Little Sweetheart

Gu Siyi returned home with her parents, their car laden with groceries from the supermarket. Sitting in the car, she took out her phone and saw a WeChat message from the Study God sent an hour ago.

Gu Mingsiyi: "Just went grocery shopping with my parents~."

Gu Mingsiyi: "My parents are unbelievable… At first, they didn't believe the score I got, suspected I faked it, so frustrating!"

Gu Mingsiyi: "Well, it's true that I haven't been very promising before, even I didn't dare to imagine this score before it came out."

Gu Mingsiyi: "Later, I showed them the test paper and the award certificate. They were overjoyed and said they would personally cook a celebratory dinner [Grimace][Grimace]."

Gu Mingsiyi: "They insisted on putting the award certificate on the living room wall [Face Palm][Face Palm]. So embarrassing, it's not like I'm in elementary school…"

Gu Mingsiyi: "They kept saying the school has good teachers, it's more like the Study God teaches well [Mischievous][Mischievous]."

Xia Zhijun had already immersed himself in his work. He was a calm person, able to quickly adjust himself. Rather than wallowing in melancholy, it was better to seize the time to work. Earning more money meant he could buy more things and take her to more places.

His phone on the table buzzed. He ignored it.

After a while, it buzzed again. Ignored.

Buzz, buzz, buzz, like a bomber, again and again, as if challenging his willpower.

And this kind of incessant, chattering style of messaging, he knew who it was without even looking.

Finally, he gave in, stopped working, and picked up his phone.

Slowly browsing through the messages that filled his screen…

Her words seemed to have a magical power. Reading her messages, he could visualize her expressions and tone of voice.

Although it was an hour late, he would consider it her response arc.

X: "Read."

Gu Mingsiyi: "[Laugh][Laugh]"

"Who are you chatting with, smiling so happily?" Xu Jiahui turned around and saw Gu Siyi in the back seat giggling.

Gu Siyi looked up and said, "Study God, Xia gege. My improvement this time is all thanks to him tutoring me. The top score in the whole city is no joke, his IQ completely crushes us mortals. I just need a little bit of his true teachings, and my grades have improved by leaps and bounds."

Xu Jiahui smiled: "No wonder you improved so fast, it turns out you had the Study God tutoring you one-on-one."

After hearing this, Gu Zhiyuan said approvingly, "I really didn't expect him to be so dedicated, tutoring you from midterms to finals. Such a good child."

Xu Jiahui added, "Yes, I don't even know how to thank this child. As a high-ranking official's child, he's not arrogant at all, well-mannered, intelligent, and kind."

Gu Zhiyuan smiled, "The children raised by the Xia family are just different. We have to go to their house to thank them properly during the New Year."

Hearing her parents constantly praising Xia Zhijun, Gu Siyi felt a warm glow inside, no less than hearing them praise herself.

After dinner, Gu Siyi nestled on the sofa, wondering if she should play a game.

In the past, she wouldn't dare to be so openly decadent during the holidays. She would definitely be lectured by her parents. Now that her grades were good, her status was different. Seeing her playing on her phone, they not only didn't reprimand her, they didn't urge her to go back to her room to do homework, but even brought her a fruit platter.

The best treatment for a top student is to give them full freedom, trusting that they can manage their own time.

Gu Siyi was immersed in this blissful feeling of not being controlled when Xia Zhijun sent a WeChat message.

X: "What are you doing?"

Gu Mingsiyi: "Getting ready to play a game with Peipei."

X: "Did you do your homework?"

… Gu Siyi almost dropped her phone in shock.

Gu Mingsiyi: "Winter vacation homework? There are still so many days left, no rush~"

X: "Typical slacker thinking."

Gu Mingsiyi: "…"

X: "Go back to your room and do your homework now."

Gu Mingsiyi: "The holiday just started [Tears][Tears]"

X: "It's been two days. By the time New Year's comes, you'll want to do your homework even less."

Gu Mingsiyi: "… [Pout][Pout]"

X: "Do you want to frantically copy your homework at school again like you did during National Day?"

Gu Mingsiyi: "No!"

X: "Then be obedient and start doing your homework now. Let's video call, you can ask me directly if you don't understand anything."

… Gu Siyi really dropped her phone this time.

The Study God is too scary, right? It's a holiday, a holiday! And he wants to video call and watch her do homework?

