Chapter 66

Outside the window, the sky was overcast, and a damp, sticky rain continued to linger over Jiangzhou.

It rained for almost a week, until the weekend after the midterm exams.

Early Saturday morning, Jian Sheng carried a bag, took the bus from the entrance of her residential compound, and went all the way to the shopping mall in the central area of ​​Yanjiang.

She took the passenger elevator to the fifth floor and found the institution where the art teacher Ye Hua had introduced worked.

Jian Sheng sat quietly on the small sofa by the door, waiting, his pocket buzzing a few times.

She looked down, took out her phone, and sent a long message in a WeChat group.

The group was created for Gu Zhenyi's birthday. After Jian Sheng registered for WeChat, Chen Zhoujing created several groups for her.

Jian Sheng swiped his finger across the screen, and a separate chat box popped up at the top of the group chat where people were discussing a small gathering after the midterm exams.

Lin You sent her a message.

When are you going to finish?

We'll leave at 11:00 AM, then go straight to your mall for lunch, and then I'll pick you up.

Jian Sheng typed a few words on the screen in response.

A moment later, a person walked out from the corner of the long corridor.

A man with a calm and composed demeanor, wearing gold-rimmed glasses.

He strode over to her side: "Is this Jian Sheng?"

Jian Sheng stood up and nodded to him: "Hello, Teacher Liang."

"Don't be shy, come in. Teacher Qin showed me your work last time. You have a good foundation, and your overall style is quite similar to what I teach. I've also gotten a basic understanding of you."

He paused, then continued, "Teacher Qin should have spoken with your family. She's going back to take care of her baby this year, so she's asking me to take care of you for the time being."

“I know,” Jian said in a simple voice.

“Okay, no problem. I’ll be in charge of you this semester. You can sit inside for a while, I’ll go get a sign-in sheet.” Liang Shuyuan opened the door to a small classroom and gestured for her to go in.

After Jian Sheng sat down, he asked again, "Are you hot? Shall I turn on the air conditioner for you?"

Without waiting for Jian Sheng to refuse, he had already turned on the air conditioner.

Jian Sheng put her raised hand back on her leg, waiting for him to come over.

This teacher is quite easygoing.

Taking back painting was a decision she made after thinking about it for a long time.

From the initial joy of knowing I could draw, to the gradual worry and anxiety, and finally, after procrastinating time and time again, I decided to draw anyway.

Ye Hua waited for her for a long time, and only when she saw that she had almost made up her mind did she mention it again.

The organization just gave us a reply in the last couple of days.

I didn't expect the teacher to be changed at the last minute, but I'm already very satisfied with being able to pick up a pen and draw.

Jian Sheng is very grateful to Ye Hua for giving her the opportunity, and also... very grateful to Zhou Yilian.

Lost in thought, Jian Sheng turned around and saw Liang Shuyuan walking in, his shoulder against the door, writing something on the sign-in sheet with a pen in his mouth.

She stood up and waited for him to come to her side.

After writing the last character, Liang Shuyuan raised his eyes and looked at Jian Sheng: "Would you like to sign this?"

He then handed her the splint in his hand.

Jian Sheng took the splint with both hands and signed his name.

Liang Shuyuan's teaching method is very innovative. He always uses abstract descriptions to solve her problems, which makes his class time fly by.

One morning, she copied a landscape painting. The colors in the painting were not particularly rich, but the relationship between light and dark and color was very clear, which was suitable for beginners.

Before leaving, Liang Shuyuan pressed the painting down and said in a low voice, "Then I'm leaving?"

Without even looking up, Liang Shuyuan simply hummed in agreement: "Close the door. Next time you come, just wait for me in this classroom."

"Okay, teacher." Jian walked towards the back door and gently closed it.

Standing at the door, she took out her phone from her pocket, turned it on, and a bunch of messages flashed on the lock screen.

Her brow twitched, and she double-clicked the menu to open WeChat.

Lin You sent two messages, and the remaining ninety-nine were from the group chat.

She replied and walked away while checking the group messages.

It was lunchtime, and many students came out of the institution. Many were junior high school students in school uniforms, and some looked like high school students. They brushed past her shoulder as they walked out.

From not far away came greetings, the concerned reproaches of parents, and the playful banter of a few friends.

Jian Sheng stepped aside and walked along the wall toward the corner.

Amidst the chaos, a few familiar words of conversation reached her ears.

Jian Sheng raised her eyes, her gaze flickering.

A row of students from Class 13 stood at the entrance, about eight of them, talking about something, with smiles on their faces.

