Song Yi stared at the blonde head before her in silence.
If Shen Yujing had dared to continue arguing with her, Song Yi would have definitely given him a beating.
But unexpectedly, Shen Yujing lowered his head, and if she kept dwelling on it, she would appear petty.
So Song Yi reached out and messed up Shen Yujing's professionally-maintained blonde hair into a bird's nest as payback.
Shen Yujing asked her, "Are you still angry?"
Song Yi replied with exasperation, "I wouldn't get angry over something this trivial."
She was telling the truth - given how annoying Shen Yujing could be, if she took everything seriously, she'd make herself sick with anger.
"Well then..."
As he spoke, Shen Yujing bent down and bit off another candied haw from Song Yi's stick, then immediately ran away, shouting, "You said you wouldn't get angry over something this small!"
Song Yi yelled, "Shen Yujing!!!"
What kind of person was he?! Must be part dog! Why did he have to snatch everything?!
*
That evening.
Murong Huan looked at the group photo they took today, her gaze falling on Shen Yujing and Song Yi.
In the picture, the boy was pinching the girl's cheeks while biting the candied haw in her hand, looking just like a candid shot of a couple on a date at an amusement park.
Of course, this was if one ignored the murderous rage in Song Yi's eyes that could have killed Shen Yujing.
"Tsk tsk."
Murong Huan chose to ignore that part, shaking her head thoughtfully—
They really matched.
Even though Song Yi said she didn't like Shen Yujing anymore, they still looked perfect together!
But if this photo got out and people saw it, it might negatively affect Yi Yi.
After some thought, Murong Huan decided to send this photo privately to Song Yi and Shen Yujing as a "memento," and then posted another group photo taken before Shen Yujing pinched Song Yi's cheeks, where everyone was standing properly.
The animosity between Shen Yujing and Xu Che was well-known at both schools, so this photo quickly spread among gossipmongers.
After some discussion, everyone concluded that they must have reconciled privately, otherwise Shen Yujing wouldn't have participated in Saint Yu Academy's anniversary theater performance.
Hang Feng also saw this photo.
The young man remained silent for a long time before finally unblocking a number from his blacklist and dialing it.
The call was answered within three rings.
Hang Feng didn't speak.
The cold voice on the other end asked, "Did you call just to stay silent?"
Hang Feng let out a cold laugh, "Xu Che, weren't you waiting for my call?"
As Xu Che's half-brother, Hang Feng didn't understand Xu Che's likes, but he knew what he hated.
And at the top of that list was definitely having his photo taken.
So when Xu Che's photo appeared in Murong Huan's social media post, Hang Feng immediately understood what he was thinking.
Xu Che didn't deny it, and said directly, "Next month is his birthday, you should come back."
Hang Feng sneered, asking Xu Che, "Do you think that's possible?"
Go back? Return to their home?
Just thinking about facing their so-called father made Hang Feng's stomach turn with disgust.
Xu Che said calmly, "His health has seriously deteriorated."
"Oh?" Hang Feng's voice showed clear interest, "That's wonderful, no one wants him dead more than I do."
Xu Che said, "On this point, I actually agree with you."
Hang Feng snorted coldly, saying nothing.
And Xu Che's last words before hanging up were—
"Think it through carefully. If you don't come this time, the next time you see him will be at his funeral. There are some things, some words, that you need to get answers for yourself."
After the call ended, Hang Feng expressionlessly blocked Xu Che's number again.
*
Time flew by, and suddenly there was only one week left until the school anniversary.
The atmosphere at Saint Slee Academy had changed completely, with almost everyone's daily life and studies being affected by the upcoming celebration to varying degrees.
Today was also the day when the final rankings for the anniversary performances would be announced.
Performing at Saint Slee Academy's anniversary celebration was an opportunity that countless students dreamed of, and many had submitted applications. The selection process was as rigorous as a talent show—
Yeah, right!
Looking at the final list, Song Yi's hands trembled slightly.
Why? Just why?
Even though she hadn't applied or participated in any preliminary or final trials, her name still appeared on the list! Wasn't this too arbitrary?!
The system responded quietly.
[This is an important plot point for the development of the relationship between the original character and the second male lead Jiang Yiheng, it's unavoidable~]
Song Yi: "If I play terribly, will I get expelled?"
[...]
[Host can try...]
Song Yi carefully reviewed the program list again. There were three people performing piano pieces: herself, Jiang Yiheng, and Lu Qingqing.
The answer was obvious - Lu Qingqing wanted to use Song Yi as a foil to make herself shine.
