"One subject was missing when collecting homework, and she came to submit it late."
The homework, placed at the corner of the desk, was cleverly covered. Wen Di didn't notice anything unusual and didn't press further.
Wen Tingxue's anxious heart settled, and she realized she had broken out in a thin layer of sweat on her back.
She knew Wen Di would find out about the homework sooner or later, but the timing and location made a difference. If he had confronted her at that moment, she would have been greatly embarrassed.
Yu Yahe glanced at Xu Ke Xin with displeasure, then glared at Wen Tingxue, saying, "Consider yourself lucky!"
Her shoulder was sharply bumped, causing Wen Tingxue to stagger. Her lower back hit the corner of the desk, causing a dull ache.
Xu Ke Xin looked up and met Wen Tingxue's grateful gaze. Her brows furrowed slightly, and a flicker of struggle crossed her fair face. After a few seconds, she whispered a few words to her deskmate.
"Here."
The girl came over and took a spray from her desk drawer, handing it to Wen Tingxue.
"Spray it in the restroom later; it works quite well."
Wen Tingxue thanked her. When she looked up again, Xu Ke Xin was already bent over, organizing her homework.
-
Things remained peaceful until the break between classes. Wen Tingxue had been on edge for two periods and was about to lie down for a rest when Xie Jin Yi tugged her arm.
"Why sleep? It's the opening ceremony, hurry up and go!"
Wen Tingxue, still drowsy, was pulled by her to the sports field. After finding their class, Xie Jin Yi said she had to leave.
"Aren't you standing in line?"
Wen Tingxue looked at her in confusion, her deer-like eyes very appealing.
Xie Jin Yi couldn't resist pinching her cheek; the soft texture was addictive.
"I have to give a speech on stage. You stand here obediently, and I'll come find you later."
With that, she took out a somewhat crumpled manuscript from her pocket and read it as she walked away.
Her figure quickly disappeared into the crowd.
Wen Tingxue wasn't envious. Her grades had been good in the past, and she was often called upon by teachers and principals to speak, having given many speeches. Although not many people listened, she had the experience.
There were two student representatives from the second year; the other was Yu Wen Li from Class 2-1. Seeing the two standing together on stage, talking like a golden couple, Wen Tingxue had to admit she was envious.
Yu Wen Li was naturally a focal point; wherever he appeared, eyes followed him, and this was no exception. The sight of the two together quickly sparked heated discussion.
"I must say, Xie Jin Yi and Young Master Yu look quite good together."
"Of course. I heard their families have cooperated for many years; they must be childhood sweethearts, right?"
"Among so many people in school, how many does Young Master Yu remember? Isn't Xie Jin Yi one of them?"
"With Xie Jin Yi's grades, why is she up there? Shouldn't it be the school belle?"
"It was originally the school belle, but unfortunately, she's sick today, and Xu Ke Xin is too lazy to speak, so this opportunity fell to her."
"It's really like a blind cat stumbling upon a dead mouse. I still think the school belle would be a better match for the big shot Yu."
Although the crowd was gossiping, their gazes couldn't help but fall on Wen Tingxue. Photos of her had circulated on the forum and message boards before, causing quite a stir. Now, seeing the person herself, they naturally wanted a good look. What did the person who appeared with Yu Wen Li multiple times and had Chi Ze Rui speak up for her look like?
Under the various gazes and attitudes, Wen Tingxue could not escape and could only lower her eyes, letting them appraise her. Her mind was a mess, filled with overwhelming emotions, primarily fear, with discomfort as a secondary one.
It wasn't until Yu Wen Li's voice came through the microphone, like heavenly music, clean and clear, enough to sweep away all distractions, that Wen Tingxue looked up. Her gaze swept over the crowd and landed precisely on the handsome, jade-like young man. In that moment, he also met her eyes.
At that instant, Wen Tingxue believed what was written in books: telepathy.
