"Little Xiyue, come help us move this!" The calling voice of a classmate moved the clueless boy sitting on at the desk, looking forlorn in the haze of diluted sunlight. He picked his chin up off his hand and turned his white face towards the other boy who called to him.
"Okay." His long legs picked up the rest of his lean body and he walked obediently over to the group of classmates. He looked up at the boy, Li Wei, with watery black eyes and spoke in a soft voice that tickled the listening ears. "What do I do?"
Seeing his compliant appearance, Li Wei's heart softened a little and he slipped into a good mood. He pointed to the set of boxes the rest of the boys in the class were moving with his thumb. "Just help us move a couple of these over to Teacher Chen's classroom with us. It won't take long since all of us are helping."
Bai Xiyue nodded and walked over to a box. Looking at Bai Xiyue's naïve and hardworking attitude, Li Wei sighed in his heart. How nice would it be if he could get a girlfriend as cute and docile as Bai Xiyue? It was unfortunate that he was a boy, since Li Wei would definitely chase him if he was a girl. At the same time, if Bai Xiyue was a girl, he would have a number of suitors.
Li Wei looked over to the girls sitting at their desks. They were pretty, but once one had witnessed Bai Xiyue's temperament; none of them quite had the charm that could capture his heart. It could be said the same for most of the rest of the boys in the class.
Going from talking with Bai Xiyue to one of the girls was like going from sweet honey to uncooked rice. Just too unscientific!
"Li Wei are you a rich man now?" A friend of his teasingly called out. "Too good to help us now that you've gained a worker?"
Li Wei snorted in indignation, "You talk big for someone who has yet to carry a box on your own."
His friend laughed good naturedly. Naturally, Li Wei took the initiative to get back to work. With his athleticism, Li Wei had a sturdy build and thus went on to carry the more heavy loads. Even multiple boxes posed no problem.
Bai Xiyue delivered his first box to Teacher Chen's class. He set it down gently with the other boxes, his soft black hair teasingly swaying in front of his face. To the the homeroom students of Teacher Chen's class, this scene looked like a cute kitten diligently bringing its owner's belongings to them. Their hearts itched and their eyes softened. Bai Xiyue really was a secret treasure only this school could have!
"Bai Xiyue," one of the girls called out to the boy. He turned around, his eyes blinking innocently. "Are you going to stay for the basketball game after school?"
Bai Xiyue's white face scrunched a little, his pink lips pursing as he filtered through events in his mind. Patiently waiting, the class collectively turned their curious eyes to receive his answer. If this little prince would come to the game, then luck would definitely be on their side!
"I can come for a bit," Bai Xiyue's sweet reply instantly brightened the student's faces. "It's not too much to leave early, is it?"
The students shook their head enthusiastically. No! No! No! Come and go, as long as you show up in the first place! As Bai Xiyue sent them an affectionate smile that raised the corners of his bottomless eyes, the classmates screamed internally from excitement.
Ah, ah, ah! The sun was shining and the sky was clear! The coast was beautiful and the ride was pleasant. Tell friends and family to watch the game tonight, they were going to win for sure!
Bai Xiyue ignored their animated faces and continued his task diligently. He thought about the game he promised to be at. Since it was between the rival school and them, it really would be a pity to miss out on the fun. Bai Xiyue's eyebrows scrunched together a little in his thought.
His father wouldn't mind, since there was nothing going on tonight. He would have to tell his mother about the change in his plans though. She worried about his physical state and could be overbearing when concerned. Still . . .
Bai Xiyue unconsciously held the box in his arms a little tighter. He couldn't help but get a little excited.
After all the boxes were moved, the boys sat back down in their seats, chatting animatedly with each other. The girls had already been formed in their cliques, gossiping and squealing over several things shown on the screen of their phones. It was a rather warm scene that would stir up the feelings of nostalgic youth of anyone who watched.
But there was an outsider among the scene. Bai Xiyue still sat by himself, gazing out the window to the school yard. The sun painted a golden fantasy on his white skin and contrasted greatly with his darker features. He looked like a painting, and he added a feeling of bittersweetness to the refreshing mood.
With his hand propping his chin and his legs crossed together, he was extremely good looking to the eye. Many of his classmates intermittently glanced at him during their conversations. Bai XIyue wasn't unapproachable, but he wasn't sociable. He was like an idol really, too high for others to speak to him normally.
Although his father was a noveau riche, Bai Xiyue already had a temperament of a noble young master. However, he wasn't arrogant like them nor was he ignorant. He was a docile boy with a cute appearance. Really, if he was a girl, he would certainly be the white moonlight of many boy's hearts.
Finally, the homeroom teacher came in. He slapped the desk a few times and directed the class back to their seats. Teacher Yan was a normal looking man, with a regular figure and a sensible attitude. He taught his class well and his students liked listening to him.
