CS - 37

“Where’s Chi Yao?”

In the hotel lobby, just before departure, Old Liu was counting heads and realized one person was missing.

Just as he was about to raise a fuss, Chi Yao walked out from behind.

He joined the group and casually said, “I just took a call.”

Old Liu: “Ah, taking a call? No problem then. I thought you had disappeared, scared me for a moment.”

On the other hand, Xu Ting, standing next to him, felt something was off: “Who called?”

Chi Yao: “A friend.”

Xu Ting added, “It feels like your mood improved a bit after that call.”

Chi Yao glanced at him but didn’t confirm or deny it: “Does it?”

Having spent over a year with him, Xu Ting knew him fairly well: “Yes, under normal circumstances, when I ask ‘who called?’, you wouldn’t reply with ‘a friend.’ When have you ever answered my questions so directly?”

Xu Ting, the long-suffering victim, spoke with practiced ease that was almost pitiful: “Normally, you’d say something like ‘is it any of your business?’“

“Or ‘mind your own business,’ or even ‘shut up.’“

“...”

Xu Ting: “Although your tone is still as cold, you actually answered me just now, saying ‘a friend’ —”

Chi Yao, annoyed beyond measure, nipped his words in the bud: “Let me answer again.”

Xu Ting: “?”

Chi Yao: “It’s none of your business.”

Xu Ting: “...”

Lin Zhe Xia returned to her hotel room.

She lay down on the bed for a nap, and when she woke up, she found the clothes she had hung out to dry last night were almost dry.

After tidying up, she sent a message to Lin He: Chi Yao went to compete; I’m alone in the hotel now, don’t worry about me.

Upon receiving the message, Lin He transferred some money to her with a note: Be careful out there.

She replied to Lin He: Thank you, Mom.

She felt quite embarrassed.

Sneaking out had caused trouble for so many people.

After finishing these tasks, she began flipping through news channels, hoping to find a segment about today’s physics competition on TV.

After switching through a few channels, she found a local station broadcasting content related to the competition.

It was a program called “Local Fresh News,” and the host stood outside the venue with a microphone: “Today, university competition teams from various cities are gathered here… We can see how lively the scene is. The competition has already started, and to provide a better environment for the students, we won’t enter to film. We hope they all perform exceptionally today.”

The concise broadcast ended there.

Lin Zhe Xia stared at the TV, lost in thought: She probably overthought things.

How could a competition possibly be broadcast live on TV?

An exam-like environment required quietness, so they certainly wouldn’t allow media inside.

Just as Lin Zhe Xia turned off the TV, Chen Lin called her: “Desk mate, did you finish that English test paper? There was a printing issue with mine. Can you take a picture of yours and send it to me?”

Lin Zhe Xia: “Ah, I’m not home right now. Can I send it tomorrow when I get back?”

“Or if you’re in a hurry, you can ask Shu Xuan.”

Chen Lin was surprised: “You’re not home?”

Since Chi Yao wasn’t around, Lin Zhe Xia shifted the blame onto him: “Chi Yao was so nervous about the competition that he called me in the middle of the night, crying, asking me to come and cheer him on. I wanted to see the sea anyway, so I came to Haicheng City.”

Chen Lin: “Chi Yao... midnight... crying...”

Chen Lin imagined the scene and found it quite eerie: “Never mind, let’s skip him.”

But since she mentioned him, it was hard to overlook.

Lin Zhe Xia: “I wonder how his competition is going.”

Chen Lin: “It must have started by now. Wait a little longer, it’ll be over in a few hours, and the results will come out soon. Check your social media feed. For this kind of competition, the teachers at our school always repost immediately.”

Lin Zhe Xia hummed in agreement.

Chen Lin added, “By the way, isn’t their team made up of six people? I heard someone mention there’s a girl who’s really good.”

Lin Zhe Xia: “A girl?”

Chen Lin: “What’s her name... Shen Shanshan?”

“Yeah, I checked Lao Xu’s social media, and her name is indeed Shen Shanshan. You know our grade’s class system; those participating in competitions are all from Class One, except for her. She’s from Class Two, and it’s said she’s particularly good at physics, so she’s famous.”

Chen Lin couldn’t help but marvel: “She must have worked incredibly hard to make it into Class One from Class Two. Those people in Class One are all devils, their scores are terrifyingly high, especially that one who refused to go to No. 1 High School and insisted on coming to No. 2 High School—the infamous Chi Yao who cries at midnight.”

