Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Eight: Familiar Faces!
That night, the long-legged girl slept wrapped in her blanket again. But don't get the wrong idea; this time, she was not tied up with rope or hung from the window ledge. When daylight came, Li Yingwan woke from her dreams to find no one beside her. She felt her clothes and found them fully and properly on.
The long-legged girl couldn't help feeling somewhat annoyed. Last night, whether through sheer persistence or by casting aside her usual reserve, she had laid her heart bare. She had even managed to stay over at Chen Nuo's place, and, just as she'd wished, had fallen asleep in his arms... However, it had really turned out to be "just sleeping in his arms, doing nothing else"! Even if Li Yingwan herself had wanted to make a move, she didn't know what trick Chen Nuo had used; soon after lying down, she had simply drifted off to sleep in a daze.
She even slept very soundly, and in the morning, she woke up to find a patch of drool on her pillow! Li Yingwan sat up from the bed and looked at her pillow, her first thought one of annoyance: Damn it! Oppa saw me drooling in my sleep! Won't he dislike me even more now?
After she carefully got out of bed and put on her slippers, she stepped out of the room and saw Chen Nuo already neatly dressed in the living room, with breakfast prepared as well. The fried dough sticks were fresh, and the rice porridge was hot. He had also fried two sunny-side-up eggs, not overdone, so the yolk was still runny after a gentle bite.
"Brush your teeth first, then hurry up and eat." Chen Nuo sat at the table, nibbling on a fried dough stick.
"Oh..." Li Yingwan nodded obediently, then blushed and ran into the bathroom.
Next to the sink, an unopened new toothbrush was placed. The young girl's heart suddenly warmed... Suddenly, she had the illusion they were living together. With this feeling, even brushing her teeth seemed to have a rhythm to it.
After Chen Nuo finished his fried dough stick, Li Yingwan came out of the bathroom shyly and sat beside him, first tugging his arm. "Oppa..."
"Yo, calling me Oppa now. Last night it was all 'Chen Nuo, Chen Nuo' with such a strong attitude," Chen Nuo hummed.
Li Yingwan blushed and whispered, "Do you dislike me being too fierce? I'll speak softly from now on, okay?"
Chen Nuo shook his head. "I don't believe it."
Li Yingwan picked up a bowl, filled it with white porridge, and took a bite of a fried dough stick.
"If you insist on staying and not returning to South Korea, fine. But you have to promise me one thing."
"You name it!"
Chen Nuo looked at Li Yingwan earnestly. "You can't stay at No. 8 Middle School. Switch to a different place."
"Ah?" Li Yingwan immediately frowned, complaining, "Why? I want to be by your side. If I'm not at the same school, I won't see you every day."
"Then choose for yourself: go back to South Korea or switch schools."
"…" The young girl fell silent for a few seconds. Looking into Chen Nuo's eyes and finding them very serious, she could only sigh. "Aish... all right."
"Mhm. And one more rule: you're not allowed to say things like 'Aish' anymore."
"Oh." Li Yingwan immediately sat up properly and began eating, posing like a well-bred young lady.
"After you finish eating, go back home. I need to go to the school today."
"Ah? Can I stay with you today?"
"No," Chen Nuo shook his head. "Today they are announcing the final exam results, and then summer vacation officially starts. There are some things to take care of at the school."
"Then I'll also go to the school."
"No." Chen Nuo thought for a moment and spoke to Li Yingwan seriously. "If you really don't want to leave Jinling, then you're not allowed to appear at No. 8 Middle School anymore! I'm serious! I'm not joking with you!"
Li Yingwan frowned at Chen Nuo and whispered, "Is it... because of Sun Fatso?"
"First, her name isn't Sun Fatso. Calling people names like that isn't nice."
"But she also calls me Li Malang."
"...I will talk to her about that too." Chen Nuo felt a bit of a headache, then he looked at Li Yingwan. "Second, not allowing you to go to school isn't for her sake; I have other reasons. In any case, you mustn't ask, nor break this rule. If you really want to stay in Jinling, you must obey this. If you break it, I'll tie you up and have your mother take you back to South Korea!"
Li Yingwan's face showed she was upset, and she started toying with the sunny-side-up egg in front of her. "...Okay, fine."
Chen Nuo shook his head. Having the long-legged girl leave No. 8 Middle School was his bottom line. Of course, it wasn't because of Sun Keke—well, maybe just a little bit. But Chen Nuo wasn't trying to become a master of time management. It was because of Old Jiang! Old Jiang had protected Jiang Yingzi twice and had seen Li Yingwan. If Old Jiang were to see Li Yingwan at school and then see how affectionate she was with him... The old man was an old hand in the game, so he might suspect something. Chen Nuo had his secrets and didn't want Old Jiang to find out. Besides, Chen Nuo couldn't explain his reasons to Li Yingwan either. Because, out of respect for the unwritten laws of society, he didn't feel it was right to reveal Old Jiang's secrets to Li Yingwan.
