WG - 11

After Chi Zhiyu’s words fell, the classroom suddenly became silent.

The phrase “absolutely brilliant” seemed to linger in everyone’s minds like an echo, silently swirling around.

All the students’ gazes unconsciously shifted toward the last seat of the first group, eventually landing on Chi Zhiyu’s face.

Some who got a good look at her appearance, especially when they noticed Xie Ye beside her, were momentarily stunned, clearly not expecting this situation.

Chi Zhiyu was a new student to Class A. Naturally, the academically obsessed top students wouldn’t know her, and those who did likely only recognized her face without any deeper understanding.

Still, no one expected such an electrifying start to the school year.

A shocking debut?

The entire class remained silent, not a word spoken.

Under the weight of stares from all directions, Chi Zhiyu stayed quiet for a few seconds. Too lazy to struggle anymore, she simply gave up, calmly nodding. “Teacher, please continue checking the homework.”

This was a way out.

For herself and for Chen Fuqing.

The word “brilliant” couldn’t be taken lightly, nor could he afford to get angry.

Otherwise, it would indirectly confirm his baldness—a truth he couldn’t accept.

It was a sore spot.

And painful.

Sure enough, Chen Fuqing’s face twitched almost imperceptibly. Suppressing his irritation, he said sternly, “Let’s focus on class and stop joking around with the teacher.”

Chi Zhiyu obediently nodded. “Yes, teacher.”

Chen Fuqing glanced at her, finally noticing that her desk mate was Xie Ye. He frowned slightly. “Did the homeroom teacher arrange your seating?”

It wasn’t clear whom he was addressing.

Chi Zhiyu didn’t respond, but the class monitor spoke up first. “Yes, Teacher Zhang said we should sit like this for now, and if there are any issues, we can change later.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Fuqing couldn’t say anything further. Looking at Chi Zhiyu and Xie Ye’s arrangement, he said gravely, “Since you’re seated like this, for the remaining year, everyone should learn from their desk mates and strive for mutual progress instead of holding each other back.”

He paused briefly, his gaze sweeping over Chi Zhiyu. “Especially those who are weak in specific subjects—do you understand?”

Chi Zhiyu: “….”

Chi Zhiyu: ?

Speak plainly.

After finishing his roundabout speech, Chen Fuqing lowered his head and opened the next workbook.

The situation was brought back under control.

Chi Zhiyu stared at him, annoyed, and turned her head to ask Xie Ye, “Was Chen Fuqing just implying that I’ll drag you down?”

Xie Ye rested his chin on his hand, skillfully spinning a pen with one hand. He glanced at her. “Don’t talk to me.”

“?”

“You’re disturbing my studies.”

“….”

Nonsense.

The morning of the first day of school wasn’t particularly eventful—it wasn’t quite formal classes yet. Most of the time was spent reviewing and answering questions, helping students transition from their relaxed summer lives and adapt to the environment.

After a few review classes, the dismissal bell rang.

Chi Zhiyu raised her head, still drowsy.

Xie Ye lay sprawled on the table with his eyes closed, though it was unclear whether he was sleeping. Only the top of his head was visible.

Su Le turned around and saw this scene. Taking in the state of the two, he chuckled. “Little Chi, did you sleep through the whole morning?”

Chi Zhiyu’s awareness lagged slightly as she yawned. “Have you eaten yet?”

“Yes, yes.” Su Le turned to Xie Ye, who was still lying on the table. “Xie Ye, wake up. Let’s go eat.”

Xie Ye straightened himself, his expression calm and tone indifferent, though his nasal voice was still heavy—his cold hadn’t improved. “What are we eating?”

“What else but food?” Su Le stood up and glanced at Chi Zhiyu. “Little Chi, want to come along?”

Chi Zhiyu was still spacing out and hadn’t heard him. She hummed questioningly without responding.

Wu Xuan came over from the neighboring class looking for someone. After opening the window, she happened to see the two people in the last row.

She paused, waved at them, and gestured toward the cafeteria.

Seeing this, Chi Zhiyu slowly stood up and shuffled toward the door. Her steps were sluggish, nearly tripping.

