazing."

"Then tell me, what's bothering you?"

Gu Siyi sighed. "For this New Year's Eve party, the leaders assigned me to be the host…"

"Don't you like doing these kinds of activities?"

"But I'm not good at hosting. I haven't tried it before, and I don't want to embarrass myself. The main problem is, Wen Ying from our class wants to be the host, and she specifically told me about it, and I said I wouldn't do it… but in the end, it fell on me. It feels like a slap in the face."

Xia Zhijun asked, "So what do you plan to do?"

Gu Siyi: "I want to talk to Director Chen, who's in charge of this, and tell him I don't want to be the host."

"If you decline, will your classmate get the role?"

"No. They said she's not a backup candidate."

"Then what's the point of talking to the teacher, besides making them think you're incompetent and cowardly?"

Gu Siyi was struck to the core. "But…"

"But you'll feel better, right?"

"…" She was speechless.

"Whatever you do will be tomorrow's problem. What do you want to eat tonight?"

"Anything."

Xia Zhijun took Gu Siyi by taxi to the shopping district, to the popular hot pot restaurant he had mentioned before.

Looking at the bubbling red oil and smelling the aroma, Gu Siyi's bad mood seemed to evaporate.

She enjoyed her meal and even shared a bottle of beer with Xia Zhijun.

Full and satisfied, Gu Siyi's mood was completely refreshed. As they strolled along the street, Gu Siyi asked, "Do you think I should accept this task?"

"I just think that retreating isn't your style. If you're considering other factors and want to resign from the role, I won't object." Xia Zhijun took Gu Siyi's slightly cold hand and put it in his pocket. He continued, "This is a small matter. No matter what you do, it doesn't matter, I'll support you. Don't worry too much about it."

"Oh…" Gu Siyi leaned on his shoulder.

Suddenly, the matter didn't seem so important anymore. She no longer felt the same anxiety.

She didn't know if it was because she was influenced by his calm demeanor or because being with him made her too happy…

She really… felt like it wasn't a big deal. Even if the sky fell, he would be there. She didn't need to worry about such small things.

The next day, Gu Siyi went to see the teacher in charge. As soon as she arrived at the office door, she was called over and praised for her recent work, and they expressed their expectation for her good performance at the party.

Gu Siyi said with difficulty, "I don't want to be the host. I don't have any hosting experience, and I'm afraid I'll embarrass our department…"

"That's alright. You can learn from Zhang Sicheng. I saw that your presentation style was very good, so you'll definitely be fine hosting. There's still a week until the party, and there will be several rehearsals. You can use that time to practice more."

Gu Siyi wanted to say something more, but the teacher directly changed the subject and talked about other things.

Walking out of the office, Gu Siyi let out a long sigh. She decided to just go with it and face the challenge.

Since the teacher was so encouraging and supportive, refusing again would truly make her seem incompetent and cowardly.

The hosting matter was settled, and the performances from each class were almost ready.

With one week left, it was time for the on-site rehearsal.

The first rehearsal took a long time. Xia Zhijun came to find Gu Siyi and saw everyone bustling about enthusiastically.

Gu Siyi took the opportunity to go to Xia Zhijun's side, handed him a cup of hot tea, and said, "The stage effects are pretty good, right?"

Xia Zhijun looked around and nodded. He could indeed see the effort they had put into the preparations.

Gu Siyi: "There will also be a 3D light show~ It's very beautiful!"

Xia Zhijun took a sip of water and said lightly, "Not as beautiful as the host."

Gu Siyi's cheeks felt a little warm, and she couldn't help but smile, playfully scolding, "You're just blindly flattering me."

"It's not blind, it's professional." Xia Zhijun reached out and put his arm around Gu Siyi's shoulders, whispering in her ear, "Professionally flattering my wife, satisfied?"

Gu Siyi blushed even more. "I have to go back to work, I won't talk to you anymore."

Xia Zhijun sat in the front row, admiring Gu Siyi's hosting.

Although she was inexperienced, the choice was correct. Her pure and sweet appearance, youthful vitality, tall and slender figure, and elegant temperament made her impossible to ignore when she stood on stage. She commanded the stage.

"Qi Xuan, can you move those tables over there…"

When this name drifted into his ears, Xia Zhijun turned his head and looked at the boy addressed as Qi Xuan.

Curly hair, wearing glasses, he looked gentle and shy, actively working, doing whatever he was asked.

Xia Zhijun got up and walked behind Qi Xuan.

Qi Xuan had just put something down and jumped when he turned and saw Xia Zhijun. Recovering, he smiled. "Hello."

Xia Zhijun returned a polite smile. "Hello. I'm Gu Siyi's boyfriend, Xia Zhijun."

