As Xingyue, Yumei, and Ling Xiao walked together toward their classroom, Ling Xiao seemed unusually quiet, glancing at Xingyue with a hint of curiosity. Finally, after a few moments of hesitation, he cleared his throat and asked, "Hey, Xingyue, who was that guy who dropped you off this morning?"
Xingyue blinked, confused by the sudden question. "Oh, Wang Shushu? He's my uncle's friend. Why?"
Ling Xiao scratched the back of his head, looking slightly flustered. "No reason, just... he seems kinda intense, that's all."
Xingyue hesitated for a moment, not sure how to explain without sounding too boastful. "He's... well, let's just say he runs a company. It's complicated."
Yumei's eyes widened. "Wow, a CEO picking you up from school? That's like something straight out of a drama!"
Xingyue chuckled nervously, trying to brush it off. "It's not that big of a deal."
After the morning lessons ended, the bell rang, signaling the start of P.E. class. The students eagerly rushed out onto the school grounds. Xingyue, Yumei, and Ling Xiao headed to the field together, where their P.E. teacher was already waiting, a whistle around his neck.
"Alright, everyone, line up! Today we're going to do some warm-ups followed by a few laps around the track," the teacher instructed, clapping his hands for attention.
Yumei groaned. "Ugh, running laps again? Why can't we just play games like dodgeball?"
Xingyue grinned. "You're always trying to find a way to avoid running."
Ling Xiao, standing beside them, smirked. "Maybe you just need to get in better shape, Yumei."
Yumei pouted. "Hey, I'm plenty strong, okay? I'm just... preserving my energy for when it really counts."
The warm-ups began, and as usual, Xingyue kept pace easily, her athleticism showing through. Ling Xiao glanced over at her, noticing her effortless movements. Meanwhile, Yumei was already lagging behind, her protests growing louder with every step.
After the warm-ups, the teacher divided the class into groups for a relay race. Xingyue, Ling Xiao, and Yumei found themselves on the same team.
"Alright, team," Ling Xiao said, stretching his legs. "Let's show everyone what we're made of."
Yumei gave him a doubtful look. "Speak for yourself. I'll be lucky if I don't trip over my own feet."
As the race began, Ling Xiao took the first leg, sprinting across the track with impressive speed, handing off the baton to Yumei, who, despite her earlier complaints, managed to hold her own. She passed the baton to Xingyue for the final stretch.
With the baton in hand, Xingyue dashed forward, her legs moving quickly and steadily. She was determined to make up for the slight gap between them and the other team. Ling Xiao watched her closely, impressed by her speed and determination. As she neared the finish line, she overtook the other team's runner, crossing the line with a triumphant grin.
"Great job, Xingyue!" Yumei cheered, catching her breath. "You saved us."
Xingyue smiled, panting lightly but pleased. "It was a team effort."
Ling Xiao handed her a water bottle, his gaze lingering on her for a moment. "You were amazing out there."
Xingyue took the bottle and sipped, her cheeks slightly flushed, though she blamed it on the running. "Thanks. You weren't so bad yourself."
They walked off the track together, the competitive energy still lingering in the air.
In the quiet classroom, Xingyue sat at her desk, gently massaging her aching legs. The strain from P.E. earlier had caught up to her, and the soreness was making it hard for her to sit still. She leaned back in her chair, trying to ease the tension, but the tightness in her muscles remained.
Moments later, Yumei returned from the washroom and immediately noticed the discomfort etched on Xingyue's face. Concerned, she walked over and sat down beside her.
"Yueyue, are you alright?" Yumei asked, her brow furrowed with worry.
Xingyue offered a faint smile, waving her hand dismissively. "I'm fine, really. My legs are just a little sore from all the running in P.E."
Yumei's expression softened with sympathy. "I knew it! You were running way too fast. You're not some kind of superwoman, you know."
Xingyue chuckled softly, though the ache in her legs still lingered. "I didn't want us to lose. Plus, Ling Xiao was being all competitive—I had to keep up."
Yumei raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile curling her lips. "Oh? So you were trying to impress someone, huh?"
