Chapter 1

What car

Ah, I also like it the most. Especially...

However, Xu Qing is an exception. The weather is hot, and she stands on the small playground outside the teaching building, looking at the new class roster posted on the wall, straining to find her class. Lost in thought, she hears someone beside her call out: "Ah, Jie Jie, you are in Class 1"

Xu Qing did not respond quickly; she turned off the television, which was just airing the news about the meeting between the Vice Governor of the province and the wife of an ambassador from a certain country. The people on the screen were all dressed in dark suits, exuding an air of brilliance. Xu Qing pointed at the screen and softly said: "He is Zheng Jiejie's father"

Zheng Jie Jie quickly reported her name, "Grandma, I am her classmate."

Especially a photograph of Zheng Jiejie and Xu Qing, two little girls, closely leaning against each other, their eyes sparkling like stars, their smiles as warm as the March sunshine. The exquisite double-layer birthday cake behind them, though rare and beautiful, is completely overshadowed in the photograph.

After a while, Xu Qing spoke up, "Grandma, do you know who Zheng Jiejie’s parents are?"

During the meal, Xu Qing carefully observed Zheng JieJie's actions, her face always radiating a warm smile. Occasionally, she would widen her eyes and pout her lips, unmistakably showcasing the adorable and innocent demeanor of a little girl, in stark contrast to her diligent appearance at school

This arrangement is simple yet elegant, certainly not characteristic of an ordinary household

In the home hangs a world map measuring one meter square. Xu Qing once asked her grandmother where her parents lived. As her grandmother pointed out the places, Xu Qing, despite her young age, showed understanding. Seeing her grandmother sad, she comforted her by saying: "It doesn't matter, one is in the south and the other in the north, they no longer need to meet, and there won't be any arguments. This is much better."

Grandmother's face showed an expression of extraordinary comfort.

These words soon reached their ears. Zheng Jiejie took them as a joke and dismissed them, but they brought a touch of sentiment to Xu Qing. She said, "How can there be such a thing as gaining without effort in this world? How can one excel in their studies without reading? You all are simply unaware of the hardships I endure."

Xu Qing was no exception; Zheng JieJie's phone calls also failed to spark her interest in doing anything. Every day, she would stay at home reading books, or go to the yard to listen to her grandmother and the old professors chat. The elderly had profound knowledge, and besides their own specialties, they had deep insights into many matters. Xu Qing could listen for hours; although she did not understand every word, she felt that she benefited greatly.

After finishing her meal, Xu Qing vaguely heard the sound of a car. Leaning over the balcony to look, she saw a large black vehicle parked under the streetlight. Xu Qing turned around and saw Zheng Jiejie chatting with her grandmother with a smile, listening to her grandmother recount stories from the past, showing no signs of impatience whatsoever

Xu Qing glanced at her with a smile, "That is because you have not comprehended; have you forgotten the hardships of burning the midnight oil?"

Grandma sighed deeply and embraced her.

Zheng Jiejie often saw many boys with excellent academic performance standing by their desks, waiting for Xu Qing to calculate the results. Initially, there were indeed some boys who were unconvinced, believing that girls could not possibly excel in mathematics, and they had provoked her more than once; however, later on, whenever there was a difficult problem, the boys would say, let's ask Xu Qing.

Xu Qing repeated in surprise, the corners of her mouth curling up as if she wanted to laugh, but she tried her best to hold it in, at least appearing not to smile

This is good

It's fine. I have already gotten used to it; they can't be with me all the time. Besides, it's not that they don't love me.

Professor Yang turned around and saw the sparkle in Xu Qing's eyes, and asked with a smile: "Xu Qing, do you like mathematics?"

My name is Sun Wen. I am considered to be Jie Jie’s cousin

Xu Qing glanced at the clock and accompanied Zheng Jie down the stairs. After walking a few steps, Xu Qing suddenly asked, "How long has that car been waiting?"

The recitation was filled with deep emotion. Xu Qing listened, holding her breath and not daring to make even the slightest movement. In her subconscious, she felt a great door slowly opening to her.

Xu Qing remained silent on the other end of the phone for a long time, and when she finally spoke, her voice sounded unremarkable, "I divorced many years ago"

The two individuals laughed heartily together.

