Yi Zhongshen's words shocked everyone even more. The students stared at him blankly, unsure whether to be astonished that God Yi agreed this time or amazed at the profound meaning hidden in his words.
"It's not his handwriting..."
"Doesn't that mean God Yi is familiar with this person's handwriting?"
Even Director Gao felt surprised and asked, "Zhongshen, how do you know?"
Before he could answer, Teacher Liu remembered and said, "You two met before the competition, right?"
He explained to the director, "When we went to the competition in City B, T University was nearby, so I invited Zhongshen to share his experience with the students."
"Oh, right," Director Gao also realized, "You two are from consecutive years, right, Xiyun? You were both always ranked first in your grade. Did you know each other in high school a few years ago?"
Bo Xiyun shook his head suddenly, "No, we didn't."
He did recall someone giving them guidance before the competition, and he had seen Yi Zhongshen back then.
But there were no earlier interactions in his memory.
"..."
Yi Zhongshen's eyebrows drooped slightly, but he remained silent.
Yet, for some reason, Bo Xiyun still felt an indescribable familiarity with him and couldn't help but glance at him again."
On the other side, Teacher Liu casually put away the paper and didn't mention the misunderstanding again. As they walked towards the office building, he started discussing the main topic.
"Why did Zhongshen come back today? By the way, you don't need to hurry back tonight, right?"
Many students were still following them, but the teacher didn't disperse them since they rarely had relaxing time like this. Besides, they would have to return to the classrooms when the evening class bell rang.
Director Gao also chimed in, "Right, the Sixel Lecture Hall is vacant. How about giving a speech to our next year's high school seniors?"
Yi Zhongshen's family moved to City B a few years ago, leaving him as the only child still studying in Q city. Since he got admitted to the prestigious T University as the 2nd rank nationwide last year, he hasn't returned to Q city.
Today, he rarely came back, and the teachers naturally wanted to keep him a bit longer to be an example for the students.
However, Yi Zhongshen didn't directly agree and just said, "I came for something; I have limited time."
Director Gao was curious, "What's the matter that requires you to make a special trip?"
Bo Xiyun was also walking with the three of them, pondering about something, with his gaze still on Yi Zhongshen.
Then, he suddenly heard Yi Zhongshen say, "I came to find classmate, Bo Xiyun."
Bo Xiyun was stunned, feeling caught off guard.
Then, he heard what Yi Zhongshen said next, "The internal competition results are out, and he won the gold medal in the contest. The teachers from T University asked me to get in touch with him."
"...?!"
Director Gao was left speechless on the spot, and Teacher Liu was also frozen in place, their gaze shifting back and forth between Yi Zhongshen and Bo Xiyun.
On the other hand, the students' reactions were more straightforward.
"Gold medal?!"
"Another gold medal! A new study God (academic genius)!!"
"Wait, T University? Can the gold medal secure admission to T University?!"
Although everyone had already heard about the highly talented " God Bo" who had consistently ranked first in their grade, they didn't expect him to be this extraordinary - this was a nationwide competition.
Even the usually reserved Yi Zhongshen seemed to express admiration and spoke a few more words, "He ranked fourth nationwide and made it into the national training team."
There were only fifty spots in the national training team, and anyone within the top fifty could directly join.
But being in the top five nationwide elevated the significance even further.
"His performance surpassed my ranking from last year."
Yi Zhongshen spoke, looking at Bo Xiyun, and said calmly, "Congratulations."
Bo Xiyun was taken aback for a moment and nodded, saying, "Thank you."
However, among the group, only the two of them could speak calmly. Even the experienced Teacher Liu and Director Gao were so excited that their voices trembled, "Gold medal, fourth nationwide, really? My goodness!"
"T University asked you to come? With this achievement, you can be directly admitted?!"
Yi Zhongshen confirmed, "Yes."
"Wow!!"
The students exclaimed again, and the look they gave Bo Xiyun was even more fervent than the admiration they showed to Yi Zhongshen earlier.
