Chapter 32: Paths of School Life

On the way to the teaching building.

The girl with twin tails on the left had her hands behind her head, glancing aside. In the middle, Lin Zheng Ran looked relaxed, as if nothing had happened.

On the right, Heqing kept her hands clasped in front, head slightly bowed. Han Wenwen linked arms with Heqing. If Lin Zheng Ran glanced at this fox-like girl, she’d flash him a smile and wave. “Good afternoon, Lin Zheng Ran.”

The four walked in silence. After a brief introduction at the start, they moved along at an easy pace.

The subtle atmosphere made even passing dogs want to buy two packs of sunflower seeds and squat by the roadside to watch the show.

Lily’s lively eyes stole glances at Heqing. She had fair skin, a sweet face, and a slender figure—her profile was stunningly beautiful.

Heqing quietly checked out Lily too. She looked lively, cute, and full of energy—utterly likable.

The two girls locked eyes for a moment, then one looked away awkwardly while the other dropped her head.

Luckily, Lin Zheng Ran wasn’t affected.

“When did you arrive?” Lin Zheng Ran asked.

Both Lily and Heqing turned to Lin Zheng Ran.

“Huh?”

“Hmm?”

Han Wenwen wore a look of amusement, her eyes saying, “It’s not about me, right?”

Lin Zheng Ran blinked. “Why are you all staring at me? I was asking Heqing.”

Lily bit her lip subtly. Heqing whispered, “Yesterday, I came with my mom. We’ve sorted out the enrollment, so I’ll be studying here for the next few years.”

Lin Zheng Ran nodded. “Did Aunt He go back?”

“Yes, my mom’s gone back. I’ll stay at school on weekends. If you want to find me, you can come anytime…” Heqing noticed Lily turning away and trailed off, head dipping low. “Or call me…”

“Got it.”

As they kept walking, Lin Zheng Ran noticed Lily looking puffed up, her cheeks bulging like a frog’s.

He said wryly, “What’s with that expression?”

Heqing stayed quiet as the two chatted. Lily muttered softly, “No expression. I just look like this.”

Lin Zheng Ran gazed ahead, bored, and asked, “What time did you get here at noon?”

Lily’s puffed cheeks deflated instantly, though she tried to act casual. “Around twelve, after eating with my mom. Then I just slept in the dormitory.”

“Oh.”

After a few more steps, Han Wenwen suddenly burst out laughing.

The three looked at her. The little fox covered her mouth, blinking innocently. “Sorry, I thought of something funny. Carry on, don’t mind me.”

Lily and Heqing both blushed and stayed silent.

Heqing stealthily elbowed Han Wenwen, as if to ask what was so funny.

Han Wenwen leaned in and whispered to Heqing, “Xiao Qingqing, I’m really sorry. You all are just too entertaining—I couldn’t hold back.” Heqing gave her a cute eye roll and pursed her lips.

They reached the first floor of the teaching building and went their separate ways, not saying much more.

Words just didn’t come easily.

Lin Zheng Ran stood in the hallway and said to the two, “I’ll head back to the classroom. You’re in the same class, right?”

Lily nodded. Heqing, who had been surprised when Han Wenwen mentioned it yesterday, nodded too—she hadn’t expected to be in the same class as Lily.

Lin Zheng Ran added, “If that’s all, you two can go back. See you after evening study. Bye.”

Lily and Heqing waved goodbye to Lin Zheng Ran and turned to leave, the air still a bit awkward.

Han Wenwen stayed with Lin Zheng Ran until the other two entered the third class classroom, then she covered her mouth and laughed again.

Lin Zheng Ran eyed the fox. “Thought of something funny again?”

Han Wenwen grinned playfully at him—the only one who didn’t blush when looking at Lin Zheng Ran. But her gaze wasn’t just ordinary.

Her eyes had a natural charm. “Yeah, Lin Zheng Ran, haven’t you had any fun moments? Oh, and when did you find out I’m Xiao Qingqing’s best friend? You didn’t seem surprised at all just now.”

Lin Zheng Ran sighed. “I knew a while ago. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have let you watch me every day for a month.”

Han Wenwen tapped her finger on her lip, thinking. “True. I wondered if you knew my identity since you didn’t stop me.” She smiled brightly:

“We’re really fated, aren’t we? Last year in that snowy bus stop, we bumped into each other a few times. Now we’re not only in the same class but desk mates. If this were a novel, I’d wonder if I’d end up having kids with you and waiting for you to come home from work every day.”

Lin Zheng Ran: “…You should stop wondering about that next time.”

He ignored her and headed to the class. Han Wenwen watched him curiously, thinking he really had no interest in her.

If it were any other boy, he’d blush at that talk.

After all, years ago, just a smile from Han Wenwen made a boy say, “Han Wenwen, when you smiled, I already named our future kids! I really like you.”

Han Wenwen entered the classroom and gracefully sat next to Lin Zheng Ran.

In a voice only he could hear, she said, “But Lin Zheng Ran, secretly playing both sides isn’t good. It hurts girls’ hearts. I think you should pick Heqing. I’m team Heqing all the way.”

Lin Zheng Ran stared at the blackboard, baffled by these girls obsessed with romance:

“Can’t you focus on something serious? And don’t worry, I won’t do that secretly.”

“So you want to do it openly? That’s tough,” Han Wenwen said, lying on the desk and eyeing him with her fox-like eyes. “And I don’t recommend it.”

She gazed into Lin Zheng Ran’s eyes. Having read many guys’ minds, Han Wenwen was surprised after a moment.

With a meaningful smile, she said, “Lin Zheng Ran, you don’t act like a junior high student at all. You’re more like an adult who’s been out in the world—nothing like the rest of the class.”

The morning sun shone warm and bright.

Lily, Heqing, and Han Wenwen freshened up in their separate dorms.

They attended classes in different rooms but always ended up with the same boy during breaks, meals, and lessons.

Words were few among them. This routine lasted over a week.

The awkward vibe persisted for more than a week, until Tuesday of the second week.

That day, the teacher assigned cleaning duties and surprisingly paired Heqing with Lily.

Though they felt awkward at first—having not spoken all week in class three—they worked together smoothly while cleaning.

It happened when they were on stools wiping the blackboard—Heqing’s eraser slipped from her hand.

Lily picked it up and Heqing said thanks. But as Lily handed it back, she paused and pulled her hand away.

Heqing looked puzzled at first, then surprised at Lily.

Lily smiled warmly at Heqing:

“Is this one not working? I can get you a new eraser. I think I have a fresh one.”

Heqing whispered, “No, it’s fine. I just dropped it by accident. I’ll use this one.”

The class monitor passing by snatched the eraser from them and started wiping the board. “What are you two doing? Fussing over an eraser? Hurry up, there’s more to clean before school’s out!”