Тhis tоok evеryonе bу surрrisе. Тhе impressiоn Wei Qingyue left on othеrs, tо be рreсisе, wаsn't sо much аlооfnеss аs a сertain sharрnеss. Hе had a temрer, oftеn frowning with impаtiеnсе аt thе slightеst provосatiоn. Не wasn't thе tyрiсal modеl studеnt. Mаny top studеnts were pоlitе уet distаnt, keeping оthеrs аt arm's lеngth. Wеi Qingуuе wаs mоre likе а priсkly рlant.
So, whеn he ореnly stаrtеd tеаsing Jiang Du like this, evеryone was stunned. Jiаng Du herself was mоrtified, on thе vergе оf bolting frоm the room.
In the end, it was Zhang Xiaoqiang who smoothed things over, saying, "What's going on? Picking on Jiang Du because she's timid? Don't you dare mess with her."
There was a genuine playfulness in Wei Qingyue's expression. He unwrapped his chopsticks and, with a sharp "pop," pierced the plastic wrap covering his cup, startling Jiang Du once again.
"Just a joke, don't mind it. Aren't I the only one here from another class? Just trying to liven things up," he explained casually.
Jiang Du could only force a smile, though it felt strained, her facial muscles barely cooperating.
Soon, the waiter brought the dishes. Lin Haiyang, seated near the door, busied himself with serving. Zhang Xiaoqiang glanced around and seized the opportunity to steer the conversation toward food, effectively changing the subject. The atmosphere at the table gradually grew livelier.
Since it was a rotating tray, Jiang Du always waited until no one was turning it before gently nudging the glass plate. But every time she was about to turn it, she noticed Wei Qingyue would reach for his chopsticks at that exact moment, forcing her to give up. The boy, meanwhile, would calmly pick up his food as if nothing had happened.
After several rounds of this, Jiang Du's plate remained empty. She couldn't help but glance up at him. Amidst the laughter and chatter, Wei Qingyue seemed prepared to meet her gaze. Their eyes locked, and in his, there was a faint, teasing glint of amusement.
Jiang Du's ears instantly grew warm. She fumbled with her chopsticks before setting them down awkwardly, taking a sip of her lukewarm juice instead.
Fortunately, Zhang Xiaoqiang was thoughtful and soon noticed Jiang Du hadn't eaten much. While urging her to eat, she stood up and piled Jiang Du's plate high with beef, lamb chops, broccoli... until it resembled a small mountain.
"Why are you acting like a kid, just drinking juice? You'll fill up on that alone," Zhang Xiaoqiang said, laughing. The birthday accessories on her head sparkled, and her bright, white teeth seemed fit for a commercial.
Jiang Du felt a bit embarrassed by the remark but quickly thanked her, feeling a wave of relief. Finally, she wouldn't have to worry about turning that rotating tray anymore. Truth be told, even when attending banquets with her grandparents, she dreaded these rotating trays. While others seemed unfazed, she was easily flustered, always missing the right moment to turn it. More often than not, she'd return home only half-full and end up eating again later.
Stealing a glance at Wei Qingyue, she saw Lin Haiyang leaning over to ask him about video games. Wei Qingyue was a gaming expert, the kind who spent entire weekends pulling all-nighters at internet cafes. Meanwhile, the other two girls seized the chance to ask him for advice on studying science subjects.
Throughout the meal, Jiang Du barely spoke a word, remaining quiet and withdrawn. She envied how effortlessly others engaged in such settings—now complaining about teachers, now gossiping about who was dating whom, and then seamlessly shifting to serious discussions about academics.
But this was fine too. Surrounded by voices and cheerful young faces under the warm glow of the lights, she could simply listen quietly to others. And, from time to time, she could let her gaze drift inconspicuously over someone, like a swallow's tail lightly brushing over wheat tips.As the host, Zhang Xiaoqiang had to constantly check if anyone was being left out. So when she noticed Jiang Du had been quiet, she proactively started a conversation:
"Jiang Du, you must have read a lot of books since you were little, right? Share some essay-writing tips with us?"
Suddenly called upon, Jiang Du was caught off guard. She blinked, always appearing a bit unnatural under everyone's gaze.
