KYV

Lu Er missed the bus this morning and arrived at class rather late. The classroom was already packed with students, and Lu Er looked around and found an empty seat next to Ruan Xiyan.

She walked up and saw a book sitting there. She didn't even need to think to know who had saved the seat for her. Lu Er put down her bag and sat down, thinking to herself, "Ruan Xiyan has been doing this kind of thing for me a lot lately."

He seems to always be able to do these small, convenient things for his friends.

Teacher Mina handed out a newspaper exercise for everyone. Silence fell over the room. Lu Er was engrossed in solving the reading comprehension questions when suddenly a crumpled piece of paper bounced onto the table.

Lu Er glanced over out of the corner of his eye and saw Ruan Xiyan quickly straighten his posture, his face lowered, as if he hadn't been the one doing it. Lu Er looked up, making sure no one had noticed the commotion, then quietly opened the container in his palm.

The moment she opened it, a thought crossed her mind. "They wouldn't want to ask me what the answer is, would they?"

He drew a cartoon rabbit on the note, with a bubble on its head: "You didn't mind what happened yesterday, did you?" Lu Er remembered this yellow rabbit; she had searched for it online and found that its name was Usachi.

It would have been better if she hadn't mentioned it, because now that she did, Lu Er's ears were burning again. She sat there for a while, clutching the note, then picked up a pen and wrote her reply: "I can pretend I didn't see it." He was probably worried she would tell others. Lu Er added, "I won't tell anyone, don't worry."

On the other end, Ruan Xiyan was filled with anxiety, his heart pounding as if it were being roasted over a stove. The note was thrown back to him, and he hurriedly tore it open to read.

He knew, of course, that she wouldn't tell anyone. He was just afraid of being seen as a pervert by Lu Er.

Ruan Xiyan took a deep breath. He replied to the note and tossed it back.

"I'm really not that kind of person T^T" Ruan Xiyan drew a crying little eight.

I know. Thinking to herself, Lu Er's gaze lingered on the little eight, and as she wrote this sentence, she added another topic: "You drew it so well."

These words successfully diverted Ruan Xiyan's attention. When the note returned, he included a long, detailed tutorial on drawing a cartoon version of Hachi. First, draw triangular cat ears, then outline the flat head and body, and finally add small facial expressions, instantly making it come to life.

Lu Er couldn't help but draw one in imitation. She stared at her own crooked body, which looked like its limbs had been reassembled, and then looked at Ruan Xiyan's almost identical one.

He mustn't see this. Lu Er secretly put the note away, pretending to be serious and not wanting to fidget anymore. Ruan Xiyan, sitting across from her, also lowered her head and started writing her English test.

-

After class, Chen Xiang invited Ruan Xiyan out for lunch. They decided on a Fuding meat slice restaurant.

Ruan Xiyan's portion was still hot when it was first served, so he held it up to the fan for a while. Chen Xiang told him to check the group chat: "Sheng Jiao came back this morning and invited us to go to karaoke tonight."

Ruan Xiyan listened to him and slowly entered a WeChat group called "Shengshi001". Chen Xiang praised Sheng Jiao's generosity: "The young lady is different after going abroad. So generous."

“She’s always been like this,” Ruan Xiyan smiled. The group chat was in full swing, and the messages she posted were scrolled to the top of the chat list within seconds.

【Jin Gang Guang】: @Sheng Jiao, that's awesome! Upon hearing this news, I immediately flew back from Xinjiang.

Most importantly: To follow Miss Sheng to the death

[Deaf all winter]: Vowing to follow Miss Sheng to the death

Several more people added +1.

【皎皎者】: @沈光浩, I'm done for if I don't see you today. @陈想 @季思白, stop flattering me. I've never seen your faces before I went abroad.

[King Kong Guang]: Then I'm not coming back. (Smiling and giving a thumbs up)

【Seven】: Everyone's on summer vacation, so you should have some free time, right?

【皎皎者】: @阮西颜, I'm back as promised. Now you can finally give me the courtesy of coming over to visit, right?

Ruan Xiyan knew he had no choice but to go. He moved his fingers, about to type "See you tonight," when he suddenly remembered something, switched off WeChat, and opened the weather forecast.

