With the stаrt оf the winter brеak semеstеr, Меi Zhоng bеgan trialing thе latest arts and scienсеs streаming systеm. Рrеviоusly, fоrmаl strеаming оnly tоok plaсе at thе beginning of the sеcond уear оf high sсhооl. Stаrting frоm 2007, а streaming survеу would bе соnductеd at thе stаrt of the sесond sеmester of thе first year, with а оnе-month аdjustment periоd аllоwing students tо switсh frоm аrts tо sсienсеs or viсe vеrsa. Hоwevеr, Теaсhеr Хu аdvised cautiоn when switching from arts to sсiences, аs the sciеncе strеam wаs more challenging.
This notice was officially issued just two days before school started, posted by Xu in the class QQ group.
The group chat erupted into chaos, with complaints about the school’s sudden move. Many had assumed streaming was still far off and questioned why their year had to be the guinea pigs.
Still, some had already made up their minds, clear about whether they would pursue arts or sciences.
Regardless, there was a consensus: earlier streaming was better, as it saved time wasted on irrelevant subjects.
Fortunately, there was still a buffer period after school started. In the past, after holidays, girls loved gathering to discuss TV dramas they’d watched during the break. Now, the topic had shifted entirely to class streaming. Wang Jingjing lacked Jiang Du’s advantage in the arts, but she wasn’t particularly strong in sciences either. So, her parents encouraged her to choose sciences, and she planned to do the same. If necessary, she could always switch to arts later, since switching from sciences to arts was easier.
Jiang Du, without a doubt, would choose arts. Arts mathematics was less challenging, and she wouldn’t have to struggle with difficult physics anymore. From every angle, choosing arts still gave her a chance to get into a top university.
Having been classmates for so many years, this meant they would now go their separate ways. Though still in the same school, with increasingly heavy coursework and different floors, they would see much less of each other.
“Sigh, it’s a bit sad,” Wang Jingjing fiddled with her pencil case. “Most of our class is choosing sciences. I asked around, and hardly anyone’s picking arts. Are you really sure about choosing arts?”
In the common stereotype, those who chose arts were mostly students with poor grades or less sharp minds. The school had always prioritized sciences over arts. Though Wang Jingjing said she could always switch to arts if needed, she was only saying it to avoid being looked down upon.
Jiang Du smiled, pulling out her physics textbook and rubbing it gently. She didn’t actually dislike sciences at all—she just hadn’t excelled at them. Now that it was time to say goodbye, she felt a sense of reluctance. But no matter which direction one flew, one couldn’t stay in place forever. All gatherings must eventually come to an end.
“Yes, I’ve decided. Whether it’s arts or sciences, as long as I don’t regret it,” she said, pulling a charm pouch from her backpack. It was from a temple, embroidered with the words “A Bright Future.” “This is for you. Grandma got one for me and one for you. I forgot to give it to you last time.”
“Wow, thank Grandma so much! I love it!” Wang Jingjing exclaimed dramatically, taking it and kissing it repeatedly.
“What about me? Don’t I get one?” Lin Haiyang’s head suddenly popped up from behind. With a “smack,” Wang Jingjing hit him with a book. “You’re everywhere, like a lingering ghost.”
“Next Spring Festival, I’ll ask my grandma to get one for you too,” Jiang Du said, remembering the winter break incident and feeling she owed Lin Haiyang a favor, quickly making the promise.
Everyone was still wearing down jackets, rustling with every movement. The classroom buzzed with chatter, and such gatherings were becoming fewer with each passing day.
Yet, when it came to parting, the students were accustomed to it—and had to be. So many passersby came and went, so much laughter and joy, so much sorrow and happiness, all destined to end at some point.The first week of school, filled with restless hearts, passed by in the blink of an eye.
The subject selection survey form still required a parent's signature. Over the weekend, Jiang Du showed the form to her grandparents. Of course, they had no opinions to offer, nor any reason to hesitate.
On Monday, when she handed it in to Zhang Xiaoqiang, Zhang was busy collecting forms from classmates who had forgotten to fill in the date—some people were always careless.
"Are you sure about choosing liberal arts?" Zhang Xiaoqiang asked Jiang Du, who nodded in response.
"There will be a placement exam. Do your best—maybe you can make it into the liberal arts experimental class," Zhang Xiaoqiang encouraged her. Jiang Du smiled faintly and said, "You'll definitely get into the science experimental class."
"Most likely," Zhang Xiaoqiang replied with confidence, her smile deepening the small dimples on her cheeks. For a moment, Jiang Du felt a pang of distraction. She knew Zhang Xiaoqiang would once again become Wei Qingyue's classmate.
No matter how much she liked Wei Qingyue, she knew she would never choose science. Liberal arts were her future. If she were outstanding enough, at the very least, she might have the fortune of being in the same class as him. Unfortunately, she didn’t even have that ability.
