SVWL Chapter 88

Before the weekend, the math teacher gave a surprise quiz, and Zhu Tong scored a perfect 100. Only four students in the entire class achieved this. Zhu Tong was ecstatic and almost wanted to throw himself at his deskmate to celebrate. However, being in the classroom and due to his reserved nature, he couldn’t act so boldly lovey-dovey.

The students around him were amazed at his progress, eagerly examining his quiz paper.

“Having the Study God as a personal tutor really makes a difference. His solutions are impressive.”

“Hey, Study God, you’re being too biased. How about spreading some love and teaching us too?”

Someone joked, and Shao Ming casually replied, “No problem. Ten practice papers a day, complete all homework on time, arrive 20 minutes early for morning reading, postpone bedtime by half an hour, and no dozing off in class. How does that sound?”

“…”

After hearing his demands, everyone looked at him with an expression that said, “You’re not human.”

Someone else sympathetically looked at Zhu Tong, “Do you suffer this kind of inhumane treatment every day?”

Before Zhu Tong could respond, Shao Ming had already pulled him into a hug, “Exactly! He’s almost wasting away. It’s heartbreaking.”

Zhu Tong: “…”

In fact, he had even gained some weight.

Others noticed too but chose not to comment.

Recently, Shao Ming’s actions in the classroom practically screamed, “We’re in a relationship.” Who would have thought that the once unattainable school heartthrob, who remained indifferent despite Xia Yang’s high-profile pursuits, would fall for his new deskmate?

Zhu Tong’s transformation was also evident to everyone.

Although his improved grades were thanks to Shao Ming’s help, most of it was due to his own hard work. His diligence had even been used by various teachers as an example to motivate other students.

His health had also improved significantly. He used to sit alone during P.E class, but now he actively participated.

Witnessing Zhu Tong’s gradual change, a group of girls, led by the class president, couldn’t help but feel motherly affection. “Zhu Tong, how have you been feeling lately? Make sure to balance study and rest, don’t overwork yourself.”

Zhu Tong: “I…”

“Yeah, I heard that overloading your brain can lead to sudden death!”

“And you might turn into a bookworm. You’re so good-looking, it would be a shame if you became a bookworm.”

“……”

Zhu Tong smiled softly, feeling a bit helpless. “It’s not too tiring. I do take breaks.”

Even if he didn’t want to relax, Shao Ming always made sure he did. Though, the ways Shao Ming had him relax were often a bit… difficult to talk about.

“By the way, how about we all relax together this weekend? Last time the Study GOd won a competition, we only had a meal to celebrate. This time, let’s find a place to have fun. How about going to a karaoke bar?”

Someone immediately agreed.

Zhu Tong shook his head. “No, I already have plans this weekend.”

They were going on a date this weekend. Thinking about it, Zhu Tong couldn’t help but smile.

Zou Ling noticed his change in expression, her eyes lighting up. She glanced at Shao Ming and was about to ask about his plans when Tang Nuan quickly covered her mouth.

After everyone else left, Zhu Tong finally dared to look at Shao Ming.

Although his classmates thought his study schedule was intense, he didn’t find it that tiring.

If this level of study was considered tiring, then Shao Ming, who knew so many things and had learned them in a relatively short period of time, must have found it exhausting, right?

Lost in thought, he didn’t even notice when Shao Ming moved closer to him.

Shao Ming blew softly on his face, whispering, “Do you like what you see?”

Zhu Tong snapped back to reality and honestly replied, “Yes, very much.”

Shao Ming’s throat bobbed slightly as he lifted his hand from Zhu Tong’s shoulder to pinch his earlobe playfully. “You can look all you want when we get back.”

Zhu Tong: “…”

He didn’t want to look!

Feeling a bit flustered, Zhu Tong gave Shao Ming a half-hearted glare before picking up his pen and ignoring him.

---

On the weekend, Zhu Tong woke up early to the sensation of someone trying to take off his clothes.