Behind her, Xie Ye instinctively steadied her and glanced at her. “What nonsense are you bumping into now?”

“…”

Chi Zhiyu didn’t feel like moving, yawning deeply. She looked up at him lazily. “Carry me.”

“…” Xie Ye asked, “Why?”

“Tired and sleepy.” Chi Zhiyu replied sincerely.

Hearing this, Xie Ye let out a faint laugh, as if finding an excuse for her, but his tone was mockingly sharp. “Oh, right. Dreaming through three classes must have been exhausting.”

“…”

“Forget it. If I actually carried you, I might laugh myself awake in my dreams.” Chi Zhiyu didn’t expect him to oblige anyway, so she continued walking while talking.

Wu Xuan stood by the back door, watching Chi Zhiyu’s continuous yawns and then glancing at Xie Ye and Su Le following behind. She found it amusing. “Still not awake?”

“The sound of Chen Fuqing’s voice is too hypnotic,” Chi Zhiyu muttered.

Wu Xuan raised an eyebrow. “You had physics class this morning?”

“Yes, and he called on me.”

“Why? Did Chen Fuqing scold you again?”

“Not just scold—you could say he probably wanted to hit me.” Su Le chimed in from behind, laughing.

Wu Xuan was puzzled.

“What did she do?”

“Just now, during the homework check, Chen Fuqing praised her work, saying it was a great start and hoped she’d study hard and succeed.” Su Le explained.

Wu Xuan nodded. “Hmm, that’s good. No problems, right?”

Su Le: “No issues. And Little Chi even gave him a return blessing.”

At this point, Wu Xuan caught the key detail and turned to the person involved. “What did you wish Chen Fuqing?”

Chi Zhiyu sniffed and replied naturally, “I wished him brilliance in the future.”

“…” Wu Xuan could hardly believe her ears. “Brilliance what?”

Chi Zhiyu patiently repeated, “Utmost brilliance.”

“…”

Serves you right for being scolded.

Chi Zhiyu didn’t see any issue with what she said and patiently elaborated, “Nine out of ten physics students go bald. Plus, his hair won’t last much longer—I was just giving him an early warning.”

“I think you’ve lost your mind,” Wu Xuan said as they walked down the stairs toward the cafeteria. “You angered Chen Fuqing on the very first day of school.”

“That wasn’t my intention. I was just trying to reciprocate politely.” Chi Zhiyu blinked. “But when I saw his hair, I immediately thought of it, and before I knew it, the words slipped out.”

Wu Xuan was curious. “So, what did Chen Fuqing do afterward?”

“He didn’t do much—just scolded me indirectly, and…” Chi Zhiyu glanced at the person behind her, “someone’s dog looked down on me.”

Xie Ye caught her little glance and raised an eyebrow.

Petty grievances remembered.

Wu Xuan listened to her explanation and smiled. “Who are you indirectly scolding now?”

Chi Zhiyu raised her eyebrows but didn’t respond. Instead, she noticed something else. “Where’s Li Taoran?”

“He already went to the cafeteria to grab seats.”

Wu Xuan and Li Taoran were both assigned to Class B, so she naturally knew his movements.

Chi Zhiyu made an “ah” sound, understanding.

The cafeteria was usually crowded during lunchtime, often packed to the brim. However, since the sophomore year hadn’t started yet, the senior year (Chi Zhiyu’s grade) began earlier, and the new freshmen were undergoing military training. The number of people on campus had decreased by about a third.

The group of friends automatically split up after reaching the first floor of the cafeteria, each heading to order what they wanted.

Chi Zhiyu and Wu Xuan walked together, leisurely browsing what to eat.

After walking a bit farther, Wu Xuan voiced her curiosity. “How did you end up sitting with Xie Ye?”

“We just sat randomly, and the teacher didn’t say anything about changing, so it stuck.” Chi Zhiyu glanced at the dishes displayed at the window. “Don’t tell me you’re sitting with Li Taoran?”

“How could that be?” Wu Xuan waved dismissively. “But being in the same class as him at least keeps things interesting.”

Chi Zhiyu raised an eyebrow. “Of course, Xiao Li is fun. Anyone who can sit with Xie Ye isn’t ordinary.”