She paused for a few seconds, then quickened her pace toward the door.

He Shang, who was facing this side, was the first to see her. He smiled at Jian Sheng, nudged Xu Xiaxia's arm, and called out, "Jian Sheng."

The people chatting all looked towards Jian Sheng.

Her back was very straight, and her face showed no embarrassment, but was full of smiles.

He quickly walked through the crowd and approached the group: "Why did you all come up here?"

"It's just a short walk, come on up and take a look. Your place is easy to find," Xu Xiao replied.

Eight people chimed in, vying to ask about things at the organization.

People came and went, and a few were engrossed in her question.

“You can draw too, Jian Sheng.” He Shang raised an eyebrow.

“I’ve studied this before,” Jian Sheng nodded. “Because I like it, I’m starting over.”

“It’s good to be able to learn what you like. My old man is too rigid. I told him I wanted to learn skateboarding to broaden my interests and expand my business in the future, but he said I might as well not waste my time learning now and go out to do business. We can’t communicate!” Xu Xiao scratched his head.

"You can't even manage your studies properly, yet you're trying to do sales. Other people manage to balance their studies and interests. Don't try to join the bandwagon with your short-lived enthusiasm." Xu Xiu punched his chest.

“You’re being ambiguous,” Gu Zhenyi clicked her tongue. “What’s wrong with being enthusiastic for three minutes? Whether it’s three minutes, three days, or three weeks, at least if you get into it, you’ve really learned something. My dad always tells me that it’s good to have more skills. Even if it’s just a three-minute enthusiasm, you’ve still learned the skill for those three minutes.”

"Oh, right, that makes sense." Xu Xiu grinned and said to Xu Xiao, "Then you go and do the sales, I think it's a good idea!"

"It's about learning to skateboard!" Xu Xiao roared.

Xu Xiu frowned and moved to Gu Zhenyi's left, refusing Xu Xiao's angry nagging.

The group laughed so hard they were doubled over, until He Shang finally raised his hand to interrupt the downpour that was mixed with sunlight.

"Let's go, let's go eat. Jian Sheng, what do you want to eat? We posted several options in the group chat, including barbecue, fried chicken, and Haidilao hot pot. If you have any other requests, just let us know, and we'll choose again," he asked Jian Sheng.

Jian Sheng exclaimed "Ah!", took out his phone, looked at the poll in the group, and without hesitation, said, following the poll for fried chicken which had the most votes, "Then let's go with fried chicken."

"Yes, yes, let's go!"

"I'm starving! I haven't had fried chicken in ages, I've been craving it."

"That newly opened shop has lots of snacks, and a terrace where you can sing..."

Amidst the lively discussion in the front row, Jian Sheng walked slowly at the back, a smile on his lips.

Suddenly thinking of Chen Zhoujing, her smile faded, her steps slowed, and her chest gradually felt empty amidst the commotion.

I didn't see him post in the group chat. It's called a cold war, but it seems to be more like a protracted war.

The time passed so long that she reflected on it again and again.

"You two can stop for a moment." He Shang walked up to her without her noticing and said after a few seconds of silence.

Jian Sheng raised his eyes, then lowered his head again.

“I won’t speak for him, so let’s talk about you.” He Shang’s words made her raise her head again.

He took a breath and said, "Some relationships may seem vague to you now, but you'll only realize their significance later."

"You can hear him say it to yourself."

"It's not worth dwelling on one thing and letting it ruin your mood."

After saying that, he didn't say anything more and walked away.

I heard Xu Xiaxia talk about Chen Zhoujing a few days ago, and I couldn't accept it for a while. I felt even more guilty about my attitude towards him.

But the steps under their feet just wouldn't go any further.

Sometimes she hates her own awkwardness, her random guesses, and her inexplicable bitterness.

It may not seem like a big deal, but getting back together is extremely difficult.

Jian Sheng pinched the bottom edge of the bag with his fingers, lost in thought the whole way.

This fried chicken shop is said to be owned by foreigners. It's the first shop in Huai'an, located in Yanjiang District. The shop is quite large, about 100 square meters, with three rows of long tables in the middle, a circle of small tables along the side walls, a counter next to the main entrance in the center, and a large terrace on the right.

The terrace curtain was half open, revealing a graffiti wall inside. An electric guitar leaned against the wall, and a drum set and microphone stand were placed to the side. Two large speakers were placed at the four corners of the floor. Occasionally, someone would go up to play music, and the owner would play accompaniment music.

The atmosphere is hip-hop, with dim decor and lighting, making it a suitable place for light social entertainment for young people.

