Chapter 36 Untimely Desires...
Peng Chengyi was suddenly stunned, and his steps involuntarily stopped in place.
Chen Yubai seemed completely oblivious to her astonished gaze, casually turning to the side and whispering something to Ling Baizhou beside him.
The Chopper charm hanging on her backpack swayed gently with his movements, reflecting tiny golden spots of light in the bright sunlight, making her feel slightly dazed.
"What's wrong?" Zheng Xinyue turned around and looked at her, who had suddenly stopped.
"...The schoolbag has been found." Peng Chengyi pursed her lips with a subtle emotion, then took another step and walked back to the group.
Zheng Xinyue: "Huh? Where?"
Peng Chengyi raised her chin: "On Chen Yubai's shoulder."
"..." Zheng Xinyue took two seconds to react, and a teasing smile quickly appeared on her face. "I knew it, he must have some other feelings for you. He even offered to carry your backpack for you."
Peng Chengyi smiled helplessly: "You're overthinking it. Who knows how he'll blackmail me later."
Even so, without that heavy schoolbag on my shoulders, the rest of the journey did become a bit easier.
By the time she reached the last 5 kilometers, blisters had formed on the soles of her feet, and every step felt like torture.
She couldn't help but glance back at Chen Yubai at the back of the line. He had already taken her backpack off his shoulder and was now carrying it in his hands, no longer trying to look cool by wearing a backpack on each shoulder.
It looks like they've expended a lot of energy.
Now might be a good opportunity to get her backpack back and then take the chance to tease him a bit.
But she simply couldn't muster any extra energy, and even considered accepting whatever extortion he might impose on her later.
In fact, she wasn't the only one who was exhausted.
The entire group was no longer as orderly as when they set off; the students were scattered in twos and threes on the street, like a rubber band that had been stretched too long.
The sounds of laughter and conversation had almost completely disappeared, replaced by the dull rhythm of dragging footsteps echoing through the empty streets.
The sports committee member, walking at the front, waved the flag he was carrying on his shoulder twice, raised his voice, and shouted in an attempt to boost the class's morale: "Let's sing a song to cheer ourselves up! Don't get discouraged!"
"Why sing? I'm exhausted..."
"All I want to do right now is sit down; I can't move an inch..."
"That's right..."
Weak, scattered complaints drifted from the ranks, but Ling Baizhou cleared his throat and joined in singing "Serving the Country with Utmost Loyalty," the song he had sung during the military training performance:
"Wolf—smoke rises, the land stretches northward, dragon banners unfurl, horses neigh, swords gleam like frost!"
His voice was clear and powerful, like a sharp knife, slicing through the lifeless air.
Peng Chengyi couldn't help but turn around and look, a hint of surprise and admiration flashing in his eyes.
When she looked away, she inadvertently met Chen Yubai's gaze.
Their eyes met briefly, and the boy, with his drooping, weary eyes, moved his lips slightly.
She thought he was going to say something sarcastic again, but to her surprise, he followed Ling Baizhou's lead and quietly continued:
"My heart is like the vast Yellow River; for twenty years, I have traversed countless places, and who can stand against me?"
? ? ?
This dog has become so self-aware of the collective since becoming the arts and culture representative?!
Peng Chengyi was slightly taken aback. Before she could think about it, she heard the people around her humming along, led by the two of them.
"Driven by rage, the longsword points, and countless loyal souls of brothers are buried far from home..."
"I would gladly die a hundred times to serve my country, but I can only sigh in despair, speechless, my eyes brimming with tears of blood..."
I don't know if it's because this song is inherently full of passion, but the originally scattered vocals gradually converged, becoming more and more unified and louder.
Peng Chengyi also felt something ignite in her chest, her fatigue vanished, and she involuntarily opened her mouth, joining everyone in singing the climax—
"Horses gallop south, people gaze north!"
"People look north, the grass is green and yellow, and dust is flying everywhere!"
"I am willing to defend our land and expand our territory! A mighty China must win over all corners of the world—"
"Come—to congratulate—!"
The singing surged like a tidal wave, reverberating throughout the entire long street.
This sudden surge of enthusiasm seemed contagious, and other classes joined in the singing one after another, gradually creating a powerful and youthful chorus along the entire march.
In this high-spirited and passionate atmosphere, the group finally persevered and completed the last five kilometers.
The solemn gates of the martyrs' cemetery slowly came into view, flanked by evergreen pines and cypresses, like a line of guards. The singing gradually faded in this solemn atmosphere, until it fell silent.
Line up, lower the flag, and observe a moment of silence.
Everyone bowed their heads in silence, with only the rustling of the wind through the pines and cypresses echoing in the cemetery.
The grade director's speech consisted of familiar words of encouragement and remembrance until the very end, when he changed the subject: "Special praise should be given to Class 7 for demonstrating a rare sense of cohesion in this activity."
Standing in the line, Peng Chengyi felt a slight stirring in her heart and subconsciously turned around, only to meet Chen Yubai's gaze.