"Thank you for your work students," Teacher Yan started out, nodding his head in approval. "Since today is a big day against our rivals, I'll let you off on the homework."
The class cheered at his magnanimous gift.
Teacher Yan interrupted their joy coldly, "But, if we lose, it'll be double the work tomorrow."
The students instantly erupted into complaints.
"Teacher Yan, how can you be so cruel! If you give us an egg don't make us hatch the chicken!"
"Teacher~ haven't our grades been good? Can't you let us off?"
"Ah, ah ah! Teacher Yan really wants us to die in our rooms!"
Teacher Yan snorted amusedly at the dramatic reactions. He teased them. "Don't you have any faith in the team? Where's your school spirit?"
The class groaned in their hearts. Who told this old man to have such a sharp tongue? Leave the wit to the younger generation!
Feeling miserable, the class's morale lowered.
Just when all hope seemed to be fading out, one classmate remembered what Bai Xiyue said in Teacher Chen's class. His face lit up and he exclaimed.
"No, our school spirit will be strong this time! Extremely strong!"
He class turned to him in confusion. What do you mean strong? Its as strong as a glass wall!
"Bai Xiyue is coming to cheer us on!"
Fuck, isn't this a concrete wall? The luck is too good! The school spirit is indomitable!
"Oh? Bai Xiyue is going to watch?" Teacher Yan turned his gaze to his student with an eyebrow raised. "How is this any different than normal?"
The class exploded. How could they let their teacher slander their little secret treasure like this?
"He's our koi fish! The lucky charm!"
"The team works hard but now they work harder!"
"Don't you know? Bai Xiyue is a fountain of good luck and youth! Even just looking at him can give you 20 years on your life! Sitting next to him, I feel like I'll pick up 1000 yuan on the road!"
Teacher Yan stared at his class with slight disbelief. Having affection for your classmate is good, but isn't this a little much? It's practically star treatment! Teacher Yan looked over to the culprit, finding him still gazing peacefully out the window.
Hey, if this commotion is because of you, can't you at least show that you're listening?
The deaf Bai Xiyue continued to stare out the window, his ears a little itchy.
The class continued to clamor until Teacher Yan yielded, "Okay, okay, Student Bai is our good luck charm."
Yes. The class nodded, feeling satisfied in their hearts. This is the appropriate answer. They calmed down so Teacher Yan could get through the lesson and let them go early.
After class was over, the students were a bit animated again, anticipation for the game building up their feelings. The thrill of rivalry was touching their competitive spirit. And with their lucky little prince, they felt that their chance of winning was extremely high. It really was a game worth looking forward to.
Bai Xiyue was the last one in the class. Seeing as the walkways were clear of traffic, he slowly picked up his bag and headed to the door. He was only a few paces away when Teacher Yan stopped him.
"Student Bai." The elder man called out, his face a bit serious.
Bai Xiyue stopped and turned to him, politely greeting him back. "Teacher Yan."
"I know that you're not usually interested in these things, but this is too big of an opportunity for me to just ignore." Teacher Yan pulled a piece of paper from his desk, holding it out in front of him towards Bai Xiyue.
The delicate fingers grasped the edge of the paper, and pulled it gently from the man's grip. Clear eyes read over the words smoothly and looked back up at Teacher Yan with a bit of bewilderment. "A scholarship?"
Teacher Yan nodded with a small smile and quickly introduced a few good points. He looked seriously at his student. "Student Bai, you're a really good student. The best I've had in this class. You're quite reserved but still, you're very smart. As my top student, I made an application for you to a few scholarship offers; but out of all of them, this is really the best one."
Bai Xiyue looked down at the paper in his hands, feeling that it suddenly weighed a bit heavier.
Seeing that Bai Xiyue was feeling a little overwhelmed, Teacher Yan comforted him. "You don't have to feel pressured to accept it, but I would highly recommend that you at least look at this as an option to further your education. Such a bright child as you shouldn't be stuck here and should go and do bigger things."
Bai Xiyue's grip tightened a slightly and he nodded. He put on an obedient appearance but he was quite troubled in his heart. He had never really thought of his future after high school. He didn't know what he wanted to do or where he wanted to go.
His whole life had been managed by his parents. His father telling him where to go and his mother telling him how to dress and act. He was a filial son so of course he listened to their guidance. If they told him to get good grades then he got good grades. If they told him to converse with this business tycoon then he talked with them.
He never really had to make decisions on his own, ones that concerned his future anyways. He just assumed that he would be directed by his parents after high school as well.
He didn't think about what he liked or disliked. What interested him or what he might aspire to be. Perhaps, this scholarship was a golden ticket to finding out what he really wanted to do. A chance to do something on his own and accomplish something of his own merit.
For the second time that day, Bai Xiyue felt a flutter of anticipation and excitement.
He opened his mouth to respond to his teacher, "Okay."
Teacher Yan smiled, "Good. Let me know once you've made a decision."
