Chapter 61 (Extra 1)
The bus drove into Xuan City’s urban area, and a group of curious high school students pulled open the window curtains and stretched their necks to look outside.
“We’re arriving in Xuan City!”
“It seems like Xuan High is over by the south gate; it’ll take more than half an hour.”
“This square looks a bit like the Mountain and Water Square in Wu City. I almost thought we were back home.”
“The sun is so strong. I saw on the weather forecast that Xuan City’s high today is 38 degrees Celsius. Aren’t we going to be cooked alive when we get off the bus?”
“What are you afraid of? There’s air conditioning on the bus, and there’ll definitely be air conditioning in the Xuan High auditorium too. We just need to endure the short walk from the bus to the entrance.”
“Hmm, you’re right. Want some bread?”
“… Why are you holding it so tightly? I thought you were gnawing on a compressed biscuit.”
…
Yu Le sat by the window, and while everyone else was eagerly observing the city through the window, he leaned back in his seat, closed his eyes, and seriously and painfully rubbed his nose bridge and temples.
The boy sitting next to him, who was also his desk mate, was exceptionally talkative. During the break between conversations with classmates from other classes, he finally noticed that something was wrong with Yu Le.
Desk Mate: “Hey, what’s wrong with you? Are you feeling car sick?”
Yu Le groaned in pain, “A bit nauseous.”
The desk mate quickly opened a bottle of soda water for him, noticing the English speech draft spread out on Yu Le’s lap. He clicked his tongue: “I told you not to look at this or your phone on the bus. It’s the easiest way to get car sick. Didn’t listen, huh?”
Yu Le took a sip of water, “It’s mainly because I’m a bit nervous. I’m afraid I’ll forget my lines when I get on stage.”
Desk Mate: “What are you afraid of? You’ve almost memorized it by heart. Relax, you’re amazing. When we get to Xuan High, go buy an ice pop. Something cold will make you feel better.”
Yu Le nodded, no longer daring to look at the draft. He packed it away and took another couple of sips of water to ease his queasy stomach, then glanced sideways, “… Didn’t you say we shouldn’t use our phones on the bus?”
Desk Mate grinned, “I’m not using mine.”
Yu Le: “Why not?”
Desk Mate: “Everyone’s body is different. I’m fine. I’m reading and reciting it for you, so it’s like you’ve read it too.”
Yu Le had planned to nap for a bit but thought this could work, “So what are you reading?”
Desk Mate: “Xuan City forum.”
Yu Le: “Why are you reading the Xuan City forum?”
Desk Mate: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Of course, I need to understand the ‘local’ customs and culture first. It’s well-known that the quickest way to learn about a school is through its forum. But I just checked, and Xuan High doesn’t seem to have a student forum, so I’m stuck with the forum.”
Yu Le wanted to lean over and look with him but was afraid he might make him sick. He turned his head and cracked the window open a little, taking in some fresh air while asking, “So what have you found out?”
Desk Mate: “A lot. For example, there are four small shops at the school. The most popular one is Mr. He’s shop. The smelly flowers on the long corridor by the playground have bloomed again, so remember to cover your nose when passing by. The side gate’s wall now has a security patrol, so be careful about sneaking out of class… Oh, and there’s a Xuan High specialty, Brother Lu.”
Yu Le: “What Brother Lu? A pigeon?”
Desk Mate: “Not a pigeon, a person! His surname is Lu, Brother Lu. He’s frequently mentioned and seems to be the school bully. One punch can knock you out.”
A school bully?
Wu High had bullies too, but they were a group, not just one person.
They smoked, drank, fought, and caused trouble, even daring to argue with teachers, some of whom even got physical. Of course, the latter group had been expelled.
Yu Le knew their names because they were frequently criticized during the weekly flag-raising ceremony. It was hard not to remember them, but he had never interacted with them; they weren’t in the same circle.
Because of them, Yu Le had a poor impression of the term “school bully.”
For Brother Lu to single-handedly earn the title of school bully, it seemed his actions were even worse than those in his school.
Yu Le was not interested: “Does he have any ‘glorious deeds’?”
Desk Mate: “A lot. According to the posts, Brother Lu is said to be burly, fierce-looking, and incredibly strong. He can lift the sculpture in the school fountain for squats with one hand.”
