Chapter 23 Patting the Head at the Stairs

The next day is Christmas.

Morning self-study.

As soon as Yan Ning walked outside the Class 2 classroom, he found that the class was in a mess and most of the students were chatting.

Thinking it was just the festive atmosphere, she didn't think much of it.

As soon as she entered the classroom, Xin Jing, who was leaning over to chat with the student sitting behind her, waved her hand quickly when she saw her, as if she had something to say to her in a hurry.

But Yan Ning took two quick steps and still hadn't reached his seat.

At the door, English teacher Yu Yan came with the test papers.

There were still a few minutes left before morning self-study class, but seeing that the class was mostly assembled, Yu Yan clapped his hands twice, signaling for silence, and then began:

"Bring out the test paper from the day before yesterday. We'll cover it during morning self-study today. I'll be attending classes this afternoon, so you can study again during the third period."

Everyone responded and went to get the papers.

Yan Ning returned to his seat.

After the seats in Class 2 were reorganized some time ago, she and Xin Jing still sat at the same table, but their seats were moved to the second row, next to the corridor window.

Now, Yu Yan is standing on the podium.

She has an impetuous personality, so no one dares to be distracted in her class, let alone whisper to her.

Therefore, even if Xin Jing had a lot to say and was eager to tell Yan Ning, she had to swallow it down.

Morning self-study class is over.

Yu Yan left.

The class suddenly became noisy again.

Yan Ning reached out to take the water cup on the table, intending to get some hot water, but he was a little confused about why.

Xin Jing came over impatiently, and finally said what she had been holding back all morning:

"Super invincible breaking news——

Lu Shen and School Beauty Wen, someone posted a kissing photo of them on the forum last night!"

Yan Ning was stunned, and his hand holding the cup stopped in mid-air.

Xin Jing took out her cell phone from her desk pocket, tapped it twice quickly, and handed it to Yan Ning who was still in a daze.

Yan Ning quickly lowered his eyes to take a look.

Xin Jing swiped her fingers, and four or five photos were displayed one after another.

Under the tree, the boy and the girl stood together.

The photo was a candid shot, only focusing on, or capturing, the parts of the two people above their shoulders.

From the movement line, it seems that the girl is circling around the boy, talking with a smile on her face. The boy was as calm as usual at first, but in the photo where his face was photographed, he had a rare smile on his face.

The picture was clear, it was Lu Chen and Wen Shujin.

As for the last photo, it seems the photographer's hands were shaking, but even in the blurry photo, you can still vaguely make out the boy and girl. The girl reaches out and puts her arm around the boy's neck, and the boy lowers his head. They are only inches away from each other and could kiss...

Although No. 1 Middle School has a clear ban on bringing mobile phones, faced with such explosive news, everyone in the class obviously didn't care.

Several mobile phones were constantly passed around.

"Holy crap!!! They were hugging and cuddling, so they must have kissed after that, right?!"

"So what happened last night was just a quarrel between the young couple? Or was it just lingering feelings after a breakup?"

"This looks like a school, right? If they were caught doing this on campus, even if it was these two, they would at least be suspended, or even expelled, right?"

…

The noisy discussions around him and the pictures on his phone made Yan Ning unconsciously clench his hands.

But soon, she discovered something was wrong——

Firstly, the first few clear photos show normal conversations, but the last "kiss photo" is so blurry that it seems intentional.

In addition, it is winter now. The two people in the photo are showing their clothes. Lu Chen is wearing a blue and white short-sleeved summer school uniform, and Wen Shujin is wearing a school uniform jacket, so it should be around autumn.

Moreover, No. 1 Middle School usually has strict control over students' appearance, and girls with long hair must tie it up.

In the photo, Wen Shujin looked similar to last night, with her hair loose and slightly curled...

Yan Ning has seen it.

It was the school sports day.

The trees in the background further confirmed that the photo was taken when Lu Chen and Wen Shujin were talking in the small garden.

That day, although it was accidental.

But Yan Ning heard the conversation between the two people:

"...Why don't you go to the celebration party after the game?"

“I didn’t want to go, so I didn’t go.”

"Is it National Day holiday? ...Do you want to go play together?"