Jian Sheng was originally sitting in a corner, waiting for the others to order food, but He Shang pulled him to the middle, and the corner seat was taken by several boys.

As it approached lunchtime and it was the weekend, the restaurant was bustling with activity.

A short while later, music started playing on the terrace, and a girl went up to sing.

Thunderous applause followed. If you're looking for something to do to liven things up, it's the students in groups.

The students from Class 13 were having a great time. They started requesting songs and took turns passing the microphone around. Eventually, the microphone was passed from one end to the other, and whoever knew the song would sing a line. The atmosphere was lively.

Jian Sheng leaned back in her chair, listening to soothing music, when suddenly, someone else sat next to her.

But she didn't notice that when the music stopped, she raised her hand and started clapping along with the crowd's cheers.

Suddenly, a clear, crisp voice rang in my ears: "Are you happy?"

Jian Sheng stiffened and slowly turned his head to the side.

My gaze lingered on Chen Zhoujing's narrowed eyes, which held a hint of nervousness and an indescribable concern.

That familiar smile instantly dispelled all the awkwardness and irritation in Jian Sheng's heart.

The reconciliation came very suddenly.

Jian Sheng curled his lips slightly and called out softly, "Chen Zhoujing."

Chen Zhou was startled. He raised his hand to touch the back of his head and softly hummed in agreement.

Jian Sheng moved her stool closer to him and whispered in his ear, "Have you eaten?"

I thought you weren't coming.

Amidst the noise, her voice, like a clear stream of water, flowed over his burning heart, calming his frantic mind for a moment.

"I've already eaten. I...I've come to apologize to you," he said.

Jian shook his head: "I should be the one apologizing to you."

Chen Zhou's Adam's apple bobbed, and his breathing became rapid: "I shouldn't have yelled at you."

He gazed into her beautiful eyes, and in the flickering light, he stammered for a moment.

The singing started again, and he changed the subject, casting aside the heavy atmosphere of this back-and-forth.

The two talked for a long time, seemingly catching up on what they had been saying for the past two weeks.

Chen Zhou was so talkative that he kept talking non-stop.

Sitting in the corner, He Shang couldn't help but chuckle and nudged Xu Xiaxia, who was gnawing on a chicken leg next to her: "Hey, you know, these two are really strange."

Xu Xiaxia clicked her tongue and moved her arm away: "Don't poke me!"

He Shang rolled her eyes at her: "You're sick!"

"You even copied my catchphrase!" She glared at him, swallowing the meat in her mouth. "You're not even half as gentle as Chen Zhoujing!"

"Hey, I'm really impressed with you. How come I'm not as good as him? Do you have a crush on him?"

“Yeah, he’s my idol now. I’ll be the first to agree if he becomes an idol in the future. I’ll even go and get his autographed photo.” Xu Xiaxia laughed happily, completely ignoring He Shang’s dark face.

Zheng Nian blinked and said, "You two stop arguing."

"Who's arguing with him!"

"Who argued with her?"

Zheng Nian didn't speak, and turned her head away.

When they returned in the evening, Jian Sheng took him on the bus and chose the second-to-last row by the window, the same row they had come from.

Soon, a crowd of people surged onto the bus, talking loudly. The two stood side by side, speechless amidst the noise.

Suddenly, Chen Zhou turned his head in surprise to look at her.

Sensing his gaze, Jian Sheng turned to meet his eyes.

He forgot what he said, and for some reason asked, "Do you want to hear a song?"

A simple question.

Chen Zhoujing rummaged in his pocket but found nothing. He awkwardly shook his hand and turned to look at her.

Slowly, he leaned closer and whispered in her ear, "Have you ever heard of 'understanding slowly'?"

"No," Jian shook her head.

Chen Zhoujing leaned closer, looked at her for a few seconds, and then sang softly in her ear.

His voice was soothing, slowly entering her ears.

It was pleasant to hear amidst the clamor of conversation.

Jian Sheng's surprise turned into amazement, then acceptance, and finally appreciation.

She listened quietly for the entire two minutes, and when the last note faded, she was still in a daze.

My heart was pounding wildly.

Chen Zhou coughed lightly, his ear tips turning red, waiting for a response.

Jian Sheng clapped: "It sounds great."

He hesitated for a moment, then asked, "So...does that mean we've made up?"

Jian Sheng paused slightly, then replied casually, "Yeah, that counts."

Chen Zhou raised his eyebrows in surprise and pinched the back of his neck a few times.

Satisfied, he sat up straight, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously curved into a smile.