Yu Le: “?”
Desk Mate: “He’s highly influential. Except for the 4,000 people in the school, everyone in the three streets outside the school gates are his underlings. Even a sneeze can shake Xuan City South Street!”
Yu Le: “???”
Desk Mate: “Oh, and the most explosive news—Brother Lu has 365 girlfriends, changing one every day without repeating in a year!”
Yu Le: “…”
Forget it, he might as well take a nap.
Ten minutes later, the bus carrying the Wu High team arrived at the entrance of Xuan High.
The sun outside was indeed scorching, and the air was heated to a rolling boil. As Yu Le got off the bus, he felt like a little piglet being roasted in an oven, almost ready to become crispy.
“Oh my gosh, it’s so hot!”
“True to its name as a furnace city, the soles of my shoes are burning!”
“Where’s the auditorium? Can we run there?”
“Classmates, don’t rush. First, gather under the shade over there!”
…
It was already past two in the afternoon. The speech competition started at 2:30. They had to wait until everyone was gathered, then head to the auditorium and do some preparation. There was no time for free activities. Besides, Yu Le hadn’t even figured out the locations of the small shops here, so his plan to buy ice cream was dashed.
Looks like he would have to wait until after the speech competition.
The sun was so intense it felt like it could burn through your eyes. Fortunately, Xuan High had good greenery. From the entrance to the auditorium, there was shade all along the way. Although it took a bit longer to walk around, everyone was willing to endure it.
As they passed by the wall, Yu Le glanced outside and saw an elderly man setting up a shaved ice stand. Since the students were all in class at this time, there was no business, and he was leisurely fanning himself.
Yu Le smacked his lips, imagining the feeling of crushed ice mixed with cool jelly and sweet fermented rice syrup cooling down his stomach—
So tempting.
So hot, Yu Le didn’t want to give his speech anymore; he just wanted to eat some ice.
–
“Brother Lu, still asleep? The speech competition is about to start!”
Shen Yu knocked on the table, “Wake up, wake up, or we’ll be late!”
Lu Yao lifted his head, staring at him expressionlessly, “Try knocking again.”
Shen Yu quickly withdrew his hand, “No more knocking, sorry, hehe.”
Lu Yao sat up, leaned back against the chair, unscrewed the bottle of mineral water, took a couple of sips, and casually said, “Not going.”
Shen Yu widened his jaw, “Huh? Why? Mr. Liu said everyone has to attend!”
Mr. Liu was their homeroom teacher, a big-bellied, good-natured man with deep dimples when he smiled.
Lu Yao put the water back on the table, “Since everyone has to be there, it doesn’t matter if I’m not.”
Shen Yu: “But if our class isn’t full, Mr. Liu might get criticized.”
Lu Yao raised his eyes slightly.
Shen Yu continued, “Last time, there was that outstanding graduate who returned to school to give a talk, and ended up selling books after a long speech. Our class had a girl who stayed in the classroom because she was unwell. The school leaders found out somehow and criticized Mr. Liu during a teachers’ meeting. Mr. Liu didn’t even tell us.”
Lu Yao: “How would you know if Mr. Liu didn’t tell us?”
Shen Yu: “A buddy from the next class overheard.”
Lu Yao stood up and pushed his chair in.
Shen Yu looked up at him, “Brother Lu, where are you going?”
Lu Yao walked outside, “To the auditorium.”
Xuan High’s auditorium was large but not big enough to accommodate the entire school’s students. After discussions, the school leaders decided only the first-year students would attend, while the other grades could watch the broadcast in their classrooms.
At the entrance was a sign-in desk. Lu Yao signed his name and went to an empty seat in the back row, under the appreciative gaze of Mr. Liu and the curious stares of others.
It was rare for him to attend such an event instead of skipping it casually.
A girl who came in later saw Lu Yao and hesitated, slowing down as she eyed the empty seat next to him. Ultimately, she lacked the courage and chose a seat in front or behind him instead.
The competition had a long pre-show. The host introduced the attending school leaders and then let them speak one by one.
Shen Yu and a buddy beside him were busy discussing something in their group chat. Lu Yao, uninterested, had already signed in and had his face scanned. He was contemplating whether to leave now or wait until the event started.
