Chapter 39: Feng Qian’s Arrival |
Zhao Xuanwen’s expression was unusually serious, as though someone sitting in her seat was a grave offense.
Zhou Shiyan, startled by her tone, showed a rare moment of alarm before quickly regaining her composure after realizing it was Zhao Xuanwen.
Though she steadied herself, Zhou Shiyan felt an uncomfortable awkwardness linger. Despite the harmless nature of Liu Zhiyue’s hand supporting her back moments ago, the fact that he was a boy made her uneasy.
“Liu Zhiyue was suspended for a week. As the math class representative, it’s my duty to help him,” Zhou Shiyan explained.
“Help him?”
Zhao Xuanwen tilted her head, glancing past Zhou Shiyan at Liu Zhiyue.
“With what?”
“With his studies.”
Zhou Shiyan turned, pointing her slender finger at the blue-and-white notebook on Liu Zhiyue’s desk.
“That’s completely unnecessary!”
For some reason, Zhao Xuanwen sighed in relief at this explanation.
Her face quickly shifted to one of confidence, hands on her hips and chin held high.
“I can tutor him! I’ve been taking notes all week too!”
“…”
Zhou Shiyan’s sharp eyes locked onto Zhao Xuanwen.
She said nothing, but her silence carried a subtle weight.
Meanwhile, Liu Zhiyue felt an unexpected wave of embarrassment.
I really need to tell her that her so-called "notes" are utterly useless. The only similarity between hers and Zhou Shiyan’s is that they’re written on paper.
Zhao Xuanwen, emboldened by Zhou Shiyan’s lack of response, grew a bit smug.
“I’ll take care of his tutoring.”
“…”
Without commenting further, Zhou Shiyan glanced at Liu Zhiyue again.
“Please try to return my notes by tomorrow,” she said matter-of-factly.
Since there were no other math classes scheduled for the day, Zhou Shiyan figured Liu Zhiyue wouldn’t need them for long.
She lightly nudged Zhao Xuanwen aside.
“Excuse me, I need to get back to my seat.”
Zhao Xuanwen, slightly dazed, stepped out of the way.
Without a backward glance, Zhou Shiyan walked to her desk, pulled out her textbook, and began preparing for the next subject—language class.
Zhao Xuanwen plopped into her chair with a dramatic huff.
“Big deal, so she’s good at studying!”
“Sorry, being good at studying really does give you special privileges,” Liu Zhiyue replied with a chuckle.
“You—!”
Furious, Zhao Xuanwen raised her tiny fists and gave Liu Zhiyue’s stomach a soft punch.
“She’s not your desk mate, so why are you defending her?”
“I’m just stating the truth.”
“Ugh, you smooth-talker!”
“What does that even mean? How am I a smooth-talker now?” Liu Zhiyue asked, puzzled.
Liu Zhiyue was baffled by Zhao Xuanwen’s grumpy expression.
All Zhou Shiyan did was stand in her seat for a moment to give me her notes. Why is she so upset?
After a brief silence, Zhao Xuanwen shot a quick glance at Liu Zhiyue.
“Hand over those notes. I want to see them.”
“Why do you want to look at her notes?”
“Just give them to me! Why so many questions?”
“…Alright.”
Recognizing her short temper, Liu Zhiyue wisely decided not to argue. He passed the notebook to her, wincing when she snatched it roughly.
Please don’t damage it. I have to return it in good condition…
Zhao Xuanwen furrowed her brow and began flipping through the notebook. Her scanning was hasty, barely glancing at each page for more than a few seconds.
Soon, she closed the notebook with a definitive snap.
“Not much different from mine,” she declared.
“Big difference…” Liu Zhiyue muttered under his breath.
“What did you say?”
Caught red-handed, Liu Zhiyue quickly backpedaled as Zhao Xuanwen turned to glare at him, her lips pursed and her tiny tiger teeth showing menacingly.
“N-nothing…”
“Hmph!”
“Seriously, why are you so mad? Is it such a big deal if someone stands at your desk for a moment?”
“You don’t understand!”
“Then tell me what’s bothering you.”
“A real understanding doesn’t need words!”
“…”
Liu Zhiyue stared at her blankly.
This girl’s logic is broken. What kind of answer is that?
He reached out and gently retrieved the notebook from her hands, smoothing out the spots where she had gripped it too tightly.
I need to return this in perfect condition, or I’ll have a hard time explaining it to the math class representative.
Zhao Xuanwen noticed his careful actions.
Seeing how tenderly he handled Zhou Shiyan’s notebook, she felt a sudden pang of frustration.
I’ve given him my notes too, but he’s never treated mine like this…
The more she thought about it, the more aggrieved she felt. Her large eyes welled with unshed tears as she fumed silently.
Finally, she pulled a lollipop from her pocket, tore open the wrapper, and turned toward Liu Zhiyue.
Grabbing his chin with one hand, she shoved the lollipop into his mouth with the other.
Startled, Liu Zhiyue froze in place, wide-eyed.
“This is for you! I hope you get fat so your diet fails!” she declared with indignation.
Leaning back against the wall, Liu Zhiyue blinked in shock, the sweet taste of the lollipop spreading through his mouth.
It’s been so long since I’ve had something this sweet…
Without thinking, he swallowed reflexively.
Then reality hit him.
Sugar! Calories! My diet!
Reaching up to grab the lollipop stick, he hesitated as his body betrayed him—he twirled the stick in his hand, savoring the taste.
It’s so sweet.
Meanwhile, at Liu Changqing’s bookstore, an unexpected visitor arrived.
Feng Qian entered, carrying several items in his hands: a crate of milk, a box of yogurt, and some bread and breakfast snacks.
The moment he stepped in, Liu Changqing spotted him and raised an eyebrow.
“What’s all this?”
“This place is hard to find,” Feng Qian said, ignoring the question for a moment. He scanned the store, then looked back at Liu Changqing.
“Your own bookstore?”
“Nope. Belongs to the boss—I’m just a worker.”
“I see…”
Nodding, Feng Qian placed the items against the wall near the counter.
“What’s all this for? Bringing me gifts?” Liu Changqing asked, puzzled.
“It’s just a token of gratitude,” Feng Qian replied.
Looking closer, Liu Changqing noticed that Feng Qian’s appearance was much better than the last time they’d met.
Looks like he finally got a good night’s sleep.
Thinking of Feng Shuyan’s withdrawn demeanor, Liu Changqing asked, “How’s your daughter doing?”
“She’s improving,” Feng Qian said, his voice growing somber.
Liu Changqing pulled a cigarette from his pocket, offering one to Feng Qian.
Feng Qian accepted without hesitation, lighting it and taking a deep drag. Both men exhaled a cloud of smoke, letting the silence settle.
“I took Shuyan to see a psychologist,” Feng Qian finally said. “The doctor said that, because of everything that’s happened over the years, she’s showing signs of autism.”
“Autism?”
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