SW - 38

The music for the eye exercises continued to play.

The students in the class diligently performed the exercises, brimming with unexplainable enthusiasm—it was, after all, the first day of the new class.

Just like the first day of every new semester, everyone was full of determination to study hard, their motivation overflowing.

Lu Chi turned his head away, no longer looking at her.

Tang Yin, however, tilted her head and pretended to do the exercises while openly staring at him.

Her intense gaze felt almost tangible. Lu Chi could feel it, as if she were scrutinizing him from head to toe, just like the way she had looked at him earlier—with a predatory gleam in her eyes.

He suddenly felt his throat go dry.

Fortunately, the eye exercises ended just then, and the bell rang as the teacher entered, breaking the tension between them.

The physics teacher was still Mr. Wang Xiaofeng from the experimental class—someone Tang Yin was familiar with. She still vividly remembered the embarrassing incident from last time.

It was all Lu Chi’s fault.

She shot him another glare.

Lu Chi, oblivious, continued flipping through his test paper.

Mr. Wang Xiaofeng scanned the entire class and unsurprisingly spotted Tang Yin sitting next to Lu Chi. He paused for a moment.

Suppressing a laugh, he said, “Today we’ll go over the test paper, starting with the big questions at the end.”

Tang Yin flipped to the section with the big questions. This time, she hadn’t done too badly. The reason she lost two points on the final question was likely due to a minor error in her problem-solving approach.

Compared to her previous performance, this was a significant improvement.

This test had been designed according to the college entrance exam standards, so the question types were new, though the knowledge tested was familiar.

Tang Yin had never particularly liked physics.

Before the classes were divided, her physics teacher had a difficult personality, and she often slept through class, losing the most points in physics.

Later, in the second semester of her first year, a new teacher, Ms. Zhang, took over. Her personality suited Tang Yin much better, and she gradually regained interest in physics, relearning the basics.

Tang Yin sneakily glanced at Lu Chi’s side. As expected, his paper was flawless.

Lu Chi had ranked first provincially this time. His only significant deductions were in Chinese, and even those were relatively minor compared to others.

At least, Tang Yin’s reading comprehension section had lost quite a few points, and her Chinese teacher from Class Fourteen had scolded her for days.

Well, she had always thought differently from others.

Lu Chi’s test paper was neat and tidy.

As Mr. Wang Xiaofeng explained the questions above, the students below listened attentively. If they didn’t pay attention now, they wouldn’t have another chance later.

Tang Yin tilted her head and openly stared at him.

Suddenly, Lu Chi turned his head.

Their eyes met.

Tang Yin froze for a moment, then blinked.

Lu Chi’s lips moved slightly, forming the words, “Listen to the lesson.”

Seeing his serious expression, Tang Yin wanted to reach out and touch him, but since they were in class, she had to restrain herself.

After a while, she couldn’t help but extend her hand and snatch his test paper.

Lu Chi: “… “

Tang Yin tossed her own test paper over, openly spreading out his.

Lu Chi sighed inwardly, opening his slightly crumpled test paper. The delicate handwriting on the answer sheet didn’t match her bold personality at all.

He quickly skimmed through it, flipping to the final physics question.

Last time, she had mentioned losing two points, and sure enough, that was exactly what happened. He had thought she might have been joking.

When class ended, Lu Chi finally returned the test paper to Tang Yin’s desk.

Tang Yin had completely forgotten about it. She only remembered that she had left a notebook with Su Kexi and rushed out as soon as the bell rang.

Lu Ye turned around just in time to see this and nudged Tang Ming, teasing, “Hey, look at Tang Yin’s test paper.”

He picked it up and exclaimed dramatically, “Why does this handwriting look so familiar? Isn’t this Lu Chi’s handwriting?”

Lu Chi replied without hesitation, “No.”

Lu Ye: “… “

What blatant lying. It was clearly his handwriting. Seeing Lu Chi’s unwavering gaze, Lu Ye reluctantly put the test paper down.

Lu Ye secretly asked Tang Ming, “Do you have anything written by Lu Chi?”

“What? Just ask him for it,” Tang Ming said, surprised. Then he rummaged through his things and pulled out a piece of scratch paper. “Wait a sec—he helped me with a problem last time, and I haven’t thrown this away yet.”

Lu Ye snatched it. Sure enough, it contained physics problems.

He then sneaked another glance at Tang Yin’s test paper. The letters, numbers, and other characters were identical—they hadn’t changed at all.

Unbelievable. Lu Chi had learned to lie.

He had corrected Tang Yin’s test paper and still denied it.

…

When Tang Yin returned, Lu Chi had just been called to the teacher’s office. Seizing the opportunity, Lu Ye asked, “Tang Yin, is this Lu Chi’s correction on your test paper?”

