Chapter 5, the younger cousin is now clear.

What are you thinking! She will not like you

Yes, we are going out to have fun

I am not interested

No one told him, so he does not know

Tang Mi said: "Two years ago, when I had just arrived in Xuanzhou to study, I met my uncle once on the weekend and happened to see Xiao Lang. However, he did not see me at that time, so I recognized him, but he did not recognize me"

The men and women present immediately broke into smiles, almost in unison saying: "Hello, cousin."

Please walk this way. The waiter guided them over there

Perhaps so

Do not belittle me any further, cousin, just agree to my request.

Yes, I did escape. Ah, please don't tell my mom

It does not matter whether he knows who I am or not. Tang Mi lowered her eyes and slowly said, "Grandma misses him very much, and I also want to see how he is doing"

Tang Minglang smiled and shot a glare at the two girls: "Of course it's my cousin! Is there any doubt?"

Li Zhixing then nodded slowly and said, "Alright"

Since you are afraid of being scolded by your aunt, why not study properly

Tang Mi went out through the door

Li Zhixing found it quite strange: "Oh, so you took the initiative to meet your uncle?"

Li Zhixing averted his gaze and said, "If you still plan to participate in the competition, it doesn't matter, but since you are preparing for the college entrance examination, which is different from him, do you really have that much time?"

Tang Minglang and his companions remained in place, exchanging glances as they watched the two individuals depart into the distance

There is no foundation! How can there be no foundation?

Her words had already drowned in the air, and Li Zhixing grabbed her wrist, ignoring her protests, almost "dragging" her away against her will.

Tang Mi did not understand what kind of scheme Li Zhixing was concocting, but given the circumstances, she could only follow his lead, trailing behind him as they walked forward.

Li Zhixing continued along his line of thought: "Then you tell your aunt that you won't attend an international class."

I need another seat

The steaming dumplings were served, and Tang Mi took a deep breath. She had only ever eaten in the school cafeteria, as it was cheap and the food was not bad. However, after eating in the same cafeteria for two years, even the best dishes became bland and tasteless. Occasionally dining out felt particularly delicious.

Make your own decisions

She needs to confide, and Tang Mi will not tell anyone her words

What was the reason for your actions today? You specifically met with him, yet you did not inform him that you are his cousin

She looked very satisfied while eating the dumplings. Li Zhixing had not touched his chopsticks and pondered before asking: "There is one more thing. Since he last saw you over ten years ago, how could you recognize him at a glance?"

You have also seen it. Playful and indulgent, extravagant and wasteful, but these are common traits for someone of his age. Aside from that, there are no major issues; he is simple-minded and straightforward, not a bad child

The girl spoke while extending her hand, completely disregarding the fact that they were strangers, and gently caressed Tang Mi's cheek

Tang Mi said: "It's all good"

A group of people's gazes fell upon Tang Mi, and Tang Minglang's eyes lit up: "Cousin, who is this beautiful lady?"

Not long ago, in the corridor of the teaching building, she overheard girls from the same grade insulting her behind her back. Their words were quite vicious, as if they wished to skin her alive. She passed by the group of girls with a blank expression and said nothing, which instead frightened them into silence. If she were to care about the opinions of others, it would be better for her to end her life sooner.

He said: "When Ye Yichao invited you to dinner, you didn't really refuse."

Tang Mi knew his name, but as he solemnly introduced himself again, she could only respond with a serious demeanor: "Hello"

Tang Minglang smiled mysteriously: "I understand! You want to have dinner with a beautiful woman!"

No matter how one puts it, it is merely a simple lunch, and the two individuals finished eating quickly

Ah?

I suppose so, but I really don't want to go; life is so much better here in my home country

Li Zhixing couldn't help but smile as he helped Tang Mi out of a difficult situation: "What she said is true, she really dislikes using her phone; even I don't know her phone number."

