After Wu Wenxin finished speaking, her parents were stunned and remained frozen for a long time without reacting.

Meanwhile, she kept eating rice, offering no explanation…

"Wait, how did you suddenly get into Fourth High? How did that happen?"

Her father was dumbfounded. He had used so many connections to find two decent provincial experimental schools, let alone a prestigious school like Outside School Second High.

But his daughter casually mentioned Fourth High?

Weren't you studying in Australia? Where did you get such powerful connections?

"That's right, Wenxin, don't talk nonsense. How can a child arrange school enrollment?" Her mother, although believing in the omnipotence of money, knew how strict the requirements for transferring were.

It was much harder than getting in through the normal entrance exam.

"Huh? I'm not talking nonsense…" Wu Wenxin was not very good at explaining, so she sounded particularly unsure. After all, explaining this clearly would require too many topics.

The most sensitive being—Shi Yi, why did he help you?

"Who were you talking to on the phone just now? Apologizing, saying you were sorry and wouldn't overreact again," her mother asked, particularly sensitive.

"This, this, this… I wasn't apologizing to him."

Seeing that her mother was about to misunderstand that she was being bullied, she quickly explained, "He said that because he knows I have a bad heart, so he told me not to get excited. It's not that I'm being humble in front of him or anything… not that kind of meaning."

As she spoke, Wu Wenxin's eyes darted around.

Then she chewed carefully, trying to change the subject.

Still eating rice!

Not humble in front of him…

And he was concerned about her heart…

Her mother, being a woman, immediately sensed a hint of ‘youthfulness’ and guessed, "Is it a foreign boyfriend you met in Australia? Did he help you?"

Her guess was very logical. Children who could study abroad usually had good family backgrounds, and it wouldn't be surprising if they had some connections in China.

"No way," Wu Wenxin said, blushing, denying it. "I was just a middle school student in Australia, and I didn't stay long. I didn't have a boyfriend."

"Then tell us," her father said, getting anxious.

Boyfriend, connections, not being humble, what was going on?

What, wasn't Dad your strongest support anymore?

"Okay," Wu Wenxin said, feeling cornered and having no choice but to speak. But before she did, she gave a serious warning. "But when I tell you, you absolutely can't make fun of me or laugh at me. And you can't say anything like, 'So this kid has been this way for a long time' or anything like that."

"Okay, tell us," her father nodded, agreeing directly.

Wu Wenxin put down her chopsticks, pursed her lips, hesitated for a long time, twirled the hair around her ear with her fingers, and then said, "Shi Yi, he's not…"

"It's Shi Yi!" her mother exclaimed in surprise.

"Okay, don't speak yet," her father pressed his hand down, reminding her to be steady and criticizing, "Wenxin's heart isn't good, so don't overreact."

Wu Wenxin continued, "Yes, it's Shi Yi. He heard I was back in China and looking for a school, so he mentioned it to the principal, and then they let me in."

"Ah?!" Her father was stunned on the spot.

"You too, don't overreact," her mother quickly reminded him.

"He mentioned it to the principal, and they let you in."

Her father, who had experienced much in life and had a lot of social experience, looked very puzzled. "Shi Yun, he became the principal of Fourth High?"

"Shi Yun is Shi Yi's father, isn't he… oh, that's what you mean," her mother realized what her father was saying.

So, the two of them looked at Wu Wenxin together.

"No, he doesn't have any connections to the school. He's not the principal's son, and they're not relatives, it's just…"

Thinking about it, Wu Wenxin also felt it was a bit too exaggerated. But she suddenly realized that this was a good opportunity to give her parents a whole new perspective on Shi Yi, so she smiled and explained, "Isn't he very good at school? The school leaders are counting on him to bring honor to the school, so they gave me a spot because of his reputation."

After Wu Wenxin finished speaking, there was silence.

"Hiss…" After a long pause, her father guessed, "Does he have some other relatives who are leaders at the school?"

"No, he just went to talk to them himself."

"How is that possible? A student directly interfering with admissions with the principal, how good does his grades have to be…"

"First."

"Then never mind."

After Wu Wenxin said that word, her father finally accepted it, and then exclaimed from the bottom of his heart with terror, "Shi Yun's son is so amazing? Being number one in a school like Fourth High, he could easily get into Huaqing or Ji Da…" (Tsinghua University and Peking University)

"He's number one in the whole school."

"?"

"Seriously, are you guys not familiar with the neighbors? Why are you always overreacting?" Wu Wenxin finally couldn't help but complain.

