Chapter 8

In the first two weeks of the final semester of their senior year, the students displayed a weariness that belied their youth, yet they gritted their teeth and persevered. It resembled an endurance race; those who could hold out the longest would achieve victory. Xu Qing had become the student with the least pressure, but having less pressure did not equate to fewer tasks. Xu Qing often assisted the teachers with various tasks while also preparing for competitions. Zheng Jiejie continued to study diligently as always, preparing for the college entrance examination. Xu Qing had become the student with the least pressure, but having less pressure did not equate to fewer tasks. Xu Qing often assisted the teachers with various tasks while also preparing for competitions. Zheng Jiejie continued to study diligently as always, preparing for the college entrance examination

Remember not to seek a foreign boyfriend

Why don't you participate in the college entrance examination

Two days before leaving, Xu Qing accompanied her to the mall to shop for clothes. After a tiring shopping spree, the two sat down at a coffee shop by the street. Neither of them liked coffee, and the several cups they ordered sat untouched as they remained still.

Jiang Luosheng leaned back slightly in his chair to sit more comfortably, picked up the glass on the table, and took a few sips of the cool water. The smile in his eyes seemed to convey the message, "You clearly know this," yet his lips did not move at all, showing no intention of responding.

Good

Hmm

Xu Qing was puzzled: "He can still run?"

However, the psychological factors cannot be overlooked, Zheng Jiejie said regretfully, her voice not loud but very persuasive. "Abroad, it is indeed another language, another culture, another civilization. The distance in between is certainly not just thousands of mountains and rivers. Even when one arrives there, it is still like seeing flowers in the fog, and the barriers may even be greater."

A British boy with sapphire-like eyes approached to strike up a conversation, and Xu Qing never anticipated that she would be approached by someone. Although surprised, she maintained her politeness.

Jiang Luosheng smiled lightly: "Seeing your serious demeanor on television, and then looking at you now, it is truly like comparing heaven and earth"

Xu Qing was taken aback: "Where can I go?"

Xu Qing shrugged her shoulders, displaying a look of helplessness: "Now my return rate is actually higher than yours."

Are you tired

Xu Qing had read a novel she wrote herself, a story about an amnesiac man searching for love and memories from ten years ago, written in a subtle and poignant manner. Xu Qing believed that her writing was at least of a standard suitable for publication, yet strangely, she had never attempted to publish any of her works and was not enthusiastic about writing competitions

Xu Qing denied: "No, no. I cannot reach such heights. I must preserve this well, as capital, to boast to others decades later"

To speak frankly

Liang Yuanyu shook his head, stood up from the sofa with his bag in hand, and said, "It's nothing, just came to see you"

Xu Qing suppressed her astonishment, slightly lowered her gaze, leaned forward, and extended a hand towards him. His pair of eyes, when first seen, appeared to be a light black color, but from another angle, they transformed into a deep blue, resembling black gemstones coated with a thin layer of phosphorescent blue.

That day, the teacher asked her to go to the office to fill out a form. As soon as she stepped through the door, she heard the teachers discussing Zheng Jiejie, all saying: "This child is truly remarkable. She could have opted out of the college entrance examination, yet she insists on participating. In this mock exam, she ranked among the top three in the liberal arts class."

After speaking, they looked at each other in silence, with no words left to say

Liang Yuanyu fell silent for a moment: "I did not return when your grandmother was seriously ill, do you resent me for that?"

After sleeping for an unknown duration, Xu Qing woke up, glanced at the time, and suddenly remembered the interview task for today, which startled her. She quickly wiped her face and rushed into the room of the two boys next door. Both of them were in the room, getting ready. For some time now, the team members had developed a good rapport, and they were quite casual with each other. The three of them were laughing and chatting about the events of the previous night when the team leader knocked and entered. Xu Qing thought the teacher was there to inform them that they could set off, but instead, the teacher said: "Xu Qing, someone is looking for you in the lobby."

Jiang Luosheng reached out to embrace Xu Qing's shoulders, leaning close to her ear and speaking in a low voice: "A stirring experience"

All three of them could not hold back their laughter

Xu Qing murmured to herself: "This is how we part ways"

"Then what are you saying?" Zheng Jie Jie asked with great interest

The day you went to Beijing, I sent you off in the same way

Sister, you look truly impressive on television

My brother also studied at Cambridge, where he was an outstanding student. He said that I would definitely like Cambridge. Therefore, I finally decided to go.

