CH 38

The winter of Xiaoya's second high school year was especially boring and there was not much of a New Year's atmosphere either.

This was because Xiaoya's mother was quite strict at home, and while at school, Xiaoya also had no freedom.

Cheng Kexin: "That's so not true. I know for a fact there was someone who confessed to you at the beginning of the semester."

When Cheng Kexin returned, Xiaoya was still "refusing to submit" but she was already in imminent danger, as two girls laughing mischievously were planning on climbing up to her bed.

A Twist of Fate

Noticing it was about time for the lights to go out, the girls of room five-two-oh returned to their beds. The girl with the headphones sat cross-legged on her bed and asked, "Is it Jie Ke-ge from class four?"

Cheng Kexin pulled off her facial mask and said analytically, "If the entire grade will know, then it means we know who they are, and they're not in our class. Plus, the possibility of it becoming huge gossip makes it necessary for both parties to have the same level notoriety, indicating that the person in question isn't just a handsome guy, but a model student. If he said you two should study together, such a subtle approach tells us that he isn't someone experienced in love. It's impossible for you to not know them at all, with such an incredibly small scope."

Xiaoya: "I already replied to him clearly. After I tell you guys, what's going to happen if it spreads to the entire grade or who knows how far? Don't interfere with someone's studies."

Xiaoya's cousins got married one after the other, so she now had a lot more nieces and nephews. So starting from her grandparents, there were four generations of her family altogether.

Cheng Kexin then asked, "Why did you say Liu Xiangyu?"

When Cheng Kexin returned, Xiaoya was still "refusing to submit" but she was already in imminent danger, as two girls laughing mischievously were planning on climbing up to her bed.

But this year, Xiaoya's eldest paternal cousin, who settled in Lin Province, not only did he take along her great aunt and uncle, he also took their grandparents over. A few relatives who stayed in Nancheng weren't there to meat the elders. Various young family members who started families of their own just celebrated the New Year on their own.

"Ooouuuuuuuu."

"Captain, Happy New Year." Even though they didn't get to spent the New Year together, they were still in the same city, and were able to enjoy the same view of the brilliant night sky.

But this year, Xiaoya's eldest paternal cousin, who settled in Lin Province, not only did he take along her great aunt and uncle, he also took their grandparents over. A few relatives who stayed in Nancheng weren't there to meat the elders. Various young family members who started families of their own just celebrated the New Year on their own.

Xiaoya returned to her room as well, lying on her bed, and turning on her phone. Under the brilliant explosions of fireworks and amid crackling of firecrackers, she send Lu Xiaobei her fist greeting of the new year.

Spending two years now without the bustling large family gathered together had made Xiaoya almost forget how they were. On the night of New Year's Eve, despite the extravagant meal her mother had prepared, the family of three still felt something was lacking. Her parents had worked hard busying themselves all day, so they had both turned in early.

The headphones girl: "Is it the sports committee member from class six, then? That really hot guy?"

Xiaoya poked her head out from her bunk. "Weren't you reading? And you wearing headphones, were you listening to us secretly?" For more than year, Xiaoya hadn't gotten a haircut, so her originally chest-length hair was despite growing slowly now reached her waist. So when she draped it down like that she looked like SadakoT/N: The long haired ghost girl from The Ring movies .

Xiaoya: "Nope."

No one can replace Lu Xiaobei, nor was it possible to like anyone as she did Lu Xiaobei. Lu Xiaobei had taught her how to become beautiful, how to love and how to be loved.

The girl wearing the headphones peeked outside the door then pulled off her headset. "Don't even try changing the subject! Spill! Who bowed down to the feminine charms of our dorm's number one beauty?"

Xiaoya returned to her room as well, lying on her bed, and turning on her phone. Under the brilliant explosions of fireworks and amid crackling of firecrackers, she send Lu Xiaobei her fist greeting of the new year.

There were a lot of students in Xiaoya's class who felt that their time at Yunta High was rather difficult, but Xiaoya found it alright. To her, school was not hell. To her, home was also not heaven.

"Who? Who? Who is it??!! Who want to 'stu-dy' 'to-ge-ther'?"

Headphones girl: "My hand's up! I think so too! That playboy Liu Xiangyu hasn't had any rumours about his love life floating around for half a year. Xiaoya, it really seems as though you have timed that wild horse."

"Captain, Happy New Year." Even though they didn't get to spent the New Year together, they were still in the same city, and were able to enjoy the same view of the brilliant night sky.

The winter of Xiaoya's second high school year was especially boring and there was not much of a New Year's atmosphere either.

Lu Xiaobei: "Happy New Year, Xiaoya. I love you."

The room abruptly fell into darkness, the time for lights out had arrived.

To which Xiaoya replied without a care, "I haven't the slightest clue why he would be avoiding me." Letting out a yawn, she then continued, "Who cares what he's thinking anyhow."

"That long-distance boyfriend of yours?" Cheng Kexin then continued, "You don't talk about him, plus, you're the one who calls him every time. I've never seen him call you himself."

After the second term of her second high school year began, Xiaoya no longer brought her phone to school just as she promised Mr. Li. Lu Xiaobei had already got Xiaoya's class schedule, so whenever she was free at noon or night, Lu Xiaobei would call her. Even though their calls would only last for a few minutes, they was incredibly sweet.

Headphones girl: "My hand's up! I think so too! That playboy Liu Xiangyu hasn't had any rumours about his love life floating around for half a year. Xiaoya, it really seems as though you have timed that wild horse."

The didn't get to contact each other as much as they had the year before, but this time around, their hearts were much closer. Perhaps it would be just as Mo Yichen said about everything turning out alright once they enter university. As those were words Xiaoya, herself, also believes.

Xiaoya: "I'm seeing someone right now."

The didn't get to contact each other as much as they had the year before, but this time around, their hearts were much closer. Perhaps it would be just as Mo Yichen said about everything turning out alright once they enter university. As those were words Xiaoya, herself, also believes.

"That long-distance boyfriend of yours?" Cheng Kexin then continued, "You don't talk about him, plus, you're the one who calls him every time. I've never seen him call you himself."