“...”

They chatted briefly, and then Chen Lin’s mother called her from outside, prompting her to hang up quickly.

With nothing to do in the hotel, Lin Zhe Xia browsed some videos and fell asleep again.

When she woke up, it was already past four in the afternoon.

At this time... the competition should be almost over, right?

Just as she was about to message Chi Yao on WeChat, he sent a message first: Finished.

Before she could reply, he called her.

Lin Zhe Xia picked up the phone: “Though you sounded cocky when you left, I won’t mock you if you’re not first. So, what place did you get?”

Chi Yao’s voice was a bit noisy on the other end. He walked a distance, seemingly boarding the return bus, moving away from the noise.

After a while, he said: “First.”

The other side continued: “Your lucky charm was somewhat useful.”

Though she hadn’t participated in the competition herself, she indirectly felt the joy of the victory through this call.

Lin Zhe Xia felt a weight lift from her heart and cheerfully asked: “Well, whose personal effort got the lucky charm? It was the champion of the tenth speech contest at Cheng’an No. 2 High School!”

“...”

There was silence on the other end.

Then, the familiar sarcasm came through the receiver: “Are you planning to carry that title to your grave?”

“It’s one of my rare achievements,” Lin Zhe Xia admitted frankly, “I have to brag about it for at least ten years. When I graduate and look for a job, I’ll include it in my resume.”

The noise on Chi Yao’s side grew louder again.

More people boarded the bus, and having secured the team’s first-place win, everyone was extremely excited.

Lin Zhe Xia even heard Xu Ting screaming: “—I’m awesome! I did it! I knew I, Xu Ting, am the strongest in the universe! Oh yeah!”

“...”

Then, someone started talking about the “celebration banquet.”

“Old Liu arranged dinner tonight. What would you like to eat?”

Chi Yao casually asked her: “What do you want to eat?”

Lin Zhe Xia declined repeatedly: “I’m not part of your team; it’s inappropriate for me to join. Don’t mention I’m here. You guys go ahead; I’ll pass…”

Just as she was speaking, she heard the overly excited Xu Ting shout: “Who are you calling? Is it Lin Shao? Invite her to dinner! We’re all classmates; let’s eat together tonight!”

Old Liu, standing next to Xu Ting, asked: “Who’s Lin Shao?”

Xu Ting enthusiastically shared with Old Liu: “It’s Lin Zhe Xia, from Class Seven. She and Chi Yao grew up together and also came to Haicheng City.”

Lin Zhe Xia: “……”

Xu Ting.

Do I have some grudge against you?

Old Liu, as the head of the grade, knew the students well. His excitement mirrored Xu Ting’s, almost as if he were drunk: “Oh, Lin Zhe Xia? She performed well in the speech competition. Invite her along; we’re all part of Cheng’an No. 2 High School. Tonight’s on me, don’t hold back.”

This statement had a certain ring to it: “Tonight’s bill is on Mr. Liu.”

Xu Ting clapped: “Old Liu’s generous! That’s settled. Lin Shao, hurry up, we’re all waiting for you.”

Lin Zhe Xia sighed internally: “I… thank you, Xu Ting, I really appreciate it.”

The restaurant for the dinner was near the hotel.

Before heading over, Lin Zhe Xia came up with countless excuses: “I suddenly have a stomachache.”

Chi Dog (Chi Yao): “Call 120.”

Lin Zhe Xia: “It doesn’t hurt anymore, but I just noticed my shoe has a hole in it; I might not be able to walk.”

Chi Dog: “Is that so? Take a picture and show me.”

Lin Zhe Xia: “…”

How was she supposed to take a picture?

Was she supposed to poke a hole in her shoe now?

Finally, Lin Zhe Xia reluctantly packed her things, changed into her dried clothes, and braced herself to join Old Liu’s meal.

Before entering, she was already awkward to the point of numbness. Upon entering, without waiting for Old Liu to greet her, she bowed deeply: “Hello, Teacher Liu! Hello, fellow classmates!”

Old Liu, holding his teacup, stiffened momentarily.

Lin Zhe Xia fully embraced the principle of “if you can’t beat them, join them.” Maintaining her bow, she continued earnestly: “Congratulations on securing first place. Cheng’an No. 2 High School has succeeded; congratulations to Cheng’an for achieving excellent results and creating new glories!”

