“2017.09.10 Weather clear”
“Bright as the moon, when can it be plucked.”
——Excerpted from Tao Shuran’s Diary
“Now try it out, project the memorized text like playing a movie.”
Liang Yuanjing’s voice rang in her ear, stern yet serious.
“Tao Shuran, what is the next line of this passage?”
“Bright as the moon, when can it be plucked.”
Liang Yuanjing grunted in acknowledgment. They had nearly finished reciting the entire book’s texts, so he could report back to Yu Caiying.
In the moment he turned, he asked curiously, “Tao Shuran, why were your eyelashes trembling so much?”
“W-Was it?”
Tao Shuran lifted her head in a fluster. “Maybe because reciting was too nerve-wracking.”
Liang Yuanjing scoffed but did not dwell on the answer, as if he had only asked casually.
He walked into the office. Yu Caiying still had a few questions left to grade on the papers. As she marked them, she asked about the recitation.
Liang Yuanjing said, “Not bad. She memorized pretty much everything she was supposed to.”
Yu Caiying remarked offhandedly, “Tao Shuran may have a poor foundation, but she is quite diligent. Every time, she leaves the latest and arrives the earliest. Not even half a month into the school year, and she had already memorized everything she needed to.”
“This child’s essays are pretty good too.”
“I heard she was the top liberal arts student at Xianyao No. 1 Middle School before? She won awards in Chinese and English competitions.”
Liang Yuanjing had little interest in others’ stories. He listened inattentively to the teacher, idly picking up an essay from nearby to read.
Teacher Yu was right; her writing was indeed quite good.
Her prose was fresh and natural. Even in a somewhat rigid argumentative essay, it avoided clichés entirely.
He walked out of the office, completely unaware that she was still waiting outside.
“Here, for you.”
After much mental preparation, Tao Shuran mustered immense courage and extended her hand, offering the tiny mint candy in her palm.
Liang Yuanjing glanced at her, took it, and said, “Thanks.”
She stared at his departing back and took a deep breath.
A bit of regret—if he had unwrapped the candy paper, he would have seen a row of numbers on it.
This year’s mint candies were especially popular, with a short phrase printed on the wrapper.
The one she specially chose had a math problem on it.
Tao Shuran knew Liang Yuanjing certainly would not solve this problem. Most likely, he would not even notice the tiny detail on the wrapper.
But she was utterly immersed in this labyrinthine secret shared only between them.
So, would they meet again next Sunday?
It was another ordinary weekend. After a tiring day, Tao Shuran headed home as night fell.
Tao Hongfeng waited for her at the alley entrance. In just a short week, he had gotten familiar with the other accompanying parents in the area. At that moment, everyone waited together for the kids to finish class, creating a lively scene.
As the only man among the women, Tao Hongfeng stood out conspicuously.
“Dad, why are you downstairs?”
“Nothing to do, so I came to pick you up.” Tao Hongfeng said, “Ranran, come say hi to Song Auntie.”
Tao Shuran obediently called out, “Hello, Song Auntie.”
Tao Hongfeng continued, “Your Song Auntie is a teacher at Affiliated Middle School. Her son goes to the same school as you too, right? Studying sciences?”
Tao Shuran’s heart thudded, reacting like any student encountering a teacher. She suddenly grew sensitive.
She also felt a vague curiosity about who it was.
Then she heard a familiar name.
Song Huishan smiled faintly. “My son is Fu Changpei, in Science Class 4.”
It turned out to be Fu Changpei.
Her momentary look of surprise did not escape notice, piquing Song Huishan’s interest. She turned to look at her proactively.
At that moment, Tao Hongfeng asked casually, “What’s up, Ranran? Do you know him?”
Tao Shuran tugged lightly at his sleeve and whispered, “Dad, Fu Changpei is the top student in the grade, a total study god.”
“Teacher Song, share with us how you raised such an outstanding son.”
“I heard your Fu Changpei, as soon as he gets home, either helps his grandma mind the shop or studies and does practice problems. Unlike my kid, who schemes all day for his phone to play games.”