Xingyue rolled her eyes, trying to brush off the comment. "It's not like that. I just didn't want to fall behind."
With a smirk, Yumei crossed her arms. "Sure, sure. Do you want me to get you something for your legs? Maybe some hot water?"
Xingyue shook her head. "No, thanks. I'll be fine after a little rest."
Just as Yumei was about to respond, Ling Xiao walked back into the classroom, unaware of their conversation. He approached casually, his eyes drifting to Xingyue's legs, noticing her discomfort.
"Everything okay here?" he asked, his voice steady but with a hint of concern.
Xingyue quickly nodded, trying to act nonchalant. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a bit sore from all that running."
Ling Xiao gave a small, approving smile. "You were really fast out there. You did great."
A faint blush crept across Xingyue's cheeks. "Thanks."
Yumei, who had been quietly observing, leaned back in her chair with a knowing grin. Ling Xiao glanced down at Xingyue's legs once more.
"If you need anything, I can grab some ice from the nurse's office," he offered, his tone thoughtful.
Xingyue waved her hands dismissively. "No, no. It's okay, really. I'll be fine soon."
Ling Xiao nodded, though his expression suggested he wasn't entirely convinced. "Alright, but if it gets worse, just let me know."
As he walked away, Yumei leaned in closer to Xingyue, her voice a playful whisper. "He's totally into you."
Xingyue shot her a glare, though the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her amusement. "Stop it, Yumei."
Yumei laughed softly. "I'm just saying, Yueyue."
Despite the lingering ache in her legs, Xingyue couldn't help but smile, feeling a little lighter thanks to Yumei's teasing. The day, though exhausting, had its bright spots, and Yumei's playful banter made the soreness feel a little less daunting.
As the school day came to an end, Xingyue and Yumei strolled towards the school gate, enjoying their usual after-school banter. Just as they reached the entrance, Ling Xiao approached to bid them goodbye.
"See you tomorrow," he said with a small wave before walking off.
Yumei watched him leave, then leaned in closer to Xingyue. "Yueyue, don't you find the class president a little… weird lately?"
Xingyue raised an eyebrow. "How so?"
Yumei smirked. "Well, he usually keeps to himself and barely talks to any girl. Every time Cheng Yan tries to approach him, he brushes her off. But with you, it's different. He's definitely trying to get closer to you. I think... he likes you," she teased, nudging Xingyue playfully.
Xingyue rolled her eyes, walking in a deliberately exaggerated, opposite-footed manner to mock Yumei's comment. "Darling, I also think there's something wrong. something wrong with your brain," she said, shaking her head. "How could he like me? We're just classmates. He's only getting close because of the group project, nothing more. Don't overthink it."
Still distracted by their conversation, Xingyue suddenly bumped into someone. She turned around, eyes widening in surprise as she found herself face-to-face with Wang Haotian. He had overheard their conversation and was now staring down at her with a cold, questioning look.
"Who likes who?" he asked, his tone sharp and demanding.
Both girls froze, their faces turning pale. Yumei quickly recovered, laughing nervously. "Oh, nothing... nothing at all, haha!"
"Okay, I'll be off now!" Yumei blurted, clearly eager to escape the awkward situation. She glanced at Xingyue, trying to signal for help, but Xingyue was just as panicked. "Don't forget about our group project on Sunday! Make sure you call Ling Xiao too!" Yumei called out, rushing off before Xingyue could stop her.
Now it was just Xingyue and Haotian. His intense gaze never left her.
"Ling Xiao?" Haotian asked, his voice icy.
"Ah... he's my classmate," Xingyue stammered, feeling the weight of his stare.
"I see," Haotian replied, though his expression didn't soften. He glanced at her again, then sighed. "It's too hot. Let's go."
Xingyue, still flustered, awkwardly nodded and began walking. Haotian, without a word, took her bag from her shoulder and carried it for her. She glanced at him, slightly embarrassed but grateful, and they walked in silence.
Haotian drove through the bustling streets, the warm afternoon sun filtered through the car windows, casting soft rays across the interior. The atmosphere was a mix of tension and curiosity, and Haotian decided to break the silence.
