Between Classes
"Plop~"
A bottle of Coke dropped down from the vending machine. Su Cheng bent down to pick it up, opened it, and took a couple of greedy gulps.
His drinking was too rough, causing him to choke and cough a few times. Afterward, he sighed and shook his head.
No one would purposely run out to the vending machine outside the teaching building during the ten-minute break.
But today, Su Cheng really did that. He somehow found himself at the vending machine, tossing in coins and buying a bottle of Coke.
There was a reason, though.
It was because the atmosphere in the class was getting weirder and weirder.
Zhao Yan, Xuan Ying, Wang Guancong, and Gao Ye...
These four seemed to have made an agreement. Not only did they not look at him today, but they also didn't even make eye contact when passing by.
And Li Guanqi seemed to know something, but she pretended not to.
This reaction made Su Cheng feel quite depressed.
Did everyone agree not to play with him?
Or had his "playboy" attribute become common knowledge?
"Tsk, I don't even have a girlfriend. How could I be a playboy?"
Su Cheng couldn't help but spit that thought out.
So, he felt uncomfortable in the class and decided to do something, like buying a bottle of Coke.
Su Cheng sat on a nearby bench with his drink, getting ready to take another gulp, when a crisp, cheerful voice suddenly reached his ears.
Su Cheng turned to look and saw two petite lolis walking out from the teaching building, each carrying a bag of snacks and heading his way.
It seemed they were here to buy drinks too.
They were Ailiya and Cornelia.
Seeing them, Su Cheng immediately walked away in the other direction. After all, it's better to avoid trouble.
The two girls stopped in front of the vending machine. Ailiya took out coins from her skirt and lightly tapped them on the machine while muttering.
"I smell something disgusting..."
As soon as Ailiya finished, Cornelia also leaned in, sniffed her cute little nose, and said, "It's Coke. The air smells like Coke!"
"I didn't expect someone at school would drink this stuff for fatty otakus!"
Ailiya's tone carried a hint of disdain, as if she looked down on people who drank Coke, showing a clear disgust on her face.
Ailiya turned her head and asked, "By the way, what do you want to drink?"
"No need, I have my own."
Cornelia took out a bottle of "Eight Walnuts" from her skirt, then sat down on the bench next to her, opened the walnuts, and stared at Ailiya's cheeks while saying, "You seem to have gained some weight."
Meanwhile, Ailiya sat beside her with a bottle of juice. After Cornelia finished her words, she used a finger to poke Ailiya's cheek.
"Nonsense, I haven't."
Ailiya slapped away Cornelia's hand, then reached out and poked Cornelia's plump cheeks in return, rebutting, "You're the one who's gained weight!"
"No I haven't."
"Me neither."
The two little lolis pinched and poked each other, just like preschoolers bickering.
But the next second, Cornelia took a sip of her drink, and the atmosphere suddenly changed...
"Alas~"
Cornelia suddenly sighed in an old-fashioned way, as if she was facing some big dilemma. Then she blinked her lively eyes and looked at Ailiya, asking, "You know, what's the point of living anyway?"
The atmosphere suddenly turned philosophical, and Cornelia let out a heartfelt sigh.
Sighing about the insignificance of life, sighing about the boring world.
"Why do you always start saying these weird things after drinking this stuff?"
Ailiya looked at the drink in her hand and complained.
"Wisdom and water, both are indispensable."
Cornelia raised her "Eight Walnuts" and continued, "Drinking more water makes you wiser."
After saying that, she handed the half-drunk "Eight Walnuts" to Ailiya: "Try it?"
"Heh."
Ailiya chuckled: "Is it that exaggerated?"
However, she still took the "Eight Walnuts," took a big gulp, then couldn't stop herself and finished the whole bottle in one go, looking very impressive.
"Ah, how could you finish it all? What do I drink now?"
"Sorry, I suddenly found it quite tasty and couldn't control myself."
"Huh?"
"Wait! I suddenly know what the meaning of life is!"
Suddenly, Cornelia said seriously.
"What is it?"
"It's to go to Su Cheng's house and drink "Eight Walnuts"!"
………………………………
"Ring~"
Just as Su Cheng stepped into the classroom, the class bell rang.
He walked in and immediately looked at the corner where Li Guanqi was. She was still reading a book, and after hearing the bell, she put it away.
Then the two exchanged a glance and nodded to each other.
Su Cheng headed towards his "King's Homeland," and on the way, he met Gao Ye, who was chatting with Wang Guancong. When the bell rang, Gao Ye headed back to his seat.
Thus, the two brushed past each other.
Although Su Cheng felt puzzled, he didn't ask.
Because wandering noble souls don't need a place of connection.
Morning classes ended.
Su Cheng arrived at his place of connection.
The lawn.
Li Guanqi was waiting for Su Cheng as always, sitting on a blanket.
However, today's Su Cheng was very straightforward and said, "I want to ask you something."
He knew Li Guanqi definitely knew.
Because Li Guanqi's ability to read the air was top-notch. She could infer and observe from the atmosphere or situation.