"No time."

"My birthday party, you should come, right?"

"I can't go."

"Lu Chen! What do you mean!? Are you avoiding me?!"

"yes."

…

At that time, considering the tone of Lu Chen and Wen Shujin's conversation and their current state, it was impossible to take such an ambiguous photo of them hugging each other and about to kiss.

so--

Did someone photoshop this picture?

Yan Ning thought of this and said anxiously:

"Xinxin, lend me your phone!"

Xin Jing: "Oh, okay."

However, as soon as Yan Ning picked up the phone, before he could zoom in on the last photo to take a closer look, the preparatory bell rang.

At the same time, biology teacher Xu Liangpeng walked to the classroom door with a puzzled look on his face and the lesson plan tucked under his arm.

The class was still noisy, and some people even had their cell phones openly in their hands without having time to hide them.

Xu Liangpeng walked straight to the podium, without even looking down, and said with a sullen face, "

"Everyone, focus on yourselves. Class is about to start."

This was completely different from his usual appearance of loving to talk and laugh with students.

The crowd immediately became quiet.

Yan Ning tacitly put the cell phone back into the side pocket of Xin Jing's schoolbag, which she had opened with one hand.

Turning back to get the biology book, Yan Ning couldn't help but be distracted by thoughts -

The No. 1 Middle School Forum is public and is not only viewed by students.

Xu Liangpeng is also the head teacher of Class 1, and he behaves like this again...

This matter may have become a big deal, and the school is most likely aware of it.

The school's surveillance isn't fully covered. The small garden is densely wooded, so it's hard to say if there are any blind spots. Also, I've heard that surveillance cameras in many places are regularly cleaned and re-covered, so maybe that's the case with the school too...

Does that mean...

In case there is no monitoring.

In case that wasn't explained clearly.

Is it really possible that Lu Chen and Wen Shujin will be punished or even suspended from school?

Thinking of this, Yan Ning couldn't help but feel a sinking feeling in his heart.

Halfway through the first class.

After Xu Liangpeng finished explaining the new knowledge point, he threw the chalk into the box, propped himself up on the podium, and flipped back a page in the textbook:

"Okay, now everyone, do exercises 1-4,"

As he spoke, he raised his head and glanced out the window casually. After a pause, he continued:

"I'll find someone to answer on the blackboard later."

Xu Liangpeng asked questions in class and liked to give extra homework to students who couldn't answer them. So when he said this, everyone quickly focused on the exercises, not daring to be careless.

Before Yan Ning lowered his head to do the questions, he tilted his head while picking up the pen and glanced at the window next to him.

The glass window was half open, at just the right angle to reflect the location of the classroom corridor.

There now stood the vague figure of a slightly plump middle-aged man.

Then, a familiar, tall boy appeared.

Yan Ning instantly clenched the pen he had just picked up.

Xu Liangpeng came down from the podium to see how the students were doing with their tests.

Yan Ning quickly lowered his head.

But most of her attention was still on the corridor outside, with her eyes lowered, and she couldn't concentrate on the exercises in the book.

A few seconds later.

Two figures, one in front and one behind, passed by Class 2 classroom.

Almost at the same time.

In the quiet classroom, Yan Ning raised his hand and said to Xu Liangpeng who happened to be standing next to him:

"Teacher, I want to go to the toilet."

Yan Ning's biology grades were excellent, and Xu Liangpeng had always had a good impression of her. Upon hearing this, he nodded without thinking, "Go ahead."

In order not to appear strange, Yan Ning stood up and walked towards the classroom door, not daring to walk too fast at first.

Until, coming out of the classroom.

In front, Lu Chen and Director Wang had already arrived at Class 4.

Yan Ning's only thought at that time was -

She wants to go and help Lu Chen clarify!

She quickened her pace.

But I also took into consideration the class next to me that was in session and didn't want to run and disturb others.

I can only walk faster and faster.

Finally, when Director Wang turned the corner and went up the stairs, Lu Chen, who was walking behind him, was still in the corridor.

The distance was less than one meter.

Now is the time!

She ran two quick steps, raised her hand, and was about to pat Lu Chen on the shoulder.

at the same time.

