Second period was Chinese class.
The Chinese Teacher stepped onto the podium and wrote two words on the blackboard: "Campus!"
"Our class performed well on this exam, but some of you still lost quite a few points on the essay. I hope you'll practice more; here's the topic I'm giving you."
After the topic was given, the students pulled out their essay paper and began scribbling away.
Sun Ying glanced at the sheet; about five minutes later she looked up.
Everyone was writing earnestly, yet she noticed the boy in the front row, Ye Chen, was an exception.
The guy was happily reading a copy of "Ancient and Modern Mathematical Conjectures."
Although Ye Chen's grades were solid, blatantly reading math in the front row during Chinese class was a bit too much.
Sun Ying walked up to him and tapped his desk. "Ye Chen, why are you reading math in Chinese? Your essay—"
Ye Chen set the book down, lifted a sheet of paper covered in writing, and smiled. "Teacher, I already finished the essay. I'm reading so I won't disturb anyone."
Li Sitong and Xia Yingluo also noticed his book had been spotted and watched with worry.
After all, the Chinese Teacher was notoriously strict.
"Finished?"
Sun Ying skeptically picked up the essay in front of him and began reading.
"Campus"
"Back then the cicadas were as dense as the campus trees, and the people as charming as the crabapple blossoms. The sky always seemed hazy, the days passed ever so slowly…" Sun Ying finished with a wry, helpless smile.
It was as outstanding as always.
Reading Ye Chen's essays felt like pure enjoyment every single time.
His writing had poetry, emotion, and depth.
Minutes later she quietly set the paper down, her eyes full of feeling.
The piece even made her reminisce about her own youth.
"Excellent essay."
"Thank you for the compliment, Teacher. I'll keep working hard."
Ye Chen didn't swell with pride after the praise.
His modesty, paired with his handsome face, made him even more attractive.
Sun Ying even blushed under his clear gaze.
Li Sitong's cheeks reddened as she muttered, "Why is he always so good-looking?"
Xia Yingluo stared dreamily. "Ye Chen, you're so charismatic."
Sun Ying coughed awkwardly. "Nicely written. Go ahead and read, just don't disturb the others."
With that she resumed patrolling the classroom.
Sure, he was reading math in Chinese, but his grades were stellar and his essays were phenomenal—why shouldn't he read extra books?
Li Sitong had also finished her essay; she gazed at Ye Chen, lost in thought.
Ye Chen looked up and their eyes met.
Startled, Li Sitong lowered her head like a frightened bunny.
Ye Chen gave a helpless smile at her adorable reaction.
He nudged her discreetly. "What's up with you today? You seem preoccupied."
Since morning he'd sensed something was off with her.
"I… I'm fine."
Li Sitong answered shyly.
"If something's wrong, tell me. Why so polite with me?"
"Really, nothing."
Ye Chen studied her face and was certain the girl was hiding something.
"Ding-ling…"
The bell rang; students packed up and headed to the cafeteria.
Ye Chen arrived and saw Xia Yingluo holding her tray, about to queue.
"Si Tong didn't come?" he asked curiously.
Usually Li Sitong and Xia Yingluo got meals together.
Xia Yingluo replied, "Si Tong said she doesn't feel like eating."
"Oh." Ye Chen nodded.
Today Xia Yingluo had her hair down instead of in a ponytail.
Her silky black hair spilled behind her, carrying a faint lavender scent.
She walked slowly, aware Ye Chen was behind her, her cheeks slightly flushed.
The two queued one behind the other.
Ye Chen followed Xia Yingluo.
"Bro, let me cut in."
A guy around six-foot-one barged over, not even glancing at Ye Chen, eyes fixed on Xia Yingluo with burning interest.
Ye Chen narrowed his eyes slightly. "No."
The guy frowned, turned to Ye Chen, voice cold. "Come on, just a spot. I'll swipe my card for you, how's that?"
"No."
Now the guy was angry. "Do you even know who I am? I'm Han Meng. Ask around—who at Jiangzhou Middle School dares disrespect me? Be smart and step aside."
"Looks like today you met someone who won't. And if you like rolling so much, why not show me first?"
Ye Chen's voice stayed calm, but Han Meng was infuriated.
"You looking for trouble? Think I won't mess you up?"
Though he kept his voice down, Xia Yingluo said irritably, "You're annoying. Queueing is school rules. Keep it up and I'll report you."
Han Meng flushed, burning with anger yet not daring to explode in front of the girl he liked.
"Okay, okay, Yingluo's right. I'll queue properly."
Before leaving he shot Ye Chen a vicious glare. "Kid, just you wait."
Ye Chen didn't take Han Meng's threat seriously at all.
This was school—what could Han Meng possibly do?
Besides, trying to hit on the girl he liked? Dream on.
Xia Yingluo whispered, "Ye Chen, just ignore guys like him."
Ye Chen smiled. "You know him?"
Xia Yingluo said, "Not really. He's from Class 3, Grade 11. He used to wait at the gate after school. I told Teacher Wang, who gave him a good scolding, and he stopped."
"So why didn't you tell me?"
"Han Meng's older brother is supposedly a local gangster. I didn't want to cause you trouble."
Ye Chen tapped her cute nose. "You think I'm that weak? Next time something like this happens, you must tell me. If he dares block you again, I'll teach him why flowers are red."
Xia Yingluo couldn't help giggling.
The line inched forward; Xia Yingluo's eyes curved into crescents at his words, her gaze tender.
"Ye Chen, promise me you won't fight with anyone. Good boys don't fight."
"Got it. I'll be good."
Xia Yingluo took out her card. "Beep—double portions, please."
"Since you're so good, lunch is on me today."
"Thanks."
Ye Chen grinned.
Xia Yingluo was quite well-off now, so treating him occasionally was no problem.
Seated together, she suddenly said, "Ye Chen, there's something I want to discuss with you."