It is not common for a first-year student to read Agatha Christie's detective works, especially a girl as beautiful as this. Xu Qing took a careful glance at her and smiled, "Do you like it too?"

This statement brought great joy to Zheng Jie Jie. A moment later, Xu Qing answered the phone and explained: "She is my grandmother, and we live together"

Oh, could it be that we are childhood sweethearts

On the day of entering middle school, Xu Jing first saw Zheng Jie Jie

Zheng Jiejie was astonished, "Listening to you speak is like conversing with an elderly person who has experienced the vicissitudes of the world. Tell me, from where do you derive such profound thoughts?"

This statement is indeed a profound truth of the human world

Xu Qing was secretly astonished and couldn't help but take a few more glances, then her eyes widened in surprise. A remarkably handsome young man stepped out of the car, his hair styled in a side part. Dressed in a dark top and dark trousers, he accentuated his long and straight legs. He bent down, reached into the car to retrieve a beautifully packaged gift box, holding it in his hand, tilting his head as his gaze turned towards the entrance. Xu Qing felt her heart race, as if she had seen a movie star.

Upon entering the room, Xu Qing was first taken aback by the lively atmosphere inside. In the living room, more than ten guests were engaged in cheerful conversation, and a prominent two-tiered cake was placed on the round table. While Xu Qing was still in a daze, Zheng Jie Jie put down a slender candle she was holding, cheered, and rushed to the door to embrace Xu Qing

Her smile was as bright as the year-round sunshine in the north, and even the most discerning eye could not find fault with it. Xu Qing stood still for two seconds, and after those two seconds, she lowered her head and replied, "Mm."

Ah, indeed. Just thinking about that scene sends chills down one's spine

Zheng Jie raised an eyebrow, not quite understanding

Walking slowly along the driveway, Xu Qing recalled how she had to transfer buses several times to arrive here, and couldn't help but smile, for indeed, a beautiful and lovely little princess resided here.

The school has a mandatory boarding system, and the two beds are positioned directly opposite each other. They are also desk mates in the classroom. The two of them are often seen together at school, attending classes, returning to the dormitory, and going to the cafeteria; there is always a place within five meters where one can see the other. The two girls are of similar height and build, leading more than one person to suspect that they are sisters. The teachers have repeatedly tried to separate them but have been reluctant to do so.

More than an hour later, Hui Zhengjie finally noticed Xu Qing. At that time, she had found her classroom, submitted her enrollment form to the homeroom teacher, whose surname was Li. He was warm and profound, and after glancing at her, he said: "For now, please find a seat to sit down."

Zheng Jiejie, unwilling to give up, reached out to scratch Xu Qing, who was ticklish and shrank back, repeatedly begging for mercy. Sun Wen, walking ahead, heard the laughter of the two and turned back to take a look, unable to help but smile: "Two little children"

Zheng Jie Jie was on the verge of losing her breath, "Ah ah ah ah. You you you."

Before Zheng Jie could ask anything, Xu Qing said, "It's only the second day of the holiday and you're already thinking of me. Haha, is there something on your mind?"

After the two entered Zheng Jiejie's bedroom, Xu Qing immediately asked, "Why didn't you tell me about your birthday in advance?"

Xu Qing thought for a moment and confidently said: "Yes, I believe we will be lifelong friends"

Everyone couldn't help but laugh, and the atmosphere immediately became relaxed. Xu Qing also smiled shyly, and was seen by Zheng Zhanyuan, who waved to her, saying, "Xu Qing, whenever you have time, feel free to come over to my house to play, don't be polite."

As she spoke, she picked up a piece and brought it to Xu Qing's mouth, her smile and actions both suggestive, causing the classmates beside them to exclaim loudly: "Not suitable for children, not suitable for children"

For example, today the topic they are discussing is mathematics. Xu Qing hears Professor Yang from the Mathematics Department reciting with intonation a passage by the British mathematician Russell: "Mathematics not only possesses truth, but also has a supreme beauty, akin to the beauty of sculpture, a cold and solemn beauty. This beauty does not cater to the faint aspects of our nature; it lacks the splendid adornments of painting or music. It can be pure to the point of sublimity, reaching a level of perfection that only the greatest art can reveal."

