Pretending to Cultivate in Kindergarten

Han Wenwen blinked her fox-like eyes innocently.

"I got it from romance novels. What’s with the big reaction? There’s nothing inappropriate there."

He Qing let out a small gasp, clearly unconvinced.

"How is this not inappropriate?!"

"Let me see."

Han Wenwen took the book back, flipping through it.

"Yeah, there’s nothing inappropriate. That’s because I wrote it all myself. In my eyes, this book is as pure as can be—clean and wholesome."

He Qing begged to differ.

She carefully hugged her pillow and cautiously peeked at the book’s contents again… but the more she read, the more embarrassed she felt.

"In my opinion, the reason your relationship with Lin Zhengran isn’t progressing is because you two have been too close for too long.

"You’ve seen that saying online, right? "The more familiar you are with someone, the harder it is to make a move’?"

"But Jiang Xueli has known Lin Zhengran for years too, just like me."

Han Wenwen leaned against the wall, her imaginary fox ears twitching as she schemed for her best friend.

"I don’t know exactly what’s been happening between them lately, but I can guarantee that Jiang Xueli must have done something different recently—something she never did before.

"That change is what’s shifting their relationship and making Lin Zhengran feel a new sense of excitement."

He Qing blinked blankly, not quite understanding.

Han Wenwen smirked.

"Otherwise, how else would a tsundere like her start winning? I underestimated her. Turns out, she’s just as obsessed with Lin Zhengran as you are."

He Qing continued to blink blankly, realizing that Han Wenwen was not only talking about Jiang Xueli… but also about her.

A pink flush spread across her face.

Han Wenwen continued, "So, if you want progress, you need change. That’s why I wrote this guide for you.

"Here, let me read you a few tips—"

She casually flipped to a page.

"For example, this one: Next time you visit his house, don’t just sit there like a statue. Instead, make a small, natural movement to showcase your presence—nothing too obvious, just a simple action like tucking your hair behind your ear and stealing glances at him."

She demonstrated, gently brushing back her hair while looking at He Qing with soft, captivating eyes.

"See? Doesn’t it set the mood?"

He Qing felt mortified.

It didn’t seem too bad when Han Wenwen did it, but imagining herself doing it in front of Lin Zhengran?

She felt like she’d rather crawl into a sewer and hide forever.

Han Wenwen continued, "Another example—when you’re eating, if you don’t mind, try taking a bite of something he’s already eaten.

"This kind of indirect intimacy has a huge impact on boys, and you can use it repeatedly."

He Qing’s entire head disappeared into her pillow.

Her brain overheated.

This… this is basically indirect… that!

BOOM.

Mental explosion.

Han Wenwen kept going.

"And here’s another one—since you’ve already decided on him, you should act on it.

"For example, if the mood is right, accidentally sit on his lap.

"Or maybe—"

She lowered her voice mischievously.

"—lightly bite his ear?"

He Qing officially tapped out.

She flopped face-first onto her bed, wrapped herself in her blanket, and screamed into the fabric.

"STOP TALKING, WENWEN! NONE OF THIS IS SUITABLE FOR OUR AGE! IT’S TOO EMBARRASSING!"

"Okay, fine. What about just blowing into his ear?"

A muffled voice came from the blanket.

"IT’S THE SAME THING! I could never do that! Even if I somehow forced myself, he’d definitely get mad! He’s scary when he’s mad—he’d flick my forehead for sure!"

Han Wenwen imagined He Qing wrapped up like a giant cocoon, picturing all the scenarios she’d just described.

"Come on, it’s not that bad. None of this is even on the level of kissing or hugging.

"If I liked someone, I’d probably try to seduce him eight hundred times a day."

He Qing peeked out from her blanket, her innocent eyes filled with disapproval.

"Wenwen, you’ve been corrupted by romance novels. You’re not pure anymore."

Han Wenwen burst out laughing and patted He Qing’s head.

"Qingqing, you’re too cute. Honestly, I have no idea how Lin Zhengran manages to resist you.

"But… if you don’t do something, you’re gonna lose.

"And really, what’s wrong with being a little more affectionate with the guy you like?"

Seeing He Qing hesitate, Han Wenwen leaned in closer, her voice seductive.

"Why not try it? Maybe it’ll actually work."

He Qing bit her lip, thinking for a long time.

Then, she suddenly remembered something.

"Wait, Wenwen—forget this for now. I have something important to ask you."

"Hm? Just say it. We don’t need to be polite."

Still wrapped in her blanket, He Qing sat up, and Han Wenwen instinctively joined her inside, wrapping them both up like two little caterpillars.

Only their tiny heads peeked out.

Adorable.

He Qing hesitated, then spoke.

"I’m not in the same class as Lin Zhengran, but I know that besides Jiang Xueli, there are definitely other girls who like him too.

"He’s handsome, smart, and good at everything. He’s been popular since elementary school."

Han Wenwen agreed.

"That’s true. Even in our class, I’ve noticed a lot of girls secretly crushing on him. Some even come from other classes just to talk to him."

He Qing’s voice got smaller.

"C-Could you... um... keep an eye on him for me?"

Han Wenwen raised an eyebrow.

"You mean… make sure he talks to fewer girls?"

"Yeah… something like that…"

Han Wenwen smirked.

"Easy. But just so you know, since I’m his deskmate, if I start watching him more closely, people might start rumors about us.

"You wouldn’t get jealous, right?"

He Qing smiled sweetly.

"Of course not! I asked you to do it.

"As a thank-you, I’ll treat you to dinner tonight!"

"Deal!"

They pinky-promised.

Then, Han Wenwen grinned mischievously.

"So… about the tips I just gave you—"

He Qing buried her face in embarrassment.

"Let me think about it!"

The Result?

After this brilliant strategy session, the one who suffered most for the next two weeks…

was Lin Zhengran.

He Qing, once well-behaved, suddenly started acting strangely.

For example:

She kept tucking her hair behind her ear—over and over again.

Lin Zhengran frowned.

"Is your head itchy? When’s the last time you washed your hair?"

He Qing froze, then panicked.

"N-No! I just… uhh…"

Mission failed.

Another time, she stared at a half-eaten cookie, struggling to take a bite.

Lin Zhengran raised an eyebrow.

"Are you a hamster? Why are you hoarding my food?"

Another failure.

As for blowing into his ear…

She chickened out and just blew at his hair instead.

Lin Zhengran’s vein twitched.

"He Qing! What is WRONG with you lately?! Stand still—I’m gonna flick your forehead!"

And so…

The only thing she achieved was making him annoyed.