I Really Didn’t Want to Increase My Favorability!

Following Xu Lin’s gaze, she saw a girl in a school uniform sitting on a motorcycle, obviously belonging to a guy who looked like he was hanging out in society. As soon as she got on, the guy turned back and embraced her, their mouths meeting.

She immediately closed her eyes and turned her head back. “I think this kind of thing is not good for students—not very self-respecting.”

“Yeah, and it’s easy to get hurt. But even so, many teenagers still fall into these pitfalls. When they grow up and become sensible, they’ll understand.”

“The word ‘regret’ only appears after experiencing it, right? But feelings are mysterious. I’ve seen middle schoolers dating, and after graduating high school, some of them really stay together, living a normal life.”

“So, for some things, I may not like or agree with them, but I won’t completely deny them. People should respect their choices, whether good or bad.”

“After all, who knows what the future holds?”

Xu Lin’s words made her feel a bit uncertain about this junior. He seemed different from other boys, as if he had experienced a lot.

“Okay, no one’s around. Come on up.”

“Alright, but going to my place and then back home, won’t it be quite late?”

“No worries, it’s just half an hour or so. Hold on tight, get ready to go!”

With a low roar, Xu Lin stomped on the pedal. He was no longer the same person—when a slender girl like her took off, it was like taking flight!

His legs tensed, and with a forceful step, they shot forward. A pair of hands grabbed onto his waist and immediately let go.

“Sorry.”

“Just hold on tight! But you should be careful. I’m a big guy, and I’m afraid you might take advantage of me. Just don’t grab the wrong place, and it’s fine.”

“Oh.”

They rode for about fifteen minutes. The surrounding buildings gradually decreased in height, turning into old-style commercial buildings of 3 or 4 stories, lining both sides of the road.

After a few more minutes along the road, a massive sign appeared at the roadside, reading “Zhu Alley.”

Xu Lin slowed down and turned into the side alley, and as soon as they entered, the bike jolted. The asphalt road turned into a dirt path.

He slowed down even more until, after riding a dozen metres, the path became a bit smoother.

“The roads here are really rough.”

“Yeah, but they say they’re going to pave the roads this year.”

“They said the same thing five years ago.”

Xu Lin looked around at the low brick-and-tile houses and the narrow alleys that occasionally passed by, leading endlessly into the distance. He felt that this legendary Zhu Alley was indeed just as described.

Although Zhu Alley was named after bamboo, it actually had no connection to bamboo. Many years ago, there used to be a workshop here that processed chopsticks, hence the name. However, the workshop was later closed down, but the name remained. Now, this area has become one of the few within the urban area of Linshui without makeshift renovations.

Squeezed between two roads, there were approximately over 300 households here, waiting for the day when they could be relocated. However, they had been waiting for seven or eight years.

It had gradually become a gathering place for the elderly and tenants from other places because the young people had all bought houses. The elderly guarded the houses, and when they were finally relocated, the young people would come back to claim their share of the compensation.

People from other places gather here to work mainly because it’s affordable and the location isn’t too remote, despite the less-than-ideal environment.

“Xiao Xiao, school’s over?”

“Yeah.”

“Xiao Xiao, who’s this?”

“A classmate.”

“A classmate? Not your boyfriend?”

“Hahaha, don’t tease the kid.”

“Xiao Xiao, good evening!”

“Xiao Li, good evening.”

Xu Lin continued riding the bicycle inside the alley, but the greetings from the surroundings didn’t stop. It seemed like everyone knew Bai Xiaoxiao and was familiar with her.

Entering each alley and encountering each person, none of them were strangers. It felt like this small place was just like a big family.

“Everyone here is so friendly.”

“Yeah, so I feel like even though the environment isn’t that great, I consider this place my home.”

As she said this, there was a glint of sincerity and purity in her eyes.

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