Little Sweetheart

The usually unflappable Young Master Xia quickly regained his composure, nodded to Gu Siyi's parents, then released his arms and patted Gu Siyi's shoulder, saying, "Let's go."

Gu Siyi reluctantly left his embrace.

As they walked a short distance, Gu Siyi saw her parents and only then realized they were also present…

Gu Zhiyuan and Xu Jiahui pretended not to notice, casually chatting with Xia Zhijun.

Xia Zhijun said, "Thank you, Uncle and Aunt, for coming to pick me up."

"Don't mention it, don't mention it," Gu Zhiyuan said with a smile.

Embarrassed to continue clinging to Xia Zhijun, Gu Siyi followed her mother, quiet as a little quail.

With Xia Zhijun's arrival, the usually three-person family felt more lively.

While Gu Zhiyuan and Xu Jiahui were busy in the kitchen, Gu Zhiyuan suddenly sighed, "In the blink of an eye, our daughter has grown up. In a few years, she'll be married off…"

Xu Jiahui replied, "Look at you, you're already reluctant to let her go, aren't you?"

"Of course, I am," Gu Zhiyuan said. "It took so much effort to raise such a beautiful daughter."

"No matter how much we want to keep them, they'll eventually get married."

"Well, I still want to keep her for a few more years. Marriage can wait."

"They say mothers-in-law are difficult, but I think you, the father-in-law, will be the tough one."

"Afraid of a tough father-in-law? If you are, don't marry my daughter."

Xu Jiahui chuckled, "…You'll be that annoying old man everyone complains about."

Gu Siyi led Xia Zhijun upstairs to her room to ask him some questions.

Embarrassed to close the door, Gu Siyi left it open. Xia Zhijun was not as relaxed as he would be in his own home and behaved impeccably.

The two sat at the desk, one earnestly explaining, the other attentively listening.

As she listened, Gu Siyi's mind wandered, her gaze fixed on his handsome profile. His features seemed sharper, more mature.

Xia Zhijun turned, catching her dreamy gaze… As if bewitched, he lowered his head and kissed her lips.

Gu Siyi blushed. Before she could react, he pulled back, tapped her head, and said, "Back to the problem."

Gu Siyi thought, "…How does he manage to regain his composure so quickly?"

At dinner, Xu Jiahui asked, "Siyi mentioned you plan to tutor her during the winter break?"

Xia Zhijun nodded. "The college entrance exam is only a few months away. I'll help her organize her thoughts."

"Then you should stay here. I'll get a room ready for you."

"I can stay in a hotel…"

Gu Zhiyuan interrupted him. "We have a spare room. Why bother with the hassle of a hotel?"

In truth, Xia Zhijun preferred a hotel; it offered more freedom. Staying at Gu Siyi's house meant studying either in the study or the living room, always under the watchful eyes of her parents. He would have to be on his best behavior, not daring to step out of line. Any playful teasing, if seen by her parents, would create a bad impression of him being frivolous and unserious.

However, he couldn't refuse the warm invitation from her uncle and aunt, so he accepted.

For the next half-month, the two were like deskmates again, studying together every day.

It was also like being back in the classroom, where they had to maintain a certain distance, even holding hands was a secret thrill.

Gu Siyi's parents took excellent care of them, especially her mother, who frequently brought them tea and fruit.

During this time, Xia Zhijun was like the perfect boy next door, courteous, polite, mature, and generous. Whether in public or private, he maintained a teacher-like demeanor, not wanting to leave even the slightest negative impression on her parents. The Gu couple had nothing but praise for him.

Time together is always fleeting. When it was time for Gu Siyi to return to school, Xia Zhijun also went back.

Thanks to Xia Zhijun's help during the break, Gu Siyi reviewed systematically and progressed steadily during her final semester. Her midterm exam scores reached a new high.

After his debut, Su Han had a busy schedule but still made time to attend classes. Every time he returned to school, it caused a frenzy. Schoolmates would surround his classroom three layers deep. Due to the disruption caused by these public gatherings, his studies relied mainly on one-on-one tutoring.

Zheng Peipei, initially thrilled by his sudden fame, gradually became disheartened.

The distance between them had grown. He was no longer a readily accessible friend but a distant star. She could only learn about his activities through Weibo.

One day, Su Han, fully disguised, came to class very discreetly.

His seat was just across the aisle from Zheng Peipei's. She saw him wearing a mask and froze. His eyes crinkled slightly, a smile in them.

