Chapter 195 - 195: Firework
Wen Nian knew that changing someone’s mindset built over a decade wouldn’t be easy, so she didn’t insist further. It would have to happen gradually.
Injecting small ideas from time to time, she employed the tactic of slowly boiling a frog. “Alright then, I’ll go first. If you need anything, just contact me. I’m always here.”
Wen Nian patted her chest, presenting herself as a reliable friend, which warmed Bai Zheng’s heart a little.
Understanding that improving her relationship with Bai Zheng couldn’t rely solely on words, Zheng Mo decided to take action. She got up alongside Wen Nian.
Walking together to the school gate, Zheng Mo asked before parting ways, “Wen Nian, do you know what Bai Zheng likes?”
Wen Nian raised an eyebrow, smiling. “Oh? Are you trying to make amends?”
Feeling a bit embarrassed, Zheng Mo scratched her head but didn’t hesitate to admit, “I want to make up for my previous attitude toward him.”
After pondering for a moment, Wen Nian recalled an interview with Bai Zheng in their past life. “I think I’ve heard before that he wanted to see fireworks, but fireworks are banned in the city now, so you can’t buy them.”
Zheng Mo’s eyes lit up. “I think I can solve that problem. You go back quickly, and I’ll get ready.”
Wen Nian widened her eyes. “Don’t do anything reckless! You might end up getting caught by the police!”
Determined to act immediately, Zheng Mo turned and ran, shouting loudly, “Don’t worry, I have a plan!”
Watching Zheng Mo run off into the distance, Wen Nian shook her head helplessly and rode her bicycle away.
Not far from the school, Zheng Mo went to a hardware store and bought fuses, tape, and a nearly empty plastic lighter, which the shopkeeper kindly gave her. Then, on her way back to school, she picked up some straight branches.
Arriving at an open space on the campus field, Zheng Mo spent ten minutes making a dozen makeshift fireworks, which she placed in her backpack. Then she hurried off to the Literature and Arts Department.
After Wen Nian and Zheng Mo left, Bai Zheng sat on the chair, lost in thought.
When Zheng Mo returned to the office, she found that the door was closed. She went straight to the window and saw Bai Zheng’s back facing the window frame. She squeezed her face in between the window space and gently greeted him.
The gentle call, coupled with the cool breeze brushing against his ears, made Bai Zheng’s arm prickle with goosebumps, and he was startled, immediately jumping up from the sofa.
Seeing that it was Zheng Mo again, Bai Zheng took a few deep breaths. “Miss Zheng, can you please appear in a more normal way next time?”
Unexpectedly, Bai Zheng was startled again by Zheng Mo’s presence. She showed an embarrassed smile. “Sure, could you open the door now?”
Thinking that Zheng Mo had left something behind, Bai Zheng went to open the door.
However, Zheng Mo grabbed Bai Zheng’s arm and exclaimed excitedly, “Come on, I’ll show you something amazing.”
Bai Zheng didn’t know what kind of trick Zheng Mo was up to. They weren’t close, so naturally, he didn’t want to go. He resisted, leaning his body in the opposite direction of Zheng Mo’s grip and said in protest, “I’m not going. 1 want to go home.”
But Zheng Mo had spent money on the materials, so she couldn’t give up just because Bai Zheng refused. She increased the strength in her grip. “Come on, it won’t take much time.”
Feeling that his body was becoming uncontrollable, Bai Zheng quickly extended his hand to hold onto the door frame. “I really won’t go!”
Glancing at Bai Zheng’s frail appearance, Zheng Mo was somewhat surprised to find that he was stronger than she had imagined.
However, it didn’t matter to Zheng Mo. She didn’t take Bai Zheng’s small build into consideration at all. With a strong pull, she forcefully dragged him out of the office.
Bai Zheng was now even more convinced that Zheng Mo was a violent woman. He looked at her in horror as she dragged him forward and asked, “What do you want from me?!”
Not loosening her grip, Zheng Mo felt a bit helpless. Seeing Bai Zheng’s expression, she felt like she was forcefully taking someone’s spouse. She could only explain with a sigh, “1 just want to take you to the playground to see something exciting. You won’t regret it.”
Knowing that struggling was futile, Bai Zheng had to compromise. “Stop pulling me, 1 can walk on my own. 1 need to lock the office door first.”
Upon hearing this, Zheng Mo released her grip on Bai Zheng.
Feeling the sudden release of pressure on his hand, Bai Zheng looked at the contrasting strengths between them and felt quite frustrated. However, he also knew that the more he resisted, the worse it would be for him in Zheng Mo’s hands. He rubbed his wrist, which was almost pulled out of its skin, and obediently closed the door. He decided to see what “medicine” Zheng Mo was selling in her gourd.
The playground had a plastic running track, but there was a grassy area in the center. Zheng Mo led Bai Zheng to the middle, where a row of branches was inserted into the ground. She took out a lighter and handed it to Bai Zheng with a mischievous smile. “You can use it to light the small fireworks tied to the branches..”