Little Sweetheart

The teacher, taken aback by the question, had never encountered such an inquiry from a student. However, being a seasoned and renowned educator, he quickly responded, "You are still minors. At this stage, your understanding of life and your future paths isn't fully formed. This isn't the appropriate age for romantic relationships; it's too early. Your current focus should be on your studies. Relationships will only distract you…"

The teacher's lengthy discourse seemed to have no effect on Xia Zhijun. He calmly stated, "But my grades haven't dropped, and Gu Siyi's improvement is evident to everyone."

The teacher was speechless.

"Our interactions have been respectful; we haven't crossed any lines. My parents and Gu Siyi's parents know each other. I'm not with Gu Siyi casually; I'm very serious—I've incorporated her into my life plan. As for what you said about our understanding of the future being unclear at this stage, that doesn't apply to me. I know exactly what path I want to take."

Xia Zhijun's demeanor remained calm and composed, without a trace of panic or unease.

His gaze, directed at the teacher and the elder present, was unwavering, reflecting a precocious wisdom and determination.

Confronted by such a frank yet aloof manner, the teacher found himself at a loss for words.

Xia Zhijun continued, "Gu Siyi and I both know what we're doing. I need her, and she needs me. Together, our lives will progress in a better direction. I hope the school won't interfere with our personal freedom."

Gu Siyi's parents didn't know what expression to wear.

Xia Zhijun's mother gently shook her head, sighing silently.

She should have anticipated that he would fall for Gu Siyi. He was too lonely.

Yet, only at this moment did she realize that the quiet boy who had always been alone had grown up.

"But Xia Zhijun, you need to understand something. You're attending school, and there are other students besides the two of you. Even if you're sufficiently rational, other students aren't. Your actions set a very bad example for them. The school firmly prohibits premature relationships; it's against our school rules. Even if you're the top student, you're no exception."

The school's stance was firm.

Xia Zhijun's mother spoke up, "How about this? Summer vacation is approaching. We'll address this matter during the break."

Gu Zhiyuan added, "The children are still young. It's our fault as parents for lacking in guidance. We'll have a serious talk with them during the summer."

The parents' position was clear: they supported the school's decision.

Of course, they couldn't not support it. If even the parents went against the school, the next step would be expulsion…

Xia Zhijun and Gu Siyi returned to the classroom, where everyone looked at them curiously.

Zheng Peipei and the others, initially unable to contain their curiosity, wanted to inquire about the situation. However, seeing Xia Zhijun's somber expression, they didn't dare utter a word.

Over the next two days, the teacher continued with lessons and distributed the final exam papers.

During the last class meeting before the holiday, the homeroom teacher handed out the ranking list.

Xia Zhijun remained in first place. Gu Siyi, due to her low scores in liberal arts, dropped to the twenties, but her science scores had improved.

The homeroom teacher presented awards and certificates of honor. However, due to their violation of school rules regarding relationships, Xia Zhijun and Gu Siyi were temporarily disqualified from recognition.

Considering the students' feelings, the homeroom teacher didn't mention this matter in class.

The biggest gossip of the semester, before it could ferment, was put on hold with the arrival of summer vacation.

Gu Siyi's parents stayed in City C for two days and came to pick her up directly from school on the day she finished her term.

The driver was at the wheel, Gu Zhiyuan sat in the front passenger seat, and Gu Siyi and her mother sat in the back.

Silence filled the car.

The couple hadn't yet figured out how to address their daughter's premature relationship.

Gu Siyi also didn't know what to say, so she chose to remain silent.

Back home, after dinner, Gu Zhiyuan said, "Go back to your room and rest."

Gu Siyi glanced timidly at her parents, lowered her head, and said, "Isn't it time for the criticism and education session yet?"

Gu Zhiyuan was amused and asked, "Are you mentally prepared to be scolded?"