Perhaps it was because of the footsteps, Lu Chen seemed to have sensed something, turned around, and saw her at a glance.

He wasn't surprised at all.

Out of inexplicable anxiety, Yan Ning's heart was beating fast and he was breathing a little hard.

But she had no time to catch her breath.

Although there is a hot water room next to here, there are several classrooms where classes are in progress not far away, and the sound of teachers lecturing can be heard.

On the stairs, there were the sounds of Director Wang's footsteps coming up.

Yan Ning wanted to explain his purpose to Lu Chen first.

She raised her hand to her lips, trying to lower her voice as much as possible. Afraid that he couldn't hear her clearly, she took another small step forward and also stood on tiptoe.

See her movements.

Lu Chen was also very cooperative and considerate. He turned around, tilted his ear, bent down slightly, and closed the distance again.

Can't care about anything else.

She leaned close to his ear and said quickly:

"I was there on the day of the sports meet, I can help you clarify things!"

As soon as Yan Ning finished speaking, he landed on his heels, but then realized that the distance was too close, and it was too tiring to look up at Lu Chen.

She took a small step back.

It was only a small step, and then he immediately raised his eyes again.

Lu Chen lowered his eyes, and in his field of vision——

Those almond-shaped eyes were a little worried and a little nervous, but the rest was completely determined, waiting for his words.

Like a little fighter.

It was as if if he just nodded now, she would immediately put on armor and charge into battle.

The breeze swayed the fallen leaves gently, and time seemed to stretch out at this moment.

Lu Chen looked at her.

Then, suddenly, he smiled.

It wasn't his usual light smile, but his dark eyebrows curved slightly, with a gentle smile in his eyes.

His face was already too handsome to begin with, and with this smile, his lethality doubled.

Yan Ning was stared at by him.

At this moment, I realized belatedly that I was too close and beyond the safe distance.

My cheeks started to feel a little hot.

Although she was a little confused as to why he was laughing, she was more anxious about giving testimony and was about to speak again.

Just then.

The footsteps on the stairs suddenly stopped.

Director Wang's voice came with some doubt:

"Lu Chen, what's wrong?"

Almost as soon as Director Wang spoke.

Lu Chen took another step towards Yan Ning.

The slight distance that had just opened up suddenly shortened, and the two people were even closer than before.

Her nose was almost touching his chest.

She could clearly smell the citrus scent of soapberry on him again.

Her heart skipped a beat and she looked down hurriedly.

The temperature is not high today.

Lu Chen was wearing a black down jacket with the zipper unzipped, revealing the blue and white school uniform jacket underneath.

Her vision was confined to these two familiar colors.

Beside my ears, I heard the more familiar voice of a young man:

"The shoe laces are untied."

Director Wang didn't suspect anything, said "oh", turned around on the platform and continued walking upstairs.

"I'll wait for you in the office upstairs."

Her brain worked slowly, and now she finally understood.

He used his body to block her firmly.

There is no time to explore the reasons behind it.

More worried about being exposed.

Yan Ning held his breath and dared not move.

It's been a long time since I last felt that extreme tension I felt when I was a child playing hide-and-seek, when the countdown was about to end and I was worried about being discovered by ghosts at any moment...

Until Director Wang's footsteps reached the next floor, the sound gradually faded away and became indistinct.

Yan Ning finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The blue and white stepped back a little.

Yan Ning looked up subconsciously.

She saw Lu Chen in front of her, leaning forward slightly and looking at her, as if he had something to say.

She quickly turned her ear over.

Then I heard:

"Congratulations to Yan Ning, you've successfully hidden yourself!"

Although the volume is low, it is full of emotion and is a qualified successful game voice broadcast.

And it was like there was a surveillance camera installed in her brain.

Yan Ning: ...

What time is it now?

He still has the mind to joke!

She frowned, stared, and opened her mouth slightly, just about to ask again:

"you……"

Is it really not necessary for her to be a witness?

The sudden feeling of light weight on her head interrupted her words.

Yan Ning was stunned and watched the man in front of him withdrew his hand.

The sun shone from behind him.

There was still a hint of gentle smile in his eyes.

