The exam ended.
Lunch break began.
Su Cheng went straight to the rooftop. He stood on the balcony, looking down at the ground below, then up at the sky.
The sky was a deep, clear blue, like freshly washed cotton candy, making his heart feel calm and relaxed.
He was waiting for Hoshino Mirai, wanting to see if she would eat on time.
If she didn't eat on time again, he would have to think of another way.
After all, this matter originated with him, and he had to take responsibility for it.
Moreover, he also wanted to ask about Liu Qingyue.
These past few days, Liu Qingyue had seemed to vanish into thin air.
Last night, he had even sent her a "good night" message.
But she hadn't replied.
She was playing hard to get now.
That wouldn't do. She still owed him a favor from the last time he helped her with her shoulder.
Hoshino Mirai was in the same class as Liu Qingyue.
After waiting for more than twenty minutes, footsteps finally echoed from the rooftop stairs.
It seemed the girl had already eaten, which relieved him.
Hoshino Mirai walked up, holding some books, and when she saw Su Cheng standing on the rooftop, she paused.
"Su Cheng?"
"Long time no see. Aren't you afraid of me today?"
Su Cheng turned around, smiling at Hoshino Mirai.
The last time he confessed to her, she had fled the rooftop in a panic.
"I read the school newspaper. I've been wanting to find a chance to apologize to you."
Hoshino Mirai shook her head and walked over to stand beside Su Cheng, continuing, "Last time, it was my negligence that allowed someone like Eddy to infiltrate the school. It forced you into a situation where you had no choice."
She paused, then added, "I hope you can trust the Disciplinary Committee in the future. If you encounter such a situation again, please don't stay silent."
Hoshino Mirai's tone was sincere and earnest, making Su Cheng slightly stunned.
After all, she had once been so naive that she worshipped the Penguin Prince. Unexpectedly, this girl was so kind and upright in this regard.
She even attributed the incident where Eddy had manipulated him to her own fault.
"I understand. If I encounter any difficulties in the future, I'll seek your help!"
Su Cheng nodded with a smile.
"Mmm!"
Hoshino Mirai nodded vigorously, her face lighting up with a bright smile.
Clearly, she was very happy to have gained Su Cheng's approval.
"Oh, what's this? There's a penguin here."
Su Cheng pretended to suddenly notice the statue, looking at Hoshino Mirai in surprise.
His words made Hoshino Mirai's smile stiffen. She glanced at the statue, then said awkwardly, "Ah... I put it here."
"What's its purpose?"
Su Cheng asked innocently.
"Well..."
Hoshino Mirai hesitated for a moment before answering, "It brings good luck."
"Is that so? By the way, I wanted to ask you something. Is Liu Qingyue in your class? I haven't seen her for several days. Is she not in class today?"
"Yes, she's been on leave for the past few days and hasn't been attending class."
"Did something happen?"
Just as Su Cheng was about to continue asking, a male voice came from the stairs: "Sister! Sister!"
"That's my brother," Hoshino Mirai explained.
"I see."
Su Cheng nodded, then turned to look at the stair entrance. Soon, a robust young man emerged.
When he saw Su Cheng, he was also taken aback and exclaimed, "Eh, Su Cheng?!"
"Hello, senior. Do we know each other?"
Su Cheng tilted his head in feigned confusion, looking at Hoshino Yikui with a blank expression.
"Well, I've heard of you."
Hoshino Yikui walked up to Su Cheng and extended his arms with a smile, "I'm Hoshino Yikui."
He had previously misunderstood Su Cheng, but after reading the school newspaper, his impression of Su Cheng had greatly improved.
"Oh, hello, Hoshino senior."
Su Cheng also extended his hand and shook Hoshino Yikui's, then said, "I won't disturb you any longer. You two can chat."
With that, Su Cheng turned and left.
Hoshino Mirai stood there, watching his retreating figure, her brow furrowed.
For some reason, she felt this back view was somewhat familiar?
"Uh... Sister, can I borrow that hundred bucks?"
Hoshino Yikui said awkwardly, his eyes filled with eagerness.
"What for?"
Hoshino Mirai immediately tensed up, staring at him.
"Well, there's something I want to ask the Penguin Prince for."
Hoshino Yikui rubbed his head in embarrassment, then said, "Just this once, I'll return it later."
"Alright."
Seeing her brother's pleading expression, Hoshino Mirai had no choice but to agree. She took out a well-preserved bill from the innermost part of her wallet and handed it to him.
"Thanks, sister."
Hoshino Yikui grinned as he took it, then added, "You go back to class first. I'll find you later."
"And don't make any weird wishes!"
Hoshino Mirai glared at him, reminding him.
"Don't worry, it definitely won't be!"
He assured her.
"Also, be sincere and respectful..."
Hoshino Mirai added a couple more reminders before leaving.
"Okay, okay, I got it!"
After Hoshino Mirai left, Hoshino Yikui quickly closed the rooftop door. Then, with a thud, he knelt before the penguin statue.
"Penguin Prince."
He held the bill in both hands and sincerely bowed to the penguin statue.
"Penguin Prince, oh no! The all-benevolent, all-kind, supreme, and mighty Penguin Emperor! Please bless my sister to successfully become the Disciplinary Committee head!"
Afternoon
Archery Club
"You've been working hard," Ji Qingyi said, offering praise.
Compared to his previous stiff posture, Su Cheng had become more flexible this time.
"Thanks to the club president's guidance," Su Cheng humbly replied.
"Today, you don't need to practice. Sit down," Ji Qingyi waved her hand, indicating Su Cheng to sit.
"This..."
Su Cheng hesitated, not wanting to miss any practice time, as the daily practice sessions were limited.
"Please sit," Ji Qingyi said again.
This time, she added the word "please," so Su Cheng had no choice but to comply and sit down.
Ji Qingyi watched Su Cheng's hesitant expression and said, "You've been working hard."
"Thank..."
Before Su Cheng could finish his modest reply of "thank you for the compliment," Ji Qingyi interrupted, "But you're also very foolish."
Su Cheng lowered his head.
"Trading your health for efficiency is the most foolish act," Ji Qingyi's tone was neither hurried nor slow, but carried a sense of authority.
This statement clearly meant that he was sacrificing his health for the sake of achieving his goals, which was both harmful to his body and mind.
Because without life and freedom, even if one achieves their goal, what's the point?
Moreover, it wouldn't lead to victory.
In the end, it would only result in a loss for both sides.
Upon hearing this, Su Cheng raised his head and looked directly at Ji Qingyi. "Thank you for your concern, but everyone's life is different, so our goals are also vastly different. I have a goal that I am willing to sacrifice my health for. No matter the outcome, it is meaningful to me."
Ji Qingyi: "It seems you are very confident."
"The things I have committed to, no matter what happens, I will not give up," Su Cheng said, his gaze fixed on Ji Qingyi.