Recently, the Li family’s nanny had been feeling a bit troubled. She wondered if she should report the matter to the masters of the house.
However, her precocious young mistress told her, “You don’t need to worry about him.”
But how could she not?
She looked out the door with concern.
In the morning, she would see Li Zi off. Since there was a dedicated driver, she would watch Li Zi get into the car and then head back inside to continue cleaning. Every time she turned around, she would spot a shifty black figure at the corner of the street.
The nanny frowned and looked at Li Zi.
Li Zi saw him through the rearview mirror as well, but she said nothing. She simply waved her hand, signaling for the nanny to ignore it.
Then, leaning back against the seat, she gazed somberly at the reflection of the boy who was completely unaware he had been spotted. She let out a soft sigh.
*What is he doing, acting like a stalker...*
In the afternoon, Li Zi returned home from school and did her homework on the balcony as usual. Around four or five o’clock, the bell would ring at the middle school next door. Not long after, that same figure would appear at the corner of the wall.
She caught a glimpse of him but pretended not to see, continuing her writing diligently.
Ten minutes later, she packed away her homework, rolled her shoulders, and headed downstairs.
“Golden. Come here.”
She grabbed the leash from the cabinet and called out from the doorway.
The Golden Retriever rushed over instantly, skidding to a halt and crouching before her, panting eagerly to please.
Li Zi carefully fitted the harness and buckled the leash before leading him out of the courtyard.
That figure followed behind them again.
Golden sniffed the air. There was a familiar scent, but it didn't seem dangerous. Whatever!
Happily soaking in the scent of freedom, the dog followed obediently by Li Zi’s side without wandering off.
Li Zi led him around the park, lap after lap. The person behind them followed the entire way but still didn't dare to approach—he was, after all, still just a boy.
Soon, she grew a bit tired. She found a bench and sat down, staring at the sky, lost in thought.
Golden sprawled out on all fours, lying on the ground with his tongue lolling out, huffing and puffing.
Seeing that he seemed thirsty, Li Zi reached into her small backpack, took out a bottle of water, and poured it into a small bowl. As soon as she placed it before him, the Golden Retriever buried his face in it, lapping it up noisily.
She stroked Golden’s smooth fur and cast a sidelong glance behind her.
This time, the person was hiding under a tree behind the bench.
“Are you stalking me?” she asked suddenly, addressing the empty air.
The person behind the tree froze. He looked around warily—was someone else following her?
“Li Zhenting, are you stalking me?”
This time, Li Zi turned her head and stared directly at him.
Only then did he realize he had been caught. He had no choice but to step out. “Uh, that... well, I was just passing by. Just passing by.”
Inwardly, he wanted to slap himself. *What is wrong with me? I promised myself I wouldn't follow her, but I just can't help it!*
“So, you were passing by this morning, you were passing by my house just now, and this is also a coincidence?”
Li Zi looked into his eyes and asked very seriously.
“Yes, yes. Because I live right over there in the alley, so I pass by every day...”
*Aha! Right, that’s a good excuse.*
“Really? I hate it when people lie to me.”
The petite girl gazed at him calmly, but her words carried a sharp edge.
“I...”
He instinctively wanted to find another excuse, but the word “hate” stung his heart inexplicably.
He didn't want the girl in front of him to hate him.
He bit his lip and steeled himself. “I do live in the alley, and I do pass by your house every day.”
Li Zi’s expression cooled. She tugged the leash, preparing to leave.
“But I really was... was... watching you! But I didn't mean to hurt you. I’m not a creep!”
He rushed in front of her, blocking her path.
He reached out his hand but didn't dare actually touch her. His hands were filthy; how could he touch her?
Fortunately, Li Zi didn't insist on leaving and stopped where she was.
“Then next time, just come up and say hello to me.”
“Don't hide in the back anymore.”
She tilted her head back, looking up solemnly at the boy who was a head and a half taller than her. Her clear eyes mirrored his flustered appearance perfectly.
Li Zhenting rubbed his hands together. Even though she was so much younger than him, he felt strangely like he was being lectured.
“Ah...”
“If you keep doing this, Auntie Wang will want to call the police,” Li Zi pointed out.
“Oh, okay.”
The boy’s face flushed red, and he covered it in shame.
From then on, a bashful boy began appearing at the Li family’s gate every morning to say “Good morning.”
The Li family’s nanny, Auntie Wang, became even more worried.
*How is it that the young mistress is still so small, yet boys are already coming to the door to strike up conversations?*