"I know, I know…" Qi Xuan nodded quickly. "Your name is well-known in our department."

Gu Siyi had a free moment and saw Xia Zhijun talking to someone, so she came over. "You guys know each other?"

She hadn't seen the note clearly at the time, just glanced at it without seeing who wrote it. She assumed Xia Zhijun and Qi Xuan were old acquaintances.

Xia Zhijun casually put his arm around Gu Siyi's shoulders, pulling her into his embrace, and said, "We're getting acquainted. This classmate looks very familiar."

Gu Siyi chuckled. "You're interested in getting to know underclassmen now?"

"Not usually, but I am interested in getting to know the opposite sex around you." Xia Zhijun said, looking at Qi Xuan meaningfully.

Qi Xuan felt uncomfortable, as if the secret in his heart had been discovered…

Gu Siyi looked displeased. "What's that supposed to mean…"

Xia Zhijun smiled faintly. "Just getting to know them, so they'll take good care of you."

Qi Xuan secretly breathed a sigh of relief and immediately said, "Not at all, Gu Siyi is very capable and talented, I should be the one asking for her help. I still have things to do, so I'll get back to work… Let me know if you need anything."

After saying that, he quickly left.

Writing a note to Gu Siyi was something he did before, when he didn't know she had a campus heartthrob boyfriend and didn't know they were so close. Later, as he became more involved in student council activities, he learned about it. Although he still couldn't help but admire and like her, the courage to pursue her was completely extinguished.

Facing her boyfriend directly this time, even as a straight man, he could feel the other's handsomeness and imposing aura.

He felt like he knew something…

Qi Xuan thought, it's better to stay away from Gu Siyi in the future, preferably completely severing the feelings in his heart.

The department's New Year's Eve party, thanks to everyone's efforts, commenced.

It was Gu Siyi's first time as a host, and Zheng Peipei came with several old friends to watch and cheer her on.

Backstage, the makeup artist finished Gu Siyi's makeup, and she went to the changing room to change into her dress.

She picked up the dress and was about to put it on when she suddenly noticed a tear in the fabric…

Yesterday, when the dress was delivered, she had tried it on, and it was perfectly fine… How did it get torn by tonight?

This was the only custom-made host dress based on her measurements.

How could she wear it with such a large tear at the waist?

There were only less than half an hour left before the party started…

Gu Siyi put her own clothes back on and walked out of the changing room with the torn dress.

Zhang Sicheng had already changed into his outfit and came out. Seeing Gu Siyi, he asked in surprise, "Why haven't you changed yet?"

Gu Siyi: "The dress is torn…"

Zhang Sicheng took it and looked, his brows furrowing. "This looks like it was ripped. It was hanging there perfectly fine, how could it tear? It's not made of paper."

"I don't know… I tried it on yesterday and left it here. I just discovered it when I was about to put it on…"

"The show is about to start, where are we going to find a suitable dress?" Zhang Sicheng was truly worried.

Having an accident like this at this time would be a huge embarrassment for the whole school, and he didn't know how the department leaders would react.

Especially since they, the two hosts, were also from the student council and had been involved in the party planning committee the whole time…

Gu Siyi looked at the dress in her hand, puzzled as to how it got ripped.

Just as Gu Siyi was panicking, Xia Zhijun called.

She walked to the side and answered.

"How are the preparations going? Are you about to go on stage?" Xia Zhijun had deliberately stepped out of the auditorium to call, wanting to encourage her before the start.

"…" Gu Siyi didn't say anything.

Xia Zhijun asked, "Are you nervous?"

"No…"

"What's wrong?" He could tell from her voice that something was amiss.

"My dress is torn, and now I don't have a suitable dress…"

Zhang Sicheng saw that time was of the essence, and instead of trying to find a solution, she was chatting with her boyfriend. He was very annoyed and walked over to Gu Siyi. "Stop calling for now, let's think of a solution. Let's split up. You ask your classmates and senior students if they have a dress you can borrow for the emergency. I'll contact the store and see if they can immediately send another one over."

Xia Zhijun, on the other end of the phone, heard this and said, "You need a host dress now?"

"Yes." Gu Siyi nodded. "I'll be busy now, I'll talk to you later."

Just as she was about to hang up, she heard Xia Zhijun say, "I have one. Give me fifteen minutes, I'll bring it to the backstage."

Gu Siyi was stunned. He had one? How could he have a host dress?

Gu Siyi was about to ask, but Xia Zhijun hung up the phone.

Zhang Sicheng, after talking to the store's sales representative on the phone, said helplessly, "Your dress is a limited edition, and they don't have any more. Even if they send other styles now, it would be too late, considering the distance…"

Gu Siyi said, "My boyfriend said he'll bring me a dress."

Zhang Sicheng: "…???"

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