"But being number one in the whole school… Fourth High's number one is basically in the top two in Xia Hai, and in the top few in the entire Hai Dong. This is not just being a top student," her father felt deeply shocked.

In the old days, people like this would have been *Jie Yuan* (the top scholar in the imperial examination at the provincial level), and after passing the exam, they would have been assigned to a local government as an official.

Such a Wenquxing (star of culture) descending to earth was actually his neighbor's son?

And the neighbor was really good at keeping secrets, always saying that his grades were okay and that he could keep up in Fourth High.

Of course you're keeping up in first place.

If you're falling behind in first place, then what are the others, dead people?

"Then why is he willing to help you?"

The person who finally discovered the key point was her mother.

After this question was asked, Wu Wenxin visibly became embarrassed.

Wu Wenxin weakly explained, "After all, he's a neighbor…"

"You guys were indeed close when you were little, but didn't you stop playing together after middle school?" her mother asked, puzzled.

"But after all, he's a neighbor, and the childhood memories are still there, how should I put it…"

The more Wu Wenxin spoke, the redder she became, and the more difficult it was to speak.

"Wenxin, chest, quick." Seeing this, her father immediately reminded her and gestured.

Wu Wenxin honestly did as she was told, calming herself down, and trying to bring her heart rate back to normal…

Thinking of that person, her mother couldn't help but praise, "What an amazing young man, and he's willing to go to the principal for our Wenxin, risking young love, he's also very brave…"

"What young love?" her father seized the key word.

"Okay, just don't worry about it, we'll just handle the enrollment procedures then," Wu Wenxin interrupted the conversation in time.

"But he owes the principal such a big favor to help our Wenxin. We can't not repay this favor," her mother said seriously.

"Yes, I have to go to Shi Yun. We were good friends when we were young. He won't resist receiving anything, and he'll definitely accept it," her father also calculated.

"You don't need to repay this favor, and don't let Shi Yi's parents know, otherwise it will be very difficult for him," Wu Wenxin requested.

If it weren't for the fact that enrolling required her parents, Wu Wenxin wouldn't even have wanted to tell them about Shi Yi.

Although it made her feel good to let them know how amazing Shi Yi was, wait why do I feel good…

But after all, they were high school students, so it was a little inappropriate to let them know about this kind of thing.

If her parents couldn't be kept in the dark, then Shi Yi's parents should be kept even more secret.

After all, their son was the seed of a *zhuangyuan* (top scorer in the imperial exam), and if they were very traditional in this regard, then her appearance would undoubtedly be an uncertain factor for them, which would cause tension.

As for repaying the favor, her parents couldn't get involved in that…

The feelings between children couldn't be vulgarized.

"You repay?" Her father immediately showed a subtle expression.

"Why can't I repay it?" Wu Wenxin protested very seriously.

"What are you going to use to repay it?" her father asked.

Being asked this way, Wu Wenxin did get nervous, stuttering, "I'll use, I'll use…"

"If it's you, you can only repay with yourself."

At this time, her mother added leisurely.

The atmosphere instantly became strange.

The strict old father had a sense of helplessness that his cabbage had been stolen by a super *qilin* (mythical creature).

And Wu Wenxin blushed on the spot.

What are you saying… Mom, you big dummy!

"No, I'll thank him properly, I'll…" Wu Wenxin tried her best to defend herself, "I'll treat him to dinner, buy him milk tea, give him things…"

"Isn't that what I said?" her mother complained again.

And Wu Wenxin also realized that her actions were about sticking close to Shi Yi.

"No, our feelings aren't that worldly, don't think that way," Wu Wenxin insisted.

"That's not it."

At this time, her father waved his hand, his tone becoming very serious, "If you go yourself, you'll know that helping someone get into school is a big favor, especially getting into a school like Fourth High. You have to know that many people have to spend at least 100,000 yuan to transfer in, even with connections. This matter is indeed just a word for Shi Yi, but he really owes the principal a big favor. Translated, it means that our family owes Shi Yi a very big favor."

"..."

After her father said this, Wu Wenxin gradually understood.

Indeed, her family was already in very good condition, but her father still ran around a lot for her schooling, and in the end, he could only get her into Eleventh High.

Without Shi Yi, there was no way she could get into Fourth High.

"Getting into Fourth High is equivalent to guaranteeing a good school for the future," her mother nodded, particularly agreeing, "No matter what, we have to express our gratitude."

"Ah? Are you going? If you have any gifts, I can send them myself…"

Wu Wenxin couldn't imagine that scene and only felt embarrassed.

"That's for sure," her father said.

"Okay…"

Helpless, Wu Wenxin had to agree.