Despite the indoor heating, the temperature wasn’t very high in winter, and Zhu Tong felt a bit cold on his chest. Groggy, he opened his eyes to find Shao Ming fiddling with his clothes.

“What are you doing?” Zhu Tong asked in a sleepy, soft voice.

Seeing that Zhu Tong was awake, Shao Ming didn’t seem embarrassed. He simply propped himself up on both sides of Zhu Tong’s head and planted a good morning kiss on his forehead. “You’re awake? I was planning to help you change before you woke up.”

“Change… clothes?” Zhu Tong asked, still confused.

Shao Ming’s actions today seemed different—he looked especially handsome. “Did you do something to your hair?” Zhu Tong asked.

Shao Ming raised an eyebrow slightly. “Is it that obvious?”

Zhu Tong smiled, his eyes curving. “Yes.”

Sitting up, Zhu Tong glanced at the clothes Shao Ming had prepared for him. They were different from what they usually wore: a turtleneck sweater, a faux two-piece lambswool coat, and a pair of black slim-fit pants. There were two coats — one for him and one for Shao Ming.

Shao Ming was currently wearing only the turtleneck sweater, which, with its high waist design, accentuated his long legs. From head to toe, he exuded charm.

Zhu Tong picked up his clothes. “These are…”

Shao Ming straightforwardly said, “Aren’t we going on a date? Of course, we need to wear matching outfits.”

Zhu Tong compared the two sets of clothes and realized they were the same style, just different sizes and coat colors. 

“Do high schoolers usually put this much thought into dating?” he wondered to himself.

Or perhaps it was just Shao Ming being meticulous. Zhu Tong, now fully awake, quickly got dressed, had breakfast, and left the house in an unusually cheerful mood. “Where should we go first?”

Shao Ming replied, “Where do you want to go?”

Zhu Tong shook his head, saying, “I don’t know. You’re the local, you decide.”

Since transferring schools, Zhu Tong had hardly explored the county, except for the riverside and the racecourse that Shao Ming had taken him to.

Shao Ming smiled and said, “Alright, but just so you know, this is my first date. If I don’t do well, please be patient with me.”

Zhu Tong was amused by his serious demeanor. The two of them walked out hand in hand.

Their first stop was Shangming milk tea shop.

Zhu Tong was puzzled about why they were going to the milk tea shop again until he saw Shao Yujie inside. As soon as they entered, Shao Yujie noticed their blatantly matching outfits.

Luo Suo’s eyes widened as soon as he saw them. “You two are…?”

‘—wearing a couple’s outfits?’

Although Luo Suo knew about their relationship, he still looked surprised, making Zhu Tong feel a bit embarrassed.

Were they being too high-profile?

Shao Yujie also seemed a bit taken aback, making the atmosphere somewhat awkward.

Luo Suo, realizing the presence of a parent, quickly changed the topic, asking, “Are you two going out?”

“…”

Even though it was meant to ease the situation, it didn’t quite help.

What could they be doing outside in the cold weather?

Shao Ming responded confidently, “Yes, we’re going out for a walk.”

He acted like he didn’t notice Shao Yujie’s gaze and casually ordered a hot milk tea from Luo Suo as if he were just another customer.

Luo Suo, looking disdainful, said, “You don’t have hands to make it yourself?”

Shao Ming replied, “Oh, my hands are busy holding my boyfriend’s.”

Zhu Tong: “!”

Luo Suo: “!!”

This wasn’t just blatant – it was outright brazen!

Luo Suo instinctively glanced at Shao Yujie, feeling nervous for Shao Ming. But instead of looking more surprised, Shao Yujie relaxed and even smiled a bit.

Luo Suo: “?”

Why couldn’t he understand what was happening anymore?

Had Shao Ming already come out to his mother? How brave was he?

