Little Sweetheart

The two were being affectionate when someone knocked on the door.

"A-Jun?" It was the housekeeper.

Gu Siyi was startled and jumped up from Xia Zhijun.

Xia Zhijun cleared his throat, stood up, turned his chair around, had Gu Siyi sit down, and then opened a book in front of her.

Xia Zhijun went to open the door. Gu Siyi lowered her head, pretending to study, not daring to let anyone see her flushed face.

Opening the door, the housekeeper brought in a fruit platter, snacks, and two cups of hot tea. Xia Zhijun took them, saying, "I'll carry these. She's studying."

"Alright, alright." The housekeeper nodded repeatedly and retreated.

Xia Zhijun closed the door behind him and brought the food and drinks to the table. Gu Siyi let out a long sigh, "That scared me…"

Xia Zhijun teased, "If we really were seen, we might as well have our parents arrange our engagement sooner."

"What nonsense…" Gu Siyi retorted.

"They used to talk about arranging a childhood engagement for us," Xia Zhijun said, playing with Gu Siyi's hair.

"They were just joking," Gu Siyi said, rescuing her hair. "Even Mom and Dad didn't take it seriously. They said it was just playful talk back then."

"I'm serious, though," Xia Zhijun leaned against the table, reached out, and ruffled Gu Siyi's hair. "Remember, you're going to be my wife in the future."

Gu Siyi blushed and dodged his hand.

They were only sixteen. Marriage… wouldn't that be something for after twenty-six?

Ten years. Ten years felt like an eternity.

What would everything be like then?

The Gu family had lunch at the Xia residence and then said their goodbyes. Mr. and Mrs. Gu still had several important friends to visit, so they booked a hotel in City C and planned to stay the night.

Zheng Peipei and their other friends found out that Gu Siyi had come and clamored for a get-together.

Gu Siyi showed her parents the enthusiastic discussion in the group chat, saying, "My classmates, they all want to have dinner together…"

Gu Zhiyuan nodded. "Alright, you can go and meet your classmates. We won't make any plans for you tonight."

"Thank you, Dad!" Gu Siyi was overjoyed.

Having dinner with friends was much better than going out with her parents for social engagements.

Lu Jiaye booked a Japanese seafood restaurant. The boys arrived early. Gu Siyi was the last to arrive due to traffic. When Zheng Peipei saw her get out of the car, she ran up and gave her a big hug. "I missed you so much, Yi-ge! A day without you feels like three autumns!" She then kissed Gu Siyi on the cheek.

Xia Zhijun's expression changed behind them: "…??"

Su Han laughed. "Peipei, did you just steal what A-Jun wanted to do?"

Xia Zhijun walked forward and took Gu Siyi's hand. "Let's go." He stood between Gu Siyi and Zheng Peipei, preventing Zheng Peipei from getting too close again.

Zheng Peipei made a face at him.

After everyone finished their meal amidst lively chatter, Lu Jiaye suggested going to an internet cafe. He still remembered Gu Siyi's gaming skills from their last holiday together; she was amazing.

Before Gu Siyi could speak, Xia Zhijun refused. "Gu Siyi doesn't have time. She has to go back to the hotel, or her parents will worry."

Lu Jiaye expressed his regret. "Aw, come on, make an exception for the holidays."

Zheng Peipei chimed in. "Yeah… Yi-ge, why don't you give me your dad's number, and I'll talk to him? Then we can all walk you back to the hotel."

"You guys can do whatever you want. I'm taking Gu Siyi back," Xia Zhijun said in a tone that brooked no argument.

Gu Siyi: "…"

It wasn't that urgent…

But since the big boss had spoken, she couldn't contradict him, so she just maintained an apologetic smile and went along with it.

Xia Zhijun led Gu Siyi away. Instead of immediately hailing a taxi, he held her hand and walked down the street.

The streets during the New Year period were not as bustling as usual, possessing a certain tranquility.

A cold wind blew. Xia Zhijun put Gu Siyi's hand into his pocket and pulled up the hood of her down jacket.

Gu Siyi pulled it down, complaining, "It's ugly…"

"You have a boyfriend now. Warmth is more important than style." He pulled the hood up again.

Gu Siyi was exasperated. "Do I have to look ugly just because I have a boyfriend…?"

Xia Zhijun replied, "As long as your boyfriend thinks you look good, that's all that matters."

