Two days later, Li Wu returned to school to collect his final exam report card.
As a transfer student, he had surpassed many of his peers, topping Class 10 with a remarkable 146 in math and a perfect score in science, even outperforming the second-place student by nearly twenty points.
Yet, ironically, his overall grade ranking was thirty-first.
Staring at the results slip, Li Wu was utterly stunned—how was this any different from falling one point below the passing mark?
His homeroom teacher, however, was beaming with pride, enthusiastically praising him during class. The one being praised showed no sign of joy, leaning back in his chair with a dejected expression.
On his way home, the sky was gloomy, as if gathering emotions for an impending snowfall.
Li Wu’s mood was no better than the weather. Hands in his pockets, he walked through the crowd almost self-absorbedly and entered the subway station.
Inside the train car, he held onto a handrail, gazing blankly at the rapidly flashing advertisement lights outside the window, pondering how to explain this unsatisfactory report card to Cen Jin.
Lost in thought, his phone suddenly vibrated in his pocket.
Li Wu took it out and saw a message from Cheng Rui. He had sent a photo—a picture of Li Wu displayed in the student honors section, with a red background, yellow text, and his unsmiling face.
The top fifty students in the sophomore class for the semester's final exams received this honor as encouragement.
Cheng Rui’s tone was barely concealing his excitement: Have you seen it? When I went, several girls were taking pictures of you!!
Cheng Rui: I even thought about posting it on Douyin! I told them not to violate your portrait rights. No need to thank me, bro.
Li Wu: “…”
He still replied: Thanks.
Cheng Rui was overjoyed for him for a while, as if he were the one who had topped the class. Li Wu’s mood gradually brightened from all the praise.
After finishing the conversation, Li Wu opened the picture again, thought for a moment, pursed his lips, and forwarded it to Cen Jin, emphasizing repeatedly: I didn’t take this, a classmate sent it to me.
As he stepped out of the subway station, Li Wu received her reply.
Her first reaction wasn’t to ask about his grades but: This photo looks really good.
Li Wu was slightly taken aback. Wasn’t it exactly like him? What was there to look good or not? He couldn’t tell anyway.
The inevitable topic had to come up eventually. Cen Jin asked again: Is it the top thirty who make it to the honors board?
Li Wu: …
Li Wu: Top fifty.
On the other end, quick-witted, she immediately guessed most of it and replied with the same brick emoji as before.
Li Wu: …
Might as well face the music: I’m 31st. I’ll show you the results slip when I get back.
Cen Jin seemed to share his regret: Just one spot away?
Li Wu: Yeah.
Cen Jin encouraged him: You did great too! Work a bit harder next semester, and transferring to the honors class will be a piece of cake.
Li Wu felt comforted: Okay.
Seeing that she wasn’t as disappointed or angry as he had expected, Li Wu’s mood eased a bit, and he changed the subject: Do I still need to get beaten?
Cen Jin: Do you want to get beaten?
Li Wu: …
Cen Jin: It’s not impossible. I’ll keep an eye out for bricks on my way home.
Li Wu: Better not.
—
It was past eleven that night when Cen Jin finally returned. She took off her coat, massaging her shoulders and back, placed a bulging shopping bag on the coffee table, and called Li Wu’s name twice.
The teenager strode out and stopped not far away.
“Have something to eat,” Cen Jin pointed at the shopping bag and went to the fridge to grab some water. “A reward for you. You’ve worked hard this semester.”
Li Wu walked over to the coffee table, leaned in to look inside the bag—it was filled with all kinds of snacks, a colorful assortment. He turned to ask her, “Aren’t you having any?”
“I’m not eating. Right now, I just want to take a shower and sleep,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice.
Li Wu didn’t touch any of the snacks and asked, “Is it snowing outside?”Cen Jin replied, "No."
"Oh, right," she gulped down half a bottle of water and suddenly remembered something. Turning her head, she reminded him, "There are two boxes of masks inside too. Try not to go out recently if possible, and if you do, make sure to wear a mask properly. It seems like there's some Novel Coronavirus in Hancheng, and it's quite serious."
Li Wu looked at her: "When are you getting off work for the holiday?"
