Chapter 6

Oh God, come and tidy up this mess

Beginning of Summer, I think, I believe we should still...

The two of them, apart from that one incident, have not had any intimate gestures since then. Not even holding hands to say goodnight or mentioning that she would wait for him after school. Even though Li Xia has been so proactive, her enthusiasm has been repeatedly extinguished. Zhou Jiayan has been avoiding her, whether intentionally or not. She is not unaware of it, yet she chooses to turn a blind eye. Several times, Li Xia wanted to explode in anger, to scold him for being thick-headed, to kick him a few times, but she held back. She just wants to be good to him, even if Zhou Jiayan does not necessarily appreciate this kindness. Even though Li Xia has been so proactive, her enthusiasm has been repeatedly extinguished. Zhou Jiayan has been avoiding her, whether intentionally or not. She is not unaware of it, yet she chooses to turn a blind eye. Several times, Li Xia wanted to explode in anger, to scold him for being thick-headed, to kick him a few times, but she held back. She just wants to be good to him, even if Zhou Jiayan does not necessarily appreciate this kindness.

It's not too bad, no pressure. By the way, I still choose to study science and will apply to Q University. He Xun also supports me.

On that day at the ice shop, Ruan Su Mo, in a fit of anger, ran out, while Gu An Sheng silently withdrew from the scene at some point. Only Zhou Jia Yan and Li Xia remained as bystanders, arguing passionately, even continuing their heated debate all the way from the ice shop to the alley that Li Xia had to pass on her way home.

As the sky gradually darkened, it was not until Li Xia turned around and walked towards her home that Zhou Jiayan called out to her, hesitatingly.

Ruan Su Mo remained silent, feeling as though she had no standing to say anything. The transparent glass was tinted with the afterglow of the summer dusk, while the surrounding crowd continued to bustle noisily. The cicadas in the trees incessantly chirped, as if providing an answer in her stead

Before Zhou Jiayan could finish his words, he was suddenly knocked over by a girl who turned around unexpectedly

Are you out of your mind, Lixia? You are insane

Since there is no certainty in being able to provide her with what she desires, one should not further delay her life, should one not

However, as the lengthy list of names was scanned, not a single mention of Zhou Jiayan could be found until the very last name. Lixia could hardly believe it, thinking she must have missed his name in the blink of an eye. She then read the entire list from end to end, her eyes fixed on it under the scorching summer sun. The class monitor, Chen Simin, standing beside her, mockingly chuckled, "Lixia, stop looking. Zhou Jiayan didn't even submit his application." This statement struck Lixia's heart like a thunderclap.

Pah! All you can do is talk nonsense. When it comes to critical moments, you always falter. Do you have any other characteristics besides your empty talk? Are you blind? Can't you see that Su Mo shows an exceptionally special 'care' for Gu An Sheng? Can't you notice that her gaze towards him is different? Can't you see the frequent tacit understanding in their exchanged glances?

Ruan Su Mo almost exclaimed, as this news was too overwhelming for her to digest. Yes, she had always known that Li Xia had the courage to love and hate boldly, but she never expected it to reach this extent. Fortunately, there were not many people in the classroom at this moment, and with half a month left until the college entrance examination, everyone was fully focused on their preparations, leaving no one to pay attention to what Ruan Su Mo had said. Zhou Jiayan and Gu Ansheng returned from the convenience store with drinks, just in time to hear Ruan Su Mo's words. He stood at the door, suddenly hesitant to step inside. For the first time, Zhou Jiayan clearly felt what it meant to struggle to move forward, and Gu Ansheng's probing gaze made him feel even more at a loss.

The people in front of the red list gradually dispersed, and Gu Ansheng had arranged to leave with He Xun, leaving only Zhou Jiayan and Ruan Sumo standing in place. Those questions that Li Xia could not ask, Ruan Sumo intended to help her clarify one by one. However, what exactly was asked has now slipped Ruan Sumo's mind, and she only remembers Zhou Jiayan's voice that day, which was rarely deep.

What, did you force a kiss on Zhou Jiayan

The boy mercilessly poked at the girl's weaknesses, provoking Li Xia to become furious and, turning around, she delivered a solid slap to the person in front of her. After the slap, Li Xia was also taken aback, not expecting to have such an intense reaction. She lowered her head somewhat guiltily but refused to apologize

It was during a break in class when Ruansumo learned that Lixia and Zhou Jiayan were together. Ruansumo was completely focused on tackling a physics competition problem that had been vexing her for several days. Lixia mysteriously moved her chair from her seat to sit beside Ruansumo. She glanced at Ruansumo, who had not lifted her head, and after much hesitation, finally managed to utter those words.

I can see everything, so what am I still doing here? I might as well go set up a fortune-telling booth and make some money. Miss, I can see that you have a bad fate and will encounter misfortune. Let me, the master, take a look for you! Besides, isn't it quite normal? We often exchange glances, right? Just now, weren't you winking at me quite vigorously? Could it be that you like me too?

Gu An Sheng anticipated seeing a hint of surprise in Ruan Su Mo's eyes, but to his disappointment, the latter simply replied matter-of-factly, "Of course, if you were to apply to B University, it would be about the same as having your head caught in the door."

What does she think she has done wrong? What is wrong with liking someone? To be able to do this, how much courage is required to disregard that beautiful self-esteem

Cicada, cicada

The college entrance examination arrived with a thick haze of smoke, charging in like a thousand troops. After finishing the last subject and exiting the examination hall, Ruan Su Mo encountered Gu An Sheng at the door. Since that 'incident,' the two had not spoken again, and the awkwardness between them was palpable. Ruan Su Mo slightly turned to the side to let Gu An Sheng go first, but unexpectedly, the latter took a few steps and then turned back.

