Xiao Hen silently sipped his tea, unaware of how much restraint and longing was contained in that one glance of hers.
...
Elsewhere, Xiaoshun bid farewell to the headmaster of Tianqiong Academy and took the opportunity to say goodbye to his newly acquainted "friends," Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan.
Xiaoshun could have waited for Gu Jiao to come over and "get to know" her as well, but even he understood that he and Gu Jiao couldn't have any overt association.
Speaking to Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun was already the limit of what could be done openly.
"Headmaster uncle, I'm leaving. I'll come and find you again when it's time for the next competition!"
The headmaster smiled and patted the child's head, "Alright, be sure to come next time."
Clutching the large empty bowl that once contained fruit, Xiaoshun resisted his strong longing for Gu Jiao and left with great resolve.
