Chapter 6 - 1.5 Beautiful Times at the English Corner

Most of the time, Yang Yuling sat quietly at her desk, studying. To Chen Yu, her focused expression was more beautiful than any scenery.Once, while she was revising her notes, a pencil accidentally rolled off her desk and fell to the floor. Almost instinctively, Chen Yu shot out of his seat and picked up the pencil before she could.When Yang Yuling looked up at him, their eyes met in mid-air. In that instant, Chen Yu felt time stand still. Her eyes were beautiful, as clear as a mountain spring, but they were also like a mirror, reflecting all his awkwardness and inferiority."Thank you," Yang Yuling said softly, her voice as pleasant as silver bells.Chen Yu's face flushed crimson. He hastily placed the pencil on her desk and then fled back to his seat as if escaping. He felt his actions had been too eager. How could a poor student from the countryside be worthy of such a girl?But sometimes, fate likes to play harmless jokes. The school's English Corner became the only bridge between them.The English Corner, held every Wednesday afternoon, was the time Chen Yu looked forward to most all week. Not because he loved English so much, but because Yang Yuling would be there without fail. During group practice, they were occasionally assigned to the same group, which made Chen Yu both excited and nervous."Your pronunciation is getting better," Yang Yuling had once encouraged him. Her sweet voice and gentle smile still echoed in his memory.Yang Yuling studied English for her future academic pursuits, while almost all of Chen Yu's motivation for learning English came from the opportunity to have more interactions with her. Although he never confessed his feelings, every minute and second of practicing oral English together was incredibly precious to him.Chen Yu's English foundation was not good, but with Yang Yuling's help, his speaking skills improved significantly. She was always patient in correcting his pronunciation and teaching him practical grammar. Sometimes, she would engage in a short conversation with him in English, which felt like a secret exchange that only the two of them understood."Don't be shy, just speak out," Yang Yuling often encouraged him. "Language is for communication, not for perfection."These words were deeply imprinted in Chen Yu's heart. They were not just advice on learning English, but also seemed like guidance for life.