In the morning, after seeing Li Yingwan off, Chen Nuo finally went to school. Today, the sophomores' final exam results were announced, and then the summer vacation for the sophomores officially began. When he arrived at his class, Chen Nuo, as usual, just barely made it through the classroom door on time. Even the homeroom teacher, Mr. Wu, who was clearly in retirement mode, had arrived before Chen Nuo.
It was apparent that School Belle Sun was not in a great mood today. One generally doesn't feel good when final exam scores are published, especially if one hasn't done well. Sun Keke was melancholic because she had already been harshly lectured at home by Old Sun a few days ago for not doing well on the exams. And now, taking the report card home today, Old Sun would surely bring up the topic again, and she would most likely have to endure another scolding.
When the report cards were handed out, School Belle Sun's face indeed didn't look too good. Chen Nuo, on the other hand, appeared indifferent… his grades were just barely above passing, having scraped through by the skin of his teeth. English was probably the only exception.
Mr. Wu announced that the report cards had to be taken home and signed by parents. Then the homework for the summer vacation had already been arranged by various subject teachers. After that, Mr. Wu announced something that everyone already knew.
"Starting next semester, I will no longer be your homeroom teacher," Mr. Wu said as he took off his glasses and gently wiped them with a cloth. The old man was a bit emotional. After all, this was the last class he was teaching. Next semester, he was going to retire officially.
Even though Mr. Wu hadn't been very diligent as a homeroom teacher this semester, he had at least completed the task adequately. There were no major improvements in teaching, but he hadn't screwed up, either. You couldn't say he was just marking time, nor could you say he was particularly hardworking.
Originally, Mr. Wu had been looking forward to retirement, but when it actually came down to his last day, he was a bit wistful. For one, he had spent some time with this class and had grown attached to them. Secondly, his wistfulness was not just for this class, but for his whole career as a teacher.
"Next school year, you'll be seniors. I know the situation with our school…. You all know it too.
"Some students do have aspirations for the college entrance exam, but many others don't have much thought about it.
"I won't say much here.
"But I just want to urge you. No matter what plans you and your families have made for your future,
"with only the last year of high school left, if you can fight for it, do your best to strive on the college entrance exam and give it a try.
"What if you do make it?
"Encountering such an opportunity in life is not easy; even if you don't have great ambitions, at least try hard and see."
These words were truly heartfelt from Mr. Wu and very sincere.
"…Next year I will no longer be your homeroom teacher, nor a teacher at all. You won't see me at the school.
"Next year, when you're seniors, the school will likely do a small-scale reshuffling of classes as is customary. Some students who are striving for the college entrance exam and those who usually do well academically will probably be selected and placed in an enhanced class.
"If there are no surprises, that enhanced class will be taken over by Director Sun Shengli himself.
"It's been many years since Director Sun last taught a graduating class, but his teaching quality and class management are both very high.
"Back when he was in charge of a graduating class, the college matriculation rate was very good too.
"I hope that those fortunate enough to be placed in the class he oversees will work even harder.
"Again, you hardly get such an opportunity in life, and if you don't give it everything now, you may regret it for the rest of your life.
"Once you step into society, you'll understand something. Although you always complain that this or that isn't good about the college entrance exam, you'll later realize it may be the first, and perhaps only, relatively fair chance in life to change your fate.
"So, work hard and seize the moment. Don't leave any regrets in your lives.
"This is my last piece of advice to you all, as an old man about to retire."
With these words, the students, originally excited about the upcoming summer vacation, suddenly felt a twinge of parting sorrow. Some of the girls even had slightly red eyes.
After Mr. Wu went over some details and date arrangements for the summer break... Finally, he glanced at the old Plum wristwatch on his wrist...
"Well, that's it then. I wish you all an enjoyable holiday and a wonderful future!
"Now... class dismissed!"
The class monitor, with red eyes, called out, "Stand up!"
All the students in class chorused, "Goodbye, teacher!"
Mr. Wu, who had been holding himself together all this while, finally felt his lips quiver. This man who had spent his whole life in classrooms had an unremarkable educational career, which was neither exceptional nor dreadful. In fact, if we're being strict, he had even developed a bit of a slyness in the last few years before retirement. But in that moment, emotionally charged, he stood up straight and bowed to the entire class.
"And thank you, students... goodbye!"
After class, with a RUSH, many students rushed over, surrounding Mr. Wu. In truth, Mr. Wu didn't really have great popularity in the class, but he wasn't too strict and was relatively amiable towards the students. So when it came time to part, even those who had been reprimanded by him had red eyes as they said their farewells.
That day, it was said that after class, when Mr. Wu returned to his office, the sixty-year-old man wept like a child.
At noon, the second year of high school officially started their summer vacation. Sun Keke first went home, left her backpack, and then sneaked out while Old Sun was still at work.
"Chen Nuo, will you hang out with me this afternoon?"
