SW - 28

“Snow!” someone suddenly exclaimed.

In an instant, the lights were turned back on. As this performance had just ended, everyone in the classroom gathered by the windows.

The snow wasn’t heavy, but flakes could clearly be seen drifting down.

This was the first snowfall of winter—and it had arrived on Christmas Eve, making it feel even more special.

Zhao Ruying stood at the front. Catching sight of the two people sitting harmoniously at the back, she accidentally pinched her injured hand again and hissed in pain.

“Tang Yin is shameless,” Huang Mi suddenly muttered under her breath.

She despised girls who acted so desperate over a boy—clinging to them all day without caring if they made others uncomfortable. Look at him—he didn’t even react!

Chen Chen glanced at Zhao Ruying’s expression and immediately knew she was upset. She tugged Huang Mi lightly. “Stop talking.”

Huang Mi snorted. “Why shouldn’t I say it? She comes to our class every day, always sticking around him. Doesn’t that affect his studies? Or maybe—”

Her eyes widened as if struck by sudden realization. “Or maybe she’s doing it on purpose! Making Lu Chi think about other things instead of studying, lowering his grades so she can stay number one!”

The more Huang Mi thought about it, the more convinced she became. On the very day Lu Chi transferred, Tang Yin started acting like this. Who falls for someone that quickly? It was too fake.

Lu Chi had just taken her top spot. Given Tang Yin’s personality, she definitely wouldn’t accept it quietly. By distracting Lu Chi, she might achieve her goal of keeping him from focusing on his books.

“I never expected Tang Yin to be such a person,” Huang Mi declared indignantly.

Before Chen Chen could respond, Zhao Ruying’s cold voice cut through the air. “Enough nonsense.”

Huang Mi wanted to retort but stopped when she saw the clear displeasure on Zhao Ruying’s face. Her own expression faltered slightly.

She looked toward the back, resentment simmering inside.

How could someone who barely studied still rank among the top students? Sure, Lu Chi deserved it—he spent all day solving problems—but none of them in the experimental class relied solely on talent.

Perhaps the school let her cheat every time?

Tang Yin, sensing something, glanced toward the podium and spotted Zhao Ruying with her head bowed. Beside her, another girl shot Tang Yin a look filled with undisguised hatred.

After pondering for a moment, Tang Yin realized she hadn’t offended anyone in the experimental class recently. It seemed she’d unknowingly gained another enemy.

If only she knew what the other girl was thinking—she’d probably laugh until her teeth fell out.

Her test prep materials alone put most people far behind her.

________________________________________

Tang Ming, now seated at the front, was about to tell his desk mate about what he’d seen when he turned around and froze. After a long pause, he managed to stutter, “Hey, Lu Chi, you...”

“What’s there to see?” Tang Yin quipped.

Tang Ming blinked rapidly. “Nothing, nothing.”

No one would know that his mind was screaming Holy crap! repeatedly.

Oh my god, in his lifetime, he had actually witnessed Lu Chi blush!

Blush!

Tang Ming carefully replayed the scene in his mind. He hadn’t been mistaken—Lu Chi’s usually pale face now bore a faint pink hue, unmistakably on his cheeks. What else could it mean?

Had Tang Yin done something?

Tang Ming stroked his chin thoughtfully. Before today, whenever Tang Yin came near, Lu Chi remained expressionless. Today’s blush... there must be some secret behind it.

But no matter how hard he thought, he couldn’t figure out what had happened. The earlier part of the evening had been dark, except for the small spotlight in the middle. He hadn’t paid attention to the back.

Now he regretted it!

________________________________________

Tang Yin watched Lu Chi with great interest.

Ever since the lights had come on, Lu Chi had subtly increased the distance between them.

Their desks were pushed together, and the space between their chairs wasn’t large. At most, he leaned against the wall, sitting stiffly upright.

His pale face was tinged with red, yet his expression remained serious, exuding an intense aura of restraint stronger than ever before.

Lu Chi clutched his pen tightly, staring blankly at a blank sheet of paper while feeling Tang Yin’s gaze on him—it felt like sitting on pins and needles.

The soft sensation of her lips lingered, carrying a unique fragrance.

Lost in thought, Lu Chi unconsciously raised his left hand resting on the edge of the table...

“Let’s continue!”

A sudden shout from the front snapped Lu Chi out of his daze. Realizing his hand was inches away from his chin, he froze.

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught Tang Yin watching him. Remembering how close he’d come to touching his lips, he panicked and adjusted his collar nervously, feeling even more flustered.