But few knew that what the foundation maintaining this peace was made of, was a taboo subject which must never be mentioned.

Cheng Kexin laughed, then threw her face mask into the trash bin before heading to the sink to wash her face. The other's now pointed their guns at Xiaoya and begun their interrogation. "If you confess we will be lenient, but if you resist... we will be severe."

Putting on a facial mask while on her bed, having watched Xiaoya reluctantly hang up the phone, Cheng Kexin said, "If I didn't just answer and hand the phone to you, which made me know the person on the other line was a girl, I would've sworn you were in love again."

As a result, the girls of her dorm still know nothing to this day. They have no idea the girl—who calls Xiaoya so often, and whose voice was a blessing to the ear—was precisely the "boyfriend" of Xiaoya in question.

"That long-distance boyfriend of yours?" Cheng Kexin then continued, "You don't talk about him, plus, you're the one who calls him every time. I've never seen him call you himself."

Putting on a facial mask while on her bed, having watched Xiaoya reluctantly hang up the phone, Cheng Kexin said, "If I didn't just answer and hand the phone to you, which made me know the person on the other line was a girl, I would've sworn you were in love again."

A Twist of Fate

Xiaoya: "I'm seeing someone right now."

Spending two years now without the bustling large family gathered together had made Xiaoya almost forget how they were. On the night of New Year's Eve, despite the extravagant meal her mother had prepared, the family of three still felt something was lacking. Her parents had worked hard busying themselves all day, so they had both turned in early.

Bottom bunk girl: "No! We ant to hear what gossip you have about Liu Xiangyu right now!"

Xiaoya: "I'm seeing someone right now."

Xiaoya: "Nope."

"That long-distance boyfriend of yours?" Cheng Kexin then continued, "You don't talk about him, plus, you're the one who calls him every time. I've never seen him call you himself."

Cheng Kexin: "That's so not true. I know for a fact there was someone who confessed to you at the beginning of the semester."

Cheng Kexin: "Quit shaking, stop it already. If you guys keep shaking, you'll shake down all the dust from the top bunk." Cheng Kexin slept on the bottom bunk of the bed beside Xiaoya's, so if Xiaoya and the girls on her side made trouble, Cheng Kexin ad the kids on her side will get caught in the fallout.

Back when she was still an insecure girl, being called "dinosaur"T/n: Slang for ugly women or "ugly girl", Lu Xiaobei was like a beam of light that brightened her heart.

Sometimes, Xiaoya would be the one to call, and because she would say playful and mushy words, they would guess the other person on the line was this "boyfriend" of Xiaoya's. And Xiaoya never denied it.

Spending two years now without the bustling large family gathered together had made Xiaoya almost forget how they were. On the night of New Year's Eve, despite the extravagant meal her mother had prepared, the family of three still felt something was lacking. Her parents had worked hard busying themselves all day, so they had both turned in early.

Xiaoya: "..."

Xiaoya and the girls playing with her all flushed. "I'm really not going to tell you. But if you guess who..."

Xiaoya didn't know what she should say. It wasn't that the thought of telling her business to the girl's of room five-two-oh had never crossed her mind. She believed that the generation born after the information boom of the nineties would rarely hold old stubborn views. But she could be assured at their penchant for gossip. She had no intention of making any mistakes again that would allow her mother to take hold and exploit it as a weakness.

Sometimes, Xiaoya would be the one to call, and because she would say playful and mushy words, they would guess the other person on the line was this "boyfriend" of Xiaoya's. And Xiaoya never denied it.

Cheng Kexin then asked, "Why did you say Liu Xiangyu?"

The girl on Xiaoya's bottom bunk: "The guy seems a little shorter, but he should be about the same height as Xiaoya. But my guess is... Liu... Xiangyu."

To which Xiaoya replied without a care, "I haven't the slightest clue why he would be avoiding me." Letting out a yawn, she then continued, "Who cares what he's thinking anyhow."

Xiaoya: "..."

Headphones girl: "My hand's up! I think so too! That playboy Liu Xiangyu hasn't had any rumours about his love life floating around for half a year. Xiaoya, it really seems as though you have timed that wild horse."

Xiaoya returned to her room as well, lying on her bed, and turning on her phone. Under the brilliant explosions of fireworks and amid crackling of firecrackers, she send Lu Xiaobei her fist greeting of the new year.

As a result, the girls of her dorm still know nothing to this day. They have no idea the girl—who calls Xiaoya so often, and whose voice was a blessing to the ear—was precisely the "boyfriend" of Xiaoya in question.

To which Xiaoya replied without a care, "I haven't the slightest clue why he would be avoiding me." Letting out a yawn, she then continued, "Who cares what he's thinking anyhow."

Sometimes, Xiaoya would be the one to call, and because she would say playful and mushy words, they would guess the other person on the line was this "boyfriend" of Xiaoya's. And Xiaoya never denied it.

After the second term of her second high school year began, Xiaoya no longer brought her phone to school just as she promised Mr. Li. Lu Xiaobei had already got Xiaoya's class schedule, so whenever she was free at noon or night, Lu Xiaobei would call her. Even though their calls would only last for a few minutes, they was incredibly sweet.

Xiaoya: "You're being ridiculous. It was completely innocent. He just said my result were good, and asked to meet up after every day to study."

"That long-distance boyfriend of yours?" Cheng Kexin then continued, "You don't talk about him, plus, you're the one who calls him every time. I've never seen him call you himself."

Xiaoya had finished washing up earlier, so she climbed up to her bunk with the intention of going straight to bed. "No way, she's the only one who likes me."

Xiaoya: "Then you're just setting yourself up for disappointment. I have no gossip about me and him. Ever since Xiao Xinxin (Cheng Kexin) started eating together, I had no reason for Liu Xiangyu to deliver the food any more. And after he helped me charge my phone, we haven't crossed paths. I think he might actually be avoiding me."

Xiaoya had finished washing up earlier, so she climbed up to her bunk with the intention of going straight to bed. "No way, she's the only one who likes me."

The girl wearing the headphones peeked outside the door then pulled off her headset. "Don't even try changing the subject! Spill! Who bowed down to the feminine charms of our dorm's number one beauty?"