Returning to her seat, Zheng Peipei saw a beautiful little box on her desk. A note attached to it read: "Pastries from the banks of the Seine, fallen leaves from the Champs-Élysées."

She recognized Su Han's handwriting.

Zheng Peipei carefully opened the exquisite box. Inside was a delicate pastry and a golden-yellow leaf.

Covering her mouth, she glanced at Su Han. He was looking down, reading and working on problems.

Carefully placing the items in her drawer, she took out her phone, wanting to send him a WeChat message.

But she typed and deleted, unsure what to say. Finally, she put her phone away.

She picked up her textbook, seemingly focused on studying, but her mind was a whirl, her heart bubbling with excitement.

During her senior year, Zheng Peipei was much more serious about her studies than she had been in her first year. Especially with her good friend Gu Siyi working so hard, she was unconsciously influenced to be more diligent. She had to get into a decent university, otherwise, her family wouldn't be satisfied.

Everyone was working hard on their own paths. Time flew by, and it was time for the annual twin birthdays again.

Xia Zhijun flew back from the imperial capital to celebrate with his friends.

Even Su Han, with his busy schedule, made time to join them.

All eight of them, not one missing.

At this birthday gathering, they inevitably talked about the future.

Su Han said, "I've passed the Beijing Film Academy's art exam. Now I just need to wait for the academic exam."

Zhou Xiao said, "With your grades, you're set. Congratulations in advance."

Gu Siyi echoed, "Congratulations, congratulations!"

Zheng Peipei knew he had taken the Beijing Film Academy exam; he had been surrounded by fans when he went for the test, making headlines. She followed every detail of his journey, only regretting that she couldn't be there with him.

Xia Zhijun asked Lu Jiaye, "What about you?"

Lu Jiaye said, "It depends. My dad wants me to study abroad. But I can't bear to leave my beautiful motherland."

Zheng Peipei sighed, "My dad wants me to study abroad too, but I don't want to go…"

Lu Jiaye quickly said, "Hey, we can go together and look out for each other."

Su Han looked at Zheng Peipei, his eyes darkening.

Zhou Xiao said, "Looks like we'll be divided into two camps: the study abroad group and the domestic group. I'll vote with my feet and choose the beautiful landscapes of our motherland."

Half a month later, the college entrance exam arrived with great fanfare, and these young people finally faced the first major test of their lives.

Xia Zhijun took leave to come back and accompany Gu Siyi during the exam.

Although Gu Siyi's parents were also there, having booked a hotel and planned to stay with her for the two days, Xia Zhijun still came.

The night before the exam, Gu Zhiyuan specifically gave the two some time alone to go for a walk.

Xia Zhijun handed Gu Siyi a small box. She opened it to find a Pandora charm.

Xia Zhijun put it on her bracelet and said, "Regardless of how you perform, this is just a part of life. Embrace it, challenge it. This charm isn't to commemorate the exam itself, but to commemorate the three years of hard work you've put in."

Looking at the beautiful, sparkling charm, Gu Siyi said slowly, "But I'm worried. What if I don't do well and can't get into your university…"

"I never expected you to go to my university. As long as we're in the same city, not too far apart, that's fine."

"That won't do… My boyfriend is so handsome. What if those senior girls have their eyes on him? If we're not at the same school, I can't even declare my sovereignty," Gu Siyi grumbled playfully.

Xia Zhijun chuckled, his heart warmed. He tilted his head, a playful glint in his eyes, and said, "That's easy to solve. You can come stroll around my campus today, and I'll visit yours tomorrow. No matter the weather, we'll diligently show off our love, how about that?"

The words "show off our love" made Gu Siyi blush. Lowering her head, she giggled, "Even the top student is cheesy."

Xia Zhijun hugged Gu Siyi, bent down, rested his head on her shoulder, and whispered in her ear, "The college entrance exam is just a small matter. Just focus on taking the test. Good or bad, I'll be there for you."

Gu Siyi nodded and softly replied, "Mm."

After Xia Zhijun's pre-exam pep talk, Gu Siyi felt much calmer.

For the next two days, she immersed herself in the exams, using the knowledge she had diligently accumulated over the past three years to engage in this exhilarating battle of wits.

After the exams, when the answer keys were released and others were busy checking their answers and calculating their scores, Gu Siyi didn't even look. She buried her head in her pillow and slept soundly.

Her attitude was excellent. "The exams are over. Checking the answers won't change the scores. I'll just wait."