Which teacher could be stricter than the Study God… T-T

Gu Mingsiyi: "Let me prepare, give me fifteen minutes."

X: "Okay."

Gu Siyi got up and said, "I'm going back to my room to do my homework."

Xu Jiahui: "It's different when your grades improve, you always keep studying in mind."

Gu Zhiyuan: "Go, go, Mom and Dad won't disturb your studies."

Xu Jiahui: "Tell us if you want to eat anything, we'll bring it up to you."

As Gu Siyi went upstairs, she heard her parents whispering excitedly.

"At this rate, can I start dreaming that Siyi can get into Tsinghua or Peking University?"

"There's hope. She's already in the top 100 of her grade, and there are still two and a half years left."

"I want to see that ranking list again, where is it?"

"Here, here…"

Back in her room, Gu Siyi found her homework and sat at her desk. As she was about to start the video call, she suddenly realized – it was a video call!

She rushed to the bathroom, quickly took a shower, washed and dried her hair, and changed into her cute fairy pajamas.

Ready, she sat at her desk and initiated a video call with Zheng Peipei first.

"What are you doing, Yi ge?"

Zheng Peipei was eating with a group of friends and was a little surprised to receive Gu Siyi's video call invitation.

"Uh… you're out?" Gu Siyi saw that the background behind her looked like a restaurant.

"Yeah, eating!"

Gu Siyi switched the camera view, using the larger window to see herself, and continued chatting, "Eating so late? What are you eating?"

"Thai food. This restaurant is good, I'll bring you here next time."

"Okay." Gu Siyi smiled, looking at herself in the camera. Hmm, this angle is pretty good.

"Peipei, who are you chatting with? Oh, a beauty! Who is it, introduce us!" A boy's voice came from beside Zheng Peipei.

Zheng Peipei's playful voice rang out, "Get lost, this is Xia Zhijun's girl, you dare to hit on her?"

Gu Siyi was startled, snapping out of her self-admiration. She immediately ended the video call.

Gu Mingsiyi: "There's a boy next to you? [Awkward]"

Peipei: "Don't mind that idiot."

Gu Mingsiyi: "Let's chat next time, you enjoy your meal."

Peipei: "Okay."

After that, she sent Gu Siyi a few pictures of the food. "I'll bring you here next time, it tastes amazing."

Gu Mingsiyi: "Drooling…"

Xia Zhijun sent a WeChat message: "Half an hour has passed, still not ready?"

Gu Siyi replied: "Ready, ready…"

Just as she sent it, he sent a video call invitation.

Gu Siyi felt inexplicably nervous, but she accepted the call.

When Xia Zhijun's handsome face suddenly appeared on the screen, Gu Siyi's heart skipped a beat.

… How can he be so handsome? Even on camera, he makes my heart flutter.

Xia Zhijun said, "Put your phone to the side and start doing your homework."

"Oh…"

"That angle is wrong, put it directly in front."

"Oh…"

Gu Siyi moved the phone left and right, finally finding a position that satisfied the Study God.

Looking up, she saw the Study God's face on the screen, and felt a little shy.

Strange, they see each other all the time at school, so why is she a little embarrassed on a video call?

Xia Zhijun looked at the fresh and lovely girl on the screen, his face maintaining a serious teacher-like expression, but his eyes betrayed a hint of amusement.

"Start doing your homework now, ask me if you have any questions you don't understand."

"Mm-hmm…"

With the Study God watching, Gu Siyi didn't dare to slack off and buried her head in the exercises.

Xia Zhijun put his own work aside, ready to answer questions, and continued with his own tasks.

When he felt tired, he would look up and see her doing her homework. The previous coldness and loneliness were driven away. It wasn't bad.

Gu Siyi was enveloped in the atmosphere of evening self-study, just like at school. She studied for several hours, even asking the Study God a few questions in the process.

By the time it was almost bedtime, she felt fulfilled.

Lying in bed, Xia Zhijun sent her a voice chat invitation, which she accepted.

Xia Zhijun said, "From now on, set aside three hours each afternoon and evening for studying. You'll be able to finish your winter vacation homework before the New Year."

Gu Siyi: "…"

Xia Zhijun: "Unwilling?"

Gu Siyi came back to her senses and said, "Willing, of course! Finish it early and be done with it."

Just now, she suddenly remembered the time when she was mistakenly thought to be dating the Study God and they both got into the same university. She was so resistant then! The thought of being whipped into studying by the Study God made her feel like life was hopeless. Now, she actually…

Indeed, people change. She had finally fallen to this point.