The girl at the bottom of Xiaoya's bunk chimed in, "What happens if we guess?!"

五好家庭: five-good-family (good here can be thought of as "ideal"). Anyhow, to earn this title the following five criteria must be met. [](1) Loving your country, abiding by the law; earnestly keeping the best interest of the community at heart. [](2) Study well to advance; dedicate yourself to your work wholeheartedly. [](3)Men and women are equal; respect the old and cherish the young.[](4)Break away from old customs; have less kids for a better upbringing.[](5)Harmony between a husband and wife; unity amongst thy neighbours.

◈◇◈

Xiaoya talking to Cheng Kexin like this had made the other girls who were reading or listening to music suddenly began kicking up a fuss. It was as if they were lying in wait for gossip. "Ohhhhhhh..."

Back when she was still an insecure girl, being called "dinosaur"T/n: Slang for ugly women or "ugly girl", Lu Xiaobei was like a beam of light that brightened her heart.

N/A

No one can replace Lu Xiaobei, nor was it possible to like anyone as she did Lu Xiaobei. Lu Xiaobei had taught her how to become beautiful, how to love and how to be loved.

The girl in the bunk below Xiaoya picked up her book and tucked it into the hand railing, patting Cheng Kexin. "The logic is sound and it's perfectly reasonable."

A Twist of Fate

But, fortunately, the relationship between Xiaoya and her mother relaxed greatly. Now, her mother took her out. Plus, there wasn;t anyone who didn't praise them for being a five-good-family. When she took Xiaoya along, Xiaoya became the idealised "other family's child" to neighbours and relatives alike, stirring up a great deal of envy from others.

Cheng Kexin: "That's so not true. I know for a fact there was someone who confessed to you at the beginning of the semester."

Xiaoya: "There's no grass in my yard, sorry. Anyhow the lights will be out soon, so are you guys done guessing?"

Lu Xiaobei: "Happy New Year, Xiaoya. I love you."

Xiaoya didn't know what she should say. It wasn't that the thought of telling her business to the girl's of room five-two-oh had never crossed her mind. She believed that the generation born after the information boom of the nineties would rarely hold old stubborn views. But she could be assured at their penchant for gossip. She had no intention of making any mistakes again that would allow her mother to take hold and exploit it as a weakness.

Sometimes, Xiaoya would be the one to call, and because she would say playful and mushy words, they would guess the other person on the line was this "boyfriend" of Xiaoya's. And Xiaoya never denied it.

Spending two years now without the bustling large family gathered together had made Xiaoya almost forget how they were. On the night of New Year's Eve, despite the extravagant meal her mother had prepared, the family of three still felt something was lacking. Her parents had worked hard busying themselves all day, so they had both turned in early.

Xiaoya: "You're being ridiculous. It was completely innocent. He just said my result were good, and asked to meet up after every day to study."

Xiaoya: "I'm seeing someone right now."

With a face full of black lines, Xiaoya replied, "No. I don't even know him."

Xiaoya had finished washing up earlier, so she climbed up to her bunk with the intention of going straight to bed. "No way, she's the only one who likes me."

Xiaoya talking to Cheng Kexin like this had made the other girls who were reading or listening to music suddenly began kicking up a fuss. It was as if they were lying in wait for gossip. "Ohhhhhhh..."

After turning around on her bed, Xiaoya soon fell asleep.

Xiaoya: "I'm seeing someone right now."

"Wow... This is so a case of pure love. This is the kind of love a school should encourage!"

The girl on Xiaoya's bottom bunk: "The guy seems a little shorter, but he should be about the same height as Xiaoya. But my guess is... Liu... Xiangyu."

Xiaoya had finished washing up earlier, so she climbed up to her bunk with the intention of going straight to bed. "No way, she's the only one who likes me."

"Ooouuuuuuuu."

◈◇◈

Nor did she ever fathom, the reason for such a happening would be related to two people. One being someone she hadn't known for long: Liu Xiangyu. The other being someone she hadn't been in contact with for a long time...

Nor did she ever fathom, the reason for such a happening would be related to two people. One being someone she hadn't known for long: Liu Xiangyu. The other being someone she hadn't been in contact with for a long time...

Xiaoya returned to her room as well, lying on her bed, and turning on her phone. Under the brilliant explosions of fireworks and amid crackling of firecrackers, she send Lu Xiaobei her fist greeting of the new year.

Noticing it was about time for the lights to go out, the girls of room five-two-oh returned to their beds. The girl with the headphones sat cross-legged on her bed and asked, "Is it Jie Ke-ge from class four?"

"Who? Who? Who is it??!! Who want to 'stu-dy' 'to-ge-ther'?"

With a face full of black lines, Xiaoya replied, "No. I don't even know him."

Spending two years now without the bustling large family gathered together had made Xiaoya almost forget how they were. On the night of New Year's Eve, despite the extravagant meal her mother had prepared, the family of three still felt something was lacking. Her parents had worked hard busying themselves all day, so they had both turned in early.

"Captain, Happy New Year." Even though they didn't get to spent the New Year together, they were still in the same city, and were able to enjoy the same view of the brilliant night sky.

After wounding each other as badly as they had, they both learned to avoid it, they both learned to turn the page. So despite them not being as close as they were, they were more caring towards the other, more polite.

Headphones girl: "My hand's up! I think so too! That playboy Liu Xiangyu hasn't had any rumours about his love life floating around for half a year. Xiaoya, it really seems as though you have timed that wild horse."

"Wow... This is so a case of pure love. This is the kind of love a school should encourage!"

The feelings she had were few, only a teaspoon, only enough to hold one person. Whether others like her or not, will also make her feel happy or sad, but none of those would stay in her heart for too long.

Standing in front on the bottom bunk, they took hold of Xiaoya's bed, and had a foot on the step ladder as they fought with Xiaoya. As a result of this, the entire bunk bed shook like a sieve.

But few knew that what the foundation maintaining this peace was made of, was a taboo subject which must never be mentioned.

