Chapter 2

Can you tell me her birthday? Or what her hobbies are

Zheng Jie Jie did not respond, and after a long while, he whispered, "I have no way to act. I can only hope that feelings without expectation of return will gradually fade away."

Zhao Qian initially intended to return to the dormitory with them, but then remembered that he still needed to tidy up the classroom and lock the door. He could only stand at the entrance, feigning a cheerful demeanor as he said things like "Take care" and "See you tomorrow," watching the two of them leave, chatting and laughing, casting two slender shadows in the corridor, which eventually disappeared into the corner of the wall

I find myself increasingly looking forward to the start of the school year

Zheng Jie Jie gazed up at the starry sky, her eyes began to change, her face turned pale, and for a while, she wore an expressionless look. The light in her eyes flickered, but Xu Qing knew that the tears in those eyes would never fall. After a long time, she finally spoke softly: "I don't know... how could I possibly know?"

Is this friendship or love

This class is impossible to listen to. Xu Qing sighed. Just then, her seat was by the window in the lecture hall, making it difficult for the teacher to notice her. She turned her head and found several boys behind her grinning at her, raising their hands to make a gesture of gratitude, saying, "You finally reacted."

Is this friendship or love

The subsequent words are self-evident. The voice was neither too loud nor too soft, just enough for Xu Qing to hear. Xu Qing, who was habitually resting her head on her hand while reading, raised an eyebrow at this moment and turned to cast a fleeting glance at the few boys, akin to a dragonfly skimming the water. These boys, who were originally intelligent and held themselves in high regard, were caught off guard by the calm and sharp gaze that sliced through them. In an instant, they all fell silent, awkwardly smiling as they hurriedly shifted their gazes to the ceiling or out the window. Two of the boys, in their haste, locked eyes, which made the situation even more awkward, prompting them to quickly turn their heads to look outside, expressing their admiration for the weather and scenery.

When a similar incident occurred once again, Xu Qing raised her hand. The teacher, smiling gently, called out Xu Qing's name, thinking that she, as before, had some new insights or opinions, and asked amiably: "Xu Qing, do you have a better method for this problem?"

Xu Qing finally recalled completely that Zhao Qian was the boy sitting at the back, who had not spoken a word. Nevertheless, her attitude was much colder, and she casually remarked, "So it's you guys," before turning to Zheng Jiejie and saying, "I didn't know you played the piano so well"

Who

Xu Qing patted Zheng JieJie's back and laughed heartily: "I am not doing this for you, but for myself"

A sweet feeling excites me

Who is playing?

At this moment, I asked myself again:

Zheng Jie Jie smiled, but the smile was somewhat bitter and also a bit anxious. The two were originally holding hands, but Xu Qing wanted to pull her hand back in silence. Zheng Jie Jie noticed Xu Qing's hesitation and instead tightened her grip, frowning, her eyes resembling a ripe grape, glistening with a flash of light

Xu Qing was surprised. She looked around and saw a boy casually emerging from a row of seats in the music classroom. He had a tall and slender figure, a sunny appearance, and particularly bright eyes. The youthful handsomeness of the boy was vividly reflected in him. Zheng Jie Jie introduced him from the side: "This is Zhao Qian."

Xu Qing, however, laughed so hard that she nearly fell over. Zheng Jie Jie wore a look of distress but raised her hand and said, "You all go have your meal." The classmates joyfully left, and in the blink of an eye, they were gone.

Xu Qing sighed: "I truly want to go and see it..."

After a long while, he feigned nonchalance and interjected, "Xu Qing, how are your preparations going"

Zheng Jiejie shook her head, "The piano at school is always a bit unwieldy."

Zhao Qian stared wide-eyed: "I have never seen you so flustered. You were so composed and calm during class; I remember one time you even reported to the teacher, which made us sit in the back row of the classroom for several weeks."

Xu Qing replied: "Generally."

She asked Xu Qing, "Are you feeling too much pressure competing with so many senior students?"