It is I who have overthought. I have always been afraid that you would deliberately distance yourself from me

I am here

Xu Qing laughed coldly, "What kind of talk is this? This is not a feudal society where parents can order their children not to make friends. Even if it were a feudal society, I would be the one who is not allowed to step into your house. As long as you are willing, your friends can line up in a long queue filling this hill. Why are you questioning me now?"

Grandmother smiled and nodded

Xu Qing glanced at her and said, "But I thought it was worth it"

Zheng Jie Jie waved his hand and said: "It was brought back by my uncle from Hong Kong. However, don't mind that, just give it a try."

Would you like to come to my house to play

As they descended the stairs, Zheng Jiejie leaned close to Xu Qing's ear and said, "I am very happy that you and Brother Sun Wen could come to this birthday celebration."

Seeing Xu Qing also standing at the door, he walked over while raising his hand in greeting, a smile on his face: "Are you Jie Jie’s classmate?"

But I cannot

Zheng Jiejie tightly embraced Xu Qing, their foreheads gently touching. Xu Qing patted her shoulder, smiling and saying, "As long as you don't mind me"

The car downstairs

Zheng Jie was attracted by Xu Qing's focused demeanor. After walking over, he asked, "Classmate, may I sit in this seat"

"Then it's settled," Zheng Jiejie said with great joy, adding, "Do you know the way? If not, I can have someone come to pick you up"

Xu Qing gazed at her and said with emotion: "I am truly very surprised"

Smiling, I put down the microphone, and my grandmother asked with a smile, "Did your classmates invite you to go out to play?"

After thinking for a long time, Xu Qing asked softly: "I haven't been able to go home for a long time, will you miss me?"

Grandmother's hair is half white, and she is very kind. After adjusting her glasses and smiling gently, she said, "Every time I look, it seems I can read something different. One learns as long as one lives; the words of the ancients are always true."

Zheng Jie Jie gave a bitter smile and said, "You should know."

He immediately invited Xu Qing to his home to read books, stating that she could consult him on any questions she had. Xu Qing, like a fish swimming into the sea, became completely immersed in mathematics throughout the entire holiday. Zheng Jiejie called her several times, urging her to go out and have fun with him, but she politely declined each time.

Upon waking up in the morning, both individuals had swollen eyes. The classmates in the dormitory were startled upon seeing this and hurriedly asked what had happened

After asking a few more questions, Professor Yang was overjoyed and continuously praised, "This young man is teachable, indeed he is teachable."

Are you in a good relationship?

May I offer myself to you

After a long time, Zheng Jiejie sighed softly and said with great emotion: "One never hears of many relatives and friends in poor households"

The two entered the house together. Xu Qing's gaze swept over the garden downstairs. The most striking feature of the flowerbed on the left was a gardenia tree over one meter tall, with dark green leaves that shimmered faintly in the sunlight. Upon closer inspection, the tree was laden with hemispherical small fruits. On the right was a grape trellis, and due to the winter season, the leaves were withered and sparse.

Zheng Jiejie introduced Xu Qing to the guests in the room, who were mostly Zheng Jiejie's relatives, such as aunts, cousins, and uncles. Their demeanor and conduct were all well-regulated, and their conversation was impeccable, similar to the impression that this house gave Xu Qing. Upon seeing Xu Qing's delicate and quiet demeanor, and her way of speaking that was neither servile nor arrogant, the guests immediately developed a favorable impression of her, displaying an extremely warm and friendly attitude that left her almost unable to cope.

After explaining the reason, the classmate was unwilling and said: "Why is only Zheng Jie Jie receiving tutoring in mathematics? Is there a bias in favor of some and against others?"

Although it was said in a half-joking manner, Zheng Jie Jie still felt a chill run down her spine.

A knock sounded at the door. At the same time, Sun Wen's voice echoed at the bedroom door: "Jie Jie, come downstairs to cut the cake."

Xu Qing pondered and softly asked her ear, "Is today your birthday?"

