Rebirth: Once Again With You

Li Chunhua felt the mood was suitable for telling him what she had wanted to say.

"Thank you, Jingfei." Li Chunhua spoke softly.

When she recalled how many things he had done to help her and her sister, Li Chunhua was always grateful. However, she was too embarrassed to thank him outrightly and could only say it through a phone like this.

After meeting him, she learned that a person could have a lot of courage and strength just from bonding with another person. She used to look down on people who pretended to act friendly because they later talked bad about her in the back, but her view had changed a lot.

Not everyone was wearing a mask. Some of them were genuinely trying to get close to you for who you are, like the nosy Shao Jingfei, who turned out to be the best confidant and ally she could have.

"I finally can say it. Although I doubt there is anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to call me whenever you need my help. Because we are friends. Just like what you did for me."

"Oh," Shao Jingfei exclaimed awkwardly before adding, "Why do people keep thanking me nowadays? I feel strange."

"Huh? Someone thanked you before me? Was it Xiaoyi again?"

"Just someone. More importantly, do you think I won't know if you don't tell me?" Shao Jingfei chuckled. "I'm the most awesome master, so I know you are thankful for my teaching without you needing to tell me."

After spending time with Shao Jingfei, Li Chunhua learned about his habit a bit. One of them was that he always tried to crack a joke whenever he was feeling awkward or not knowing what to do.

​ People could easily misunderstand him as someone who couldn't act serious and pissed at him, but Li Chunhua knew better now. She didn't feel irritated anymore listening to his silly jokes now. On the contrary, she found it interesting and funny.

She giggled before answering, "I'll give in to you just for today. I know I can be annoying and troublesome to deal with. You have been very patient with me. I'm glad to hear you understand what I'm thinking."

"What's wrong with you today? You are very honest today, unlike the usual."

"My heart feels light like a feather now. Maybe that's why."

"Talking with your mother about your request must be nerve-wracking. What did she say?"

"She said she would think about it, but judging from her response, it doesn't seem she is completely against it. It was all thanks to Xiaoyi."

"Why Caiyi?"

"My mother called her as soon as I left the room. As expected. My sister must have convinced her."

"You should really stop your eavesdropping habit. That's creepy."

Li Chunhua scoffed. "Don't put it like I will eavesdrop on anyone's conversation. Only those I'm curious about."

Shao Jingfei burst into laughter. "You aren't even ashamed of it. I like that side of yours."

Li Chunhua's heart stopped hearing the word 'like' from him for a moment. However, she quickly brushed it aside and continued chatting with Shao Jingfei for another thirty minutes.

Time passed quickly when she talked to him. Listening to his encouragement spurred her desire even more. She couldn't wait to show Li Caiyi her improvement.

At the end of their conversation, Shao Jingfei suddenly asked, "Can we meet at the backyard garden tomorrow?"

"Sure," Li Chunhua replied nonchalantly. "But why are you asking that?"

"Just go there tomorrow. I have something I want to give you."

"Hm, alright then. This better be about something important."

"Heh, you'll not regret it," Shao Jingfei replied confidently.

***

The next day, Li Chunhua went to the backyard garden as soon as the bell of lunchbreak rang. She was curious why Shao Jingfei would call her out like this.

As far as she could remember, it was always her who called him out, or they would coincidentally meet in the backyard garden. Because they liked to hang out there.

'He said he has something to give me; I wonder what that is?' Li Chunhua thought with anticipation. 'Is it a present for doing a good job? Would he go to such an extent just for me?'

Li Chunhua mostly doubted it, but there was a faint expectation in her heart. She hastened her pace, all while thinking about various things he could give her.

When she arrived in the backyard garden, she quickly found Shao Jingfei's figure sitting in his usual spot. Shao Jingfei also noticed her arrival and waved his hand at her.

Li Chunhua waved back at him while waking over, "You are here already. That's pretty fast."

"No, I just arrived myself. Did you run here?" Shao Jingfei squinted his eyes upon noticing the sweat forming on her forehead. "You don't have to rush, and I'll still wait for you. What if you collapse again?"

Li Chunhua sat beside him before taking out a handkerchief from her pocket. She wiped the sweat on her face and neck with that.

"Don't worry, I know my limit," she said lightly, but she could feel her heart beat faster. It was unknown whether it was from running or her anticipation.

"I'm fine. More importantly, what do you want to give me that you call me out here?"

Shao Jingfei stared at her doubtfully but chose to relent for now. Then, he took a small paper bag from his side and gave it to Li Chunhua. "Here. For you."

Li Chunhua took the paper bag and checked the content. There was a small box inside. "What is this?"

"Just open it first."

Brimming with curiosity, Li Chunhua took out the box from the bag and shook it to check. A sound came from the inside like a few small things bumped into the inner box.

She slowly opened it, and her mouth slightly opened in surprise, looking at light pink fake nails with a floral pattern on them. The color was pretty and glossy, as it reflected the sunlight.

"Jingfei, this is?"

"Fake nails, as you can see."

"I know that, but why are you giving these to me?"

Shao Jingfei took one of her hands and pulled it towards him to inspect. The sudden movement made Li Chunhua's breath hitch.