"I don't really have any tips, I just..." Jiang Du spoke stiffly, "write as it comes." If Wei Qingyue weren't here, she thought, she would perform better.
Liu Xiaole chimed in: "Natural talent, right? Essay writing depends on talent. My standards aren't high—I just follow templates. I won't get top scores, but I won't fail either. I've already given up on essays."
Over there, Lin Haiyang couldn't pick up the shrimp with his chopsticks. Frustrated, he switched to a spoon. Miraculously, he still managed to interject:
"How about this? Later, we all write an essay about Zhang Xiaoqiang's birthday party and see if Jiang Du is the only one with exceptional talent. Jiang Du, show us your real skills and dazzle our eyes!"
"Cut it out. This isn't like writing an essay after an elementary school spring outing. Lin Haiyang, your mouth is always so annoying. If you want to write, go ahead. Jiang Du, don't pay him any mind." Liu Xiaole laughed, playfully hitting him a few times.
That was just Lin Haiyang's way—mischievous, as if he itched to be scolded by girls if he went a day without it. At first, he only teased Wang Jingjing, provoking her to yell at him. Later, he teased every girl in the class, and the girls spoke to him without restraint—except for someone as reserved as Jiang Du.
Jiang Du envied how her classmates got along so well. She thought Lin Haiyang was such a joy. His parents must be very easygoing people, with a lively and fun family atmosphere, to raise a son like him.
This was Jiang Du's habit—she always tried to guess what her classmates' parents were like based on their behavior. But she could never have imagined that Wei Qingyue's father would hit him.
Thinking of this, she instinctively glanced at Wei Qingyue, who was sitting with his legs crossed. He seemed to be listening, yet also lost in his own thoughts, his gaze somewhat distant. But suddenly, he looked over, meeting Jiang Du's inquisitive eyes, and smiled faintly.
Jiang Du immediately looked away.
The meal, filled with eating and drinking, lasted over an hour. Finally, the cake was cut. Lin Haiyang smeared some on Zhang Xiaoqiang's face. As she dodged, she grabbed Wei Qingyue, trying to hide behind him. In that moment, Lin Haiyang ended up smearing cake on Wei Qingyue instead.
He was wearing a haze-blue down jacket and a red scarf. Unbothered by the sudden cake stain on his clothes, he very naturally pulled Zhang Xiaoqiang out and pushed her forward: "She has a good temper. Go ahead and smear as much as you want."
"Wei Qingyue, you old classmate really knows how to throw someone under the bus!" Zhang Xiaoqiang laughed loudly, her happiness shining brightly in her eyes.
Watching this scene, Jiang Du couldn't tell if she felt envy or something else. She stood up beside her chair. Lin Haiyang wouldn't joke around with her like that, and neither would the others. Here, she felt a bit out of place, like a gentle sheep.
The indoor heating was too strong, and her face felt flushed.Aside from her, everyone had already engaged in some degree of conversation with Wei Qingyue. During their student days, the top-ranked student always carried a certain halo, especially someone as distinctive as Wei Qingyue. Jiang Du couldn’t help but press the back of her hand against her cheek, then followed the others as they filed out one by one.
When it was time to settle the bill, they stepped out first, with Zhang Xiaoqiang pulling Wei Qingyue along to handle it.
A gust of cold wind brushed against her face, bringing instant relief. Jiang Du instinctively slipped her hands into her pockets as the group discussed their next plan—going to sing karaoke—while standing in the breeze.
When the two top students emerged, the most striking detail was the matching red scarves around their necks, which looked very much like a couple’s set. Jiang Du pretended to glance casually, her expression calm, a faint smile lingering at the corner of her lips. She wasn’t sure why she was smiling—perhaps because everyone else was smiling too.
“Let’s take taxis! Lin Haiyang, you take Jiang Du and the other two. Wei Qingyue, Xiaole, and I will ride in the next one,” Zhang Xiaoqiang arranged smoothly, already stepping toward the roadside to hail a cab with practiced ease.
“How far is it?” Wei Qingyue suddenly asked. Zhang Xiaoqiang replied, “About a twenty-minute walk, but taking a taxi will be faster.”