The boy raised an eyebrow at her with a slight smile, as if to say: Don't admire me too much.
Peng Chengyi gave a slight twitch at the corner of her mouth, then turned her face away speechlessly.
-
After the tomb sweeping was over, everyone finally boarded the bus heading to the riverside outing area.
As soon as they got in the car, Zheng Xinyue quickly pulled Chen Wei to sit next to her, then turned and winked at Peng Chengyi.
"Chengcheng, you and Chen Yubai sit down, otherwise one of us will be left alone."
"Oh." Peng Chengyi nodded, hugged her schoolbag, and sat down in the empty seat by the window behind the two of them.
Ling Baizhou glanced at Chen Yubai, who had sat down next to her, and wailed, "No, doesn't anyone care that I'm all alone?"
"Class monitor, you're so popular, just find an empty seat and you won't be alone," Zheng Xinyue teased him as she turned around.
"But I also want to sit with my good brother!" Ling Baizhou stubbornly clung to the back of the seat.
Chen Yubai chuckled and raised his eyes: "Who's your good brother?"
"Hey! Weren't you and I leading the singing of 'Serve the Country with Utmost Loyalty' in front of the martyrs' cemetery just now?" Ling Baizhou asked, his eyes wide and his face full of hurt.
Chen Yubai shrugged noncommittally and tossed the backpack to Peng Chengyi beside him: "Help me carry it or put it at your feet, otherwise I can't stretch my legs out."
“…You have such long legs.” Peng Chengyi muttered under her breath. Considering that he had carried her bag for 10 kilometers, she obediently caught the bag he threw to her and placed it at her feet.
Upon seeing that he was sitting with him and had to carry his bag, Ling Baizhou, whose legs were also too cramped to stretch out, obediently shut his mouth and walked behind the two of them.
The martyrs' cemetery is about a half-hour drive from the wetland park.
Exhausted, Peng Chengyi drove for a short while before his eyes became too sleepy to keep open.
"Do you have headphones? I want to listen to music and take a nap." She turned to look at Chen Yubai beside her.
“Yes, but I want to listen too.” He pointed to the white earphones in his ears.
"Fine." Peng Chengyi pouted, then leaned her head against the car window and closed her eyes.
But a moment later, music suddenly started playing in her left ear, and he stuffed something into her ear.
Peng Chengyi was slightly taken aback, opened her eyes, and met the boy's lazy eyebrows and eyes.
"Since you helped me carry my bag, I'll give you one."
His cool fingertips brushed against her earlobe, inexplicably stirring a ripple in her heart.
"Oh, at least you have a conscience." Peng Chengyi pursed her lips slightly, covering up her complaint, and closed her eyes again.
The bus swayed and rocked slightly, with music playing in the background.
It was a song she had shared with him not long ago, hoping that the band could play it together sometime.
I pray to have a transparent heart.
And eyes that can shed tears
Give me the courage to believe again.
I will embrace you beyond the lies.
...
Outside the car window, the midday sun shone through my eyelids, turning the whole world into a warm orange-red.
Gradually, the boundary between reality and dreams became blurred.
Chen Yubai glanced sideways at Peng Chengyi, whose head was resting against the car window and who was sleeping more and more soundly.
Without making a sound, he reached out and gently tugged at her swaying body.
Peng Chengyi swayed without realizing it, and finally rested her head on his shoulder, her ponytail brushing against his neck.
Chen Yubai's Adam's apple bobbed slightly, and he closed his eyes as if nothing had happened.
As the bus approached the wetland park, Peng Chengyi was jolted awake by a sudden jolt from a speed bump.
She groggily opened her eyes and suddenly realized that something warm was pressed against her cheek—
It wasn't the cold car window, but Chen Yubai's shoulder.
To make matters worse, a small, suspicious water stain was clearly visible on his school uniform, gleaming subtly in the sunlight.
It's over.
Her heart skipped a beat, and she instantly snapped back to reality.
At first, she deliberately slept by the car window, because she was worried about repeating the same mistake.
When she was little, whenever she fell asleep in the car with him, she would unconsciously lean on his shoulder and drool, and he would tease her for most of the day.
Why is it still the same ending?!
Peng Chengyi stiffened, then quietly lifted her eyelids, wanting to catch a glimpse of his movements.
If he is also sleeping, she can sit up without anyone noticing.
However, as soon as she raised her eyes, she met his lowered dark eyes.
Seeing the mischievous smile in his eyes, Peng Chengyi quickly jumped off him and awkwardly tidied her messy hair.
Chen Yubai picked up the half of her earphone that had fallen off and teased her leisurely, "You're already in high school, and you still sleep so badly. My clothes are covered in your drool."
"No way! It was just a tiny bit..." Peng Chengyi bit her lip, her cheeks slightly flushed. "Who told you not to push me away!"
Chen Yubai: "I fell asleep earlier too, who knew you would lean on me again."