Where are your parents

Xu Qing's gaze swept around the room. Her grandmother sat on the sofa in the quiet little living room, wearing reading glasses and flipping through a book; the television silently displayed images, as if performing a silent play; her aunt was cooking in the kitchen, and the aroma of the food wafted through the air. She listened to Zheng Jie Jie mention the time and place, thought for a moment, and said, "Alright."

Before long, Grandma came out of the house. This was the first time Zheng Jiejie saw Xu Qing's grandmother, who exuded a strong scholarly aura, instantly evoking a sense of respect. She stood up properly and asked in surprise, "So you are at home?"

Xu Qing's parents were college classmates. Like all young people, they were deeply attracted to each other, oblivious to each other's flaws. After graduating from university, they got married, but soon faced various issues. Both were unwilling to give up their careers, leading to growing resentment, and ultimately they agreed to separate, with custody of their young child granted to the mother. Less than a year after the divorce, both remarried; one moved to Europe and the other to Australia, becoming visiting scholars in search of their own happiness, leaving Xu Qing to rely on her grandmother.

Yes

Xu Qing immediately wore a serious expression, dragged over the novel or some other reading material from her desk, and heavily placed the mathematics materials in front of her, drawing several problems with a pencil.

Zheng Jiejie noticed her unexpected reserve, so when she finally sent her out the door, she smiled apologetically and said, "You didn't expect the situation at my home, did you?"

After sitting down, Zheng Jie Jie was the first to speak: "My name is Zheng Jie Jie"

The situation is not without its desolation

Her thoughts were interrupted by Sun Wen's voice. Xu Qing looked up at him, and upon seeing his smiling face, she was momentarily taken aback for a few seconds, feeling an inexplicable surge of unexpected joy in her heart

Zheng Jiejie let out a scoff, "That doesn't count. He is a full thirteen years older than me."

She suddenly felt all her drowsiness vanish, and a wave of strange emotions surged within her. Upon realizing the change in her feelings, her nose suddenly felt a pang of bitterness, and tears began to fall.

Xu Qing knew that her family was very well-off, but upon seeing the logo on the box, she was still taken aback and repeatedly asked, "Such expensive chocolate?" Then she insisted on not accepting it

Zheng Jiejie pursed her lips and tilted her head to look at her, "I am afraid you will incur expenses. As long as you come, that is enough."

Xu Qing nodded and said: "Yes. I really like it. I believe that mathematics possesses ultimate perfection, harmony, and simplicity, and this aesthetic precisely contains the most important information within mathematics"

Xu Qing was very touched. She stared at the brown sweater in front of her, lost in thought for a moment before asking: "He said he is your cousin?"

Yes. It is said that you are very cute and beautiful

At that time, Xu Qing noticed that Zheng Jie Jie looked at him with a gaze that inadvertently revealed a hint of confusion. Xu Qing was not a particularly sensitive person, but based on her understanding of Zheng Jie Jie and her special intuition, she still sensed a trace of something amiss and ambiguous

"Hong Kong?" Xu Qing raised her eyebrows, "Don't forget to take more photos, remember to bring me back two copies."

The classroom was half full. Zheng Jiejie stood in place for half a second and saw a quiet girl sitting by the window in the fourth row. Her hair was neither long nor short, just reaching her shoulders. With her head slightly lowered, she was flipping through a book in her hands

The days of tutoring are exceedingly difficult, as two individuals huddle on a single bed, using a flashlight. The dim yellow light of the torch falls upon the pages of a book densely printed with formulas, causing dizziness. To avoid waking the roommates in the dormitory, they cannot speak, and all communication is written on scrap paper

Zheng Jiejie also smiled; "I actually find it very fitting"

When two people are together, there is always an endless stream of conversation. In addition to discussing Agatha, they, like every naive middle school girl who believes she has matured, talk about the boys at school, comment on movie and television stars, and discuss all the novels they have read, while simultaneously venting their dissatisfaction with the teachers behind their backs

Xu Qing does not engage in empty talk, especially before exams. She would rather neglect her own studies than not push Zheng Jie Jie to intensively review mathematics, physics, and chemistry day and night.

"How is this possible?" Xu Qing patted her chest, speaking with righteous indignation, "Rest assured, no matter what, I will always want you."