Xu Qing remained silent for a long time, clearly wanting to say a few words, but at that moment realized how clumsy her mouth was. The clever and aloof demeanor she usually possessed seemed to have vanished. After a moment, she finally managed to utter a few words, "I actually did not know..."

Zheng Jiejie furrowed her long brows and said, "I am worried that they might cause you trouble in the future. In fact, it wouldn't matter if you told them. I don't mind it at all"

Hello

Zhao Qian stood awkwardly to the side, trying several times to interject but unable to say anything. He felt very confused; previously, the girls had at least treated him with kindness, and he could easily integrate into their company. However, this time seemed different. He sensed a strong rapport between the two girls, as they only looked at each other while speaking, forming a small world that isolated everything else. He felt out of place.

Not yet. Please wait a moment

Yet I am unwilling to express my true feelings to you

At the feet of the young girl, there is a small brown-black dog, its color blurred amidst the swirling maple leaves. In such intense and vibrant hues, the girl remains indeed tranquil. Logically, such a serene temperament and environment should not harmonize, yet in Xu Qing's eyes, there is no sense of discord whatsoever. Xu Qing feels a stirring within her heart, and even after diverting her gaze from the image for a long time, she remains immersed in that sense of solitude and fervor, unable to extricate herself.

Other attacks have awakened my heart

It forever occupies my memory

I wander aimlessly

Hey, it's easy to say. Look at yourself, aren't you a good example?

Zheng Jiejie was at a loss for words when asked, and after a long while, he let out a heavy sigh, "I have discovered something. My parents have been hiding something from me. I am confused... I will tell you more when I have time in the future"

On the day of my birthday

Zheng Jiejie chuckled lightly, while Xu Qing had learned the principle of humility in victory too early, thus always maintaining this calm and composed demeanor. She glanced at the clock, gently closed the piano lid, and gave Xu Qing a knowing look, "Let's head back to the dormitory. We still have a pile of homework to do."

The teacher has always favored Xu Qing, scrutinizing the few boys, adjusting his glasses, and pointing the teaching stick towards the empty seats at the back of the classroom, "You few, go sit at the back!"

Zhao Qian smiled, not knowing what it meant: "You are being modest. No matter which competition it is, you are always the first in the city."

Ah, at this moment, I ask myself again:

Hearing the occasional whispers coming from behind, Xu Qing felt quite satisfied, thinking that they would no longer dare to disturb her. However, just as she had copied half of her notes, Xu Qing felt the boy behind her poking her back with his pen again.

A few days later, Xu Qing solved a congruence problem using number theory in class. The teacher praised this method for its conciseness and novelty, and then spoke highly of Xu Qing's intelligence in an admiring tone, stating that when Teacher Fang recommended her for this class, he was initially skeptical. However, it is now evident that Xu Qing has truly lived up to our expectations.

Under the light, Zheng Jiejie’s complexion was soft and radiant, her eyes gleaming like jewels. Xu Qing grasped her shoulder, nearly in tears: "Which sentence?"

Xu Qing smiled, "Another one. Although I do not appreciate him, I still feel quite sorry for him."

"Whether you believe it or not," Zheng Jiejie sighed softly, "I actually didn't expect it would be so easy to tell you... Do you still remember a line from Agatha Christie's novel 'The Mirror Murder' that we read together?"

I see. Xu Qing clicked her tongue and said, "It's so famous. However, listening to this piece, it is indeed well-crafted, no wonder it has remained popular for so many years."

Xu Qing cast a cold glance at her, "Am I closer to Jie Jie or to you? Have I known her longer or have I known you longer?"

Oh?

Quickly

Zheng Jie Jie laughed while lying on the piano and could not get up

Xu Qing understood this principle many years later. In contrast, Zheng Jie Jie became more and more beautiful as she grew older. Sometimes, upon entering the classroom and opening her desk, she would find notes or letters passed to her by boys, and occasionally even gifts. The letters varied in length, some signed and some anonymous, all expressing heartfelt sentiments filled with infinite admiration. Zheng Jie Jie paid no attention to these letters, pretending to be unaware. If a bold boy stopped her on the way and invited her to dinner or something else, she would not refuse, merely maintaining a polite distance, dragging it out further and further. Zheng Jie Jie paid no attention to these letters, pretending to be unaware. If a bold boy stopped her on the way and invited her to dinner or something else, she would not refuse, merely maintaining a polite distance, dragging it out further and further.

