SWTHTC - 34

Chapter 34: “I Want To”

On the week the results were announced, Teacher Pan delivered another suffocating announcement: there would be a parent-teacher meeting on Friday.

It was true that senior year often required frequent parent-teacher meetings. Though Ge Ao understood this, he still couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed. The thought of his mother finding out that his ranking had dropped by more than 20 places filled him with dread. The more he thought about it, the more anxious and defeated he became.

In contrast, the three academic gods surrounding him were completely unfazed—especially Zhou Leqi. In fact, she actually liked parent-teacher meetings.

Ever since she was little, her grades had always been outstanding—either first or second place. During these meetings, teachers would praise her in front of all the parents, and her father and mother would beam with pride. Afterward, they’d take her out for a big celebratory meal.

Zhou Lei also enjoyed attending these meetings for his daughter. Even when he was busy with work, he’d make time to attend because he said it brought him immense happiness as a father. Such a joyful occasion couldn’t always be left to her mother alone. Whenever he said this, both Zhou Leqi and Yu Qing would burst into laughter.

Now that Zhou Lei had left the family, Zhou Leqi still looked forward to these meetings because she knew they provided one of the few opportunities for Yu Qing to get out and socialize.

Since divorcing, Yu Qing had stopped working and rarely left the house. She spent her days at home, unkempt and uninterested in dressing up. Every time Zhou Leqi saw her like this, it broke her heart. Her mother used to be beautiful, always wearing makeup and elegant dresses even at home. But her ex-husband’s betrayal had shattered her confidence, causing her to wilt like a flower that had lost its will to bloom.

Zhou Leqi didn’t want her mother to become like this.

That evening, as the two of them sat together for dinner, Zhou Leqi mentioned the upcoming parent-teacher meeting to Yu Qing.

She placed a piece of celery on Yu Qing’s plate and, with a slightly coquettish tone, said, “Mom, wear that purple dress with the sequins on the shoulders when you go to the meeting, okay?”

Yu Qing smiled at her but declined. “No, I’m too old for dresses.”

“How is that true? There are foreign grandmothers in their seventies and eighties who wear beautiful dresses all the time—they look amazing! You’re so beautiful, Mom—you should dress up more,” Zhou Leqi reasoned while continuing to pout playfully. “Please wear it, and put on some makeup too. Let my classmates see how pretty my mom is.”

Yu Qing laughed and sighed, unsure whether to accept or decline. A hint of shyness and awkwardness flickered across her face.

After a bit more persuasion, Zhou Leqi finally convinced her. Yu Qing pinched her daughter’s nose affectionately, saying, “You’ve grown up, but you’re acting more childish every day.”

Zhou Leqi giggled, wrapping her arms around her mother’s arm. Her tiny fangs peeked out, sweet and endearing.

Friday arrived quickly. Throughout the day, Zhou Leqi found herself distracted. As Teacher Xue analyzed the exam papers on the podium, she barely listened to a single question. Instead, her mind wandered to thoughts of whether Yu Qing would keep her promise to wear the purple dress, whether she’d put on makeup, and whether she might return to her former self before Zhou Lei’s betrayal.

Suddenly, another realization struck her.

She and Hou Zihao were now sitting front-to-back. Typically, parents would sit in their child’s seat during the meeting. That meant Yu Qing would inevitably meet one of Hou Zihao’s parents.

This wasn’t a big deal… but…

…for some inexplicable reason, she felt nervous.

Lost in thought, a small crumpled note suddenly flew over from behind her—it was from Hou Zihao.

Ever since sitting behind her, he’d made a habit of this. Between classes, he’d find ways to talk to her, and during class, he’d pass her little notes.

Zhou Leqi pursed her lips and carefully unfolded the note, reading: What are you thinking about?

How did he always know when she was distracted?

Zhou Leqi rolled her eyes, glanced at Teacher Xue passionately lecturing on the podium, then discreetly scribbled a reply: Who’s coming to your parent-teacher meeting today?

She crumpled the note and tossed it back to him. Being inexperienced at passing notes, she misjudged the force, and it landed near Yan Lin’s desk instead. Hou Zihao tapped Yan Lin, who was diligently taking notes, and gestured for him to pick it up.

Yan Lin sighed inwardly, annoyed at having to clean up after someone else’s romantic endeavors. Still, he reluctantly picked it up and handed it to Hou Zihao before returning to his notes.

Hou Zihao unfolded the note, read the question, raised an eyebrow, and replied: My dad.

All his parent-teacher meetings had been attended by Hou Feng, as Su Ruini was always too busy to spare the time.

After writing his response, he passed the note back. Upon reading it, Zhou Leqi recalled the gentle demeanor of Hou Feng she’d met at the police station that night. She felt a sense of relief—he seemed approachable enough.

Deciding not to respond further, she focused on the lesson.