Tang Yin observed thoughtfully, tilting her chin slightly.

The classroom lights dimmed again.

Having admired the snow enough, everyone turned off the lights. Though the party still had some time left, excitement buzzed through the room.

The host resumed speaking passionately.

The classroom filled with various sounds once more.

Tang Yin moved her chair closer, leaning in quietly beside Lu Chi. In a low voice, she teased, “You look so cute when you blush.”

As soon as she finished, she felt Lu Chi stiffen completely.

After a pause, Lu Chi let out a short sound. “Mm.”

The darkness enveloped them, hiding his face from view, which brought him some relief.

Only then did he dare to touch his cheek lightly with his left hand—it felt warm.

The memory of their earlier encounter under the moonlight replayed vividly in his mind, refusing to fade.

Tang Yin didn’t press further.

Pushing too hard might have the opposite effect. Better to relax—for now, there was still plenty of time ahead.

After staying in the experimental class a little longer, Tang Yin silently slipped back to Class 14.

The experimental class’s party had started early and ended early as well. Since many students were focused on studying, there weren’t many performances.

Afterward, everyone began tidying up. Some sat in their seats to rest or chat with classmates.

When Tang Ming noticed Tang Yin was gone, he quickly returned to his seat.

Moments later, unable to contain his curiosity, he cautiously leaned over and asked, “Um... Lu Chi, I think I just saw you...”

Lu Chi turned toward him mid-sentence, wearing a puzzled expression.

This reaction made Tang Ming hesitate, leaving the rest of his sentence unspoken. After hesitating for a bit, he swallowed his words and casually changed the subject. “What did Tang Yin come to see you about?”

Lu Chi paused briefly before replying calmly, “To... do problems.”

Problems?

Was this some kind of joke? Tang Ming didn’t believe for a second that doing problems could make someone blush. What kind of problem could possibly leave them red-faced, arguing heatedly?

Unbelievable. Completely unbelievable.

But Lu Chi’s expression clearly signaled he had no intention of elaborating. Tang Ming knew prying wouldn’t get him anywhere, so he resigned himself to letting his imagination run wild.

________________________________________

Class 14’s performances were still underway.

Su Kexi noticed someone sitting down beside her and couldn’t help but comment, “Finally decided to come back, huh?”

Tang Yin reached over to pinch her cheek playfully, grinning mischievously. “Hehehe.”

“Ugh, you’re such a creep,” Su Kexi swatted her hand away, shuddering at the eerie “hehehe.” “What’s gotten into you?”

Tang Yin shook her head mysteriously, her expression unreadable.

Su Kexi eyed her suspiciously. Something was definitely off. The way Tang Yin was glowing, it was like she was about to float off into the clouds.

Had Lu Chi done something to her?

Su Kexi’s mind immediately spiraled into overdrive, conjuring up wildly exaggerated scenarios.

________________________________________

After the Christmas party ended, everyone returned to intense studying for a few more days before the New Year’s Eve celebration.

The school’s New Year’s Eve gala was naturally different from the casual Christmas parties organized by individual classes. Every performance was meticulously rehearsed, and even the hosts were carefully selected.

As for the audience, it wasn’t just the senior three students—there might also be a few school leaders in attendance.

Generally, the leaders weren’t particularly interested in student performances, but last year the principal had shown up. This year, no one knew who might appear.

After a full day of classes, the school announced that each class should head to the auditorium.

The school’s auditorium was massive, reflecting significant investment, and naturally offered plenty of seating. However, with thousands of students in the school, not every grade could attend. This time, only the senior three students and repeaters were invited.

It was the last狂欢 before the gaokao.

The costumes for the performances had been prepared long ago, but they were delivered just tonight. Since participants from two classes were involved, they occupied a large space backstage.

The combined class funds of the two classes amounted to a considerable sum. With the semester nearing its end, there was little point in saving for the next term, so they splurged on costumes. The craftsmanship was exquisite.

Originally, Tang Yin had wanted to drag Lu Chi into performing in the play, but since he refused, she didn’t force him and let someone else take his place.

Coincidentally, Su Kexi was brimming with enthusiasm and eagerly took on the role of the bandit leader.

The backstage area was small, so they prepared in a nearby classroom instead of squeezing in with the other classes.

Suddenly, the door burst open, and Luyang appeared, out of breath. “Is Lu Chi here?”

“Lu Chi isn’t here,” someone replied.

“Not here?” Luyang repeated. “Goodness, where could he have gone? The student council just started taking attendance. Everyone without a performance has to gather.”