While sitting like this, many words were exchanged until Zheng Jiejie’s phone rang one after another. Zheng Jiejie asked Xu Qing: "Will you see me off?"

Xu Qing looked at her and said, "Why didn't you tell me back then?"

The mathematics foundation program of the best university in the country has decided to admit me, and its conditions are no less favorable than those of prestigious universities abroad; moreover, my grandmother is still in the country

Michael raised his fist, "Ten years and five months."

Such a long time is sufficient for the zodiac to complete another cycle

Six or seven hours quickly passed. The passengers on the plane were very busy. Upon learning that these young individuals were going to participate in an international competition, the atmosphere on the flight became lively. There were those who observed them, those who engaged them in conversation, and those who sought their learning experiences, all in abundance. Xu Qing couldn't help but mutter to herself: When did we become like dinosaurs, on display for others? However, she did not feel displeased; after all, their blessings and admiration were genuinely sincere. Xu Qing couldn't help but mutter to herself: When did we become like dinosaurs, on display for others? However, she did not feel displeased; after all, their blessings and admiration were genuinely sincere.

In a store on the Champs-Élysées, Chen Xian observed Xu Qing pick up an item and then put it down, her gaze shifting to another item, her face filled with difficulty. Unable to restrain himself, he said: "Are you trying to choose something for your boyfriend?"

Xu Qing had encountered many relatives and friends of Zheng Jie Jie, but Jiang Luo Sheng was unaware. Upon seeing so many well-dressed individuals who appeared to have an extraordinary status, he was momentarily taken aback and softly remarked, "What kind of family background does Zheng Jie Jie have"

Then why hesitate so much

Xu Qing looked at their faces and couldn't help but wonder if her parents had not divorced, would they accompany her to the examination hall? Would they be waiting outside, eagerly anticipating her arrival?

In fact, I am aware of the situation, Xu Qing finally took out the medal and certificate to show her grandmother, while she herself was so exhausted that she lay on the sofa, counting the number of chandeliers on the ceiling, "It is not because I won the award that she would necessarily come in person"

Xu Qing's demeanor was extremely stiff, her gaze fixed on a certain point on the ground, never once meeting her mother's eyes. There was neither a hint of pleasure nor any sign of dissatisfaction; she appeared to be addressing the matter at hand, as if facing a stranger. Passersby would never guess that these two were mother and daughter.

The mother and daughter do share some similarities, both of whom favor the colors blue and white

As the classes are all very familiar with each other, coming and going is of no consequence. Xu Qing walked into the classroom and sat down next to Zheng Jiejie

Western literature

Seizing the opportunity, Xu Qing took out a beautifully wrapped gift and solemnly handed it to Zheng Jie Jie; Zheng Jie Jie was all smiles but said nothing, glanced at Xu Qing, and began to unwrap it.

Recalling my high school experiences, reminiscing about the fleeting years. It is hard to believe that my high school life has come to an end

The team leader humorously remarked: "It is best to have at least one girl in the competition team, especially a beautiful girl"

Xu Qing glared at him, feeling greatly embarrassed

Liang Yuanyu did not expect to be rejected so quickly, momentarily taken aback, preparing to persuade, only to be silenced by a single remark from Xu Qing.

Xu Qing looked up and smiled slightly at Liang Yuanyu, saying, "I truly believe that mixed-race children are more beautiful than ordinary children."

Xu Qing smiled somewhat guiltily and said, "It is just not suitable for the season"

Zheng Jiejie was deeply moved, not because of the price of the scarf itself, but because it was embroidered with her name in crooked Chinese characters using blue silk thread. Zheng Jiejie embraced Xu Qing across the table, and feeling it was not enough, she simply sat beside Xu Qing, wrapped her arms around her, and gave her a kiss

Xu Qing mentioned in her email to Zheng Jie Jie: I truly experienced that sense of national pride. When students from other countries learned that we are from China, despite the language barrier, they immediately displayed expressions of admiration.