At five o’clock, the final bell rang. Some parents had already arrived by four-thirty, waiting anxiously outside the classroom. As soon as the bell sounded, they streamed inside.

Zhou Leqi scanned the crowd for Yu Qing, but before she could spot her, her gaze unexpectedly met Hou Feng’s.

Hou Feng had also noticed Zhou Leqi—and saw his son standing behind her, oblivious to his arrival. He sighed quietly and called out to his son. Only then did Hou Zihao notice him and greet him with a “Dad.”

As Hou Feng approached, Zhou Leqi lowered her head slightly and bowed politely, greeting him: “Hello, Uncle Hou.”

Hou Feng nodded and greeted her in return, intending to say a few words. Just then, Yu Qing arrived, dressed exactly as promised in the elegant purple dress and subtle, refined makeup. She looked poised and graceful. Zhou Leqi’s eyes lit up, and she immediately went to greet her. Yu Qing followed her to her seat, but before sitting down, she heard a male voice: “Hello, Auntie.”

Turning her head, she saw a tall, handsome boy standing behind her, looking at her with what seemed like… an attempt to win her favor.

Unsure if she’d misunderstood, Yu Qing quickly leaned over to ask her daughter who he was. Zhou Leqi blushed slightly, smoothed her hair, and said, “This is the classmate who helped catch the harasser on the bus last time—Hou Zihao. This is his father, Uncle Hou.”

At this, Yu Qing connected the dots.

Though Zhou Leqi hadn’t mentioned the bus incident to her mother, she’d later confessed when the issue of compensation arose. Yu Qing had been shocked and angry at her daughter’s initial concealment, but mostly she felt fear and pain for her.

Now, seeing the person who had helped her daughter, Yu Qing expressed heartfelt gratitude. She greeted Hou Zihao warmly, thanked him, and even bowed to Hou Feng.

This display startled both Hou Zihao and Hou Feng. Father and son hurried to stop her, with Hou Feng saying, “You’re too kind. Hou Zihao and your daughter are classmates—it was only natural for him to help. No need to thank us so formally.”

The sincerity and politeness between the two families left Yan Lin and Ge Ao, who were watching nearby, utterly stunned. Holy crap, they thought, are these two not just dating secretly—they’re practically married already?

Impressive.

Too impressive.

Later, the polite exchanges between Yu Qing and Hou Feng were abruptly interrupted by Teacher Pan entering the classroom. The students began filing out, and Zhou Leqi left with Hou Zihao.

The sunset was radiant, softened by clouds that kept it from being too harsh—a perfect evening glow.

They walked together through the campus, surrounded by bustling crowds. Despite the noise, the atmosphere between them felt strangely serene.

Hou Zihao glanced at Zhou Leqi and asked, “Are you going home now?”

She shook her head. “I’ll wait for my mom to finish the meeting and go home together.”

“Oh,” he replied, pausing briefly before asking, “Then what are you doing now?”

Before Zhou Leqi could answer, voices from the basketball court interrupted. Someone shouted Hou Zihao’s name and waved, clearly inviting him to join a game.

Zhou Leqi peeked over and told him, “Someone’s calling you to play basketball.”

But Hou Zihao ignored them completely, pretending not to hear. He turned back to her and said, “It’s fine—I won’t go. How about we grab dinner? Or I can accompany you while you study?”

He was like a loyal German Shepherd—so long as he could stay by his beloved master, he’d give up any toy or resist any temptation.

Zhou Leqi couldn’t help but smile again.

Seeing her smile sent a flutter through Hou Zihao’s heart. He tried to suppress it, but his heartbeat quickened once more.

“What are you smiling about?” he asked.

“Nothing,” she murmured, glancing up at him. The soft glow of the sunset enveloped her, making her appear even gentler than usual. “I just feel a little regretful.”

Hou Zihao raised an eyebrow. “Regretful?”

“Mm,” she nodded, her eyes shimmering faintly. “I was thinking I could have watched you play basketball.”

A gentle breeze swept by, ruffling her soft strands of hair. She was like the most radiant summer flower, quietly displaying her beauty while subtly revealing a tenderness she rarely showed to others.

Absolutely breathtaking.

Absolutely heart-stopping.

Hou Zihao smiled, feeling his heart race as though he’d already played five hundred rounds on the court. Each beat made him crave kissing her more than the last.

He struggled to restrain himself, determined not to come across as overly forward, and asked her once more: “Do you want to watch me play?”

He was clever. The word “want” was a subtle substitution, replacing the “can” she had originally used. “Can” merely implied permission, while “want” revealed her desire.

Do you want to?

Zhou Leqi noticed the shift and understood it as a subtle test from him. Logically, she could have avoided it. But perhaps it was the beauty of the evening, the charm of the boy in front of her, or the captivating way he looked at her—whatever it was, she allowed herself this quiet indulgence.

She looked at him and smiled, replying softly:

“I do.”

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Author’s Note:

Go for it!!!!!!!!!!