Tang Mi took out her share of the money from her wallet and handed it to Li Zhixing, who accepted it without hesitation and then called the waiter to settle the bill

Tang Minglang's expression became somewhat subtle. He pulled Li Zhixing aside and asked in a lowered voice, "Cousin, that beauty really isn't your girlfriend, is she?"

Li Zhixing and Tang Mi exchanged a glance, and she shook her head

No need," Li Zhixing smiled, "boiled water is good for the skin

Perhaps

Gong Peihao was astonished: "The functions of a mobile phone are not limited to making calls! You can play games, post on Weibo, listen to music... all of that is possible."

Tang Mi remained silent for a while

It is impossible!

Li Zhixing glanced at the young boy. He had previously noticed that Gong Peihao was trying to strike up a conversation with Tang Mi, anticipating that he would surely be met with a cold rejection from her. Sure enough, he was now left with a face that was nearly green from the chill of Tang Mi's attitude.

As soon as the girl's clear voice fell, a little girl sitting next to Tang Mi, with long curly hair and makeup, leaned over and stared intently at Tang Mi's face: "Sister, what foundation did you use?"

There was no more hesitation; Tang Mi slowly walked over and sat down on the vacant sofa

Although Gong Peihao had just been splashed with a bucket of cold water, his spirit was still intact. Now, he was practically struck on the head by Li Zhixing, leaving his mind buzzing and rendering him unable to utter another word

Therefore, I might as well attend university in my home country

She certainly had no money to spend in these places, and Li Zhixing understood this very well as he pulled her wrist and walked into the store

The two of them reluctantly uttered an "oh" at the same time

Guan Wei lowered her head, and after a while, she said: "Tang Mi, do you think it is something to be ridiculed that I like Li Zhixing?"

There are an exceptionally large number of people dining here, and many have taken their meals to go. Two individuals ordered two plates of dumplings and after waiting for a while, a table finally became available in the restaurant

Ah

"That's enough." After seeing the two girls obediently sit back down, Li Zhixing said in a calm voice, "This is innate."

What?

Li Zhixing's first reaction was to want to hit his brother hard on the head and shout, "I have no less confidence than you do!" However, Li Zhixing, after all, is a figure whom many girls in Xuanzhong have crowned as a "male god," and he would not lose his composure to shout at his younger brother. Thus, he looked up at the sky and finally managed to hold it in.

Guan Wei lowered her head, appearing very dejected: "Although I usually pretend not to care, I cannot help but be concerned. I used to be able to speak to Li Zhixing, but now... I don't even dare to say a word to him."

You are welcome

Sister, please tell us how you did it

She appeared calm and composed, her long, fair fingers gently turning the glass water cup in front of her, seemingly lost in thought

Tang Mi set down her backpack, turned around, and went to the restroom. A moment later, she came out with a warm towel and handed it to her

No.

I told you, my mother never listens to me. Tang Minglang said with a displeased expression, "She forces me to memorize vocabulary every day, saying that my cousin, my older cousin, and even you have all studied abroad and have good academic performance..."

Tang Minglang pouted: "Cousin, aren't you also in your third year of high school? You are also out having fun with girls."

Alright

The young waitress at the coffee shop greeted the two young students with a bright smile: "Welcome. May I ask if you are two people?"

The number cannot be given to you

The other three looked at Li Zhixing, and the girls' eyes sparkled as they exclaimed, "Oh my, is this handsome guy your cousin?"

Gong Peihao clicked his tongue twice and said, "Minglang, your cousin is truly not an ordinary person..."

Tang Minglang lowered his voice and asked Li Zhixing: "Cousin, is she your girlfriend?"

Xuan Zhong has no strict requirements regarding whether students should wear uniforms, but has consistently advised students not to display the school badge when outside of school. Tang Mi is a person who adheres to rules very well, and usually wears the school badge on his shirt when outside. When faced with enthusiastic and familiar individuals, Tang Mi finds himself at a loss and can only take off the badge to give it to them

Tang Minglang thought for a moment and displayed an expression of admiration: "Cousin, you truly have confidence in yourself!"

