Chapter 4

Xu Ningqing couldn't help but smile, feeling that after a day of busy work and being immersed in alcohol and music, her brain was returning to normal, and even the little bit of irritation she had was miraculously dissipating by more than half

Xu Ningqing nodded and walked towards the office. After taking a few steps, he noticed that the young girl had not followed, so he stopped and turned back to look.

The next morning marked the beginning of the school year. Xu Ningqing's apartment was close to the school, just two subway stops away, which meant she could have slept in. However, having done something shameful the night before, she was afraid of running into Xu Ningqing in the morning. Therefore, while it was still dim outside, she quietly prepared food for Bingbing, shouldered her backpack, and slipped out the door.

The young girl speaks in a rather sharp tone, yet she deliberately modulates her voice to be gentle, with a hint of coyness, exuding a flirtatious charm that is not at all off-putting

Organizing her backpack, Chang Li zipped it up, raised her hand to press the base of her palm against her eyes, which felt dry: "I suddenly don't want to eat barbecue anymore, I'm going back first"

Those three words, if listened to carefully, could actually reveal a choked sob caught at the root of the teeth, but Xu Ningqing did not bother to ponder over it any further and went straight back to his room

Chang Li pulled Fan Hui outside the classroom, and the two stood in front of the window ledge. She recounted what had happened yesterday, causing Fan Hui to double over with laughter: "Hahaha, what a coincidence! That person already knows, so there's no need for a confession! Come on, Li Li, let's initiate Pursuit Plan B."

Today, your history teacher mentioned to me that there was a subjective question worth 12 points in history, asking how you did, and you answered not very well? Liu Liang chuckled, "I see you are quite talented; if this were ancient times, you would at least be a prime minister. The system that has lasted for hundreds of years is nothing in your hands; you are impressive indeed"

Chang Li: `` ... ... ''

Chang Li was taken aback and took a step back: "You heard it."

Chang Li looked at him and shivered slightly, while the little deer joyfully bumped twice. Soon, feeling embarrassed, it turned its gaze away, its ears turning red.

The man walked through the crowd and approached Liu Liang, extending his hand and saying politely, "I apologize, teacher, I was caught in traffic and arrived late."

He rarely fastened the top button of his shirt, exuding a cool demeanor that conveyed a sense of emotional distance. The exquisitely tailored suit accentuated his figure, making it appear even more streamlined and perfect

Xu Ningqing probably found it truly amusing, leaning back against the chair, her shoulders shaking with laughter, and her pair of peach blossom eyes sparkled with joy, reminiscent of Pikachu's Thunderbolt.

He certainly heard the voice message that floated out from Chang Li's phone, and he understood that the male protagonist in that message was himself, but he did not take it to heart

Liu Liang asked: "Are the parents coming over today?"

"Wait for me a moment, we will go eat barbecue later," she said to Meng Qingju and Fan Hui

The question sentence was highlighted in red, and Xu Ningqing easily found it, subsequently laughing even more joyfully.

I truly feel that it is very embarrassing

How many years older is Xu Ningqing than her? In their youth, there were love letters, confessions, and pursuits. After graduation, there were even more rules of the adult world, and many suitors came to her door. Xu Ningqing, with her laid-back and self-centered nature, found all of this rather uninteresting, merely observing with a knowing and indifferent eye

... ...

It was not until the end of the week, on the following Monday, that Xu Ningqing first saw the child sitting in the living room when he returned home in the evening

Every day, I wake up early to attend classes, and after school, I stay in the guest room without coming out, practically minimizing my presence to the lowest possible level. Occasionally, I see Xu Ningqing in the living room, and in my peripheral vision, a child in a white cotton nightgown drifts out to drink water, then drifts back in.

After a quiet pause of two seconds, a faint rustling sound emerged. After a while, the soft and delicate voice of the young girl was heard: "I have eaten."

... ...

The young girl rested her chin on the table, her short stature causing her legs to dangle above the ground, swaying gently. Her delicate eyebrows were slightly furrowed, and she appeared somewhat hesitant.

I must tell you that your current study task is extremely challenging. I have long wanted to discuss this issue with your parents, as your attitude towards learning is not serious, and your assignments are hastily put together.

Chang Li was alert and whispered, "What happened?"

As soon as I came to my senses, I was instantly overwhelmed by the wave of shame that had accumulated over the past week

How many faces does this little rascal have

Xu Ningqing sat leisurely and lazily, reading through it from beginning to end. She chuckled, placed the practical report back on the table, and pressed the milk bottle that the girl had not finished drinking on top of it.

After a week, the number of times we met can be counted on one hand

As soon as Chang Li frowned, a commotion arose behind him

As school was about to end, Chang Li was suddenly called to the office

Xu Ningqing recalled the song sung by the child, "Falling in Love with Someone Who Doesn't Come Home," and smiled slightly.