Xiaoya poked her head out from her bunk. "Weren't you reading? And you wearing headphones, were you listening to us secretly?" For more than year, Xiaoya hadn't gotten a haircut, so her originally chest-length hair was despite growing slowly now reached her waist. So when she draped it down like that she looked like SadakoT/N: The long haired ghost girl from The Ring movies .

Nor did she ever fathom, the reason for such a happening would be related to two people. One being someone she hadn't known for long: Liu Xiangyu. The other being someone she hadn't been in contact with for a long time...

The girl in the bunk beneath Xiaoya's put down her book on her the bed and flung Xiaoya's overhanging hair playfully. "Don't hang your hair down like this at night, it's super creepy. And I wasn't listening to you secretly, I was listening to you openly."

But few knew that what the foundation maintaining this peace was made of, was a taboo subject which must never be mentioned.

Xiaoya talking to Cheng Kexin like this had made the other girls who were reading or listening to music suddenly began kicking up a fuss. It was as if they were lying in wait for gossip. "Ohhhhhhh..."

Xiaoya: "I would never lie to you guys."

The girl wearing the headphones peeked outside the door then pulled off her headset. "Don't even try changing the subject! Spill! Who bowed down to the feminine charms of our dorm's number one beauty?"

Xiaoya: "..."

The girl in the bunk below Xiaoya picked up her book and tucked it into the hand railing, patting Cheng Kexin. "The logic is sound and it's perfectly reasonable."

Xiaoya: "Nope."

Standing in front on the bottom bunk, they took hold of Xiaoya's bed, and had a foot on the step ladder as they fought with Xiaoya. As a result of this, the entire bunk bed shook like a sieve.

Xiaoya didn't know what she should say. It wasn't that the thought of telling her business to the girl's of room five-two-oh had never crossed her mind. She believed that the generation born after the information boom of the nineties would rarely hold old stubborn views. But she could be assured at their penchant for gossip. She had no intention of making any mistakes again that would allow her mother to take hold and exploit it as a weakness.

The bottom bunk girl: "Why do you ask? Liu Xiangyu hasn't confessed to Xiaoya even now, which to me seems strange. Am I the only one who thinks so? Ever since Xiaoya came here, he's been staring at her, has he not?"

Xiaoya: "Nope."

Xiaoya: "I already replied to him clearly. After I tell you guys, what's going to happen if it spreads to the entire grade or who knows how far? Don't interfere with someone's studies."

But, fortunately, the relationship between Xiaoya and her mother relaxed greatly. Now, her mother took her out. Plus, there wasn;t anyone who didn't praise them for being a five-good-family. When she took Xiaoya along, Xiaoya became the idealised "other family's child" to neighbours and relatives alike, stirring up a great deal of envy from others.

Cheng Kexin pulled off her facial mask and said analytically, "If the entire grade will know, then it means we know who they are, and they're not in our class. Plus, the possibility of it becoming huge gossip makes it necessary for both parties to have the same level notoriety, indicating that the person in question isn't just a handsome guy, but a model student. If he said you two should study together, such a subtle approach tells us that he isn't someone experienced in love. It's impossible for you to not know them at all, with such an incredibly small scope."

Xiaoya's cousins got married one after the other, so she now had a lot more nieces and nephews. So starting from her grandparents, there were four generations of her family altogether.

The girl in the bunk below Xiaoya picked up her book and tucked it into the hand railing, patting Cheng Kexin. "The logic is sound and it's perfectly reasonable."

Back when she was still an insecure girl, being called "dinosaur"T/n: Slang for ugly women or "ugly girl", Lu Xiaobei was like a beam of light that brightened her heart.

The feelings she had were few, only a teaspoon, only enough to hold one person. Whether others like her or not, will also make her feel happy or sad, but none of those would stay in her heart for too long.

Spending two years now without the bustling large family gathered together had made Xiaoya almost forget how they were. On the night of New Year's Eve, despite the extravagant meal her mother had prepared, the family of three still felt something was lacking. Her parents had worked hard busying themselves all day, so they had both turned in early.

Xiaoya and the girls playing with her all flushed. "I'm really not going to tell you. But if you guess who..."

While counting down the time until lights out, Xiaoya replied, "It's not a day-student."

To which Xiaoya replied without a care, "I haven't the slightest clue why he would be avoiding me." Letting out a yawn, she then continued, "Who cares what he's thinking anyhow."

Headphones girl: "My hand's up! I think so too! That playboy Liu Xiangyu hasn't had any rumours about his love life floating around for half a year. Xiaoya, it really seems as though you have timed that wild horse."

Cheng Kexin laughed, then threw her face mask into the trash bin before heading to the sink to wash her face. The other's now pointed their guns at Xiaoya and begun their interrogation. "If you confess we will be lenient, but if you resist... we will be severe."

Noticing it was about time for the lights to go out, the girls of room five-two-oh returned to their beds. The girl with the headphones sat cross-legged on her bed and asked, "Is it Jie Ke-ge from class four?"

When Cheng Kexin returned, Xiaoya was still "refusing to submit" but she was already in imminent danger, as two girls laughing mischievously were planning on climbing up to her bed.

Cheng Kexin pulled off her facial mask and said analytically, "If the entire grade will know, then it means we know who they are, and they're not in our class. Plus, the possibility of it becoming huge gossip makes it necessary for both parties to have the same level notoriety, indicating that the person in question isn't just a handsome guy, but a model student. If he said you two should study together, such a subtle approach tells us that he isn't someone experienced in love. It's impossible for you to not know them at all, with such an incredibly small scope."

While counting down the time until lights out, Xiaoya replied, "It's not a day-student."

"That long-distance boyfriend of yours?" Cheng Kexin then continued, "You don't talk about him, plus, you're the one who calls him every time. I've never seen him call you himself."

◈◇◈

Xiaoya didn't know what she should say. It wasn't that the thought of telling her business to the girl's of room five-two-oh had never crossed her mind. She believed that the generation born after the information boom of the nineties would rarely hold old stubborn views. But she could be assured at their penchant for gossip. She had no intention of making any mistakes again that would allow her mother to take hold and exploit it as a weakness.

Standing in front on the bottom bunk, they took hold of Xiaoya's bed, and had a foot on the step ladder as they fought with Xiaoya. As a result of this, the entire bunk bed shook like a sieve.

