3 It’s hard to tell.

“Alright, it’s your turn now, hurry up and go in.” Zhang Heyu released Jiang Ci’s wrist and withdrew his gaze.

When his fingers touched Jiang Ci’s wrist, he wondered how a girl could have such a slender wrist.

Jiang Ci’s heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might burst from her throat. She licked her lips and stepped into the classroom.

Recalling her earlier action, she suddenly felt as if the palm of her hand, which had touched Zhang Heyu’s chest, was burning.

After counting the students, the proctor began distributing the exam papers. Once Jiang Ci received hers, she focused, lowering her head to write.

One hundred and fifty minutes passed.

Jiang Ci emerged from the classroom holding her exam paper, only to see Yu Xijin waiting at the door.

“Let’s go, let’s go! I’m starving!” Yu Xijin grabbed Jiang Ci’s hand and headed straight for the cafeteria.

After selecting their meals, Jiang Ci and Yu Xijin found a corner table to sit at.

No sooner had Jiang Ci settled down than Yu Xijin deliberately lowered her voice and whispered, “Oh my god, Zhang Heyu is right behind you.”

Jiang Ci instinctively turned to look, spotting four students carrying trays sitting directly behind them.

Zhang Heyu was accompanied by another girl.

Seeing this, Jiang Ci pursed her lips and lowered her head, beginning to eat.

Jiang Ci’s appetite was small, and she felt full halfway through her meal.

She took out a pack of tissues from her pocket, pulled out two sheets, and handed one to Yu Xijin.

“Thanks!” Yu Xijin mumbled with her mouth full.

Huo Chensi and Fan Mian went to the convenience store to buy drinks, leaving only Zhang Heyu and that girl at their table.

Suddenly, a coquettish voice came from behind.

The voice was so sweet that it gave Jiang Ci goosebumps.

“Hey, Heyu, how about I come watch you play basketball after school this afternoon?”

Zhang Heyu’s expression was indifferent, showing no enthusiasm. “Suit yourself.”

The girl sounded a bit displeased. “Heyu, why are you like this? So cold!”

Zhang Heyu took a sip of water. His voice was clear and casual. “What do you mean? When you met me, wasn’t I like this?”

The girl bit her lip, thinking that since she had been by Zhang Heyu’s side the longest, she must hold some place in his heart.

“Heyu, I just want you to care about me a little, don’t be so cold…” She linked her arm through his, acting coquettish. “You’re my…”

Before she could finish, Zhang Heyu put down his chopsticks and said coldly, “Wan Hanqiu.”

Hearing this, Wan Hanqiu’s heart sank and she felt a wave of panic.

“You’re asking too much,” Zhang Heyu sneered lightly. “Let’s break up.”

Wan Hanqiu’s eyes widened, tears welling up, her voice trembling and eyes reddened. “Are you serious?”

“Yeah, serious.”

Everyone around turned their attention to them. Zhang Heyu was already a hot topic at Nancheng No. 3 High School. Now, Wan Hanqiu’s face was hard to maintain as she fought back tears and stood up.

The next moment, Wan Hanqiu grabbed her cup of cold water and splashed it on him, yelling, “Zhang Heyu, you bastard!” before storming off with her tray.

Not only was Zhang Heyu drenched, but nearby people were also splashed.

“Whoa, Ci Ci, are you okay?” Yu Xijin exclaimed seeing Jiang Ci’s half-wet shoulder. “Quick, grab some tissues to wipe it off.”

Yu Xijin handed her tissues and helped wipe her off.

At that moment, Huo Chensi and Fan Mian returned with drinks. Seeing the scene, they were stunned and dared not say a word.

Jiang Ci wanted to glance back at Zhang Heyu, but suddenly a shadow appeared beside her.

She looked up and unexpectedly met the deep black eyes of the young man. Her fingers curled, and her heartbeat quickened.

“Sorry for the accidental splash,” Zhang Heyu’s tone was calm but sincere in his apology.

Jiang Ci’s gaze fell on him, now drenched, catching a glimpse of his lean waist and chiseled abs beneath his clothes, extraordinarily alluring.

