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Meow like a cat?

Why would she meow like a cat? Le Ya was initially confused, but as soon as she heard the tiny kitten’s soft mew, she realized what Chen Yang meant. “No way.”

She wasn’t a cat—why would she imitate one?

Le Ya’s face reddened slightly under his obvious teasing, her shyness making her look even more striking.

Chen Yang watched her, smirking. “You’re really not going to do it?”

He pointed at the small box. The little kitten inside was happily meowing at him, clearly eager for attention and already starting to paw at his hand.

Le Ya felt a mix of envy and jealousy—it made her want to snatch the kitten away immediately. However, she remembered that Chen Yang had helped rescue it and had put in a lot of effort.

She couldn’t just abandon him after getting what she wanted.

Chen Yang simply watched her as she furrowed her brows, visibly conflicted. Finally, she let out two soft, barely audible meows.

Unsatisfied, he pushed further. “I didn’t hear you.”

Le Ya grew flustered. After a moment of hesitation, she grabbed the hem of his shirt and tugged it downward. Chen Yang obligingly bent down closer to her.

She leaned toward his ear and whispered loudly, “Meow, meow, meow.”

This time, her voice was clear and unmistakable.

The classroom fell silent.

Chen Yang was the first to snap back to reality. Straightening up, he instinctively rubbed his earlobe, pretending nothing happened, and cleared his throat. “Le Ya.”

Before he could finish, Le Ya let out a surprised “Ah.”

She stared at him curiously. “Your ears are red!”

It was the first time she’d noticed, and without thinking, she reached out to touch them, completely forgetting what had just transpired.

Chen Yang froze.

When her soft fingers brushed against his ear, he remained silent, suppressing the urge to react.

Eventually, Le Ya came to her senses and quickly withdrew her hand, feeling awkward. “I didn’t mean to… I just saw it and wanted to touch.”

Her words stumbled out clumsily. Flustered, she hurriedly picked up the box. “I should go now. Be careful on your way home.”

Chen Yang watched her leave the classroom, step into the dimly lit hallway, and then enter another brightly lit room.

He chuckled softly, running his tongue along the roof of his mouth.

Winter nights were quiet and empty.

By the time Le Ya got home, it was already late, but the aroma wafting from the kitchen stirred her appetite despite her lack of hunger earlier.

As soon as the tiny kitten entered the house, it scurried off to hide, frightened.

Luo Yijian noticed the box in her hands and asked in surprise, “What’s this?”

Le Ya turned on the light and explained, “It’s a kitten I found on the road tonight. I want to keep it.”

Luo Yijian was very open-minded. “Sure, go ahead. When you’re at school, there’s always someone at home who can take care of it.”

Zhang Ayi was almost always at the Luo household; caring for a cat wouldn’t be too much trouble. If needed, they could increase her salary or hire additional help.

Le Ya played with the kitten, smiling. “Okay.”

Just then, Zhang Ayi emerged from the kitchen carrying dishes. “Dinner is ready, sir.”

Since Le Ya had already eaten earlier, she only ate a small portion as a late-night snack. Meanwhile, Luo Yijian, who had been busy at work all evening, finally sat down to eat.

This routine was familiar to both father and daughter.

The dining table was silent except for the clinking of utensils. Le Ya scrolled through her phone, browsing videos her classmates had posted from the evening party.

She had only attended half of the event, but the second half looked equally exciting.

Almost every classmate had uploaded clips, so by watching them together, she essentially caught up on the rest of the performance.

Le Ya liked each post one by one.

She finished her small bowl of food quickly. Just as she was about to leave, a flash of silver light in one of the videos reminded her of the crescent moon necklace—but she couldn’t recall where she had put it. Her memory was hazy.

After some thought, she asked, “Dad, did I once have a crescent moon necklace? Silver?”

Luo Yijian replied casually, “Yes.”

He had bought it for her as a birthday gift when she was still in elementary school—it had been many years ago.

Le Ya asked, “Do you know where it went later?”

Luo Yijian was about to answer when something seemed to occur to him. Pretending nonchalance, he said, “Didn’t you give it to a friend? You don’t remember?”

Le Ya frowned slightly.

Honestly, she did feel like she had given it to someone, but she couldn’t recall anything about that person’s appearance—it was completely forgotten.

Luo Yijian added, “So you don’t have it anymore. You and that friend parted ways long ago.”

Le Ya asked, “What was their name?”

Luo Yijian shook his head. “How would I remember after all these years? Why do you suddenly ask about this? Do you want another one? I can buy you a new one.”

“No,” Le Ya quickly waved her hands, declining. “I just suddenly remembered and wanted to ask.”

Luo Yijian didn’t suspect anything. “It’s been ten years—I’ve met so many people since then. How could I possibly remember who you gave it to?”