Xu Qing preliminarily concluded that Zheng Jie Jie is very favored at home; of course, she indeed has the qualifications to act like a little princess

Xu Qing lowered her head and smiled; such a person can attract people's attention wherever she goes. Even if it is just two girls aged twelve or thirteen.

The person seemed somewhat familiar, as if he had been seen somewhere before. Xu Qing stared at him for a while, straining to search her memory; finally, she recalled that his name was Zheng Zhanyuan, and she was truly shocked, breaking out in a sweat all over.

Indeed. I have seen more than ten of her works. Which one is your favorite

Half a semester quickly passed. During the winter vacation, Zheng Jiejie finally learned the truth. It was the second day of the holiday when she called Xu Qing's home. On the other end of the line was an old and gentle voice, speaking with a somewhat strange tone, not of the local accent: "May I ask who you are?"

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Zheng Jiejie took Xu Qing upstairs to visit her study and bedroom. Xu Qing looked down at the living room from the corridor on the second floor, observing the milky white ceiling, the light-toned furniture and walls, all in bright colors; one side of the hall directly led to the balcony, allowing ample light; on the main wall of the other side hung a massive landscape painting, exuding a grand and expansive aura.

Xu Qing could not help but wonder what it would be like here during the summer vacation

The topic was casually diverted. The young people laughed and joked, quickly forgetting about the matter.

"That is natural," Xu Qing looked at her, "What are your plans for the winter vacation?"

Yes

Alright, let's solve these questions first

Are you the classmate that Xiaoqing mentioned

Xu Qing bent over with laughter: "Grandma, you really don't know how to use metaphors."

Zheng Jie Jie earnestly asked: "Are we still friends"

"Why didn't you come?" Sun Wen extended his finger, looking at Zheng Jie Jie with a doting expression, "Happy Birthday"

After inquiring about the address, Zheng Jiejie hung up the phone and headed straight to Xu Qing's home. Upon entering, the first thing she noticed was a pile of books on the coffee table in the living room and a thick stack of calculation drafts beside it. Letting out a long sigh, Zheng Jiejie smiled awkwardly, feeling a bit embarrassed

Zheng Jie smiled suddenly, and then recalled that Xu Qing had mentioned her parents were already divorced. She looked at Xu Qing with unease, wondering, "Did I say something wrong?"

Xu Qing lowered her voice, feigning mystery, "Ah, it is mathematics"

When the teachers commented on her privately, there was a particularly incisive remark: "I have never seen a girl as intelligent as Xu Qing. She is always seen holding extracurricular books and not focusing on the textbooks, yet her grades remain excellent. Not a single girl in the entire grade can catch up with her; Zheng Jiejie is even more remarkable, beautiful and born into such a family, yet she is completely unspoiled"

Does Xu Qing often mention me

Oh, not really. The relationship between Sun Wen's family and my family is quite distant in terms of kinship; however, due to my parents' connections, I have known him since I was very young. In the past, he often took me out to play, and there was a time in elementary school when my grades were poor. He would come to my house every day, without fail, to help me with my studies, rain or shine

On that day, Xu Qing left Zheng Jie to have dinner, and the two little girls had endless conversations. The atmosphere was truly delightful, and the elderly were much happier than usual

No matter how large the city is, one can always find a way, so what is there to worry about

It is truly regrettable

Zheng Jie Jie once said: "Look at all these coincidences, if we were not good friends, the heavens and the earth would not allow it. Don't you think so?"

"Grandma, you are right; her family background has nothing to do with me. As long as she remains herself."

Upon returning home, Xu Qing plopped down on the sofa, closed her eyes to organize her thoughts, and reflected on the day's extraordinary events. The usually energetic Xu Qing suddenly seemed devoid of temper, which greatly surprised her grandmother. However, having worked in education for a lifetime and possessing a great deal of patience, she understood the importance of giving her granddaughter space, allowing her to lie on the sofa without saying a word.

Zheng Jiejie smiled as she released Xu Qing, turned to look at Sun Wen, and the surprise on her face was greater than when she saw Xu Qing. She immediately wrapped her arms around his, smiling gently: "Brother Sun Wen, I thought you weren't coming."