Then, everyone decided to go to Fourth High on Saturday at noon to find Shi Yi and take him out for dinner.

After Wu Wenxin returned to her room, her mother knocked on her door, suddenly walked in, and sat on her bed.

"I remember you guys were very close when you were little, always together, but then why didn't you play together after middle school?" her mother asked with a smile.

"... We grew up, and we cared about face," Wu Wenxin replied truthfully.

Actually, it wasn't entirely about saving face, it was just that suddenly that feeling was gone.

It was as if some kind of gap had formed in the middle, a natural barrier that created distance between the two of them.

And at that time, Shi Yi didn't actively shrink back…

And this girl wasn't brave enough.

"Then later, how did you stop caring about face again?"

Her mother showed a gossipy expression, as if she was keenly aware of what was in her heart.

Sitting on the bed, Wu Wenxin refused to reveal anything and turned her gaze away, "I won't say…"

"I know Shi Yi, he's a good person, but there's one thing, he'll never take the initiative. So, you were the first…"

"Hey, hey, hey, that's really not it," Wu Wenxin quickly denied, for the sake of her own face, "He took the initiative to find me."

"That's really strange. I didn't expect this kid to be so enlightened…"

"But indeed, I was the first."

Although Wu Wenxin was very strong, she wasn't the kind of person who told lies.

She could still be honest about this.

"Hiss, he took the initiative, but you were the first, how did you do that…"

"It's just that I gave him a gift, and then he found out that there were… hidden words in it."

When she said the last four words, Wu Wenxin's mouth also hid words, and she was a bit vague.

"Haha, so that's how it is… I knew that kid wouldn't take the initiative…"

"I told you not to make fun of me."

"Okay, okay, sorry."

Her mother didn't continue to pursue the matter, and then looked at her daughter, asking curiously, "So now, what are you planning to do?"

"I…" Wu Wenxin had been thinking about this question all along, and since her mother asked today, she also wanted to find some affirmation, so she slowly said, "I think that although the words from when we were little were a bit childish, they were sincere. Looking back now, I don't think I did anything wrong by sending him that photo frame. It's just that we haven't spent time together for a long time, so let's start as friends first… and get to know each other again."

"Yes, that's right."

"Am I doing the right thing?" Wu Wenxin looked at her mother curiously, asking for her opinion.

"Yes, get to know each other first, and then find that feeling again."

"But what if I never find that feeling…"

"Are you afraid that you actually don't have that feeling for him now, but you're in a dilemma because you owe him a favor?" her mother asked.

"I…" Wu Wenxin lowered her head and fell silent.

What if, after meeting, she really didn't have that feeling?

Or to put it another way, what if she had feelings, but Shi Yi didn't, what would happen?

Both of them were very responsible people.

They might choose to accommodate each other for the sake of the other.

And accommodation was the most inappropriate thing to do.

The most, irresponsible.

"Don't put so much pressure on yourself."

To this, her mother just smiled slightly, put her hand on her shoulder, and said in a tone of experience, "Things will be smoother than you think."

………

What is real in this world?

Is this world a huge lie?

Shi Yi was thinking about this question.

The reason was that some recent events had greatly subverted his originally calm and monotonous life.

Causing him to not have a sense of reality even now.

Even more unable to imagine that he would be meeting Wu Wenxin in ten minutes.

The childhood friend he hadn't spoken to in four or five years, but because of a piece of paper in a photo album, the gears of fate began to turn.

So, he dialed Chen Yuan's phone.

Even if it might be inconvenient for the other party right now.

Sure enough, he hung up.

After a while, the other party called back.

"What's up, Big Bro Yi? I was busy just now. I'm in the toilet now. Tell me," Chen Yuan said.

Shi Yi, who was also in the toilet, said nervously, "I'm about to meet Wenxin soon."

"That's great news, congratulations, congratulations."

"But I'm a little scared."

"Wow, is there anything you're afraid of? Tell me more."

"I…"

After a brief brewing, Shi Yi said, "Before, when I was a child, I treated her as a very good friend. But now, after seeing the note, I have a feeling of infatuation. But I'm worried that after meeting, I might not have any feelings other than friendship, or I might, but the other party can't find that feeling. Then it will be… very forced."

"I understand what you mean. You're still afraid that the prize will expire, right?"

"Yes, afraid of expiring."

"As for this, my answer is, it all depends on you."

"Why? Isn't the other person's feelings important?"

"Because if it's you…" Chen Yuan said, becoming gradually embarrassed, "Don't take the next sentence too deeply. Just think of it as the literal meaning."