After walking for a while, Xia Zhijun finally hailed a taxi.

The car stopped at the hotel entrance. After getting out, Xia Zhijun accompanied Gu Siyi to the bottom of the front steps.

Gu Siyi was about to say goodbye when Xia Zhijun took her hand again. "It's still early. Let's walk a bit more."

"…" Gu Siyi struggled for three seconds before surrendering. She didn't want to part so soon either.

The two of them walked along the tree-lined road outside the hotel again.

It was just a simple walk, chatting idly.

But their hands were clasped together, they could see each other's faces at a glance, and they could hear each other's voices…

Young love was so simple and pure. Even just holding hands and walking down the street brought an indescribable joy and contentment. Neither of them wanted it to end, so they just kept walking aimlessly.

Xia Zhijun asked, "Are you planning to choose liberal arts or science in your second year?"

Gu Siyi replied, "I don't know yet… What about you? Definitely science, right?"

Xia Zhijun nodded. "Mm-hmm."

"Then should I choose science too?" Gu Siyi looked at him with hopeful and dependent eyes.

Xia Zhijun's heart warmed. He squeezed her hand and said, "As long as you don't find science too difficult."

Gu Siyi said weakly, "I'm afraid you'll find it too much trouble to tutor me…"

"No, I'm good at science. Tutoring a science student is relatively easier for me."

Gu Siyi felt relieved.

If they both studied science, they could be in the same class in their second year, and he could continue to tutor her. Maybe they could even get into a top-three university together… Oh, she was getting ahead of herself…

The more Gu Siyi thought about it, the happier she became, and the corners of her mouth curled up.

Seeing her smile, Xia Zhijun teased, "What are you thinking about?"

"Being in the same class in our second and third years, going to the same university… just thinking about it makes me happy," Gu Siyi said, the dimples on her cheeks revealing her bubbling joy.

Xia Zhijun: "Let me help you expand on that happiness."

Gu Siyi: "Huh?"

Xia Zhijun stopped, embraced her, lowered his head, and whispered in her ear, "Sharing a bed after graduation…"

"Ah! Annoying! …Pervert!" Gu Siyi immediately pushed him away, her face flushed, and ran forward, hiding far away from him.

Xia Zhijun watched her with a smile, his eyes dark and serene, with an assured expression, as if he were looking at something already in his bowl.

She was his, and she couldn't escape.

The winter break was never long enough for any student. When Gu Siyi realized that the start of school was just around the corner, she felt a pang of dread.

What a pleasant winter break it had been, especially under the supervision of the study god. She had finished her winter homework in one go at the beginning, leaving her free to play before and after the New Year.

But while playing, time had slipped away, and now school was about to start…

"Sigh…" Gu Siyi sighed sadly as she packed her things with her mother.

Xu Jiahui was also reluctant. Gu Siyi had always been a little princess at home. She hadn't quite adapted to living at school last semester, and after only a month of lively fun back home, she had to go back again.

Xu Jiahui said, "My dear, you're so young, and you're working so hard for your studies, leaving home…"

"Yeah," Gu Siyi responded, thinking, should she ask for a little more allowance as a reward?

Xu Jiahui continued, "You must get into a good university in the future. Otherwise, all this hardship will have been for nothing."

"…" Gu Siyi just wanted to cover her face. Did all parents have this magical ability to steer any conversation towards studying hard and getting into a good university?

On the way back to school, Xu Jiahui was still lecturing Gu Siyi.

"If you get into a prestigious university, people will say our family is scholarly and you're a refined young lady. If you don't get into a good university… you'll just be the daughter of a nouveau riche, and people will say you reek of money."

"Oh, come on…"

"Even in the dating market, there are requirements for academic qualifications. Your dad's major clients all hope their sons will find a wife who graduated from a prestigious university. Our family doesn't lack money, but academic qualifications are like a bright and shiny facade. You can't do without it."

Gu Siyi propped her head up with her hand and sighed with feigned solemnity. "You old folks are so old-fashioned."

Gu Zhiyuan laughed. "Alright, you don't have to say so much to Siyi. She's sensible now and knows to be serious. In short, studying hard is never wrong."

When they arrived at school, a few roommates had already arrived, and everyone brought New Year gifts for each other.

As Gu Siyi, Xiang Li, and Zhang Xinyi were sharing their New Year anecdotes and looking at each other's gifts, Zheng Peipei, exceptionally busy, was hunched over her desk, frantically copying her winter homework.