Just then, Xu Qing's gaze fell upon her own name, and beneath it, she saw the three characters "Zheng Jie Jie". She turned her head to look over and saw a peer with a delicate and fair appearance, bright eyes, dressed in a white shirt and dark blue jeans, with a black backpack slung over her shoulder. She was astonished; how could such a beautiful girl be her classmate

Finally arriving at the bottom of the building, Xu Qing raised her hand to press the doorbell, noticing several shiny black sedans parked in the garage on the left side of the small building, lined up like a production line. Before Xu Qing could express her astonishment, a very stylish white sedan slowly drove past her and stopped at the far right of the existing row of cars

However, despite the remarks, they are still outstanding students, achieving impressive results, possessing a sweet smile, and are greatly favored by teachers, as well as having good interpersonal relationships

This photograph has been placed on the desk of the two individuals for several years

Xu Qing replied: "Indeed. However, if our assignments are the same, that would be even better"

Zheng Jie Jie’s eyes lit up as she jumped up to open the door. After Sun Wen entered the room and took off his coat, he revealed a brown sweater, leaning gracefully against the doorframe with his arms crossed over his chest, a smile on his lips that was very pleasant to behold

During the midterm examination, no female student failed in mathematics, which surprised the mathematics teacher for quite some time. Zheng Jiejie scored above 80, and with her excellent performance in the humanities, she ranked among the top in the class; Xu Qing, due to her lack of revision, ranked lower.

Most are only children, naturally regarded as treasures

Sun Wen had long been accustomed to people's attitudes, smiling and shrugging: "It is not the 'wen' of an article, but the 'wen' of news."

Zheng Jiejie smoothly fell into Xu Qing's arms, laughing heartily: "What a pity."

Such hard work is not without its effects

Xu Qing embraced Zheng Jie Jie, shaking her head repeatedly, laughing joyfully, showing no signs of any childhood shadows: "No, no, not at all. However, I truly envy the many relatives and friends in your family."

Sun Yat-sen

Xu Qing pondered: "The sins under the sunlight"

Indeed. If my classmates were to find out, I would be quite troubled

Zheng Jiejie said sourly on the phone: "What has captured your heart? What keeps a blossoming young girl confined at home?"

Xu Qing smiled modestly

As the meal was nearly finished, Xu Qing glanced at Zheng Jiejie once more and asked in a voice that was almost a whisper: "Your parents..."

The next day, Xu Qing arrived punctually at Zheng JieJie's home. Zheng JieJie's residence is located on the outskirts of the city, where one can see a winding driveway leading up the mountain. Although it is not wide, it is very tidy, extending to a small white building halfway up the mountain. The small building is nestled among lush trees, with a roof made of red tiles, creating a harmonious color scheme. From a distance, it resembles a castle from a fairy tale.

Not only that, but we are also desk mates

A simple exchange of words led to the two becoming friends

Xu Qing's grandmother, whose surname is Fang, exudes an air of scholarly elegance. Her life story, when recounted, resembles a fable. She was among the earliest university students in New China, having studied abroad. After returning to the country, she married and had a daughter, and both she and her husband worked as educators at a university, enjoying a smooth journey in life. However, after Xu Qing's grandfather passed away, she was left to raise her daughter alone. Unexpectedly, she encountered the well-known turmoil that afflicted the world, enduring immense suffering. Nevertheless, she never succumbed, and eventually, life returned to normal, with her daughter growing up to adulthood.

Just as Xu Qing was halfway through her words, she heard the sound of the door opening, followed by footsteps approaching from a distance. Everyone raised their heads. She also looked up and saw a figure in a straight black suit and a gray tie. As her gaze moved upward, she saw a handsome face framed by black-rimmed glasses, exuding warmth without losing authority. Zheng Jiejie could not contain her joy, almost jumping up from the dining table, rushing over in a few quick steps, and hugging the man's arm, exclaiming in surprise: "Dad, you are back"

In the days that followed, Xu Qing felt somewhat like sitting on pins and needles. Zheng Jiejie's father was approachable and had no airs about him; he stayed with Zheng Jiejie throughout her birthday celebration, his affection for his daughter evident in his demeanor, completely unlike the stern faces often seen on television, just an ordinary father. After the meal, while a group of people were sitting and chatting, he suddenly froze, spread his hands, and sighed repeatedly: "Jiejie, I completely forgot to buy you a birthday gift, I am truly sorry. This is really something. It seems I have developed a forgetfulness problem, remembering one thing but forgetting another." After the meal, while a group of people were sitting and chatting, he suddenly froze, spread his hands, and sighed repeatedly: "Jiejie, I completely forgot to buy you a birthday gift, I am truly sorry. This is really something. It seems I have developed a forgetfulness problem, remembering one thing but forgetting another."

