This is a summer that is extremely special for Chinese children. The middle school entrance exam, the college entrance exam, graduation, and all the major life turning points before adulthood all happen here. Its unbearable heat announces the end of the past and the beginning of a new life, forcing us, who are psychologically unprepared for maturity, to move forward.

Unaware of this, we continue to live, study, and enjoy ourselves as usual during this time. Perhaps only one day after everything is over—whether it's the middle school entrance exam, the college entrance exam, a relationship, or youth—will we belatedly realize that there was indeed such a period of time, a period filled with profound emotions.

Generally speaking, we cannot simultaneously possess youth and have an understanding of it. Chen Bing is right to have an understanding of this now, but does he, at fifteen years old, possess youth this summer?

The answer is probably no, because it is quite possible that not having an understanding of youth is a sufficient condition for having youth.

The above passage is based on Chen Bing's personal experience and insights.

When the classmates heard that the school store had suddenly received a batch of ice cream, they enthusiastically rushed to buy it during the long break. But Chen Bing, the boring adult, immediately thought that the classroom was cool with the air conditioning on. Was it really necessary to ignore the test papers that had just been handed out and run out to buy an ice cream? She even wanted to borrow money to buy it.

Soon, he came to his senses after observing the situation from the sidelines, and realized that there might be a significant difference in mindset between himself and these teenagers.

I long to buy osmanthus blossoms and share wine, but it will never be like the carefree days of my youth…

Sigh, I'm getting old.

Because of a single misstep in his thoughts, Chen Laomo, who instantly aged more than ten years, slumped down onto Shang Yunmiao's shoulder with his head bowed. He feigned a sickly appearance, but in reality, he wanted to absorb some youthful energy from Shang Yunmiao to restore his depleted lifespan.

Chen Bing, who has a performative personality, thought to herself and reached out to hug Xiao Shang.

His appearance startled Shang Yunmiao a little. She straightened up abruptly and looked around at everyone in the classroom.

"I'm still in the classroom..."

Starting from the end of February when the pandemic began, it has been almost three months since the beginning of June. Perhaps due to the pressure of the high school entrance examination, Chen Bing and Shang Yunmiao have been very restrained.

Don't be fooled by their sometimes "outrageous" behavior; it's only limited to specific time periods.

However, during times like classes and breaks, which take up most of the day, their interactions are always very proper and there are absolutely no problems.

Therefore, Xiao Shang was truly at a loss when faced with Chen Bing's sudden closeness.

“It’s okay, everyone’s gone to buy popsicles, there aren’t many people in the classroom, just let me hold you for a while.” After explaining the reasoning, Chen Bing then appealed to her emotions, “I feel a little dizzy, let me hold you and rest for a bit.”

His weak voice persisted throughout, making one wonder if there was something wrong with his health.

After seeing this combination of tactics, Shang Yunmiao immediately felt sorry for Chen Bing. Gentle and considerate, seeing Chen Bing in so much pain, she disregarded the fact that they were in a classroom. She reached out and placed her two small hands on Chen Bing's head, gently rubbing it, and thoughtfully asked him where he felt uncomfortable.

The worry on her face was genuine; Shang Yunmiao was indeed very concerned about Chen Bing.

Filled with a mix of deep guilt and immense pride, Chen Bing replied that the back of her head felt swollen and uncomfortable.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Shang immediately began massaging that area for him. Her two small, soft hands rubbed and massaged the back of Chen Bing's head, making the boy feel incredibly happy.

Unfortunately, this "unparalleled" happiness did not last long, because Chen Bing, who was full of lies, would eventually face the punishment she deserved.

"Class representative, please come with me to the office to get the test paper."

A clear, pleasant voice came from the classroom door. Realizing whose voice it was, Chen Bing had a bad feeling. She forced a straight face, slowly got up from Xiao Shang's arms, and replied to Yun Xuan at the classroom door, "Okay, teacher."

Chen Bing's face was tense, and her attempt to appear calm was very unnatural. Shang Yunmiao's reaction was even worse; upon recognizing the familiar voice as her mother's, she didn't dare lift her head. She kept her head bowed deeply, her face already flushed like an apple.

Honestly, what a coincidence! We finally got close to each other, and Mom saw us...

It's not that they're hiding their relationship from their parents; in fact, Yunxuan has seen Shang Yunmiao and Chen Bing's more intimate actions.

The key issue is the timing; it's during school hours, and this is a classroom. She and Chen Bing are classmates, not childhood sweethearts, and Yun Xuan's relationship with her isn't mother-daughter but teacher-student.

What made Shang Yunmiao even more unfortunate was that Chen Bing, who had been called by her mother, suddenly lost her previous weak state and straightened up, replying to her mother with great spirit.

His behavior just shows that he's been fooled by him again.

She could initially comfort herself by thinking that she was only acting this way because Chen Bing was in a bad state, and that it was essentially out of concern for her classmate. But now, how could she explain it? Wasn't this just like the little romantic gestures Chen Bing used to use to coax her into getting closer to him?

You big bad guy Chen Bing, it's all your fault!

No matter how much Shang Yunmiao cried out in her heart, the tragedy had already been committed, and our Chen Bing would pay the price for it.

At this moment, he walked out of the classroom with a sense of tragic heroism, following behind Yunxuan, who had gone to great lengths to come to the classroom to call him despite the sweltering heat.

Staring at the tip of Teacher Yun's swaying ponytail, Chen Bing felt he needed to explain his behavior to her.

But after thinking about it, even the thick-skinned Chen Bing didn't know where to start the conversation, so he decided to remain unchanged and wait for Yun Xuan to take the initiative.

But the other party acted as if she hadn't seen how close he and her daughter were in the classroom. All she did along the way was offer words of concern and ask about his grades, without mentioning anything else.

Even when they got to the office, they still made Chen Bing count the exam papers in a very businesslike manner.

The calm before the storm is the most dangerous, because you never know when the danger will strike.

"Oh, right, Chen Bing."

Are they here?

(There will be another update, which will be an hour or two later...)