The results of the college entrance examination have been released, and Jiang Luosheng achieved outstanding results, being the top student in the city, making admission to any school or program unproblematic; Zheng Jiejie also had very commendable results, and the teachers expressed great regret: "Even with such high scores, it is of no use, as there is no further education. It would have been better if it were in the country."

Staring at Jiang Luosheng's back, Zheng Jiejie turned her face away and quietly said to Xu Qing: "He has a pair of very intriguing eyes. Although he is not the type that is strikingly handsome, he is very attention-grabbing"

Zheng Jie Jie furrowed her brows and softly said, "But it will be soon."

Zheng Jie Jie suddenly smiled and said slowly: "Actually, I originally wanted to suggest that you also go to the UK with me."

Every night before going to bed, Xu Qing wonders whether she might be too anxious or if there are other reasons that could prevent her from sleeping. However, strangely, she is not affected by the passage of time and space at all; when she gets up, she is always full of energy, with a sweet and radiant smile.

What about Paris, which arrived at dawn

The results are out, and without a doubt, China ranks first. Everyone in the delegation is spraying champagne and throwing confetti, including the teachers who suddenly become like children. Many people embrace each other, then separate, and take turns hugging, creating a chaotic scene

The stark contrast between the grand welcoming party upon returning to the country and the mere dozen people who saw her off when she left can be described as worlds apart. Following this were various interviews and welcome banquets. Particularly, Xu Qing's beauty made her stand out even among ordinary high school students, and reporters and photographers showed a distinct preference for her, repeatedly inviting her for interviews. These trivial matters left Xu Qing with no time for herself, and she realized how tiresome it is to repeatedly answer the same questions, as well as how exhausting it is to maintain a constant smile.

Liang Yuanyu suddenly asked: "Xiao Qing, have you ever thought about studying abroad? I can help you make the connections."

Grandmother was somewhat surprised, "This time she actually has the intention."

Zheng Jie Jie has a realization: "Life is like a play, and a play is like life."

Xu Qing was not surprised, "Britain?"

Xu Qing smiled without saying a word. In fact, she herself was not clear about it either

Zheng Jie Jie was eating ice cream with a small spoon, taking tiny bites. "Dad said that when you saw him, you stared wide-eyed, extremely nervous, and were utterly at a loss."

Indeed, that is why there are so many poems expressing nostalgia for one's homeland

It has been twelve years since we last met

Xu Qing shook her head, "He refused the recommendation for admission."

Xu Qing also smiled and said: "Hmm"

Ah, who is it

Chen Xian asked curiously: "Who is that?"

Xu Qing rested her head on her hand, reminiscing about the events she had witnessed at that time

Architecture

Xu Qing saw him, and a layer of red, barely perceptible to outsiders, appeared on her face. She invited him to sit down and then introduced the two of them. In fact, they were already acquainted, making such an introduction seem unnecessary. Xu Qing finally said slowly, "The introduction is complete. Do you have any questions?"

Grandmother disapprovingly said: "This is something only we elderly can handle. At your young age, you think about so much. Only after thirty years can you have the qualifications to reflect on it."

There is also tea

It is different. I am just doing my best. Moreover, if it can be taken away by others, it was never truly mine in the first place

Xiao Qing, you are even thinner than what is seen in the news... It is not hard to imagine that being able to represent the country as the most outstanding student must have come with a lot of hardships

The two individuals chose a quiet corner seat and ordered several servings of ice cream

During a conversation, Zheng Jie Jie suddenly recalled something: "Have you been in contact with Jiang Luo Sheng?"

Xu Qing nodded slightly: "Yes, I have met your father more than once or twice, but this time when he received me, it truly made me feel that there is a wonderful fate between us, though I did not dare to smile at that moment"

Xu Qing had no idea that she would be associated with the term "arrogant," but she did not refute it and simply smiled obediently. After smiling, Xu Qing saw her teammates and the team leader coming out of the elevator one after another. She stood up, raised her hand to signal that she was here, and turned to look at Liang Yuanyu.

In the days leading up to the results, the team leader and a French translator took them on a journey through Paris, which was truly full of charm and extraordinary allure. ... The old book stalls by the Seine River; street artists painting in front of the Montmartre and Notre-Dame; the crowded subway and streets choked with traffic ...

