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The campus after the rain resembled an overturned watercolor palette, the wet cobblestone path reflecting the gray-blue sky. Xu Li stepped through the puddles into the archives room just as the clock struck seven.
The oak bookshelf gleamed with a bronze light in the morning glow, and the neatly arranged document boxes resembled sleeping giants, waiting to be awakened.
An old-fashioned typewriter stands quietly in the corner, its mottled body covered with the patina of time.
Xu Li gently stroked the recessed letters on it, feeling a cool sensation on her fingertips.
The teacher assigned the task of organizing the archives of the Youth League branches since the school's founding. This massive project required extracting useful information from the yellowed pages.
She unbuckled her canvas bag, and the metallic sheen of the ballpoint pens inside her pencil case shimmered in the morning light. Wood shavings from the pencil sharpener swirled in the air like fragments of time.
As the first rays of sunlight pierced through the blinds, drawing golden musical staves on the file folder, Xu Li suddenly discovered that her high school Youth League badge was tucked among the dusty pages.
The faded blue five-pointed star is still there, and the slightly curled edges of the paper record the youthful vows.
Xu Li's nose lightly touched the yellowed paper; the scent of mothballs mingled with the fragrance of old ink, stirring up ripples in the depths of her memory. She coughed softly, sealing the memories away once more.
The scratching sound of the pen nib across the paper was particularly clear in the quiet archives. As the morning light faded the chill of the dew, Xu Li had condensed thirty years of the Youth League branch's history into three lines of data.
The ticking of the clock suddenly accelerated, and the nine o'clock bell rang loudly in the hallway.
As Xu Li closed the last file folder, she saw the wisteria outside the window blooming its first flower of the year. The pale purple petals trembled gently in the breeze, much like her mood at that moment.
During the break between classes, students gathered and chatted under the wisteria trellis outside the classroom window. Xu Li sat by the window, with unfinished materials spread out in front of her.
She used red and blue pencils alternately in her hands to mark important information. Her brows furrowed slightly, as if she were pondering a thorny problem.
"Xu Li, how do you do this problem?" Her deskmate suddenly leaned over, breaking her reverie. Xu Li looked up, a hint of weariness flashing in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a gentle smile.
She patiently explained until the bell rang. The noise gradually subsided, and Xu Li lowered her head again. The pencil drew a thin crease on the paper, like the anxiety in her heart at that moment.
Sunlight streamed in through the window, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on her notebook.
She gently bit her lower lip, trying to concentrate. Just then, the pencil suddenly broke, shavings flying onto the paper. Xu Li froze for a moment, then looked up at the window. The wisteria blossoms swayed in the wind, as if mocking her disarray.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, and then began to deal with this unexpected "little incident."
At 2 p.m., the curtain of the multi-functional hall slowly rose, revealing the newly decorated stage.
Xu Li stood backstage, her fingers gently stroking her bow tie. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart.
As a member of the group, you are required to give a speech on stage.
A spotlight suddenly shone on her, creating a bright halo. She strode to the center of the stage. Standing before the microphone, she cleared her throat and began her keynote speech.
However, a technical glitch occurred unexpectedly, and the slides could not be switched normally. A growing murmur arose from the audience, and fine beads of sweat appeared on Xu Li's forehead.
But she quickly adjusted her mindset and continued her speech fluently from memory. Her voice gradually became firmer, as if every word contained boundless power.
When she finished her speech, the audience erupted in enthusiastic applause. She bowed in gratitude, and at that moment, it seemed as if she had undergone a transformation on stage.
As the sun set, its afterglow bathed the campus paths, draping everything in a golden cloak. Tan Yuze rode his bicycle, with Xu Li clinging tightly to his clothes on the back seat.
A gentle breeze brushed against my cheek, bringing a touch of coolness, yet also making me feel incredibly comfortable.
Sitting in the back seat, Xu Li didn't want to say a word, her voice tinged with weariness. Tan Yuze turned his head slightly, looking at her slightly tired face, and a strange emotion welled up in his heart.
"You must be tired today!"
"Well, it wasn't too tiring."
They walked side by side, passing through shadows lengthened by the setting sun. The ginkgo tree at the school gate rustled in the wind, as if telling endless stories.
In the golden twilight, the two maintained a subtle distance, yet were so close. As night fell, Xu Li sat by the window, organizing her notes from the day by the light of the desk lamp.
Her profile appeared exceptionally soft in the halo of light, and when she occasionally looked up in thought, her eyes sparkled with wisdom.
