Little Sweetheart

Not long after Xia Zhijun started school, he received a call from Su Han's father, Su Shimin.

Su Shimin was furious when he learned that his son had participated in a talent show. He arranged for someone to bring him back from the program team.

Su Shimin, the head of the Provincial Public Security Department, had a fiery temper and couldn't stand grown men singing and dancing. When he learned from his subordinates that his young son was performing on stage, he was so angry it made his liver ache.

However, forcibly bringing Su Han back didn't resolve the issue.

At home, Su Han refused to go to school, refused to eat, and locked himself in his room. Scolding didn't work, and neither did hitting. The usually obedient Su Han was now completely at odds with his father.

Helpless, Su Shimin thought of his good friend, Xia Zhijun, hoping he could persuade Su Han to give up these frivolous ideas and return to his studies.

When Xia Zhijun visited Su Han at the Su residence, after a week of resistance, Su Han looked haggard and had belt marks on his body.

"My dad sent you to talk me out of it, didn't he?" Su Han chuckled softly. "No need to say anything. I won't compromise."

Xia Zhijun walked to the window and opened the curtains, letting the late summer sun illuminate the room.

Su Han said, "Let's talk about something more lighthearted."

He fiddled with his computer and played a song. "I wrote this myself. It's just a demo. What do you think?"

Xia Zhijun leaned against the desk, listened attentively, and nodded. "It's good."

Xia Zhijun said, "I told your dad I'd take you out to clear your head. Let's go."

Su Han, tired of being cooped up at home, put on a baseball cap and a mask and left with Xia Zhijun.

Before leaving, Xia Zhijun specifically reminded him, "Your ID card. Don't forget it."

Xia Zhijun hailed a car and took Su Han directly to the airport.

"I've booked your ticket. Go get your boarding pass."

Xia Zhijun, like an older brother, accompanied Su Han to retrieve his ticket and transferred thirty thousand yuan to him.

"I heard your dad cut off your allowance. Take this for now."

Training with the program team at the television station incurred expenses.

Su Han didn't know what to say. He thought Xia Zhijun was there to help his father persuade him, but he didn't expect him to help him escape…

Su Han cleared his throat and asked, "How are you going to explain this to my dad?"

Xia Zhijun said, "If this is the path you want to take, then take it. Don't worry about anything else."

Su Han lowered his head, smiled, opened his arms, and hugged Xia Zhijun, patting his back. "Thank you, brother."

Xia Zhijun patted him back. "No one can control the trajectory of your life except yourself. Whether it's right or wrong, everyone has the right to choose."

Su Han's eyes reddened. He took a deep breath, preventing himself from crying, and nodded firmly.

To lighten the mood, he smiled. "You're a genius. Whatever you say is right. I trust you."

Xia Zhijun watched Su Han go through security. Su Han waved at him and strode away with determination and aspiration, ready to face any challenges.

Xia Zhijun returned to face Su Shimin and frankly admitted that he had sent Su Han away.

Su Shimin was speechless, the words caught in his throat. If he had known this Xia youngster was so unreliable, he wouldn't have called him for help.

Due to his position and status, he couldn't criticize Xia Zhijun, so he just maintained a stern expression, ready to see him off.

Xia Zhijun said, "Su Han is passionate about the stage. He has talent and skill. He's very good at singing and dancing. I'm optimistic about his future."

Su Shimin said, "I just can't stand those frivolous things, grown men on stage with heavy makeup."

Xia Zhijun said, "That's just a stage style, an aesthetic preference. Su Han's look isn't set in stone."

Su Shimin said, "What kind of future can he have singing and dancing? Can he be as successful as you? Why can't he be like you, excelling in his studies and winning gold medals for me?"

Xia Zhijun chuckled. "Everyone has different talents. My path isn't necessarily better, and his isn't necessarily worse. Time will tell. But no matter what, you have to try, you have to experience. Only then will life be rich and fulfilling."

Su Shimin sighed, unable to refute but also finding it difficult to accept his son's choice.

