Chapter 19 – Campus Arc: A Glamorous Romance – The Cinderella Sweetheart’s Endless Love (19)
The little squirrel was fully immersed in its own world, paying no attention to anything beyond the window.
A shadow loomed overhead. Hudson opened a small bag, releasing the rich aroma of roasted nuts into the air.
A nut, neither too big nor too small, was stuffed into his mouth. Bai Tang’s watery eyes were hazy as he looked up, his cheeks puffed out. He looked both pitiful and endearing.
“Didn’t you say you’d wait for me to watch the movie together? Have you been watching alone again?”
Hudson touched the computer, finding it warm. He simply assumed Bai Tang had watched something scary by himself again.
“You… will you ever abandon me?” The boy’s soft voice trembled uncontrollably.
Hudson cupped his face, his emerald-green eyes filled with deep affection. “How could I? I will never leave you.”
“Hudson…” Bai Tang threw himself into his arms, tears streaming down his face.
Hudson resisted the urge to kiss away those tears and silently made a vow in his heart: I will never let you cry again.
The next day, Hudson sought out Tian Lingxue for a long conversation.
After hearing Hudson’s purpose, Tian Lingxue met his gaze. His green eyes held sincerity, focus, and determination. She lowered her eyes, stirring the milk tea in her porcelain cup in a steady rhythm.
“Bai Tang and I have been neighbors since childhood. His parents used to fight constantly. When he was four, he would often curl up in the corner of the hallway while the sounds of breaking objects came from his home. My mother felt sorry for him and brought him to our house.”
“The Bai family was always either arguing or fighting. Whenever that happened, Bai Tang would run out on his own. My parents would often take him in for meals. Our family wasn’t wealthy, but when we were young, we could still take care of him. As we grew older, the financial burden increased, and we could no longer help him as much as before.”
“Because of years of malnutrition, Bai Tang’s health has always been weak. He lacks a sense of security, is timid, and was frequently bullied by school troublemakers. It wasn’t until our senior year of high school that his parents died in a car accident, and he received some compensation money. Only then did his life become a little better.”
Tian Lingxue let out a mocking laugh and met Hudson’s eyes. “If you’re only playing around, I hope you leave Bai Tang alone.”
Hudson’s expression was serious as he firmly assured her, “I won’t.”
“If you truly mean it, then make sure he spends the rest of his life safe and happy.” She pushed aside the now-cold milk tea and stood up. “But right now, I don’t trust you. I will be watching you. If necessary, even if it makes Tang Tang sad, I will take him away.”
“You won’t get that chance.” Hudson finished his coffee and called for the waiter to settle the bill.
The original Bai Tang’s fate was pitiful, but that was not the fate of Bai Tang, the squirrel demon. Though he had never met his squirrel parents, he had lived happily in the forest with his friends as a child, surrounded by laughter every day.
Moreover, Bai Tang was timid and cowardly. At the slightest sign of trouble, he would swiftly flee into the woods, avoiding anything strange or dangerous.
Except for that one time when he fell from a tree and encountered the system. That was purely an accident—just an accident.
From then on, it felt as if the story had returned to its original course.
To complete his research project and enrich his personal studies, Bai Tang, following the system’s advice, continued his reading journey in the library. Wherever Bai Tang went, Hudson was sure to be there. Wherever Hudson was, Tian Lingxue was bound to appear. And wherever Tian Lingxue was, Owen would show up within two minutes—except for the girls’ dormitory, of course.
Ever since her talk with Hudson, Tian Lingxue had been keeping a close watch on him from all angles, while also assessing his knowledge and character. Naturally, she made sure to find all sorts of peculiar ways to challenge him.
“Hey, tell me, could it be that you actually like Hudson?” Owen asked with a sour tone, clearly annoyed by how Tian Lingxue was constantly circling around Hudson.
“What’s it to you? Why are you so concerned about me? Do you like me or something?” Tian Lingxue rolled her eyes impatiently.
“Oho, haven’t you noticed that Xiao Tang Tang and Hudson are a pair? Are you trying to steal him away? A love triangle—now that’s exciting!”
Author’s Note
Bai Tang: Hudson, do you not want me anymore? (eyes brimming with tears)
Hudson (heart aching as he hugs him): Of course not! Who said that? I’ll deal with him. I love you the most. Don’t cry, be good~