Li Zhixing then said: "She is my classmate, named Tang Mi"

After the waiter stepped back, Tang Minglang asked with a smile, "Cousin, isn't this beautiful lady ordering anything else? It's my treat."

While waiting for the dumplings to arrive, Li Zhixing asked her: "Why does Xiao Lang not recognize you at all?"

It really seems to be the case

Fortunately, Tang Minglang was not completely oblivious; he sensed the impending outburst from Li Zhixing and shifted the topic: "Cousin, are you really not going to have lunch with us?"

Guan Wei stared at the door for a long time. Their relationship seemed normal, but it had long been in ruins. Guan Wei did not even know why she had to tell Tang Mi these things. She blankly recalled the chaotic scenes at home, thinking of her parents hurling old grievances at each other and cursing loudly, and perhaps she understood why.

The buses heading towards the school are quite frequent, and Li Zhixing did not speak again, instead, he turned around and left after getting on the bus.

His three companions were all cheering

My mother has always hoped that I would enter Xuan Zhong High School, but isn't it quite difficult to get in?

The girl with a ponytail was encouraged by the girl with curly hair to reach out and touch Tang Mi's face, but was swatted away by Li Zhixing with a light slap on her arm. Although his movement was gentle, a sharpness suddenly emerged in his gaze, causing the two young girls to be so frightened that they dared not move, shrinking back in fear.

"International class?" Li Zhixing raised an eyebrow, "Does your aunt want you to study abroad?"

The sound of the door opening made Guan Wei suddenly raise her head and look towards the entrance

She has always had a cold expression and speaks very little, being the kind of person who can go half a day without saying a word without feeling that the atmosphere is awkward. However, her demeanor does not deter her male classmate Tang Minglang from having the courage to talk to her. When the boy asks a question, she responds with a brief answer, without any unnecessary words. When no one asks her anything, she never takes the initiative to speak, and her emotions remain completely unaffected when she replies.

At your command

You speak

His expression was so lifelike that Tang Mi began to doubt whether this was a deliberately arranged coincidence

The waiter noticed that they were already acquainted, and since they were all seated together, he smiled and handed over the menu, saying: "These guests have already placed their orders, do the two of you wish to order anything?"

Cousin, please don't joke with me. In any case, you must not tell my mom about what happened today

Guan Wei silently took a towel, first wiping her eyes before applying it to her face

Li Zhixing continued to explain in a good-natured manner: "This is the school office's phone number. Regarding the issue with Xuan Zhong, you can call to ask the teachers; they are more professional."

Tang Mi is completely out of the loop

The last time he saw me, he was only four or five years old and did not have much impression of me. Therefore, he does not recognize me

Tang Mi was silent: "She has no parents and does not know how to comfort others"

Guan Wei looked up at her and asked, "Why can you be so calm?"

Drinking coffee is already sufficient; who wants to be with a bunch of silly kids when it's time to eat. I will take you to a fantastic restaurant.

Let them say whatever they want. Tang Mi said

Cousin, please don't misunderstand! Tang Minglang said, "She has been staring at me just now, and I was wondering if she has fallen in love with me at first sight. Of course, cousin, you can rest assured, I will not like girls who are older than me!"

This statement sounds somewhat subtle, with too many possible interpretations. Li Zhixing frowned slightly and asked, "What do you want to say?"

... ...

Li Zhixing lifted his foot and walked inside: "Let's go in and take a look"

Tang Mi lowered her eyes slightly and shook her head almost imperceptibly

What era is this! Sister, are you still living in over a decade ago

You are an old relic

Those words are very unpleasant

"No," Li Zhixing glanced at his cousin and changed the subject, "You are already in the third year of junior high, why are you still playing outside?"