And with Wang Jingjing choosing science, it meant Jiang Du could no longer act as her "ghostwriter." Time stretched endlessly before her, and for Jiang Du, he was becoming an increasingly hopeless prospect.
"Trying so hard to flatter her, I thought you’d follow her lead and choose science to suck up," came Chen Huiming’s sharp voice. She shot a few disdainful glances their way while cracking sunflower seeds with her deskmate.
"She’s aiming for the experimental class," her deskmate added subtly.
Zhang Xiaoqiang didn’t hear this—she had already gone to the back of the classroom to find someone. Jiang Du turned to look at them but said nothing. She wasn’t sure if they were talking about her, but her heart sank.
Chen Huiming, however, clearly rolled her eyes at her. Jiang Du’s face flushed immediately. Wang Jingjing noticed this and nudged her. "Is that gossip talking about you?"
Wang Jingjing’s voice was loud, and Chen Huiming immediately called out her name. "Wang Jingjing, who are you calling a gossip?"
At this, Wang Jingjing laughed in anger, her lips curling as if she were about to sprout a mustache. "Guilty conscience, huh? So you really were talking about Jiang Du. Aren’t you bored? Day in and day out, you’re like a market auntie—no, even the aunties aren’t as gossipy as you."
"Who are you calling an auntie!" Chen Huiming’s eyes widened. Just as she was about to argue, her deskmate gave her a meaningful look. Understanding, Chen Huiming changed her strategy and glared at Wang Jingjing with a sarcastic tone. "You treat her like a friend, but she might not even think much of you."
Wang Jingjing had no idea what she was insinuating and couldn’t be bothered to engage. She muttered "crazy" and turned away.
Jiang Du felt deeply disgusted by Chen Huiming’s attempt to sow discord but didn’t want to escalate the conflict. With the class division imminent and Class Two about to be disbanded, there was no need to pick a fight.
Just then, the class monitor came over and told Jiang Du that Teacher Xu wanted to see her in the office.
There was a financial aid program for students from low-income families, with at least two spots per class. At this age, everyone had sensitive self-esteem, and most didn’t want to admit their families were poor. In reality, very few students at Mei Zhong were truly struggling financially.
"The spots will go to waste if no one uses them. Jiang Du, fill out this form," Teacher Xu explained, sliding the form toward her.
Jiang Du felt conflicted. It wasn’t about her pride—she simply didn’t think her family was poor enough to qualify."Teacher Xu, my grandparents both have pensions, and we sold a plot of land back in our hometown to support my education. My family does have the means. I think this money should go to classmates who need it more."
Xu smiled. "I know, but have you considered that your grandparents are getting older? If anything happens to their health in the future, the expenses could be quite heavy. You're still young and don't understand how frightening illness can be. Listen to your teacher and take this money. If not for anything else, think of it as considering the two elders. Trust me, it's the right thing to do."
The teacher meant well, and Jiang Du understood that, yet she remained standing motionless. After hesitating for a moment, she said, "Teacher Xu, if the classmates find out I took this money, they'll talk about me."
"I'll explain it. Don't worry so much." Xu couldn't help but sigh. "You're quite the thoughtful young lady."
The form was eventually filled out. Jiang Du closed the office door behind her and walked to the corner, where a strong draft swept through, bringing a wave of cold air that made her shiver.
As she descended the stairs, someone came up toward her. Jiang Du didn't notice until an arm was right in front of her, and she abruptly stopped.
Looking up, she met Wei Qingyue's smiling eyes. He glanced her up and down and said, "Why do you always pretend not to see me?"
The chance encounter came suddenly, like a rising tide stirred by the wind. Jiang Du was taken aback for a moment, then looked at him and slowly revealed a shy smile. "I really didn't see you."
"Did you get in trouble?" he joked right away.
Jiang Du shook her head, her face flushed. She was terrified that Wei Qingyue might find out about her receiving the poverty subsidy. If he knew, what would he think of her? She dressed, ate, and lived normally—where was the poverty that required a subsidy?
"Teacher Xu had something to discuss with me," she said vaguely, hoping he wouldn't press for details. Thinking of this, she quickly asked him, "What are you doing at the office?"
"The teacher wanted to talk to me about a competition. I wasn't planning to participate, but the school might want me to." Wei Qingyue was much more candid than her. "I thought about it carefully, and participating wouldn't be bad. If I could represent the country in the competition, it might be useful for my future applications to schools abroad."
To Jiang Du, this was something distant and unfamiliar. She listened quietly, her heart sinking like the moon and stars fading, filled with an indescribable melancholy.
"Going up?" Wei Qingyue asked, seeing her silent, and gestured upward.
Jiang Du forced a smile, nodded, and passed by him. The encounter was brief, and the parting just as swift—everything happened too quickly to prepare for.
As she had feared, when Xu announced the list of poverty subsidy recipients in class and gave an explanation, some still whispered about her.