"Okay, tell me."

Shi Yi responded seriously, waiting for Chen Yuan's advice.

Then, he heard the man on the other side say seriously, "Shi Yi, you have a very strong personal charm. If I were Wenxin, I would only like you more."

"..."

Shi Yi blushed.

Chen Yuan's words made this rock-solid man blush.

After a long while, he finally said, "Thank you…"

"Thank your ass! Don't take it too deeply!"

"Sorry…"

"Sorry your ass! The literal meaning is just that!"

"Ok, I understand."

Finally, without overthinking it, Shi Yi understood what Chen Yuan meant.

After hanging up the phone, he walked out of the campus, and then at the agreed-upon intersection, waited for Wenxin.

Chen Yuan gave him confidence, allowing him to avoid some meaningless self-consumption.

Now, he just needs to look at himself?

How will I look at Wu Wenxin…

Just then, a girl appeared across the street.

She had slightly curly long hair, no bangs, parted on both sides, revealing a pretty face, and her skin was very fair.

She was wearing a coffee-colored long coat, with a plaid long skirt and black stockings underneath, and brown leather shoes, giving a particularly warm and soft feeling, like a mellow milk tea coming towards him…

He was a bit engrossed in watching.

The light turned green.

As he was about to follow the crowd to cross the street, the girl across the street waved her hand, reminding him not to move.

Then, she walked over, particularly reserved, but also a little embarrassed.

The two of them met like this.

Looking at each other.

Shi Yi was about the same height as Chen Yuan, so the other party had to look up a little.

And when looking up, her gaze couldn't wander.

So, Wu Wenxin's shyness was even more obvious.

"You, hello," Wu Wenxin said, reaching out her hand nervously.

"Hello."

Shi Yi also reached out his hand.

The two shook hands like this.

A business meeting unfolding.

Particularly awkward.

However, after the two met, they both felt a little more at ease in their hearts.

Other than being a little more beautiful, this was Wu Wenxin.

Other than being taller and stronger, this was still Shi Yi.

"My mom and dad want to treat you to dinner. I told you before," Wu Wenxin turned around and pointed to the opposite side, "The hotel is over there. I'll take you there."

Then why did I cross the street…

I'm so stupid.

"Okay, let's go."

"Okay, let's go."

As Wu Wenxin spoke, she was about to lift her foot, and then a hand was placed on her shoulder.

When she looked back shyly, she saw Shi Yi gently reminding her, "Red light."

"Oh, oh, I forgot."

Wu Wenxin awkwardly pursed her lips, and then she stood with him in front of the crosswalk.

After a while, the two crossed the street together.

Walking towards the hotel.

On the way, Wu Wenxin kept trying to find topics, while Shi Yi calmly and naturally answered, as if he wasn't awkward at all.

Could it be that he doesn't have any feelings for me…

Wu Wenxin panicked a little.

Wouldn't he be embarrassed in front of the girl he liked?

He was as indifferent as before.

Could it be that he still just treats me as a friend?

The more Wu Wenxin thought, the more panicked she became.

"Um, do you have any ideas?" Stopping and looking at Shi Yi, Wu Wenxin planned to test him a little, "This time, you helped me so much, I definitely have to repay you properly."

"You don't have to be polite."

"This isn't being polite. I'm being… courteous," Wu Wenxin said with a smile, "Is there anything you want? I'll try my best to satisfy you."

"There's no need to…"

"It's a must!" Wu Wenxin said very insistently, "For example, do you want any electronic products, or figurines, or collectible books, or anything like that…"

"I don't need any of that."

"It's a must!"

Because of her unease, Wu Wenxin suddenly became agitated. But quickly, she also calmed down, turned her head to the side, and muttered, "Tell me your thoughts, or even bigger, say your wish."

That way, even if you don't like me.

I can at least repay your kindness a little…

Shi Yi didn't know why Wu Wenxin was agitated. Looking at her somewhat lonely profile, he thought of Chen Yuan's words.

He has a strong personality charm. Wu Wenxin should like him.

Honestly, he couldn't really see how she was thinking.

Because the thoughts of girls aren't as straightforward as the traps hidden in math.

But for him, he undoubtedly liked the girl in front of him…

His mood was completely different from when he confessed to the girl before.

"I have a wish."

After Shi Yi spoke, Wu Wenxin raised her head, looking into his eyes, both nervous and expectant.

But Shi Yi lowered his head, avoiding her gaze, not showing his embarrassment, but also whispering with all his heart:

"I only wish your heart remains unchanged."

(End of Chapter)