Cen Jin screwed the cap back on the bottle: "Probably around the 27th or 28th of the twelfth lunar month." She then asked, "Are you going back to Shengzhou for Spring Festival? Or staying with me?"
Li Wu was speechless for a second, his head warming slightly: "With you."
"Wise choice," Cen Jin casually tossed the water bottle up and caught it deftly, glancing sideways at him. "Perfect timing to introduce you to my parents."
"Ah...?" Li Wu was caught off guard by this statement.
Cen Jin raised an eyebrow: "Any problem with that?"
Li Wu quickly shook his head.
But in the following days, the epidemic situation developed unexpectedly.
In this era of smooth information flow, any unknown disturbance was enough to trigger hurricanes and tsunamis. The entire nation was on edge, staying anxiously at home all day. Every city and every household became isolated, strictly guarding their own little islands.
Considering the severity of the situation, Cen Jin's company let employees off two days early.
News broadcasts rolled continuously online and on TV, reminding people to avoid visiting each other and gathering during the Spring Festival period.
Cen Jin closely followed the news and began struggling with whether to return to her parents' place for the New Year, since they were in the same city, just a few streets apart.
That very night, her father called, saying due to the special circumstances, she shouldn't come back. She should take care of herself and just video call them on New Year's Eve.
With her parents making the decision for her, Cen Jin actually felt relieved. She agreed, then apologized and whined to them, expressing how much she missed them.
Cen's Father was pleased by her coaxing and asked about Li Wu's situation, wondering if the kid had returned to his hometown.
Cen Jin said, "No, he's here with me."
Cen's Father felt relieved: "That's great! With someone keeping you company, my daughter won't have to spend the New Year alone."
Cen Jin snorted coldly.
With Li Wu's personality - doing homework in the study from morning till night, barely speaking a few words in twenty-four hours - having him around made little difference. He'd probably still be cramming studies even on New Year's Eve.
But the current challenge wasn't building rapport with Li Wu. Due to the epidemic impact, their residential compound was completely sealed off, with even food delivery unable to enter.
After braving the bitter winter cold to fetch meals for three consecutive days, Cen Jin broke down. She threw in the towel, collapsed on the sofa, and tried to order around the other resident: "Li Wu!"
The youth immediately ran to the living room.
He was like some kind of summoned creature - usually silent and holed up in his Pokémon Ball, but whenever needed, he'd always appear before her immediately.
"From now on we'll split the work - each takes turns getting delivery every other day," she said with rare amiability, adding an impeccable reason: "You can't always bury your head in studies. You need to go out for exercise too, get some fresh air."
Li Wu stood thinking for a moment, then raised an objection: "Why do we need to keep ordering delivery?"
"You think I want to?" Cen Jin smoothed her long hair. "I can't cook."
She raised both hands in surrender, but her attitude was unapologetic: "I've never done housework since childhood. Limited growing environment - my cooking skills are completely unpresentable."
Li Wu chuckled inwardly, gazing at her as he began to recommend himself: "I can."
"Huh?"
He repeated: "I can cook.""You should've said so earlier," Cen Jin frowned, scrutinized him for a moment, and after confirming he showed no unusual expression, softened her tone with a tactful retreat: "Won't cooking interfere with your homework?"
"I've already finished the winter break assignments from school."
Cen Jin's heart skipped a beat: "So fast?" It's only been a few days since the break started.
"Yeah," Li Wu replied flatly, "It wasn't much."
Cen Jin's smile grew more genuine as she pointed toward the kitchen: "Shall we give it a try then?"
Li Wu nodded: "Okay."
Cen Jin stood up, stepped around the coffee table, and motioned for Li Wu to join her as they headed to the kitchen to inspect the fridge and take stock of supplies.
After checking, Cen Jin concluded: "Seems like we're low on ingredients at home."
She turned to ask: "What dish do you want to make?"
Li Wu wasn't very confident: "I should be able to handle simple ones."
Cen Jin said: "I'm not quite sure what counts as simple."
Li Wu replied: "Just basic home-style dishes."
Cen Jin tucked a strand of hair behind her ear: "How about this—we'll go to the supermarket later, buy more groceries, and you can decide how to combine them."
Li Wu: "Mm."
They put on their thick coats, wrapped scarves around their necks, and donned masks before setting off for the supermarket.