This voice also brought Xu Qing and Zheng Jie back to their senses. Following the sound, they looked into the distance and saw seven or eight students of similar age sitting at the other end of the ice cream shop, both boys and girls, all looking at Jiang Luosheng with a mix of curiosity and astonishment, waving for him to come over and sit with them. Jiang Luosheng explained to them: "They are my classmates, I will go for a moment."

The boys, rather inconsiderately, laughed heartily without any grace, seemingly indifferent to the cameras capturing their every move. Chen Xian felt quite envious: "Favoring girls over boys, it is unfair, truly unfair. You are the roses, while we are merely the weeds"

The first two days passed uneventfully, with the team leader guiding six students through the final simulations and summaries. It had a sense of cramming at the last minute; although it was of little benefit to the overall situation, it still helped the students maintain their mental sharpness

Next June

Even with extensive mental preparation, it is still insufficient at this moment. Xu Qing remained silent for a long time before stepping forward and softly called out, "Mom"

Zheng Jie Jie looked enchanted and said, "What you said has also touched my heart; I want to go and see it."

Remember to keep in touch with me

A fluffy scarf woven from fine white threads

Xu Qing was taken aback by Jiang Luosheng's unexpectedly glib tongue, leaving her both amused and bewildered. On the other hand, Zheng Jiejie found it quite delightful, her eyes sparkling like gems, making her even more enchanting

Xu Qing was puzzled as to why all the people she knew were so stubborn and deeply understood the principle that silence is golden

Xu Qing separately called to inform her grandmother and Zheng Jiejie about the award news, and then she slept soundly until dawn

Having known Zheng Jiejie for a short time, Xu Qing soon realized that she had a passion for literature. The essays she wrote, even when discussing trivial matters, were particularly vivid and interesting. Zheng Jiejie's computer was filled with countless beginnings of novels, yet the number she had completed was very few, and her writing style was vastly different from the requirements of the usual composition classes.

I don't know. Whatever.

It is for another friend of mine

In order to purchase a gift, Xu Qing exhausted countless brain cells; she felt that solving math problems was not as laborious as this. After browsing through numerous craft shops and gift stores, she still could not find many suitable items.

The little boy looked at Xu Qing with curiosity and suddenly called out to her: "Sister"

Tell me, what does it feel like to win a gold medal

In a hall that can accommodate hundreds of people, there are speakers of every language; apart from occasionally understanding a couple of sentences in English, Xu Qing comprehends nothing else. In such a vibrant atmosphere, Xu Qing feels no sense of alienation, only a joy that overflows from her heart. Unconsciously, Xu Qing appears radiant, her smile gentle, and under the bright lights, she truly resembles a rose.

Isn't it Jiang Luosheng

I have something to ask you

After returning home, Xu Qing tidied up her suitcase while informing her grandmother about her mother's visit to Paris. In the end, she sighed, "I never expected that after all these years, my mother would still appear so young and beautiful; at first, I didn't even dare to recognize her"

Zheng Jie Jie laughed exaggeratedly: "I am famous now, I am famous now"

Have you never been there before

Knowing that she could no longer ask anything further, Xu Qing shot him a glare and picked up the topic that had just been interrupted, "Jie Jie, what did your words just now mean?"

Xu Qing withdrew her gaze and pondered, saying, "If someone were to take him away, I would have no way to think of a solution."

Time flies swiftly

Which day

Having said that, Xu Qing half-squatted down and quietly bid farewell to Michael, not wishing to discuss the matter further. Michael's outline is that of an Oriental person, yet his features distinctly exhibit Western characteristics, with a pronounced contour. The perfect fusion of Eastern and Western advantages makes his face full of charm, and it is easy to imagine that he will undoubtedly grow up to be a handsome young man adored by all.

At that time, it was inquired, and the school, upon learning that you are a gold medalist in the mathematics competition, expressed a strong willingness to accept you for admission

It's okay

What are you thinking about

Xu Qing was naturally deeply immersed in it

Look at us, the height of our thinking has suddenly ascended to the realm of philosophy

Upon returning home, the living room was bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun. Xu Qing, feeling exhausted, leaned back on the sofa and closed her eyes to rest. Her grandmother emerged from the study and asked with a smile, "What are you thinking about?"

