DXXZL - 22

Friday morning.

Zhu Xingyao found a letter from “J” tucked inside her German textbook.

This time, it was incredibly cool and extremely brief—it contained only her name.

Zhu Xingyao

—September 13, 2007

Signed: J

So… what did it mean to write only her name? Zhu Xingyao thought about it for a long time but couldn’t figure out what he was trying to say. Li Xixi, ever the expert at deciphering such things, offered her interpretation: “A thousand words cannot compare to how moved I am by your name alone. This is classic ‘playing hard to get’!”

Zhu Xingyao: “…”

“Playing hard to get? How old are we, playing games like that!”

This love letter was categorized by Zhu Xingyao as one of J’s most uninteresting ones.

Years later, when she discussed this with Mr. J and learned the truth, she placed this letter at the top of his list of… the shortest love letters ever. She decided to count him writing her name as a form of confession, and then she asked him: “Were you crying at the time?”

Mr. J looked at her silently, seemingly thinking she viewed him as too fragile. Men didn’t cry so easily.

He replied: “No, I smoked a cigarette.”

The next moment, she felt a hint of… disappointment?

In the very next second, she suddenly looked up, her voice tinged with fear: “You actually smoked in the classroom? If you’d been caught, you’d have been disciplined!”

Mr. J: “…”

That wasn’t the point. The point was, he had truly been struggling at the time.

________________________________________

News of Zhu Xingyao preparing to apply to the Berlin University of the Arts quickly spread throughout the grade. Lu Ji, who was preparing for the competition, received a message from Zhou Yuan.

Zhou Yuan: “Zhu Xingyao is going to Berlin. What are you going to do?”

Xu Xiangyang’s text soon followed: “You idiot, why are you bringing this up now? Are you trying to make Lu Ji abandon the exam?”

Lu Ji stared at his phone screen helplessly, feeling irritated: “Stop talking nonsense. Abandoning the exam is out of the question. Am I an idiot? To quit now, after coming this far? What would people think of me?”

Xu Xiangyang coughed: “I was just worried you’d be overwhelmed by love.”

“Not really surprised. It’s good for her—it’s the path she should take,” Lu Ji said softly after a moment’s thought. “Germany… it’s pretty far. A flight takes almost twenty hours.”

Xu Xiangyang asked: “So, what will you do?”

Lu Ji scratched the tip of his nose absently, his mind elsewhere: “Let’s finish the exam first before worrying about that.”

One week later.

The preliminary round of the physics competition concluded, and both Lu Ji and Xu Xiangyang advanced to the finals. Lu Ji scored higher than Xu Xiangyang and performed better than last year. When the news reached the school, both Cao Shujun and Teacher Xie Ya were delighted.

However, Xu Xiangyang was from Class 1, while Lu Ji was from Class 2.

Teacher Xie Ya was clearly more pleased and smug. She said modestly: “Lu Ji might have a chance at winning first place this time, right?”

Cao Shujun glanced at her and smiled: “It shouldn’t be a problem. But… the monthly exam is approaching. He and Xu Xiangyang missed quite a few classes and review sessions. Their rankings in the exam will likely drop.”

“That’s not certain. Lu Ji has a strong foundation. Missing a few classes won’t necessarily affect his performance. Moreover…” Teacher Xie Ya stood up, holding her lesson plan, looking elegant and refined in her suit. She looked down at Cao Shujun. “When the classes were divided, I checked the average scores. Our class’s average score was a few points higher than yours. Xu Xiangyang’s foundation isn’t as strong as Lu Ji’s, so he definitely won’t outperform Lu Ji in the monthly exam. Therefore, your Class 1 will probably rank at the bottom in terms of average scores. Teacher Cao, you need to step up your game.”

Cao Shujun: “…”

Teacher Xie Ya walked away confidently, her high heels clicking with authority.

At First High School, whether it was a big or small exam, there was always a ranking among the classes. The first monthly exam after dividing into arts and sciences was scheduled before the National Day holiday. Initially, Cao Shujun hadn’t been eager to become a homeroom teacher, but the principal insisted on testing the younger generation of teachers. Besides, Teacher Xie Ya had set a good example—her class consistently ranked first in exams and discipline assessments.

Thus, Cao Shujun was reluctantly appointed. Having graduated not long ago, he still retained some of the laziness and democratic mindset of students. Unlike Teacher Xie Ya, his management style was rather lax.

As it turned out, sometimes dealing with a group of energetic teenagers required strictness and toughness to gain their respect.

Reasoning with them?

Useless.

They’d simply treat you like Tang Sanzang chanting sutras. There was indeed wisdom in the saying, “A strict teacher produces outstanding students,” as exemplified by Teacher Xie Ya and her class.

Cao Shujun felt a headache coming on regarding the upcoming monthly exam. During the class meeting, he glared at a few boys whispering amongst themselves, then slammed his hand on the desk and barked: “Quiet! Are you all deaf?”

The room fell silent instantly, with some students looking up in confusion.

Everyone exchanged glances. Why was Old Cao suddenly so fierce?

Li Xixi, who was passing notes with Zhu Xingyao, was so startled that her handwriting became messy.

Zhu Xingyao quietly closed her German textbook, pretending to listen attentively to the class meeting.