"So, about that guy, Ling Xiao," he began, his tone casual but probing. "He's the one from this morning, right?"
Xingyue glanced at him, a hint of surprise in her eyes. "Yes, that's him," she replied, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "He's in my class."
Haotian raised an eyebrow, keeping his eyes on the road. "What's he like?"
Xingyue hesitated for a moment, contemplating her response. "He's... nice. Smart, too. He's been helping me with some of my schoolwork," she explained, trying to keep her tone light.
"Helping you?" Haotian echoed, a slight edge to his voice. "How often does that happen?"
She sensed the subtle protectiveness in his question and shrugged, trying to downplay it. "Just for our group project. It's not a big deal."
Haotian's grip tightened on the steering wheel as he maneuvered through traffic. "You sure about that? Seems like he's getting pretty close."
Xingyue felt a flutter of annoyance at his implication. "He's just being friendly, Haotian. You know how group projects are; everyone has to pitch in. It doesn't mean anything."
"Right," he replied, though his tone suggested he wasn't entirely convinced. The silence stretched between them again, punctuated only by the soft hum of the engine.
After a few moments, Haotian broke the stillness, his voice more relaxed. "Just be careful, okay? Not everyone has good intentions."
Xingyue turned to look at him, her heart racing at the unexpected concern in his words. "I can take care of myself, you know," she said, a small smile playing on her lips. "Besides, you're the one who should be careful. You have a reputation to uphold as the handsome, rich heir."
Haotian chuckled, the tension easing a bit. "Touché. But I'm serious about looking out for you."
"Thanks, but I'll be fine. I appreciate it," she replied, her heart warming at his protectiveness.
they arrived at the apartment building, Haotian expertly maneuvered the car into the basement parking space. The engine purred to a stop, and they both unbuckled their seatbelts.
"Thanks, Shushu, for sending me off," Xingyue said with a grateful smile, stepping out of the car. "Be careful on your way home. See you."
Haotian followed suit, emerging from the car with a casual grace. "Oh, I forgot to mention—your uncle has gone out of the city for a few days, so I'll be staying with you. I hope you don't mind."
Xingyue paused, her eyebrows knitting together in surprise. "Wait, he didn't say he was going for a few days. This is troublesome, Shushu. I can live on my own. I don't want to bother you."
"No, you're a child," he replied firmly, yet with a touch of warmth in his voice. "How can I leave you alone? I have to take care of you." He reached out, ruffling her hair affectionately, before turning to walk toward the lift.
Xingyue rolled her eyes, feigning annoyance. "Hey, I'm not a child! And I've told you not to pat my head!"
He chuckled softly, the corners of his mouth turning up in a teasing smile. "You may not want to admit it, but sometimes you act like one."
Beep. The door unlocked, and they both entered the apartment. Haotian shrugged off his coat and hung it up by the door, his expression relaxing as he looked over at Xingyue.
"Freshen up. I'll cook something for dinner," he said in his usual calm tone.
"Okay," she replied, nodding before heading to her room.
After a while, the aroma of food filled the apartment, and soon enough, the table was set. As they ate, a notification popped up on Haotian's phone. He glanced briefly at the screen—Jingyi: 'Tonight, are you free? Let's have dinner together.'
Without much thought, he ignored the message and continued eating. Once they finished, Xingyue cleared the table while Haotian leaned back in his chair, his thoughts elsewhere. As she was wiping down the table, Haotian's phone buzzed again with another incoming call.
"Shushu, you have a call," Xingyue said, glancing at the phone screen.
"Who is it?" he asked casually.
She hesitated for a moment before answering, "Chen Jingyi."
Haotian sighed. "Ignore it. It's not important."
However, the phone kept buzzing persistently, breaking the calm of the room. Haotian finally stood up and walked over, picking it up from the table. His expression was unreadable, but there was a hint of frustration. He went to the balcony to answer the call, leaving Xingyue behind in quiet curiosity.
Who is this Chen Jingyi? And why does she keep calling him? she wondered, her mind swirling with questions about their relationship.