The bottom bunk girl: "Why do you ask? Liu Xiangyu hasn't confessed to Xiaoya even now, which to me seems strange. Am I the only one who thinks so? Ever since Xiaoya came here, he's been staring at her, has he not?"

Xiaoya: "Nope."

Cheng Kexin pulled off her facial mask and said analytically, "If the entire grade will know, then it means we know who they are, and they're not in our class. Plus, the possibility of it becoming huge gossip makes it necessary for both parties to have the same level notoriety, indicating that the person in question isn't just a handsome guy, but a model student. If he said you two should study together, such a subtle approach tells us that he isn't someone experienced in love. It's impossible for you to not know them at all, with such an incredibly small scope."

Cheng Kexin then asked, "Why did you say Liu Xiangyu?"

Xiaoya: "Nope."

Xiaoya once believed this stalemate between them would last for a long time. But, contrary to her expectations, the turning point of it all would arrive so quickly.

"Ooouuuuuuuu."

Cheng Kexin: "Quit shaking, stop it already. If you guys keep shaking, you'll shake down all the dust from the top bunk." Cheng Kexin slept on the bottom bunk of the bed beside Xiaoya's, so if Xiaoya and the girls on her side made trouble, Cheng Kexin ad the kids on her side will get caught in the fallout.

Xiaoya: "I already replied to him clearly. After I tell you guys, what's going to happen if it spreads to the entire grade or who knows how far? Don't interfere with someone's studies."

Xiaoya once believed this stalemate between them would last for a long time. But, contrary to her expectations, the turning point of it all would arrive so quickly.

The headphones girl: "Is it the sports committee member from class six, then? That really hot guy?"

Cheng Kexin suddenly asked, "Why would he be avoiding you?"

"Ooouuuuuuuu."

Xiaoya and the girls playing with her all flushed. "I'm really not going to tell you. But if you guess who..."

"Wow... This is so a case of pure love. This is the kind of love a school should encourage!"

The headphones girl: "But he once came to find Cheng Kexin to find out your name. Right, Cheng Kexin? But he was too short, a few centimetres shorter than you it seems. Even though his family has a lot of money, looks are important too."

"Ooouuuuuuuu."

The girl at the bottom of Xiaoya's bunk chimed in, "What happens if we guess?!"

The girl in the bunk beneath Xiaoya's put down her book on her the bed and flung Xiaoya's overhanging hair playfully. "Don't hang your hair down like this at night, it's super creepy. And I wasn't listening to you secretly, I was listening to you openly."

"Who? Who? Who is it??!! Who want to 'stu-dy' 'to-ge-ther'?"

"Who? Who? Who is it??!! Who want to 'stu-dy' 'to-ge-ther'?"

Xiaoya: "I would never lie to you guys."

Cheng Kexin suddenly asked, "Why would he be avoiding you?"

"That long-distance boyfriend of yours?" Cheng Kexin then continued, "You don't talk about him, plus, you're the one who calls him every time. I've never seen him call you himself."

Standing in front on the bottom bunk, they took hold of Xiaoya's bed, and had a foot on the step ladder as they fought with Xiaoya. As a result of this, the entire bunk bed shook like a sieve.

Standing in front on the bottom bunk, they took hold of Xiaoya's bed, and had a foot on the step ladder as they fought with Xiaoya. As a result of this, the entire bunk bed shook like a sieve.

"Who? Who? Who is it??!! Who want to 'stu-dy' 'to-ge-ther'?"

Noticing it was about time for the lights to go out, the girls of room five-two-oh returned to their beds. The girl with the headphones sat cross-legged on her bed and asked, "Is it Jie Ke-ge from class four?"

While counting down the time until lights out, Xiaoya replied, "It's not a day-student."

Xiaoya: "Then you're just setting yourself up for disappointment. I have no gossip about me and him. Ever since Xiao Xinxin (Cheng Kexin) started eating together, I had no reason for Liu Xiangyu to deliver the food any more. And after he helped me charge my phone, we haven't crossed paths. I think he might actually be avoiding me."

Xiaoya didn't know what she should say. It wasn't that the thought of telling her business to the girl's of room five-two-oh had never crossed her mind. She believed that the generation born after the information boom of the nineties would rarely hold old stubborn views. But she could be assured at their penchant for gossip. She had no intention of making any mistakes again that would allow her mother to take hold and exploit it as a weakness.

Xiaoya: "Nope."

Xiaoya didn't know what she should say. It wasn't that the thought of telling her business to the girl's of room five-two-oh had never crossed her mind. She believed that the generation born after the information boom of the nineties would rarely hold old stubborn views. But she could be assured at their penchant for gossip. She had no intention of making any mistakes again that would allow her mother to take hold and exploit it as a weakness.

The headphones girl: "Is it the sports committee member from class six, then? That really hot guy?"

Putting on a facial mask while on her bed, having watched Xiaoya reluctantly hang up the phone, Cheng Kexin said, "If I didn't just answer and hand the phone to you, which made me know the person on the other line was a girl, I would've sworn you were in love again."

Xiaoya: "Nope."

Xiaoya: "You're being ridiculous. It was completely innocent. He just said my result were good, and asked to meet up after every day to study."

The girl wearing the headphones peeked outside the door then pulled off her headset. "Don't even try changing the subject! Spill! Who bowed down to the feminine charms of our dorm's number one beauty?"

Putting on a facial mask while on her bed, having watched Xiaoya reluctantly hang up the phone, Cheng Kexin said, "If I didn't just answer and hand the phone to you, which made me know the person on the other line was a girl, I would've sworn you were in love again."

Cheng Kexin: "That's so not true. I know for a fact there was someone who confessed to you at the beginning of the semester."

"Who? Who? Who is it??!! Who want to 'stu-dy' 'to-ge-ther'?"

The headphones girl: "The son of that top 50 boss is in class six too, right? The one who hangs out with the hot guy?"

Xiaoya: "Nope."

"Ooouuuuuuuu."

◈◇◈

N/A

Xiaoya: "There's no grass in my yard, sorry. Anyhow the lights will be out soon, so are you guys done guessing?"

