Chapter 43 Entering December, bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new…
As December arrived, the auspicious atmosphere of bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new year brought a touch of liveliness to the senior high school building.
Recently, Wang Kan would occasionally pretend to ask Fang Minzhou some questions, but he would always use a trick: sometimes he would ask Ouyang Qian first, and Ouyang Qian would be speechless but cooperative, saying that she didn't know and telling him to ask someone else, such as Fang Minzhou, so that he could sit in Yin Mengran's seat naturally; other times he would accompany Jin Baihao or others, politely listening in. Now that the college entrance examination is the most important thing, in the eyes of some classmates who still held grudges against the two, this was a temporary truce. And if there was still time after everyone else had finished asking their questions and returned to their seats, that would be Wang Kan's opportunity.
Before evening self-study began that day, Wang Kan went to find Fang Minzhou. After Fang Minzhou finished explaining, he asked her quietly while doing his homework, "Who are you having dinner with tomorrow?"
Fang Minzhou paused, her pen still holding the words, "...Ouyang and Yuanyue."
Wang Kan responded with an "Oh".
Fang Minzhou raised her eyes slightly. Wang Kan's expression seemed normal, probably because she had expected it and was just asking casually.
Tomorrow is her birthday.
Some classmates would order a cake to bring to the cafeteria or have a dinner party off campus if they were at school on their birthday. Fang Minzhou thought about it and still felt that it was too high-profile. She couldn't invite that many people, and besides... it wouldn't really be of any use, so she gave up on that idea.
"Will your dad still pick you up that night?" Wang Kan asked again.
"……Um."
"Could you stay a little longer after class?"
Fang Min was stunned, thinking she had misheard.
Seeing this, Wang Kan realized she had caused a misunderstanding and quickly explained, "I didn't mean anything by it, it's just that I had something to do, but you left as soon as get out of class ended, so..."
Fang Min looked at Wang Kan suspiciously. He wouldn't say what it was. After a while, she slowly nodded, which was considered an agreement.
Wang Kan was happy to see that there were more classmates in the class, so she picked up her things and returned to her seat.
Fang Minzhou was still a little apprehensive, but she felt that Wang Kan wouldn't do anything too outrageous... Turning around, she saw Ouyang Qian in the front row with a smile on her face. When she saw that she had been discovered, she raised her eyebrows as if she didn't want to cause trouble.
Fang Minzhou's face immediately flushed, and she gently poked Ouyang Qian's shoulder with the end of her pen, "Turn around."
"Okay, okay," Ouyang Qian said with a smile.
When Fang Minzhou got home that evening, she took out her diary, which she hadn't written in for a long time. She flipped to last year's birthday diary, which contained a broad and general record of her confusion and worries. There were words like "I don't know what I'll be like this time next year." In the small curiosity wrapped in anxiety, there was a pure white hope.
But Fang Minzhou couldn't recall what she had imagined today would be like. Did she think she would just be sitting at her desk writing a new diary entry? Just as she didn't know where she would be or what she would be doing at this time next year.
However, all three of her birthday wishes came true.
Fang Minzhou wrote down her new birthday wishes: world peace and the hope for the safety and happiness of her family and friends remained unchanged. She changed her wish for good exam results to the more specific "good luck in the college entrance exam and getting into Jiangcheng University." Then, turning to the next page, she set her New Year's goals—more accurately, her plans after the college entrance exam:
First, learn to drive.
It's often said that the time after the college entrance exam is the best time to learn to drive.
Second, take a trip.
Whether it's a graduation trip or after starting university, you won't have to attend extra classes on weekends.
Third, learn a new skill.
She had always been concerned about not having any outstanding skills, and now that she had more time after the college entrance examination, she felt she should try to develop them.
Four……
Fang Minzhou then thought of Wang Kan.
However, it seemed strange to include "dating" in the plan. After hesitating for a while, Fang Minzhou added after her birthday wish for "good luck in the college entrance examination": "With W."
Although it was a diary, it was still embarrassing to write such words. Fang Minzhou's eyes were almost touching the paper, and the four characters were written as small as ants. After putting a period, she immediately closed the notebook and stuffed it back into the depths of the drawer.
In the early hours of the morning, Fang Minzhou received a birthday greeting from Wang Kan at the designated time.
Fang Minzhou glanced at the teddy bear in the corner of the bed, replied with a thank you, and then Wang Kan asked her: What are you doing now?
Fang Minzhou: Nothing much, I'm getting ready to sleep. What about you?
Wang Kan sent me a photo.
Fang Minzhou opened the paper and looked at it closely. The correct answer rate for the multiple-choice questions on the spread-out science test paper was astonishing.
Should she praise him? But she was afraid he would take advantage of her, so she sent a thumbs-up emoji and, without waiting for Wang Kan's reply, said she was going to brush her teeth and told him to get some rest too.