Xia Zhijun said, "Uncle Su, there's something I've always wanted to say to my own father."

"Oh?" Su Shimin was immediately intrigued.

"Elders impose their own values and past life experiences on the next generation, saying 'it's for your own good,' 'why don't you understand,' 'you're ungrateful.' But they never consider that each generation has different encounters and choices, each individual has different qualities. That so-called experience isn't always applicable, and sometimes it's even a constraint and a shackle."

Su Shimin thought, Secretary Xia's child is also rebellious.

"The school I applied to wasn't the one he wanted. But I did it anyway. Because I liked it."

"It's alright. You're smart, you know your limits," Su Shimin said. "You can excel at anything."

"Thank you, Uncle Su. I want to say that Su Han is the same. He will excel at what he wants to do, what he puts his heart and soul into. Please, understand and accept Su Han with the same tolerance you have for me."

After Xia Zhijun's reasoned explanation, Su Shimin's anger and resentment dissipated. "Forget it, forget it. He's already gone, what can I do? Let him try. Let's see what he can achieve."

Su Han returned to the program team, much to the delight of the production team. After all, he was the most popular contestant, and his withdrawal would have significantly impacted the ratings.

Su Han quickly got back on track, diligently writing songs and practicing dance every day. If the lights in the practice room were still on, nine times out of ten, it was him.

There were discussions within the team:

"I heard his family is very well-off, a cadre family. Born with a silver spoon…"

"The reality is, those who are better than us work even harder…"

"Yeah, he's already very skilled, just a little shy of the professionals. He's among the best in this batch of trainees, and he doesn't relax his self-discipline at all…"

"With top-notch talent and hard work, if he doesn't become famous, who will?"

Amidst much anticipation, Su Han advanced all the way to the finals.

Due to the show's soaring ratings, the producers spared no expense and moved the finals venue to the Olympic Stadium.

Su Han communicated with the program team and reserved seats for his friends at the finals, sending them VIP tickets.

The finals were scheduled for Saturday evening. Zheng Peipei booked everyone's plane tickets in advance for a Saturday morning departure. Xia Zhijun would depart separately.

Gu Siyi was excited, partly because Su Han had reached the crucial final stage, and she looked forward to his victory, and partly because she could see Xia Zhijun again. Now that they were in different cities, every meeting was precious.

Xia Zhijun arrived early, arranged a restaurant, and waited for them to arrive for dinner.

In the private room, Xia Zhijun sat alone at the table, working on his laptop.

When the group pushed the door open, he looked up.

The moment Gu Siyi's eyes met his, she couldn't help but smile.

Zheng Peipei exclaimed, "Oh, our top student is getting more and more distinguished. He looks like a future CEO."

Gu Siyi said with a beaming smile, "Then how about I become CEO Xia's secretary in the future?"

"Secretary? Are you kidding?"

Gu Siyi thought, Is it funny?

"Clearly, you should be the CEO's wife, not a secretary," Zheng Peipei scoffed.

Lu Jiaye chimed in, "This is getting interesting. How about some office play?"

Gu Siyi blushed at their teasing.

She didn't quite understand what "office play" was, but the words "CEO's wife" and "interesting" were enough to make her blush.

Looking at Gu Siyi's appearance, Xia Zhijun was inexplicably influenced by Lu Jiaye's words and couldn't help but imagine "office play"…

He suddenly felt a surge of excitement, cleared his throat, and took a sip of water from his teacup.

As he grew older, his desires in that area became stronger, especially now that he had someone he liked. Sometimes at night, he couldn't help but have some wild thoughts.

However, no matter what, it could only be one-sided fantasizing. He knew how shy Gu Siyi was, and she was still young. He was afraid of being considered indecent and didn't even dare to say anything too suggestive.

As everyone took their seats, Gu Siyi sat next to Xia Zhijun. He immediately took her hand, holding it gently in his palm.

