Chapter 11

The next day, during the exam, Gu Helin was completely absent-minded. He didn’t even attempt the physics test, merely writing his name before resting his head on the desk and dozing off. The classroom was quiet, making the chirping of birds outside seem particularly jarring. "Hey, student, wake up. You're taking an exam right now." The proctor walked up to Gu Helin’s desk, frowned, and tapped on the table. The boy rubbed his drowsy eyes, stretched lazily, picked up his pen, randomly filled in a few multiple-choice answers, and then lay back down to sleep. The proctor shook his head, showing a helpless expression, but said nothing. Gu Helin only answered the multiple-choice questions. He wanted to control his score, aiming to stay at an above-average level so he could be placed in the same class as Lin Shizhao. When the exam results were released, the classroom was filled with wails of despair. Everyone had been curious about how well the handsome top student would perform. But upon seeing his score, they thought, "Turns out he’s not that amazing after all." He didn’t even rank in the top ten, placing twelfth, while Lin Shizhao ranked ninth. "Hey, what’s up with you lately? I thought you’d be first place," Lin Shizhao couldn’t help but ask curiously. "My brain’s been acting up recently. Not working well," Gu Helin leaned back in his chair, the corners of his lips slightly curved. His expression was well-controlled, so Lin Shizhao didn’t notice anything unusual. Lin Shizhao, Gu Helin, and Yu Fei were all assigned to the same class. Yu Fei had performed exceptionally well this time. However, He Junming was placed in a different class. While packing up their things for the new class, Yu Fei was clearly unhappy. "I don’t want to be in a different class," she said, her eyes red with tears. "It’s not a big deal. We’re in the same school; we can still see each other during breaks." He Junming pinched her cheek. "You always have something to say." "Alright, alright. I didn’t score higher than you, so I agree to be your boyfriend now. Happy? Stop crying." "Who said you were going to be my boyfriend? I only said that if I couldn’t outscore you, I’d agree to be your girlfriend! You’re twisting my words. You’re shameless!" Yu Fei blushed deeply. Their new homeroom teacher was a strict-looking middle-aged man of medium height, slightly chubby, with a buzz cut. "I’m your new homeroom teacher. For the next three years, we’ll be spending our high school days together. Since you’ve been assigned to my class, I expect you to focus and adopt a serious attitude toward learning." Hearing the teacher’s stern speech, the classroom fell silent. The students’ expressions looked as if they had just swallowed something awful. As soon as the teacher left, the class erupted in groans and complaints. "Seriously? We got stuck with this kind of teacher? Our luck is terrible!" Yu Fei grumbled. "Alright, alright, don’t be too upset," Lin Shizhao comforted her. "I think he looks like a monkey," Gu Helin suddenly remarked from his seat beside Lin Shizhao, making her want to laugh. After the midterm exams, the school gave them a short holiday. Since He Junming’s birthday was coming up, the four friends decided to go out and celebrate together. He Junming’s family was wealthy, so booking an upscale venue was no problem. He also invited a group of friends to join the celebration. They first went to a KTV, booking a private room to sing and play games. "Let’s play something exciting," one of the boys suggested. "Sure, who’s afraid? Bring it on!" The group decided to play Truth or Dare. They drew cards, and whoever got the lowest card had to accept a punishment—either answering a truth question or completing a dare. The first person to draw the lowest card was He Junming, causing the crowd to buzz with excitement. "Alright, birthday boy, truth or dare?" He Junming chose dare and was asked to sing a song. He picked "Your Affection" and sang it with deep emotion, his face full of love. Yu Fei turned red as she listened. After several rounds, it was Gu Helin’s turn. All eyes immediately turned to him. His punishment was to share a cross-cup drink with any girl in the room. As soon as the card was read aloud, the group erupted into cheers. Everyone knew exactly who he would pick. Sure enough, Gu Helin slowly stood up, poured a glass of red wine for himself, and a glass of orange juice for Lin Shizhao, handing it to her. "Hey, isn’t it supposed to be alcohol? Why is it juice?" the others teased. "I’ll drink hers," Gu Helin said nonchalantly. Lin Shizhao felt an electric current rush through her body, making her hair stand on end and her heartbeat accelerate wildly. The boy’s hand rested lightly on her fair, slender arm as he brought the wine glass to his lips. The girl matched his movements, gently sipping the sweet orange juice. Afterward, she sat on the couch, touching her flushed cheeks—they were burning!