“…Thank you. No wonder you’re the first-place winner of the speech contest,” Old Liu set down his teacup, “Sit down, Miss Lin.”

Lin Zhe Xia straightened up and scanned the unfamiliar faces. She saw Xu Ting trying hard not to laugh and Chi Yao sitting there, watching her.

The most embarrassing situation had already occurred.

The rest unfolded with composure and calmness.

She sat in the empty seat next to Chi Yao, intending to sterilize her utensils with hot water. The person beside her said indifferently: “Already done.”

Lin Zhe Xia put down the kettle: “Oh.”

After Chi Yao finished speaking, he added: “Your shoes are of good quality.”

Lin Zhe Xia: “?”

Chi Yao: “Even after breaking, they can repair themselves. Which store did you buy them from? Share the link.”

Lin Zhe Xia: “…”

Ignoring him, she focused on eating quietly, avoiding conversation and minimizing her presence.

The girl sitting next to her seemed eager to chat, especially after Xu Ting dragged Chi Yao out to shop. With the two seats now vacant, the girl asked: “Would you like more drinks? I’ll pour you a glass.”

Noticing her glass was almost empty, Lin Zhe Xia said: “Ah, thank you.”

Looking up, she observed the girl—long hair, delicate features, and a gentle demeanor.

As the only two girls present, Lin Zhe Xia immediately matched her with the person Chen Lin had mentioned earlier.

After pouring the drink, the girl introduced herself: “I’m Shen Shanshan, from Class Two.”

Lin Zhe Xia thought to herself, so it really was her: “I’m…”

Interrupting her introduction with a smile, Shen Shanshan said: “I know, you’re Lin Zhe Xia, Chi Yao’s very good friend.”

Chi Yao’s very good friend.

Lin Zhe Xia opened her mouth, realizing the statement wasn’t incorrect.

“That’s right,” she took a sip of her drink and repeated, “A very good friend.”

Shen Shanshan rested her chin on her hand, enviously saying: “I just overheard your conversation. It’s the first time I’ve learned that Chi Yao can joke around and talk like that. In class, he rarely responds to others when they try to talk to him.”

Lin Zhe Xia thought to herself, this person’s words were quite sharp.

If you haven’t experienced it, count yourself lucky.

Suddenly, she caught an important detail: “Class? Aren’t you from Class Two?”

Shen Shanshan: “I attended the same school as him in junior high and was always in the same class.”

Junior high—a realm she wasn’t too familiar with.

Lin Zhe Xia remained silent as Shen Shanshan continued: “I originally thought his scores would secure him a spot at No. 1 High School, a line I could never reach no matter how hard I tried. My first choice for the high school entrance exam was No. 1 High School, but my mom scolded me, so I switched to No. 2 High School.”

Hearing this, Lin Zhe Xia vaguely guessed what Shen Shanshan was about to say.

Indeed, Shen Shanshan looked at her, slightly pursing her lips, and happily said: “I never expected him to enroll in No. 2 High School. On the day school started, I was overjoyed for a long time.”

“Although our scores placed us in different classes, I knew he loved physics and would definitely participate in the physics competition.”

Lin Zhe Xia recalled Chen Lin’s words:

—”All the competitors are from Class One, except for her, who’s from Class Two. It’s said she’s exceptionally good at physics.”

—”She must have worked incredibly hard to make it from Class Two.”

She might understand why Shen Shanshan managed to squeeze into the competition from Class Two.

As if to confirm her suspicions, just as Old Liu slammed his teacup down, Shen Shanshan’s voice quietly echoed in the private room, audible only to the two of them: “I like him. I really, really like him, and I’ve liked him for a long time.”

As Shen Shanshan leaned closer, Lin Zhe Xia faintly smelled a hint of alcohol.

“Did you drink?” she asked.

Shen Shanshan gestured with her hand: “Just a little.”

“How much is ‘a little’? One cup?”

“Three cups.”

“I drank secretly,” Shen Shanshan smiled, “because I’m so happy today.”

No wonder.

It was because of the alcohol.

Otherwise, confessing such a deep secret to a stranger you just met would feel intrusive for both parties.

Lin Zhe Xia asked: “How do you feel now? Are you dizzy? Will you be able to stand and walk later?”

Shen Shanshan: “Not dizzy, I can.”

Lin Zhe Xia pointed to the ceiling light: “How many light bulbs are there?”

Shen Shanshan looked up and counted for a while: “Five.”

Lin Zhe Xia: “Three.”

“...”