Chapter 33: Proof of effort

Under the scorching sun, the only shady spot on the rooftop was beneath the eaves.A young pair sat in the shadow.

They were sitting extremely close together. At first glance, they might appear to be a couple on a rooftop date.  Seaʀch* The Nôvel(F)ire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

But in reality, a one-sided lecture was taking place here.

Ye QiuXue skimmed through HuMing's test papers, occasionally pausing on a page before swiftly continuing.

Her demeanor transformed from confident to visibly shaken as time churned, and HuMing noticed every bit of it.

If it hadn't been for the atmosphere, HuMing might have burst into laughter.

"Han HuMing, with these grades of yours... How did you make it to the advanced class?"

Ye QiuXue knew HuMing didn't excel academically, but she never imagined his grades would be this low. Even in a regular class, he would be near the bottom. He hasn't been studying seriously at all!

Thinking so, Ye QiuXue looked up at the boy in front of her, frustrated. The boy rested his chin on his hand and looked at her as if waiting for an answer.

"President, if this is too much trouble for you, you can give up. With my current grades, anyone would find it difficult. Besides, I'm not interested in studying, so really, don't bother with me."

However, before he could finish speaking, Ye QiuXue reached out and pinched HuMing's cheek. Her expression was irritated, criticizing him for his laziness.

"Who says I can't teach you?! Even if you're a lump of coal, I'll polish you clean!"

Ye QiuXue took out a pile of study materials from her bag and placed them in front of HuMing.

"These are the study materials I have prepared. Right now, your top priority is to lay a solid foundation. Once you've completed that, we can move on to more challenging questions! In addition, I want you to learn ten new words every day on your way to school!"

"Must it have to be this strict?"

"Han HuMing, if you don't want to make me mad, you better follow what I say seriously!"

Ye QiuXue tucked her hair behind her ear and looked at HuMing intently, trying to convey a message through her eyes: she was serious.

"President, are you being this nice to me because you like me?"

HuMing tilted his head and looked at Ye QiuXue.

However, rather than becoming angry, Ye QiuXue responded with a charming smile and pinched HuMing's ear.

"Teasing a discipline committee member, you really are looking for death."

"Don't- I'm sorry!"

Ye QiuXue snorted and let go of his ear. 

HuMing kneaded his ear and asked at the same time.

"President, am I inferior to Han ShuYi?"

"Why would you say that?"

Ye QiuXue blinked, and looking into HuMing's eyes, she could roughly understand how painful this matter was for him.

She was undoubtedly familiar with Han ShuYi. Because he was also a member of the student council, his grades were excellent, and his reputation was well-regarded by all.

Such a person is indeed outstanding.

If others were to evaluate Han ShuYi and HuMing, their judgment would likely be biased.

"You see, Han ShuYi is handsome and has good grades. His reputation among classmates is also excellent. And with his identity as the Han family's Young Master, isn't he perfect, like a novel protagonist? 

Hearing what HuMing said, Ye QiuXue smiled helplessly.

"I agree with what you said at the beginning, but if you want to talk about the novel's protagonist, who can guarantee that he is the protagonist? HuMing, everyone is the protagonist in their own life, so don't look down on yourself; instead, change from yourself, and other people's views of you will gradually change."

Ye QiuXue patted his shoulder, smiled, and took out a test paper, putting it in front of HuMing.

"This is the test paper that I prepared for you last night. Now do it, and I'll point out where you got wrong."

Looking at the questions, HuMing knew it was the most basic stuff. Generally, schools wouldn't set such questions.

She must have put in a lot of effort last night.

HuMing couldn't understand why she went to such lengths for him when he didn't matter to her.

Could it be true, as she said, that she was only trying to save a student who had gone astray?

"Stop looking at me. What's there to look at?"

Noticing HuMing's gaze, Ye QiuXue put her hands on her hips, dissatisfied with his lack of focus.

HuMing let out a soft chuckle, holding his pen as he wrote on the test paper, and said,

"Don't you know how pretty you are president? There are quite a few classmates in my class wanting to pursue you. I heard someone even sent you a love letter."

"Don't stray from the main task, focus! Besides, of course, I understand my situation. It's just that they're all attracted to my appearance. But appearances are fleeting. Who can guarantee I will maintain this look in the coming years? So, don't let so-called love blind your eyes."

"Why does it sound like you're lecturing me?"

"Congratulations, you've figured out who I'm talking about! Now, hurry up and do the test!"

HuMing turned away, his pen dancing across the test paper.

The sun was conveniently obscured by clouds, providing some relief from the intense heat in the air. A refreshing cool breeze swept through, providing a rare source of comfort during the monotonous study hours.

HuMing couldn't recall how long it had been since he had sat down to study like this. This all was simple to him, and he could answer the questions with a cursory glance.

However, to fit his persona, HuMing deliberately slowed down, intentionally getting some of the easy questions wrong. That way, those around him wouldn't suspect him.

Suddenly, his shoulder felt heavier.

HuMing looked over to Ye QiuXue; she was quietly leaning against his shoulder. Her long hair cascaded down like a waterfall, the tips brushing against his neck. Her face was small and fair, with delicate brows and peacefully closed eyes. Her long eyelashes resembled small brushes.

The dark circles under her eyes were proof of her efforts.

Ye QiuXue breathed steadily, looking completely relaxed.

And watching this scene, a gentle smile appeared on HuMing's face.

He allowed Ye QiuXue to continue leaning on his shoulder while continuing to write the exam with one hand.

Time appeared to come to a halt at that moment as if the entire world revolved solely around the pair.

A soft breeze rustled through the young girl's hair while the young man supported her with his sturdy shoulder.

They appeared as if the two were leaning against each other, sharing every moment of the world together."