Xiaoya had finished washing up earlier, so she climbed up to her bunk with the intention of going straight to bed. "No way, she's the only one who likes me."

The didn't get to contact each other as much as they had the year before, but this time around, their hearts were much closer. Perhaps it would be just as Mo Yichen said about everything turning out alright once they enter university. As those were words Xiaoya, herself, also believes.

With a face full of black lines, Xiaoya replied, "No. I don't even know him."

"Ooouuuuuuuu."

Xiaoya: "Then you're just setting yourself up for disappointment. I have no gossip about me and him. Ever since Xiao Xinxin (Cheng Kexin) started eating together, I had no reason for Liu Xiangyu to deliver the food any more. And after he helped me charge my phone, we haven't crossed paths. I think he might actually be avoiding me."

After the second term of her second high school year began, Xiaoya no longer brought her phone to school just as she promised Mr. Li. Lu Xiaobei had already got Xiaoya's class schedule, so whenever she was free at noon or night, Lu Xiaobei would call her. Even though their calls would only last for a few minutes, they was incredibly sweet.

Sometimes, Xiaoya would be the one to call, and because she would say playful and mushy words, they would guess the other person on the line was this "boyfriend" of Xiaoya's. And Xiaoya never denied it.

Headphones girl: "My hand's up! I think so too! That playboy Liu Xiangyu hasn't had any rumours about his love life floating around for half a year. Xiaoya, it really seems as though you have timed that wild horse."

The headphones girl: "But he once came to find Cheng Kexin to find out your name. Right, Cheng Kexin? But he was too short, a few centimetres shorter than you it seems. Even though his family has a lot of money, looks are important too."

"Captain, Happy New Year." Even though they didn't get to spent the New Year together, they were still in the same city, and were able to enjoy the same view of the brilliant night sky.

Xiaoya: "Then you're just setting yourself up for disappointment. I have no gossip about me and him. Ever since Xiao Xinxin (Cheng Kexin) started eating together, I had no reason for Liu Xiangyu to deliver the food any more. And after he helped me charge my phone, we haven't crossed paths. I think he might actually be avoiding me."

Cheng Kexin then asked, "Why did you say Liu Xiangyu?"

Xiaoya didn't know what she should say. It wasn't that the thought of telling her business to the girl's of room five-two-oh had never crossed her mind. She believed that the generation born after the information boom of the nineties would rarely hold old stubborn views. But she could be assured at their penchant for gossip. She had no intention of making any mistakes again that would allow her mother to take hold and exploit it as a weakness.

While counting down the time until lights out, Xiaoya replied, "It's not a day-student."

Spending two years now without the bustling large family gathered together had made Xiaoya almost forget how they were. On the night of New Year's Eve, despite the extravagant meal her mother had prepared, the family of three still felt something was lacking. Her parents had worked hard busying themselves all day, so they had both turned in early.

This was because Xiaoya's mother was quite strict at home, and while at school, Xiaoya also had no freedom.

The girl on Xiaoya's bottom bunk: "The guy seems a little shorter, but he should be about the same height as Xiaoya. But my guess is... Liu... Xiangyu."

Lu Xiaobei: "Happy New Year, Xiaoya. I love you."

The headphones girl: "The son of that top 50 boss is in class six too, right? The one who hangs out with the hot guy?"

Noticing it was about time for the lights to go out, the girls of room five-two-oh returned to their beds. The girl with the headphones sat cross-legged on her bed and asked, "Is it Jie Ke-ge from class four?"

Cheng Kexin: "That's so not true. I know for a fact there was someone who confessed to you at the beginning of the semester."

Xiaoya once believed this stalemate between them would last for a long time. But, contrary to her expectations, the turning point of it all would arrive so quickly.

Nor did she ever fathom, the reason for such a happening would be related to two people. One being someone she hadn't known for long: Liu Xiangyu. The other being someone she hadn't been in contact with for a long time...

Xiaoya: "There's no grass in my yard, sorry. Anyhow the lights will be out soon, so are you guys done guessing?"

While counting down the time until lights out, Xiaoya replied, "It's not a day-student."

◈◇◈

Cheng Kexin then asked, "Why did you say Liu Xiangyu?"

Xiaoya: "Then you're just setting yourself up for disappointment. I have no gossip about me and him. Ever since Xiao Xinxin (Cheng Kexin) started eating together, I had no reason for Liu Xiangyu to deliver the food any more. And after he helped me charge my phone, we haven't crossed paths. I think he might actually be avoiding me."

◈◇◈

Xiaoya's cousins got married one after the other, so she now had a lot more nieces and nephews. So starting from her grandparents, there were four generations of her family altogether.

五好家庭: five-good-family (good here can be thought of as "ideal"). Anyhow, to earn this title the following five criteria must be met. [](1) Loving your country, abiding by the law; earnestly keeping the best interest of the community at heart. [](2) Study well to advance; dedicate yourself to your work wholeheartedly. [](3)Men and women are equal; respect the old and cherish the young.[](4)Break away from old customs; have less kids for a better upbringing.[](5)Harmony between a husband and wife; unity amongst thy neighbours.

Xiaoya poked her head out from her bunk. "Weren't you reading? And you wearing headphones, were you listening to us secretly?" For more than year, Xiaoya hadn't gotten a haircut, so her originally chest-length hair was despite growing slowly now reached her waist. So when she draped it down like that she looked like SadakoT/N: The long haired ghost girl from The Ring movies .

Xiaoya: "Nope."

Xiaoya: "Nope."

The bottom bunk girl: "Why do you ask? Liu Xiangyu hasn't confessed to Xiaoya even now, which to me seems strange. Am I the only one who thinks so? Ever since Xiaoya came here, he's been staring at her, has he not?"

Xiaoya: "I would never lie to you guys."

Headphones girl: "My hand's up! I think so too! That playboy Liu Xiangyu hasn't had any rumours about his love life floating around for half a year. Xiaoya, it really seems as though you have timed that wild horse."

The didn't get to contact each other as much as they had the year before, but this time around, their hearts were much closer. Perhaps it would be just as Mo Yichen said about everything turning out alright once they enter university. As those were words Xiaoya, herself, also believes.