Even if she returned to the city, it would be the same; the leaders from the province and the city personally received her. It was the first time Xu Qing saw Zheng Jiejie’s father in a work setting, serious and earnest, with great poise. Similarly, various activities followed one after another, leaving her no time to spare. It was only a week later that Xu Qing finally found the time to meet Zheng Jiejie at an ice cream shop. Perhaps due to her frequent appearances in the news lately, as soon as Xu Qing entered the shop, she immediately attracted many gazes. Xu Qing just wanted to cover her face and avoid being seen. Perhaps due to her frequent appearances in the news lately, as soon as Xu Qing entered the shop, she immediately attracted many gazes. Xu Qing just wanted to cover her face and avoid being seen

Zheng Jiejie spoke highly to Xu Qing about the incident that occurred outside the airport

Upon hearing Zheng Jiejie calmly announce her intention to study abroad, Xu Qing's first thought was, "How could even my best friend leave? Is it really that good overseas?" However, Xu Qing is indeed Xu Qing; her rational and logical thinking, honed through mathematics, came into play at a critical moment. In an instant, her thoughts settled, and she felt ashamed of her initial reaction. She turned to face Zheng Jiejie's face and sincerely said, "This is exactly your dream, isn't it? I am truly happy for you."

Zheng Jie Jie finds it amusing

The team leader told Xu Qing, "He said you are the rose of mathematics." After saying this, he couldn't help but laugh himself

Grandma smiled kindly: "Your attitude towards honor truly embodies the essence of Madame Curie."

What major is he preparing to study

The team leader next to her and many reporters burst into laughter. Xu Qing was completely bewildered

Nothing expresses gratitude better than a sincere smile

Liang Yuanyu invited Xu Qing to sit opposite him, gazing at her for a long time before smiling and saying: "Congratulations. There is nothing that makes me prouder than you winning the gold medal"

After leaving the classroom, Xu Qing stared at her without blinking. Zheng Jiejie’s breathing was very steady, and her expression was no different from usual. The two of them remained silent, walking slowly, appearing no different from a leisurely stroll under the moonlight. After a long while, Zheng Jiejie spoke: "Yes, once the third year of high school is over, I will go to study in the United Kingdom"

A quarter of an hour later, Jiang Luosheng returned. Without waiting for them to ask anything, she smiled and explained, "They were taken aback to suddenly see two beautiful women accompanying me, so they asked me what my relationship with you was."

Pause for a moment and add a sentence: "Everyone has their own aspirations. I certainly cannot force you."

Upon arriving at the hotel and setting down their luggage, the team leader promptly informed them to go to the lobby to participate in the welcome event. On the same day, delegations from several other countries also arrived in Paris. The welcome event was straightforward; the organizers provided an overview and specific details, and then it concluded. Xu Qing paid little attention to the content of the event, but the Western-style cuisine left a lasting impression on her

Having said that, Xu Qing tilted her head and smiled, her smile warm and beyond reproach

Zheng Jie Jie did not respond at all, silently letting out a sigh as she began to tidy up the tables and chairs. Xu Qing's gaze did not leave her hands for a moment, unable to resist as her memories drifted away, taking her back to the time when they first met

Compared to the blazing sun outside, the ice cream shop feels like a cold cellar. As soon as I sat down, the heat dissipated.

What is going on? Xu Qing was completely baffled

She said: You know, what I care about is not these things

Where," Jiang Luosheng said with a smile, denying it, and asked Xu Qing, "How does the Eiffel Tower look?

Your approach is very wise

Zheng Jie Jie put down her pen and looked at her, "What brings you here?"

Well, there is no way... Since I am being used as a model for promotion, how can a model have such thoughts? Naturally, I must speak of humility and caution, and not be satisfied with victory, and so on

Before his voice changed, the boy's unique clear voice combined with his somewhat unskilled Chinese made his voice particularly distinctive, akin to the sound of a small stone being forcefully thrown into the water, creating splashes. Years later, he has called out "sister" countless times, but it is only the very first "sister" that left a particularly deep impression on Xu Qing

Each has its own reasons; do not envy others

Xu Qing was taken aback and did not think much of it; she immediately shook her head, "There is no need to trouble yourself."

Many people asked her to share her experiences of success, and she replied with a single quote from Dickens: I do not believe that any innate or acquired talent can achieve success without the quality of steadfast and long-term hard work

Xu Qing's face flushed, and she opened her mouth as if to say something but then withdrew: "It's not for him."