At this moment, the purest heart of the beginning of summer can no longer produce daffodils

Ah? It's okay, I encountered a competition question in the last physics problem, and I haven't fully understood it yet, so I might lose some points. How about you?

Zhou Jiayan, you are a pig! I have seen foolishness, but I have never seen such outrageous foolishness as yours!

Turning, going downstairs, crossing the basketball court and the soccer field, the younger students in physical education are training, the sound of basketballs echoing in Li Xia's ears, reminiscent of the scene when Su Mo invited her to have ice cream together. Zhou Jiayan is shouting and smiling freely on the basketball court, and she starts to run. Something breaks with a "crack" sound, and Li Xia hears it clearly.

The admission notice has been issued, and Ruan Su Mo and Gu An Sheng have been successfully admitted to Q University as expected. Previously, Li Xia and Zhou Jia Yan had also discussed their plans to take the exam together to B City. Li Xia's scores were not far off from Zhou Jia Yan's, just exceeding the key undergraduate line by 19 points. She applied for a relatively obscure major at a key undergraduate institution in B City, which was a bit risky, but she still got in.

Thus, neither party spoke again, as if their souls were standing on the edge of a cliff, uncertain whether to ascend or descend, or to continue in this state of icy fire.

After officially establishing a relationship with Zhou Jiayan, Lixia began to openly show her special attention to the boys in class. Zhou Jiayan would occasionally distance himself slightly from Lixia to avoid suspicion, but she continued to act as if nothing had happened, behaving as she pleased. Anyone with a discerning eye could see the situation clearly, yet unexpectedly, that sincere feeling had become the subject of ridicule for others. Lixia instantly became furious; she slammed the form in her hand onto the table and glared at Chen Simin, sneering as she said, "Do you think everyone is as repressed as you? Chen Simin, stop flattering yourself; your intentions towards Zhou Jiayan have been evident for quite some time. If others can't see through you, do you think I can't? Yes, I may not have the ability, but you do, and your abilities are quite grand. You make a lot of noise with your half-baked skills, yet even when you put yourself out there, they still don't want you!"

Moreover, my family would not allow me to be with the daughter of a mere clerk. You still do not understand the reality of this, Su Mo

Summer has truly arrived

Ruan Su Mo sensed that the situation was not right and immediately stepped forward to pull Li Xia back a few steps. Chen Si Min's hidden feelings were exposed by Li Xia's words, causing her to tremble with anger and on the verge of erupting. However, she heard Gu An Sheng awkwardly clear his throat. When Li Xia turned her head, she saw Zhou Jia Yan's face. In the moment they locked eyes, Zhou Jia Yan's gaze slowly averted, rendering any questions unnecessary and the answer redundant. Li Xia withdrew her gaze and calmly walked out of the classroom. When Li Xia turned her head, she saw Zhou Jia Yan's face again. In the moment they locked eyes, Zhou Jia Yan's gaze slowly averted, rendering any questions unnecessary and the answer redundant. Li Xia withdrew her gaze and calmly walked out of the classroom

To the point

10 seconds, 20 seconds, or even longer. Both individuals forgot about the act of breathing until Lixia could no longer hold it in, finally letting go to grant herself and Zhou Jiayan their freedom. This was the first time Lixia saw such an expression on Zhou Jiayan's face—was it shock? Fear? Or disgust? She no longer had the capacity to analyze it. The two leaned against the weathered wall by the roadside, breathing lightly, as the wall was covered with dark green vines that were extending in all directions.

Li Xia asked Chen Simin if she had made a mistake, but Chen Simin looked at Li Xia with a sarcastic sideways glance

Aren't you usually quite close to him? The other day when I went to the office to get the volunteer form, I overheard him talking to Teacher Shi. What, didn't you know he is going to England? I thought you really had some skills to catch this 'golden son-in-law'.

I have truly become insane, and it is because of you! You think you are the center of every woman's attention all day long, flirting and throwing around your charm without a care in the world, and you don't even feel embarrassed. When I say you are slow to react, you stubbornly refuse to admit it. You are smart, yet how can you not see the issues between those two? You are smart, yet how can you not realize that I like you?

Zhou Jiayan was stunned for a long time by this sudden calamity. Just think about it, what kind of person is Young Master Zhou? He has been pampered by his family since childhood, and people outside have always treated him with utmost care, fearing he might be hurt. When has he ever been slapped in the face or suffered such humiliation? Therefore, the blood rushed straight to his head.

How did you perform on the exam

I am foolish and I am willing! Moreover, how would I know that Nai Tang likes An Sheng? She has never mentioned this matter in front of me at all. If I were to know, I would rather die than let it flow to outsiders. I am determined to help her guard the revolutionary position, standing firm against a thousand foes, I—

Upon hearing the news of the beginning of summer, Li Xia was filled with anger, and in a flurry, she was unaware of what she was saying.

I like her, but everyone has their own path to follow. She has her dreams, and I have my dreams

It was a kiss that lacked passion, romance, and the right timing or circumstances; in the eyes of adults, it could hardly even be called a kiss

After speaking, Ruan Su Mo lightly stuck out her tongue at Gu An Sheng and smiled. Gu An Sheng was taken aback for a moment, and the two of them thus resolved their previous misunderstandings. This was the first time Gu An Sheng had seen such an expression on Ruan Su Mo; he even used a word that he found somewhat pretentious to describe it: a smile like a blooming flower. He liked her smile like this, as if this was the true Ruan Su Mo, and he liked it very much.