With a cold expression, Cao Shujun announced: “The monthly exam is approaching. Everyone, focus on reviewing. This is the first exam after dividing into arts and sciences, so take it seriously. Also, Zhang Sheng, after class or after the exam, finalize the registration forms for the school sports meet as soon as possible. If you’re able-bodied, participate actively.”

“Able-bodied…”

Was there anyone in the class who wasn’t?

While the meeting was underway, a voice suddenly called out from the back door: “Report.”

Xu Xiangyang stood at the door. As Zhu Xingyao looked up, Lu Ji happened to be standing near the back door, seemingly waiting for her glance.

Their eyes met, and he smiled.

The fading sunlight bathed the soft strands of the boy’s hair, making him look radiant. He even gave her a little wave.

Some students couldn’t help but whisper: “Wow.”

All heads turned toward Zhu Xingyao.

Her heart skipped a beat. Just a few days ago, Old Cao had used her as a negative example! If he saw Lu Ji greeting her, wouldn’t that be catching them red-handed? Not to mention all those love letters!

She hastily turned her head toward the podium, her face pale with fright.

Cao Shujun’s expression softened, and he smiled at Xu Xiangyang: “Come in.”

It seemed he hadn’t noticed Lu Ji, as the podium happened to create a blind spot in that direction. Zhu Xingyao’s heart finally settled, and she lightly patted her chest, murmuring: “That scared me…”

Li Xixi turned her head and winked teasingly: “Was it just fear?”

Zhu Xingyao shot her an annoyed glare but couldn’t help reflecting on it. Upon closer thought… perhaps not. At the very least, seeing Lu Ji’s sunny smile had made her feel good—it was quite infectious.

Jiang Tu coldly observed all her lively little gestures and expressions, his chest feeling as though it were blocked by a lump of air, suffocating him with discomfort.

Cao Shujun praised Xu Xiangyang briefly and reminded him to focus on reviewing for the monthly exam. He added: “If you have time, work with Zhang Sheng to finalize the school sports meet registration. If not, wait until after the exam.”

Xu Xiangyang smiled: “No problem.”

Cao Shujun felt reassured. Xu Xiangyang, as class monitor, was indeed very reliable.

After the class meeting ended, there was still some time left. Cao Shujun urged everyone to use it wisely for revision, saying little else as he kept an eye on their progress.

After school, Zhu Xingyao efficiently packed her bag, carefully stuffing various books inside. Her bag grew heavy, and her thin shoulders struggled under its weight, as if it might crush her entirely.

Jiang Tu glanced down at her: “Shall I carry your bag to the school gate for you?”

Zhu Xingyao straightened her back resolutely and shook her head with a smile: “No need, I can manage. I’ll get used to it.”

She’d likely have to do this often in the future—she couldn’t rely on others every time, could she?

Jiang Tu wanted to say that the bag was practically bending her over… but she did indeed hold herself upright, almost as if she were about to dance. That radiant charm clung to her, impossible to shake off.

In the corridor, students jostled each other while waiting to go downstairs. Lu Ji and Zhou Yuan stood lazily leaning against the railing. Zhou Yuan recounted his encounter with Jiang Tu in the corridor the other day, adding: “Damn, he’s got guts. I wouldn’t dare smoke in the classroom.”

Lu Ji paused, then chuckled: “So, he does have guts. Didn’t expect that… people really can’t be judged by appearances.”

Zhou Yuan said: “I was shocked too. I always thought he was just a quiet, obedient student.”

Lu Ji agreed. By the time most people had left, a few individuals emerged from Class 1’s back door, led by Xu Xiangyang. Turning his head, he called out: “Zhu Xingyao, Li Xixi, let’s go grab something to eat. Lu Ji’s treating—he did well on the exam, so he’s inviting everyone!”

Jiang Tu slung his bag over his shoulder, his expression icy as he stared at the back of Xu Xiangyang’s head—the second accomplice.

Li Xixi harbored significant resentment toward Xu Xiangyang and fiercely declined: “No way! Who wants to eat with you guys, a bunch of smelly boys?”

Xu Xiangyang: “…”

He looked at Lu Ji and Zhou Yuan, his expression one of innocent confusion. What had he done to offend this young lady? Ever since he’d been assigned to Class 1, she hadn’t given him a single normal glance or friendly demeanor.

Zhu Xingyao looked up, meeting Lu Ji’s smiling gaze. A few classmates lingered near the doorway, watching them like spectators at a drama, seemingly eager to confirm the rumor that the school’s god and goddess were an item. Unfortunately, Zhu Xingyao gently shook her head: “I’m going to class soon, so I don’t have time. You guys go ahead.” She paused, giving Lu Ji a small smile: “Congratulations, though. Do your best in the finals.”

Lu Ji’s expectations fell flat. He masked his disappointment with a faint smile: “Thank you. Then… next time?”

Zhu Xingyao hesitated.

One second.

Two seconds.

…

“Lin Jiayu.”

Jiang Tu’s indifferent voice broke the silence.

Lin Jiayu, who had just stepped out of the classroom with her bag, froze in confusion, stopping in place to look up: “Huh?”

Jiang Tu walked past Zhu Xingyao, approaching Lin Jiayu and extending his hand: “Let me borrow your phone. I need to make a call.”

Tall and exuding a cold aura, his sudden movement drew attention. Some gazes instinctively followed his figure, even Zhu Xingyao turning to look.