"No! I'm not mentally prepared yet! But I want to tell you…" Gu Siyi paused briefly, then mustered the courage to say, "I like Xia Zhijun! He's really good, exceptionally good!"

Faced with his daughter's bold confession, Gu Zhiyuan didn't get angry. He looked at her thoughtfully and asked, "Then tell Mom and Dad what's so good about him. Why do you like him?"

"He's just really good, exceptionally good. No one can compare to him. He made my time at the new school very happy. He's always protecting me and caring for me. He's even helped me improve my studies…"

The improvement in her academic performance was undeniable, the most compelling evidence.

"Because of him, I'm becoming a better version of myself. I enjoy my current life and look forward to the future. I want to be with him always." After saying this, Gu Siyi was slightly taken aback.

Since wearing that necklace, she had been influenced by Xia Zhijun.

Unconsciously, she had also begun to think about the future, about forever.

Xu Jiahui sighed softly and said, "If you had told me this after graduating and starting work, Mom would wholeheartedly bless you for finding the right person in your life. Dad and I would look forward to seeing you get married, have children, and live a happy life together."

"But you're only in high school now." Gu Zhiyuan continued, "The happiness and joy you feel are temporary. There's no such thing as eternal happiness. Even your mother and I have gone through countless arguments and compromises in our marriage. When your relationship reaches a difficult phase, what will you do? Will you still be able to focus on your studies? Can you handle it?"

"We won't have any difficulties!" Gu Siyi declared resolutely.

Gu Zhiyuan knew that the child wouldn't listen to these words now.

But as parents, they had many difficult positions to consider…

Longxing High School wasn't an ordinary school. Xia Zhijun wasn't from an ordinary family.

Gu Zhiyuan said, "But the school clearly opposes your relationship. What will you do? Drop out? Transfer to another school together? Even if your mother and I don't interfere, do you think Xia Zhijun's parents will agree?"

Gu Siyi was silent.

Gu Zhiyuan said, "Right now, your mother and I aren't the main obstacle. The obstacles are your school and Xia Zhijun's family."

Xu Jiahui said, "Your situation with Xia Zhijun has become such a big deal. Will the school make an exception for you? A century-old prestigious school, will they compromise their principles for this special case? Siyi, the world doesn't revolve around you. You need to adapt to the rules of the outside world."

Gu Siyi felt as if something was stuck in her throat, unable to utter a word.

"Go back to your room and have a good rest. Fortunately, it's summer vacation now. You both have plenty of time to sort yourselves out."

Gu Siyi stood up and slowly walked upstairs.

When only the couple remained downstairs, Xu Jiahui sighed again, "Siyi doesn't understand. We can't afford to be associated with the Xia family."

Gu Zhiyuan knew this all too well. After learning about the situation, Peng Ling's attitude had become rather cold. At school, she only offered a perfunctory greeting, without much small talk.

Their Xia family's prized son, his future, his family must have already laid out a blueprint for him.

Lying in bed, Gu Siyi picked up her phone. Her last conversation with Xia Zhijun was last night.

He had said, "Don't worry, enjoy your summer vacation. I'll come see you when I have time."

At this moment, her heart felt heavy. She wanted to say something to him, but didn't know what to say.

She tossed her phone aside and got up to do some practice problems.

They all said that premature relationships affected studies and were harmful to the mind. She would show them by studying hard!

The overall atmosphere in the Gu family was relatively harmonious, as the business-minded parents were relatively open-minded, and they couldn't bear to scold their daughter, whom they had pampered since childhood. However, the Xia family was different.

After Xia Guangyu learned about the incident, he sent Peng Ling to the school; he didn't go himself.

When Xia Zhijun returned home, the atmosphere was tense.

Xia Guangyu, who usually had a full schedule, specifically made time to come home and talk to his son face-to-face.

"You and Gu Siyi must break up." He dropped this cold statement as soon as he opened his mouth.

Xia Zhijun, hands in his pockets, leaned lazily against the wall, looked at his father on the sofa, and calmly said, "Just because you say 'must' means it must be?"