In Tan Yuze's diary, a withered wisteria petal lay quietly, witnessing this ordinary yet extraordinary day. As the last ray of moonlight slipped away through the gap in the curtains, Xu Li closed the notebook.
She looked out the window, and the silhouette of the ginkgo tree gradually became clear in the morning light. The dewdrops glistening among the leaves were just like the wisteria petal tucked in Tan Yuze's diary, gleaming with a warm luster in the morning light.
The morning sunlight shone through the gap in the curtains onto Xu Li's face. She frowned slightly, then slowly opened her eyes.
The fatigue from last night still lingered in her body, but she knew that a new day was about to begin.
"Another busy day," Xu Li said to herself softly, then stretched and sat up in bed. She quickly tidied the bed, then walked to the window and drew back the curtains.
The fresh air, carrying a faint floral fragrance, wafted towards her, instantly making her feel refreshed. Xu Li quickly finished washing up, changed into her school uniform, slung her schoolbag over her shoulder, and left home.
Tan Yuze was already waiting for her downstairs. Seeing her come out, he waved. "Good morning, Xiao Lizi," Tan Yuze said with a smile. "Good morning, Tan Yuze."
Xu Li responded and quickened her pace, walking towards him. The two walked towards the school together, chatting and laughing along the way. Tan Yuze noticed that Xu Li's eyes still held a hint of weariness, so he asked her with concern.
You must have been tired yesterday, because you look a little listless today.
Xu Li smiled and said, "It's nothing. I was just a little busy yesterday. I felt much better after a good night's sleep. By the way, were you also quite tired yesterday? Hosting a conference is quite a challenge."
Tan Yuze shook his head and said, "Compared to you, I'm not as tired. You've been busy the whole time, organizing materials, presiding over the conference, and doing everything perfectly."
"That's the result of everyone's joint efforts," Xu Li said softly, a slight smile on her face. Upon arriving at school, Xu Li and Tan Yuze walked into the classroom together.
Students began arriving one after another, and the classroom gradually became lively. Xu Li put her schoolbag on the desk and then began to organize her books, preparing for morning reading.
"Xu Li, how's the data you prepared yesterday?" the teacher asked as she entered the classroom. "It's all done, teacher. I've put it on your desk in your office."
Xu Li replied. "Okay, thank you for your hard work." The teacher nodded and then began to assign tasks for the morning reading. After the morning reading ended, Xu Li sat in her seat and began to think about today's tasks.
She knew there was an important meeting to prepare for in the afternoon, so she decided to use the break time to carefully check the materials one last time.
"Xu Li, let's go home together after school today," Tan Yuze said softly as he walked to Xu Li's seat.
Xu Li looked up at him, nodded, and said, "Okay, I happen to have something I want to discuss with you." "See you after school."
afternoon.
The school conducted an overall analysis of the results of the joint examination of five schools, and then held a speech in the large broadcasting studio to commend the top student in the grade and the student who made the most progress.
Xu Li is pretty, with fair skin and rosy cheeks. She has her hair tied in a bun and is mischievous, like a drunken little rabbit. She's very cute.
She spoke on behalf of the top student in her grade, and the audience cheered. Tan Yuze seemed quite proud.
At this moment, Lu Yi thought, "Holy crap, my Xiao Li Zi is amazing! First place again!"
Leng Yuxuan sat down next to him and said, “Brother Lu, you and Xu Li have been getting quite close lately!” He nudged Lu Yi with his elbow as he spoke.
Lu Yi looked at him, but Leng Yuxuan didn't think he had gone too far at all. He continued to elbow Lu Yi, "To be blunt, you're a fucking idiot, aren't you? I'll fuck your mother. Anyone can see that you like Xu Li. You're just calling her whatever your background is."
Leng Yuxuan said irritably, "Are you fucking sick? If you're sick, go get treated."
"If you're sick, let's get treatment together. You're pretty brain-dead anyway, might as well get it fixed."
Leng Yuxuan remained silent in response.
It ended an hour later.
Tan Yuze smiled and left, returning to his seat. Xu Li spent the entire morning busy. She not only had to listen attentively to the lectures but also had to find time to organize materials.
Although somewhat tired, she remained focused and attentive. The afternoon sun streamed through the windows, adding warmth to the classroom.
Xu Li sat in her seat, gazing at the scenery outside the window, her mind filled with countless thoughts. She thought about yesterday's busy day, Tan Yuze's care for her, and her hopes for the future.