Wang Kan: Goodnight.jpg
When Fang Min arrived at the classroom the next day, it was still early. The winter morning mist had not yet dissipated, and there were only a few people in the classroom. Sun Tong was already sitting in her seat, while Wang Kan was even taking a nap on the desk.
Fang Minzhou had a premonition. She walked to her seat and found a gift bag hanging on the table. Inside the bag was a set of blue scarves and gloves.
It has a very fresh and unique color, and it feels delicate to the touch. She even squeezed it and felt her heart inside her left chest become soft.
She looked at Wang Kan; he was already awake, but the lower half of his face was still buried in his arms, only his eyes peeking out as he stared at her expectantly. Behind him, thin sunlight streamed into the room through the doors and windows, making the glass sparkle.
Since there were people in the classroom, Fang Minzhou didn't know how to respond. She thought for a moment, took out a glove, put it on, and curled her fingers as a silent greeting.
She meant to say the gloves fit perfectly, but she saw Wang Kan's ears and face gradually turn red, looking like she was about to laugh, and then, as if plunging into water, she suddenly buried her head back into her arms.
Fang Minzhou: "..."
She also felt embarrassed, and her gloved hand was almost sweating, so she quickly took off the glove and put it away.
Wang Kan secretly gave gifts, and Fang Minzhou secretly accepted them, while Ouyang Qian and Yuan Yue were much more open about it.
Ouyang Qian gave her a necklace, and Yuan Yue gave her a handmade memoir.
Yuan Yue's hands were so skillful that Ouyang Qian watched in envy, feeling inferior and finding Yuan Yue's gift reeking of money. Yuan Yue said that if Ouyang Qian liked it, she would make one for her for her birthday. Ouyang Qian asked in surprise, "Really? That must be too much trouble..."
"No, and I actually enjoy making these things." Yuan Yue chuckled.
Ouyang Qian later remarked to Fang Minzhou how wonderful Yuan Yue was, and Fang Minzhou could only nod in agreement, because she felt the same way.
She could guess what Ouyang Qian was thinking. She probably felt that Yuan Yue had known her for longer and had a better relationship with her, and she didn't care about it at all. She herself was a very indifferent person, while Yuan Yue was very kind to everyone. So in the seesaw of friendship, Fang Minzhou often felt that she was the one being taken care of and favored.
After learning what gift Wang Kan had given her, Ouyang Qian straightened her back, because she felt that Wang Kan's gift was too "childish".
Fang Minzhou smiled but didn't say anything.
Before the evening self-study bell rang, some classmates learned that it was Fang Minzhou's birthday and congratulated her. Several girls gathered together and started chatting. Fang Minzhou inadvertently caught Wang Kan's gaze and suddenly remembered what he had said yesterday about "something coming up." As night fell, she also became uneasy.
Fang Minzhou's heart skipped a beat. Many guesses popped into her head, and she even started packing her schoolbag in a panic.
What exactly is Wang Kan trying to do...?
Suddenly, she heard a soft rustling sound outside the window, as if someone downstairs had shouted, "Someone's setting off fireworks!"
"My God, who is it?"
Fang Min's heart pounded wildly. She ran back to the classroom, grabbed her schoolbag, and took a step forward before turning back. She picked up the paper bag, took out her scarf, tied it on, and ran past the crowd leaning on the railing.
Ouyang Qian was about to call Fang Minzhou when she saw her rushing towards the stairs, leaving a blue scarf behind her. She disappeared first, and the scarf vanished around the corner.
Ouyang Qian thought Fang Minzhou was in a hurry to go home, but then she felt something was off. On a whim, she looked inside and outside the classroom and found Zheng Yanhang and Wu Cheng watching fireworks, but she couldn't find Wang Kan.
Ouyang Qian clicked her tongue twice and squeezed back into the crowd.
The area downstairs was already packed with people. The small fireworks were almost finished, and teachers who had rushed over were maintaining order, preventing students from getting close. But everyone peeked around, reluctant to leave, as if they were watching rare plants and animals. Fang Min looked around but couldn't find Wang Kan. She couldn't guess where he was hiding now. Aimlessly, she walked through the crowd and subconsciously headed towards the bicycle shed.
Will he wait for her at the bike shed?
On the dark, tree-lined road, she saw a dark figure not far away.
Fang Minzhou slowed her pace until she stopped and stood still. The dark figure walked over step by step and stood in front of her. In the dim light, Fang Minzhou could see his face clearly.
A grinning, smug face.
Her eyes welled up with tears, and unable to describe her feelings at that moment, she punched Wang Kan hard.
Wang Kan clutched her chest and gasped. Fang Minzhou was about to hit her again, but he quickly grabbed her hand, quite surprised: "Why are you still hitting me?"
Fang Minzhou, panting, stared at Wang Kan, speechless. Wang Kan was startled, her breathing becoming irregular, and she looked down at her. The two remained locked in a stalemate, neither speaking first, when Fang Minzhou heard someone approaching.