In contrast to his shock, Tang Mi calmly said: "Because I do not like answering the phone"

Grandson and grandson, your grandmother won't mind this, right

Come and feel it for yourself

Even if young people are just talking nonsense, time can still pass quickly. As noon approaches, a group of people leaves the coffee shop, and then Tang Minglang raises his arm and calls out: "Let's go eat, and after lunch, we will go to karaoke in the afternoon"

Is that so? Could it be that the elder sister is a top student?

The girls nodded in agreement: "Indeed, Minglang, your genes are truly remarkable; your cousin is just as handsome!"

I cannot guarantee that I will not tell my aunt

I would like a cup of black coffee, as for her. " Li Zhixing paused, " plain boiled water will suffice.

Kexuan Zhong is indeed a group of top students, and this is not just my opinion, but a consensus among everyone

Occasionally, Tang Mi paused and said, "There are some matters that must be addressed with him."

It is evident that he always brings mathematical problems to discuss with you, regardless of what you are doing at the time

You will probably need to study for many years

Although Grandma does not speak of it, she misses him very much. After all, Xiao Lang is Grandma's only grandson. As for me, although I bear the surname Tang, I am merely her granddaughter.

Tang Mi was completely stunned; such moments of bewilderment were rare in her life. While she was still digesting the meaning of the previous statement, another girl with a ponytail leaned over from across the table, gazing at Tang Mi with an inquisitive look: "Oh my, sister, how do you maintain such beautiful skin?"

You go by yourselves

Tang Mi glanced inside and hesitated: "There is no need to go in."

Li Zhixing turned around and exchanged a glance with Tang Mi

Tang Mi thought for a moment, then smiled: "Perhaps so, but it does not matter."

Gong Peihao smiled, revealing the dimples at the corners of his mouth: "However, I can't recall it right away. Why don't you tell me your phone number, sister? If I have any questions, I can call you for guidance"

Tang Minglang said proudly: "But my cousin! How can he be the same as ordinary people!"

As he approached the table of the young people, Li Zhixing stopped and called out with slight surprise: "Xiao Lang"

It is hard to believe, does drinking plain boiled water really have such good effects

Tang Minglang looked at his friend in utter disbelief

Now they are no longer hiding anything from me. Guan Wei continued, "Even the trivial matters are criticized, whether household chores are done more or less, there is still criticism... It's truly laughable, my dad is actually a teacher, how can he still have the face to be a role model for others?"

It may not be very obvious, but it is still a concern. Girls in rural areas are always less favored. Tang Mi said, "Grandma, like many other elderly people, cannot escape the customs."

Li Zhixing's words are reasonable. She thought that perhaps she was overthinking. With a pair of successful parents, how could Tang Minglang possibly have a difficult life

Gong Peihao shouted this question in a near breakdown, attracting the attention of the crowd

Cousin, please don't do this! Tang Minglang pleaded, My mom is forcing me to study English every day, I'm about to go crazy, she wants me to prepare to attend an international class at a foreign language school in the future...

Let us sit over there

No need.

Tang Minglang was originally joking with the girls. Upon raising his head and seeing Li Zhixing, he immediately shook off the two young women who were holding onto his arms and jumped up, exclaiming: "Cousin!"

It is noon, and I need to return to school," Tang Mi said. "Aren't you going to have lunch with them?

Let us go

Gong Peihao was half-convinced. He believed that this was an action by Li Zhixing who did not want him to know Tang Mi's phone number, and that what was said might not be true

What he said is also the truth, Li Zhixing can even imagine the angry expression of his aunt

My father simply does not have the time to take care of me, and besides, his opinions are not important. You know very well that in our family, my mother has the final say. If my father were to say a few words in my favor, my mother would scold him just as harshly, if not more so, than she scolds me

Tang Mi glanced at the bus station; the bus she was to take had not yet arrived. She slowed her pace and said to Li Zhixing, "I am going back to school now. Thank you for today."

Sister, I would like to take the examination for the certification. May I ask you some questions?

It is fine, I will not let you spend money recklessly, just follow me

Weren't you very eager to go before

But I don't even know your name

Gong Peihao Er appeared deeply touched: "Therefore, I must learn from your cousin..."