With the upcoming monthly exam, the topic quickly spread around “Fu Changpei.” Song Huishan stood at the center of the crowd, maintaining her poised expression as she conversed calmly.
Her smiling gaze turned toward Tao Shuran. “We are all neighbors. Our family lives right across from yours. If you have any study questions, feel free to come find Changpei anytime to discuss.”
Tao Shuran nodded and politely said, “Thank you, Teacher Song.”
The next day was Sunday morning. Due to Zhao Zhengnian’s training session Friday night, the makeup class was rescheduled to Sunday morning.
Early that morning, Tao Hongfeng bustled about at home. When Tao Shuran groggily got up, she saw him hurrying out at half-past five in the morning light to buy ingredients at the market.
After breakfast, as Tao Shuran changed shoes at the entryway, she said without looking up, “Dad, I’m heading to Fu Changpei’s house first.”
“Wait, take this with you.”
Tao Hongfeng emerged from the kitchen. He had not yet secured the lid on the thermos, presenting it to her proudly. A savory aroma wafted into Tao Shuran’s nose.
“How’s that? Fresh pork ribs from the market.”
Tao Hongfeng said, “Take it to Fu Changpei’s house later. Last night, your Song Auntie mentioned she had a city-wide teachers’ meeting today and wouldn’t be back for lunch.”
“With just an elderly person and a child at home, cooking lunch in the midday heat would be such a hassle.”
Tao Shuran hesitated. “Should I just carry it over like this?”
“What’s there to be shy about?” Tao Hongfeng tsked and pushed her out the door. “What, no faith in your old dad’s cooking?”
Not at all.
Her dad’s sweet-and-sour ribs were the best sweet-and-sour ribs in the world.
She just did not know how to express it.
She was not good with words. Zhao Yanyun often said she was not a very quick-witted child.
At that moment, standing at Fu Changpei’s door, Tao Shuran suddenly realized she had arrived a bit too early.
This was perfectly normal. Liang Yuanjing lived in Zhongshan Mansion and was someone who acted without restraint, coming whenever he felt like it.
Fang Qingyi needed even less mention; her home was in the city center, a half-hour drive away.
Only she lived so close—ninety-nine steps away, and there was Fu Changpei’s house number.
“Coming so early?”
Fu Changpei glanced sideways at the item in her hand and spoke first. “Did Uncle Tao send this for me?”
“Yes.”
Tao Shuran handed it over. “Sweet-and-sour ribs, still hot. You can try some now.”
Fu Changpei fetched two sets of bowls and chopsticks from the kitchen. He tasted a piece in front of her and praised it effusively.
He suddenly said in a daze, “Uncle Tao’s sweet-and-sour ribs taste a bit like my dad’s.”
Tao Shuran propped her chin, thinking, weren’t all sweet-and-sour ribs in the world the same flavor?
Oh, except for Lady Zhao Yanyun’s.
The sweet-and-sour ribs from the thermos cooled to room temperature on the dining table.
Before the others arrived, Fu Changpei tutored Tao Shuran alone for a bit on English, explaining some frequently tested grammar points.
Midway, Tao Shuran asked, “Can I wash my hands at your place?”
She had been writing problems so intently that she smudged ink on the pad of her pinky finger. Now it was pitch black, unbearable.
Fu Changpei pointed out the sink.
“I’ll call A Jing to see why he’s not here yet.”
Tao Shuran’s eyelashes fluttered slightly. She turned calmly to wash her hands.
The rushing water masked her emotions. Under the sound of the water, the phone rang. At the same time, Liang Yuanjing, phone in hand, pushed the door open leisurely.
His single-shoulder bag hung loosely, and his footsteps were casual and indifferent.
“I mean, so eager to hurry me over? Didn’t we just see each other yesterday?”
Liang Yuanjing casually picked up chopsticks, clamped a rib, and bit into it, leaning half against the table as if quite at home.
He raised an eyebrow slightly. “Tasty. How’s it made?”
Fu Changpei said irritably, “Tao Shuran’s dad made it.”