After all, Bo Xiyun was the academic genius they saw every day in school, and they were witnessing the "moment of ascension" right before their eyes!
Being able to witness two academic geniuses at once made everyone feel like they hit the jackpot. Even the two teachers had a hard time calming their emotions before they remembered they still had to go to the office building.
Director Gao rubbed his face, trying to smooth out his stiff smile, and finally composed himself, "It's too cold outside, let's go inside to talk."
But as he spoke, he couldn't control the corners of his mouth from lifting again, "Haha, a gold medal!"
Bo Xiyun: "..."
He, who was initially composed, seemed to have caught some laughter contagiously.
The extraordinary and exciting news quickly spread throughout the campus. While the teachers showed restraint, the students didn't bother hiding their excitement.
As they walked the short distance to the office building, more and more students gathered around. Everyone was well-behaved and didn't make too much noise, but they eagerly awaited a glimpse of the academic geniuses.
With so many enthusiastic and hopeful gazes, Bo Xiyun couldn't help but feel like a certain creature from his memories - a "koi fish." Everyone seemed to want to touch or rub him.
Finally reaching the office building, the surroundings quieted down, and it was warmer indoors than outside.
"Come, have a seat!" Director Gao welcomed them and poured water into paper cups. He asked, "Zhongshen, did you come here just to share this news?"
After the earlier excitement, they realized that this news could have been shared online or through a phone call. It didn't seem necessary to make a trip in the freezing weather.
Indeed, Yi Zhongshen replied, "Not only that."
As he spoke, he suddenly reached for the remote control on the table and raised the central air conditioner's temperature by two degrees.
"Oh, feeling cold?" Director Gao noticed the change and paused the water pouring to pick up the recently boiled kettle, saying, "Maybe you've been exposed to the cold outside for too long. Let me get some hot water for you."
Yi Zhongshen didn't refuse and said, "Thank you."
This surprised Teacher Liu.
He didn't remember Yi Zhongshen being sensitive to the cold.
Last year, when he was teaching the high school seniors, Yi Zhongshen even remarked about how young people were naturally full of heat.
However, Yi Zhongshen still appeared composed, with hardly any visible changes in his demeanor.
On the other hand, Bo Xiyun, feeling the much warmer air, relaxed a bit, and his frozen body gradually started to warm up. Bo Xiyun was naturally sensitive to the cold, and with this rare cold wave of the winter, it was even harder for him. As he had just come in from outside, his slender nose and earlobes had turned red from the cold.
He wanted to keep his eyes on Yi Zhongshen, trying to see him more clearly through the mist-like water vapor.
The warm office fell silent for a moment.
Until Teacher Liu couldn't help but remind, "Zhongshen, you said there's more, what else is it?"
Only then did Bo Xiyun realize that Yi Zhongshen hadn't finished his words.
He looked up with the cup in his hands, but Yi Zhongshen still hadn't taken off his mask, so Bo Xiyun couldn't fully see his expression. However, Yi Zhongshen seemed calm, and his tone was as usual.
"There's a small issue with my junior's documents; I need to provide some supplementary evidence."
Bo Xiyun was startled when he was addressed as junior brother. It took him a moment to realize that Yi Zhongshen was referring to him.
("学弟" means junior brother)
"What's wrong with the documents?" Director Gao immediately caught on, "Is it about the name change?"
Yi Zhongshen nodded, and Director Gao frowned. Teacher Liu also looked displeased and seemed like he wanted to say something, but considering Bo Xiyun's feelings, he held back.
The name change issue caused a lot of trouble for Bo Xiyun, but he didn't pay much attention to it.
His mind was more focused on Yi Zhongshen.
Although they were not sitting very close to each other, from Bo Xiyun's perspective, he could see Yi Zhongshen's profile. Most of the boy's face was still covered by the black mask, but Bo Xiyun's gaze inexplicably stopped at the contour of Yi Zhongshen's nose and cheekbones.
