Crying While Filling the Pit I Dug - Chapter 108

Lunchtime in the cafeteria.

Song Miaomiao’s brother and Tang Xin sat together, indulging in their rat-based feast.

Meanwhile, Han Chuan mysteriously presented an insulated lunch box, saying, “Miaomiao, try this fried pork with green peppers.”

Song Miaomiao picked up a piece of the fried meat, recalling that Han Chuan had also cooked for her back in the countryside. “Did you make this?”

Han Chuan’s earlobes turned red. “My cooking isn’t particularly good, and it probably can’t compare to your school cafeteria. But give it a try.”

Song Miaomiao savored the dish. “It’s delicious.”

Han Chuan beamed. “As long as you like it, I’ll cook something else tomorrow. What would you like?”

Song Miaomiao said, “But you still have to study now, cooking is too time-consuming, so I don’t want it.” 

Han Han Chuan said, “It’s okay, your brother can prepare so many dishes, so I can.”

True, but he was a demon who didn’t need sleep. He was still a high school student; it was time for him to study.

With a smile, Song Miaomiao replied, “Let’s not compare with them; they have different tastes after all.”

Han Chuan grew anxious. “Are you free this weekend? I have plenty of time then; I finish my homework quickly…”

Song Miaomiao suppressed a laugh. “I should be free~”

Han Chuan leaned in, whispering, “Then could you come over to my place as a guest? I’ll cook for you.”

This was the beginning of inviting a girl over to his house, but Han Chuan realized his progress might have been too fast. Sensing his misstep, he quickly amended, “It’s okay for us to go on a picnic and barbecue by the lake.”

As Tang Xin and Shenmao discussed various ways to grill rat meat, Tang Xin enthusiastically exclaimed at the suggestion of going to the lakeside for a barbecue, “Yes! Let’s go to the lakeside for a barbecue. Shenmao, let’s go together!”

Shenmao said, “Sounds good, I’m in.”

From the corner of her eye, Song Miaomiao noticed Han Chuan’s momentarily deflated expression, realizing the invitation for a date had morphed into a group outing once again.

Han Chuan’s spirits came back quickly as he suggested, “Then, let’s meet at Sunset Lake at 10 o’clock on Sunday morning. There’s a barbecue store there where we can rent grills and tools. You can bring your own food if you like, or buy it at the store.”

Song Miaomiao nodded in agreement, “Agreed.”

…

In the afternoon, during the class meeting, the head teacher wrote “class meeting” on the blackboard before addressing the room with a smile, “The four students who arrived late yesterday, please step up for your performance.”

A few students completed their singing of a nursery rhyme amidst embarrassed chuckles and stifled laughter.

Following the musical show, the class teacher initiated discussions about the annual autumn outing group activity, a highly anticipated event. Suggestions flew around the room, with some boys advocating for basketball and football, only to be met with objections and crossed-out ideas from the girls. Eventually, Tang Xin raised her hand eagerly, saying, “Teacher, I propose we have a barbecue at Sunset Lake. I know several students who are interested, and we were originally planning to go this weekend.”

Her suggestion garnered widespread support, with even the class teacher backing the idea. After some deliberation to accommodate the majority of students, the autumn outing and barbecue day were scheduled for the following weekend.

Observing from a distance, Song Miaomiao noticed Han Chuan’s gloomy mood. What started as a romantic barbecue date for two had evolved into an outing for four, and then transformed further into a group activity for the entire class…

…

After dinner, Han Chuan sneaked over once again to tutor Song Miaomiao.

Seizing the opportunity with Tang Xin and Shenmao out of the picture, Han Chuan leaned in and whispered, “Miaomiao, we had planned to go to Sunset Lake for a barbecue this weekend, but now it’s turned into a class-wide activity postponed to next weekend. So, this weekend… you’re still free, right?”

Song Miaomiao nodded, “Yes.”

Han Chuan suggested, “Let’s spend that weekend together, alright? I heard there’s a newly opened theme park with great reviews.”

A sweet smile graced Song Miaomiao’s lips as she replied, “Okay.”

　…

As the weekend afternoon approached, Song Miaomiao, dressed to impress for her first official date, informed her brother before finally arriving at the agreed-upon theme park.

She couldn’t help but notice that Han Chuan had also made an effort, with a fresh haircut and new clothes, indicating the significance he attached to their date.

They delved into all the thrill rides: roller coasters, trapezes, the water world, and more, indulging in skewers, stinky tofu, and octopus balls. The two of them had a blast.

As night fell, Song Miaomiao and Han Chuan found themselves on a secluded bench in the theme park. Han Chuan spoke up, “Miaomiao, wait here, I’ll go buy something.”

Curious, Song Miaomiao asked, “What are you going to buy?”

Han Chuan replied mysteriously, “Oh… just wait here, I’ll be back soon.”

A smile danced across Song Miaomiao’s lips as she responded, “Okay.”

Han Chuan repeated, “Promise me you won’t go anywhere else. Just wait for me here.”

Song Miaomiao nodded, “I promise.”

With that assurance, Han Chuan rose from the bench, took a step back, and disappeared around the corner, sneaking away in a playful manner.

Why was Han Chuan being so mysterious? Was there a surprise in store? Song Miaomiao couldn’t help but wonder.

After a while, the booming sound of fireworks filled the air, and a spectacular display of colorful bursts lit up the night sky. Song Miaomiao gazed up in awe. 

“It’s so beautiful.”

Emerging from behind her, Han Chuan held a bouquet of flowers, his face flushed with shyness. “Miaomiao, I, I like you.”

Accepting the flowers with both hands, Song Miaomiao’s eyes sparkled, “What a coincidence, I like you too.”

Han Chuan blushed even deeper, took her hand, and realizing the flowers were in the way, he gently moved them aside before boldly pulling her into an embrace.

With hands intertwined and another embrace, Han Chuan nervously asked, “Can I… kiss you, just once?”

Song Miaomiao chuckled softly, “Silly boy.”

Upon hearing her response, Han Chuan blushed and lightly brushed his lips against hers.