Xu Qing explained: "The house in my home is not small either. Sometimes, when I get up in the middle of the night, I cannot see my hand in front of me, and it seems as if there is something vaguely present in the darkness, enough to make a ghost movie. The same goes for during the day; it is empty and desolate all year round, with no friends or relatives visiting, always quiet. When a person walks on the marble floor, the echo is distinctly audible. After listening for a while, you start to wonder if someone is following you from behind. Occasionally, you shudder and turn around to look, only to realize that there is nothing there at all."

Zheng Jiejie was wearing a light yellow turtleneck sweater that day, with a few strands of hair on both sides tied back with a yellow hairband, cascading down to her waist. Her fair complexion was tinged with a rosy hue, making her stunningly beautiful and captivating. Several guests grabbed their cameras, took pictures, and immediately printed them out using a computer, achieving excellent results, with each photo being outstanding.

The Zheng family was exceptionally attentive to their guests, and after finishing the cake, many dishes were presented one after another on the table, leaving Xu Qing in awe. Although they were not delicacies, each dish was exquisite. She was surprised and almost gasped several times, but then remembered she was in someone else's home and managed to hold it back.

Zheng Jie Jie called out "Ah" and immediately remembered that Xu Qing had never mentioned her parents, so she eagerly asked: "Do you only live with your grandmother?"

Hearing you laugh like two little monkeys, how could I not come out to take a look

Oh, there is also a little aunt.

Fortunately, at that time, although my grandmother was retired, she was still a scholar and had a considerable income; there were often foreign remittances sent, so economically, the two of us were never in a state of financial hardship.

Two days later, I will go to Hong Kong to celebrate the New Year

Years later, on a flight back to her home country, Xu Qing felt drowsy from the long journey. She casually picked up a leisure reading material and read a passage from a legendary philosopher of ancient Greece, which stated that among all the things that wisdom can offer to help others achieve lifelong happiness, friendship far surpasses everything else

Zheng Jie held her hand in a reverse grip, conveying everything without words

On the day of registration, the school was bustling with activity, as many children of about the same age ran around the campus holding their registration forms and health check-up documents, their faces filled with excitement. Naturally, they were accompanied by more than one parent.

Zheng Jie is proficient in the humanities, excelling in history and politics; Xu Qing excels in the sciences, tackling even the most difficult mathematics and physics problems without furrowing her brow, swiftly calculating as she picks up her pen

Xu Qing could not suppress her laughter, she patted her own face and put on a serious expression: "Jie Jie, we must have been husband and wife in our past life. Unfortunately, we were born in the wrong bodies in this life"

At this moment, my grandmother was truly surprised. After gazing at the person on the television for a long while, she smiled slightly and said, "It seems that Zheng Jie Jie must be very lovely. She should be more beautiful than you"

Xu Qing did not overlook the subtle changes in Zheng Jiejie's expression; however, she chose not to mention it and instead laughed in an exaggerated tone, saying: "Ah, just exactly double"

Xu Qing agreed timidly. Such a warm invitation is hard to refuse

Xu Qing shook her head and sighed, softly saying: "You know, if you had told me in advance, I would have naturally brought a gift. It doesn't matter what kind of gift it is, as long as it can express my wishes, that is enough. It doesn't have to be something very expensive, and besides, you don't really lack those things, do you? Now I feel a bit embarrassed."

Zheng Jiejie was utterly enamored by Xu Qing's focused demeanor. Every time she saw Xu Qing successfully solve one problem after another, she would embrace her and lament: "In the first high school, the total talent score is ten points, and you, Xu Qing, have already taken eight points for yourself. Please, have some mercy and share a portion with me."