"Oh, my dear sisters, please keep your voices down, don't distract me!" Zheng Peipei said with a desperate expression. "My heart is pounding, I can't even copy my homework properly…"

Gu Siyi walked to her side, deliberately munching on nuts, and said with a smile, "You are truly the source of my joy~" She then fed a pistachio to Zheng Peipei.

Zheng Peipei took a bite, her hand still working tirelessly, and asked while chewing, "After a winter break, have I reached new heights of procrastination?"

"Of course, not—every time I see you rushing your homework, I feel genuinely happy that I finished mine."

"Ahhh, you're not my Yi-ge anymore! Unfriending you, for sure!"

As Zheng Peipei was going crazy, Gu Siyi offered her another pistachio, which she quickly snatched and ate.

Gu Siyi patted her head and said, "Now, you've eaten my food, so you're mine."

Zheng Peipei looked up at Gu Siyi, seeing that calm and composed expression of control, and couldn't help but remark, "You've learned bad things from the study god, you've started flirting! And you're so smooth about it!"

Gu Siyi: "…" Had she? Had she really?

The first day of the new semester went as usual.

After the class representatives collected the winter homework, they distributed new textbooks.

During the first Chinese class in the morning, the homeroom teacher brought a new student into the classroom.

The two walked onto the podium, and the homeroom teacher introduced, "This is our new classmate, Zhang Yin."

Then, turning to Zhang Yin, she said, "Introduce yourself."

Zhang Yin, wearing the school uniform, stood on the podium, her long hair tied in a low ponytail, like a gentle breeze, giving off a refined and quiet impression.

She turned and wrote her name on the blackboard and said, "I'm Zhang Yin. I was previously in Class Eleven, and I've transferred to Class Six this semester. From now on, we're classmates. Please take care of me." After speaking, she bowed respectfully.

"Whoa, where did this chick come from? Like a delicate little white flower, the kind that looks easy to bully," Lu Jiaye commented.

"…" Xia Zhijun felt a bit irritated.

The child of his parents' acquaintance, or rather, the child of a superior.

The intention of transferring her to Class Six was self-evident: it was nothing more than for him to look after and tutor the little girl.

After Lan Xiaoqiu dropped out last semester, there was an empty seat in the class, which Zhang Yin now filled.

The homeroom teacher said, "Lu Jiaye, you go to the front. Zhang Yin, you sit with Xia Zhijun."

"Why?" Lu Jiaye was unhappy.

This little haven, with his buddies and the girls, was so much fun. Why move him to the front?

"Teachers from various subjects have told me that you either sleep or read novels during class. You need a change of seat."

"…"

"Hurry up," the teacher urged.

Lu Jiaye had no choice. He knew his father had specifically spoken to the homeroom teacher before the start of school, asking her to keep a close eye on him.

He couldn't disobey the homeroom teacher's arrangement, so he reluctantly picked up his bag and left.

Zhang Yin sat next to Xia Zhijun, quietly and carefully arranging her belongings.

Zheng Peipei, however, couldn't help but whisper in Gu Siyi's ear, "What the heck? The study god has a deskmate, and it's not you?"

"The homeroom teacher arranged it this way. There's nothing we can do," Gu Siyi whispered back.

After class, Zhang Yin, with a hint of shyness, took the initiative to greet Xia Zhijun: "Hello, Xia Zhijun."

Xia Zhijun replied indifferently, "Why did you transfer here?"

Zhang Yin hesitated slightly and said softly, "My dad said that you have excellent grades, so your study methods must be exceptional. He wants me to learn from you."

Xia Zhijun: "…"

"Oh, they already know each other? They're already chatting away?" Zheng Peipei kept a close eye on the situation next door.

"…" Gu Siyi also looked over.

Xia Zhijun stood up and picked up his cup. When he reached Gu Siyi's desk, he tapped her cup and asked, "Want some water?"

Gu Siyi, seeing that her cup was empty, nodded. "Yes."

So, Xia Zhijun took both cups to get water.

Zhang Yin's gaze fell on the pair of cups and then shifted to Gu Siyi. The three children's eyes met.

Zhang Yin nodded and smiled at them, looking meek and obedient.

Xia Zhijun returned with the water, placed a cup on Gu Siyi's desk, returned to his seat, and slowly took a sip of water.

