Chapter 33: Silent Rivalries

Lily and Heqing watched as the Class Monitor waved her arms to wipe away the chalk marks.

When their eyes met again, they both realized something and burst out laughing.

They could both see that, even though the person in front of them wasn’t usually straightforward, neither was willing to back down on this matter. So, it was all about who would ultimately win.

This time, Heqing spoke first:

“Lily, you go ahead and erase the board.”

The other nodded: “Okay.”

The two grabbed fresh erasers and started wiping the board from opposite sides, chalk dust flying everywhere.

Their speed picked up from slow to fast.

Heqing pursed her lips, her eyes unusually determined, while Lily bit her lip, her twin tails swaying with each wipe.

Caught in the middle, the Class Monitor watched as their pace quickened like a race and sighed, “You two are erasing that board pretty fast, aren’t you?” But soon she noticed neither was doing a thorough job and called out:

“Hey! It’s not just about speed—make sure it’s clean, or the Teacher will scold you! Are you two even listening?”

Inside, both Heqing and Lily thought simultaneously, “I’ll win this!”

The undeclared war for Lin Zheng Ran kicked off that day and raged on for a full month.

Over the next month.

The battles were nonstop.

For example, in the mornings when Lin Zheng Ran stepped out of the dormitory or after classes, he’d find Heqing and Lily already waiting for him at the same time.

Not only were they perfectly in sync, but sometimes they’d even bring him snacks, each with different treats.

And during meals, Heqing would, with a nod from Han Wenwen, proactively pick up food with her chopsticks and place it on Lin Zheng Ran’s plate.

After doing so, she’d say softly and gently, “Lin Zheng Ran, eat more meat. Junior high boys are growing fast.”

Lily wouldn’t back down, her face flushing as she said unconvincingly, “You big idiot, I’m not hungry today. I’ll give you my meat—otherwise it’d go to waste.”

Heqing countered quietly, “I’ll give you some veggies too. It’s good for you if you eat more.”

Lily fired back quickly, “I’m not hungry at all today. I’ll give you all my veggies too.”

Lin Zheng Ran watched as their chopsticks darted back and forth, and before long, his plate was piled high like a mountain while theirs were empty.

Lin Zheng Ran scowled and snapped, “What’s wrong with you two lately? How am I supposed to eat like this? And aren’t you eating anything?!”

Han Wenwen sat back, chewing slowly with a smile, enjoying the show.

The exchanges kept coming, even on weekends when they’d each claim part of Lin Zheng Ran’s time. But in all this back-and-forth, Han Wenwen, as an outsider, started to see who had the upper hand—the scales were tipping clearly.

This sly one propped her head on her hand, watching Lily cross her arms, still sulking from the scolding.

“I already gave it to you—how can I take it back?! You big idiot, all you do is yell.”

And Heqing, quick to apologize after the reprimand, hurriedly took her food back when she saw Lin Zheng Ran wasn’t happy, saying, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Don’t be mad.”

Han Wenwen chewed on her toothpick meat and thought to herself, “That’s why the tsundere type always ends up losing. It’s because that personality has flaws—you’re not proactive and won’t admit defeat, so you never win. Looks like it’s decided.”

And things played out just as Han Wenwen thought. Lily’s personality meant she never wanted to admit anything outright, so she let several great opportunities slip away to Heqing, who was more honest even if not loud.

Plus, while they seemed evenly matched, Heqing was the new arrival, but for the past four years, Lin Zheng Ran had spent almost every week practicing with Lily. Now, Heqing was taking more than half of that time.

By the end of the month, this silent contest seemed to reach its end.

That Saturday morning, with just three weeks left until the new student talent show—which had been delayed as usual at Small Town Junior High—Lily needed extra practice to get picked by the music company.

Meanwhile, Heqing had signed up for the Taekwondo dojo in town and faced a tough opponent, so she also wanted Lin Zheng Ran to practice with her.

Early that morning, the four gathered before heading home.

Han Wenwen, arm in arm with Heqing, asked, “It’s Saturday again. So, Lin Zheng Ran, are you planning to hang out with Lily this weekend or with Heqing?”

She asked right in front of both, and the two girls turned to Lin Zheng Ran.

But Lin Zheng Ran said, “I can’t keep doing this every week. This time, I’m staying home to sleep and rest.”

Lily, hearing he wanted to rest, shrugged it off and said, “Fine, rest if you want. We don’t need you anyway. The competition’s still far off—I can practice on my own.”

Heqing added, “Are you feeling tired? Then rest up. But could I come by your house this week to meet your uncle and aunt? I could even give you a shoulder massage.” She waved it off: “Don’t worry, I won’t be a bother.”

Han Wenwen glanced curiously at Lily.

Lily froze, unsure how to respond to that.

Lin Zheng Ran shrugged indifferently: “Do whatever. But today, I’m not practicing with anyone—I’m just going to lie in bed and sleep.”

Heqing nodded with a smile: “Okay, I won’t disturb you.” She then turned innocently to Lily: “Are you coming too, Lily?”

Lily huffed tsundere-style: “Who said I’d go? That big idiot wants to rest, right? Unless he really needs a shoulder rub, but who would do that for him?” But she regretted it immediately.

Lin Zheng Ran grabbed his bag and headed out of school: “It’s best if none of you come.”

Heqing, Han Wenwen, and Lily watched him walk away.

Heqing even asked Lily again: “You’re really not going?”

Lily forced a smile: “Nope, I’ve got other things today. And I don’t know how to massage anyway. You go ahead.”

Heqing smiled, nodded goodbye to Han Wenwen and Lily, and hurried after Lin Zheng Ran: “Lin Zheng Ran, wait up! I need to buy some gifts first. Can you wait while I run to the supermarket?”

As they walked side by side, Heqing said, “I remember your uncle likes bananas. How about I get some?”

The two faded into the distance as Han Wenwen asked Lily, who was still standing there:

“This weekend’s different—it’s not about practice, it’s about spending time alone. That’s perfect for building closeness. Are you really just handing this chance to Heqing? If you insisted, I think Lin Zheng Ran wouldn’t mind.”

Lily stared after them and turned to Han Wenwen: “Aren’t you on Heqing’s side? You’re her best friend, right? Why are you worrying about me?”

Han Wenwen tilted her head with a smile: “We’re all friends now, so I’m just asking. Anyway.” She waved: “I’m heading back to the dormitory. See you next week.”

She walked away, leaving Lily standing there, feeling drained for some reason.

She pondered how many times she’d given opportunities to Heqing.

“If I keep this up, I’ll lose—for sure.”

From her pocket, she pulled out two tickets for a romance movie.

She’d bought these a few days ago; the date was for tomorrow, which was Lily’s birthday.

Just as Han Wenwen said, being tsundere means you can only play along if the other person makes the first move—but you can’t initiate yourself. It’s a flawed trait.

Unless, at a key moment, you take that step yourself, otherwise, you’ll just give away your happiness.

Lily looked toward where the two had vanished, tickets in hand, arms outstretched as she stepped along the edge of the grassy path, slowly heading home.

“You big idiot… you big idiot… you big idiot…”