Xu Qing shrugged, flipping through the book in her hands with a rustling sound, "I don't know. It's likely that I'm just standing here in a daze. But why did you suddenly ask about this?"

Xu Qing had heard Zheng Jie talk about him a few times; he was in a higher grade than the rest of them and served as the cultural minister of the school, being quite active in various cultural activities. At this moment, upon seeing him, Xu Qing felt that he looked somewhat familiar. She furrowed her brows and looked at the boy in front of her, slowly saying: "Uh, why do I feel like I’ve seen you before"

However, I have felt it more than once

As Xu Qing passed by a century-old teaching building, she saw a familiar figure. Zheng Jiejie and several classmates were standing in the open space behind the building, holding rulers and chalk, pointing and discussing something on a blackboard on the wall. Zheng Jiejie leaned slightly, listening to what the classmate next to her was saying, occasionally nodding or shaking her head.

At this moment, the two individuals had already walked onto a tree-lined path, where the trees on both sides intertwined, forming a dense canopy. Moonlight filtered through the gaps, casting scattered beams of light. The gravel on the path was as white as snow, dazzling to the eye. The two continued to walk along the bright path, taking very small steps, fearing that this path might be completely traversed, yet they remained silent throughout.

Zheng Jie Jie suddenly remembered that Xu Qing had mentioned this matter to her, that the younger brother was born after her mother remarried abroad, and he was an extremely beautiful mixed-race child, now only about five or six years old. Upon thinking of this, Zheng Jie Jie exclaimed "Ah" and then asked, "What does it feel like to have siblings?"

Just as they stepped out of the building, the two of them involuntarily came to a halt. The garden in front of the building presented a scene that was astonishing. A gigantic full moon hung in the sky, resembling a massive white jade plate, radiating brilliance, with the heavens clear and the stars dimmed. The moon was so bright that the road shimmered with a chilling white light

Indeed. In order to prepare for the December 9th event, the school has just assigned a task. It is extremely headache-inducing

Endless troubles shroud my soul

It is as if a life has come to an end in a fleeting dream, along with the * picture * book

If you see your brother, what will you do

Only for your happiness and well-being

He smiled at Xu Qing, revealing his snow-white teeth: "Xu Qing, hello"

Every time Zheng Jiejie sees the thick stack of math materials on Xu Qing's desk, she slightly furrows her brow, half genuinely dissatisfied. Because of this, Xu Qing has never gone out to play with Zheng Jiejie during the winter and summer vacations. Whenever Zheng Jiejie calls to invite Xu Qing, she is either studying or on her way to various training classes. However, despite her complaints, Zheng Jiejie never forces her; all she does is offer help and support. Whenever Zheng Jiejie calls to invite Xu Qing, she is either studying or on her way to various training classes. However, despite her complaints, Zheng Jiejie never forces her; all she does is offer help and support

Xu Qing turned around with a cold smile

Zheng Jiejie shook his head, "When I first saw this painting, I was also deeply shocked for a long time. How perfectly the fusion of passion and indifference is! Not to mention that painting it on the blackboard would be too troublesome, just this atmosphere alone, with my limited painting skills, is something I could never replicate. Just thinking about it makes me feel unworthy."

At this moment, questions began to swirl in my mind

I also do not know, I have never met that younger brother of mine, and since we are not in front of each other, there may not be much deep affection. After all, feelings are cultivated over a long period of interaction

The foreseeing deity did not seal my lips

The only change occurred with Xu Qing. For some unknown reason, overnight, the mathematics teacher, Mr. Fang, suddenly discovered Xu Qing's mathematical talent, took a liking to her, and often provided her with special guidance, regardless of regular breaks or long holidays; he then further recognized her immense potential and repeatedly recommended her to participate in the mathematics competition training class organized for top-performing senior students at the school

I myself do not understand: how strange this is

In fact, Xu Qing occasionally observed him and noticed that he was not pleased with her presence. Even Xu Qing, no matter how naive, understood that his gaze towards Zheng Jie Jie was particularly focused. Whenever Zheng Jie Jie furrowed her brows, he would spend a long time trying to decipher her expression, as if he wanted to remember her appearance at that moment forever. It seemed that he truly liked Zheng Jie Jie.