Zheng Peipei whispered in Gu Siyi's ear, "You're in danger."

"What?" Gu Siyi looked at her in astonishment.

"The more harmless and weak these girls seem, the higher their attack power."

Gu Siyi chuckled softly. "Let's not be paranoid, okay?"

After school, Zheng Peipei and Gu Siyi went to the cafeteria together for dinner. Just as they sat down, Zhang Yin, holding a tray, stood by their table and softly asked, "Can I sit here?"

Gu Siyi readily agreed. "Sure."

She couldn't exclude the new student just because she was Xia Zhijun's deskmate.

Gu Siyi had a good impression of Zhang Yin; she seemed like a very quiet girl. Different from Lan Xiaoqiu's kind of quietness, Lan Xiaoqiu exuded a cold aura of "stay away," and a kind of arrogant "I'm strong, I'm awesome" vibe. Zhang Yin's quietness was the harmless and gentle type. Whether it was her eyes or her speech, there was no aggression, like a timid little rabbit.

"I knew about you before I transferred," Zhang Yin said with a smile.

"How did you know about us?" Zheng Peipei couldn't help but ask.

"Because you're as famous as Xia Zhijun and his friends." Zhang Yin smiled, her eyes resting on Gu Siyi. "The boys in our class all say you're the school beauty."

"They're just exaggerating…" Gu Siyi smiled.

After finishing their meal, they entered the dormitory building together before parting ways.

Zheng Peipei asked Lu Jiaye on WeChat, "Find out what Zhang Yin's background is. Why did she sit next to the study god as soon as she arrived?"

Lu Jiaye replied: "How would I know? I'm still annoyed… Maybe the homeroom teacher just wanted to move me away."

Zheng Peipei: "Then why don't you ask the study god? He and Zhang Yin seem to know each other."

Lu Jiaye: "Why don't you ask yourself?"

Just as Zheng Peipei was about to reply, she noticed that the message had been retracted.

Then he sent another message: "Okay, I'll go investigate~"

Zheng Peipei: "…"

Zheng Peipei: "Control your nosiness, there's still hope for you."

Lu Jiaye: "[Grinning][Grinning]"

The next day, Lu Jiaye replied to Zheng Peipei, "Zhang Yin's dad and A-Jun's dad have a close relationship, they're in the same circle, you know… I didn't see that coming, she has such a background." After all, she seemed like such a weak and timid girl.

Zheng Peipei understood and told Gu Siyi, "It seems she was transferred here for Xia Zhijun to take care of, again."

Gu Siyi: "…"

"Again"… that word was quite apt.

Zheng Peipei chuckled. "Just imagine how many little sisters will come for the study god in the future? The study god's halo has blinded all those mothers."

"The competition is fierce," Gu Siyi sighed softly.

Zheng Peipei said, "But the study god doesn't take care of everyone. I haven't seen him take care of me? We're childhood friends."

As she was saying this, Zheng Peipei turned her head and saw Xia Zhijun explaining a problem to Zhang Yin, nearly biting her tongue off.

"What am I seeing? The study god is actually explaining a problem to her? Doesn't the study god hate explaining problems to girls?"

Gu Siyi turned her head and saw it too. There was a momentary flicker of dejection in her eyes, but she quickly said, "Don't make a fuss. Their families are close, and they're deskmates. It's normal for him to explain a problem, it would be strange if he didn't. The study god can't be too indifferent."

Zheng Peipei shrugged and spread her hands. "As long as you're okay with it."

Gu Siyi: "…"

A few days later, during PE class, while the students were playing badminton, Zhang Yin sat on the sidelines watching.

When it was Gu Siyi and Zheng Peipei's turn, she brought them drinks she had bought and handed them over with a smile. "You guys are so good at badminton."

"Why aren't you playing?" Gu Siyi asked.

"I'm not good at it, I'm not good at sports."

"Oh…" Gu Siyi nodded. "Then you can choose something less strenuous, like ping pong. It's good to be active during PE class since you're always sitting in the classroom."

"Mm-hmm. Thank you. I'll try it next time." Zhang Yin smiled and nodded.

A week passed in the blink of an eye.

On Friday evening, Xia Zhijun sent a WeChat message to Gu Siyi: "I'll take you out tomorrow. Where do you want to go?"

Gu Siyi: "Anywhere is fine."