Yi Zhongshen's features were extremely three-dimensional, with a strong and straight bridge of the nose that exuded an intimidating coldness. There was a tiny protrusion and turning point on his high nose, making his side profile appear particularly sharp.
- It also made Bo Xiyun inexplicably feel familiar.
As if he had long stared at those contours before.
When did he see this person before?
Bo Xiyun's memory was not yet very clear, and he was pondering in confusion. However, when he looked back at Yi Zhongshen, who had been silent for a while, he noticed him slightly moving his jaw. The slender Adam's apple rolled very slowly.
Bo Xiyun thought maybe the other person was thirsty or preparing to speak. But as he watched, Yi Zhongshen neither took off his mask to drink water nor spoke. Even the faint color of his eyelashes seemed to be still, motionless.
It wasn't until Teacher Liu and Director Gao, who were discussing something, looked over that Bo Xiyun snapped out of his thoughts, realizing it was impolite to keep staring at someone and quickly averted his gaze.
At that moment, he heard Yi Zhongshen's voice again.
"The documents proving the former and current names need to be uploaded in advance."
Bao Xiyun wondered if it was his imagination, but he felt a faint hoarseness in Yi Zhongshen's voice.
As if he was really thirsty.
Hearing this, Bo Xiyun couldn't help but take a sip from the paper cup in his hand.
He felt content and squinted his eyes slightly.
The warm water felt so comfortable.
In contrast, the two teachers were more anxious and asked hurriedly, "Do you need to upload the documents before the system releases the results?"
Yi Zhongshen nodded, "After the results are out, there's only half a day to confirm personal information. I checked before coming, and junior's name in the system hasn't been updated yet."
"In that case, you must quickly upload the documents," Teacher Liu said. "Once the confirmation is done and the results are publicly displayed, it'll be too late."
He quickly urged Bo Xiyun, "Come on, Xiyun, I'll accompany you to make a phone call to your family and quickly get all the necessary documents uploaded."
Bo Xiyun got up and followed Teacher Liu. As he glanced back at the door, he happened to see Yi Zhongshen finally taking off his mask, and there was a subtle change in his breathing.
Seeing Yi Zhongshen's face, Bo Xiyun was suddenly startled.
He finally retrieved the identity of the person from his slightly confused memories, but the answer was not at all pleasant for him.
Because this person seemed to be the rumored object of his secret admiration.
When they went to City B for the national competition, the true identity of the Bai family's young master was exposed, and he was accused of being an imposter and a fake young master. He faced various forms of harassment and scrutiny.
People also noticed that he seemed to have a secret admiration for Yi Zhongshen, and this information was deliberately spread, becoming another joke that certain people used to mock the fake young master.
After the incident with the Bai family's arrival and the ensuing commotion, Bo Xiyun fell into a high fever and lost consciousness. When he woke up, the final competition was imminent, and he didn't pay much attention to what people were saying or any rumors. Later, he didn't even recall that particular incident.
It wasn't until today, when he met Yi Zhongshen in person, that Bo Xiyun finally realized.
No wonder someone used the method of framing to send him notes with "I like you" written on them.
And the classmates who were chatting about Yi Zhongshen in the classroom suddenly turned awkward and struggled to console him when they saw him enter.
Bo Xiyun: "..."
That aloof and distant "Young Master Yi" seemed to have suddenly become dangerous.
After Bo Xiyun's identity as the fake young master was exposed, he received a lot of ill intentions, and these rumors of secret admiration were probably another means to humiliate him.
Although the real Yi Zhongshen probably couldn't hear such gossip, given his background, even if he were slightly displeased and decided to teach Bo Xiyun a lesson, it would be quite troublesome for the current Bo Xiyun.
"Xiyun?"
Teacher Liu, who came out together with him, noticed that the boy's expression seemed somewhat strange and became worried. He tried to comfort Bo Xiyun, saying, "It's okay, don't be afraid, I'm here with you."
