Little Sweetheart

After celebrating her seventeenth birthday, June arrived.

The atmosphere of final exams grew increasingly intense. Everyone buried themselves in their studies, and Gu Siyi was no exception.

Sharing a desk with a top student hadn't negatively affected her studies; on the contrary, it made her even more focused.

One time, after showering, Gu Siyi came out wearing her pajamas. Zheng Peipei saw the necklace on her neck and gasped.

Moving closer for a better look, she praised it profusely. The small panther reminded her of Cartier's classic elements, and she couldn't help but ask, "Could this be Cartier?"

Gu Siyi nodded.

"Wow, I knew it. The craftsmanship is…" Zheng Peipei struggled to find the right words, finally settling on a blunt expression, "It just screams money!"

"…" Gu Siyi was speechless at this description.

She knew it was expensive when he gave it to her. Initially, she didn't want to accept it, but his words convinced her.

Because she was willing. Willing to wear it always, waiting for the day he fulfilled his promise.

In summer, accessories worn on the upper body are easily visible.

As Gu Siyi focused on her homework, Xia Zhijun could see the delicate chain on her fair neck. And on her hand, as she turned pages, was the Pandora bracelet representing a memorable moment, sparkling under the light.

Xia Zhijun loved seeing her wear the things he gave her. It was a ritual of sorts, giving him an indescribable sense of satisfaction.

He secretly made a small plan to replace everything she used with things he gifted her, one by one.

Ever since Xia Zhijun started wearing the red string bracelet Gu Siyi gave him, he had sparked a trend of boys wearing bracelets at school.

Especially when he played basketball on the court, the bracelet was particularly eye-catching, visible even to the audience off the court. Everyone thought it looked cool, indescribably so. Girls wanted to buy one for their boyfriends, and boys wanted to follow the trend.

Lu Jiaye deliberately took pictures of those wearing bracelets and showed them to Xia Zhijun, wanting to tease him. However, Xia Zhijun remained unfazed. The expected scene of the top student angrily taking off the bracelet and throwing it under the desk didn't happen. He continued wearing the red string bracelet, cherishing it as if it were a treasure, something ordinary people couldn't touch.

While Lu Jiaye was puzzled, Zhou Xiao rolled his eyes at him. "Even a fool could guess that Little Dimple gave it to him."

"…" It all clicked.

.

Before the final exams, the teacher handed out class preference forms, giving everyone one day to decide and submit them the next day.

By this time, most students had already decided whether to choose the liberal arts or science track. Of course, with the exception of those who drifted through life without a clear direction.

After school, Lu Jiaye rushed to the back of the classroom to discuss with everyone. "What should I choose? I'm so stressed and confused."

Zheng Peipei sighed deeply. "Science requires brainpower, and liberal arts requires memorization. It would be great if I could choose neither."

"Then skipping university altogether would be even easier," Gu Siyi said with a smile. "Seriously, what are you choosing?"

"Definitely liberal arts. Science is too demanding…" Zheng Peipei had made up her mind. "Even if everyone thinks liberal arts has no future, I've accepted it."

"Who says liberal arts has no future?" Su Han, who sat in front, chimed in. "If science students are talents, then liberal arts students are the talents who manage those talents. We're a step above."

"Hahaha, I love hearing you talk!" Zheng Peipei was immediately amused.

Su Han winked. "Because I'm choosing liberal arts too."

Zheng Peipei was momentarily dazed by his charming eyes, then realized something was amiss. "Ah… you're not bad at science, why are you choosing liberal arts?"

"Wouldn't it be nice to be classmates with you?" he asked with a smile.

"Yes! Very good! Excellent!" Zheng Peipei didn't hide her joy, nodding repeatedly with excitement.

Lu Jiaye slammed his form on the table and declared, "I've decided, I'm choosing liberal arts too!"

Zheng Peipei glanced at him and started her usual teasing. "Hah, you slacker, would you even survive in the science track?"

"Brother Xiao, what about you? What are you choosing?" Lu Jiaye asked Zhou Xiao.

Zhou Xiao replied, "Science."