Xia Zhijun: "Okay, I'll make the arrangements."

On Saturday morning, the two met downstairs in the dormitory. Zhang Yin happened to be returning from breakfast. The three of them bumped into each other, and Zhang Yin took the initiative to greet them. "You guys aren't going home for the weekend?"

Gu Siyi said, "My family is in another city, so I usually don't go back."

Zhang Yin asked with a smile, "Are you going out?"

Gu Siyi hesitated for two seconds and nodded.

"Have fun, have a good weekend. I'll go up now."

After Zhang Yin turned and left, Gu Siyi secretly breathed a sigh of relief. She almost thought Zhang Yin was going to ask to go out with them.

This was someone related to Xia Zhijun's family, and she really didn't know how to handle that.

Gu Siyi and Xia Zhijun left the school together. They got on the bus, and Xia Zhijun sat next to Gu Siyi.

There were many other students from their school on the bus. Knowing how well-known Xia Zhijun was, Gu Siyi didn't talk much on the bus.

Xia Zhijun gently took her hand. She pulled away, but he took it again, this time with a firm grip. She had no choice but to give in and gave him a slightly reproachful look. There were so many people around.

When they reached their stop, Xia Zhijun let go of her hand, stood up, and waited for Gu Siyi to get out before following her off the bus.

Xia Zhijun brought her to a large arcade, a place he used to disdain.

Gu Siyi asked, "Didn't you dislike this place?"

Xia Zhijun said, "As long as you like it."

He led her by the hand.

Gu Siyi did like it. Now that they were here, she didn't hold back and pulled Xia Zhijun to play one game after another.

He shed his usual reserved and composed demeanor and played all sorts of games that he considered childish.

When he played the drums, he attracted a crowd of onlookers in no time.

Gu Siyi stood by and watched, sighing inwardly. A boy like him was really attractive.

No matter where he went, he was the center of attention.

After playing until they were tired, the two went to Pizza Hut for lunch.

Gu Siyi sipped her hot drink, biting on the straw, and casually said, "You have a good relationship with your deskmate…"

Xia Zhijun looked at her. "Is that why you've been ignoring me this week?"

"…When did I ignore you?" She lowered her head and continued drinking.

"Do you want me to give you examples?"

"…"

"You didn't ask if I wanted water when you went to get some, you didn't bring me tea when you bought some, you didn't watch me play basketball, let alone bring me water. And at night, you just said goodnight and went to sleep after I sent you a WeChat message." Xia Zhijun paused and then added, "Fortunately, I could still ask you out this weekend, otherwise, I would have doubted whether our friendship was real."

"Why are you being so nitpicky? I didn't pay much attention," Gu Siyi mumbled.

Fortunately, the waiter brought their food at that moment, and Gu Siyi, as if granted amnesty, began to focus on eating.

She silently reflected in her heart, had she been that obvious? Was she really unhappy because of Zhang Yin?

After lunch, Xia Zhijun took Gu Siyi to an escape room.

They formed a temporary team with a few other people and entered together.

The atmosphere was eerie, with "ghosts" popping out, and Gu Siyi was so scared she held onto Xia Zhijun's hand.

At a certain point, the team's opinions diverged, and Xia Zhijun led Gu Siyi down a separate path.

Gu Siyi was apprehensive, relying entirely on holding Xia Zhijun's hand for courage.

Reaching a dead end, Gu Siyi complained, "I thought the big boss would never make a mistake…"

Xia Zhijun walked up to her, braced his arms against the wall behind her, and looked down at her. "I think this place is better."

"…??"

"Suitable for telling the truth."

"Don't tease me. Let's go back and regroup with the others."

"Do you dislike Zhang Yin?" He looked into her eyes and asked.

"No," she immediately denied.

"Do you dislike her being my deskmate?" He asked again.

"…" Gu Siyi was silent for a few seconds.

"Alright, I know the answer. Tomorrow, I'll go talk to the teacher and switch seats with Zheng Peipei."

"???" Gu Siyi looked up and stared at him. "Are you kidding?"

"I'm not kidding. I have to have a deskmate anyway, so why can't it be you instead of Zhang Yin?"

"But the teacher has already assigned Zhang Yin…"

"I also have the freedom to choose my deskmate."

"But…"

"But you're not happy," Xia Zhijun interrupted, gently stroking her chin. "I don't care what they think. If you're not happy, that's a big deal for me."

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