Yes

Feeling sad? Of course, " Xu Qing held Zheng Jie Jie’s hand, " but now that technology is advanced, we can meet and chat anywhere; the Earth is only a little bit big, and flying back and forth takes no more than a day.

Go to Cambridge

His grades are already among the best, not to mention the additional points.

I made a phone call, but we did not meet. You know, I only have time today

Xu Qing took out her phone and dialed; as soon as Jiang Luosheng answered the call, he immediately agreed.

I arrived by plane last night

However, on the day of the college entrance examination, the weather was cool, as if the heavens had exerted all their strength to bring several days of heavy rain, just to ensure a pleasant coolness for the two days of the exam

Jiang Luosheng watched as the two slowly smiled; the tacit understanding between them was like an invisible, unbreakable bond, requiring no words at all, which deeply affected those around them. In a daze, he felt as if the air had turned into liquid. Just as he was about to say something, he suddenly heard someone behind him calling his name

Xu Qing remained silent for a long time, then sighed and said: "If it weren't for my grandmother, I would truly go with you."

Xu Qing was originally eating ice cream, but upon being asked, she nearly choked.

Students who truly reach the threshold of international competitions cannot possibly be mere bookworms. For them, no matter how busy they are, there is always time to appreciate girls

After the evening study session, Xu Qing went to find Zheng Jie Jie in her classroom. Outside the window, she saw Zheng Jie Jie deeply engrossed in solving problems. Like all third-year high school students trapped in a city of worries, without exception, thick stacks of books were piled up on the desks, resembling solid fortresses, making it difficult for the teacher standing behind the podium to see the students' faces.

"This is your mother"

Zheng Jiejie was dismissive: "I know its significance myself, and that is enough."

Xu Qing knew what he was thinking and replied with a smile, "A girl."

This is your younger brother, Michael, Liang Yuanyu said

"I will take it with me in winter," Zheng Jiejie said with a smile as she put it away, "as long as it is a gift from you"

Zheng Jiejie chuckled softly, and under Xu Qing's seemingly stern gaze, did not hold back. After laughing enough, he said: "His grades should be fine, right"

Xu Qing observed for a while; they would glance at Jiang Luosheng, then look over here, continuously questioning Jiang Luosheng with smiles that held ill intentions. It seemed that Jiang Luosheng was left in a state of helpless laughter under their relentless inquiries.

As Jiang Luosheng stepped into the store, he happened to see Xu Qing sitting closely with an extraordinarily beautiful girl, exuding an air of intimacy that was particularly pleasing to the eye, and he suddenly felt the summer heat dissipate. He instantly recalled that she was the girl he had met once at the airport. Such a visage, even if seen only once, was hard to forget. There was no doubt that this was Zheng Jiejie

Xu Qing smiled mysteriously: "I am still quite pleased. After years of hard work, I have finally reaped the rewards; it is impossible not to breathe a sigh of relief. At the beginning, I was always afraid of not winning the gold medal. For me, that is not something that can be easily dismissed with the phrase 'it's the participation that counts.'"

After the award ceremony, a group of people attended the grand celebration banquet hosted by the organizer. Xu Qing felt overwhelmed by the array of Western dishes on the table, casually ate some fruit, and then sat down in a corner, gazing out the window at the dazzling and enchanting night view of Paris

Xu Qing smiled but did not speak

Upon exiting the elevator, Xu Qing immediately spotted a middle-aged woman sitting quietly on the sofa in the hotel lobby. Objectively speaking, for her age group, she could be considered a rare beauty with elegance. She was dressed in a light blue trench coat, her gaze directed out the window, exuding a distinctive aura. Beside her sat a very handsome little Caucasian boy, his round eyes darting about.

The communication between them can be described as quite smooth. The young man is very humorous, possesses a broad knowledge base, and discusses Newton, the Goldbach conjecture, and Zu Chongzhi's calculations of pi, ultimately touching upon the Li Yuese problem. Xu Qing, somewhat reluctantly, follows his lead, thinking to herself that her English is actually much better than she had imagined.

Zheng Jie Jie was taken aback, "Why?"

Grandmother certainly knows, yet she does not respond, instead she touches the gold medal and asks: "Where is the best place to put it?"