Before going to sleep, Gu Siyi posted a tweet on Weibo using her alternate account.

"Other people's boyfriends play together, but my daily routine with my boyfriend is homework, homework, homework…"

She sighed deeply as she clicked send.

The next day, during their video study session, Xia Zhijun suddenly asked, "Do you find it boring that I make you do homework every day?"

"…Huh? No!" Gu Siyi immediately straightened up, her face sincere. "Study hard, make progress every day! With the Study God here, I can steadily improve!"

"As long as you get into university, that's all that matters."

"Huh?"

Xia Zhijun looked at the girl on the screen and said, "Once you're in university, I won't manage your studies anymore."

"…" Gu Siyi began to reflect on herself. Had she shown any resistance or weariness towards studying? No! Although she wasn't quite used to starting her homework immediately after the winter vacation started, she had been very cooperative! She wanted to reform her past bad habits of procrastination as a slacker!

She quickly declared, "Don't! Please don't give up on me! I still rely on the great lord to constantly whip me forward. I will work hard, and I will definitely not let the great lord down. Even if I have to tie my hair to a beam or chisel a hole in the wall to borrow light, I will study diligently and strive to make progress. I may lose my head, I may bleed, but I will not lose my fighting spirit!"

Xia Zhijun leaned back in his chair, his head resting on one hand, a smile in his eyes as he watched Gu Siyi deliver this speech as if she were performing.

When she finished, he chuckled and said, "Studying depends on talent. For those who lack talent, it is indeed very tiring and repulsive. There's no such thing as passionate studying, it's just a struggle for the future."

"…" Gu Siyi suddenly didn't know what to say.

Should she shed tears of gratitude? The Study God actually understood the hardship of a slacker studying.

Xia Zhijun added, "You just need to struggle until university, and I'll take care of things after that."

Gu Siyi didn't quite understand… Why was he so fixated on university, and yet stopped at university?

She asked hesitantly, "Are you afraid that I, a non-prestigious university student, will embarrass you?"

Xia Zhijun smiled wryly. Looking into her eyes, he said, "I'm afraid that if you go to other schools, you'll be snatched away by someone else."

"…" Gu Siyi's face instantly flushed crimson.

She lowered her head, almost hitting it on the table. She covered her face with her hands, and after a while, mumbled softly, "It's not that easy to be snatched away…"

Xia Zhijun's tone immediately turned serious. He said, "Getting into a prestigious university is also good for you. You'll have more choices, broader horizons, and more freedom in the future."

"…" Gu Siyi could hardly keep up with his rapid shifts in tone.

Finally, Xia Zhijun concluded, "If you find studying hard and boring now, just bear with it. It'll be better once you're in university."

Gu Siyi couldn't help but laugh. "Are you giving me counseling? I didn't realize the Study God could also be a life coach."

"…" What life coach? He had never given anyone such earnest life advice before.

Wasn't it all because… he was afraid she would think other people's boyfriends were better and find him boring and controlling?

.

Under Xia Zhijun's supervision, Gu Siyi finished her winter vacation homework as the Spring Festival approached.

Just in time for the Spring Festival, the family became busy, and Gu Siyi was completely liberated, free from any burden as her parents took her to visit relatives and friends.

Xia Zhijun also became busy, with frequent social events and family banquets. His parents took him along, and he couldn't avoid them.

One day, as they were leaving the house, Xia Guangyu, who was usually quite laid-back, specifically told him, "Uncle Zhang, who we're having dinner with today, is a very important person." He then specifically mentioned his position and background – a high-ranking official.

The dinner was held in a traditional courtyard house. The other family was also a family of three, with a daughter.

When the two families met, they first exchanged compliments about each other's children.

Xia Zhijun politely nodded to Zhang Yin. Zhang Yin returned the smile, blushing slightly as she lowered her eyes.

During the meal, they talked about the schools their children attended, both of whom were at Longxing Middle School.

Xia Guangyu smiled and said, "These two youngsters are schoolmates in the same grade."

The other family's wife said, "They can get to know each other better today."

Zhang Yin softly said, "Xia Zhijun has always been the top student in the grade. Everyone in the school knows him."

"Like father, like son. Zhijun has a bright future ahead of him." Zhang Jiang looked at Xia Zhijun and smiled, looking more and more satisfied. An outstanding young man, one in ten thousand, with no flaws except for being too handsome. But then again, being overly handsome is better than being unattractive.