Le Ya nodded softly and didn’t ask further.

She couldn’t recall having any close friends back then. Even the names of her elementary school classmates were blurry now. But if she had given it away, so be it.

________________________________________

After the school-wide party came the individual class parties before the holiday break.

This was the moment every classroom had been eagerly anticipating. Preparations had begun early, and an entire afternoon had been set aside for arrangements.

Windows were decorated, desks rearranged, lights and ribbons adjusted, and sound systems tested.

Xie Qingyu took charge of most of the tasks, while Le Ya simply enjoyed the fruits of their labor.

While inflating balloons, Xie Qingyu smiled mischievously and said, “For this party, do you want to perform something?”

Le Ya replied, “I don’t know how to do anything.”

Xie Qingyu laughed. “You can go up and recite a poem, hahaha.”

Le Ya couldn’t help but smile faintly.

The start time of the actual party was decided by the students themselves. Class One had chosen to begin at seven o’clock, just like their usual evening self-study schedule—round numbers made things easier.

By the time dinner was over, it was already pitch dark outside.

Some boys and girls in the classroom had gone home specifically to change clothes for the evening’s performance, even styling their hair.

Le Ya, however, wore the most ordinary outfit. As Xie Qingyu put it, she looked like a walking quilt.

Cheers and laughter echoed throughout the hallway.

Su Hui said, “Hey, look across the way—they might be starting soon. I heard cheers. I wonder what they’re performing.”

Although the main building and the new campus were connected by a corridor, there was almost no interaction between them.

Even the teachers were separated.

Xie Qingyu suggested, “We can go watch. They definitely won’t refuse. Other classes have done it before.”

Su Hui asked, “Which class do you want to visit?”

Xie Qingyu turned to Le Ya. “No need to ask—it’s obviously Class Seventeen. Look, the famous Chen Yang is there, and all the troublemakers too. Their party must be fun.”

Le Ya said, “Don’t say that as if it has anything to do with me.”

Xie Qingyu shrugged.

From the corridor, they could see into Class Seventeen. The doors and windows were closed, so nothing inside was visible except for some balloons and glitter peeking out from the top of the windows. It seemed like the lights were already off inside.

Just as they were talking, the door to Class One opened. “Aren’t you coming in yet? It’s about to start. Hurry in and grab some snacks!”

The three of them quickly returned.

The performances during the party were nothing out of the ordinary—singing, dancing, and skits. Le Ya and her friends munched on sunflower seeds, clapping along as the atmosphere buzzed with excitement.

This party had no teachers present, so everyone felt free to let loose.

Perhaps because graduation was approaching, everyone seemed more relaxed compared to previous years. This year’s party was definitely more fun than the last two.

At times, Le Ya clapped so hard her palms turned red, cheering along with Xie Qingyu and Su Hui. She was having a blast.

Around eight o’clock, the window was suddenly pushed open slightly.

Le Ya happened to be nearby, feeling the cold air most distinctly. As she turned to close it, she saw Liang Qian’s grinning face. “Hey.”

Le Ya was surprised. “Hey.”

Liang Qian glanced into Class One and said, “I have a question for you, Le Ya. Do you want to come to our Class Seventeen and join the fun?”

Hearing this, Le Ya grew suspicious. “Go to your class… Are you guys playing Truth or Dare?”

Liang Qian replied, “Of course not! We’re just inviting you to check it out. It’s a party—there won’t be any games like that. Come on, come on.”

Hearing the commotion, Xie Qingyu also turned around and said, “Why not go take a look? We were just talking about this earlier.”

Liang Qian added, “Or both of you can come!”

Xie Qingyu readily agreed. With her accompanying her, Le Ya didn’t resist much.

The two left through the back door of the classroom and headed to Class Seventeen. As soon as they entered, loud, energetic music drowned out the outside world, completely different from their own class.

Liang Qian arranged seats for them.

With two extra people in the room, everyone in Class Seventeen noticed. Some initially wanted to chat more but fell silent after seeing where they sat.

Xie Qingyu didn’t mention it, but everyone knew—no girl would willingly sit near Liang Qian’s seat, and Le Ya was sitting in Chen Yang’s spot. It was clear enough.

Coupled with the rumors after the monthly exam, most people understood without needing to say anything. No one approached them unnecessarily.

After entering, Le Ya didn’t see Chen Yang.

She didn’t dare touch anything, so she simply sat there watching their performances. Suddenly, someone sat down beside her.

She turned her head and saw Chen Yang.

She was sitting in his seat, and now he sat next to her. The two were very close, and with the music amplifying the mood, the atmosphere felt intimate.

Le Ya pinched her nose, feeling a bit flustered.

The classroom was filled with various scents—food, perfume—but she could distinctly smell the faint scent emanating from Chen Yang.