Quan Le curiously peered over, asking, "Wow Song Yi, you can play piano? Looking forward to your performance! We'll make an even bigger banner to support you!"
Song Yi: "..."
Really unnecessary.
Because of the anniversary celebration, all students selected to perform were allowed to use the last self-study period each afternoon to practice, and they could seek guidance from school teachers if needed.
Those performing instruments were assigned individual practice rooms, while dance performances and such had separate rehearsal rooms.
Although Song Yi wasn't particularly eager to play the piano, she was hungry.
So Song Yi bought a rice ball from the convenience store and, after some hesitation, went to the piano room.
Well...
Might as well give it a try.
However, when she reached the piano room, there was an unexpected visitor inside.
Upon seeing Jiang Yiheng, Song Yi looked confused at the key in her hand and double-checked the room number.
Jiang Yiheng looked at her and said, "You're not at the wrong room, come in."
Song Yi took a bite of her rice ball as she walked in and asked, "Then why are you here?"
Jiang Yiheng said, "While reviewing the program list, I noticed some issues with your entry. Did you participate in the preliminary trials?"
"No, I didn't even apply, but somehow I got selected." Song Yi shook her head and looked at Jiang Yiheng sincerely, "More importantly, I can't play the piano at all."
Song Yi then demonstrated by randomly pressing piano keys, making such a racket that Jiang Yiheng frowned and said just one word, "Stop."
The situation was obvious - someone was plotting against Song Yi.
Jiang Yiheng understood this and said, "I'll give you an explanation after the anniversary, but now that the program list has been submitted..."
"I understand." Song Yi said while taking out her phone, muttering as she typed into search: "Three-day crash course in piano."
Jiang Yiheng: "..."
This looked extremely unreliable.
So Jiang Yiheng said, "Since it's already been submitted, we can't remove items but we can make changes. If you know any other instrument, that would work."
He paused here, seemingly considering Song Yi's family background, and added, "If instruments aren't convenient, vocals would also work."
Song Yi thought carefully, "Any instrument would work? Actually, I am good at one."
Jiang Yiheng asked, "What is it?"
Song Yi: "Suona."
Jiang Yiheng: "?"
Song Yi: "Just kidding, it's the erhu. I've studied it for eight years."
Jiang Yiheng: "...Alright, let's go with that."
Since she could play the erhu, what was there to practice?
So Song Yi stood up, "I'll be going then."
"Wait." Jiang Yiheng called out, his calm expression hiding a hint of awkwardness as he looked at her, "Actually, there's one more thing I came to tell you."
Song Yi: "Hmm?"
Jiang Yiheng said, "You were second place in the mountain climbing competition, so you're also my partner for the anniversary ball."
Song Yi: "...So?"
Could we not bring this up? It just reminded her of losing thirty thousand yuan.
Jiang Yiheng lowered his gaze to look at her, adjusting his gold-rimmed glasses, "We need to practice."
*
In the dance room, the door was slightly ajar.
As soft music began to play, the cool-faced young man bowed and extended his hand, inviting Song Yi to dance.
Song Yi felt nervous, "This is my first time dancing, I might not be very good at it."
After half an hour of instruction, the teacher left. Song Yi wasn't sure if she had learned properly, so she placed her hand up in position.
Soon, other students passed by the hallway.
Song Yi's screams kept ringing out. Some people knew Jiang Yiheng was there - while some envied her, others were jealous.
"Does Song Yi not know how to dance?"
"Such a common peasant. Just from the noise, you can tell Senior Jiang Yiheng is suffering."
"Yeah, she can't even learn such a simple dance? How stupid."
Meanwhile, inside the dance room.
Song Yi crouched in the corner, holding out one hand in front of her, "Don't come any closer. Let's end this here."
Jiang Yiheng looked at her, his usually cool voice carrying a hint of difficulty for the first time, "Song Yi, can we try one more dance?"
"No." Song Yi refused without hesitation, "I'll just tell everyone I broke my leg and can't go. I don't want to dance with you anymore, really don't."
Jiang Yiheng walked up to Song Yi and bent down, extending his hand. His voice was encouraging, "One last time, really the last time. Trust me once more, okay?"
"Really?"
After hesitating for a while, Song Yi finally reached out and held Jiang Yiheng's hand to stand up.
She looked at Jiang Yiheng with a twisted expression, speaking word by word: "First, promise me that this time you absolutely won't step on my feet."
She was in so much pain! Her feet were almost ruined by Jiang Yiheng's stepping!!!