Walking through the neighborhood streets felt eerily desolate, as if in an apocalyptic scene, with only a handful of people visible—each keeping to themselves, guarded and distant.
Cen Jin sighed softly and asked Li Wu: "Did you check your temperature this morning?"
"Yes."
"What was it?"
"36.7°C," Li Wu's large eyes turned to her, "What about you?"
"I didn't."
"Why not?"
"I forgot."
"Oh." Li Wu added: "I'll remind you tomorrow."
Cen Jin removed one glove and carefully felt her own forehead: "Don't worry, it's not hot."
Hidden behind his mask, Li Wu finally allowed himself an unrestrained smile.
When they reached the nearby supermarket, it was even more sparsely populated.
Their greeting was a spray of disinfectant alcohol and a temperature check at the entrance. Only after confirming their temperatures were normal did the security guard let them pass.
As they entered the fresh produce section, Cen Jin tilted her chin slightly: "Well, this is your battlefield. Pick whatever you want—I'll pay."
Li Wu's eyes quickly scanned the area before he pushed the cart forward.
Cen Jin followed leisurely.
She rarely observed Li Wu from this angle, but today she suddenly noticed how broad his shoulders were, making his ash-gray coat appear exceptionally sharp. Without his school uniform during the break, he didn't look like a high school student at all from behind.
She really knows how to pick clothes.
Cen Jin affirmed silently to herself.
Li Wu leaned slightly forward, carefully selecting items, and each time he picked something up, he'd turn back to ask if Cen Jin would eat it.
Annoyed, Cen Jin gave a definitive reply: "I'm not picky."
The boy's bright eyes above the mask widened slightly: "Then why do you eat so little?"
Cen Jin pouted: "None of your business. Just focus on your own picks."
"Okay."
Li Wu paid close attention to details while choosing ingredients—checking freshness, comparing prices—but his efficiency remained high. Soon, the bottom of the cart was filled with a balanced assortment of meat and vegetables.
As they headed toward the checkout, they passed a large children's toy section filled with dazzling options—cars, guns, dinosaurs, robots—all beloved by many boys.
Cen Jin glanced over casually and asked offhandedly: "Do you want a Transformers?"
Li Wu choked slightly: "...No."
Cen Jin shot him a look, stepped around him, reached for a huge Lego set from the shelf, and stuffed it into their shopping cart.
Li Wu glanced down—it was a Disney Castle. He asked, "Are you going to build it?"
"For you to play with."
"?""Balance work and rest, don't just bury your head in studying all day," she tapped her index finger on the "16+" marked on the box: "This is just right for your age."
"Mm."
...
On the way home, the sun had broken through the clouds. Though the light was cool, it still carried residual warmth, neutralizing the wind so it no longer bit as sharply as during their earlier trip.
After arriving home, Li Wu immediately took off his overcoat and sweater, rolled up his sleeves, and headed straight to the kitchen with the determined air of someone ready to showcase their skills.
Cen Jin dug out the Wuchang rice from the bottom cabinet and checked its expiration date: "My dad brought this over in June, and it hasn't even been opened yet."
Li Wu gave her a complicated look: "Do you only eat takeout at home?"
Sensing his tone, Cen Jin shot him a sharp glare: "Is there a problem with that?"
Li Wu fell silent and turned to find the colander.
The rice weighed about twenty pounds. Cen Jin tried lifting it with both hands, finding it somewhat difficult.
Seeing this, Li Wu quickly bent down to take it, instinctively saying: "Let me handle it, you step aside."
Cen Jin remained silent for a few seconds before brushing her hands and straightening up: "Oh, your wings have hardened, have they? Think I'm getting in the way now."
"..." Li Wu hurried to explain: "No, it's too heavy. I was worried you might get hurt."
Afraid Cen Jin would start being stubborn about this, he preemptively took the rice bag back with one hand. The teenager moved so quickly it was barely noticeable, appearing effortless and casual. Cen Jin was momentarily stunned; if she hadn't noticed the slight muscle definition and veins bulging on his forearm from the exertion, she would have thought he was merely lifting a bag of cotton.
Cen Jin looked up again, slowly nodding with measured encouragement: "Alright then, do your best. I'll be in the living room."
