SW - 51

If you were to ask the students of Jiashui Private School what their most unforgettable memory from their school days was, many would say it was the time when the two top students in the school publicly showed affection for each other multiple times, eventually angering the principal.

While the crowd on the playground was still cheering and whistling, Tang Yin had already run up to Lu Chi. She really wanted to throw her arms around him like they do in movies, but unfortunately, reality dictated that the principal was still leaning on him.

Over at the leadership platform, all the leaders were left speechless, except for Principal Tang, who stood there for a long while without knowing what to say.

Tang Yin glanced at Lu Chi and said with a smile: “Oh no, the principal fainted! Let’s quickly take him to the infirmary.”

The principal suddenly snapped out of his daze: “Tang Yin! You... you...”

“Principal, I finished reading my statement and sincerely reflected on my actions. If you don’t believe me, just ask the students,” Tang Yin quickly interjected. “Don’t be angry.”

Of course, the principal knew she had finished her statement, but he was furious because after saying she’d finished, she added a few more words at the end.

That’s what made him so angry.

Tang Yin put on an innocent student act: “It’s almost time for the college entrance exam. Let them relax a little.”

After being angry for a while, the principal finally calmed down.

From now on, he vowed to keep Tang Yin far away from any public speeches or self-reflections!

He took a few deep breaths, first looking at Lu Chi, who was supporting him, then at Tang Yin, who was obediently accepting her punishment, and thought about what the two of them had done.

He couldn’t help but feel a lump in his throat.

Principal Tang walked over and said, “This has caused a terrible impression! Both of you show no respect for your teachers and take advantage of your good grades to mislead others, seriously disrupting Director Yang’s work.”

Seeing the principal taking action against even his own relative brought some comfort to the disciplinary director.

After standing up, Lu Chi let go of him, and he and Tang Yin stood side by side facing the authorities.

“This reflection has turned into something like this. They must be severely punished. Director Yang, how do you think we should punish them?” Principal Tang looked at the disciplinary director.

The disciplinary director hesitated.

Although he was extremely angry, he was also afraid it might affect their studies.

Principal Tang sighed: “In that case, go home and reflect. Come back only after you’ve fully reflected, especially you, Tang Yin—you’re not allowed to return to school for at least three days.”

Tang Yin didn’t say anything.

The disciplinary director felt this punishment was reasonable—it wasn’t too harsh but would leave a lasting impression. If it weren’t for fear of affecting the school’s reputation, he would have given them an official reprimand.

Lu Chi’s handsome features were accentuated by the soft sunlight, making him look even more aloof and appealing.

Out of the corner of her eye, Tang Yin noticed this and, while the disciplinary director was still lecturing, secretly reached out to touch his fingers.

When his hand was touched, Lu Chi slightly turned his head and saw her squinting eyes. He opened his mouth but didn’t say anything—his expression remained delicate and elegant.

Then his pinky moved slightly, bending under the loose-fitting school uniform.

Feeling the tip of her finger touching his, Lu Chi’s throat shifted, and the smooth skin reminded him of that winter night when both of their hands were tucked into the same pocket.

And that night, he had a dream...

Meanwhile, the students in the front row were already dumbfounded.

They had been watching as the two were scolded, but none of them expected to witness this scene.

The disciplinary director and the principal, facing them, couldn’t see, but from behind, the students could see everything clearly.

Tang Yin and Lu Chi were actually hooking fingers!

Wasn’t this a blatant display of affection?

But the girls loved seeing such excitement and drama; their faces were flushed with excitement, though they tried to keep quiet for fear of being discovered by the disciplinary director.

Honestly, everyone thought the forced kiss from last time was the most shocking event of the year. Who would have guessed that today’s events would surpass that day’s memories?

Some people hadn’t seen that earlier scene and could only imagine based on descriptions, but today was different—both of them were right there in front of them, acknowledging their feelings.

No denial, only acceptance.

Though it seemed outrageous to the teachers, among the secretly dating students, there was envy.