When you disappear from my sight

The musical "Cats" features the song "Memory." This musical is extremely famous, arguably the most renowned of all. It has been running for over twenty years now, and is almost always sold out. This piece serves as the opening music for the school anniversary celebration, so I was just practicing it.

Xu Qing had never thought deeply about such a topic; at this moment, as if splashed with cold water, her mind went blank, and she murmured, "What about him"

Before Xu Qing could take a closer look, Zheng Jiejie suddenly grabbed a thick art album and brought it in front of Xu Qing, flipping to an illustration for her to see, "What do you think of this picture?"

Zheng Jie Jie patted her cheek with her hand, smiling nonchalantly, "It's nothing, it's nothing. I am not such a greedy person. One cannot have both fish and bear's paw; everything has its pros and cons."

In matters of this nature, Xu Qing completely fails to understand Zheng Jie-jie's actions. Sometimes she asks her why, but Zheng Jie-jie is always reluctant to elaborate. There are often people who request Xu Qing to deliver messages to Zheng Jie-jie or inquire about her in every possible way. Xu Qing finds herself mostly helpless in this regard, typically adopting a cold and distant demeanor, casting a scrutinizing gaze upon others, and responding with a blunt refusal, which has helped Zheng Jie-jie avoid quite a bit of trouble. Over time, no one has sought to get to know Zheng Jie-jie through her channels anymore

Where do inspiration, thoughts, and syllables come from

"How? I never told you? I have a half-brother," Xu Qing said, her right hand holding the microphone trembling slightly as she asked in surprise, "Why are you suddenly asking about this?"

Finally, I also wrote down my questions

She is still a girl. I have never seen a girl excel in mathematics.

Alright. Whenever you wish to speak, just let me know

Xu Qing originally intended to mock a few people, but at this moment, she could not utter a single word, fearing that if she spoke, she would burst into laughter. She could only feign a blank expression, turn around, and support her head while secretly laughing to herself.

Due to applying too much force while coloring, Zheng Jiejie’s right arm brushed against the blackboard. When Xu Qing glanced back after a blink, a large section of the grid lines at the bottom of the blackboard was blurred, leaving behind traces of the wipe; meanwhile, Zheng Jiejie's light blue school uniform had many white chalk dust marks on the elbow. Zheng Jiejie remained fully focused on continuing to outline, completely unaware of it.

I am sorry. I do not pay attention to others during class..." Xu Qing's cheeks flushed red, and in her embarrassment, she unconsciously kept tapping her feet, her voice suddenly becoming much softer

Just then, a gust of autumn wind blew, opening the poetry collection that had been placed on the flower stand; Xu Qing smiled as she walked back to the flower bed, and when she bent down to pick up the book, she saw the pages that had been spread open. The page printed was "The Hesitation" by the Polish poet Miłosz.

The weather is truly wonderful today

When I have not seen you, I do not feel sorrow, nor do I sigh

When your delicate hand rests in my palm

Xu Qing smiled lightly, not taking it to heart: "It's fine. After all, I love mathematics, and even if the pressure were much greater than it is now, I would still manage to get through it"

Zheng Jie Jie turned her head, tightly gripping her hands, her expression appearing ethereal and insincere, as if she had completely become another person. Xu Qing looked at her in astonishment, "Did I say something wrong?"

Xu Qing also smiled: "Those are all matters of the past"

Indeed, the roses in the flowerbed have bloomed

"You really walk fast," Zheng Jiejie said with a wry smile, casually tossing a poetry collection to Xu Qing, "Flip through it and see if there's anything you can copy onto the blackboard."