“Let’s walk. We just ate so much—it’ll help us digest,” he suggested. Zhang Xiaoqiang then asked for the others’ opinions. As if accustomed to letting the top students take charge, no one objected. And so, the group chatted and laughed as they crossed the street.
No wonder her neck felt chilly. Jiang Du suddenly looked troubled, pausing in her steps as she apologized to everyone, “Sorry, I forgot my scarf. I’ll go back and get it. You all go ahead.”
“I’ll go! I’m fast!” Lin Haiyang volunteered, and before the words had fully left his mouth, he was already sprinting back, his long legs carrying him swiftly.
Jiang Du felt even more embarrassed, apologizing again for her carelessness.
“It’s fine. Here, wear mine for now so you don’t catch cold,” Zhang Xiaoqiang said as she unwrapped her own scarf and draped it around Jiang Du’s neck. Jiang Du was never good at refusing such gestures, so she let the red fabric settle around her neck.
For a very brief moment—perhaps five or six minutes—she and Wei Qingyue wore scarves of the same color. Even though it belonged to someone else, it was still a rare moment of matching. Walking at the back of the group, she habitually watched the others’ backs, including Wei Qingyue’s.
The boy’s hair was tousled by the wind, flying freely and cleanly. She could even make out each sway of his strands, perfectly in sync with the rhythm of her heartbeat.
Lin Haiyang returned quickly, indeed, bringing back the scarf and handing it to Jiang Du while panting heavily. Seeing his flushed, steaming face, Jiang Du couldn’t help but feel like laughing. “I’m really sorry for making you run all that way,” she said.
“Why are you always so formal? How about this—next time your grandma makes her sauce, bring me a jar?” the boy teased mischievously. From behind them, Liu Xiaole’s voice chimed in, “Lin Haiyang, that’s too much! Fetching a scarf and now extorting a jar of sauce?”
“Alright, I’ll have Grandma pack you a jar when she makes the sauce,” Jiang Du agreed.
Lin Haiyang walked beside her, saying, “I’m always starving after evening self-study. You have no idea how much we guys can eat. After self-study, I can eat three steamed buns dipped in sauce. Believe it or not?”
Jiang Du couldn’t hold back a laugh. “I believe you. You’re tall, after all.”
“Let me tell you, guys are like reincarnated hungry wolves. We burn a lot of energy. How come you eat so little? Your appetite seems as small as a bird’s.”
Jiang Du quickly denied it. “Not at all! I eat plenty. Birds only take a few bites.”On the way to karaoke, she passed the time chatting with Lin Haiyang about trivial, meaningless details. Jiang Du kept glancing ahead, but Wei Qingyue never once looked back.
He can’t see me.
But at least I can see him. And besides, this path beneath our feet—we’re walking it together. She didn’t ask for much, just a little happiness, like a soaring melody born from taut strings, swelling into grand waves.
Inside the KTV, rich and shimmering lights danced across their faces. As they walked down the hallway, a half-open room leaked deafening music and what sounded like howling wolves.
Jiang Du couldn’t sing and only dared to hum quietly to herself. But today wasn’t about the meal or even the singing. She didn’t feel forced at all; she only felt this day was far too lucky.
Grandma had said that the sixth day of the Lunar New Year was auspicious—many couples chose it for weddings, and it was like that every year.
New Year’s Eve and the first day of the year were nice, but neither could compare to the beauty of the sixth day.
Once seated in the private room, countless swirling little stars—colored like a deep blue sea—fell across her face. Jiang Du sat at the very edge, listening as they debated which song to pick.
“You still owe me a song,” Zhang Xiaoqiang said softly amid the dazzling lights, smiling as she looked at Wei Qingyue. Wei Qingyue played dumb, frowning slightly. “What do you mean, I owe you a song?”
Zhang Xiaoqiang shushed him. “You stood me up for the New Year’s performance.”
Wei Qingyue finally smiled, brushing it off. “My throat isn’t great today, don’t feel like singing. How about this—you pick a song to sing, and I’ll give you a critique?”
“Look how full of yourself you are,” Zhang Xiaoqiang cleared her throat. “My English songs are more accurate than yours, don’t get cocky.”