Tang Yin’s expression didn’t change. “No.”

Lu Ye’s excited face froze.

Were these two conspiring to mess with him?

Seeing him get shot down repeatedly, Tang Ming burst into laughter beside him.

Tang Yin, on the other hand, reread her test paper. When she saw Lu Chi’s handwriting next to hers, she felt a rush of sweetness in her heart.

Lu Chi was truly someone who spoke one way but acted another.

________________________________________

The day passed in the blink of an eye.

Because of the mock exam, the end-of-term exam for this semester had been canceled, with the mock exam serving as the final grade.

According to Principal Tang, this decision was made to ensure the students had a good New Year.

After a day of reviewing test papers, the evening self-study session became much more relaxed. After all, the holiday would begin tomorrow afternoon.

The past two days of returning to class after the break had solely been for reviewing the test papers.

Most students were either chatting or solving problems on their own.

Tang Ming and Lu Ye had secretly brought their phones, using books to hide them as they watched videos without headphones—essentially watching silent movies. Despite this, they were thoroughly entertained.

Tang Yin had also brought her phone but had left it in the dormitory.

Seeing Lu Chi still diligently working on problems beside her, she didn’t have the heart to disturb him. Instead, she poked the two movie-obsessed boys in front of her.

“What are you watching?”

Tang Ming, sitting directly in front of Tang Yin, was startled. He glanced around furtively like a thief, only relaxing when he confirmed the teacher wasn’t coming.

He complained, “Tang Yin, don’t scare me like that.”

Tang Yin eyed him suspiciously. “I just poked you. Why are you so nervous? What are you watching?”

Tang Ming forced a smile, feeling a bit guilty.

His desk mate, Lu Ye, also turned around. “Hey, why do you care what we’re doing? It’s something for guys. You wouldn’t understand. Just focus on studying.”

With that, he turned back and huddled with Tang Ming again.

The two were completely absorbed in their phones, oblivious to everything outside. At least, Tang Yin noticed the gaze from the window while tilting her head to drink water.

It was the homeroom teacher’s stare.

Tang Yin nearly spat out her water. She poked Tang Ming’s back again and kindly reminded him, “The homeroom teacher is here.”

After all, they shared the same surname.

Tang Ming and Lu Ye quickly covered their phones and pulled out test papers, pretending to study diligently.

Lu Chi raised his eyes, staring at the window briefly before furrowing his brows slightly.

“During evening self-study,” he said in a low voice, “no talking is allowed.”

Tang Yin withdrew her hand, puzzled. He hadn’t said anything earlier—why was he suddenly bringing this up now?

A sudden realization flashed through her mind.

She glanced at the window. The homeroom teacher had already entered but was standing near the front, observing. Tang Yin leaned closer and whispered, “Are you upset because I touched someone else?”

Lu Chi’s pen slipped, leaving a long mark across his test paper.

He replied, “No.”

“You’re just being stubborn,” Tang Yin muttered, pouting. “One day, I’ll make you admit it.”

Her intentionally lowered voice was soft and sweet, carrying the unique charm of a young girl, slightly different from her usual clear tone.

Lu Chi’s ears twitched slightly.

After a moment, he resumed writing.

Evening self-study passed quickly.

Tang Yin insisted on walking out with Lu Chi.

The evening self-study dismissal time was the same for all grades, so the corridors were packed with students as soon as the bell rang.

Winter nights were still quite cold.

Tang Yin wore a thick scarf, exposing only half her face and her eyes. Her entire body was bundled up in a large down jacket, with its hood pulled over her head.

Dressed entirely in black, she blended into the darkness, almost invisible.

In the dark, no one noticed. As for whether the principal might be watching via the surveillance cameras, Tang Yin had completely forgotten about it.

Not only did she hold Lu Chi’s hand, but she also secretly moved closer.

Tang Yin said, “Lu Chi, it’s so dark. I’m scared.”

Lu Chi: “… “

Behind them, Lu Ye felt like his eyes were going to pop out. There was a bright streetlamp right next to them—how could Tang Yin say she was scared?

What blatant lying.

Tang Yin’s hands were icy cold, the chill of winter seeping through. Lu Chi couldn’t help but flinch slightly.

He asked softly, “Why… why are your hands so cold?”

“My body runs cold…” Tang Yin explained. She hated this about herself. Without an electric blanket or hot water bottle, she couldn’t survive the winter. Even with air conditioning, her feet would stay cold all night, let alone her hands.

Lu Chi pressed his lips together.

Then, without hesitation, he slipped her hand into his coat pocket.

His pocket was spacious, warmed by his body heat for some time. Tang Yin immediately sighed in relief, feeling the warmth.