So she must have picked up on the weirdness.
Li Guanqi slowly looked up at Su Cheng, her flawless, expressionless face showing no emotion: "Please speak."
"What's going on with the people in the class today?"
Su Cheng asked directly.
Upon hearing this, Li Guanqi slightly frowned but quickly relaxed. She calmly answered, "I'm not very clear."
Hearing this, Su Cheng suddenly grabbed her shoulders and said, "You should know what I'm going to do."
Li Guanqi glanced at Su Cheng's hands from the side, then faced him and nodded seriously, as if she was ready to be shaken by Su Cheng.
"Ah."
Seeing this, Su Cheng sighed helplessly, then let go and plopped down beside Li Guanqi, looking up at the clouds in the sky with an unhappy expression: "This is so annoying. What the hell is going on!"
There used to be just one riddle man (person who acts mysteriously), but now it's the whole class!
"No way!"
Su Cheng suddenly jumped up from the ground, looked at Li Guanqi beside him, and said with a serious face: "I want to destroy this fake and hypocritical world and create a world without riddle men!"
"And now you can convince me with just words. Come on, save this world!"
Su Cheng looked at Li Guanqi with full of anticipation.
"Even if you say that, I don't know!"
Li Guanqi responded with an innocent tone.
Although Li Guanqi, due to her own circumstances, didn't have many friends, she was still a normal person and could understand the significance of memorable days.
For example, she also had one or two dates she wanted to remember, days that were irreplaceable compared to the trivial daily life.
Like - Su Cheng's birthday.
And not only her, all of Su Cheng's friends were starting to create a surprise to celebrate Su Cheng's memorable day.
She couldn't just dismiss everyone's efforts and expectations with a single word and ruin everyone's plan.
"Alright, since it's come to this, let's eat first."
In the end, Su Cheng gave up trying to get an answer from Li Guanqi and looked around mysteriously, asking: "Guess what lunch I prepared today?"
Li Guanqi let out a sigh of relief and her eyes couldn't help but show anticipation, though she quickly hid it. She closed her book and said, "Dumplings."
"Can't eat sweets every day."
Su Cheng shook his head, then took out a lunch box from the system space, looking serious: "Today we eat this."
Seeing it wasn't her favorite dumplings, Li Guanqi felt a little disappointed, but she was still very happy to receive the lunch box: "Thank you."
Because it was also made by Su Cheng himself.
As the lunch box opened, her attention was drawn to the dishes inside. There was half a serving of rice, and the other half had two meat dishes and two vegetables: a few sweet and sour ribs, braised pork, mashed potatoes, and boiled vegetables.
This is Su Cheng's specially concocted nutritious meal.
Li Guanqi's eyes lit up as he looked at Su Cheng and asked, "Must have taken quite a bit of time, right?"
"I just made a bit extra while preparing dinner," Su Cheng replied nonchalantly, shaking his head.
Afterward, he pulled out a thermos from his system space. Inside was a seaweed and egg drop soup. Just as he opened it to pour a cup for Li Guanqi, the latter suddenly extended her pale hand holding a pair of chopsticks. The chopsticks held a piece of sparerib, which she placed close to Su Cheng's mouth.
"Open up, you go first," she said.
"Oh," Su Cheng responded.
He glanced at Li Guanqi, then bit onto the sparerib on her chopsticks. Li Guanqi then pulled the chopsticks back, took the soup, and obediently began drinking.
Su Cheng also brought out a boxed lunch. After they finished lunch, Su Cheng put the dishes back into his system space, while Li Guanqi, as usual, wiped his mouth for him.
The two of them felt more and more natural with each other.
It was as if this was something they had always done.
Yes, this was the kind of tacit understanding that good friends have.
That's right, this was the proof of being 'good friends'.
Su Cheng silently nodded to himself, finding his justification very convincing, easy to believe even for himself.
Then, Su Cheng recounted the incident from this morning with Gu Ruoxue, asking Li Guanqi for her opinion.
"It seems like Senior Gu might reveal something on Friday..." Li Guanqi mused, nodding thoughtfully. However, Su Cheng could hear her silent exhale.
Clearly, Li Guanqi took this matter very seriously.
For some reason, seeing Li Guanqi so concerned, Su Cheng felt a strange 'chemical reaction' might occur between the two women, such as jealousy.
However, Su Cheng could only indulge in this wicked thought in his mind.
……………………………………
Afternoon
Physical Education Class
Su Cheng sat beside a tree, accompanied by Zhao Feifei and Cheng Pangzhi.
These two were students who had made it into this school like him.
Compared to last time they interacted, this time they seemed very unnatural and restrained.
But this situation was completely different from their interactions with Wang Guancong and the others. This felt more like a tragic thick wall of separation between Su Cheng and them.
A rift.
Su Cheng had become too famous now,
National champion...
Only friend of the Ji family's eldest daughter.
Most popular...
And so on.
Yet today during PE, Su Cheng had come over on his own initiative, and they felt very awkward.
Because Su Cheng no longer belonged to their group.