The two-day competition has passed unknowingly. After the exam, the Chinese students all wore smiles, making the results apparent at a glance; this seems to have become a certain pattern

Then you should call him out

This is quite different from what you said on television

So... Zheng Jie Jie scooped a corner of ice cream and slowly swallowed it

Xu Qing shook her head and replied succinctly: "No."

When will we leave

Your father also knows. He saw the news first and then called to inform me

A miracle. I can hardly find another word to describe it. So grand and magnificent, it is bound to overturn your life experience—looking at it from a distance, you might be indifferent, but suddenly standing at its base, you cannot even see the tip of the tower when you look up, as if * * * * * * * * apart from its existence, nothing else is real.

Xu Qing asked her, "What did you feel at that time?"

Xu Qing looked at him. Jiang Luosheng had a sincere expression: "I was a bit curious, so I mentioned it casually"

Xu Qing was taken aback

The majors for which he was granted direct admission do not meet his expectations

Oh, I have never seen him either

Zheng Jiejie pouted, indicating to Xu Qing to look at those classmates from Class 7, "Have you not noticed that the girls are particularly enthusiastic towards him? Yet they are very dismissive towards us?"

That may not be the case; if you do not even try, who knows what the outcome will be

Xu Qing retorted, "What truth?"

What?

Zheng Jie Jie playfully smiled: "Even if you ask, will you go? What about Jiang Luo Sheng?"

Liang Yuanyu felt as if she had been struck by an electric current, and immediately turned around to see a tall, slender girl behind her. The girl's eyes were bright and clear, sparkling with a certain brilliance, completely unlike many girls who had read too many books. She had a pair of glasses perched on her nose, which made her seem as if there was always a layer of something separating her from others. Her hair fell just to her shoulders, tied back with two blue hair ties at the sides of her ears, looking exceptionally fresh and lovely. If it weren't for the somewhat serious expression on her face, she would appear to be a mischievous little girl, looking two or three years younger than her actual age. A pair of glasses perched on her nose, which made her seem as if there was always a layer of something separating her from others. Her hair fell just to her shoulders, tied back with two blue hair ties at the sides of her ears, looking exceptionally fresh and lovely. If it weren't for the somewhat serious expression on her face, she would appear to be a mischievous little girl, looking two or three years younger than her actual age

What is it? I would like to meet him.

Xu Qing shook her head with a smile, preparing to say something to Jiang Luosheng, but as the words reached her lips, she suddenly paused. She saw Zheng Jiejie waving at her, her radiant smile seemingly gathering all the light from the airport, appearing to be free of any sorrow from parting. This not only reassured Xu Qing but also stirred an inexplicable discomfort within her. Xu Qing just watched her, neither approaching nor did Zheng Jiejie come over. It was not until Zheng Jiejie's figure disappeared into the customs entrance that Xu Qing finally shifted her gaze.

On the first day, no one recognized Xu Qing. On the second day, a parent recognized her as the girl who had won a gold medal in an international competition and was granted admission to a prestigious university. Instantly, the crowd surged like autumn winds sweeping through wheat fields. Xu Qing wished to leave in a hurry, but she found herself trapped in the crowd, unable to extricate herself easily

Xu Qing suddenly felt uneasy and immediately asked, "Do you have something to discuss?"

I actually have no idea at all

It has only been a little over an hour, and I am not very tired. Michael insists on coming along, saying he has never seen you before

Outside the school gate, parents of the candidates stand in droves, watching their children come and go, their faces filled with anticipation. They repeat their words of advice not once but twice, fearing that their children might forget. Their expressions are even more anxious and sorrowful than those of the children themselves. Their emotions fluctuate dramatically in response to their children's demeanor, worried that they might overlook something, and their affection is evident in every word.

"However, one should also think positively," Zheng Jiejie raised an eyebrow and smiled, "just as Alcott said, experience far surpasses books, and experience exceeds status."

He intends to take the entrance exam for the school I am attending

Zheng Jie Jie was filled with tears.

Hmm. Xu Qing nodded.

Jiang Luosheng seemed to have a feeling: "It seems like that day."