Xu Ningqing gently squinted her eyes

She looked at Li Huan and smiled at her from close range

It is perfectly normal for children of this age to have personal preferences; they may very well like someone else in a couple of days. There is no need to make a big deal out of it

The young girl, feeling downcast, bit her lip and silently packed her backpack. After a while, she softly said: "I won't call them, I absolutely refuse to call them."

This is not acceptable

In front of that man

They all know that Chang Li's parents are not in the capital.

The voice conveyed a strong sense of stubbornness

Xu Ningqing leaned back, her gaze sweeping across the page. The young girl's handwriting was quite beautiful, and the chosen practical theme was still focused on rural research.

This demeanor suddenly gave Chang Li a sense of confidence

Nothing happened

However, in Chang Li's eyes, this matter is simply a stain on her, and it will persist throughout her life

Fan Hui shrugged her shoulders

Xu Ningqing found it unbelievable; this person is rather thin-skinned.

As the school bell rang, students hurried out of the classroom, and the corridor was bustling with people coming and going. Chang Li, who was beautiful, was crowned the school belle upon entering the first year of high school, making her a familiar figure to everyone, and many turned to look at her.

As she just lifted her foot to walk out, Li Huan chuckled lightly beside her: "You've been called in by your parents, but since your mom and dad didn't even come to the award ceremony, how could they possibly come to school to listen to the reprimand"

Chang Li is the sweetest talker and is sure to win people's affection. As long as she wants, she can definitely cheer people up. When she was young, her grandparents loved to listen to her speak.

Liu Liangren looked at her with kindness

Li Huan walked out of the classroom, her high ponytail swaying, her tall figure exuding an air of nobility and grace. She approached Chang Li and let out a low scoff, speaking in a sarcastic tone: "You even have to copy for a social practice; who knows if those drawings of yours were not just bought off the judges? No wonder your parents don’t want to see you."

It took him about a week to realize that this little rascal seemed to be avoiding him

He indeed heard it that night

Why

Xu Ningqing seemed completely unaware of the child's blushing. After finishing her laughter, she leaned in closer and teased, "Who is your man? Will he be coming home tonight?"

She hesitated for a moment and lowered her head: "I have been called by the parents."

He possesses a completely different temperament compared to the boys around him

It is not like this when singing

Fan Hui patted her shoulder and said, "It's nothing, your face is just the pursuit of maximum impact."

The little girl said softly, "My parents are in Shanghai, and you still have to take a plane. Isn't that too tiring?"

"Can you go to my school tomorrow?" The girl's voice was soft and gentle, cautiously lifting her eyes to look at him, with a hint of pleading in her gaze, her eyes sparkling like those of a pitiful puppy.

Liu Liang's expression changed abruptly as he pulled a notebook from a drawer beside him and slammed it down in front of her: "Listen and see if there's any sound of water in your head! Look at this, what kind of nonsense have you written in your summer social practice report?! Even if you copy, you should at least think about it!"

"Li Li! Why are you so early today?" Fan Hui shouted as soon as she entered the classroom.

This statement indeed has a sense of simplicity

The little girl reluctantly stopped in her tracks, her head hanging low as she walked dejectedly towards Old Liu

Having said the latter part, "For example, I think you won't live too long, are you happy?"

Xu Ningqing responded calmly, "I heard it."

Upon hearing the sound, she raised her head, and Xu Ningqing clearly saw the smile spreading in her previously troubled eyes

What?

She did not continue speaking and pretended to be emotional, saying: "How can we call it plagiarism when it comes to the matters of scholars? Such a term is too harsh."

She actually made such a big blunder

As soon as the result crouched and ran out of the classroom, Liu Liang's voice sounded from behind: "Chang Li! Where are you going!"

In fact, it was called a week ago. Chang Li originally intended to wait for Lao Liu to forget about this matter, but who would have thought that his memory was so good that he stated if the parents were not called in, he would go for a home visit.

Chang Li's neck turned red, her slender fingers tugging at her hot ears, and then her deflated palm slapped her face, grumbling in complaint: "If you don't want to go, then don't go!"

Chang Li let out a soft "oh" and immediately stood up to run over.

In the last few days, Chang Li has completed all of her summer homework. Although the quality is concerning, it is still quite easy to avoid inspection. In fact, today she was even praised several times, with remarks such as, "Classmate Chang Li has finished all her work despite not studying cultural subjects for a year. Don't you feel ashamed for not doing yours?"

The girl blinked in confusion: "Huh?"

Like a cat whose tail has been stepped on

Li Huan and Chang Li are both studying oil painting. Li Huan also possesses great artistic talent, yet she is repeatedly overshadowed by Chang Li in competitions. The two have been at odds for a long time.

Having a little imp to amuse and entertain is quite enjoyable

What is Plan A?

Chang Li's words just now were quite light; it is likely that the other people standing nearby did not hear clearly. Judging by her smiling face, it is also hard to guess that she was scolding someone

Chang Li's previous feelings of irritation and disappointment had completely vanished, and her voice was imbued with an unmistakable hint of joy.

Are you still shy about what happened last night

At this age, approaching thirty, why tease her!

