Chapter 6

The sun shone brightly, and the chirping of birds outside the window was endless. Sunlight quietly crept into the room. This morning, Lin Shizhao got up early to tidy up. Holding an English vocabulary book in one hand, she used the other to brush her teeth. After a simple wash, she stared blankly into the mirror. She recalled yesterday’s events—just thinking about Shen Qian made her want to cry. Was it really her fault? Shen Qian’s harsh words echoed in her mind over and over, making her eyes turn red. Even someone as cold and distant as Gu Helin pitied her. Sometimes, Lin Shizhao truly hated herself. Maybe if she didn’t exist, Xia Wen wouldn’t be suffering so much, and she wouldn’t have to endure the gossip from others. Everything seemed to be getting better, except for her. It felt like everything around her was slowly eroding her body. In the classroom, the sound of students reading aloud filled the air. With the midterm exams approaching, the atmosphere in the class was especially tense. “Communicate, communicate…” Lin Shizhao repeatedly recited vocabulary words with perfect pronunciation, studying with great focus. Gu Helin was working through physics problems. He had a good memory, and having learned English since the age of three, he had long since mastered these vocabulary words. Now, he was using the morning time to go through more exercises. Yu Fei turned around and asked, “Shizhao, the midterms are the day after tomorrow, and I’m so nervous! I feel like I don’t know anything. What should I do? I’m scared we won’t end up in the same class.” “Don’t worry, the exam shouldn’t be too hard. Just review your vocabulary and memorize the ancient poems—those are the easiest points to get.” “Let’s study together tonight! I saw a milk tea shop near the school with plenty of seats, and people studying inside.” “Sure!” Lin Shizhao happily agreed. And just like that, the two girls made plans to study together. “Count me in!” He Junming said excitedly. “Even Gu Helin doesn’t want to go. What are you going for? To flirt with girls?” Yu Fei nudged He Junming’s shoulder. “Actually, Lin is interested in going, right, Lin?” He Junming pleaded with his eyes, looking at Gu Helin. Gu Helin smirked but remained silent. “Lin, say something!” He Junming became anxious. Gu Helin didn’t even lift his head, his eyes still fixed on his worksheet. In the end, He Junming gave up. At lunchtime, Gu Helin and He Junming were eating in the cafeteria when a group of second-year boys approached them. The one leading the group spoke first, “I heard you’re pretty good at basketball. Want to play a game this afternoon?” The boy had dyed grayish-white hair and a scar on his face that looked fresh. He didn’t even bother looking up as he spoke, carrying an air of superiority. Gu Helin, unfazed, replied casually, “I never turn down a challenge.” He accepted without hesitation. “Remember your words. See you there!” The group of boys left after throwing down their challenge. The surrounding students exchanged glances and whispered among themselves. “No way… Did someone offend Tan Jiang?” “Who knows? But who in this school would dare provoke him?” “Shh, he’s coming. Don’t talk—if he hears you, you’re dead.” Gu Helin and He Junming heard the murmurs but remained composed. Gu Helin continued eating quietly, drawing the attention of many onlookers. “Lin, seriously? Why is Tan Jiang challenging us to basketball? Those second-years call him ‘Brother Tan’ like he’s some big shot.” “Mm.” “That’s it? You’re not curious at all? I heard Tan Jiang is our school’s top bully—he’s even hit teachers, not just students. No one dares to mess with him.” “Interesting.” Gu Helin smirked. Seeing his reaction, He Junming had no choice but to drop the subject. After school, it was Yu Fei’s turn for cleaning duty. The daily duty students had to wipe the blackboard, sweep the floor, and close the windows and doors before leaving. The classroom was empty except for Yu Fei, who was sweeping the floor, and Lin Shizhao, who was wiping the blackboard. “Excuse me, is Lin Shizhao here?” A soft, pleasant voice came from the doorway. A beautifully dressed girl gently knocked on the half-open door. Lin Shizhao turned around and realized she didn’t recognize her. “Hello, I’m Mu Xueqin from the art class. I’m here to ask you for a favor.” Mu Xueqin handed her something. “I heard you’re Gu Helin’s sister. Could you pass this to him? Just leave it somewhere he can see.” “Thank you so much.” After delivering the item, Mu Xueqin left. Just as Yu Fei stepped out, she saw what Lin Shizhao was holding. “What’s that? Someone’s confessing to you? Let me see!” “It’s not for me,” Lin Shizhao blushed. “Then who?” “It’s from Mu Xueqin from the art class—for Gu Helin.” “I know her! She’s the belle of the art class. I heard she’s really pretty and has tons of admirers, even Tan Jiang, but she hasn’t accepted him.” “Alright, let’s go.” “But I want to see it! Just a peek!” Yu Fei pleaded. “It’s not right to look at other people’s stuff. Let’s go.” Lin Shizhao refused. Just as she was about to put the letter in her bag, Yu Fei snatched it. Lin Shizhao held on tightly, and in the struggle, the letter tore in two. “I told you not to look! Why did you do that?” Lin Shizhao complained. “You’re so stingy! I just wanted a glance.” Yu Fei pouted. “Forget it, let’s go. I’ll figure it out at home.” Lin Shizhao picked up the pink paper pieces and put them in her bag. It wasn’t too late after school, so the two girls went to the milk tea shop to study. “Shizhao, how do you memorize vocabulary so fast? I always forget right after I learn them.” Yu Fei scratched her head. “You can review before sleeping and go over them again in the morning. That method works for me—it might work for you too.” “Are you really going to give him the letter? Aren’t you afraid someone else might steal ‘your person’?” Yu Fei teased. “What do you mean ‘my person’?! Were you even listening, Yu Fei?” Lin Shizhao’s fair cheeks turned pink as she stared at Yu Fei with wide eyes. “I was just joking! But did I hit the nail on the head?” “No way! I don’t like him at all.” Lin Shizhao pursed her lips, trying to stay calm. “I didn’t ask if you liked him—you said it yourself! Denying it just makes it obvious. Haha, Shizhao, you’re so cute!” The girls’ laughter was crisp like silver bells, and their cheeks flushed as their bright eyes curved like crescents. Adolescence brings heartbeats that race at a single gesture, a word of encouragement, or a moment of unintended concern. On the basketball court, the boys played intensely. The one in the black sports shirt seemed to shine, standing out among the crowd. “Yes! Lin, you’re amazing!” The second-years lost terribly. Tan Jiang’s face darkened, his previous grin completely gone.