Zheng Jie Jie expressed dissatisfaction: "It seems as if I have a heart of iron and stone."

My soul feels as if it has lost something

Suddenly hearing these three words, Xu Qing was taken aback. For some reason, she felt very uneasy, fearing that she had touched upon something. She simply turned her face away and sighed softly: "Jie Jie, I have actually wanted to ask you for a long time... who do you really like? Seeing your attitude towards those boys, although polite, it always fails to conceal the indifference in your heart."

Xu Qing stared at them for a long time before finally calling out to Zheng Jie Jie. Zheng Jie Jie looked up in surprise, searching for the source of the voice. At that moment, the setting sun cast its full light on Xu Qing, and Zheng Jie Jie strained to see through the dazzling golden light, laboriously separating Xu Qing from the shadows, waving her hand with a smile: "Are you done with class?"

What excites me? Friendship or love

The background of the image is a golden maple forest viewed from above, with broad canopies all bathed in gold. The five-fingered maple leaves are layered and piled together, resting upon the massive canopy. The leaves are a light golden-red, hanging high on the branches. The setting sun lazily hangs not far above the forest, and from the high vantage point, the leaf veins are no longer visible; only the canopies appear like tides, reflecting fragmented golden light. In the open space of the forest, maple leaves dance in the air, and among them stands a harmoniously proportioned young girl, dressed in a light yellow dress adorned with delicate details. One hand supports a graceful, wide-brimmed sun hat, while the other holds up her dress as she gazes up at the sky. Her eyes are bright yet hollow—seemingly contemplating the most complex questions, while also appearing detached from time and space, exhibiting an absolute indifference to her surroundings.

Did you contact any other classmates during the winter vacation

Zheng Jie Jie smiled and said, "Well. I have CDs and videotapes at home. You can come over during the holidays. It's just that either you are not free or I am not free when you come over."

The boy who poked her was actually quite handsome. Upon meeting Xu Qing's clear yet slightly impatient gaze, he felt a bit flushed and stammered, unwilling to speak. The others patted him on the shoulder and whispered a few words in his ear. Finally, he mustered up the courage, pressed his lips tightly together, and asked: "Excuse me, do you know Zheng Jie Jie?"

In their third year of junior high, they coincidentally encountered the school's 50th anniversary celebration, with various activities following one after another, and the two of them became busy. Xu Qing was overwhelmed preparing for the upcoming mathematics competition; however, Zheng Jiejie was even busier than Xu Qing. She excelled in everything and was also beautiful, making her indispensable for any event. Sometimes she was so busy that she couldn't even attend evening study sessions, and it was Xu Qing who helped her take notes and keep track of assignments.

But it always appears at your doorstep

"Are you talking about yourself?" Xu Qing retorted, "There are so many good boys in the school."

Zheng Jiejie flipped through the notes, and after turning just one page, said, "So much. It seems I have let other matters take up too much of my time."

I find myself asking in a nostalgic mood

When I compose this song for you

It loudly questioned me

The classmates in the training class all turned their heads to look at Xu Qing. In the large classroom, there were only about twenty people scattered around, and the echo when speaking was louder than in other classrooms. Xu Qing deliberately raised her voice so that her classmates could hear her more clearly: "It is not a problem with the questions, teacher. The few boys sitting behind me always whisper during class, which prevents me from listening quietly. Therefore, I would like to request a seat change, is that possible?"

Xu Qing raised her head in displeasure and said, "What?"

"It's done. What are you all doing? A blackboard newspaper?"

Zheng Jie Jie sighed softly: "You know that with my background, my childhood cannot be compared to that of ordinary children. After all, the conditions are there, and it is impossible for everything to fall behind others. My grandfather and great-grandfather are figures that can be found in history books... Due to this family tradition, I was forced to learn this and that from a young age, just like the models of noble ladies from hundreds of years ago. I did not miss out on calligraphy, painting, or piano; the teachers I hired were all the best, yet I did not excel in any of them. The only thing I truly loved was the piano... You might wonder why I wanted to attend No. 1 High School? It is because it is the only school in the city that offers boarding."