While everyone chatted animatedly, he occasionally added a few words, sitting lazily with Gu Siyi's hand firmly clasped in his.

Zheng Peipei, sitting on Gu Siyi's other side, couldn't ignore their little act and couldn't help but say, "Top student and Dimple are like 'a day apart feels like three autumns.' Look at how Top student is holding onto her hand, so clingy."

Hearing this, Gu Siyi tried to pull her hand away, but Xia Zhijun tightened his grip, not allowing her to escape, and glanced indifferently at Zheng Peipei.

Zheng Peipei put on a smile and said, "I think you two should get married right after graduation."

Zhou Xiao said, "I think so too. If you're going to show off your love, go all the way."

He had been forced to endure their public displays of affection for several years and wasn't afraid of enduring a little more.

Gu Siyi protested, "Alright, stop talking about us. Today's topic is Su Han. Let's talk about Su Han…"

After changing the subject, she finally diverted everyone's attention.

After dinner and some more chatting, as the time approached, they headed to the television station to see Su Han.

After school started, Zheng Peipei handed over the fan club matters to the vice president. After all, she had to attend school, and with the school's strict rules, she didn't have much energy. However, the die-hard fans in the club maintained good communication with her. Everyone knew she was Su Han's good friend and listened to her arrangements.

At the television station, Zheng Peipei made a phone call, and someone immediately brought them light sticks.

The girls who came over were stunned when they saw their large group. While Zheng Peipei took them aside to ask about the situation, she couldn't resist gossiping, "Are these super good-looking guys and girls all Susu's friends?"

"Not just friends, but good friends, very good friends," Zheng Peipei corrected.

"Wow, birds of a feather flock together. Susu's circle of friends is so dazzling."

"Of course!" Zheng Peipei felt extremely proud.

When they entered the television station, a program producer stared at Xia Zhijun for a while, then approached him and asked, "I think you have great potential. Have you considered debuting?"

"No," Xia Zhijun replied flatly.

The producer looked disappointed, then his eyes shifted to Gu Siyi, and a spark reignited. He turned to Gu Siyi and asked, "Young lady, you also have great qualities. Have you considered debuting?"

"No," Xia Zhijun answered for her, putting his arm around her shoulder, claiming her as his territory.

Lu Jiaye glared at the producer. The producer noticed his burning gaze, smiled politely, and turned away, shaking his head with a regretful expression.

Lu Jiaye said, "I'm so handsome. Why didn't he ask if I wanted to debut?"

"Hahahaha…" Zheng Peipei laughed.

Zhou Xiao looked Lu Jiaye up and down and commented, "With your goofy style, you're really not suited to debut as an idol."

Zheng Peipei said while laughing, "Actually, he could debut…"

Lu Jiaye was about to praise her good eye when Zheng Peipei continued, "Debut as a comedian! Look at, you know, Yue Yunpeng, he carved his own path, didn't he?"

"Damn it! Zheng Peipei, you've gone too far! I'm a tall, handsome guy with thick eyebrows and big eyes, 1.82 meters tall!" Lu Jiaye pretended to strangle her. It was just for show. Everyone was used to their playful banter.

While they were messing around, Su Han came over.

"Susu, fighting!" Gu Siyi shouted like a fan, waving her hands.

"Susu is the best! Susu, fighting!" Zheng Peipei joined in.

The boys didn't shout, but when he approached, they extended their hands and fist-bumped him as encouragement.

Surrounded by his friends, Su Han felt incredibly warm. Perhaps it was this special moment, but he was also particularly sentimental, with an indescribable excitement. After a moment, he smiled and said, "Thank you!"

"Go on, we're not just audience members, you don't need to thank us." Lu Jiaye patted Su Han's shoulder. "Don't forget your brothers when you get rich and famous. Introduce me to some popular actresses."

"That's all you think about!" Zheng Peipei retorted.

Su Han looked at Zheng Peipei, who immediately became quiet, smiling demurely.