After hesitating for a few seconds, she handed him the pack of tissues on the table, her voice soft and sweet. “Here, wipe yourself off. I’m fine.”

“Alright, thanks.” Zhang Heyu took the tissues and glanced at the pink birthmark on the pale neck of the girl.

***

After leaving the cafeteria, Jiang Ci’s heart kept pounding, unable to calm down for a long time.

“Seriously, can’t Wan Hanqiu be a little more careful with that splash?” Yu Xijin was especially annoyed seeing the large wet patch on Jiang Ci’s back.

Jiang Ci waved her hand, smiling. “It’s okay, I’ll dry off later.”

“But the classroom for the next exam has air conditioning; I’m worried you’ll catch a cold,” Yu Xijin said with concern.

Jiang Ci linked arms with Yu Xijin. “Alright, alright, don’t worry. Don’t you still have holiday homework to catch up on? There’s still some time; go finish it.”

Reminded by Jiang Ci, Yu Xijin suddenly remembered. “Damn, I totally forgot! I’ll head back to do it now!”

Yu Xijin hurried back to the classroom and soon disappeared from sight. Jiang Ci finally exhaled in relief.

There was another exam in the afternoon. Jiang Ci didn’t return to the classroom to rest but chose to read in the small pavilion near the basketball court.

The sports and arts facility was in a teaching building near the basketball court.

Zhang Heyu had just come out of the sports facility and, standing in the corridor, glanced down aimlessly, his gaze landing on the girl in the pavilion not far away.

Perfect timing.

He walked down the stairs toward Mingde Pavilion. As he approached, a scent of osmanthus flowers wafted into his nose.

The midsummer afternoon was scorching, the sun blazing fiercely.

Leaves curled under the heat, and cicadas chirped loudly.

The girl lowered her head, loose strands of hair brushing her cheeks. A summer breeze fluttered past. Her eyes, framed by long lashes, were downcast, silently absorbed in her book.

Watching this scene, Zhang Heyu was momentarily stunned. His throat moved as he swallowed, a warm current inexplicably flooding his heart.

He remembered this girl.

Perhaps sensing the intense gaze behind her, Jiang Ci looked back in puzzlement, spotting the figure standing not far away.

Zhang Heyu?

Jiang Ci tucked the stray hair behind her ear, her almond eyes filled with slight confusion as she looked at him, her body instinctively shrinking back. “Do you need something?”

Zhang Heyu lifted his eyelids and approached her with a faint expression. She instinctively lowered her head to avoid his gaze. He chuckled lightly, his tone soft: “What are you hiding from?”

His words felt like an electric current running from her lower back straight to her heart, tingling and thrilling.

Jiang Ci swallowed and shook her head. “I-I wasn’t hiding.”

“Do I look like I’d eat you?” Zhang Heyu smiled dismissively. “You weren’t shy about touching me this morning, were you?”

Before he spoke, a flood of memories rushed into Jiang Ci’s mind.

Really now!

Bringing up the most awkward topic!

“I didn’t mean to…”

Zhang Heyu lowered his gaze, a subtle chuckle full of teasing: “Oh yeah?”

“Not obvious at all,” he dragged the last syllable, his voice lazy. “Little classmate.”

Jiang Ci pursed her lips and puffed her cheeks. “If you don’t believe me, there’s nothing I can do.”

Zhang Heyu raised an eyebrow and tossed his jacket, which was hanging loosely on his arm, to her. The jacket traced an arc through the air. Jiang Ci hadn’t reacted yet but caught it.

“This one’s new. Change into it.”

Jiang Ci looked down at the clean jacket in her hands. Her heart skipped a beat. After a moment, she said, “Thank you.”

“My fault. Sorry.” Zhang Heyu apologized again. “You don’t have to return it. It should be your size.”

“Okay, no problem.” Jiang Ci said, then turned to pack up her books on the table, speaking politely but distantly. “I’m going now.”

Zhang Heyu showed no emotion on his face as he stood still, watching her leave.

After the afternoon exam ended, the school hadn’t yet arranged evening self-study for the seniors. Jiang Ci finished and rushed back to the classroom to grab some things before heading home.

