Chapter 3 — Turns Out You Actually Like Me

To help myself move on quickly, I devised a plan to minimize all unnecessary contact with him. Yet, despite calculating every conceivable outcome, I completely failed to account for having an older brother whose favorite hobby seemed to be pushing me straight into the abyss. On the very day of my brother's pub grand opening, just as I was getting ready to head out and show my support, my phone rang off the hook.

Dao Dao, I am running around like a headless chicken over here and have nobody spare to pick you up. I told Cheng Che to swing by and grab you on his way since he happens to be in the neighborhood.

No way. Absolutely not. I was desperately trying to avoid running into him, and my own flesh and blood had just arranged a personal chauffeur service straight to his doorstep?

No, no, that is really not necessary, I blurted out in a panic, refusing immediately. Brother, you do not need to bother anyone else. I can just drive myself over. It is actually perfect timing since I literally just got my driver license and desperately need some practice behind the wheel.

In my mind, I was already calculating how to hail a taxi instead, which would at least save me from being trapped in a confined space with Cheng Che. As I spoke, I pushed open my apartment door. And right then, my gaze collided with that familiar, calm, and gentle pair of eyes. Cheng Che was standing right outside my doorway, his arm slightly raised as if he had been about to knock. He had clearly heard every single word I had just said. He slowly lowered his arm, the corners of his lips curving upward into a knowing smile.

Want to get some driving practice in? Very well. It is quite fortunate that I will be sitting right beside you to ensure everything goes smoothly and safely.

I stood there frozen. Is it still socially acceptable to swallow back all the foolish boasting I uttered just a moment ago? Left with no other choice, I gritted my teeth and climbed into the driver seat. Cheng Che slid into the passenger side with effortless familiarity and clicked his seatbelt into place.

Drive slowly, there is no need to rush.

His voice was always so soothingly calm, possessing an innate power to pacify restless hearts. Yet, when it came to the art of driving, this legendary calming presence of his was utterly useless. My actual driving skills were already practically nonexistent to begin with. Having the very person who made my heart race sit right next to me certainly did not help matters. My hands and feet suddenly felt as though they had just been introduced to each other for the very first time today, each going its own way and ignoring the other entirely. With much awkward fumbling and stumbling, I finally managed to steer the vehicle out onto the main road. Cheng Che remained quietly by my side, occasionally offering reminders like a professional driving instructor:

Check the right mirror.

Tap the brakes gently.

Straighten the steering wheel.

Following a harrowing near-miss with the car beside us and an uncounted number of abrupt, jolting stops at red lights, the palms of my hands were slick with cold sweat and a chill ran straight down my spine. My mind was screaming in sheer panic: It is over, it is completely over, why does real life driving look nothing like what they taught at the driving school? Can the living breathing human being sitting right next to me please temporarily evaporate for three whole minutes? Somebody please save me, I just want to go home right now. Leaning slightly to the side, I intended to ask Cheng Che if he wouldn't mind taking over the wheel instead. Unfortunately, I failed to notice an electric scooter zipping past in my blind spot at a rather high speed. By the time I finally registered the danger, I panicked and violently jerked the steering wheel to dodge it.

A dull thud echoed through the air as the front right corner of the car formed an unexpectedly intimate embrace with a street-side fire hydrant.

It is completely ruined. I gripped the steering wheel tightly as my mind instantly went completely blank. This was my very first time driving alone, and I had managed to get into an accident. I possessed zero prior experience in handling such a crisis. For a moment, I had no idea what to do. Grievance, fear, mortification, and bitter self-reproach all washed over me in a massive, suffocating wave.

It is alright, Dao Dao, do not be afraid.

Cheng Che calm voice rang out instantly. He swiftly unbuckled his seatbelt, stepped out of the vehicle, and walked around to the front to inspect the damage. Trembling, I forced myself to step out after him. He quickly assessed the surrounding situation, confirming that there were no further damages or hidden dangers. Then, he pulled out his phone, captured photos of the scene from multiple angles, called the police, contacted the insurance company, and explained the situation clearly to the traffic officers when they arrived. The entire process was handled with absolute clarity and methodical precision, his tone remarkably steady. He even took a moment to glance over at me reassuringly, mouthing the words, everything is fine. While waiting for the authorities to finish their work, I hovered closely behind his back, consumed by a mixture of deep guilt and lingering fright.