Shift! The Side-Character Heroine

 Declining his Confession Euphemistically

Chen Haoran had been addressing Han Leng as ‘Leng Zi,’ yet he did not know that Han Leng had actually used ‘Leng Zi’ as his pseudonym, when creating “Beautiful April.” He did not read youth novels at all. He did not even read ero mangas such as “Pure Romance.” That was why he believed in the rumors about Lady Zhao from the start.

Currently, he believed that Zhao Youyue was not from a poor family. On the contrary, she was quite rich. She must be someone’s precious daughter, taking rides on luxury cars, wherever she went.

His previous misjudgment gave him great stress. Moreover, when Zhao Youyue’s studies improved so drastically, he felt that it was gradually harder for him to like Zhao Youyue. He considered her to be out of his league.

Chen Haoran was a devout believer in the practice of ‘marriage between families of equal social rank.’ His parents have brought him up that way. A marriage between families of unequal social rank would have no happy ending. It was also partly why he had insisted on not starting a relationship at a young age. If he likes a girl, he would always take a step back to see whether he is worthy to be her match. He would never spare girls he considered beneath him a second glance.

Besides, he took his love relationship very seriously. He aimed for marriage.

Although he came from a village, his family owned a fish pond of his own. He was not poor, although his wealth would be incomparable to Lady Zhao’s.

Chen Haoran felt that this was the day to confess, as he and Zhao Youyue will not be in the same class soon. Her inspirational music had also spurred him on. While he has the courage, he should strike while the iron is hot. If Zhao Youyue turns even more bedazzling in the near future, he would lose this opportunity.

He felt depressed, not knowing why Zhao Youyue and his best brother Leng Zi chose to leave together. He even suspected that they were dating, and were perhaps watching a movie together or something. However, the moment he saw them entering a beauty salon, he became dumbfounded. What are they actually doing?

Nobody dates there. They were definitely not a couple. What’s the relationship between them then?

Chen Haoran did not want to think anymore. He had always been a very straight-laced person. Zhao Youyue was the only object in his eyes at that moment. He immediately stood up, left the coffee shop, and ran towards her. He managed to stop her before she got into a low-key luxury car.

Then, he finally noticed the girl beside Zhao Youyue. She totally threw him off his determined train of thought. How can someone be so cute? This ‘girl’ who had makeup on, was way prettier than a Zhao Youyue without makeup!

Who is she? Is she Zhao Youyue’s bestie?

Whatever, but why does she look so familiar?

Why is she so shy? She had hidden herself behind Zhao Youyue, like a frightened rabbit, the moment he approached them

A slight ripple surged through Chen Haoran’s heart. Some guys might prefer little girls more. It was unfortunate that Lady Zhao seldom appeared like that. She was always so calm and tolerant, carrying herself like a noble.

Chen Haoran did not recognize ‘her’ true gender, let alone relate ‘her’ to Han Leng. A village boy like Chen Haoran who totally focused on studying, would not even be aware of such a thing as ‘cross-dressing.’ From his limited experience, he had an idea about the existence of ‘females cross-dressing into males,’ and that they could be easily uncovered. He had never heard about males cross-dressing into females.

After all, he knew nothing about the 2D world…

Han Leng was this close to a nervous breakdown. His best brother Chen Haoran has suddenly appeared, out of nowhere. He would have no qualms about cross-dressing in front of strangers, but he would never be able to maintain that composure in front of a familiar face!

Han Leng would be able to take flak from anyone and anything, but not his own blood brother!

Zhao Youyue’s face was filled with joy when she saw Han Leng’s reaction. This is exactly what she wanted to see. The totally horrified face, the fear of being recognized after cross-dressing, especially by someone he knew well.

It looked like Han Leng was more concerned about Chen Haoran more than her. In Zhao Youyue’s eyes at this moment, Han Leng no longer had principles at all. He cared nothing about his image anymore. A shameless guy like him would have the most powerful heart.

“Chen Haoran, is something the matter?” asked Zhao Youyue, taking the initiative.

Due to his appearance, Han Leng had been jumping about like a jellybean, behind her back. Lady Zhao was pleased. She has a good mood. Her tone was ever so gentle and kind.

Yet, she never saw Chen Hao Ran’s next actions coming. He suddenly knelt on one knee and shouted, “Zhao Youyue, I like you! I’ve always liked you at first sight…”

He talked a lot, mainly about how great eyesight he had in the past, to be able to realize her beauty when she was merely a passerby.

In general, girls may be touched by his sincerity, and yet reject him straightforwardly, despite being so touched. Who the heck comes up with such a sudden confession to someone he is completely unfamiliar to?

Zhao Youyue was not touched at all. She only felt ice creeping up her back. Not even the slightest ripple surged within her heart. However, as polite as always, she waited quietly for Chen Haoran to finish his confession. Then, with a bow, she declined his confession euphemistically, saying, “Thank you for liking such a normal person like me. But I have no intention of starting a love relationship, be it in the past, present, or future. You’re a good guy; you deserve a better girl than me.”

Although Chen Haoran had already expected such an ending, he still felt despondent for being friend zoned. Is this how it feels to be lovelorn?

Well, at least I received an actual reply, and avoided possible further damage from ambiguous situations in future. This was probably the best ending…

Chen Haoran soon limped away, distraught. His back was visibly twitching. Han Leng frowned. He pitied his brother. He asked with some dissatisfaction, “Lady Zhao, don’t you think it was a bit too direct to reject people in such a way?”

“I was just being honest. Or do you think that I should give him some hope and let him sink deeper?” replied Zhao Youyue calmly.

Han Leng found her reply reasonable. He disliked girls who chose not to reject a suitor explicitly. He actually preferred Zhao Youyue’s truthful, explicit kind of way. But Chen Haoran was also his best brother…

“I’m worried about him. Allow me to excuse myself,” said Han Leng. He then left Zhao Youyue alone and chased after Chen Haoran.

Zhao Youyue was actually curious to see what will happen between the two of them. This should be interesting. According to her understanding on Han Leng, he would most likely pretend to be his own sister. It would make sense for a sister to be concerned about her brother’s best brother.

Zhao Youyue sent Han Leng a Wechat message, “Don’t you dare forget that you owe me a few sets of cross-dressing photos. Don’t ever try to repudiate.”

Next, Zhao Youyue had another pressing matter to deal with, that was to voice act as ‘Yu Shengfan’ of “The Strongest King.”