"Don't worry, I can handle it.

I don’t want to involve you again.”

His words, as always, were so firm and soothing.

"Let's go back to the classroom."

The CPU was overloaded at the moment. Yan Ning was slightly stunned and nodded, then subconsciously did as he was told.

Take two or three steps.

She realized it belatedly and raised her hand to touch the top of her head.

React——

She just now.

Was it him patting me on the head?

From the time I can remember as a child until now, excluding the uncertainty caused by the memory loss in my early childhood.

She also.

Never. Have. Any.

By peers, or even the opposite sex!

Patting someone on the head can be considered an intimate, soothing, and even somewhat rewarding gesture...

A moment.

A little embarrassed, a little disbelief, and a little bit frustrated.

She quickly turned back.

But I saw the stairs.

The boy still stood there, smiling, and waved at her slowly and nonchalantly.

It even gave her the illusion that what she had just seen was just an illusion.

She pursed her lips, her cheeks slightly red.

Finally, he turned around, took a few quick steps, and headed back towards Class 2.

-

One morning.

Yan Ning was a little absent-minded.

Although after they met at the stairs, Lu Chen told her not to worry and said he could handle it.

But Shi Caimeng from Class 1 said that Lu Chen had not returned all morning.

Probably it wasn't handled well.

It was very likely, as she guessed, that the worst would happen—

The surveillance camera did not capture the person who took the photos that day.

In the afternoon, on the way from Huize to school.

Yan Ning carefully recalled the details of the sports meeting day.

She deliberately came much earlier than usual and took a walk around the small garden.

The osmanthus tree's flowering period has passed. She touched the slightly rough trunk with her fingertips, closed her eyes, and concentrated all her attention, recalling the scene of that day for the umpteenth time.

After a long time, the lunch break bell rang.

Yan Ning suddenly had a flash of inspiration, and suddenly he remembered something...

Yan Ning returned to Class 2.

After lunch break, most of the students in the class woke up and it was quiet. There were some empty seats. Some people went to the toilet, or got cups of water and went to the corridor to get some fresh air. Many people were still sitting in their seats doing their homework.

Suddenly, there was a harsh sound of tables and chairs rubbing against the ground at the back of the classroom.

Many people frowned and looked back.

The boys in the back row who were playing around waved their hands with a smile:

"Small mistake, sorry sorry!"

Everyone's eyes turned back, and Yan Ning also withdrew her gaze. She just walked back to her seat, but did not sit down.

Next to her, Xin Jing, who was originally asleep, was awakened by the noise and looked up in confusion:

"Ah, an earthquake?"

Yan Ning looked up at the clock on the wall.

There is still some time before class starts.

Thinking of the plan that had already taken shape in his mind, Yan Ning's eyes turned serious. He turned around and without hesitation, took Xin Jing's wrist and led her out the door:

"There's no earthquake, Xinxin, I have something very important to tell you!"

afternoon.

Lu Chen still didn't return to class.

I heard that when school was about to end, Wen Shujin was called away by the teacher and never appeared in the classroom again.

Although the plan was already made, Xin Jing was also asked for help.

Yan Ning calmed down a little, but the afternoon classes still felt long and difficult.

Before evening self-study class.

Yan Ning returned to school and as soon as he reached the corridor, he saw Xin Jing waiting at the classroom door.

Xin Jing quietly pointed behind herself and silently mouthed:

"There."

Yan Ning turned around to look——

Over there, Fang Bo was holding a basketball and chatting with a few boys from the neighboring class.

The bell rang just in time.

Several boys scattered and left.

Yan Ning and Xin Jing exchanged glances, then took a few quick steps and took the opportunity to call out to Fang Bai who was about to enter the classroom through the back door.

"Wait for me after school. I have something to tell you."

Ever since the milk tea he offered to Yan Ning at the sports meet was rejected, Fang Bo had not harassed Yan Ning again. Seeing that he was a bad person, Xin Jing had long since lost touch with him.

At this moment, Yan Ning came to find him, but Fang Bai didn't feel anything wrong at all.

Fang Bai raised an eyebrow.

He slapped the basketball in his hand on the ground twice.

"Okay."