The software indicated that Huai'an City was expected to experience heavy rain within the next six or seven hours, with accumulated rainfall exceeding 200 millimeters. The public was advised to bring rain gear when going out, as roads would be slippery in the rain… Ruan Xiyan's eyes narrowed slightly as she briefly fell into deep thought.

"Hey, you're not really not going, are you? Your relationship isn't that bad, is it?" Chen Xiang saw that he wasn't moving and assumed he was still hesitating.

“No, I’ll go.” Ruan Xiyan came back to his senses and said, lowering his brow, his creased eyelashes casting shadows as dark as flowing black ink, “I just need to drag someone along.”

Who is it?

"Lu'er".

After eating at home, Lu Er went straight to the flower shop. Her aunt was a little surprised to see her, but then grinned and praised her for being diligent. While Lu Er was tidying up the broken tiles, her phone lit up with a WeChat message from Ruan Xiyan.

[Slow Momo]: I'm afraid I need your help with something.

Lu Er wasn't surprised. She even thought that since Ruan Xiyan had done so much for her, she certainly wouldn't refuse his request. She replied, "What kind of help? I'll do my best to help."

【Slow Momo】: No, no, it just requires your presence.

[Slow Momo]: A friend of mine is organizing a party and has invited quite a few people. She just returned to China, and I can't decline. I saw the weather forecast says it will rain tonight, but won't it change by then? I'm worried about you being alone then... If anything unexpected happens, it would be more convenient if you came along.

He didn't type this out; it was a voice message, so it seems like this is a bit urgent.

Lu Er pursed her lips, deep in thought. She really didn't like crowded and noisy places like parties, especially since she barely knew anyone there... But then she thought again, Ruan Xiyan's request was for her own good.

Lu Er said, "Okay, I'll listen to you."

With her consent, Ruan Xiyan finally felt relieved and said in the group chat, "See you tonight," adding that he would be bringing a friend. He was still secretly making plans in his mind. Lu Er's personality—no, anyone would feel awkward sitting among a group of strangers…it seemed he would try his best to take care of her.

Chen Xiang was completely stunned: "Doing this, I really start to suspect that you two have some kind of special relationship." His hand trembled as he pointed at Ruan Xiyan, his eyes looking at her as if she were an alien. "I've known you for so long, and you've never mentioned bringing any girl along. What exactly is your relationship?"

Why are so many people asking about his relationship with Lu Er? Ruan Xiyan was extremely puzzled. The Fuding pork slices were no longer hot, so he brought them back to eat, busy trying to get rid of Chen Xiang: "It's a teacher-student relationship."

"..." Chen Xiang was a few beats slow to react, "She tutors you?"

With food stuffed in his mouth, Ruan Xiyan mumbled, "Mmm."

-

The KTV was located in a central shopping mall. Ruan Xiyan found a private room by following the room number. Music was playing inside, and as soon as she pushed open the door, a cacophony of distorted sounds threatened to lift the roof off. Thankfully, the room was well-soundproofed.

Ruan Xiyan spotted Sheng Jiao, who was the center of attention in the crowd, at a glance. She looked much the same as she remembered, with a tall figure, cherry lips, and a smile that carried a touch of heroism and pride.

Ruan Xiyan walked over. Someone spotted him and waved their arms: "Xiyan, you're here?"

"Hmm." He nodded and sat down on the edge of the sofa. Most of the people had arrived. Ji Sibai, microphone in hand, came downstairs and teased Ruan Xiyan, "Ruan Xiyan, you said you brought a friend, who is it?"

"Exactly." Everyone's eyes were on him, and they chuckled as they pushed him back into the spotlight. "He absolutely refuses to say. Do we know each other?"

“Chen Xiang knows him.” Ruan Xiyan smiled and quickly shifted the blame to Chen Xiang.

Chen Xiang surrendered: "She's our class monitor. She's a very good student and she tutors Ruan Xiyan."

"Looks like a top student..."

Sheng Jiao, who had been staring at the ground, finally reacted. She nudged Ruan Xiyan with her knee and glanced at his face: "Hey, Ruan Xiyan."

"Hmm?" Ruan Xiyan looked at her.

Sheng Jiao lifted her eyelids slightly, her smile a bit cold: "I thought you wouldn't dare to come see me. I asked you to come to Tokyo, but you wouldn't come." She scoffed, "Such a big shot."