Xiaoya: "I would never lie to you guys."

After turning around on her bed, Xiaoya soon fell asleep.

Xiaoya: "There's no grass in my yard, sorry. Anyhow the lights will be out soon, so are you guys done guessing?"

Cheng Kexin laughed, then threw her face mask into the trash bin before heading to the sink to wash her face. The other's now pointed their guns at Xiaoya and begun their interrogation. "If you confess we will be lenient, but if you resist... we will be severe."

Cheng Kexin pulled off her facial mask and said analytically, "If the entire grade will know, then it means we know who they are, and they're not in our class. Plus, the possibility of it becoming huge gossip makes it necessary for both parties to have the same level notoriety, indicating that the person in question isn't just a handsome guy, but a model student. If he said you two should study together, such a subtle approach tells us that he isn't someone experienced in love. It's impossible for you to not know them at all, with such an incredibly small scope."

Xiaoya and the girls playing with her all flushed. "I'm really not going to tell you. But if you guess who..."

"Ooouuuuuuuu."

The headphones girl: "But he once came to find Cheng Kexin to find out your name. Right, Cheng Kexin? But he was too short, a few centimetres shorter than you it seems. Even though his family has a lot of money, looks are important too."

"Who? Who? Who is it??!! Who want to 'stu-dy' 'to-ge-ther'?"

After turning around on her bed, Xiaoya soon fell asleep.

Bottom bunk girl: "No! We ant to hear what gossip you have about Liu Xiangyu right now!"

The girl on Xiaoya's bottom bunk: "The guy seems a little shorter, but he should be about the same height as Xiaoya. But my guess is... Liu... Xiangyu."

No one can replace Lu Xiaobei, nor was it possible to like anyone as she did Lu Xiaobei. Lu Xiaobei had taught her how to become beautiful, how to love and how to be loved.

Xiaoya: "You're being ridiculous. It was completely innocent. He just said my result were good, and asked to meet up after every day to study."

The room abruptly fell into darkness, the time for lights out had arrived.

Xiaoya once believed this stalemate between them would last for a long time. But, contrary to her expectations, the turning point of it all would arrive so quickly.

The girl in the bunk beneath Xiaoya's put down her book on her the bed and flung Xiaoya's overhanging hair playfully. "Don't hang your hair down like this at night, it's super creepy. And I wasn't listening to you secretly, I was listening to you openly."

"Ooouuuuuuuu."

Xiaoya: "Then you're just setting yourself up for disappointment. I have no gossip about me and him. Ever since Xiao Xinxin (Cheng Kexin) started eating together, I had no reason for Liu Xiangyu to deliver the food any more. And after he helped me charge my phone, we haven't crossed paths. I think he might actually be avoiding me."

Bottom bunk girl: "No! We ant to hear what gossip you have about Liu Xiangyu right now!"

Xiaoya had finished washing up earlier, so she climbed up to her bunk with the intention of going straight to bed. "No way, she's the only one who likes me."

"That long-distance boyfriend of yours?" Cheng Kexin then continued, "You don't talk about him, plus, you're the one who calls him every time. I've never seen him call you himself."

◈◇◈

The headphones girl: "The son of that top 50 boss is in class six too, right? The one who hangs out with the hot guy?"

Cheng Kexin suddenly asked, "Why would he be avoiding you?"

Spending two years now without the bustling large family gathered together had made Xiaoya almost forget how they were. On the night of New Year's Eve, despite the extravagant meal her mother had prepared, the family of three still felt something was lacking. Her parents had worked hard busying themselves all day, so they had both turned in early.

"Captain, Happy New Year." Even though they didn't get to spent the New Year together, they were still in the same city, and were able to enjoy the same view of the brilliant night sky.

But few knew that what the foundation maintaining this peace was made of, was a taboo subject which must never be mentioned.

Xiaoya: "Then you're just setting yourself up for disappointment. I have no gossip about me and him. Ever since Xiao Xinxin (Cheng Kexin) started eating together, I had no reason for Liu Xiangyu to deliver the food any more. And after he helped me charge my phone, we haven't crossed paths. I think he might actually be avoiding me."

Xiaoya talking to Cheng Kexin like this had made the other girls who were reading or listening to music suddenly began kicking up a fuss. It was as if they were lying in wait for gossip. "Ohhhhhhh..."

To which Xiaoya replied without a care, "I haven't the slightest clue why he would be avoiding me." Letting out a yawn, she then continued, "Who cares what he's thinking anyhow."

Cheng Kexin: "Quit shaking, stop it already. If you guys keep shaking, you'll shake down all the dust from the top bunk." Cheng Kexin slept on the bottom bunk of the bed beside Xiaoya's, so if Xiaoya and the girls on her side made trouble, Cheng Kexin ad the kids on her side will get caught in the fallout.

Xiaoya: "I would never lie to you guys."

This was because Xiaoya's mother was quite strict at home, and while at school, Xiaoya also had no freedom.

A Twist of Fate

Xiaoya: "There's no grass in my yard, sorry. Anyhow the lights will be out soon, so are you guys done guessing?"

The room abruptly fell into darkness, the time for lights out had arrived.

五好家庭: five-good-family (good here can be thought of as "ideal"). Anyhow, to earn this title the following five criteria must be met. [](1) Loving your country, abiding by the law; earnestly keeping the best interest of the community at heart. [](2) Study well to advance; dedicate yourself to your work wholeheartedly. [](3)Men and women are equal; respect the old and cherish the young.[](4)Break away from old customs; have less kids for a better upbringing.[](5)Harmony between a husband and wife; unity amongst thy neighbours.

五好家庭: five-good-family (good here can be thought of as "ideal"). Anyhow, to earn this title the following five criteria must be met. [](1) Loving your country, abiding by the law; earnestly keeping the best interest of the community at heart. [](2) Study well to advance; dedicate yourself to your work wholeheartedly. [](3)Men and women are equal; respect the old and cherish the young.[](4)Break away from old customs; have less kids for a better upbringing.[](5)Harmony between a husband and wife; unity amongst thy neighbours.