Su Han stepped forward and hugged her, gently patting her shoulder. Then, he hugged each of his friends. When he reached Gu Siyi, just as his gaze shifted towards her, Xia Zhijun put his arm around Gu Siyi and said, "Forget it."

Su Han chuckled. Gu Siyi extended her hand, and Su Han high-fived her. Gu Siyi smiled and said, "Fighting!"

On the bus to the finals venue, Gu Siyi, bored, asked Xia Zhijun beside her, "Do you think I'm not suited for debuting?" He had rejected the offer for her without hesitation earlier.

Xia Zhijun said, "Not suited."

Gu Siyi felt a little embarrassed and tried to save face. "I can sing okay, and I can dance. During the New Year's performance, everyone praised my dancing."

Her dancing was indeed good. Xia Zhijun still remembered the party after military training, where she performed a street dance. Her cool and charming energy seemed to captivate everyone's souls.

There were other people in the car, so Xia Zhijun took out his phone and messaged her on WeChat.

X: "You're not suited because I think you're not suited."

Gu Siyi: "Why?"

X: "Isn't it enough that I like you?"

Gu Siyi: "….."

X: "?"

Seeing no reply from Gu Siyi, he reached out, placed his hand on her shoulder, and gently played with her earlobe.

Gu Siyi quickly replied on her phone, "Enough! More than enough!"

X: "So don't debut and let more people like you."

X: "You're so likable, I don't want thousands of rivals."

Gu Siyi: "[covers face][covers face]"

She lowered her head, her phone against her forehead, hiding her smiling face as a blush crept up her cheeks, her eyes filled with shyness and sweetness.

Xia Zhijun calmly put his arm around her shoulder.

Zheng Peipei glanced over and saw their intimate behavior, especially Gu Siyi's shy appearance, as if she had just heard a ton of sweet nothings… She really wanted to put on an eye mask, otherwise, she would always be forced to witness their lovey-dovey moments!

The finals venue was grand and luxurious.

Sitting in the best VIP seats, they all cheered as Su Han took the stage.

The screams from behind were even louder.

Xia Zhijun calmly sat beside Gu Siyi, holding her hand and quietly appreciating the performance.

After months of training and with his natural talent, Su Han exuded powerful stage presence and confidence. His body language and facial expressions were no less impressive than professional singers and dancers.

Bathed in the spotlight, he stood center stage, a rising star.

The deafening cheers of the audience were all for him.

Seeing him so perfect and powerful, Zheng Peipei was so moved that she shed tears, shouting his name along with the other fans.

During the finals that night, there were several segments where Su Han performed songs in different styles, including energetic dance numbers and gentle ballads.

At the most exciting moment, as the champion was about to be announced, the host asked each contestant for their final words.

Su Han took the microphone and looked towards a section of the audience. "Standing here, I actually don't have my family's support. But I still came because I love the stage, and I want to find my place. Regardless of the outcome, my eighteen-year-old summer, thanks to this unforgettable experience, has become even more colorful. I especially thank my friends; they are the ones who have supported me to this point. Thank you." He bowed deeply in their direction.

The camera focused on the VIP area, and when the image appeared on the big screen, another wave of screams erupted from the audience. The friends and family in the VIP section were all so good-looking! Especially the young man in black, he was no less handsome than Su Han! Amazing!

The host led the applause, and thunderous clapping filled the venue.

Finally, the results were revealed, and Su Han won the championship with the highest number of votes.

No one expected that the champion of the summer's hottest talent show would be an eighteen-year-old high school student.

After the results were announced, a well-known magazine reposted a comment on Weibo: "Perhaps he isn't the best singer, nor the best dancer, but he has the purest and cleanest aura, and the most captivating eyes. Su Han, fighting! Embark on your journey with this pure heart."

Soon, a screenshot of the friends and family group was posted online, and resourceful netizens quickly identified one of them as the recently famous most handsome top scorer of the college entrance exam. The fans went even wilder.

"OMG! Even Susu's friends are so amazing!"