I was deceived before!" Tang Minglang puffed up his cheeks, appearing very angry, "This time when my cousin returned to the country, did you hear what he said? He said that universities abroad are just as tough as high schools in our country, studying until the early hours of the morning every day!

Li Zhixing was momentarily unable to respond. Ahead, the bus stop was just a few steps away

His gaze fell on Guan Wei's face; her reddened eye sockets, slightly swollen cheeks, and the two red marks on her forehead caused Tang Mi to feel a moment of sorrow

Li Zhixing did not pursue the matter further, as he believed that even if he were to ask, Tang Mi might not necessarily be willing to answer

After the commotion subsided, Tang Minglang introduced everyone present. Tang Minglang is currently attending a private elite school, which has high tuition fees and strict management. Naturally, the classmates in his class come from well-off families. Li Zhixing's gaze swept over them one by one; his cousin's group of classmates were all dressed in designer brands, the girls wore exquisite makeup, carried expensive bags, and none of their mobile phones were worth less than 5,000.

The dormitory was quite empty on Sunday, as most of those who could leave had already done so, leaving only a few individuals like Tang Mi who were from other counties. She opened the door and put away the key, only to discover that there was still one person—Guan Wei was leaning on the table.

It is reasonable and justifiable, Tang Mi nodded.

After a long silence, Guan Wei said softly: "My parents are fighting over a divorce, they are arguing. I went to mediate, but instead, I was slapped by my dad"

I do not think so

Gong Peihao smiled as he looked at Tang Mi: "Sister, your school badge is very beautiful. May I take a look at it?"

What do you call this? My cousin, what girl can't you pursue?

Guan Wei's family is not particularly happy; her parents constantly argue and often resort to violence. This led her to insist on staying at school during her first year of high school, and she was unwilling to return home on weekends, preferring to stay at school with Tang Mi. Guan Wei's personality is somewhat more extroverted than Tang Mi's. During weekends at school, the two of them learned to play badminton from their physical education teacher, who had a background as a badminton player, which brought them closer together.

Tang Mi picked up her backpack and walked over, gently patting her shoulder: "It's alright, it will eventually pass."

Li Zhixing pointed in a direction

Li Zhixing released Tang Mi's hand and casually looked around. It was still early, and the store was relatively empty. The most eye-catching sight was a table of young boys and girls who had just entered, a total of four people, two boys and two girls, gathered together and chatting happily. The girls were almost laughing onto the boys, while the boy in the center calmly enjoyed the cake that the girl next to him had brought to his mouth.

The "delicious restaurant" mentioned by Li Zhixing is not far from the bookstore, and it is not the high-end restaurant that Tang Mi imagined. Instead, it is a small shop specializing in dumplings and wontons, featuring various strange pastries in shades of green and yellow. The prices are also reasonable and within Tang Mi's budget.

We are here to buy books," Li Zhixing said, "Aren't you attending tutoring today?

Regarding this name, Tang Minglang showed no reaction at all and happily said: "What a coincidence, we share the same surname. You two sit down, let the beautiful sister take a seat."

You have returned

Indeed, this is the case

Tang Mi listened silently to the conversation between the two, occasionally glancing at Tang Minglang across the table. She remembered that Tang Minglang was the same age as Xiao Gang, both being fifteen years old this year and currently in the third year of junior high. Despite being only fifteen, the young man, likely due to his privileged upbringing, had already grown to a height comparable to that of an adult. Tang Minglang had inherited his uncle's well-groomed eyebrows, handsome eyes, and prominent nose. Even from her perspective as an "older sister," she had to admit he was a handsome young man, no wonder he could attract young girls.

Li Zhixing smiled and said: "A word is worth nine tripods, you can still use idioms?"

I am not saying that he is handsome, oh, although he is quite good-looking. " Gong Peihao stroked his chin, "What I mean is, it is truly impressive that your cousin could win over that cold and aloof beauty.