"Xia Zhijun, you've never disappointed your parents. I hope you'll exercise discretion in this matter."

Xia Zhijun smirked, a sign of disrespect, but didn't speak.

Xia Guangyu continued, "Gu Siyi is outside of your life plan. Don't make a mistake at this juncture."

Peng Ling added, "We asked you to look after Gu Siyi as a younger sister, not for you to get involved with her…"

Xia Zhijun coldly retorted, "Shouldn't I have a say in my own life?"

Xia Guangyu rebuked, "Nonsense! You're just a child, what do you understand!"

Peng Ling said earnestly, "Do you know why Zhang Yin transferred to your class? Both our families, and the Zhang family elders, hope that the two of you can cultivate a relationship from a young age and naturally be together in the future… With this incident, what will the Zhang family think?"

Xia Zhijun let out a cold laugh, "How thoughtful of you, to even arrange my marriage."

Ignoring his sarcastic tone, Peng Ling said, "Ajun, your parents have high hopes for you. You are a promising young talent, a pillar of the nation, in everyone's eyes."

Xia Zhijun sighed softly. The long-suppressed forbearance, at the moment of its complete eruption, wasn't as satisfying as he had imagined.

There wasn't the anticipated anger, nor the imagined relief.

It was just… finally… a release.

Xia Zhijun straightened up, faced his parents, and calmly said, "I don't want to blame you for anything, nor do I expect anything from you. I just want to tell you that I'm not your legacy, not your vessel for hopes and dreams. I simply came into this world through you. This is the law of human reproduction, not a sign of ownership. How I choose to walk this one and only life is my decision."

Xia Zhijun's calmness and indifference completely enraged Xia Guangyu.

He stood up furiously, pointed at Xia Zhijun, and said, "You dare talk back to me! You're leaving? How? Without this family, you're nothing!"

Xia Zhijun strode upstairs.

Peng Ling quietly persuaded Xia Guangyu, "Why argue with the child? He's just going through puberty, a rebellious phase. Don't…"

"He's outrageous… absolutely outrageous…" Xia Guangyu hadn't been this furious in a long time.

"He's gone upstairs now. Let's all calm down."

Before Xia Guangyu's anger subsided, footsteps sounded on the stairs again.

Xia Zhijun came downstairs with a backpack. His parents, both shocked and angry, didn't know what expression to wear as they watched him.

Xia Zhijun walked to the sofa, tossed a set of keys onto the coffee table, and said, "That's it then. I'm leaving."

His gaze fell on his parents, the turmoil in his heart suppressed. He said softly, "Don't work so hard. Spend more time with your family."

With that, he turned and walked out.

"Ajun, where are you going… you…"

"Let him go!" Xia Guangyu stopped Peng Ling. "I'll see how far he can go!"

Xia Zhijun left home and called Lu Jiaye, who immediately came to pick him up.

Lu Jiaye, the young master of a wealthy family, though not yet of age, already owned several properties.

He took Xia Zhijun to an empty apartment and said, "Make yourself at home."

Xia Zhijun leaned back on the sofa and said, "Thanks."

He had spent all his money buying the necklace for Gu Siyi and didn't have enough funds for long-term rent.

Lu Jiaye opened the refrigerator, intending to grab a drink, but found it empty.

He closed the door and said, "Wait here, I'll have someone send over food and drinks."

When the supplies arrived, the two sat on the sofa, drinking beer and eating snacks, chatting casually.

"Seriously, you really just had a falling out with your family? What are you going to do now?"

Lu Jiaye hadn't expected Xia Zhijun, always the model student, to cause such a commotion and even run away from home.

Young love was truly difficult…

Xia Zhijun chuckled, a hint of coldness in his eyes. "I don't understand why parents take it for granted that their children should follow their plans. Even if they think that way, shouldn't they at least invest time and effort in nurturing and guiding them? Without any contribution, just relying on their parental status, they try to control their children's entire lives? Heh…"

Lu Jiaye sighed melancholically along with Xia Zhijun, "Busy, they're all busy. How many times do you think I see my dad in a year?"