Her parents didn't know how she had performed, but based on her previous grades, she should at least get into a key university. This had already met their initial expectations when they transferred her to Longxing High School.

Seeing Gu Siyi's relaxed attitude, they weren't worried either. They would just wait for the results.

Soon, the exam scores were released. Gu Siyi achieved her highest score ever, ranking in the top 50 in the city, giving her free rein to choose any top university in the country.

Gu Siyi was so happy she rolled around on the sofa.

Gu Zhiyuan was in disbelief. "…Are you sure there's no mistake? You can apply to Tsinghua University and Peking University?"

Xu Jiahui was so overjoyed she didn't know what to say. After a while, she said with a smile, "Our ancestors must have blessed us. Our family is going to have a student from Tsinghua or Peking University!"

"Haha, I wouldn't have even dreamed of this! Siyi, with her not-so-developed brain cells, could actually achieve this?"

Gu Siyi chuckled. "It's all thanks to my excellent teachers. You have to consider who's been tutoring me. A top scorer in the college entrance exam, a first-place winner in international competitions, a genius! Do you think everyone has access to the kind of tutoring I had?"

Gu Zhiyuan said cheerfully, "Yes, you're right. Xia Zhijun deserves a lot of credit."

Xu Jiahui added with a laugh, "You were smart for once, latching onto a genius."

"I've always been smart. Otherwise, why would he have chosen me?" Gu Siyi grinned.

Xia Zhijun had tutored her for three years, building a solid foundation from the start of high school and correcting her bad thinking habits. Relying on his learning strategies and methods, she had made steady progress. And she hadn't slacked off either, working diligently for three years, never daring to be careless.

Sometimes she felt the pressure, sometimes she felt tired, and sometimes she wanted to give up. If she hadn't pushed herself so hard, life would have been much easier. But then she would think of Xia Zhijun… and she couldn't. He was so good, so outstanding, how could she give up on herself?

Especially since he had always been by her side, tutoring and helping her, patiently correcting her mistakes, even after leaving school, he continued to compile exercise books for her.

He had poured his heart into guiding her flight, how could she bow to difficulties and allow herself to fall behind?

Even the toughest days were sweetened by his presence.

Three years, and she had finally made it.

When it came time to fill out her university application, the Gu couple consulted with their daughter.

Gu Siyi said, "I plan to apply to XX University of Aeronautics and Astronautics."

Gu Zhiyuan asked, "Is that Xia Zhijun's university?"

Gu Siyi nodded. "Mm-hmm."

"It's a good school, but is it the best choice for you?"

"Your score qualifies you for top universities. Aren't you considering Tsinghua or Peking University?"

"No, I want to be at the same university as him." Gu Siyi showed her parents the application guide. "Look, they have a Department of Economics and Management. I'll apply for that major, and then I can help you with the business in the future, Dad."

"Okay, okay, it's all up to Siyi. You earned this score, so you can choose whichever university you want." Gu Zhiyuan was very open-minded. Although Tsinghua or Peking University would sound more prestigious, he understood the young couple's desire to be together.

Xu Jiahui also agreed. "You've worked hard for three years in high school. Now, as long as you're happy, that's all that matters."

When Gu Siyi returned to City C to submit her application, her classmates organized a class reunion, a thank-you dinner for their teachers, taking advantage of everyone being back in town. Xia Zhijun found out and asked her on WeChat:

X: "Do you want me to go with you?"

Gu Ming Siyi: "It's just my classmates, how can you come?"

X: "Most of them are my former classmates too. Why can't I come?"

Gu Ming Siyi: "…【facepalm】【facepalm】"

Gu Siyi was hesitant and a little embarrassed, so Xia Zhijun didn't press the issue.

However, when she arrived at the hotel, she saw Xia Zhijun already sitting at the table with Zhou Xiao. Everyone was enthusiastically chatting with him, and even the teachers were excited by his presence.

Seeing her arrive, the math teacher gestured for her to sit in the empty seat next to Xia Zhijun and said, "You two have finally made it to graduation. Now you can officially be together."

Gu Siyi blushed. How did the teacher know…?

The whole table erupted in cheers. Someone started clapping, and everyone else joined in.

"Together! Together! Together!" The rhythmic chants filled the room.

URGENT: Our Google Ads account was blocked due to violations. We'd deeply appreciate your support through donations to help us continue our work. Or we won't be able to continue the translations.

ʕ•́ᴥ•̀ʔっ

Love what you read?