"As expected, excellent people associate with excellent people~"

"Su Han is a student of Longxing High School in City C, a top-tier school, you know?"

"He's so talented! Not only is he handsome, but he can also sing and dance! And not only can he sing and dance, but he's also good at studying! This old lady is a fan!"

…

The festivities ended, and Gu Siyi had to return to school to focus on her studies. The college entrance exam was fast approaching, and she didn't dare to relax.

At the end of the first semester of her senior year, her overall ranking in the grade remained unchanged.

Unlike Xia Zhijun, who was naturally gifted and learned effortlessly, a true academic god, Gu Siyi had to work very hard. And even though she put in tremendous effort, there were many other hardworking students at Longxing, some with good aptitude and a solid foundation. In such a school filled with top students, the higher she climbed, the more difficult it became. Maintaining her current position and not falling behind already required all her strength.

Her parents were very satisfied with her grades. With her current scores, as long as she performed normally during the college entrance exam, getting into a key university shouldn't be a problem.

But Gu Siyi wasn't so optimistic. After Xia Zhijun went to university, she set her sights on the same university. It wasn't one of the top two, so she lowered her expectations slightly. But even that university was among the best of the 985 universities… Without absolute certainty, she couldn't feel at ease.

During winter break, Xia Zhijun returned home.

After returning, he couldn't avoid some social visits with relatives and friends.

One day, Xia Guangyu took his family to meet with the Zhang family for dinner. Xia Zhijun initially treated Zhang Yin like any other classmate, ordinary and indifferent. Ever since he learned that his family wanted him to be with Zhang Yin, he completely avoided any interaction with her. Zhang Yin was also present at his birthday dinner, but he didn't look at her once, didn't say a word to her, practically treating her as air.

At this family gathering, his attitude was equally cold and distant, dispensing with even basic pleasantries.

At the dinner table, the conversation turned to studies, and Zhang Jiang smiled. "Zhijun is the top scorer of the college entrance exam. I remember he got a perfect score in math. Could you spare some time during the winter break to tutor Yin Yin?"

Xia Zhijun said indifferently, "I don't have time. My winter break is fully booked."

Zhang Jiang was taken aback, not expecting such a blunt refusal, without even a polite excuse.

Xia Guangyu was about to say something to smooth things over when Zhang Yin spoke.

"Just because he's good at studying doesn't mean he can teach well. I don't want tutoring. Can't I even have a break during winter break? You want me to study even more."

With both young people expressing their unwillingness, Zhang Jiang could only laugh and say, "Alright, alright, forget it."

Back home, Xia Guangyu criticized Xia Zhijun. "Are you really that busy? You can't even spare a few hours a day for tutoring?"

Xia Zhijun said indifferently, "No."

After Xia Zhijun returned to his room, Peng Ling advised Xia Guangyu, "He's probably still in a sensitive period. Let him be. Let him do what he wants."

Xia Guangyu complained, "We were too lenient with him before, and now we can't control him at all. He always opposes us."

Xia Zhijun's winter break was indeed fully booked because he had arranged with Gu Siyi to tutor her at her home during the break.

He knew that the college entrance exam was only a few months away, and the young lady was under a lot of pressure. Her review methods were also a bit messy, so he needed to help her organize her studies and stabilize her mindset.

On New Year's Day, Xia Zhijun took a car to Gu Siyi's city.

Knowing he was coming, Gu Siyi told her parents and planned to pick him up at the station.

Gu Zhiyuan said, "Don't rush. We'll go together."

So, Gu's father drove, taking his wife and daughter to the high-speed rail station.

Outside the arrival gate, Gu Siyi stared at the flow of people, her heart filled with anticipation and excitement.

When Xia Zhijun's tall figure appeared, her excitement reached its peak. She quickly rushed forward and hugged him.

Xia Zhijun watched the young lady rush into his arms and happily embraced her.

As they hugged, he looked up and saw Gu Siyi's parents—

A slightly awkward and unexpected encounter…

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