The moment Sheng Jiao opened her mouth, the surroundings seemed to freeze over, and all movement ceased.

This person's temper is exactly the same as I remember. Ruan Xiyan explained with a laugh, "I really don't have time to go. I'm not lying to you. I'm taking extra classes. Chen Xiang can testify to that."

"Tch. Give it to me." Seeing Chen Xiang nod timidly, Sheng Jiao didn't know whether she believed him or not, but she didn't say anything more. She snatched the microphone from Ji Sibai and walked onto the stage. Sheng Jiao was wearing a Miu Miu dress with a round neck and floral polka dots, which made her look particularly exquisite.

Ruan Xiyan gazed at the hem of her skirt, seemingly lost in thought.

Lu Er didn't eat much for dinner. Before leaving, she hesitated for a while, wondering whether she should change her clothes, but ultimately decided to go out in the same clothes she had worn during the day. Mainly, if it rained heavily, getting them dirty would be even more troublesome.

After mentally preparing himself for a long time before entering the private room, Lu Er opened the door a crack.

Several scrutinizing gazes fell upon him, as if Lu Er were under a spotlight, even the singer on stage stopped singing. Fortunately, the background music was still playing, so it wasn't too silent.

"You've arrived." Ruan Xiyan waved to her first.

Chen Xiang chuckled and replied, "Our class monitor is rather shy."

Natural curiosity about top students finally subsided after Lu Er sat down next to Ruan Xiyan. The performers on stage continued singing, and Ruan Xiyan whispered in her ear, "Is it okay?"

She shook her head. She disliked it, but could tolerate it.

The group continued chatting, their words punctuated by laughter and chatter. Between their conversations, Lu Er remained quiet, observing his surroundings. He'd heard from Ruan Xiyan that this gathering was primarily a welcome-back event for a girl who had returned from abroad, and it seemed that the girl herself had organized it.

Lu Er noticed the beautiful girl on the stage and guessed that the girl was "Jiaojiao" who sent WeChat messages to Ruan Xiyan.

There seemed to be a bit of a lack of openness in the room, when suddenly a clap of thunder sounded outside the window, and the booming sound inexplicably made everyone burst into laughter, which livened up the atmosphere a bit.

"There are so many people, let's play a game," someone suggested, and others immediately chimed in.

"Play Truth or Dare?"

"Old trick. I have the cards, let's play Dou Dizhu."

"Yours is even more outdated..."

After discussing for a while, the group finally decided to play "Catch the Same." As the name suggests, everyone gathers around and plays rock-paper-scissors. When someone makes a matching gesture, the player must immediately grab the same object. Those who fail to grab, grab the wrong object, or are too slow to grab are punished.

"There are ten of us, shall we all come and play?"

One person looked at Lu Er and asked, "Does this classmate want to play?" Ruan Xiyan also looked at her.

“…Play.” Lu Er remained calm.

"It would be great to play together," Chen Xiang said, trying to smooth things over. "It's like playing a little icebreaker game."

"What kind of punishment should be imposed?"

Sheng Jiao spoke up: "Let's drink. Fruit wine, those who didn't catch anyone, have a drink."

"Sure."

Ruan Xiyan's eyes suddenly flickered. He had someone bring over the fruit wine, and after recognizing the peach flavor, he said, "This won't do. She's allergic to peaches."

Everyone around was taken aback, exchanging bewildered glances without saying a word. Sheng Jiao spoke again, "There are lemon and grape flavors nearby, right? As long as your classmate doesn't drink those flavors, it's fine." She glanced at Lu Er, "Is that okay?"

Lu Er's palms were inexplicably sweating. She nodded: "Okay."

During the preparation time, Ruan Xiyan quietly explained the rules to Lu Er. Seeing her lowered eyes, Ruan Xiyan's eyes contained some worry: "If you don't like it, it's best not to force yourself." Lu Er turned her head and found that Ruan Xiyan's expression was even more preoccupied than hers, and suddenly wanted to laugh: "It's okay."

“…How about this?” Ruan Xiyan whispered to her, “We can both choose the same thing, and then we can just pick one. We can choose in rock-paper-scissors order, and we definitely won’t be punished.”

Lu Er paused for a moment, then said, "Okay."