He took out his phone and said, "Here, give me their number, I'll talk to them."
Bo Xiyun snapped back to the present and sincerely replied, "Sure."
He knew that Teacher Liu was worried that the Bai family might say hurtful things again, so he thanked him genuinely.
"Thank you for your help, Teacher."
While the two were making their calls outside the office, Director Gao sighed, "The things the Bai family caused have really put the child in a tough spot."
"Do you know why he had to change his name?"
Director Gao clapped the back of his hand with his palm.
"It was actually his father, Bai Gelei, who forced him to do it! If it wasn't for Teacher Liu and others strongly persuading him, they would have changed the name a few days before the competition! If that had happened, Xiyun wouldn't have been able to participate, and he wouldn't have won the gold medal today."
Director Gao was genuinely frustrated; as a teacher, he couldn't stand seeing a talented child's future being delayed or ruined.
"You see, this is the most critical year for high school students, and the Bai family almost ruined the child's future!"
Director Gao's breathing became a bit heavy as he expressed his frustration.
But he also knew that it was Bo Xiyun's family matter, and he couldn't say much to others about it. Moreover, Yi Zhongshen was always indifferent to other people's affairs.
Director Gao calmed himself down, trying to suppress his anger, and was about to change the topic when he heard Yi Zhongshen say, "There's more to it than just the name change."
Director Gao was taken aback, "What do you mean?"
Yi Zhongshen's expression remained calm, but his tone was as cold as the frosty weather outside.
"I'm referring to the note earlier."
"The note?" Director Gao asked, "You mean the 'schedule' that Xiyun brought just now?"
Knowing Yi Zhongshen's temperament and sensing his somewhat unfriendly mood, Director Gao wanted to console, "It must be a misunderstanding; Xiyun is not that kind of child..."
Yi Zhongshen interrupted, "It was a note with the words 'I like you' on it."
Director Gao's eyes widened in surprise, "Oh, that note! But Xiyun said it was a schedule..."
Yi Zhongshen's lips curved into a faint smile, but there was no warmth in his eyes, "It was indeed a note with those words."
Director Gao hesitated for a moment and said, "Well, perhaps he misunderstood or someone played a prank on him. Let me talk to him and clear things up."
Yi Zhongshen's gaze remained steady as he responded, "There's no need. It's better to leave it be."
Director Gao felt a bit uneasy but respected Yi Zhongshen's decision. He changed the topic and said, "In any case, congratulations on your achievements. It's remarkable to be among the top performers nationally."
Yi Zhongshen nodded slightly, "Thank you."
As the conversation continued, Director Gao decided not to push further on the matter of the note, but he couldn't help but wonder what was really going on between the two students.
Before Director Gao could finish his sentence, Yi Zhongshen continued, "It's not a misunderstanding; someone is targeting him."
"Ah?" Director Gao finally grasped the situation, "You mean someone deliberately wants to harm Xiyun?"
Yi Zhongshen replied, "Teacher Liu mentioned that the competition team rushed back today to participate in the principal's recommendation and fill out the application form."
Similar to direct admission through competition, the principal's recommendation is another way for universities to admit students in advance. Bo Xiyun's excellent academic performance and good behavior naturally placed him on the list of students recommended by the principal.
"The principal's recommendation has a period of evaluation and public announcement," Yi Zhongshen explained, "If rumors about him being attracted to the same sex or being involved in early love are spread now, the school will not pass their evaluation, and he won't be eligible for the principal's recommendation."
Director Gao was taken aback, "Yes, you're right."
He realized his own oversight – both he and Teacher Liu, who were familiar with Bo Xiyun, didn't think too much about the note earlier because they knew Xiyun was not the kind of child to engage in such behavior. However, if this matter spreads throughout the school to teachers and students who don't know Bo Xiyun well, it could have a significant impact on him.