The next second, Wang Kan pulled her along, and they ran a few steps, disappearing into the nearby grove of trees. He leaned against a tree, and she leaned against him.
Sure enough, teachers and security guards were hurriedly searching for the "culprit." As their flashlights shone by, Fang Minzhou closed her eyes tightly. After a while, more students strolled by in groups until the quiet darkness gently enveloped them again. Only then did Fang Minzhou open her eyes with lingering fear.
Wang Kan was waiting for her with a mischievous grin on his face.
Fang Minzhou almost choked on her breath and wanted to hit him, but as soon as she moved, she realized that her hand was still being held by Wang Kan. She tried to pull her hand away, but he held it even tighter.
"you……"
"I……"
The two spoke at the same time, one angry and the other ashamed, and then fell silent.
Fear still lingered in Fang Minzhou's mind. She never imagined that Wang Kan would be so bold. What if they got caught...?
She struggled again, but Wang Kan still didn't let go. He suddenly called her name softly. Fang Minzhou held her breath and looked at Wang Kan. His eyes darted away, and he didn't say anything for a long time.
The shadows of the trees intertwined, leaving only the rapid breathing that had somehow become intertwined in the darkness. Through the thick coats, it was as if one could hear the other's heartbeat.
Hesitant to speak, and speechless, Wang Kan dared not overstep the bounds. He reached out with his other hand and tugged at Fang Minzhou's scarf, causing Fang Minzhou to shudder. Wang Kan joked, "I just didn't get caught, did I?"
Fang Minzhou: "..."
Is this something to be proud of?
"Don't be angry," Wang Kan said softly. "Aren't you happy at all?"
Fang Minzhou remained silent.
It wasn't that she was unhappy, it was just... well, her anger had already dissipated, and after a long while, she whispered, "...Don't do that again next time."
It's very dangerous.
Wang Kan chuckled dejectedly, "There won't be a next time. Graduation is just around the corner."
Fang Minzhou glared at him and struggled a little more. Wang Kan was reluctant to let go and said hesitantly, "...If you're even a little bit happy, could I ask for an advance on my birthday present?"
Their faces were obscured, but their eyes shone as brightly as the moon. Fang Minzhou gestured to him: What?
"Can I... hug you?"
Fang Minzhou seemed stunned.
Wang Kan licked her lips, wondering if she had gone too far. She awkwardly let go of Fang Minzhou's hand and was about to say something to salvage her image when she saw Fang Minzhou lower her head, as if nodding.
...Do you agree or refuse?
Fang Minzhou: "..."
The first hug, though brief and heavy with layers, felt a bit like hugging a mall mascot, yet it still sent a shiver down her spine. She felt like she'd just been unmolded, unsure what to do with her limbs. Suddenly, the boy's hot breath washed over her again, and Wang Kan pulled her into his arms once more. His head was buried in her neck, and he said playfully, "Wait, let's hug a little longer..."
Fang Minzhou buried her burning face in his chest and silently uttered an "oh".
Unconsciously, her hands gripped Wang Kan's clothes tightly, and then gently wrapped around his waist.
Wang Kan stiffened and rubbed his head against Fang Minzhou's ear. He felt like a shrimp about to have its vein removed, his back arched, too afraid to move.
They were almost out of breath, but after a moment, they were able to breathe again. They hugged each other for what seemed like an eternity until their breathing returned to normal, and then they looked into each other's eyes and let go.
The moonlight was like water, and the night became quiet again.
Seeing that Wang Kan was about to escort her to the school gate, Fang Minzhou reminded him, "...You didn't take your schoolbag."
Wang Kan slapped his forehead. "Oh, right."
Fang Min and Zhou Jing were silent for two seconds, then burst out laughing. Wang Kan complained in annoyance, "Don't laugh..."
"Okay." Fang Minzhou said with a serious expression, "Go to the classroom to get your things, you don't need to see me off."
“…Okay.” Wang Kan looked at Fang Minzhou reluctantly, then suddenly changed to a light but solemn tone, “I haven’t told you in person yet, happy birthday.”
“…Thank you,” Fang Minzhou replied, touching the scarf around her neck. “I really like the scarf, but please don’t do fireworks again next time, in case the teacher…”
"No, don't worry, I checked, there are no surveillance cameras over there," Wang Kan emphasized. "Really."
Fang Minzhou had no choice but to say, "...Then I'll be going."
"Okay, see you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow."
At the school gate, her father's car was parked in the usual spot. Fang Minzhou was considerably later than usual, but her father didn't ask any questions. Instead, he noticed the scarf around her neck and turned his head while driving, saying, "Your scarf..."
"Oh...it's a birthday present from a classmate."
"It looks nice. Next time it's your classmate's birthday, remember to buy them a gift in return."
Fang Minzhou nodded, looking at the street scene rushing past the window. She thought to herself that she had already returned the courtesy.
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