So now, they could only silently listen to what Su Cheng had to say.
"Umm... I have something to do, so I'll head out first," Su Cheng naturally felt the heavy and awkward atmosphere and didn't want to impose, so he quickly found an excuse.
As he got up, he heard Zhao Feifei and Cheng Pangzhi both turn around and say in unison, "Sure."
Zhao Feifei and Cheng Pangzhi's expressions were very solemn, their voices trembling slightly, as if they were also afraid of losing a valuable friend.
But the reality was clear; Su Cheng had changed. So they understood their position.
Su Cheng nodded with a smile and turned to leave.
But just as he took a few steps, he heard a strange male voice from behind.
"Hey, Fat Cheng, could you do me a favor? Go to the store and bring us a case of water!"
Su Cheng stopped, puzzled, and turned around.
He saw a young man who had just finished playing basketball, wearing a fitness uniform, exuding a sunny handsome aura. He took out a few hundred dollars from his pocket and walked toward Cheng Pangzhi.
It seemed to be Cheng Pangzhi's classmate.
And with that amount of money, buying a case of water was more than enough.
It seemed like a rich kid wanted Cheng Pangzhi to run an errand, with the leftover money as a tip. Honestly, the deal was quite generous.
If it were him, he would have gone straight away.
He paused, wanting to see Cheng Pangzhi's reaction. If he refused and the other party forced him...
Then, as a friend, he naturally couldn't stand by and do nothing.
"I..."
Cheng Pangzhi felt embarrassed. Although he had a rural household registration, his parents were ordinary wage earners. However, he was a child with a strong sense of self-esteem.
Moreover, with Zhao Feifei and Su Cheng watching, it made him feel utterly humiliated.
So, gathering his courage, he looked at the sports committee member of their class and firmly shook his head, "Sorry, I have something else to do."
He knew that refusing would surely incur the other party's resentment.
But...
Sometimes, a person must have backbone.
Like now!
"Alright then..." the sports committee member's face darkened but still forced a smile, "Then I won't trouble you."
With that, he turned to leave.
"Hey, classmate, wait!"
At this moment, Su Cheng suddenly spoke up.
"Huh?"
Hearing this, the sports committee member turned to look at him, while Su Cheng now wore a mask, making his face unrecognizable.
"Umm... they're my friends," Su Cheng cleared his throat and then said, "They're busy, but I'm free, so I can help you buy the water!"
The sports committee member looked at Zhao Feifei and the others, who nodded awkwardly.
Upon learning they were friends, he smiled and handed the money to Su Cheng, saying politely, "Thanks a lot, classmate! Then I'll leave it to you!"
"No need to return the leftover money, right?"
"No, no. Consider it my treat."
"Okay, I'll be right back!"
Upon hearing this, Su Cheng took the money and turned to run toward the store. In just a few steps, he was out of sight, eager not to miss out on earning the money.
"By the way, which class is your friend from?" the sports committee member looked at the diligent boy and couldn't help but ask.
In his mind, he was already planning to have him do errands for future PE classes.
"Class 2, Grade 1," Zhao Feifei replied awkwardly, while Cheng Pangzhi lowered his head.
The sports committee member furrowed his brow upon hearing this.
"Class 2, Grade 1?"
As far as he knew, only one student had been admitted to Class 2, Grade 1.
And that was...
Thinking of this, he swallowed hard and tested the waters, "Is he... really from Class 2, Grade 1?"
"Yes!" Zhao Feifei nodded.
The sports committee member took a deep breath, his face solemn as he repeated, "May I ask cautiously... what's his name?"
"His name is Su Cheng!"
"Oh my!"
Hearing this, the sports committee member exclaimed in shock, his face turning fearful. Then, he thought of something and looked nervously at Zhao Feifei and the others, stuttering with a pleading tone, "Umm... could you please not tell anyone about this?"
He pointed to his mouth, his eyes full of begging.
Zhao Feifei and Cheng Pangzhi looked at each other, both confused.
A few seconds later...
"Don't worry, we won't!" Zhao Feifei first realized and patted his chest.
"I also promise not to leak this!" Cheng Pangzhi quickly chimed in, realizing the gravity of the situation.
"Thank you!"
The sports committee member thanked them gratefully and then began desperately chasing after Su Cheng.
He had seemingly made Su Cheng run an errand, but in reality, he was slapping Ji Qingyi in the face!
If this got out...
Thinking of this, the sports committee member quickened his pace, running like his life depended on it. Even breaking his own previous records.
"So, did Su Cheng use this method to help us?"
Cheng Pangzhi watched this scene and couldn't help but feel emotional, but more so, admiration.
He knew that Su Cheng was deliberately standing up for him.
And by doing so, Su Cheng also helped them.
He never expected that the usually gentle and elegant member of the top-tier sports committee would be so subservient and plead.
And it was to him.
"Otherwise, do you think he did it for the errand money?"
"Su Cheng is really amazing!"
"Yeah, he effortlessly changed our position in school."
The two looked toward the direction Su Cheng had disappeared in, full of admiration and respect.