"They don't want children, they want the continuation of their lineage, an heir to their lives."

"Hey, don't overthink it…" Lu Jiaye advised, "You're too outstanding, so it's understandable that your parents have high expectations for you… Look at me, a good-for-nothing. My dad doesn't expect anything from me. He'll be grateful if I don't squander the family fortune."

Lu Jiaye brought up a practical topic, "Even if you've fallen out with your parents, the school still doesn't approve of your relationship. What are you going to do?"

"Transfer schools," Xia Zhijun said slowly.

Lu Jiaye was stunned, "Transfer schools on your own?"

Xia Zhijun glanced at him, and Lu Jiaye suddenly understood. He was a top student, the number one student in the entire city, the kind of talent every school would fight over. As long as he was willing, he could choose any school he wanted, and might even get a large scholarship.

Lu Jiaye asked, "What about Little Dimples? Are you transferring alone? Or taking her with you? Will her parents agree?"

Xia Zhijun replied, "Her parents will never agree."

Lu Jiaye shrugged, "That's the problem then. What are you going to do?"

"Why transfer? I'll continue studying at Longxing. The teachers here are good."

"So, you two will be separated?"

"Just attending different schools. It's only two years. We'll be at the same university after two years."

"Seems like you've thought it through."

Xia Zhijun leaned back on the sofa, closed his eyes, and said, "There's no other way."

What else could he do? His family refused, so he could only leave home.

"Other people's relationships are fine, why is it so difficult for you two… Sigh…" Lu Jiaye lamented, and suddenly a saying came to mind, "A tree that stands above the rest will be broken by the wind. The school heartthrob dating, it's too high-profile."

Xia Zhijun scoffed and took another sip of beer.

Not knowing how to comfort him, Lu Jiaye raised his glass and clinked it against his. "All I can do as your friend is to drink with you until we're both drunk. Cheers!"

"That's enough. I need to rest. I have to rush to catch up on a project tomorrow." Xia Zhijun stood up and walked towards the bathroom, saying as he went, "Once I've saved up some money, I still need to go to City S to see Gu Siyi."

Lu Jiaye was speechless.

He was truly impressed. Why was it that when top students rebelled, they did so with such composure?

He didn't put on a drunken spectacle? He was still methodically planning for tomorrow and beyond?

What the hell… what could possibly make this person lose control?

Lu Jiaye, genuinely concerned about his friend, worried that he might not be used to suddenly moving out, also moved out of his own home.

One stayed in the room writing code, the other played games outside, they ordered takeout and ate together, and their days passed harmoniously.

Of course, Lu Jiaye wouldn't forget to gossip with Zheng Peipei about this.

Lu Jiaye messaged: "Ajun ran away from home!"

Peipei: "Really? Because of what happened with Yi Ge?"

Lu Jiaye: "Of course! His family didn't agree, so they had a falling out, and he just left. I'm really impressed by him, he's so badass! I could tell even Uncle Xia was a little intimidated, but he just confronted them head-on and left so coolly."

Peipei: "Oh my god… amazing, amazing."

Taking advantage of the fact that Xia Zhijun hadn't closed his door after returning to his room after dinner, Lu Jiaye quickly snapped a picture and sent it to Zheng Peipei, saying, "Look, after causing such a big commotion, no complaining, no crying, no staying up late or drinking, just silently working hard. He's truly a god!"

Peipei: "A top student is a top student indeed."

Immediately, Zheng Peipei started chatting with Gu Siyi on WeChat.

Peipei: "The top student ran away from home, did you know?"

Gu Mingsiyi (Gu Siyi's WeChat name): "???"

Gu Siyi, who was diligently working on practice problems, was stunned by the news.