Everything that happens once will happen again, and if it happens twice, it will happen a third time. I have always held this view. These matters are indeed like this; once they begin, they cannot be easily concluded. I have previously approached those boys who hoped to get to know me with a similar attitude. Last time, Xiaoxiao told me that there are still people who feel resentful towards me. I do not mind at all. I do not have the time to get entangled with them. Xu Qing rubbed her ears and stated matter-of-factly, "In any case, you definitely won't like them, right?" I do not have the time to get entangled with them. Xu Qing rubbed her ears and stated matter-of-factly, "In any case, you definitely won't like them, right?"

How?

Xu Qing smiled: "I have hardly stepped out of this courtyard..."

Xu Qing stared at Zheng Jiejie again, opened her mouth as if to say something, but what came out was: "There is no one on the road anymore, let's hurry back to the dormitory. Otherwise, we will have to ask the aunt to open the door again"

However, the not too long ones are surprisingly beautiful

Xu Qing asked Zheng Jie: "What piece were you playing just now? It sounded really beautiful"

When I saw you, I did not lose my reason

I have never found holidays to be too long

After a long absence from such matters, Xu Qing encountered it once again. This time it was during an extracurricular mathematics training class. Halfway through the session, Xu Qing felt someone suddenly poking her back with a pen. She initially did not want to pay any attention, but the person was too persistent, continuously and rhythmically poking her. It seemed that she would not be left alone unless she turned around.

It was not until the piece came to an end that Xu Qing pushed the door open and entered. In the quiet music classroom, Zheng Jiejie sat upright in front of the piano, her gaze fixed intently on the sheet music before her. Her brows remained motionless, and her low breaths caused the corners of her mouth to twitch slightly. Beneath her snow-white complexion, a rosy glow emerged, appearing particularly soft under the bright white light. She was deeply focused, completely unaware of the presence of an outsider; her long fingers rested carelessly on the piano keys, harmonizing perfectly with the color of the white keys, almost indistinguishable.

After evening self-study on a certain day, Xu Qing went to the school's music room to find her. Before she got close, she first heard the pleasant sound of the piano. Xu Qing couldn't help but stop to listen. From what she could gather, the piece was very beautiful and melodious. Although she couldn't discern its quality, she felt that the piano's sound was soft and melodious, graceful yet grand, subtly evoking a sense of stirring intoxication.

A tall and well-proportioned figure emerged in Xu Qing's mind. Instantly, her heart was filled with fear, and she instinctively covered her mouth, but her hand was still a moment too slow, and an "ah" escaped her lips. Zheng Jie Jie, with her back to her, said softly: "You know, don't you"

Is this friendship or love

Zhao Qian lowered his head to look at Zheng Jie Jie, not at all concerned about Xu Qing's attitude just now. He bent down to lift the piano lid and observed it carefully for a while, exclaiming, "Oh, the strings are all rusted. No wonder it feels awkward to play. But even so, Zheng Jie Jie, you still play so well that you hardly need to practice anymore; you can just go on stage then"

The classmate Zhang Xiaoxiao beside me laughed and said: "Isn't it true that those who are capable should take on more work? Jie Jie is truly impressive, able to present both calligraphy and paintings."

Zhao Qiantang stared at Xu Qing in disbelief, his expression exaggerated to the point of incredulity, "We have been attending the competition tutoring class together for over a semester. You actually don't remember me?"

The boy, not understanding the meaning, honestly replied: "Naturally, your relationship with her is better. I don't know her at all."

but in the long passage of time, I will no longer see you

It is fortunate. It is my duty, and I have no choice but to act. However, this is not the first or second time.

I recalled a movie, "Xu Qing slowly closed the album, pressed it down with her hand, raised her eyes to look at Zheng Jie Jie, and softly asked, 'Are you going to draw this on the blackboard?'