Having been reborn, Jiang Ci understood some things—people would inevitably face partings and losses, but the most terrifying was losing someone dear.

Back at her doorstep, the aroma of home-cooked food greeted her.

Grandma, hearing movement outside, knew Jiang Ci had returned and smiled kindly. “Go wash your hands and come eat.”

“Okay, Grandma!”

After dinner, Jiang Ci chatted with Grandma for a while before returning to her room.

***

Jiang Ci went to the chair, picked up the school uniform, and brought it close to her nose. The jacket still carried a faint scent of Zhang Heyu.

She took the school uniform to the bathroom, filled a basin with water, and hand-washed it.

She hung the uniform on the drying rack on the balcony, glanced at it, then turned back to her room.

*

The semester had just started, but after two days of exams, many students were drained, including Yu Xijin.

“Damn, I still have to catch up on holiday homework after exams. This is killing me!” Yu Xijin complained, head on the desk.

Jiang Ci smiled. “I heard the results come out during the last class this afternoon. After that, they rearrange the classes. Once that’s done, the new head teacher will ask for your homework, and then…”

“Save me, Ci Ci, please stop!” Yu Xijin moaned. “Just hearing it feels like the sky is falling.”

Jiang Ci made an encouraging gesture. Suddenly, a shadow loomed over her. She looked up naturally.

The boy wore black-rimmed glasses, neatly dressed in the school uniform, his face a bit youthful, with clear eyes that flushed red when he looked down at Jiang Ci.

“Class president.” Jiang Ci looked up at him, a smile playing on her lips. “What do you need?”

Zhi Jiangwen cleared his throat. “Jiang Ci, can you come out for a moment? I have a question about a problem.”

Jiang Ci agreed and followed Zhi Jiangwen to the corridor outside the classroom.

“Here.” Zhi Jiangwen spread out the test paper and pointed to a specific spot.

Jiang Ci glanced and recognized it as a stereometry problem from yesterday’s exam.

She thought for a moment, picked up a pen, and began explaining to Zhi Jiangwen. “First, let’s observe the relationship between PE and plane ABCD…”

Meanwhile,

Zhang Heyu and Huo Chensi returned from the convenience store with drinks. Just as they reached the classroom door, Huo Chensi suddenly yanked Zhang Heyu to look in a certain direction.

“Look, isn’t that the girl we met at the convenience store the day we played basketball? Seems like the one who also got splashed in the cafeteria.”

Zhang Heyu tilted his head to look. Jiang Ci was lowering her head, occasionally glancing sideways at the boy beside her, her face bright with smiles and laughter—a striking scene.

She smiles quite a lot.

Yet every time he saw her, she avoided him, as if seeing him was like seeing a plague.

“Tsk tsk, the gentle little fairy paired with the aloof scholar. No chance there,” Huo Chensi sighed.

Zhang Heyu withdrew his gaze, glanced at him, and scoffed lightly, “Pair? You got two holes under your eyebrows for breathing?”

Huo Chensi: “…”

Did I offend you again, bro?

About fifteen minutes later, Jiang Ci finished explaining to Zhi Jiangwen. The bell signaling the end of the break rang.

“Well, Class President, I’m heading back,” Jiang Ci said, clapping her hands and planning to study alone.

Zhi Jiangwen called after her, “Jiang Ci, are you planning to go to the science experimental class after the regrouping?”

Jiang Ci didn’t understand why he asked suddenly but gave a clear answer, “Yes, that’s more suitable for me.”

Zhi Jiangwen paused, then nodded knowingly. “I believe you can do it.”

Jiang Ci truly didn’t belong in their middling class. To them, she seemed like a talent left untapped, restrained within that group.

“Thanks for the encouragement,” Jiang Ci smiled. “Your grades aren’t bad either; maybe you can get into a good class too.”

Zhi Jiangwen smiled, nodding.

The regrouping exam results were released on time.

Jiang Ci and Yu Xijin arrived early at the bulletin board to check.

“Ci Ci, you’re in the experimental class!” Yu Xijin spotted Jiang Ci’s name immediately and admired her. “Amazing! I’m only in Science Class 2, right next door.”

Jiang Ci looked up from her name until her gaze rested on the top name on the list.