"Zhijun is also choosing science, right?" Su Han looked at Xia Zhijun.

Xia Zhijun nodded.

Lu Jiaye asked, "What about Little Dimple?"

Zheng Peipei said, "I bet she'll follow the top student and choose science."

Gu Siyi smiled sweetly. "Yes, you guessed right, clever girl."

Ever since her discussion with Xia Zhijun during winter break, she had decided to pursue science.

Xiang Li said, "I'm choosing liberal arts."

Zhang Xinyi said, "Me too, liberal arts."

Zheng Peipei casually asked Zhang Yin, who hadn't left yet, "What are you choosing?"

Zhang Yin hesitated for a moment, then said, "Probably science. My parents want me to choose science."

That night, before going to bed, Zheng Peipei thought about the class separation and felt a bit reluctant. "We won't be in the same class anymore."

"The three of us might still be in the same class, but Siyi is going to the science class." Xiang Li sighed. "We might even have to change dorms."

Gu Siyi said, "We can apply to stay in the same dorm. Even if we're in different classes, we can still live together."

Xiang Li said, "I don't know if the school will agree…"

Zhang Xinyi said, "If all four of us insist, there should be hope, right?"

Zheng Peipei made the decision. "Leave this to me. Classes can be whatever, but dorm arrangements stay the same."

"Great!" Gu Siyi cheered.

The final exams arrived. After a year of hard work, especially in the second half of the year when she completely abandoned liberal arts to focus on math, physics, and chemistry, Gu Siyi was confident in improving her grades. She secretly set a goal of ranking in the top fifty.

Oh, wait. Since she had given up on liberal arts, it was hard to say about the overall ranking. In any case, she would strive to do her best.

For this exam, Gu Siyi and Xia Zhijun were assigned to different exam rooms. Without her lucky charm within sight, Gu Siyi felt a little disheartened. After all, his presence alone was like a beacon.

The first morning was the Chinese language exam, which went smoothly as always.

She felt good about the afternoon subjects as well.

The next morning was the math exam, Gu Siyi's weakest subject. She took a deep breath and faced the test paper.

Looking it over, the questions seemed familiar. As long as she didn't make careless mistakes, she should be able to do well.

She focused all her attention, immersed in solving the problems.

About halfway through the exam, someone suddenly threw a small ball of paper onto her desk.

Gu Siyi's pen stopped. She was stunned. What was this?

Her curiosity lasted only two seconds. She needed to race against time to solve the problems. Just as she was about to throw it away, the paper ball was snatched by a passing proctor.

The teacher opened it, frowned, and looked at the examinee information on the corner of Gu Siyi's desk. Pulling away her test paper, the teacher said, "Gu Siyi, cheating on the exam. Your score for this subject will be voided."

The proctor took her test paper and walked towards the podium.

Gu Siyi was dumbfounded. She stood up and said, "I didn't cheat! I don't know who threw the paper ball!"

Standing on the podium, the teacher looked down at her and said, "You can leave the exam room now. Please do not disturb the other students."

"I didn't cheat!" Gu Siyi said loudly.

The other students in the exam room looked over.

The teacher frowned. "I saw it with my own eyes. What more is there to say? If you have anything to say, go to the Educational Affairs Office after the exam."

"…" Gu Siyi was forcibly removed from the exam room, filled with anger and frustration.

Planning to go to the Educational Affairs Office to plead her case, she walked down the corridor. Passing by Xia Zhijun's classroom, he happened to look up and saw her.

"…??" Xia Zhijun was confused.

Logically, she shouldn't have finished the exam so early.

If she were going to the restroom, this direction would be a long detour. Exam time was precious, so why would she take a detour?

Moreover, she was walking slowly with her head down, looking as if she had been bullied…

Xia Zhijun immediately stood up, handed in his paper, and left the classroom.

Xia Zhijun caught up with Gu Siyi near the stairs and asked, "Why did you come out so early?"

Gu Siyi's heart was filled with anger and grievance. Turning around and seeing Xia Zhijun's face, all her emotions turned into tears.