Peng Chengyi choked for two seconds: "...Are you a pig? You're sleeping so soundly."
Chen Yubai glanced at her with amusement: "Is it possible for you to turn the tables on me like this?"
Peng Chengyi snorted: "Am I wrong?"
As the two bickered, the bus slowly came to a stop, and the roar of the engine gradually subsided.
Zheng Xinyue leaned out from the front row and carefully reminded, "We've arrived at our stop; it's time to get off."
Peng Chengyi then stood up, clutching her schoolbag: "I'm too lazy to argue with you anymore. Get out of my way, or I'll step over you."
Chen Yubai chuckled and slowly lifted his eyelids: "Go ahead and cross me."
As he spoke, he deliberately stretched his long legs forward, pressing them against the seat in front of him.
"..." Peng Chengyi stared at him speechlessly for a moment, then suddenly raised her leg.
Unexpectedly, she was serious. Chen Yubai's expression froze, and he reflexively pulled his leg back.
As a result of the hasty movement, her knee tripped over her dangling lower leg.
Peng Chengyi instantly lost her balance and landed hard on his lap.
The hard, muscular sensation penetrated her school uniform pants, causing a sharp pain in her tailbone.
After recovering from the pain, she realized that her face was only 20 centimeters away from his.
She could even see his thick, dark eyelashes clearly.
And her reflection in his deep, unfathomable eyes.
Although in the past, the two had had some moments when they were very close.
But I don't know if it's because there were other people around at that moment.
Or perhaps it was because this was the first time she had looked directly into his eyes at such close range since he had grown taller.
An abrupt sense of unease quickly spread from the depths of her heart, burning her cheeks and earlobes red.
She frantically tried to grab something to stand up from his lap, but forgot that she was still holding her schoolbag. When she let go, she landed between his thighs.
Chen Yubai hissed softly and suddenly straightened his back.
"Oh! I'm sorry!"
Peng Chengyi grabbed her schoolbag hastily and almost jumped up, only to have her head hit the luggage rack with a "bang".
"……puff."
Seeing her clutching her head and grimacing, Chen Yubai, having recovered, couldn't help but burst out laughing again.
"What are you laughing at!" Peng Chengyi's face flushed even redder. Her previous unease was instantly replaced by anger. She immediately became like a cat with its fur standing on end, angrily scolding him, "It's all your fault for deliberately tripping me up! I take back my apology! You deserved to be hit!"
Chen Yubai scoffed and bent down to pick up the schoolbag from the ground: "It's clearly your own fault for being blind."
Peng Chengyi opened her mouth, wanting to retort, but seeing that the students in the back row had already walked over one after another, she couldn't block the middle anymore, so she could only glare at him fiercely.
Then, with a flick of her ponytail, she caught up with Zheng Xinyue and Chen Wei ahead of her.
"Chengcheng, why is your face suddenly so red?" Zheng Xinyue, who hadn't seen what had just happened, looked at her strangely.
Peng Chengyi let out a heavy sigh: "It's because of that dog."
Zheng Xinyue chuckled and said, "I overheard you two arguing earlier, and you were clearly the one who had the upper hand. How come you've gotten so angry?"
Peng Chengyi: "Because he deliberately tripped me from behind, and my butt still hurts now."
"Huh? You fell on the ground?" Zheng Xinyue was stunned.
Peng Chengyi rubbed his still slightly aching tailbone and complained, "No, he fell and hit his leg, but his leg is harder than the ground."
Upon hearing this, Zheng Xinyue smiled like an aunt again and said teasingly, "So ambiguous."
"..." Peng Chengyi's lips twitched slightly as she jumped off the bus. "Don't ship every weird couple."
After most of the passengers had left the bus, Chen Yubai casually slung his backpack over his shoulder and stood up.
"Hey bro, are you alright?"
Ling Baizhou's concerned voice suddenly came from behind. Chen Yubai paused and slowly turned his head: "Why haven't you gotten off the car yet?"
"Of course, it's to stay and see if you're alright, and whether you can still leave." Ling Baizhou smiled.
"..." Chen Yubai lowered his eyes speechlessly and took a long stride. "It's okay, I can walk."
“But I saw that Peng Chengyi hit him pretty hard, otherwise you would have been sitting here for so long before you recovered,” Ling Baizhou said, following behind him.
"..." Chen Yubai twitched the corner of his lips, too lazy to pay attention to him, and quickened his pace.
Actually, she wasn't holding her backpack very high, so when it fell, it didn't hit her hard, and the pain was fleeting.
What truly calmed him was the moment her soft body slumped onto his lap, her captivating, bright eyes gazing at him—
His untimely desires.
-----------------------
Author's Note: It's the weekend! Let's have some red envelopes for comments! [Facepalm emoji]
The lyrics in the article are quoted from "Serving the Country with Utmost Loyalty" and Escape Plan's "The Brightest Star in the Night Sky".
Thank you uoow, Sunshine, and Xiaolvjiang, my precious friends, for the nutrient solution!
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