“Want some?”

In her daze, Chen Yang suddenly pushed over some snacks.

Le Ya shook her head slightly. “No, I’m good.”

Chen Yang nodded faintly, casually picked up a candy, unwrapped it slowly, and then suddenly called out, “Le Ya.”

Le Ya opened her mouth. “Huh?”

Before she could react, a piece of candy was tossed into her mouth.

Chen Yang gently pinched her lips. “Close your mouth and eat.”

Realizing what had happened, Le Ya’s face heated up instantly. Her tongue instinctively licked the candy in her mouth—it was sweet, with a hint of apple flavor.

Chen Yang lazily leaned back in his chair, completely uninterested in the performances on stage. Instead, his gaze remained fixed on her.

“Don’t keep staring at me,” Le Ya said uncomfortably.

She reached out and turned his face away, causing several people around them to gasp quietly. This unfamiliar girl was surprisingly bold.

But Chen Yang didn’t get angry.

Le Ya whispered to Chen Yang about the little kitten—how Zhang Ayi took care of it during the day, and she played with it at night. The kitten’s meows had grown louder over the past few days.

Chen Yang didn’t say much, just listened quietly. When she got excited, she gestured animatedly, and he occasionally fed her another candy, thoroughly enjoying himself.

As the warm-up song ended on stage, Zhao Mingri, the host for the evening, announced, “Next up is a small game. We’ll invite five pairs of classmates to participate. Everyone, quickly rearrange the tables—it’s about to start!”

As soon as he finished speaking, explosive music blasted through the room.

Liang Qian said, “Yang-ge, join us too.”

Then he pointed at Le Ya, implying she should join the game as well.

Le Ya hesitated. “I think I’ll pass.”

She was just there to watch another class’s party—it felt inappropriate to participate in their games.

Chen Yang murmured softly, “Give it a try.”

Looking into his eyes, Le Ya inexplicably nodded.

Liang Qian was impressed. He led them to the last of the five tables, conveniently near the stage and slightly separated from the other participants.

Le Ya didn’t know what game they were about to play and felt a bit nervous. She asked Chen Yang, “You’re not going to play some outrageous game, are you?”

Chen Yang reassured her. “No, we won’t.”

On stage, Zhao Mingri and the female host announced the game: finger wrestling. Two people held hands, pressing each other’s thumbs to see who could press the other’s down first.

It sounded simple enough, but Le Ya suddenly realized—she’d have to hold hands with Chen Yang.

Zhao Mingri said, “Get ready—it’s about to start.”

Seeing everyone in the classroom clapping and cheering, she didn’t want to spoil the mood. Reluctantly, she placed her hand into Chen Yang’s palm.

Seeing her nervous expression, Chen Yang chuckled softly. “Don’t be afraid.”

The two leaned close over the table, their proximity making his words audible only to her before being swallowed by the music.

Le Ya took a deep breath. When Zhao Mingri announced the start, she pressed her thumb against Chen Yang’s.

His fingers were long and clean, the heat of his fingertips unmistakable as they pressed firmly against her thumb. The slight calluses grazed her skin.

Her oversized down jacket made her look small and delicate. Even in dim lighting, her smooth skin was undeniable, tempting to touch.

Chen Yang shifted his gaze, focusing on their intertwined fingers.

He pressed down slightly.

Le Ya let out a soft “Ah,” realizing the rules of the game, and quickly tried to press back. But her efforts were futile—it was like she wasn’t pressing at all.

He completely overpowered her, leaving her feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration.

She glanced at Chen Yang. His head was lowered, his high nose casting a shadow, accentuating his sharp jawline.

Then her eyes fell on his Adam’s apple, which rolled slightly, exuding an unexpected sensuality.

Le Ya’s heartbeat quickened. She averted her gaze, dismissing stray thoughts, and refocused on the game.

“Is it over yet?”

“Aw, the girl lost here.”

“She was about to win earlier—how did she suddenly lose to the class monitor? Did Yuan Yuan’s strength just vanish?”

Voices of discussion buzzed in her ears.

Le Ya tried her hardest to win, but no matter how hard she pressed, she couldn’t budge him. Feeling defeated, she relaxed slightly.

She sighed softly, her fingers twitching. Unintentionally, her pinky brushed against Chen Yang’s palm. Before she could react, her hand was tightly gripped.

Le Ya tried to pull back but couldn’t.

Chen Yang leaned closer, his forehead touching hers. His pinky curled around her finger, his voice hoarse. “Don’t tempt me.”

Le Ya’s eyes widened slightly at his words.

From the front, Zhao Mingri asked, “So, who won?”

All eyes turned toward them. For a moment, even the chatter seemed to stop.

Without looking up, Chen Yang replied, “She won.”