Little Sweetheart

Gu Siyi walked around campus, Xia Zhijun's name visible everywhere she looked. Every so often, she'd overhear people discussing him.

Though he rarely appeared at school, he was undeniably a campus star. Deeply influenced by him, she was now a highly motivated student, even without his direct encouragement.

The weather was getting warmer as her birthday in late May approached. Xia Zhijun hadn't returned to the country yet, and Gu Siyi, not wanting to disrupt his plans, hadn't asked him about it.

She used her saved-up allowance to buy him a pair of Air Jordans, planning to give them to him as a gift. She hoped the shoes would accompany him on his travels around the world.

This year, her birthday wasn't on a weekend, so Gu Siyi didn't ask her parents to visit. Instead, she invited a few close friends to go out for a get-together after school.

As soon as school was dismissed, Zheng Peipei excitedly came looking for Gu Siyi.

Zhang Yin was still at her desk in the front row, working on exercises. As Gu Siyi left, she asked, "It's my birthday today, and I'm treating everyone to dinner. Would you like to come along?"

Zhang Yin was taken aback. "I don't know. I haven't prepared a gift…"

"It's okay. It's just a casual get-together," Gu Siyi warmly invited.

After they were assigned to the liberal arts class, Gu Siyi hadn't made any close friends in the class. She and Zhang Yin had become closer this semester, sitting at desks in front of and behind each other.

At Gu Siyi's invitation, Zhang Yin joined them.

Gu Siyi had reserved a private room in a restaurant. Gu Zhiyuan had specifically reimbursed her with a generous sum, encouraging her to have a good time with her classmates.

As everyone chatted and laughed during the meal, Zheng Peipei suddenly remarked, "They agreed that their birthdays would be reunion days. It's only the second year, and the school god isn't here…"

Lu Jiaye exclaimed, "Whoa, what do you mean 'not here'? That sounds ominous…"

Gu Siyi considered it and realized it was true. She said with a wry smile, "He's busy. It's a special situation; we can understand."

Exquisite dishes were served one after another. The door to the private room opened once more, and the waiter announced, "Your cake has arrived."

Gu Siyi replied, "I didn't order a cake."

Lu Jiaye laughed. "We ordered it for you! A super luxurious, delicious cake!"

He snapped his fingers. "Bring it in!"

A huge, multi-tiered cake was wheeled in, eliciting cheers and applause from everyone in the room.

Gu Siyi couldn't help but smile. The cake was beautiful, but the person pushing it was even more so!

Zheng Peipei smiled. "Kudos to the school god! We almost thought you weren't coming back! It's both of your birthdays; how lonely it would be for Little Dimple to celebrate alone!"

Lu Jiaye immediately added, "You're the only one worried. You think A-Jun wouldn't come back for Little Dimple's birthday? He'd rush back even if he were in the North Pole!"

Xia Zhijun hadn't told Gu Siyi he was coming back, but his friends all knew.

They kept it a secret to surprise her for her birthday.

Xia Zhijun, in a well-tailored black suit, had just come from an awards ceremony and flown directly over.

Now 18, he was taller, his facial features more defined. He had lost some of his boyish softness and gained a youthful handsomeness and heroic air.

Especially in this formal attire, compared to the other boys at the table in their casual clothes, he appeared even more elegant and refined, exuding a mature charm.

Not just Gu Siyi, but several other girls were blushing at his handsome appearance.

Xia Zhijun took out a gift box and handed it to Gu Siyi. "Happy birthday."

"Wow, let's see what the school god got her!" Zheng Peipei said curiously.

Xiang Li and Zhang Xinyi joined in, "We want to see! Let us feast our eyes!"

Lu Jiaye said, "You girls are so nosy… unlike us guys, straightforward and efficient! Little Dimple, here, let me help you open it!"

"Thank you, but I can do it myself…" Gu Siyi smiled, her dimples overflowing with sweetness.

Amidst everyone's anticipation, she opened the gift box.

A dazzling golden light filled her vision.

"Wow—" everyone gasped in unison.

Inside the box were several pure gold medals.

Gu Siyi picked one up. A string of English letters indicated the honor of the medal.

Zheng Peipei exclaimed, "Oh my god, the school god's romance… us mortals can't imitate this!"