"Who? Who? Who is it??!! Who want to 'stu-dy' 'to-ge-ther'?"

After turning around on her bed, Xiaoya soon fell asleep.

The headphones girl: "The son of that top 50 boss is in class six too, right? The one who hangs out with the hot guy?"

The feelings she had were few, only a teaspoon, only enough to hold one person. Whether others like her or not, will also make her feel happy or sad, but none of those would stay in her heart for too long.

A Twist of Fate

There were a lot of students in Xiaoya's class who felt that their time at Yunta High was rather difficult, but Xiaoya found it alright. To her, school was not hell. To her, home was also not heaven.

No one can replace Lu Xiaobei, nor was it possible to like anyone as she did Lu Xiaobei. Lu Xiaobei had taught her how to become beautiful, how to love and how to be loved.

There were a lot of students in Xiaoya's class who felt that their time at Yunta High was rather difficult, but Xiaoya found it alright. To her, school was not hell. To her, home was also not heaven.

The room abruptly fell into darkness, the time for lights out had arrived.

Xiaoya: "I already replied to him clearly. After I tell you guys, what's going to happen if it spreads to the entire grade or who knows how far? Don't interfere with someone's studies."

Spending two years now without the bustling large family gathered together had made Xiaoya almost forget how they were. On the night of New Year's Eve, despite the extravagant meal her mother had prepared, the family of three still felt something was lacking. Her parents had worked hard busying themselves all day, so they had both turned in early.

"Captain, Happy New Year." Even though they didn't get to spent the New Year together, they were still in the same city, and were able to enjoy the same view of the brilliant night sky.

Xiaoya: "I would never lie to you guys."

This was because Xiaoya's mother was quite strict at home, and while at school, Xiaoya also had no freedom.

Xiaoya talking to Cheng Kexin like this had made the other girls who were reading or listening to music suddenly began kicking up a fuss. It was as if they were lying in wait for gossip. "Ohhhhhhh..."

But, fortunately, the relationship between Xiaoya and her mother relaxed greatly. Now, her mother took her out. Plus, there wasn;t anyone who didn't praise them for being a five-good-family[1]. When she took Xiaoya along, Xiaoya became the idealised "other family's child" to neighbours and relatives alike, stirring up a great deal of envy from others.

After wounding each other as badly as they had, they both learned to avoid it, they both learned to turn the page. So despite them not being as close as they were, they were more caring towards the other, more polite.

The girl wearing the headphones peeked outside the door then pulled off her headset. "Don't even try changing the subject! Spill! Who bowed down to the feminine charms of our dorm's number one beauty?"

The feelings she had were few, only a teaspoon, only enough to hold one person. Whether others like her or not, will also make her feel happy or sad, but none of those would stay in her heart for too long.

The didn't get to contact each other as much as they had the year before, but this time around, their hearts were much closer. Perhaps it would be just as Mo Yichen said about everything turning out alright once they enter university. As those were words Xiaoya, herself, also believes.

Standing in front on the bottom bunk, they took hold of Xiaoya's bed, and had a foot on the step ladder as they fought with Xiaoya. As a result of this, the entire bunk bed shook like a sieve.

Sometimes, Xiaoya would be the one to call, and because she would say playful and mushy words, they would guess the other person on the line was this "boyfriend" of Xiaoya's. And Xiaoya never denied it.

Back when she was still an insecure girl, being called "dinosaur"T/n: Slang for ugly women or "ugly girl", Lu Xiaobei was like a beam of light that brightened her heart.

But few knew that what the foundation maintaining this peace was made of, was a taboo subject which must never be mentioned.

The headphones girl: "But he once came to find Cheng Kexin to find out your name. Right, Cheng Kexin? But he was too short, a few centimetres shorter than you it seems. Even though his family has a lot of money, looks are important too."

After wounding each other as badly as they had, they both learned to avoid it, they both learned to turn the page. So despite them not being as close as they were, they were more caring towards the other, more polite.

◈◇◈

Cheng Kexin suddenly asked, "Why would he be avoiding you?"

The headphones girl: "The son of that top 50 boss is in class six too, right? The one who hangs out with the hot guy?"

Xiaoya once believed this stalemate between them would last for a long time. But, contrary to her expectations, the turning point of it all would arrive so quickly.

Xiaoya had finished washing up earlier, so she climbed up to her bunk with the intention of going straight to bed. "No way, she's the only one who likes me."

Spending two years now without the bustling large family gathered together had made Xiaoya almost forget how they were. On the night of New Year's Eve, despite the extravagant meal her mother had prepared, the family of three still felt something was lacking. Her parents had worked hard busying themselves all day, so they had both turned in early.

Putting on a facial mask while on her bed, having watched Xiaoya reluctantly hang up the phone, Cheng Kexin said, "If I didn't just answer and hand the phone to you, which made me know the person on the other line was a girl, I would've sworn you were in love again."

Xiaoya's cousins got married one after the other, so she now had a lot more nieces and nephews. So starting from her grandparents, there were four generations of her family altogether.

While counting down the time until lights out, Xiaoya replied, "It's not a day-student."

Nor did she ever fathom, the reason for such a happening would be related to two people. One being someone she hadn't known for long: Liu Xiangyu. The other being someone she hadn't been in contact with for a long time...

The girl at the bottom of Xiaoya's bunk chimed in, "What happens if we guess?!"

Cheng Kexin: "That's so not true. I know for a fact there was someone who confessed to you at the beginning of the semester."

"Who? Who? Who is it??!! Who want to 'stu-dy' 'to-ge-ther'?"

The girl at the bottom of Xiaoya's bunk chimed in, "What happens if we guess?!"

The headphones girl: "Is it the sports committee member from class six, then? That really hot guy?"

Nor did she ever fathom, the reason for such a happening would be related to two people. One being someone she hadn't known for long: Liu Xiangyu. The other being someone she hadn't been in contact with for a long time...

The girl in the bunk beneath Xiaoya's put down her book on her the bed and flung Xiaoya's overhanging hair playfully. "Don't hang your hair down like this at night, it's super creepy. And I wasn't listening to you secretly, I was listening to you openly."