“Oh, so you’re fancy then—London accent?” Wei Qingyue grinned as he popped open a soda can. With a crisp ping, the cold liquid flowed down his throat and into his chest.
His tone wasn’t exactly likable—it bordered on sarcastic, but if you took it seriously, Wei Qingyue would just say he didn’t mean it that way, offering at most one explanation. He really was just speaking offhandedly. In any case, Wei Qingyue wasn’t the type to try to please others or care much about their feelings.
Zhang Xiaoqiang glared at him, then noticed Lin Haiyang already eager to sing a Cantonese song. As soon as he started, his accent was clearly imitative, with some oddly exaggerated pronunciations. Yet Lin Haiyang sang with utter rapture, making her and the other girls laugh.
After that, Liu Xiaole urged the class monitor and Zhang Xiaoqiang to do a duet. Both were top students in the class and usually worked well together on class duties—not singing a duet would almost be a disservice to such a good friendship.
“What should we sing? I feel like all male-female duets are kind of cheesy,” Zhang Xiaoqiang said, scanning the song list in confusion.
“Lovesickness in the Wind and Rain.”
“You Are the Most Precious?”
“Soulmates, haha!”
“You guys are so nostalgic—these songs are ancient. People would think they were picked by some uncles and aunties.”
Jiang Du listened to everyone’s lively discussion, as usual unable to join in. She sat up straight, her back forming a flat line. Beside her, Wei Qingyue had already half-reclined on the sofa, using his arms as a pillow, his long legs crossed.
The duet began. The class monitor’s singing was painfully off-key, and Lin Haiyang burst into wild laughter, showing no mercy. The monitor grew so embarrassed he almost gave up, but Lin Haiyang quickly waved his hands. “No, no, class monitor—you have to finish what you started.”The singing was loud, booming from all directions. Liu Xiaole suddenly said she wanted some fruit, as if they had forgotten to order a fruit platter. Wei Qingyue stood up directly: "I'll go, you keep singing."
Whether he was bored or the private room was too stuffy... Jiang Du mustered her courage and finally spoke to him:
"Maybe I should go instead, since I don't know how to sing anyway."
"Then why did you come along?" Wei Qingyue asked with a smile. Jiang Du was immediately flustered by the question. She pursed her lips and mumbled, "I'll go order the fruit platter."
But once she actually stepped out, she felt dizzy. The corridor was dazzling, like a bizarre, kaleidoscopic world. She had just stepped out and was already lost.
"You don't sing, yet you still came along. Why did Zhang Xiaoqiang invite you for her birthday? You're going the wrong way." Wei Qingyue appeared behind her at some point. He tugged lightly on the hood of Jiang Du's down jacket, but it startled her thoroughly. She turned around, taking a moment to process what had happened.
Flustered, it took Jiang Du a while to find her voice: "I'll just go order the fruit platter."
Wei Qingyue chuckled softly: "I'm going to the restroom."
Huh? Jiang Du froze. She had been overthinking it. Instantly, shame washed over her—how embarrassing.
A drunk man stumbled down the corridor, nearly crashing into Jiang Du. Wei Qingyue casually pulled her aside and said, "This? You're lost?"
Jiang Du murmured, "I've never been here before."
"You barely ate, you don't sing, and you hardly talk to anyone. Are you that shy? Aren't they all your classmates?" Wei Qingyue seemed to be laughing again, his laughter unsettling.
Speaking of the meal... Jiang Du glanced at him suspiciously, hesitating before lowering her lashes.
"Jiang Du." Wei Qingyue suddenly called her name. She looked up and saw the light passing over his face.
"Are you always this nervous when you see me?" he asked directly, so directly that for a moment, Jiang Du felt as if her soul had left her body.
Instinctively, she stammered a denial: "No, I'm not."
Wei Qingyue wore a subtle smile. He glanced around and suddenly said to her:
"If talking to me makes you uncomfortable, you can," he deliberately paused, watching her expression. Sure enough, Jiang Du was tense, as if she might snap at any moment with his next words. Her eyes were beautiful, with dark pupils that held a dazzling array of lights, and at their center was his reflection.
"Write me a letter."
These four words were spoken with certainty. He still wore a smile and still gazed into her eyes.
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