Regardless of the circumstances, Li Zhixing has indeed helped her, and it is only right that she receives an answer

The young boy was completely unfazed by her indifferent attitude and introduced himself, saying: "My name is Gong Peihao, hello sister"

Why

Cousin, come with us to have a meal. I will treat you!

Li Zhixing turned around and glanced at Tang Mi, who was slowly trailing behind him, lagging about two steps behind.

Tang Mi indeed does not believe that Guan Wei is unworthy of Li Zhixing. However, there are indeed many people in the world who are snobbish, and this is already quite common even in middle school.

The seating in the coffee shop is circular, consisting of two semicircular sofas. It feels a bit spacious for four people, and one more person could squeeze in. The tall boy sitting opposite Tang Minglang immediately shifted over to make room on the sofa. Li Zhixing shook his head with a smile, looking at Tang Minglang: "Are they all your classmates?"

Tang Mi looked at him in confusion: "How do you know about this place?"

Gong Peihao felt that he was experiencing auditory hallucinations; he did not expect Tang Mi to reject her so decisively

Tang Mi did not speak, but the next moment, he took out a pen and a very small notebook from his pocket and handed them to him, each page densely filled with words. Li Zhixing flipped to the last page, which was the only blank one, and wrote down a few phone numbers and contacts, sliding it across the table to Gong Peihao

Sister, are you from Xuanzhong?

You apply a facial mask

She usually smiles very little, but at this moment, she smiles faintly in the sunlight, and the colors instantly seem to melt like ice and snow, as the earth rejuvenates, bringing forth fresh flowers that smile in the breeze

Guan Wei's eyes were red, and she said softly: "I was slapped by my dad"

Tang Mi made a sound of acknowledgment.

Li Zhixing was too lazy to explain to him and turned his head aside: "Tang Mi, give me paper and pen"

"Hey, you scoundrel, this is my cousin! It's not yours!" Tang Minglang laughed and scolded, "Why don't you quickly give my cousin your seat?"

He could hardly have any more confidence in his cousin's intellect; it seemed that his mind could only accommodate a limited amount of matters concerning men and women. Li Zhixing shook his head, too lazy to pay any further attention to his cousin, and directly walked towards Tang Mi.

Um...

Cousin, how do you know she won't like me?" Tang Minglang straightened his chest, revealing his extraordinary new heart

Two individuals exited through the side door of the bookstore and called out to the coffee shop outside, which is a branch of the pedestrian street, devoid of passing vehicles. At this moment, it was nearing noon on a Sunday, and the crowd was bustling. The coffee shop across the street was elegantly decorated; although it also had a glass facade, the dark glass obstructed the view of the two individuals peering into the café.

A group of young people laughed heartily as they made their way towards the restaurant

It is not a problem, the time can be coordinated

It is not too bad. In fact, the number of times Ye Yichao has invited her to dinner can be counted on one hand, and Li Zhixing has only encountered it once. Ye Yichao is not someone who is easily refused.

I do not know how to express it, but life belongs to oneself, not to one's parents. We are already in our third year of high school, and there are some matters that we can decide for ourselves

Li Zhixing shook his phone and said: "I grew up in the north and only came to Xuanzhou when I was in high school. There are many things in Xuanzhou that I am not accustomed to, and I miss the noodles from the north. So I searched online and found this place; the dumplings are very authentic"

Explaining something to others is too exhausting; I do not have the time or energy to care about what others say

Do not make a fuss, I just know.

Despite knowing that this cousin had a peculiar way of thinking, Li Zhixing did not expect him to have such confidence in himself. He was both amused and exasperated, raising his hand to give his brother a hard knock on the head

Guan Wei covered her face with a towel and looked at her for a while: "During this period, you have been getting quite close to Li Zhixing. Do you know what other girls are saying about you?"

Thinking of this, he cast a glance at Tang Mi from the corner of his eye

The bags in the hands of these girls are probably equivalent to Tang Mi's living expenses for half a year

He asked, "What did the uncle say?"