"It's my oversight," Director Gao said, gathering his thoughts, "Xiyun had a high fever before the competition. If his performance in the competition isn't ideal, the only option left is the principal's recommendation."
In recent years, the policy for independent enrollment has become increasingly stringent, and even the adjustment of scores is strictly scrutinized. As for direct admission, there are basically only two channels left – competition and the principal's recommendation.
Director Gao, as the grade director, quickly realized the severity of the situation. "If, at this moment, his principal's recommendation is ruined, it won't just jeopardize his direct admission but also severely affect his mindset and might even impact his performance in the college entrance examination..."
Yi Zhongshen remained silent. His long fingers interlocked, and he slowly rubbed the thin veins on the back of his hand.
"By the way, now that you mention it, I remember something," Director Gao said, "There was a previous anonymous report against Xiyun. It claimed that he was impersonating the son of the Bai family, with improper conduct, and should be publicly punished."
Director Gao became uneasy, "From this perspective, the plot against him started a long time ago."
Yi Zhongshen furrowed his brows, "How was the report handled?"
"At that time, the school considered it unrelated to academics and replied with 'no evidence found.' We didn't pay much attention to it," Director Gao said, puzzled, "Who would target Xiyun like this?"
Yi Zhongshen paused and said, "I've heard that the Bai family has been taking aggressive actions recently."
"Their reactions have been quite intense," Director Gao said, pausing for a moment, "Are you saying that the Bai family did this?"
Yi Zhongshen answered concisely, "Those words were written by someone imitating Bo Xiyun's handwriting."
Director Gao was still a bit stunned, but upon further consideration, he found it plausible.
"Yes, it's possible that someone close to Xiyun knows these family matters so well... I believe the Bai family also has another child in the senior year, named Bai Tang or Bai Song, I think."
In any case, it was evident that Bo Xiyun's life at home after returning would not be easy.
Director Gao sighed, "In that case, I'll have someone look into the previous report and the person who asked Xiyun to deliver the note."
Just as they were getting some clues, the two outside returned from their phone call.
Teacher Liu's expression was visibly displeased, "The Bai family said they're too busy and won't provide the documents."
Director Gao couldn't believe it, "Too busy?"
Teacher Liu sighed, "Even the phone wasn't answered by the parents; some secretary said that the Bai family is currently hosting a banquet and has no time."
Director Gao was utterly astonished.
How could there be such parents?
In contrast, Bo Xiyun's reaction was quite calm. He volunteered, "I'll go back and get them."
He asked Teacher Liu, "Do they need it tonight, or is it for tomorrow?"
Yi Zhongshen added, "The sooner, the better."
As soon as the boy spoke, Bo Xiyun instinctively avoided making eye contact.
He needed to keep his distance from the other person as much as possible.
Teacher Liu said, "Then go now; there are no classes during the self-study session."
Xiyun nodded, relieved to be able to leave the place and take a breath. But then he heard Yi Zhongshen say to Director Gao, "Do you remember what we just talked about..."
"Yes!" Director Gao immediately responded, "Xiyun, don't go alone; find someone to accompany you."
As per their earlier discussion, the Bai family was not safe at the moment. Regardless of the instigator, the most critical thing now was to ensure that Bo Xiyun could smoothly get the recommendation for university admission.
Both teachers couldn't leave as there were still students at the school that evening. So Director Gao said, "Let's ask Zhongshen to go since he can pick up the documents and submit them."
Bo Xiyun was taken aback.
Go together with Yi Zhongshen?
Teacher Liu said, "Sigh, the students won't get to hear Zhongshen's speech."
Bo Xiyun was about to nod in agreement, but Teacher Liu added, "Next time; this matter is more important."
Bo Xiyun: "..."
Before he could react, he was already on his way home with Yi Zhongshen.
Even when getting into the car, Bo Xiyun was about to open the rear door when he heard Yi Zhongshen's low and cold voice, "There's something in the back seat."