She nestled her hand inside, finding a comfortable spot and refusing to take it out.

Lu Chi’s hand was larger, enveloping hers completely. After hesitating for a few seconds, he finally closed his fingers around her hand, warmth spreading between them.

The sensation of having her hand held and tucked into his pocket filled her with an indescribable feeling.

Tang Yin couldn’t help but think that if this road never ended, it would be perfect.

Feeling comfortable, she started chatting more along the way.

When they reached the administrative building, Lu Chi turned and took another route. Tang Yin let out a small “Ah” before understanding.

If they walked through the administrative building, they would pass through the inner circle, crossing the playground. They would first reach the boys’ dormitory, with the girls’ dormitory at the end.

If they took the outer circle along the school wall, they would first reach the girls’ dormitory in the corner, then turn right and walk straight to the boys’ dormitory.

Tang Yin’s heart warmed.

Lu Chi’s decision was clearly made with her in mind. Though he didn’t say anything, his actions always considered her comfort.

There were many couples in the school, and most separated at the entrance of the girls’ dormitory.

Tang Yin also pulled her hand out, staring at his pocket for a moment. Feeling a tinge of regret, she smacked her lips.

It was as if she were eyeing a delicious treat. That’s what Lu Chi thought.

“See you… tomorrow,” Lu Chi suddenly said.

Tang Yin’s eyes crinkled with a smile as she looked up. “See you tomorrow.”

She was still wearing her large hat, with only half her face visible. The brim extended far enough to shield her from view unless someone was very close.

Only he could see her clearly.

Lu Chi’s heart skipped a beat. He turned and left the entrance of the girls’ dormitory.

Many people had already returned to the dorm.

As soon as Tang Yin entered, Zhang Mei asked, “How does it feel to be in Class Zero?”

Although they had moved to Class Zero, their accommodations remained in the original dormitory. Moving dorms would have been too troublesome, and there were issues with empty dorm assignments and getting along with new roommates, so no changes were made.

Su Kexi happened to come in from outside and heard the question. Rolling her eyes, she said, “You might as well ask how it feels to be in the same class as Lu Chi today.”

“Hahaha, true,” Zhang Mei laughed. “Are you sitting next to him?”

Tang Yin sat down confidently on her bed. “Would I let him sit with anyone else?”

That would just give others an opportunity. Only a fool would do that. Though she was confident, she wasn’t that naive.

“Yes, yes, yes,” Su Kexi chimed in, squeezing closer. “Your progress with him has been fast. Today, he even helped you carry your desk. I didn’t get a chance to do anything.”

She had originally planned to visit Class Zero, but once Lu Chi showed up, who dared to disturb them? Of course, they created opportunities for the two.

Su Kexi teased, raising her tone, “I saw tonight when someone and someone took the shortcut together.”

“Taking the shortcut isn’t much,” Zhang Mei added mischievously. “I even saw someone and someone sharing the same pocket. Oh my!”

The two played off each other perfectly.

Tang Yin ignored them and went to fetch water.

________________________________________

Now in their senior year, though the dorm occasionally had late-night chats, such instances had become fewer. Occasionally, one or two people studied under small bedside lamps.

After lights-out, Tang Yin lay in bed, unable to sleep.

After a while, she pulled out her phone. She had forgotten to leave it behind this time—it was still fully charged.

The school prohibited electronic devices, but after getting used to it, she found her phone uninteresting. Besides games and browsing the internet, there wasn’t much to do.

Tang Yin first browsed Weibo. By the time she finished scrolling, it was nearly midnight. She sighed, and accidentally tapped on WeChat.

Pausing briefly, she opened the chat window with Lu Chi. It still displayed their previous conversation from when she had invited him out. They hadn’t chatted since.

Tang Yin suddenly remembered the scene where her brother had caught them earlier that day and couldn’t help but laugh silently.

Seeing the late hour, she hesitated for a moment before sending a string of random letters.

TangTangTang : xwnnmjw

She didn’t know why she suddenly decided to send this.

An unexpected wave of embarrassment hit her. Tang Yin quickly shoved her phone under her pillow. Lu Chi probably didn’t bring his phone anyway, so her message was as good as unsent. Still, she wanted to send it.

And deep down, she secretly hoped for a response.

But she knew Lu Chi likely didn’t bring his phone.

Even if he did, whether he could understand it was another question.

After an unknown amount of time, her phone suddenly vibrated under the pillow.

Tang Yin froze. She reached under her pillow and pulled out her phone. The chat window was still open, and below it was a new message.

Lu Chi had replied to her message.

Tang Yin stared at the identical string of letters and instantly understood his meaning. Unable to contain her excitement, she rolled around on her bed.

And his reply was…

LuLuLu : rnsy