"Yes, I'll take my leave first." Bai Xiyue bowed respectfully, closely holding the paper to himself as he walked out the door.
He was in turmoil the whole way home; thinking about the different events that had happened today. His steps were light and bouncy. He was in a rare good mood.
He still had to tell his parents about the game, but he was confident that he was able to go - even for a little bit. About the scholarship . . . perhaps it was better for him to keep it to himself for now.
His mother and father might not take kindly to any unsuspected outside opportunities that led Bai Xiyue away from their grasp. Yes, it was better to hide it away until he made a decision.
Arriving at the front gate to his parent's property, Bai Xiyue snapped out of his trance. He looked at the big house with a large lawn. His father had only recently gotten rich within the past few years, but they were living as if they had inherited the money from generations past.
It wasn't any of Bai Xiyue's worry, what his parents did is what his parents did. There was always a reason for it.
He put in the passcode for the gate and walked through the iron fence. A little breeze picked up and messed with his hair. His smooth forehead made an appearance briefly before being covered again by silky hair. Bai Xiyue didn't pay it any attention.
In the house, Mother Bai was texting her social circle. Glancing at the time, she was surprised to find that it was around time for her son to be home. She quickly said goodbye to the group chat and made her way to the front door.
She arrived just as Bai Xiyue was taking off his shoes in the house. She greeted him with a warm smile and and quickly took his school bag.
"Welcome back," her eyes crinkled up amiably. "Did you have a good day at school?"
Bai Xiyue let his mother hold his school bag and stepped up onto the platform of the main house. He kissed his mother on the cheek before replying. "It was good."
Mother Bai's smile widened. She was already a pretty lady, and old age didn't deter from her beautiful appearance - but made her into a mature beauty. Seeing as her smile instantly made her appear warmer, she really looked approachable and made people have a sense of familiarity.
"That's always pleasant to hear," Mother Bai saw the paper her son was holding out the corner of her eye. Curious, she cocked her head slightly and asked her son. "What is the paper you're holding?"
Bai Xiyue responded without missing a beat, "A test I got after class. Teacher Yan was a bit late today so he handed out the previous scores in a rush."
Mother Bai nodded, not suspecting the lie. After all, her son was obedient and obedient. There was nothing to be suspicious about. She didn't mind it and continued on. "I'm going to start dinner soon if you want to wash up early. Your homework shouldn't take long, right?"
Seeing as an opportunity arrived for Bai Xiyue to talk about the game, he perked up and faithfully took the chance. "Actually, Teacher Chen didn't assign homework because of the school game today."
He threw out the bait and waited for his mother to take a bite.
"Game?" Mother Bai questioned. She was mildly interested.
Bai Xiyue felt a quick rush in his heart, "Yes, a school rivalry game. Everyone will show up to support the team."
Mother Bai fell silent into thought. Although Bai Xiyue didn't go to a private school, his public school was already very good. There were quite a few influential families there as well.
Bai Xiyue watched his mother's expression carefully. This bait shouldn't be turned away.
"Do you want to go?" Mother Bai finally asked, her eyes turning onto her offspring.
Bai Xiyue quickly nodded, "Yes. Classmates also wondered if I would be there."
Mother Bai looked at her cute child and felt that he was rather sensible. He was innocent but very likeable. It would be good for him to get closer to his classmates. Having made the decision in her heart, Mother Bai generously gave an answer.
"Well, you can go. Dinner can wait," her tone was gracious. "You should get to experience these things with other kids your age. Build friendships to look back upon."
Bai Xiyue couldn't suppress the bright smile that bloomed across his elegant face. He kissed his mother's cheek again and responded happily. "Thank you mother!"
Seeing that he was acting cute, Mother Bai's old heart warmed up. Her son really was the best in the world. Such a cute and obedient son should be shown off to the world. She smiled and ushered him into the house.
"Let the driver take you there." She set his bag on a hook and took out her cellphone. "I'll let your father know."
Bai Xiyue was full of flowers. "Okay!"
He placed the scholarship paper in his book bag and took it to his room. Today was full of happiness. Such a good day!
Full of vitality, Bai Xiyue slung his bag to the floor and took out his phone. He wanted to do a bit of research beforehand. He had never gone to a game before, so he didn't know who was on the team. After looking on the school website for a while, he finally came across the team lineup.
One of the top names on the list was familiar to him; Li Wei. Bai Xiyue blinked. He didn't know his classmate was on the basketball team. Of course, thinking back on it, Li Wei was rather athletic and was popular because of it. He also seemed quite well off too.
Bai Xiyue was content on seeing someone on his class and looked at the rest of the lineup energetically. He saw a few more familiar names before exiting the website. After thinking for awhile. he decided it wouldn't be too bad to learn a bit about the sport before going to cheer them on.
Filled with determination, Bai Xiyue looked back down at his phone and searched up some videos on the game.