Peipei: "He had a falling out with his parents and just left. He's living with Lu Jiaye now."

Gu Mingsiyi: "Why??"

They had been chatting on WeChat every night these past few days, just casually, and he hadn't mentioned this.

Peipei: "It must be because his parents disapproved."

Gu Mingsiyi: "…………"

Peipei: "Hello? The top student had a falling out with his family for you?"

After a while, seeing no reply from Gu Siyi, Zheng Peipei sent another message: "Where are you? Crying? Burying your head in your pillow and crying?"

Gu Siyi was completely bewildered. She didn't know how to reply to Zheng Peipei.

She directly called Xia Zhijun.

"Hello?" His usual low voice came through, "What's wrong?"

Gu Siyi's heart clenched, and she said, "I heard… you ran away from home?"

Lu Jiaye, that blabbermouth! Xia Zhijun really wanted to give him a piece of his mind. He had told her so quickly.

He had planned to tell her later, choosing a better opportunity.

But now that she knew, he could only admit it, "Yes."

Gu Siyi suddenly didn't know what to say. Xia Zhijun didn't press her, accompanying her silence.

The two on either end of the call listened to each other's breathing, slowly collecting their thoughts.

After a while, Gu Siyi said, "…I'm sorry."

"Huh?" He was puzzled, "Why are you apologizing to me?"

"If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have fallen out with your family…" Her voice was choked with sobs.

"No, it's not." Xia Zhijun said softly, "It actually doesn't have much to do with you. Even without you, this day would have come."

"How could that be… Don't comfort me…"

"I'm telling the truth. It was bound to happen sooner or later. As long as I didn't obey their arrangements, rebellion was inevitable." Xia Zhijun paused, then added, "The life they planned for me isn't what I want."

Gu Siyi didn't know what to say, suddenly feeling lost.

Xia Zhijun said, "Be good, don't overthink it. I'll come see you next month."

"Okay," Gu Siyi nodded.

After hanging up, Gu Siyi opened WeChat and went to Xia Zhijun's chat.

She sent him the remaining two thousand yuan in her WeChat wallet, then sent the remaining three thousand from her linked bank card.

This was the leftover New Year's money and the pocket money she had gradually saved up over the semester. Since being with him, she had consciously saved money, hoping to be able to afford gifts for him.

Gu Mingsiyi: "This is my allowance, take it as living expenses for now."

X (Xia Zhijun's WeChat name): "?"

Gu Mingsiyi: "Click accept!"

Xia Zhijun couldn't help but laugh. Was she worried about him?

X: "Keep your allowance for yourself. I don't need money."

He really didn't lack money. He had food and accommodation at Lu Jiaye's place, and boys didn't have many daily expenses.

When his current project settled at the end of the month, he would have a sum of money.

Gu Mingsiyi: "I say you need it, so you need it!"

Gu Mingsiyi: "If you don't accept it, I'll cry! 【Tears】【Tears】【Tears】"

Gu Mingsiyi: "In times of crisis, if you don't accept my allowance, I won't accept your gifts in the future 【Heartbreak】【Heartbreak】"

Xia Zhijun discovered that Gu Siyi also had a knack for acting spoiled, using the tactic of crying and making a fuss…

Helpless, he clicked accept.

X: "Accepted."

Gu Mingsiyi: "【Okay】That's a good boy~"

X: "Not worried about me now?"

Gu Mingsiyi: "Mm, I'll wait for you to come see me 【Okay】【Okay】"

Seeing this message, Xia Zhijun seemed to see Gu Siyi's clear, dimpled eyes and her sweet, intoxicating smile.

X: "I wish I could be by your side right now."

Gu Mingsiyi: "【Shy】【Shy】"

X: "I miss you very much."

Gu Mingsiyi: "I miss you too…"

Xia Zhijun put down his phone, stood up, and looked at the city lights outside the window.

He didn't want to wait until next month. Could he go see her now, just for a moment?

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