"What happened? Why are you crying?" This was the first time Xia Zhijun had seen Gu Siyi cry, and his heart panicked.

He reached out to wipe her tears and whispered, "Don't cry. Tell me what happened, and I'll help you solve it."

Gu Siyi choked, "I didn't cheat… The teacher… saw a paper ball on my desk and insisted… insisted that I was cheating… and took my test paper… wouldn't let me take the exam… I don't even know where the note came from…"

Through her broken sobs, Xia Zhijun finally understood what had happened. He took her hand, cupped her face in his hands, and wiped away the tears that kept rolling down. "Don't cry. It's not worth being upset over someone else's mistake."

He had never seen her cry before, and he didn't know that this girl who always smiled could be so heartbreaking when she cried.

Of course, he believed she wouldn't cheat. He knew her too well, and with her current abilities, there was no need for her to cheat.

As for who threw the paper ball onto her desk, whether it was a mistake or deliberate… that was a matter that needed thorough investigation.

While the exam was still in progress, Xia Zhijun took Gu Siyi to the Head of Year.

Led by Xia Zhijun's hand, Gu Siyi tried to calm the frustration in her chest. She didn't want to cry, but the grievance overwhelmed her, and she couldn't help it.

The math paper she had worked so hard on was just taken away like that…

Usually, if Xia Zhijun suddenly held her hand at school, she would shyly pull away. Now, distraught and lost, she let him lead her forward, obediently following as if she had found support and guidance.

As long as he was there, she wasn't afraid of anything.

After they met with the Head of Year, Gu Siyi recounted the incident.

After Gu Siyi finished, Xia Zhijun said, "I can vouch for Gu Siyi. She definitely didn't cheat. I hope the school will clear her name. If she cheated, I will accept the same punishment."

Since the top student had spoken, the matter couldn't be brushed aside.

The Head of Year returned to the exam room with them, accompanied by the exam patrol team they encountered along the way.

The proctor was stunned to see this. These students were something else. Getting caught cheating and now trying to blow things up?

Gu Siyi asked the proctor, "Did you see who threw the paper ball at me?"

The proctor was taken aback and said, "No…"

Xia Zhijun said with a cold expression, "I think it's necessary to find out who threw the paper ball onto Gu Siyi's desk. That person either framed Gu Siyi or missed their target while cheating. Either way, they should be punished."

The proctor took out the note. "…It's just letters, numbers, and formulas. How can we investigate?"

Xia Zhijun led Gu Siyi closer to the classroom and asked, "Where on your desk did you see the paper ball?"

Gu Siyi pointed to a spot on the left edge of her desk.

Xia Zhijun said, "If you were sitting here, anyone who could throw it to this spot couldn't be sitting on your right."

Gu Siyi nodded. Indeed… It would be difficult for someone on her right to throw it to that side, let alone without her noticing.

Xia Zhijun continued, "Given the spacing between these desks, someone who could throw this small paper ball over here without being noticed by the proctor can't be too far away. And since you didn't notice, it can't be someone in front of you. Therefore, the range narrows down to the two rows behind you and the two rows behind the person on your right."

The proctor and the teachers from the patrol team stared at Xia Zhijun in astonishment.

Some students in the exam room looked up at him from time to time, some quickly buried their heads back in their papers after a glance, and some fidgeted nervously.

Xia Zhijun said to the proctor, "I hope to see the test papers of the students within the investigation range."

"That's not appropriate… Wouldn't that affect the other students' exams?"

"Then why could Gu Siyi be affected?" Xia Zhijun retorted with a cold expression, his deep voice resounding, "Not only was she affected, but she was also wrongly accused and given a zero. Is it acceptable to disregard the victim just like that?"

Gu Siyi looked at Xia Zhijun with red eyes, deeply moved by his strong defense. Several times, he had stood up for her like this.

Yes, whenever something happened, he was always the first to protect her.

"No… that's not what I meant…" The proctor faltered.

He knew about this top student, but he hadn't interacted with him before. He didn't know this young genius could be so forceful, even aggressive.