"Thank you, Uncle, for the compliment." Xia Zhijun smiled faintly.

At the dinner table, he behaved impeccably, not speaking when he shouldn't, and speaking eloquently when asked for his opinion. He had a broad range of knowledge and exuded nobility and good breeding.

The uncle and aunt on the other side liked him more and more as they observed him.

Zhang Yin didn't speak much, a demure and quiet young lady from a good family. Only when her eyes fell on Xia Zhijun did they carry a hint of fervor.

After dinner, the adults chatted inside, leaving Xia Zhijun to take Zhang Yin for a walk outside.

The courtyard had unique scenery, antique and elegant, with details revealing meticulous craftsmanship.

Xia Zhijun took a picture of the plum blossoms and sent it to Gu Siyi.

X: "Several plum branches by the corner of the wall, blooming alone in the cold."

Gu Siyi, bored while visiting relatives with her parents, quickly replied.

Gu Mingsiyi: "From afar, I know it is not snow, for a subtle fragrance comes [Smile][Smile]"

As the two exchanged messages, Zhang Yin stood not far from Xia Zhijun.

Feeling neglected, she didn't know what to say, so she just stood there, waiting quietly.

When Xia Zhijun finally looked up, she finally mustered the courage to say, "Shall we go for a walk over there?"

Xia Zhijun sat down on a nearby rosewood railing and said, "I'm a little tired, I want to rest for a while. You go ahead."

He then continued to look down at his phone.

"…" Zhang Yin was silent for a few seconds before saying, "Oh, okay."

So, Zhang Yin went for a walk alone. But what fun was it to be alone? Even the most beautiful scenery seemed dull.

She hadn't expected that the Uncle Xia her parents brought her to meet today was actually Xia Zhijun's father…

Xia Zhijun, the dream of all the students in the school.

If the two families became close in the future, could she become friends with him?

Xia Zhijun was still chatting with Gu Siyi.

X: "I'll go visit you in a few days, how about that?"

Gu Mingsiyi: "Oh no, I'm going back to my hometown with my parents tomorrow. I won't be back until after the New Year."

X: "Oh."

Gu Mingsiyi: "We'll go to your house to pay our New Year's greetings after the New Year."

X: "When will you come?"

Gu Mingsiyi: "I don't know yet, but we will definitely go."

X: "Okay."

Although they had been video chatting and studying together recently, it wasn't the same as seeing her in person. They had been apart for half a month, and Xia Zhijun found himself thinking about her more and more frequently. He would think of her when he saw a flower, when he saw candied hawthorns, when he saw a teacup, when he saw a phone charm… Everything in life constantly reminded him of her.

He had originally planned to see her before the New Year, but now he had to wait until after.

New Year's Eve arrived quickly.

After the New Year's Eve dinner, Gu Siyi nestled on the sofa, clutching her phone and intently snatching red envelopes.

Lu Jiaye had just sent a big red envelope, and she quickly snatched 35.38 yuan, overjoyed.

Everyone was sending red envelopes, sending them in large groups, then smaller groups.

Gu Zhiyuan was bragging to everyone about how well his daughter did on her final exams…

Gu Siyi had heard her parents boast about her grades dozens of times this holiday, and she had become adept at calmly ignoring them without embarrassment.

Gu Zhiyuan called out, "Siyi, what was your English score again?"

Gu Siyi was forced to join their conversation and poured herself a glass of water.

When she returned, she picked up her phone and saw that Xia Zhijun had just sent a big red envelope. She clicked on it, but it was already claimed.

Gu Mingsiyi: "Waaah, just went to get a drink of water, and the red envelope is gone [Heartbroken][Heartbroken]"

Xia Zhijun sent another red envelope, named: Gu Siyi's Exclusive Red Envelope.

Everyone tactfully refrained from claiming it, and Gu Siyi happily accepted her red envelope.

At midnight, Xia Zhijun sent Gu Siyi a voice message and a New Year's money red envelope.

Gu Siyi went outside, looked at the fireworks filling the sky, and put on her earphones to listen to his message.

"Siyi, Happy New Year."

"I hope you grow up quickly, so you can celebrate the New Year with me in the future."

His low voice, with a slightly husky quality, lingered in her ears.

At this moment, the dazzling fireworks in the sky were less captivating than the warmth in her ears.