It is just dusk outside the classroom. The flowers, trees, and buildings of the school are all bathed in golden light under the setting sun, emanating a wonderful brilliance that is neither glaring nor harsh, but soft and pleasant. The large lake reflects the sunset, its surface rippling gently, resembling a lake of broken gold that scatters light in all directions. Xu Qing stands by the lake, lost in thought for a long time before she remembers that it is time for dinner.

In that class, the students are all at least in the third year of junior high school, and Xu Qing is the youngest. There are about twenty students in the class, most of whom are boys. During the first class, many senior students looked at her with disdain as she walked into the classroom, whispering behind her back: "She's just a junior high school student..."

I simply cannot believe this, Xu Qing said in confusion, pacing back and forth: "But he is so much older than you. With so many boys in the world... how can you expect me to believe it, how can I believe it."

At this moment, the boy, unaware of where he borrowed his courage from, regained his usual complexion, and his tone was no longer hesitant: "Yes. I have seen you together many times."

At this moment, another male student was speaking, looking very pragmatic, "If you can tell us, we will give you benefits..." Just as he was saying this, he noticed the smirk at the corner of Xu Qing's mouth, and his voice suddenly trailed off

My pure heart harbors no other hopes

You are being overly self-deprecating

Before Xu Qing could apologize, Zheng Jie Jie suddenly said, "That person is actually someone you have met before"

Xu Qing tilted her head and said, "What else do you want?"

The chalk dust was scattered everywhere. Xu Qing raised her head; the two were of equal height. Their gazes met, both possessing eyes as dark as ink, though only an inch in size, comparable to a pool of clear spring water, reflecting each other's shadows, leaving nothing hidden. Zheng Jiejie tilted her head, her smile deepening: "Have you found a poem that can be copied onto the blackboard?"

The white patch on the sleeve was particularly glaring. Xu Qing stared at it for a while, then stepped forward to support Zheng Jiejie’s hand holding the chalk, lifting the sleeve and gently brushing off the chalk dust. Zheng Jiejie was taken aback when she felt someone grasp her hand, but upon seeing Xu Qing's attentive actions, a faint smile appeared at the corners of her mouth. She did not speak, only gently folded her hands and held them against her chest.

The new semester is about to begin soon. On the two nights before the start of school, Xu Qing received a call from Zheng Jie Jie. On the other end, Zheng Jie Jie sounded exceptionally happy, talking about some trivial matters from the winter vacation. Although they were not significant, Zheng Jie Jie was naturally eloquent, and even the most mundane stories could be told by her in a vivid manner. Moreover, she recounted an extraordinary experience of being invited to audition on the streets of Hong Kong. Xu Qing laughed heartily, casually closing the book that was spread open on her lap. Just as she was about to ask why Zheng Jie Jie had declined the audition, Zheng Jie Jie suddenly changed her tone, shifting the topic to something completely unrelated. However, Zheng Jie Jie was indeed a good speaker, and even the most uninteresting matters could be narrated by her in an engaging way. Xu Qing laughed uncontrollably, casually closing the book that was spread open on her lap. Just as she was about to ask her why she had refused the audition, Zheng Jie Jie suddenly changed her tone, and the topic flew to something entirely unrelated, her voice filled with confusion: "Xu Qing, are you an only child?"

There is no mistake

For you, I am willing to step into the depths of hell

Xu Qing glanced at the blackboard, which had just been marked with horizontal and vertical lines, not a single character written on it. Xu Qing shook her head and smiled, "Is it just starting? It seems like a tiring task."

Regardless of whether the two individuals like the start of the new school term or not, it arrives as scheduled, just like the inevitability of human aging, illness, and death. After the school begins, both classmates and teachers carry on as usual, and life quickly returns to its normal rhythm. Both individuals are class committee members, excel in their studies, and pass exams with ease. Whether it is class activities or school events, they are all vibrant and lively.

Xu Qing couldn't help but smile wryly at the unexpected question from that person. The perfectly fine class was abruptly interrupted, and her vague irritation deepened. She responded in a low voice, word by word, "You called me just for this?"