The chocolate indeed has an excellent flavor

Zheng Jie Jie casually picked up a book, flipped through a few pages, and realized that he could hardly understand it. He then lamented, "How can you even read such a thing? Comparing people truly can be infuriating; one really cannot make comparisons."

The holiday quickly passes. It is strange that while at school, one eagerly anticipates the arrival of the holiday, yet once the break begins, one cannot help but become lazy and unsure of what to do. Many plans that were once made with great determination are instead set aside during the holiday.

Xu Qing just noticed that Zheng JieJie's parents were not around. At this moment, with no one else around, she quietly inquired. Zheng JieJie frowned: "My mother is attending a conference out of town, and my father is too busy with work"

At this moment, grandmother also said: "Was the person who just called, Zheng Jiejie, your classmate?"

The attitude of apology is quite sincere Xu Qing gazed at her deeply moved She has always appreciated Zheng JieJie's genuine and earnest way of treating others A person can possess many valuable and excellent qualities but this particular trait is indeed very rare

Do the teachers know

The greatest difference between the two individuals lies in their academic performance

Zheng Jie Jie nodded vigorously, feeling somewhat regretful, and grasped Xu Qing's hand, saying, "It was my oversight. I will never make this mistake again."

Thus, the evening tutoring group grew increasingly larger. Xu Qing had a clear line of thought, able to articulate the issues in just a few sentences, never beating around the bush. Especially with conceptual problems, she had a comprehensive understanding. After just a few words, the vast majority of people could grasp the crux of the issue. For those who still did not understand, she would extend her hand to add a supplementary line on the diagram: "Do you understand now?"

As Xu Qing later told Zheng Jiejie: "He is not my type, but I must say, he is indeed one of the most handsome men I have ever seen"

While speaking, Zheng Jie Jie noticed the book on Xu Qing's desk and exclaimed in surprise, "You also like Agatha?"

Zheng Jie Jie smiled without answering. Xu Qing tightly held her hand, "I am very sensitive to numbers, and I definitely won't remember the license plate number of that car incorrectly. Thank you very much today"

What is said is indeed the truth. This is the faculty dormitory of the university, where the environment is quiet, surrounded by tall green trees, and there is a small garden. Retired professors often gather together, and Xu Qing gains many beneficial insights from them, for which she is eternally grateful to these wise elders

At that time, many people gathered around, listening to a child of a certain teacher from the school sharing gossip about the teachers. The words made everyone around widen their eyes and nod repeatedly. Among them, a boy was so shocked that he took a careful look at Xu Qing, whose serene smile was captivating.

Next year, you will surely see the courtyard filled with purple grapes and jade-like gardenias, which are truly beautiful

That demeanor is completely unlike that of a child. Professor Yang was greatly surprised: "You actually have such an understanding?"

"Who?"

Xu Qing laughed heartily, and the gloom from earlier was swept away.

Xu Qing looked up at her, a sincere smile appearing on her face, and stood up to offer her seat

Xu Qing rubbed her forehead and sighed: "I should have known that your family is well-off, but I didn't realize that your parents hold such prominent positions. Now I finally understand why you never talk about your family at school."

The sky had long since darkened, and Xu Qing, using the light of the streetlamp, watched the large vehicle drive away, turning out of the courtyard and disappearing around the corner. Xu Qing noticed that the gravel path in the courtyard sparkled like fresh snow, while the straight trees cast dark shadows on the road. The leaves remained motionless, standing quietly as if frozen outside of time

Xu Qing did not mind, while Zheng Jie Jie felt guilty and brought a box of chocolates from home, insisting that she eat them

My name is Xu Qing. This serves as my self-introduction

Xu Qing walked over, sat down next to her grandmother, glanced at the book in her grandmother's hands, and couldn't help but smile, "Grandma, why are you still reading Dream of the Red Chamber? How many years have you been reading it?"

When Xu Qing was in middle school, she was reluctant to attend the must-boarding No. 1 High School because she feared that her grandmother would feel lonely at home. On the contrary, her grandmother, fully aware of the importance of good schools and excellent teachers for students, advised her: "We have lived in this place for many years, and our neighbors are former colleagues, very familiar with us. Whether studying, playing chess, or chatting, everything is convenient, and you will not feel lonely."