“Reflect well and come back to studying soon. Focus on preparing for the college entrance exam,” the disciplinary director finally concluded his lecture, satisfied as he narrowed his eyes.

That was how it should be. Misbehaving students should stay silent and obedient in front of him—how else could he teach?

“Do you understand?”

Tang Yin replied: “Yes.”

Lu Chi responded softly: “Mm.”

The disciplinary director, feeling much better and less angry, waved his hand: “Alright, you two can go home and reflect.”

Tang Yin and Lu Chi gently unhooked their fingers.

After the flag-raising ceremony ended, the crowd surrounded Lu Chi and Tang Yin.

Lu Ye stroked his chin: “I never expected this, never expected it. Your student life is too peaceful, too terrifying, too terrifying.”

He couldn’t find the words to describe that moment of shock.

Tang Ming chimed in: “Lu Chi, why did you decide to read that apology? It was clearly meant to be funny.”

“Like... love,” Lu Chi murmured, lips pressed together.

“Woah! The top student confessed!”

Although those around him noticed his expression had softened a bit, they were still thrilled to hear his response.

Tang Yin was overjoyed but said: “Why are you asking so many questions? Aren’t you satisfied with what you saw? We need to go home and reflect.”

Lu Ye burst into laughter: “Your reflection—isn’t that just going home to play?”

Tang Yin rolled her eyes.

Zhou Cheng, the homeroom teacher of Class Zero, stood with a few other teachers during the flag-raising ceremony.

Once things settled, he noticed the odd looks he was getting from those around him—some mocking, some teasing, but mostly pity.

They probably thought having such students was troublesome.

But Zhou Cheng thought it was fine.

The two hadn’t neglected their studies or affected others—in fact, their grades had improved even further, ranking first and second in the province, leaving everyone else far behind.

What homeroom teacher wouldn’t want students like that?

Zhou Cheng simply laughed off their mockery.

After the disciplinary director announced the end of the ceremony, the crowd reluctantly began to disperse, lining up by class to leave.

However, this departure wasn’t as strict as their arrival. Girls linked arms in groups of twos and threes, chatting excitedly about what had just happened.

“I didn’t even realize what was happening until someone shouted it out—I would’ve been clueless for a long time.”

“Though the words weren’t particularly moving, why did they make me so excited?”

“My inner fangirl heart exploded at that moment! Do you know how I felt!”

“Who would’ve known my inner thoughts! I always thought things like this only happened in novels, but here it was, right in front of me. Do you know how I felt? I wanted to stand up and scream!”

“Lu Chi and Tang Yin are so cool; they look so perfect together. Oh my god, I can’t handle it. For the first time in my life, I’m shipping real people—and they’re my classmates!”

Even long afterward, recalling this scene still made many blush with excitement.

Going home to reflect was truly reflecting.

After the flag-raising ceremony ended, Tang Yin and Lu Chi went straight home, and the disciplinary director watched them leave.

Of course, it was to prevent any further contact.

Initially, he planned to have both sets of parents pick them up, but Lu Chi’s mother didn’t have time, and Tang Yin’s mother was out of town—neither could come.

The disciplinary director only then learned that Lu Chi’s parents were divorced, and he lived with his mother. His relationship with his father was strained, so he couldn’t come either.

As for Tang Yin, it was impossible for Principal Tang to leave work to escort her home.

In the end, the two had to go home on their own.

But since he couldn’t leave the school too far behind, the final plan bizarrely became: Lu Chi would leave first, and Tang Yin would follow later.

The disciplinary director figured if Tang Yin left first, she’d definitely linger around until Lu Chi came out.

But Lu Chi was different—he seemed to already sense that he’d done something wrong and wouldn’t do something like that.

This reflection had really shaken him.

The disciplinary director himself deeply reflected and decided that from now on, they would never again be involved in any activities involving apologies or speeches.

Just thinking about how every year they invite outstanding graduates to share their experiences with younger students—if nothing unexpected happened, it’d definitely be these two—what would he do if something like this happened again?

