Before Zhang Xinyu could say anything, the mature-looking young man stuffed a small box of expensive-looking purple-wrapped candy from his pocket into her hand, then waved and walked away.
Watching the other person's departing figure, Zhang Xinyu paused for a short while before turning back to the group of girls.
"Do you know that boy from earlier?" Ma Lele asked as she unwrapped the candy Zhang Xinyu handed her.
"Yes, he's the older brother of my dad's colleague. He lived next door to us when we were little... He's two years older than me and he was in the ninth grade, class one."
"Class 1, huh? Judging from his appearance, his grades must be pretty good, right?"
"Hmm~" Hearing Wenxin's words, Zhang Xinyu proudly introduced to the three of them, "My dad said that Haiyang is a very good student and often ranks first in the grade."
It's interesting that some people can be quite recognizable just by looking at their appearance.
For example, that guy from earlier had sallow skin, thick black square glasses, a signature buzz cut, and a mature-looking mustache...
If Chen Bing were to see this image, he would almost certainly gasp in shock and exclaim, "Science Saint!"
Just kidding, let's reject stereotypes, okay?
Returning to the four girls, the questioning of Zhang Xinyu is still ongoing.
"Oh, now that you mention it, I know who it is. It's Liu Haiyang from the third year of junior high, right?"
The name immediately made an impression on everyone.
Isn't that the top student from the ninth grade who gave a speech at the midterm exam commendation ceremony?
"Hmm... Haiyang is a really good guy, just like my own brother. He's excellent in every way, and very mature. He always puts me first when we're together..."
At this point, Zhang Xinyu abruptly stopped talking. However, after seeing the envious expressions on the faces of those around her, she relaxed and continued to boast, "I really admire him. When we were neighbors, I often went to him with questions. And he was always very considerate and attentive to me... Don't let his unkempt appearance fool you into thinking he's straightforward and doesn't know how to take care of others; he's really great..."
Although everyone present was a good person, it was still hard not to feel ashamed for a thirteen-year-old girl to express such thoughts.
What am I saying...?
The four of them fell silent, each with their own thoughts on Zhang Xinyu's recent revelation.
The eerie silence continued as the four continued their stroll through the academy, eventually arriving at the edge of the playground.
Looking out over the playground, I could see several boys from my class running around, their passing, catching, and shooting moves dazzling to watch.
After watching in silence for a while, Wenxin suddenly spoke up, for reasons unknown: "Actually, I'm a little similar to you."
She was speaking to Zhang Xinyu, and when the latter looked at her with a questioning gaze, Wen Xin continued, "At the beginning of the semester, my grades weren't very good. Although I studied hard, I always felt like I lacked enthusiasm..."
Seeing the girl's cheeks growing increasingly rosy, Shang Yunmiao realized that she too was about to transform into a self-destructing infantryman.
As expected, Wenxin continued, "Later I gradually discovered that Song Ze in my class, just like me, would get up early every day to come to the classroom to study, never go back during lunch break, and would also insist on studying for a while after evening self-study."
After I noticed him, I would feel ashamed if I didn't go during those times, and I would feel disappointed if I went and found that he wasn't there.
Gradually, I started to care about him more and more.
Wen Xin paused here, then turned her gaze to Song Ze, who was running back and forth on the playground. After staring at him for a while, she continued, "Then one day, he took the initiative to ask me a math question, and I took the opportunity to ask him one in return."
Actually, I knew the answer to that question, but I don't know what I was thinking at the time, so I asked him anyway. Back and forth we went… and we gradually became familiar with each other. Now, how should I put it, it's like a study group where we supervise each other…
What I mean is, sometimes it's really nice to have someone who inspires you to study!
Wenxin's statement about the study group sounded unconvincing. As for the true nature of their relationship in private, only the two of them probably know; others can only guess.
In an attempt to divert everyone's attention, after finishing talking about her own affairs, Wenxin immediately shifted the topic to Ma Lele.
"Lele, what about you? Your grades are improving too, right? Is it because of Liu Yuan?"
Ma Lele, who had been listening to others gossip, never expected to become the fodder for their jokes. Her face flushed, and after a moment of hesitation, she replied briefly, "I guess so... I guess so..."
"Tell me in detail!" Wen Xin was not about to let her off the hook, so she immediately grabbed Ma Lele's arm and urged her to tell more.
Helpless, Ma Lele had no choice but to add a few more sentences.
"Well... I made a promise with him before, that I would wait for him in Class 1, and after he got in, he told me that only hard work and patience could lead to a long future... So, I told him that I would wait until the high school entrance exam... If I didn't do well, that's about it..."
Ma Lele instantly transformed into a steampunk goddess, her voice growing softer and softer until she finally refused to say anything more.
Hearing this, Shang Yunmiao was slightly surprised. Wasn't it agreed that dating was forbidden in junior and senior high school? Why are you all...?
Zhang Xinyu is one thing; her relationship with that guy is like mine with Chen Bing—just like siblings next door. But Wenxin, what's wrong with you? You're using the study group as an excuse to cover up your inappropriate relationship.
Finally, Ma Lele, she's already pretty clear about it, hasn't she? I never expected you, who seemed the most well-behaved, to be so outgoing.
In an instant, Shang Yunmiao felt that the world had suddenly become very dirty. How could everyone be so unruly...
"No, no, let's not talk about us. Sister Miao, is it because of Chen Bing that you've improved so much?"
Following the newly established rules, Ma Lele handed the topic over to Shang Yunmiao, which startled her. She wondered if it was really that obvious.
It's just going to and from school together, eating out together, and occasionally asking him questions and chatting.
However, she quickly realized what was happening.
The topic everyone was just discussing seemed to be "having someone who can inspire you to study." So, it seems like that's okay?
Thinking about it this way, her anxiety eased a little. After considering it for a moment, Shang Yunmiao slowly spoke.
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