Yu Wen Li spoke entirely without notes, his gaze fixed on Wen Tingxue the entire time. Even if he occasionally shifted, he would quickly lock back onto her in the next second. Under such close attention, Wen Tingxue had no opportunity to think of anything else, nor the inclination to pay attention to the other gazes.
This condition persisted until the ceremony ended and Xie Jin Yi returned.
"Huh?"
Her arm was pulled, and Wen Tingxue raised her eyebrows, looking at Xie Jin Yi with a hint of confusion. "What were you saying just now?"
Xie Jin Yi looked curious, tilting her head. "What are you thinking about? You're not even paying attention when you walk."
By this time, the crowd had dispersed, and people were heading back to the teaching building in small groups. Wen Tingxue slowly came back to her senses and gave a weak smile. "Nothing."
As she spoke, the gazes flashed through her mind, like needles, unbearable, but... there was a pair of eyes that was enough to negate all of them.
A smile bloomed on Wen Tingxue's lips. Xie Jin Yi exclaimed, "You must be thinking of something good to be smiling like that! And so happily! Come on, tell me!"
Before Wen Tingxue could speak, the owner of those eyes appeared before them. Tall and elegant, dressed in simple black, his eyes now held a touch more scholarly air than when she first met him, exuding a refined elegance. Yet, his expression remained distant.
Xie Jin Yi greeted him as usual, "Big shot!"
Yu Wen Li nodded slightly, then his gaze fell on Wen Tingxue, softening like melting ice.
"It's the start of the semester, are you finding anything difficult to adjust to?" he asked, stepping closer.
Although he wasn't in the student council and held few official positions, he was the pride of Jiangcheng High School. He was very busy and didn't have the time to take care of her, which was why he had only managed to meet her now.
Wen Tingxue was very happy to see him and said with a smile, "It's going well." She said nothing about the exclusion and difficulties she had faced.
Xie Jin Yi was about to slip away when she heard this and immediately widened her eyes. "Well? You're almost being bullied to death..."
Wen Tingxue quickly tugged at her arm, but Yu Wen Li's expression turned grim, his dark pupils like a sunless abyss.
"What's going on?"
Not expecting Wen Tingxue to explain, he directly asked Xie Jin Yi, his tone still calm but carrying a bone-chilling coldness. Xie Jin Yi had never seen him like this. Or rather, Yu Wen Li had always been a gentlemanly, distant, and refined scholar, rarely showing his emotions.
"I..." Xie Jin Yi looked at Wen Tingxue, somewhat at a loss, unsure whether to speak.
Wen Tingxue wanted to stop her, but she was startled by Yu Wen Li. By the time she came to her senses, Xie Jin Yi had already spilled everything. Xie Jin Yi felt innocent; with Yu Wen Li's demeanor, who would dare not tell the truth? He looked so fierce.
"I..." After speaking, Xie Jin Yi quickly slipped away. Only Wen Tingxue and Yu Wen Li remained in the corridor. After a moment's thought, Wen Tingxue spoke.
But the moment she uttered a word, Yu Wen Li interrupted her, "If you're ever bullied in the future, remember to tell me." His voice was very gentle, devoid of any blame, only concern.
Wen Tingxue slowly raised her head, her clear black and white eyes reflecting his face. He was very handsome, very gentle, completely unlike the coldness from just now. Wen Tingxue knew he was worried about her and also knew he was afraid of scaring her; she could feel all his intentions. Her heart felt a soft touch, being carefully protected. She nodded obediently, her voice soft, "Okay."
Yu Wen Li was still worried. She looked soft, but in reality, she was stubborn; she could endure some things and wouldn't complain. So he leaned slightly, bringing his gaze level with hers, and patiently admonished, "Your brother doesn't want anyone he cares about to get hurt, so if anything happens, Yi Yi, you must tell me immediately, okay?"
Anyone he cared about... Wen Tingxue felt her breathing slow for a moment, swallowed, and nodded, "Okay."
[Author's Note]: An extra chapter added~