It was enough to drive him crazy.

With these thoughts in mind, he waited until Tang Yin left before returning to the school.

He didn’t expect that halfway through her journey, Tang Yin would spot Lu Chi waiting for her. The figure was a bit blurry, but unmistakable.

There were no cars here, so the two could only walk.

After crossing the bridge, transportation became easier, but Tang Yin’s eyes were fixed on an ice cream shop.

Lu Chi, noticing the absence of footsteps behind him, found it strange. When he turned around, he saw Tang Yin staring wistfully at the shop.

He walked over and asked, “N-no money?”

Tang Yin nodded pitifully: “Yeah. I’m broke. Kind sir, spare some change for food?”

Her playful manner was utterly adorable.

Lu Chi stared at her for a while, then turned to buy a large cup of ice cream. The weather wasn’t hot, so it wouldn’t melt if left alone.

Tang Yin assumed Lu Chi bought it for her, but when he returned, he made no move to hand it over.

Unbelievable. Lu Chi had become cunning, starting to tease her.

Watching him hold a large cup of untouched ice cream that looked temptingly colorful, fresh, and fragrant, Tang Yin couldn’t resist.

“Bookworm, are you giving it or not?”

“No.”

“You seriously won’t give it?”

“No.”

Finally, Tang Yin couldn’t take it anymore.

She reached out, grabbed Lu Chi’s arm, and took a big bite directly from the cone, then stepped back.

Her voice muffled, Tang Yin said: “As punishment.”

The cold was too much, and she couldn’t help but exhale sharply, her teeth chilled to the bone.

Seeing her like this, Lu Chi sighed and placed a tissue under her chin to avoid any embarrassing situations.

His voice was soft: “I was just joking... playing around.”

But Tang Yin rolled her eyes, huffed a few times, and plopped down on a bench by the bridge, refusing to move.

Lu Chi stood there holding the large, partially eaten ice cream, looking like a guilty young master.

Not far away, an elderly man strolled over, humming a nostalgic tune. Squinting at the two of them, he couldn’t help but approach and offer advice: “Young man, you need to comfort her!”

Tang Yin stifled a laugh.

Lu Chi, startled by the sudden voice beside him, turned his head.

Seeing him turn to listen, the old man got excited and launched into a speech: “Back in my day, whenever my wife got mad, I’d just comfort her. Girls need comforting. Look at how you made her upset, and you’re not even trying to console her!”

The old man seemed to have endless words, speaking nonstop like a river bursting its banks.

Lu Chi tried to say something, but the old man’s words drowned him out.

After quite a while, the old man finally left, satisfied, with a parting reminder: “Make sure you comfort her properly!”

These youngsters nowadays—some are overflowing with sweet talk, while others need an old man like him to teach them.

Such extremes.

Lu Chi’s cheeks flushed red, and the color didn’t fade even after the old man was gone.

Tang Yin had been eavesdropping the whole time. She knew he was naturally taciturn and had probably never comforted anyone before. Maybe today would be his first try?

Lu Chi’s voice was always pleasant to listen to. Sometimes, during class, Tang Yin couldn’t help licking her lips when she heard him answer questions—it was just too tempting.

If paired with sweet words, it would likely sound even better.

Seeing Lu Chi unable to muster the words to comfort her despite his flushed face, Tang Yin took the initiative: “Today, I want one ‘muah’ before I get up. If you don’t give it, I won’t move.”

Upon hearing this, Lu Chi’s normally pale ears inevitably turned red. He opened his mouth but didn’t make a sound.

Tang Yin, unsatisfied, urged him: “Hurry up, say it!”

Oh, the thought of hearing him say “muah” made her want to scream.

Time ticked by, one second after another.

Just as Tang Yin thought Lu Chi wouldn’t say it, he suddenly bent down and whispered softly in her ear: “Mu... muah.”

Tang Yin nearly collapsed on the spot.