After the woman left the limited kitchen space, the atmosphere cooled accordingly. Li Wu settled his mind, tied on the newly purchased apron, and began familiarizing himself with the kitchenware and appliances.
First were the cutting board and knives in the corner - three wooden cutting boards of varying sizes and thicknesses. The number of knives was even more astonishing, all with different shapes, making the countertop appear as precise and rigorous as an operating room.
Next was the stove. Li Wu tried turning on the burner, failing on his first attempt. Recalling how the cafeteria teacher at Nongxi used to light the stove, he pressed and turned again, and a thin, azure ring of fire burst forth.
He smiled faintly as if having succeeded in an experiment, then looked up at the range hood.
Li Wu turned it on, listened to the whirring wind sound for about ten seconds, then turned it off and on again to adjust the suction. Moments later, he discovered it had a wave-to-control feature and stood there seriously, operating it with delight as if greeting the range hood face-to-face.
These were all things he never had in his previous home, things he wouldn't even dare to imagine.
He had definitely underestimated how advanced and functional city people's kitchens could be.
Cen Jin sat sideways on the sofa, chin resting on one hand, pretending to look at her phone while actually keeping an ear on his movements. She bit her lower lip for a while before finally losing patience and scolding him: "Are you playing around?"
Li Wu glanced at her like a child caught daydreaming in class, quickly turned off the range hood, and obediently began washing rice and vegetables under the running tap.
The kitchen instantly fell silent. Cen Jin's gaze returned to her screen, her lips curling into an involuntary smile.
...
Li Wu had always been efficient in his work, with strong comprehension and quick adaptability. Before long, the kitchen was filled with the rich aroma of fresh cooking.
Cen Jin's appetite stirred. She put down the laptop on her lap and went over to inspect the results.
"Is this braised pork?" she stopped before the same stove.
The glass lid above the cast iron pot was completely fogged with condensation, but the contents within were still vaguely recognizable.Li Wu gave an "mm" of acknowledgment, lifted the lid, and picked up a piece with rich color, glossy sheen, and perfect fat-to-lean ratio with his chopsticks, offering it to Cen Jin.
Without much thought, Cen Jin leaned forward to taste it.
Suddenly realizing he seemed to be feeding her—an overly intimate gesture—Li Wu’s mind went blank, his face instantly flushing as if held over a stove. In a flash, he retracted his hand and stuffed the meat into his own mouth.
Cen Jin’s expression cooled abruptly. "Are you messing with me?" she asked incredulously.
"No," Li Wu stammered, sweating nervously as he struggled to explain. "This piece isn’t quite right…"
Before he could finish, Cen Jin had already snatched the chopsticks from his hand and taken matters into her own hands. She speared a piece, blew on it twice, and put it in her mouth.
The meat had been simmering in the pot, the sauce bubbling, its rich aroma filling the air.
Cen Jin chewed carefully, savoring the flavor. The meat was perfectly tender and infused with seasoning—fatty without being greasy, lean without being dry—leaving a lingering freshness in her mouth.
Surprised and delighted, she smiled, her eyes curving as she gave her highest praise: "So delicious, really delicious." After saying this, she picked up another piece and continued eating.
Seeing her satisfaction, Li Wu’s anxiety eased, and he smiled too. "As long as you like it."
Cen Jin turned her attention to another lidded soup pot. "What’s in here? Let me help you serve it."
"Tomato and egg soup."
"I love that."
"Mm... really?"
"Yes. When I was studying abroad, I used to make it often in my dorm, but yours looks way more fragrant than what I made back then."
Cen Jin looked around like a cat foraging for food. "Anything else?"
"There’s also a plate of asparagus stir-fried with pork and shredded potatoes with chili. They’re being kept warm in the rice cooker’s steamer tray."
"You’re so good at this, Li Wu—" Cen Jin turned to admire the dishes in the rice cooker, her tone gradually turning admiring. "If I’d known you were this skilled, why did we ever force ourselves to eat takeout?"
The young man, buoyed by the praise, glanced at the back of Cen Jin’s head, his smile growing wider. Unable to suppress it, he shifted his focus, pulling his phone from his apron pocket. He glanced down at the recipe app, then swiped it closed, feigning modesty. "It’s just average, really."
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