After all, Jiang Du had worn Nike shoes in the fall—bought during a discount sale.
Somehow, Wang Jingjing seemed to have a slightly subtle attitude toward her receiving the subsidy. Twirling her pen, she spoke as if casually, "Does Teacher Xu not know that your grandparents' pensions are quite high?"
Jiang Du immediately sensed something off in her words. In certain matters, she was as sensitive as the Princess and the Pea.
"I told him, but I couldn't refuse," she explained slowly. "Teacher Xu gave me the same explanation he gave in class. It wasn't something I actively sought."
Wang Jingjing chuckled, her expression hard to read. If there was a moment when a subtle crack appeared in their friendship, it was now. Jiang Du felt it, but she couldn't understand why."Don't blame others for talking behind your back. During winter break, you even went to celebrate Zhang Xiaoqiang's birthday. Everyone saw you hanging out on the streets. What kind of impoverished student does that?" Wang Jingjing was quick to speak, but she didn't mention that Chen Huiming had approached her.
Sometimes, bonds are stronger than gold, yet more fragile than paper.
Her gaze burned into Jiang Du. "It was the sixth day of the lunar new year, right? Wei Qingyue also went to Zhang Xiaoqiang's birthday party, but you told me you went to the temple with your grandma."
Jiang Du's heart raced wildly. She wanted to explain but felt at a loss for words. After a moment of thought, she finally spoke:
"I lied because I knew Zhang Xiaoqiang didn't invite you. I was afraid..."
"Enough. You underestimate me. Zhang Xiaoqiang invited you but not me—do you think I'd be jealous? Honestly, she isn't even that close with you usually. It really is strange." As Wang Jingjing spoke, her tone unconsciously grew sharp.
The awkwardness between young girls arises inexplicably, yet there are always traces to follow. Emotions shift in an instant. Wang Jingjing could stand up for Jiang Du fearlessly, unafraid of offending others, yet she could also feel hurt by Jiang Du's secrecy. Why she felt this anger, even she couldn't explain.
Jiang Du opened her mouth but remained silent for a long while before whispering, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lie to you. I hope you're not angry with me."
"Let's just study," Wang Jingjing replied, her tone still stiff as she lowered her head.
Jiang Du sat there dazed, seeing that Wang Jingjing had no intention of continuing the conversation. After sitting idly for a while, she quietly left the classroom alone.
Due to the class reassignments, the first-year students were feeling restless. Some were still struggling with the changes. The teaching building was brightly lit, divided floor by floor, each housing classrooms like cubicles. Under the dim lights, the sea of dark-haired students buzzed with restless energy—youth in its raw, unfolding state.
The weather remained bitterly cold, the streetlights faint and icy. As Jiang Du gazed out from the corridor, her eyes involuntarily drifted toward the tree by the library, its silhouette hazy in the darkness.
Passing by Class One, the bright light from the windows fell upon her. Staring into that light, a sudden surge of emotion overwhelmed her, so intense it felt unbearable.
She missed Wei Qingyue terribly.
She longed to see him smile, to hear his voice, and even just to have him accompany her, even if only for a short walk to the restroom.
Driven by this longing, Jiang Du turned and boldly, though stiffly, peered into Class One's classroom.
Class One was relatively quiet, most students busy with their own tasks. No one looked up toward the window. Her idea of clearing her mind was simply to visit the restroom, hoping the cold breeze might soothe her.
Wei Qingyue, tall and seated at the back, removed his headphones and closed his English newspaper.
Perhaps planning to step out, he glanced outside first before preparing to stand up.
Their eyes met. Jiang Du forgot to look away, momentarily wondering if she was hallucinating—so desperate was she to see Wei Qingyue that she imagined him looking up.
Wei Qingyue watched Jiang Du staring at him through the window with mild surprise. Soon, he smiled at her, clearly noticing the panic that flashed across her previously expressionless face before she turned and hurried away.
Puzzled, he stepped out and headed toward the restroom, spotting Jiang Du halfway there.
"Jiang Du!" Wei Qingyue called out, his voice slightly raised.The voice came from behind. The moment she heard it, the surge of sorrow in Jiang Du's nose nearly rushed to her eyes. She desperately controlled her emotions and turned around.
Wei Qingyue approached, hands in his pockets, casual and relaxed. He didn’t notice her unusual state, only asking, “What were you looking at in Class One just now?”
Hearing his voice, as always, he spoke to her like any ordinary classmate—with no obligation to treat her differently, and she harbored no such delusions. Jiang Du blinked her eyes, fighting back tears by blinking hard, quickly rubbing the back of her hand against her nose.
“What’s wrong?” Wei Qingyue leaned slightly forward, raising an eyebrow, his gaze drifting upward to her face. “Not feeling well? Or did someone bully you?”
With his question, everything crumbled. Jiang Du’s small face crumpled, and she could no longer utter a single word. She cried.
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