Xiang Li and Zhang Xinyi's eyes sparkled with admiration and envy.

Lu Jiaye clicked his tongue. "I've never seen a gold medal in my life. Let me see~ Is it any different from my gold chain?"

Gu Siyi laughed. "Exclusive collectibles, for viewing only, no touching allowed."

Joy surged in her heart. She truly hadn't expected him to appear suddenly, much less that he would give her all the medals he had won in the four competitions this year. Her eyes welled up with emotion, but she quickly controlled her feelings, afraid of embarrassing herself.

Underneath the medals was a Hermès scarf. Xia Zhijun took it out and tied it onto Gu Siyi's bag as an accessory. Her small red crossbody bag looked even more youthful and playful with the striped silk embellishment.

Zheng Peipei exclaimed again, "Wow, beautiful! The school god's taste isn't straight-guy at all!"

"Not straight-guy? What does that mean?" Lu Jiaye asked.

Zheng Peipei chuckled. "You're a typical example of straight-guy taste."

"???" Lu Jiaye was confused.

Su Han smiled and explained, "It's said that straight-guy taste is a disaster."

Zhang Yin, sitting at the other end of the table, watched the sweet and intimate scene, the unspoken understanding in their eyes, and felt an indescribable emotion in her heart.

When her father had transferred her to this class, he had told her that Xia Zhijun was an outstanding boy and would be her future husband.

Full of longing, she had transferred, becoming his classmate.

Then, she realized it wasn't like that. Everything was different from what her family had imagined.

He had someone he liked. He treated Gu Siyi so well that even she, an outsider, could feel the deep affection.

He was so good to Gu Siyi now. If he were to become her husband in the future…

What would become of her? And what kind of person would he become?

Would she still like a man who betrayed his marriage and was unfaithful?

Such an outstanding and excellent person as him wouldn't have any flaws, including in his relationships.

After accepting this reality, Zhang Yin woke up from her dream of an arranged marriage. She interacted with them normally. As for her family, no matter what they said, she no longer took it to heart.

The Xia Zhijun she liked was radiant and the dream of every girl.

It was enough for this dream to remain in her heart.

She would rather he be like the bright moon in the sky, noble and distant, than see him fall into the mud, tainted by power, and living a mundane life.

The birthday dinner became even more lively and complete because of Xia Zhijun's arrival.

Afterward, Xia Zhijun drove the others back to school, while he took Gu Siyi for a walk along the riverbank.

When Gu Siyi arrived at the riverside park, she felt the place was somewhat familiar.

After walking a bit, she realized this was where Xia Zhijun had brought her on a date more than a year ago, on the last day of the sports meet.

They had ridden bicycles here, eaten candied hawthorns, and he had suddenly hugged her and confessed…

Memories flooded her mind, and Gu Siyi blushed.

Xia Zhijun held Gu Siyi's hand as they strolled. Gu Siyi tilted her head up to look at him, gestured with her hand, and said, "You seem to have grown taller again."

He used to be a head taller than her; now, he was even taller.

Xia Zhijun said, "I think so. I measured 186cm not long ago."

Gu Siyi said, "Why haven't I grown? I'm still around 170cm."

She stepped onto a low concrete wall, instantly becoming taller than Xia Zhijun. She smiled and said, "Finally, I know how it feels to be taller than you."

Xia Zhijun watched her smile, reached out his hand, and they continued walking hand-in-hand along the path.

When they reached the end, Xia Zhijun lifted Gu Siyi down from the wall.

After she landed, he didn't let go of her hands. He still held her, lowered his head, his forehead touching hers, and asked softly, in a voice only they could hear, "Do you miss me?"

Looking at his features so close to her, Gu Siyi felt a pang in her heart, lowered her head, and nodded.

She missed him, she really missed him…

In their first year of high school, they were together every day. He was always by her side. Every day before entering the classroom, her heart was filled with joyful anticipation because he was there. She could ask him any question she couldn't solve. A simple exchange of smiles during breaks could make her secretly happy for an entire class. After becoming deskmates… secretly holding hands was sweet and thrilling.