The child does not know where to find the practical report

Xu Ningqing was unaware of the grievances and entanglements between the two children, and could only raise an eyebrow in curiosity

... ...

Xu Ningqing raised her brow but did not speak

Xu Ningqing noticed that she blushed again, and the earlier bravado completely vanished.

Uncertain of the reason, yet obediently nodded my head twice

Fan Hui is 1.72 meters tall and easily embraced the Changli pear hanging on her body, asking in surprise: "What did I do?"

The little girl smiles sweetly, both obedient and humble: "Although it is very hard, it is also very rewarding to accomplish it. I have missed a year of classes and need to make up for it quickly."

Liu Liang: "... ..."

She turned to look back

... ...

Chang Li pulled out a chair and sat across from him. Seeing his attitude, she also relaxed her guard: "Hmm, you are doing quite well in your studies"

The young girl slightly leaned forward, her lips close to the ear of another girl who was slightly taller than her, and with a sweet smile, she whispered: "Losing is losing. I think you should broaden your perspective a bit and not engage in malicious speculation."

This string of words, Chang Li raised her head and pleaded: "Teacher Liu ... ... "

Chang Li wished to snatch it back but was unable to do so in time, immediately shouting: "You must not look!"

Chang Li sighed, feeling a bit melancholic: "I dare not."

As the sun sets in the west, the vast evening glow cascades down along the corridor window sill, casting a dim yellow hue upon the man's black hair

Meng Qingju and Fan Hui immediately wanted to argue upon hearing this, but they were stopped by Chang Li. She was not in the mood to quarrel at that moment, merely shook her head, ignored them, and directly left the classroom

Chang Li pulled out two crumpled pieces of paper from her pocket, on which were written the words "Summer Social Practice Report." The young girl spoke in a somewhat downcast tone: "I didn't have time to do my homework during the summer vacation, so I found a social practice report online and copied it... There was too much homework, and I didn't pay close attention while copying, so..."

Ah

Xu Ningqing returned home early today, and upon entering the house, she noticed a pair of young girls' shoes placed at the entrance.

Old Liu was also taken aback, watching as the parent walked over like a model on the runway. He mechanically extended his hand to shake with the man and asked, "Who are you?"

She quickly lowered her head after being scolded, and cautiously glanced at the notebook, where a line was marked out in red ink, accompanied by a large question mark

Without saying a word, he immediately got up, ran back to the bedroom, and slammed the door shut

Due to her art classes, she has not been present at school for a year. She arrived early and sat in the classroom, and her classmates were quite surprised to greet her as they entered the room

My man and I

What is this little rascal up to with his face-changing antics

... ...

He glanced over and knocked on the guest room door: "Have you had dinner yet"

"Oh, good, then please accompany me to the office first," Liu Liang said

He watched as the young girl blushed, and after his seemingly teasing remark, "You still know I am your little uncle," she let out a cry and darted back to her bedroom

Xu Ningqing said: "I am her uncle"

But she did not react quickly, staring blankly as the man approached, her posture seemingly straighter than before

Liu Liang sat at her desk, watched her walk in, nodded, and gently asked: "Please sit down, how is your drawing study going?"

He pulled out the chair opposite her and sat down, his laughter deep and magnetic. Leaning forward, he used his long fingers to pick up the practical report from her desk

Chang Li narrowed her eyes, furious, threw down her pen and ran over. She leaped up and hung onto Fan Hui, gripping her neck and blushing as she exclaimed, "Ah ah ah ah, I must take your dog life today!"

Did you work hard on your summer homework

The girl furrowed her brow in distress once again, lowering her head and pulling the hood of her sweatshirt over her head, tightening the drawstring to wrap around her small face, leaving only her pair of eyes and a delicate, upturned nose exposed

Her head is bowed low

Liu Liangcai was not deceived by this pitiful tone: "It won't help you like this; if your parents don't come, I will definitely have to visit your home."

Unable to call her "parents," as soon as the bell for the last self-study class rang, she quickly packed her bag and prepared to sneak away

Chang Li is very troubled

Xu Ningqing raised his chin and said, "I am leaving, little ghost"

Xu Ningqing was amused

Chang Li: `` ... ... ''

Liu Liang slammed the table and said, "Call your parents here!"

Xu Ningqing's heart skipped a beat, "What are you doing?"

Oh my! How can this person be like this! Can't they just pretend they didn't hear?

Xu Ningqing did not truly take the events of the evening to heart

As she passed through the crowd in the corridor, Xu Ningqing slightly leaned forward and whispered, "You were quite adept at confronting others just now."

Immediately afterwards, a sweet voice of a child called out: "Uncle."

mumbled, "I usually don't act like this"

My man and I go to the creek every morning to do the laundry

Chang Li was momentarily taken aback

After reading that sentence, the girl despairingly closed her eyes.

Liu Liang's heart skipped a beat, and he smiled at her earnestly, saying: "Try shaking your head a bit."

What should we do then? Do you want to call your parents? Meng Qingju asked while standing by her desk