Luo Suo knew that Shao Ming had issues with an unreasonable father but wasn’t aware of the complicated relationship with Shao Yujie. He just thought she was an understanding and open-minded mother.

However, Zhu Tong knew the backstory. After the initial shock, seeing Shao Yujie’s relieved smile and Shao Ming’s calm demeanor, Zhu Tong suddenly said, “Auntie… thank you for everything.”

“……”

Shao Yujie thought Zhu Tong was referring to Shao Ming skipping work today, which affected her “holiday.” She smiled gently and said, “No trouble at all. Enjoy your outing. Don’t worry about the shop… It might snow later, so take an umbrella with you.”

Zhu Tong nodded, not bothering to explain further.

He wasn’t just referring to the shop today but also to the incident when Shao Ming mentioned her helping him with his medication. Many things happened against her will, and there was nothing she could do to stop them. Despite that, Zhu Tong wanted to thank her for taking care of Shao Ming.

Just as he was pondering this, he noticed the glances from the people around him and awkwardly cleared his throat.

Shao Ming took the milk tea from Luo Suo and, as promised, held Zhu Tong’s hand. “Let’s go.”

The two of them walked out of the milk tea shop side by side.

Outside, the sun was shining brightly, and there seemed to be no sign of snow. However, Zhu Tong still took the umbrella.

After walking for a while in the square, Shao Ming took the umbrella from him and handed him the milk tea.

Zhu Tong was surprised. “Did you buy this for me?”

Shao Ming nodded. “Yes, it can keep you warm and you can drink it too. Am I smart?”

Zhu Tong chuckled. His hand felt warm, and so did his heart.

Shao Ming looked at him gently. “Thank you.”

Zhu Tong asked, puzzled, “Thank you for what?”

Shao Ming replied, “For just now, in the shop.”

Zhu Tong glanced at him.

Shao Ming looked ahead and said with a hint of helplessness, “Sometimes, I don’t know how to communicate with her.”

They never talked about their feelings.

Despite living together and relying on each other, there was always an invisible emotional barrier between them.

Zhu Tong was taken aback and joked, “So, you also have someone you’re not good at dealing with?”

Shao Ming leaned on his shoulder and said, “Yes, Little Young Master. That’s why we complement each other, right?”

Zhu Tong agreed, “Yes, in the future, when you’re not good at dealing with someone, I’ll handle it for you.”

“……”

Shao Ming remained silent, staring at Zhu Tong without blinking.

Zhu Tong’s heart raced under his gaze, and he quickly changed the subject. “Where are we going now?”

Shao Ming smirked. “To take photos.”

Zhu Tong was taken aback. “Photos?”

Shao Ming nodded. “Yes, couple photos.”

Zhu Tong was puzzled. “??”

Shao Ming clarified, “Just kidding. We’ll take a few photos together, okay?”

Zhu Tong couldn’t refuse. Of course, it was okay.

But why did Shao Ming suddenly think of taking photos?

The idea first came to Shao Ming after Zhu Tong asked for his childhood photos last time.

Zhu Tong’s childhood was rather monotonous. It took him several days to find just one photo, a picture of him and his sister. In the photo, the girl was smiling brightly, but the boy had a stiff smile, clearly uncomfortable in front of the camera. He even looked a bit ill, lacking any liveliness.

Shao Ming couldn’t quite describe the feeling when he saw the photo. He just wanted to see Zhu Tong relaxed and carefree, to capture his current state with a camera, and to make sure he always wore a happy, content smile.

Despite it being the weekend, there were few people in the spacious square. The two teenagers holding hands became the most beautiful scenery.

This scene was captured by someone and the photo quickly made its way to Uncle Liu, who had retired but was forced back to work. Uncle Liu was both annoyed and satisfied when he saw the photo.

Why were these two still able to spread dog food in front of him, even though they were separated by several cities?

At the same time, he felt content. 

Everyday, someone would “share” the young master’s whereabouts on time, saving him a lot of trouble.