"Xiao Li, what are you thinking about?" Lu Yi's voice interrupted her thoughts. Xu Li came back to her senses, looked at Lu Yi, and said softly, "Nothing, just thinking about today's mission."
Lu Yi nodded and said, "Don't overwork yourself, and don't forget to take care of yourself."
"Yes, I will. Thank you," Xu Li replied with a smile.
"Hey, by the way, Xu Li, do you like Tan Yuze?" Lu Yi grinned from ear to ear.
"I like it!"
"You like him, doesn't that lower your attractiveness level?"
She suddenly turned her head and said seriously, "Then let me ask you, do you only eat your favorite dishes once?"
"No way!" Lu Yi scratched his head.
"That's right, you're so stubborn."
After afternoon classes, Xu Li and Tan Yuze walked together toward the school gate. They strolled side by side, exchanging a few words now and then, enjoying the peaceful moment.
"How are you feeling today?" Tan Yuze asked with concern. "I'm alright, just a little tired. But seeing everyone's hard work pay off makes it all worthwhile."
Xu Li answered softly. "You're really great, Xiao Li. Everyone can see your hard work and dedication," Tan Yuze said, his eyes full of admiration.
Xu Li smiled slightly and said, "Thank you, Tan Yuze. I feel very motivated with you by my side." The two walked to the school gate and stopped.
Xu Li looked up at Tan Yuze, a hint of gratitude flashing in her eyes. "Tan Yuze, thank you for your help and support all this time. I'm truly grateful," Xu Li said softly.
Tan Yuze smiled slightly and said, "Xiao Lizi, you are one of the most hardworking and outstanding people I have ever met. I am very happy to spend these busy days with you."
Xu Li nodded, a warm feeling welling up inside her. She knew that no matter what the future held, this time would become her most precious memory.
Just then, a light rain began to fall, the raindrops gently landing on their faces. Xu Li looked up at the sky, a resolute glint in her eyes.
"Tan Yuze, no matter what the future holds, I will continue to work hard and live up to everyone's expectations." Xu Li's voice sounded particularly firm in the rain.
Tan Yuze nodded, his eyes shining: "I believe in you, Xiao Lizi. No matter what difficulties we encounter, I will always be by your side." The rain was getting heavier, and the two stood at the school gate, letting the rain soak their clothes.
At this moment, their hearts are more closely linked, ready to face the challenges of the future together.
Campus life remained busy and fulfilling, but amidst this busyness, Xu Li found her own rhythm and direction. She knew that as long as she worked hard, she would definitely reap the rewards.
She recalled a saying: "Live life naturally and be yourself as you please."
The following Saturday.
Xu Li went to a shop, and after thinking about what she wanted to do, she started doing it.
After an hour, she was almost done. She made a keychain made of colorful apple slices, each slice hanging diagonally together to form a keychain.
The first person she thought of giving it to was Tan Yuze. Xu Li patted her face and told herself what she was thinking.
After finishing it, she put the keychain on her wrist, intending to give it to him as soon as it was done, but then she thought about it and decided to give it to Tan Yuze on Monday.
On Monday, the sun was shining slightly, but it was still cold. She handed him the keychain and said, "Tan Yuze, here's an apple for you. I hope you stay safe and sound."
He took in all her blessings and replied, "Okay."
Yes, Xu Li has fallen in love with Tan Yuze.
The girl's feelings could not be hidden, becoming the most closely guarded secret of this spring.
Xu Li wrote a letter, the content of which was roughly as follows:
I love the cobblestone alleyways shrouded in smoke and bathed in warm hues from the last century.
I love listening to the cicadas' melodious chirping cascading down the branches of the sycamore trees in the height of summer.
I love the sound of rain pattering against the windowpane.
I like to stroll along quiet, deserted streets and watch the scattered floral patterns drift by.
I love the way the dazzling fireworks freeze in the sky during a long, lonely night.
I love watching lightning pierce the dawn from the snow-capped mountains.
I love running freely in the fields.
I love the ocean currents that bloom deep within the reefs.
I like the rich, lingering aroma of coffee.
I like old, worn-out butterfly specimens.
I like the unassuming moss
I like the crisp sound of the spring.
I love your eyes
I like sunny weather
I like freedom
I like cats
I will always
like
you.
She was wondering how to give it to him.
After returning home, Tan Yuze attached the keychain that Xu Li had given him to his schoolbag. The colorful keychain was very eye-catching.
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