So, under his gaze, Bo Xiyun turned forward and sat in the passenger seat somewhat stiffly.
Sitting together in the front seat felt even more intimate and narrow than sharing a room just now.
Xiyun looked at his fingertips resting on his knees, trying to avoid any contact with Yi Zhongshen, including eye contact, to avoid offending him.
"Bzzz..."
The car hadn't started moving yet, and there was a sudden buzzing sound beside him. The person in the driver's seat took out his phone.
Bo Xiyun, already intending to avoid eavesdropping out of politeness, should not have stayed any longer.
Seeing that the person on the phone didn't seem to want to get out of the car, he politely gestured to signal that he would leave.
But then he heard Yi Zhongshen say, "No need."
Bo Xiyun had heard from various sources about Yi Zhongshen's cold and reserved demeanor, but now he heard him say, "It's cold outside."
Bo Xiyun was taken aback, and the phone call had already been answered, with the voice coming from the phone.
"Second young master?"
Xiyun's hand was still holding the car door handle when he heard a "click" sound.
He saw Yi Zhongshen's long fingers move and press the lock button on the driver's side.
...
Now he couldn't even open the car door even if he tried.
Xiyun let go of his hand, finally realizing that he currently had no way to distance himself.
The voice on the phone began to report, "I've already contacted someone from the academic affairs office of the First High School..."
Yi Zhongshen listened silently, occasionally responding with one or two words.
In the quiet car, although Bo Xiyun didn't intend to eavesdrop, he still got a general idea.
Yi Zhongshen was investigating the member of the student council who had asked Bo Xiyun to deliver the note.
Before leaving, Principal Gao had already asked Bo Xiyun in detail about the incident with the note, and assured him that they would handle the matter, asking Bo Xiyun to focus on his own affairs.
But now, even though the principal had said they would look into it, it seemed like Yi Zhongshen had someone else handling it.
Bo Xiyun lifted his head and glanced forward, but in the rearview mirror, he saw the person who was still on the phone call.
Yi Zhongshen stared ahead, the light and shadows from the streetlamp falling on his handsome face, making his brows furrowed and his expression stern.
It seemed that he did mind being confessed to in public.
Bo Xiyun recalled the discussions among his classmates. They said that this top student didn't like being involved in rumors.
As he was thinking, he saw Yi Zhongshen hang up the phone. Perhaps sensing the gaze in the mirror, he looked up and met Bo Xiyun's eyes directly.
Bo Xiyun wanted to look away, but it was too late.
"What's wrong?" Yi Zhongshen asked.
With the car doors already locked, inside the closed compartment, Yi Zhongshen's low voice carried a cold and magnetic tone that sent a tingling sensation through Bo Xiyun's ears.
Bo Xiyun shook his head, "It's nothing."
But Yi Zhongshen's gaze didn't move away, not even through the rearview mirror. He looked directly at Bo Xiyun sitting beside him.
Bo Xiyun hesitated but still asked, "Do you really dislike rumors?"
(BXY used polite 'you' here)
Yi Zhongshen looked at him and said, "No need for formal address."
His gaze still fixed on Bo Xiyun, who finally noticed that Yi Zhongshen hadn't put on his mask again since they got into the car.
In the quiet space, that cold and distant face right in front of him became even more noticeable. Even though he had grown familiar with the handsome contours from the photos, at this moment, they still exuded an undeniable chilling and intimidating aura.
Yi Zhongshen said, "Hmm, I don't like it."
Bo Xiyun sighed inwardly.
As expected.
For safety's sake, he should keep his distance from Yi Zhongshen.
Just as he was thinking about how to maintain that distance, Bo Xiyun heard Yi Zhongshen speak again.
"Unless it's real."
The implication of those words made Xiyun's heart skip a beat.
______________________________________
Tn: Redid the work
I used Xiyun and Zhongshen in the dialogues of teacher and director because it felt more intimate
<3