They had been together when they left the classroom, but Lu Chi had disappeared shortly after arriving at the auditorium.

The student council had already begun their roll call. If he didn’t show up soon, his name would be recorded. While it wasn’t a big deal, being called out by the homeroom teacher would still be troublesome.

The classroom fell silent.

Tang Yin, who had been helping Su Kexi adjust her wig, stopped mid-motion.

Su Kexi sneaked a glance at Tang Yin’s expression through the mirror.

For the past few days, Tang Yin hadn’t sought out Lu Chi. Whenever they happened to meet in the hallway, their interactions had been unusually calm, leaving the gossiping crowd utterly baffled.

Though Su Kexi hadn’t interacted much with Lu Chi, based on what she’d seen, his personality didn’t suggest he’d be late...

The class monitor laughed awkwardly. “Maybe he had something to do. I think I saw him heading toward the school gate earlier—it might be his mom... though I’m not sure. Why don’t you go check?”

Even he wasn’t certain.

Before Luyang could respond, Tang Yin had already turned around. “I’ll go look for him.”

Her face was calm, unlike her usual self, and for a moment, everyone around her froze, not making a sound.

Su Kexi was the first to snap out of it. “I’ll finish up here myself. Go ahead.”

Luyang quickly added, “Alright, I’ll let the student council know. Ine-sister’s in your hands now.”

With Tang Yin around, nothing bad was likely to happen.

“Mm,” Tang Yin nodded.

She set down what she was holding and hurriedly left the classroom.

She hadn’t missed the class monitor’s earlier words.

Tang Yin had never met Lu Chi’s mother, but after the incident with Lu Yu, she had formed some guesses about his family situation. At the very least, it didn’t seem as picture-perfect as outsiders might assume.

If his mother had come, she definitely wouldn’t be allowed inside right now.

Jia Shui Private School strictly prohibited parents from entering, especially those of senior three students. They could only wait at the guardhouse until the student confirmed their presence, and they had to leave the same day.

The last time Tang Yin had seen Lu Chi was barely ten minutes ago, so she figured he was probably still near the guardhouse.

The school auditorium was located near the administrative building, quite a distance from the main gate. To get there, she had to cross an overpass.

The snow had melted, and the past few days had been sunny.

Under the glow of the streetlights, Tang Yin quickened her pace and finally spotted Lu Chi’s figure not far from the administrative building.

There was no mistaking his silhouette from behind.

As she drew closer, her suspicions were confirmed.

Sure enough, Lu Chi and his mother were standing by the school gate, seemingly locked in a tense standoff. From where Tang Yin stood, Lu Chi’s mother looked agitated, almost unhinged.

Tang Yin jogged closer and heard the woman’s sharp voice before reaching them.

“Chi-chi, come with me right now!” Wang Ziyan’s voice was shrill.

Her hands clutched Lu Chi’s right wrist tightly, muttering to herself while occasionally blurting out sharp remarks.

Seeing her erratic behavior, Lu Chi didn’t dare use too much force to pull away. His wrist was starting to ache, and his brows furrowed slightly.

“Mom, please... let go...”

His words were cut off. “No! You have to come with me, or he’ll take you away! You’re my son! You must come with me!”

Lu Chi’s words caught in his throat, frustration mounting because of his stutter.

He couldn’t understand why, in less than half a month, his mother had become like this.

The last time he left home, he had successfully convinced her to divorce his father. He had hoped that by the time he returned, everything would be settled.

But now, something had clearly gone wrong again.

The more anxious he became, the more he stumbled over his words. He tried to free his hand, but her grip was too strong.

“Chi-chi… come with Mom… come… come…” Wang Ziyan repeated.

Tang Yin’s instincts told her something was seriously wrong. Her behavior was obsessive, almost delusional. No normal person would talk like this, especially to their own child.

Lu Chi’s wrist was visibly red from the pressure. “Mom… Mom…”

Wang Ziyan ignored him, repeating her earlier words. She suddenly crouched down, pulling Lu Chi with her. He lost his balance and involuntarily sank to the ground.

Tang Yin approached from behind, her gaze narrowing at the sight of his reddened wrist. Her heart clenched painfully as she watched Lu Chi try to soothe his mother despite his discomfort. She reached out to gently touch him.

Startled by the stranger’s touch, Wang Ziyan grew even more agitated. Her eyes bloodshot, she yanked Lu Chi toward her violently. Caught off guard, he tumbled to the ground.

At the same time, a piercing scream erupted from her mouth.