Tao Shuran emerged just in time to hear Fu Changpei say this. Naturally, Liang Yuanjing’s gaze fell on her.
Her eyes sharpened. Almost instinctively, she lowered her head slightly to avoid his line of sight.
“Really, I’ve never had such delicious sweet-and-sour ribs.”
Fang Qingyi, who followed right after, did not even set down her bag. Her high ponytail swung in a pretty arc as she leaned over the table and unceremoniously picked up the chopsticks to grab a piece.
Fu Changpei hurriedly said, “These are the chopsticks I just used.”
“I’ll get you new ones.”
But by the time he finished, Fang Qingyi had already swallowed the rib.
She said nonchalantly, “Is that so? We’re all friends; I don’t mind.”
All the fluttering emotions of youth could be attributed to undercurrents surging between friends—no exception.
At that moment, Tao Shuran stood behind the other three, observing everyone from a perfect vantage point.
She noticed that Fang Qingyi’s gaze toward Fu Changpei felt familiar, familiar enough that she empathized with every word spoken.
Likewise, to divert attention, Fang Qingyi casually chatted with Liang Yuanjing.
“Are you joining the tutoring today?”
Tao Shuran’s attention instantly fixed on the young man before her.
Liang Yuanjing had a ball bag slung loosely over his left shoulder, jacket zipper pulled to the top, barely covering his chin. A pure black baseball cap sat on his head, revealing a pair of bright, sharp eyes.
He responded lazily and strode out.
“Nah, got a basketball game today.”
It seemed he had come purely to escort Fang Qingyi.
Tao Shuran’s eyelashes trembled. Subconsciously, she took two steps forward following his pace, her gaze locked on his retreating back.
And naturally, she saw the love letter that fluttered down.
She walked out, slowly crouched to pick it up, brushed off the dust from the corner, and saw the rumored protagonist’s name.
Fang Shiyue.
“Ranran, what’s this?”
After a casual glance, Fang Qingyi covered her mouth in shock the next second.
“A love letter? From Fang Shiyue?”
“To Liang Yuanjing?”
Tao Shuran asked softly, “How did you know it was for Liang Yuanjing?”
“Because Fang Shiyue likes Liang Yuanjing. She’s liked him since sophomore year; everyone at Affiliated Middle School knows.”
Fang Qingyi said offhandedly, “For a long time, people even thought Fang Shiyue was Liang Yuanjing’s official girlfriend. Later, Liang Yuanjing clarified it himself, saying they were just friends with family business ties.”
“Business ties? Isn’t that just childhood sweethearts from matching families?”
The speaker meant no harm, but the listener took it to heart. Tao Shuran let out an “ah,” a hint of bitterness on her tongue. “So they’ve known each other that long.”
Fang Qingyi affirmed emphatically, “But my intuition tells me they’re just friends.”
“At most, Fang Shiyue has a one-sided crush on Liang Yuanjing.”
This sounded like good news.
But Tao Shuran felt no joy at all.
Her chest filled with a sour, astringent emotion—perhaps from the scalding love letter in her hand, or perhaps from Fang Qingyi’s unwitting words.
The friend relationship others desperately tried to escape was her utmost desire.
So, Liang Yuanjing, when could she stand by his side and become his friend?
On Monday, Class 1 of senior year exploded with big news.
The story of Fang Shiyue confessing to Liang Yuanjing spread like wildfire, becoming the grade’s top headline.
Throughout the entire morning reading session, Tao Shuran heard discussions from all directions. Liang Yuanjing once again became the center of attention.
And as usual, she listened quietly and silently.
“Did you know? When I entered the school gate, I saw Fang Shiyue cornering Liang Yuanjing at the entrance.”
“When has Liang Yuanjing ever been put in such a spot? If it were anyone else daring to block him, wouldn’t he have brushed them off rudely? Do you think there’s really something between them?”
“Who knows? I just checked the Flight Class next door; Liang Yuanjing still hasn’t returned.”
“They’ve probably gotten together already, right?”
Ears filled with the noisy chatter, Tao Shuran slammed her book down heavily, grabbed her cup casually, and walked out.