But after entering their second year, they only saw each other occasionally in the first semester, and in this semester, it was difficult even to catch a glimpse of him. The last time they had seen each other was during the Spring Festival…

Xia Zhijun hugged the girl in his arms and whispered playfully in her ear, "You miss me this much, can you still break up with me?"

Gu Siyi mumbled and tugged at his clothes, not saying a word.

What break up… as soon as he came looking for her, she was overjoyed. She had no resistance to his hugs and kisses.

Where was the break up? They were just in a long-distance, secret relationship, stealing intimate moments when they met.

Seeing her like this, Xia Zhijun couldn't help but lean in and kiss her cheek.

Gu Siyi halfheartedly resisted.

He nibbled on her ear and said, "Don't even think about breaking up with me in this lifetime."

"…" His domineering declaration made her blush.

On the way back, Gu Siyi suddenly remembered something and asked him, "I heard you were recommended to a prestigious university, and many famous universities abroad have extended offers to you?"

"Mm," Xia Zhijun nodded.

"Then are you still taking the Gaokao?"

Today was May 23rd, and the Gaokao was only half a month away.

"Yes," Xia Zhijun nodded.

The school hoped he would participate because with him, the title of top scorer in science for Longxing High School was practically guaranteed. If he didn't participate, it was highly likely that top students from other schools would take the top spot. Which school the top scorer came from had a significant impact on the school's reputation.

His participation in the Gaokao also came with an additional condition: when Gu Siyi entered her third year, she would transfer to the advanced placement class. He knew math was her weak point, and Mr. Li Mingqi, the math teacher, had a good relationship with him and promised to take good care of her.

Gu Siyi didn't know Xia Zhijun's intentions at this time. She was worried about another issue.

After hesitating for a while, she asked, "You're not going to study abroad, are you?"

Xia Zhijun touched her head, reassuring her, "No."

Gu Siyi breathed a sigh of relief. If he went abroad for university, especially to a world-class university, she truly wouldn't be able to get in.

"Then which university are you planning to attend?" Gu Siyi asked again.

"We'll see," he didn't give a definite answer.

In the scorching heat of June, the annual national college entrance examination, the Gaokao, arrived as scheduled.

First and second-year high school students were on vacation, while third-year students officially faced the first major test of their lives.

Everyone was confident in Xia Zhijun because his performance had always been impeccable, never disappointing anyone.

The school administration, his family, and his friends all looked forward to him adding another brilliant stroke to his life's resume.

Gu Siyi didn't care how he performed and wasn't anticipating the results.

She was more concerned about whether he would adapt to the Gaokao after frequently traveling for competitions during his third year and whether he would feel pressured by external expectations.

While everyone else was enjoying their vacation at home, Gu Siyi told her parents she was going home and declined Zheng Peipei's invitation to go out together. In reality, she booked a hotel room to stay and accompany Xia Zhijun.

Shortly after the Gaokao began, she joined the other parents waiting outside the examination hall. Xia Zhijun's testing center was assigned to No. 1 High School, so she waited outside.

Wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses, with her tall stature and slender figure, she frequently attracted the attention of passersby.

The parents gathered to chat, playing games under the shade of the trees to pass the time.

The exam ended, the school gates opened, and the crowd streamed out.

Gu Siyi chose a high vantage point to overlook the crowd, even taking off her sunglasses for fear of missing him.

Fortunately, Xia Zhijun was sufficiently distinguished and handsome. Even among thousands of people, he stood out, naturally radiating a presence that set him apart from the others. Gu Siyi put her sunglasses back on, quietly approached Xia Zhijun from behind, and unexpectedly patted him on the shoulder.

She had intended to startle him, but he remained as steady as a rock, calmly turning his head.

Meeting her pretty nose and delicate chin, surprise flickered in his eyes, but he quickly asked, "Why are you here? Didn't you go home?"

Gu Siyi smiled. "I told my parents I wanted to accompany you during the Gaokao. They even paid for my hotel room."

Even though her sunglasses hid her beautiful eyes, her radiant smile was as refreshing and sweet as the most delicious summer treat.

Xia Zhijun couldn't help but curve his lips, his eyes filled with an unspoken gentle satisfaction.

"I've already scouted out restaurants with delicious and hygienic food and hotels for midday rest in this area," Gu Siyi said proudly.