"The perpetrator is protected, and the victim is wronged. This shouldn't be the culture of our Longxing High School, should it?" Xia Zhijun's cold gaze turned to the Head of Year.

The Head of Year was truly intimidated by this student.

Intelligent, assertive, and persistent.

He nodded. "Let's see. The students within the specified range, please stand up, leave your seats, and you'll be given extra time to complete the exam later."

Several students had to leave their seats. Those who were innocent were eager to clear their names. Those who wanted to object, fearing trouble if they acted alone, had to follow the crowd.

Xia Zhijun took the note and compared it with those test papers one by one.

His approach was different from the proctor's.

Although there weren't many Chinese characters, there were numerous letters, numbers, and formulas. He was confident he could find inconsistencies. Everyone has habits, even in writing math problems. In the high-pressure environment of an exam room, writing a note would inevitably be rushed, and the writer wouldn't be able to carefully conceal their habits, or perhaps wouldn't be able to do so thoroughly.

When Xia Zhijun saw the test paper of a student from Class 8, he pointed his finger and looked at the person standing aside, his eyes suddenly darkening. "Chen Qing, why did you throw the paper ball at Gu Siyi?"

"…I didn't!" The student's heart skipped a beat, almost crying from Xia Zhijun's stern face.

"Do you want me to present the evidence?" His sharp eyes stared directly at the student.

The student's expression gradually crumbled, their confidence shattered…

This person was none other than Xia Zhijun, the perennial top student in the city, the genius Xia Zhijun…

He must have noticed something…

Tears streamed down the student's face as they lowered their head and wiped them away, remaining silent.

The other students in the exam room witnessed this drama, too shocked to speak.

Xia Zhijun was too amazing…

His protective instincts were off the charts!

Xia Zhijun retrieved Gu Siyi's test paper, placed it on her desk, and said, "Continue with your exam."

He checked the time on his phone and said, "You've been delayed for forty minutes." He then looked at the Head of Year and said, "Shouldn't Gu Siyi be given forty extra minutes to finish the exam?"

"Of course… It was the proctor's fault. Confiscating her paper without a thorough investigation was a mistake."

The student who threw the note at Gu Siyi was taken away, and Xia Zhijun sat in the empty seat, accompanying the proctor.

The bell rang, and the other students handed in their papers one after another. Those whose papers were checked were given an extra fifteen minutes, and Gu Siyi was given forty extra minutes. There was only one math exam in the morning, so there was plenty of time.

Gu Siyi's heart was still unsettled, and she wasn't in as good a state as before, unable to focus as intently.

She kept wondering why that student would frame her, then thought about Xia Zhijun standing up for her… and then worried about being ridiculed if she messed up the exam…

When the problems were easy, she was fine, but when they became challenging, she got distracted.

Only Gu Siyi, Xia Zhijun, and the proctor remained in the exam room.

Xia Zhijun suddenly spoke, "Don't be affected. Don't feel pressured. Relax."

Gu Siyi turned to look at him, meeting his pure and gentle eyes. It was like a sudden enlightenment, and she immediately cast aside all her distracting thoughts. She was in an exam room now, even if it was just her and the proctor. She needed to focus on the problems and prove herself.

When the time was up, Gu Siyi let out a long breath and handed in her paper.

The proctor sincerely apologized to her. "Gu Siyi, I'm sorry. I didn't investigate carefully and wrongly accused you of cheating. I was too hasty."

This was the first time he had encountered such a bizarre incident of deliberate framing…

Such things never happened before…

He was getting old and couldn't understand these students anymore.

Gu Siyi softly said, "It must have been tiring for you, teacher, to invigilate for an extra forty minutes with me."

"It's what I should do. It was necessary."

Xia Zhijun led Gu Siyi out of the exam room.

The gossip from this exam room spread among the other students after they finished their exam. When Zheng Peipei and the others learned about it, they were initially furious, but then grateful for Xia Zhijun. At noon, they all went to eat off-campus, and Zheng Peipei invited Zhang Yin to join them.

Zheng Peipei said, "While you were taking your extended exam, I already investigated the whole story. Do you know why that little bitch framed you?"