Michael extended his hand like a little adult and握住 Xu Qing's hand

Mother, do you have any other matters to attend to

Xu Qing sighed while holding her head, looking utterly perplexed. Zheng Jie Jie glanced at her and smiled as she changed the subject, "Has he decided which school to apply for with guaranteed admission?"

Xu Qing hesitated slightly: "You don't mind?"

Zheng Jiejie patted Xu Qing's shoulder, smiling like a teacher: "Make sure to keep an eye on him. Such an outstanding boy is hard to come by"

Gently caressing the exquisite coffee cup, Xu Qing said, "Now that we are in Europe, we must get used to it, even if it feels uncomfortable."

Returning to the hotel, it is already past eleven o'clock

Zheng Jie Jie shook her head; Xu Qing's gaze did not leave her.

When receiving the medals, everyone was already calm, but the traces of the earlier revelry could be seen on their flushed faces. The award for China was presented by a very renowned mathematician from around the world, with a head full of silver hair and a kind smile. He beamed as he draped the gold medals around the necks of the team members. When it was Xu Qing's turn, he paused for a moment, did not immediately walk away, and smiled at the translator while saying a phrase in French.

Grandmother then said, "Do not worry, you still have plenty of youth that others will envy. After you enter university, you will soon forget today's sentiments and continue to immerse yourself in a vibrant life."

Liang Yuanyu smiled indifferently, turned her face towards the door and said, "You may go, they are all waiting for you."

The boys exchanged knowing smiles with each other

Xu Qing expressed her dissatisfaction: "It sounds like I'm just putting on a show for my death."

Zheng Jiejie said, "Not entirely, there are also my family's intentions. In fact, they planned to send me abroad during high school, but I refused. This time for university, I really cannot delay any longer"

Chen Xian immediately justified himself again: "Who says this is not France?" Laughter then grew even louder

I actually hope you do not come. Because there may be many people sending me off, I am afraid that I will not even have time to greet you then

Michael, how old are you

It seems to be like this

Sometimes Xu Qing would call Jiang Luosheng, and the response was always "Everything is fine"; Zheng Jiejie’s schedule was also drawing near. Flipping through the calendar, noticing the gradually rising temperatures, Xu Qing could only feel a sense of unease.

In preparation for the college entrance examination, Zheng Jiejie has lost a significant amount of weight, making her previous clothes appear somewhat loose. The slightly ill-fitting garments do not diminish her beauty in the slightest, and her petite face looks exceptionally delicate

Chen Xian was instantly rendered speechless

By the time they arrived in Paris, it was already 8 PM. The organizers arranged for a car to take them from the airport to the hotel. Along the way, the lights shimmered, resembling a colorful city of lights, indistinguishable from other metropolises. They passed several parks, where many couples lay quietly on the grass to rest or sat at the outdoor tables of cafes, lingering for a long time—romantic sentiments enveloped them. Hemingway's words, "If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it will always accompany you, for Paris is a movable feast," suddenly sprang to Xu Qing's mind.

"From now on, I will be an architect," Zheng Jiejie said thoughtfully. "I just remembered that the architecture department of the school you attended is the best in the country."

That being said, Xu Qing still went to the airport that day. After searching for a long time at the airport, she finally saw Zheng Jiejie surrounded by many people at the customs entrance. She was smiling gently, occasionally nodding or responding with a few words.

What is this saying? It's just like participating in a math competition; the spots are not something you can just seize.

Jiang Luosheng and Zheng Jiejie took the same exam at the middle school, and Xu Qing stubbornly insisted on waiting outside the school gate. Zheng Jiejie teasingly asked her: "Are you waiting for me or Jiang Luosheng?"

After a while, Xu Qing eventually found out.

Xu Qing pouted and said: "It's just a sudden feeling, that's all"

At least one thing Xu Qing can be certain of is that if it were truly the case, she would not have developed her current resolute and rational character

Yes

Xu Qing noticed the fleeting expression of sorrow in her gaze, and her heart tightened as she lowered her voice by several decibels: "Mom, when did you come over from Switzerland?"

Two people stood facing each other, the road was silent and deserted. Zheng Jie Jie was somewhat moved, raising her hand and then letting it fall, a smile blossoming at the corner of her mouth: "I thought you would be very sad. Therefore, I didn't dare to tell you, and I wouldn't feel too good myself either"

No, not at all. Zheng Jie Jie looked completely innocent