"Mm," Xia Zhijun replied, a lazy smile playing on his lips, and followed her.

Those classmates who had competed with him internationally had unfortunately never seen the genius handsome boy Xia Zhijun smile. Some had even discussed why Xia Zhijun was always so quiet and reserved, never smiling.

Their final conclusion was that geniuses were like that, calm and serious.

What they didn't know was that he did smile. Looking at his girlfriend's smile, his heart felt warm and fuzzy, and he unconsciously smiled along. Her appearance seemed to be returning all the smiles of his first ten-plus years of life to him.

After the afternoon exam, Xia Zhijun, worried that Gu Siyi would be bored alone in the hotel, told his family that the teacher had called for a supplementary lesson and that he would return home later that evening.

They played games in a cafe, and Gu Siyi asked worriedly, "Don't you need to review?"

Xia Zhijun countered, "What do you think?"

"…" Alright, she shouldn't underestimate the school god. Only average students needed to cram at the last minute.

The two-day Gaokao came to an end, and third-year high school students across the country were collectively liberated.

When first and second-year students returned to school, the third-year students were packing up and leaving. Everywhere, students were throwing books and tearing up test papers, and the dormitories were filled with cheers and excitement. The school increased its cleaning efforts, letting them revel.

Gu Siyi stayed in the dormitory with Zheng Peipei and the others, listening to the occasional cheers erupting from the floors above. Zheng Peipei said, "I'm not sad, really. It's just one more year, and then it will be our turn to be liberated."

Gu Siyi said, "I wish we had two more years. The longer the time, the more thoroughly we can learn, and the more confident we'll be facing the Gaokao."

"Come on, your grades aren't bad. You made it into the top 100 in the mid-term exams. Getting into a key university is a sure thing."

Gu Siyi declared ambitiously, "I'm aiming for Tsinghua or Peking University! A mere key university isn't enough for me!"

The three of them simultaneously gave her a thumbs-up.

Zheng Peipei started, "If the heart is there—"

Xiang Li and Zhang Xinyi finished, "The dream is there!"

With the third-year students gone, the second-year students had to face their final exams.

Having worked hard all year, Gu Siyi was eager to try.

A couple of days after the exams, the results were announced, and she successfully made it into the top 50 in her grade.

There was still a whole year of third year left. Gu Siyi thought to herself that there was still time and room for improvement.

After the Gaokao, Xia Zhijun had several international student exchange programs and frequently traveled abroad, busier than he had been during previous summer vacations.

Gu Siyi went home for the summer vacation but didn't relax, setting aside time for studying every day.

Since they had made it clear they weren't breaking up, Xia Zhijun no longer held back and made time for video calls with her every day, also helping her with her studies.

He was free while abroad, and even when he returned home, his parents couldn't constantly monitor him in his room. As for Gu Siyi, her parents no longer interfered in her relationship with Xia Zhijun. As long as the Xia family didn't come to talk to them, it was fine.

One day, Zheng Peipei called Gu Siyi and suddenly shared some explosive gossip. "Su Han is going to be on a TV show!"

"What?" Gu Siyi was stunned.

"The soon-to-be-aired 'Idol Maker.' He went to the auditions and was selected. He's currently in the program group undergoing intensive training."

"Wow…" Gu Siyi was genuinely surprised. While expressing her admiration, she also asked worriedly, "He's about to enter his third year of high school. Did his family agree?"

"I haven't heard him mention his family's reaction. I guess he hasn't told them yet," Zheng Peipei said, then added, "He's seventeen or eighteen years old; he can make his own decisions."

"Mm."

On the day of the program's premiere, Gu Siyi and Zheng Peipei turned on the TV and also started a video call, watching and chatting together, enjoying the show virtually.

Hundreds of boys from all over the country and even overseas Chinese participated in the auditions, and 100 were selected in the first round. These boys had one thing in common: they were all young, the oldest not exceeding 25, and generally between 18 and 22 years old.

It was a visual feast of young and fresh faces on screen.

When Su Han appeared, Zheng Peipei's screams almost pierced Gu Siyi's eardrums even through the phone.

"So handsome, so handsome! My Su Han is so handsome, ah ah ah ah ah!"