"Why?" Gu Siyi truly couldn't understand. She didn't know that person.

"She's in the same class as Lu Ming and has liked him for a long time. Lu Ming kept giving you the cold shoulder, so she was probably pissed and came up with this trick to deal with you."

Lu Jiaye said disdainfully, "Birds of a feather. They're all bad news."

After learning the reason, Gu Siyi was speechless. "I'm so done… Was it really necessary?"

"Anyway, everyone in their class knows she's head over heels for Lu Ming. Besides this, what other reason could there be, considering you two have never interacted?"

"…"

Zhou Xiao shook his head. "Some people are just hopelessly stupid…"

Su Han laughed. "In the end, she shot herself in the foot and got caught by Sherlock Xia."

After lunch, they returned to school. Xia Zhijun held Gu Siyi's hand, walking behind everyone else.

Gu Siyi suddenly whispered, "Thank you."

Xia Zhijun glanced at her, his hand brushing against her neck, just grazing the delicate gold chain. He lowered his head and whispered in her ear, "Does my girl need to thank me?"

Gu Siyi blushed, speechless.

"Just don't cry again," he said gently. "If anyone bullies you, come to me, okay?"

Gu Siyi nodded, then nodded again emphatically.

Xia Zhijun smiled. "Good, I see your determination."

While the two were whispering, Zhang Yin, who was walking ahead, turned her head and glanced back. She quickly turned around again, her eyes downcast.

The remaining exams proceeded smoothly until the third day, when all the exams were finally over.

As usual, they still had to attend school for three days while waiting for the test papers to be graded and the rankings to be released.

Although they weren't immediately free after the exams, summer vacation was just around the corner, and everyone was excited.

The day after the exams ended, many photos were posted on the bulletin board.

They were all photos of Xia Zhijun and Gu Siyi together. Some were photos Gu Siyi had posted on her Moments, some were candid shots of her and Xia Zhijun alone, feeding him snacks in a corner of the playground, him holding her on the dimly lit rooftop, holding hands on the bus… and holding hands while dressed in casual clothes outside of school…

Each photo revealed the unusual intimacy between the two.

At the same time, a popular post appeared on the school forum overnight: "Top Student Xia Zhijun and His Girl Gu Siyi: The Untold Story."

This post detailed several incidents: Xia Zhijun's fight with Lu Ming over jealousy, Xia Zhijun rejecting Lan Xiaoqiu for Gu Siyi, and Xia Zhijun finding the person who framed Gu Siyi during the exam…

The replies were all from onlookers. These students were extremely curious about the relationship between the two and had already guessed most of it.

However, it was one thing for everyone to tacitly understand, and another for it to be openly publicized, as dating was forbidden in high school.

Although the photos were quickly removed by the school, the incident had already caused a stir, and both the principal and their homeroom teacher were aware of it. The homeroom teacher called both sets of parents, asking them to come to the school.

In the spacious office were the school leaders, the homeroom teacher, Gu Siyi's parents, and Xia Zhijun's mother.

Gu Siyi and Xia Zhijun were called to the office.

Gu Siyi lowered her head, each step feeling heavy.

Xia Zhijun walked beside her and said, "Don't be afraid."

Gu Siyi slowly nodded.

They arrived at the office. Gu Siyi looked at her parents and immediately lowered her head.

Gu Zhiyuan sighed, walked to her side, and gently patted her head.

When the teacher told him about the incident, he wasn't too surprised. He had been through it himself. At the age of sixteen or seventeen, it was perfectly normal for two children who spent every day together to develop some feelings.

A boy as smart, handsome, and responsible as Xia Zhijun, any girl with eyes would like him.

This only meant his daughter was normal, wasn't it?

Moreover, this relationship hadn't affected her studies; on the contrary, her grades had skyrocketed.

Of course, as a parent, he also knew that dating was not allowed and was explicitly forbidden by the school.

The teacher first asked Xia Zhijun, "Are you and Gu Siyi dating?"

Xia Zhijun countered, "Teacher, what is your definition of dating?"

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