Wu Xuan laughed. “Are you praising Li Taoran or complaining about Xie Ye?”

Xie Ye’s temperament certainly wasn’t the best. Those who could sit with him for two years without switching were undoubtedly strong individuals.

“Of course I’m praising him.” Chi Zhiyu thought for a moment and added, “Later, I’ll ask Xiao Li something.”

Wu Xuan: “What?”

“How to properly sit with Xie Ye and maintain a good mood every day.”

Wu Xuan: “….”

The two parted ways.

Wu Xuan wanted sweet-and-sour pork rice and headed to the second floor.

Chi Zhiyu, too lazy to walk far, queued at the empty Window 3 and ordered a bowl of clear soup noodles. Just as she was about to swipe her card to pay, her hand froze mid-reach into her pocket.

Meal card...

She paused for a few seconds, turning her head to scan the area for a target.

Coincidentally, standing at the back of Queue 2 nearby was Xie Ye, his tall frame easily spotted at 185 cm.

Surrounding him were a few boys, standing close and chatting animatedly, presumably former classmates. They were smiling and leaning in to speak with him.

Xie Ye’s face showed no particular expression, maintaining his usual aloof demeanor, though his half-lowered eyes carried a sleepy haze.

Spotting him, Chi Zhiyu tilted her head and called softly, “Xie Ye!”

Her voice wasn’t loud.

But somehow, the moment those two syllables escaped her lips, it felt as if they carried an amplified effect. Everyone on the side turned their heads to look.

Everyone except Xie Ye.

Chi Zhiyu gritted her teeth.

A boy standing behind Xie Ye noticed her. He glanced at Chi Zhiyu, tipped his chin upward, and said something to Xie Ye.

Just then, Chi Zhiyu called out again.

Xie Ye heard her voice and lifted his gaze to meet hers.

Their eyes locked.

Chi Zhiyu wondered if this guy had hearing issues. Suppressing her frustration, she beckoned him with a curl of her finger.

As soon as that gesture appeared, everyone froze momentarily, then watched as Xie Ye stepped toward her direction.

Xie Ye walked over to stand beside her position and said indifferently, “You called me?”

Chi Zhiyu tilted her head and whispered an explanation. “Lend me your meal card—I forgot mine.”

Hearing this, Xie Ye glanced down at the already-ordered bowl of clear soup noodles at the window and frowned. “You’re really eating this?”

“I don’t know what to eat, and I’ve already ordered it. At least let’s pay for it first.”

Chi Zhiyu didn’t have time to chat. She held out her hand and stated succinctly, “Meal card.”

The surrounding gazes were noticeable, watching the two.

It was quiet.

But Xie Ye seemed completely unaffected, paying no attention to the slightly awkward atmosphere. He glanced at the bowl of plain clear soup with a few floating green onions and clicked his tongue. “Change this dish.”

“Huh?” Chi Zhiyu was startled, confused. “Change to what?”

As they spoke, the students waiting in line occasionally glanced over, keeping tabs on the situation.

They saw the legendary big shot frowning, his expression sour as he pulled out his meal card and handed it to the girl across from him.

The girl, seemingly practiced, swiped the card and returned it to him. Then the big shot said a few more words to her.

Upon hearing this, the girl blinked, apparently rather... pleased?

Before they could observe further, Xie Ye suddenly turned back.

In an instant.

Everyone quickly averted their gazes, pretending to remain calm and composed while queuing.

Having enjoyed a free meal, Chi Zhiyu happily carried her bowl of clear soup noodles and walked toward the back.

Su Le, who had already found a seat and was waiting, spotted her and waved to signal her over.

Li Taoran, sitting beside him, saw Chi Zhiyu approaching with her noodles and raised an eyebrow. “Little Chi, you’re really eating just this plain soup noodle?”

“No.” Chi Zhiyu shook her head and placed the noodles on the table. “Xie Ye is getting me something else.”

Li Taoran was puzzled. “Ah, then what about this noodle?”

Hearing this, Chi Zhiyu lifted her eyes, pushed the noodles toward him, and repeated Xie Ye’s instructions with a smile. “Leave it for you to eat.”

Li Taoran: “…”