Gu Siyi nodded in agreement. "Visually, he has the looks and talent of a champion."

"Hahahaha… I love how discerning you are!" Zheng Peipei laughed so hard she almost fell over.

The program's ratings exploded on the night of its premiere.

Many contestants gained attention from netizens, and Su Han was one of them.

A 17-year-old high school student, 1.8 meters tall, handsome features, fair and delicate skin without a single blemish, and a pair of captivating peach blossom eyes.

He was quiet and didn't talk much when he stood there, unlike other contestants who showed off and joked around. His occasional smiles carried a hint of shyness. But when he sang and danced, his entire being opened up, exuding a captivating charm.

The judges on stage praised him profusely, and he advanced with the highest score.

Overnight, the video of his performance on stage was constantly shared and played, and countless people learned the name Su Han.

Every Saturday after that, Zheng Peipei would invite Gu Siyi to watch the show together. This also became Gu Siyi's regular entertainment.

Zheng Peipei even started a fan club, and the first batch of members were their close friends.

Gradually, the fan club grew larger and larger, and a group of devoted fans voted for Su Han every day, boosting his popularity.

Gu Siyi needed to study and didn't have much time, but to express her support for Su Han, besides voting and sharing daily, she donated all her allowance from her parents to the fan club as operating funds.

In July, the Gaokao scores were released.

Xia Zhijun lived up to expectations, achieving an outstanding score close to perfect, and won the title of top scorer in science.

The school once again hung a large banner for him. Reporters scrambled to interview him.

When the photo of the top scorer's admission ticket appeared online, it caused a huge stir.

So handsome… This summer had seen so many handsome guys, but the most handsome turned out to be the top scorer of the Gaokao!

Looking at the praises from others, Gu Siyi felt a sense of pride. This was her top scorer.

After seeing Gu Siyi's birthday gift – a pile of gold medals – Gu Siyi's parents were already incredibly surprised and impressed.

This time, his Gaokao results made them praise him even more.

From initially thinking that their daughter being with Xia Zhijun might not be a good thing, to thinking Xia Zhijun was good, they now genuinely wondered – did their daughter deserve this genius?

During a family dinner, while talking about Xia Zhijun, Gu Zhiyuan asked Gu Siyi, "He's so outstanding, do you feel pressured?"

Gu Siyi thought for a moment and shook her head.

Xu Jiahui asked, "Aren't you afraid of feeling inferior in comparison?"

"Why would I feel inferior? He's so amazing, and he still likes me. How awesome am I! I think I'm fantastic! The more amazing he is, the more awesome I am!" Gu Siyi said smugly, her little face filled with uncontainable pride.

Gu Zhiyuan nodded. "Well said. Our Siyi may not be the smartest, but she has a strong mentality! Invincible thick skin, worthy of a genius!"

"Dad…" Gu Siyi pouted and glared at him.

Xu Jiahui was amused by the father and daughter, nodding in agreement. "Makes sense, a match made in heaven."

Meanwhile, after more than half a month on the show, Su Han's popularity skyrocketed, reaching the level of a trending celebrity. His stage performances, post-show video recordings, and live singing sessions frequently landed him on the hot search list. Zheng Peipei, as the president of the fan club, became increasingly busy.

She no longer had time to watch the show with Gu Siyi and instead led the fan club to cheer for Su Han at the recording site.

Gu Siyi studied while cheering for Su Han. Her boyfriend was the Gaokao top scorer and would definitely go to a top university. If she didn't study hard, they would be in a long-distance relationship.

In August, the university admission notices arrived.

Everyone thought Xia Zhijun would apply to Tsinghua or Peking University, but it wasn't until the school posted the admission list that they learned he had applied to XX University of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Although it was also a first-tier prestigious university, it wasn't one of the top two.

Xia Guangyu didn't know which university Xia Zhijun had applied to until he brought the admission notice home.

The atmosphere in the family once again dropped to freezing point.

Xia Guangyu had hoped he would attend Tsinghua or Peking University, be nurtured by masters, build connections with more high-quality individuals, and enter the civil service after graduation. However, Xia Zhijun's ideas were completely different.

What was done was done; no one could change it.

Xia Zhijun didn't care about their opinions. In September, he went off to university in another city.

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