He had never liked being bound by such boring people and things, seeing them as a waste of time and life.
“Hey, Brother Lu, have you checked the group?” Shen Yu nudged his elbow.
Lu Yao: “Which group?”
Shen Yu: “Our grade group! Most people from our grade are in it.”
“…”
Lu Yao smirked, “You guys have a lot of free time.”
Shen Yu: “Oh right, I forgot you didn’t join the group. Should I add you?”
Lu Yao: “Don’t add me. Just say if there’s something.”
Shen Yu: “I heard that the team from Wu City has really high颜值 (appearance value).”
Lu Yao: “Oh.”
Shen Yu: “Someone posted photos, and there’s a guy who really stands out. Lots of people are going crazy in the group, asking for his name, where he’s from, and even his phone number.”
Lu Yao: “He’s from Wu City, so where else could he be from?”
Shen Yu: “Right? That’s what I said too. But some people are saying what if the handsome guy is actually studying in Wu City but originally from Xuan City?”
Lu Yao: “I’m not interested in commenting.”
Shen Yu: “Brother Lu, do you want to see the photos?”
Lu Yao: “No interest.”
The competition officially started. Lu Yao looked at the time as the applause for the first contestant rang out, and prepared to leave through the back door.
Shen Yu: “Whoa! Brother Lu!”
Shen Yu hooked Lu Yao’s neck: “Come look, quick!”
Lu Yao: “What?”
Shen Yu: “The handsome guy!”
Lu Yao lifted his eyelids and glanced at the stage. His gaze lingered for a moment, his impatience mixed with a hint of surprise.
The person on stage did indeed have exceptional looks.
At sixteen or seventeen, with short hair and a white shirt, his slim figure and straight posture resembled tender bamboo growing beside a stream. Clean, clear, with a slight smile that resembled a delicate vine growing from a crescent moon, it was quite charming.
His youthful voice was pleasant too, with a touch of elegant British accent compared to American pronunciation. His enunciation was slow and clear, and his tone was gentle and soft, perfectly matching his demeanor.
Shen Yu: “This order must be drawn by lottery, right? Looks like luck wasn’t on his side, haha.”
Shen Yu: “He’s really handsome. The photos didn’t do him justice.”
Shen Yu: “Oh right, I didn’t catch his name during the announcement. Brother Lu, did you hear it? Never mind, I’ll check the group.”
Shen Yu: “Oh, Yu Le… Yu Le? Yu Le??? Why are these people so unreliable? Can’t those sitting in the front row check the name tags?”
Shen Yu continued mumbling next to Lu Yao until the person on stage finished speaking and bowed before leaving.
Shen Yu: “Oh! Solved the mystery. It’s Yu Le. That’s a pretty special name…”
An empty seat appeared next to him, and Lu Yao had already slipped out through the back door along the wall.
The speech competition wasn’t interesting to Shen Yu, who was more focused on his lack of motivation. Having signed in, he didn’t hesitate and, seeing no one paying attention, sneaked out as well.
As they walked down the empty corridor, Shen Yu asked, “Brother Lu, why did you leave after just one? I thought you’d watch till the end.”
Lu Yao: “No interest.”
Shen Yu: “Then why didn’t you leave when it started?”
Lu Yao: “Does it concern you?”
Shen Yu: “No, no, I was just asking.”
Shen Yu smiled, “So where are we going now? I mean, where are you going? I’ll follow you wherever.”
Lu Yao: “To play games.”
Shen Yu: “The one at the end of South Street?”
Lu Yao turned to the stairs, “Yeah.”
Shen Yu: “Alright! Wait, isn’t this the wrong direction?”
Lu Yao: “Going back to the classroom to get a jacket.”
Shen Yu: “What? Are you not coming back this afternoon?”
—
“Well done, Yu Le!”
“The first one was so steady, the championship is definitely secure!”
“You said you were nervous and afraid you’d forget your lines. I felt like you were speaking about me.”
Yu Le: “No.”
Yu Le shook his hands and wiped his face.
The composure he had on stage seemed to vanish. “I was really nervous. My hands are still trembling.”
Friends: “Hahaha.”
“It’s okay, nobody noticed.”
“You were so steady, it was impressive!”
“What about you guys, when are you up?” Yu Le asked.
Friend 1: “I’m fifth.”