Yet just as she stepped out the door, Fang Qingyi called out to her.
“You’re going to fetch water?” Her tone carried a hint of excitement. “I’ll go with you.”
Once outside, Tao Shuran grabbed her hand and asked in confusion, “This seems like the opposite direction from the water station.”
“Don’t you want to see the excitement?”
Fang Qingyi pulled her hand in return and headed toward the end of the corridor, where there was a perfect viewing platform that overlooked the entire scene at the school gate without missing a thing.
But by the time they reached the end, there was no one left at the school gate.
It looked like everything had already ended.
Tao Shuran let out a soft sigh. “Let’s head back.”
Just as they were about to leave, a faint murmur of voices suddenly drifted from the gap at the stairwell corner.
In that instant, the conversation volume spiked. A high-pitched female voice shattered the calm surface, causing them to immediately pull back the foot they had just stepped forward.
Tao Shuran and Fang Qingyi exchanged a glance. They had never expected the pair they had been searching for to be right in front of them.
“Liang Yuanjing, what right do you have to not like me?”
Fang Shiyue lifted her head angrily, her eyes brimming with hot tears as she stared at him stubbornly.
Liang Yuanjing stood two levels higher on the stairs, yet even so, he towered over the girl before him by a full head.
If he had lowered his head at that moment, he certainly would have seen her tear-streaked face on the verge of breaking.
But Liang Yuanjing never lowered his head, not once.
His gaze was direct, slightly averted to one side, neatly sidestepping all her vulnerability and disarray.
“I have no interest in dating.”
Fang Shiyue forcefully wiped the tears from the corner of her eye, her emotions fervent and straightforward.
“Then I can wait for you, until the day you do have interest.”
Liang Yuanjing’s patience was utterly exhausted. He no longer lingered by her side, lifted his leg to step past her, and left behind a voice that was cold and utterly impersonal.
“I have no interest in you either.”
Fang Shiyue wailed and sobbed in place.
The situation had shifted too quickly, completely unlike the tender scene they had imagined. Even Tao Shuran and Fang Qingyi, standing there, were a bit stunned.
By the time Liang Yuanjing emerged, they hadn’t reacted yet. When their eyes met, Tao Shuran’s heart went ‘thud’, and she looked up to see his brows furrow for an instant.
She wanted to explain, but when she opened her mouth, it felt like nothing she said would help.
Liang Yuanjing’s gaze grew even colder as he looked at her, a chill radiating from him that made her heart cool despite the sweltering heat.
In this awkward scene, Tao Shuran finally turned her head and got a clear look at Fang Shiyue in full.
She was undeniably stunning, with smooth features and a sharp, spirited air between her brows that nothing could block. Her beautifully upturned eyes brimmed with lively charm.
But at that moment, they were filled with tears of sorrow.
Tao Shuran pressed her lips together and felt around in her school uniform pocket for a pack of tissues, just about to hand them over when Fang Shiyue ran out on her own.
She shouted Liang Yuanjing’s name from behind, still unwilling to give up, wanting to follow him.
But she ran too hastily and didn’t notice the people standing by the stairwell entrance. In the fierce collision, Tao Shuran’s body tilted heavily backward to the right.
“Are you okay?” Fang Shiyue hurriedly supported her. “Sorry, I didn’t see you there.”
Tao Shuran gently shook her head, rubbed her aching shoulder, and handed over the tissues.
Following her outstretched hand, Fang Shiyue’s gaze suddenly sharpened, landing on the corner of something peeking out from her school uniform jacket pocket.
Anyone else might not recognize it, but she knew at a glance that it was the letter she had written to Liang Yuanjing.
Fang Shiyue snatched it over. Recognizing the familiar handwriting, she glared fiercely and demanded, “Why is something I wrote in your possession?”
Tao Shuran’s breathing quickened slightly. “That day, by chance, I…”
Fang Shiyue cut her off, her gaze piercing like a torch, her sharp intuition directly pressing her.
“Do you like Liang Yuanjing too?”