The classroom was enveloped in silence. The boys below stared in astonishment at the young girl several grades below them, who sat there, indifferent and untroubled, looking at the materials distributed before class. Many had originally thought her exceptionally beautiful, and some even harbored intentions of pursuing her. At this moment, however, they suddenly felt that her unassuming tranquility shrouded Xu Qing in a layer of cold, mysterious veil— all the boys found it dreamlike and incredible, leaving only awe and admiration. From then on, they no longer regarded her as an ordinary girl; the fleeting feelings of infatuation they once had vanished like a flash of blooming night-blooming cereus, leaving no trace.

While speaking, Xu Qing noticed Zheng Jie-jie's hand tremble. Although it was late autumn, the palms of their hands clasped together were already sweating. The sweat stuck to Xu Qing's hand, and she felt regret. She remembered her grandmother once saying that the truths of this world are often intangible and invisible. We often encounter them on narrow paths but fail to recognize them. Only those elderly people who are about to lose their way or very innocent young people can discover, understand, and grasp them.

If that is the case, then why should I disclose her likes and dislikes to an unrelated person

Miss Marple turned to Louise after seeing the two young people standing in the manor and said, "There is no doubt, he has fallen in love with her." At that moment, the first image that came to my mind was the way Sun Wenge helped me with my studies... I thought, if it were possible to measure the duration of feelings, then that moment would be the beginning

In order to make you happy, I spare no effort

Is this friendship or love

After the evening study session, as they returned to the dormitory together, Xu Qing recounted the events that had occurred in class as a joke to Zheng Jiejie. In the end, she added, "I think they should have made me extremely angry, but there was nothing I could do about it."

Xu Qing gazed at her face, silently handing over the sketchbook. Zheng Jiejie took the sketchbook, flipped through two pages with her head down, and then her fingers stopped moving. She picked a white chalk from the chalk box, turned her back, and began to draw on the blackboard. Xu Qing rested her arm on the edge of the small flower bed behind the building, tilting her head to watch Zheng Jiejie outline the illustration with white chalk. Then she turned her head to select a brand new red chalk from the chalk box and, with a burst of energy, swept it across the blackboard, instantly spreading a patch of red.

Seeing Zheng Jiejie’s helpless expression, Xu Qing was just about to comfort her by saying, "Don’t worry, I’m here for you," when unexpectedly, another person interrupted and said, "Don’t worry, I’m here for you."

Your graceful figure does not reflect in my heart

Xu Qing stood there watching Zheng Jie Jie, feeling dizzy and overwhelmed, as if still immersed in the music and unable to extricate herself. For a moment, she did not know how to move and forgot how to speak. This numb state lasted for a long time until Zheng Jie Jie turned her head and saw Xu Qing standing there with a book in hand, a smile at the corners of her eyes, looking at her with a gaze that was both admiring and shocked. Zheng Jie Jie could not help but feel puzzled, pursing her lips and smiling, calling out Xu Qing's name. Xu Qing came to her senses, gave a self-deprecating smile while tapping her forehead, and walked a few steps to the side of the piano, placing several notebooks on it. The school's piano, which had seen better days, had a dull shell and had long lost its initial clarity and luster. Xu Qing slightly arched her middle finger and gently tapped on the notebook.

Well, I know her, so what

The whole class burst into laughter. A few individuals glared at Xu Qing with resentment, packed their bags, and moved to the back. After class, while Xu Qing was tidying up the papers and pens on her desk, she caught a glimpse of them glaring at her with gritted teeth, looking as if they were determined not to let it go. Xu Qing initially thought they would cause her more trouble, but they remained still, merely whispering to each other with their heads close together. Xu Qing shrugged, packed her belongings into her bag one by one, and walked out of the classroom.

Is this friendship or love

It is merely junior high school. She will only realize the hardships once she enters high school

Here are the organized notes, as well as the homework assigned by the teacher for this evening

After saying this, Xu Qing turned her head away and continued to listen to the class; the remaining few boys were left dumbfounded. Xu Qing glanced at the blackboard, where a proof of a sequence inequality had already been halfway through, and she slapped her forehead, quickly grabbing her pen to hurriedly take notes.