While returning to class, Avel discreetly checks if Xu Lai has arrived yet. She's engrossed in conversations with other classmates.
The homeroom teacher, Ms. Lee San who teach them english, begins the lecture, and despite arriving a bit late, the 3acers are allowed into the class without reprimand.
Xu Lai, who was seated by the window, turned her gaze towards the door as it opened. Her eyes briefly met Avel's before she averted her gaze, a mixture of curiosity and something else flashing through her expression.
Avel took his seat, overhearing her murmurs, "How can she let you off so easily!"
Anwang caught wind of her complaints and glanced back, remarking, "You don't understand the full story, that's why it sounds that way."
Seeing Xu Lai and Anwang chatting, the homeroom teacher inquired, "How well is West Campus settling in here?"
Ms. Lee San had a positive and competitive demeanor, dressed in plain yet formal attire.
Alan responded with appreciation, "Having a young and respectful teacher like you is already a great start."
Anwang chimed in, "Absolutely. Plus, we've got some really interesting classmates."( commenting while staring towards amy )
As the conversation flowed, Ms. Lee San turned her attention to Xu Lai, asking how she was adjusting. She noted that the first session was a self-study period and that Xu Lai probably hadn't met all the attending teachers yet due to today's self-study preparation day.
Xu Lai responded, "Yes, that's true. But my classmates have been helping me get acquainted with the school."
Amy turned around, giving Xu Lai a thumbs-up, then turned back to Vivian and did the same. Ms. Lee San chuckled softly, saying, "I can see you've already made some friends."
Shortly after several class periods...
Lunch break arrived, and Amy took charge, instructing the others to grab seats in the cafeteria while she fetched the plates. Xu Lai commented on the appealing lunch spread, and Vivian agreed as they settled in to eat.
A ponytailed girl entered the cafeteria, looking for Amy and Vivian. "Oh, Amy!"
Amy responded, "Hey, Cindy. What's up?"
Cindy explained, "You both need to come to the library. We're short-staffed, and a new shipment of books just arrived. We need to organize and stock them."
Vivian turned to Xu Lai, apologizing, "We have to go, Xu Lai. Finish up, and we'll catch you in class."
Xu Lai bid them farewell with a nod, "Alright, take care."
Xu Lai had always held a deep affection for books and stories. As she sat alone, her thoughts drifted to the library and the books she loved. Upon hearing about the staffing shortage, an idea formed in her mind. "Later, when they come back, I'll ask them if I can join."
When the 3acers arrived in the cafeteria, the atmosphere seemed to buzz with their presence. Amidst the chatter, Xu Lai's thoughts wandered so deeply that she hardly noticed the noise around her.
Avel gestured toward a spot, suggesting, "Let's sit over there."
Ren, considering his seating options, Everyone seemed to gravitate towards him due to his intelligence and rapport with teachers. seeing everyone's fake smiled he wanted to sit somewhere quiet and chose a seat next to Xu Lai.
"Hi," Ren greeted Xu Lai.
"Hey," Xu Lai replied with a touch of reservation.
"What's wrong? Uncomfortable with me?" Ren inquired playfully.
Xu Lai hesitated, "It's not that. I've heard that you're quite not sociable, and I don't really know you well."
Ren's smirk deepened, "Well, now's your chance to get to know me."
Xu Lai chuckled, "Alright, I'll take you up on that. It could be helpful to get some study tips."
Anwang observed their interaction, remarking with surprise, "When did they become so chummy?"
As Ren and Xu Lai laughed together, Avel's demeanor shifted. Anger flashed in his eyes as he glared at Ren and Xu Lai. The atmosphere around them grew chilly.
Alan noticed Avel's reaction and questioned, "Why the frosty vibes?"
Avel's narrowed his eyes, instructing, "Go get some drinks. Let's move."
Alan asked, "Do you want to disrupt their conversation?"
Avel's voice was tense, "What's there to disrupt between them?" He emphasized the last words with frustration.
With determination, Avel pulled up a chair next to Xu Lai. Ren was sitting sat across from her. He rolled his eyes and fixed her with a stern gaze. Xu Lai's eyes mirrored his confusion, questioning why Ren was there.
Amid the unfolding tension, Alan commented on Xu Lai's growing comfort at the school, mentioning her newfound friendship with a top student.
Xu Lai retorted, "Friends? No, we were just talking."
Ren interjected, "Don't you consider me a friend?"
Xu Lai tried to explain, "It's not that. It's just that this is the first time we're talking."
Ren smirked, "So, you don't mind considering me your friend, right?"
Caught in an awkward position, Xu Lai stammered, "Well, if you put it that way..."
Ren's satisfaction was evident, and Anwang nudged Avel's leg, urging him to hide his irritation.
As Avel took a slow sip of his coffee, he spoke in his deep, hoarse voice, "But I don't want to be your friend."
The boldness of Avel's statement left Alan and Anwang stunned. Ren halted mid-bite, surprised by the blunt declaration. Xu Lai's eyes betrayed her confusion, struggling to grasp the meaning behind Avel's words.
Just then, Amy burst into the cafeteria, breaking the moment. "Xu Lai, let's go."
Still grappling with Avel's words, Xu Lai responded somewhat dazedly, "Oh, alright..."
Vivian, waiting outside, noticed Xu Lai's bewildered expression. She shook her friend gently, asking, "What happened?"
Xu Lai explained, "He said he doesn't want to be my friend."
Amy added humor, "Who said that?"
Xu Lai answered, "Him..."
Vivian's curiosity grew, "Him who?"
Xu Lai tilted her head down, "Avel."
Vivian speculated, "Are you disappointed?"
Amy chimed in playfully, "Maybe he wants to be something more than a friend."
Xu Lai sighed, "Whatever it is, forget it. Anyway, the next lecture is free. I want to ask if I can volunteer for the library staff."
Vivian reassured her, "That's a great idea. Let's go."
After their library work, the friends went their separate ways and headed home.
As Xu Lai walked alone through a quiet alley, she lost herself in thought. The alley, neither crowded nor desolate, had a serene daytime atmosphere. As she crossed an intersection, the sound of a bicycle bell caught her attention. She moved aside to let the bicycle pass and turned around, surprised to find Ren applying the brakes.
Ren was breathing heavily as he approached her. "You... you live around here?"
Xu Lai smiled awkwardly, "Yes, I moved here just a couple of days ago."
Ren's relief was evident, "So, you're the new tenant on the first floor."
Xu Lai nodded, curious, "Yes, and where do you live?"
Ren pointed across the road, "I'm across the road, the third house to the right from the front of your building."
Xu Lai acknowledged, "Alright then, take care. I'll see you tomorrow."
Ren responded with a smirk, "Sure thing. See you."
Xu Lai smiled in return, her thoughts a whirlwind of curiosity and intrigue.
*******