Friend 2: “I’m eleventh.”
Friend 3: “I’m nineteenth. Ugh, the later it gets, the more pressure there is.”
Yu Le: “It’s alright.”
Yu Le comforted them. “The greater the pressure, the more extraordinary you can perform. I’m going out to get some fresh air and find the small shop. Do you want any drinks?”
Everyone answered simultaneously. Yu Le couldn’t remember it all, so he wrote it in his notes and went downstairs with a mission.
He intended to randomly ask a lucky audience member for directions but felt unlucky today. Before he even got outside, the class bell rang, and he saw no one around.
…Could Baidu Maps be useful in this situation?
He scratched his neck in frustration and decided to just wander around and see if he got lucky, sticking to shaded areas. After some wandering, he ended up by the wall they had passed earlier.
Right! The shaved ice stand!
His eyes lit up, but when he looked over, he saw that the stand had moved from the wall to the opposite side of the street.
What to do?
Should he shout?
Would it attract the attention of the security guard?
But would it matter…?
While he was in a dilemma, two boys in Xuan High’s summer uniforms came from the teaching building. From their trajectory, their target wasn’t the school gate but rather this two-meter-high wall nearby.
Shen Yu had weak arm strength and struggled to climb alone. Lu Yao helped him up and, after Shen Yu climbed over, Lu Yao leaped up and easily climbed over the top.
Just as Lu Yao was about to jump down, someone suddenly tugged at his clothes from behind.
Thinking it was a student from the discipline department, Lu Yao clicked his tongue in irritation and turned around, only to meet a pair of clear, bright eyes.
It was the boy from the stage, the “handsome guy” Shen Yu had mentioned.
Lu Yao paused for a moment, his irritation fading, “What do you want?”
The boy withdrew his hand and smiled politely. “Hello, classmate. Could you do me a favor?”
He looked up, with sunlight filtering through the tree branches, making his face appear even smaller and more refined, almost AI-generated.
Very well-behaved.
Shen Yu: “Brother Lu, who are you talking to?”
Lu Yao ignored him.
He circled to the side of the open iron railings to peek inside, his eyes lighting up.
Oh! The handsome guy!
Yu Le pulled something from his pocket and handed it over with hopeful eyes. “I see you’re going out. Could you buy me a bowl of shaved ice from across the street?”
It was a ten-yuan bill.
Shen Yu: “……”
Shen Yu: “Pfft!”
He almost lost it.
Unbelievable, asking Lu Yao to buy you shaved ice.
Does he think Lu Yao will just run errands for him?
Shen Yu sighed deeply, feeling genuine sympathy for the naive outsider.
But what happened next was even more unbelievable.
Lu Yao not only didn’t tell him off but instead took the ten-yuan bill silently and jumped down the wall. A few minutes later, he came back with a bowl of packed shaved ice.
Shen Yu: “???”
His eyes widened in shock.
What! Am I seeing a ghost in broad daylight?
Yu Le ran to the railing and gratefully took the shaved ice handed over through the gap, then pulled out the change and handed it back. “Thank you, kind person! You don’t need to give me change. I’ll treat you to a drink.”
The person who bought the shaved ice raised his eyebrows in a puzzled manner, while the other gave a thumbs up. “Wow! Amazing! You’re the first one who got Brother Lu to run an errand and even got paid for it. You’re really impressive!”
Yu Le: “Thank you, thank you. I’m not that impressive.”
Yu Le thanked him vaguely, then suddenly had an epiphany and looked at the person across from him with wide eyes.
“Brother Lu?”
He remembered the description from his desk mate on the bus and looked at the tall, deep-eyed, strikingly handsome youth before him—
From some angles, it wasn’t bad at all?
Lu Yao: “Hmm?”
Lu Yao’s gaze drifted lightly over Yu Le’s face.
His hair looked soft, probably nice to touch.
Lu Yao: “Hurry up and go in. The school doesn’t allow buying things outside the wall. There’s patrol here all year round. Don’t get caught.”
Yu Le nodded, thanked him again, and seemed ready to leave, but his expression showed he was hesitant.
Lu Yao: “If you have something to say, just say it.”
Yu Le: “Do you really have 365 girlfriends, changing one every day without repeating?”
Lu Yao: “?”