Gu Siyi replied with a voice message: "Happy New Year."

She wanted to say more but felt shy about using voice, so she typed instead: "The happiest thing in the past year was meeting you~"

After sending it, she still felt embarrassed, so she added another sentence, "And getting into the top 100. I'll keep working hard on my studies in the new year~"

X: "Mm."

.

After the New Year, Gu Zhiyuan, his wife, and daughter returned to City C. After coordinating with the Xia family, they arranged to visit them on the second day of the Lunar New Year, and also to visit several other friends in City C.

Xia Zhijun was playing basketball with Zhou Xiao and others. While resting on the sidelines and drinking water, he received a message from Gu Siyi.

Gu Mingsiyi: "We're here."

X: "At my house?"

Gu Mingsiyi: "Yes."

Xia Zhijun put down his water bottle and told Zhou Xiao and the others, "Something came up, I have to go. Have fun."

He then grabbed his jacket and left, swift and decisive.

"Seriously? Leaving just like that? How can we play if we're short of people?" The others were stunned.

When Xia Zhijun returned home, his parents were surprised. Peng Ling asked, "Didn't you say you were going out to play basketball? Why are you back so soon?"

Xia Zhijun said, "Zhou Xiao had something to attend to, so we all dispersed."

Xia Guangyu remembered something and said, "Right, Uncle Gu's family is coming to visit today, so don't go out."

Xia Zhijun nodded. "Okay."

He went upstairs, looked in the mirror, and then went to the bathroom to wash his face carefully.

He lifted his collar and sniffed. Would there be any sweat odor after exercising? He decided to take a shower and change his clothes.

After freshening up, Xia Zhijun leaned back on the sofa chair in his room, tapping his fingers on the armrest, waiting quietly yet excitedly.

Soon, Peng Ling came upstairs to call him: "Siyi meimei is here."

Xia Zhijun nodded slightly and said with a touch of restraint, "I know."

"Don't stay in your room busy with your own things, go downstairs and keep her company."

"Mm." He responded softly.

After his mother left, he got up and strolled downstairs, a faint smile already playing on his lips.

As he descended the stairs, his eyes met Gu Siyi's.

Gu Siyi beamed, her voice sweet: "Xia gege, Happy New Year! We're here to pay our New Year's greetings!"

Xia Zhijun's smile blossomed, adding a touch of warmth to his handsome features.

The two families sat together for a while, then Xia Zhijun said to Gu Siyi, "Didn't you ask me about that problem last time?"

"Huh?" What problem? Hadn't they already resolved it through the video lesson?

Xia Zhijun continued, "Let's go upstairs, I'll explain all those difficult problems to you at once."

Xu Jiahui was delighted. "Go ahead, with your Xia gege here, we don't have to worry about your studies."

So, Xia Zhijun led Gu Siyi upstairs and into his room.

After Gu Siyi entered, he turned back and closed the door.

Gu Siyi heard the click of the lock and her heart skipped a beat. She stared at him wide-eyed. "Why are you locking the door…"

Xia Zhijun walked up to her, lifted her chin, and kissed her deeply.

"Mm…" She tried to escape, but he held her waist tightly.

Startled, she closed her eyes and clenched her teeth.

He gently sucked on her lips, cupping her face in his hands, caressing her skin from her cheeks to her earlobes to the back of her neck, lingering and reluctant to let go…

Gu Siyi's cheeks burned, and electric currents coursed through her body as she nestled in his arms, at a loss for what to do.

His breathing grew heavier, and finally, just as he was about to forcefully pry open her clenched teeth, reason forced him to stop.

Xia Zhijun pulled away and sat down on the chair, beckoning Gu Siyi, "Come here."

"No." Gu Siyi blushed, stubbornly standing where she was. "You're just being a hooligan…"

Xia Zhijun: "We haven't seen each other for so long, and you won't even let me kiss you?"

"It was more than just a kiss…" He had been nibbling, and not just nibbling, but also…

A girl experiencing her first love, how could she withstand this?

"Be good, come here, I won't kiss you anymore, okay?" He coaxed.

Gu Siyi obediently walked towards him. As she got close, he pulled her hand, and she landed on his lap.

He lowered his head and pecked her cheek again.

Gu Siyi turned her face away, pouting. "Annoying, you promised not to kiss me…"

"Don't believe a man's words in these matters," he whispered. "Because he can't control himself either."

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