"Ah?" Chen Nuo was about to make an excuse about going to work with Brother Lei. But Sun Keke quickly added pitifully, "I did poorly on the final exam, and my dad will definitely scold me again when I go home tonight. So, please let's have a good time this afternoon! Let me indulge one last time before I face the music; let me have one last good meal before I die."
Seeing his little girlfriend looking so pitiful, Chen Nuo didn't have the heart to refuse.
In that era, the activities for young couples on dates were actually quite simple and hadn't evolved into the variety that appeared in the subsequent decades: no escape rooms, no pottery workshops, no handmade craft stores... Back then, there weren't even many Starbucks on the streets. The typical date activities for young couples were: eating out, shopping, and watching movies.
And so, Chen Nuo was unfortunately dragged by Sun Keke to watch a movie. Looking at the two movie tickets Sun Keke had bought, Chen Nuo sighed silently to himself. *Vertical Limit*.
Okay then. He had just watched it a few days ago with Niveer. If he counted the time he'd watched it in his past life, this would be the third time. Moreover, Chen Nuo had to pretend it was his first time watching. He needed to act immersed in the plot along with Sun Keke, laughing and exclaiming with the story's twists and turns...
It's not easy being a master of time management.
Sitting in the cinema, Chen Nuo sighed resignedly.
He also had dinner with Sun Keke, but before they finished, Old Sun called urging her to come home. Clearly, after Old Sun got home from work, he had seen the report card Sun Keke had brought home. Old Sun's tone on the phone was very stern. Sun Keke looked even more pitiful. Accompanied by Chen Nuo all the way home, her eyes were brimming with tears as she went upstairs, sadly clutching at Chen Nuo's sleeve. This scene seemed not like she was going home to face her father's scolding, but more like she was being sent to the execution ground.
"...It's alright. Let him scold you a bit. Old Sun actually loves you very much. After he vents for a bit, it'll be fine," Chen Nuo comforted, as he escorted Sun Keke up to her apartment.
On his way home, Chen Nuo received a call from Li Yingwan.
"Oppa!"
"What is it now?"
"Am I not very good? I waited until now to call you! I knew that before the holiday started, you'd definitely come out of school and go out with Sun Fatso! I waited until now to call you. Am I not obedient?"
"...How do you know about this time?"
"Hmph, Sun Fatso's family has house rules. There's a curfew every day and she must be home before 8:30. I've figured it out a long time ago."
"...Alright then."
"Oppa~~~" On the other side of the phone, Firefly began to whine in a sweet, cloying little voice.
"Stick to the point."
"You spent the day with her; take me out tonight. You can't play favorites!"
"Look at that, using the idiom 'playing favorites' quite well. Seems like you've been working hard on your Chinese lately."
"Hmph! Will you accompany me or not."
Chen Nuo sighed. "...What do you want to do?"
Hearing Chen Nuo's tone soften, Li Yingwan was elated. "There's this new blockbuster from M Country that's just been released called *Vertical Limit*. It's said to be very good. Come with me to watch it~~~"
Chen Nuo said firmly, "...No!"
He had seen it three times already!
"Why not?"
"Uh, that film is not good. It's really terrible! Absolutely horrible!"
Li Yingwan was somewhat puzzled. "It's only been out for a few days. You haven't seen it, how do you know it's terrible?"
"I heard it from someone."
"Where is it terrible? It's said to be very good. Where exactly is it bad?"
"Um... the leading actress is too ugly."
After hanging up the phone, Chen Nuo still agreed to meet Li Yingwan. You just can't play favorites... Li Yingwan's reason was legitimate, after all.
They arranged to meet in a commercial street to the south of the city, and Chen Nuo had no choice but to take another taxi to keep the appointment. When Chen Nuo arrived, it was nearly nine o'clock. But the commercial street was still bustling. Snack stalls, clothing stores, and small craft shops were all lit up with neon lights, and most of those walking by the roadside at night were couples.
Chen Nuo got out of the taxi at an agreed-upon alleyway corner, where there was a milk tea shop. After getting out of the taxi, seeing that the long-legged girl hadn't arrived, he first bought a cup of red bean pudding milk tea—the long-legged girl liked this flavor.
Holding the cup of milk tea, he stood by the roadside for two minutes waiting. Casually, Chen Nuo glanced back and saw a familiar figure flash past in the alleyway behind him. Chen Nuo's gaze shifted slightly. He furrowed his brows and hesitated for a moment before he took a few steps into the alleyway.
There was a small storefront about twenty meters from the mouth of the alley. It appeared to have just opened for the night. The signboard and facade were unassuming. Inside the small shop, there were just four or five small square tables, and the counter was narrow and tight.
An honest-looking middle-aged man sat behind the counter smoking.
As Chen Nuo entered, the kitchen curtain behind the counter parted, and out came a brawny woman with a hulking figure, incongruously dressed in a women's dress!
Chen Nuo couldn't help but laugh.
"Yo, Old Guo, what brought you to open a shop here?"