Chen Yuan thought of a lyric that went something like this—

There is no true empathy in this world… I don't remember the rest.

He really felt that Xia Xinyu’s reaction was an exaggeration, a pure little trash who couldn’t take a joke.

He was just kidding around, making a quip, and she was taking it so seriously.

If he were in her shoes, he definitely wouldn't react like that.

But now…

After opening her eyes, Xia Xinyu puffed out her cheeks and blew out the candles with all her might.

The room, now devoid of the orange light source, fell silent, shrouded in darkness.

“Aren’t you going to turn on the light?”

Because Chen Yuan was close to the switch, but he didn't seem to be getting up, Xia Xinyu asked, puzzled.

“…Wait a moment.”

The words came out stiffly. Even now, Chen Yuan’s heart was pounding in an unhealthy rhythm.

The little deer in his heart was wildly crashing around.

Yuan Bao…

She’s calling me Yuan Bao?

No, where did you learn this nickname? I’ve never heard you use this kind of term before.

Honestly, is this plagiarism?

What, you copied it from me…

Then, never mind.

But this fleeting inner voice…

Will I ever hear it again?

Of course, I don’t mean anything by it. I'm purely a pervert.

Please, Xin Bao, record another clip for me. I’ll pay you.

“I told you yesterday that I made a wish to the Cake God today. But why don’t you guess what I wished for?” Taking advantage of the darkness, where they couldn’t see each other's faces, Xia Xinyu became bold and asked proactively.

That…

I bet you wished:

That Yuan Bao would go to the same university as me.

Yuanzi, are you taking an open-book exam?

“Which… which aspect?” Chen Yuan asked expectantly.

She's going to tell me her wish? So, she’ll say those words again?

Then wait a moment, can I turn on the recorder first?

It's not that I want to listen, it’s that my friend wants to listen…

“Because I already made my birthday wish yesterday when I released the Kong Miao lantern.” Xia Xinyu explained naturally, “Since today I’m making a wish to the Cake God, and we’re eating the cake together, I thought I’d help you make one too.”

“Isn’t that a bit of a waste? Even if we each make one, the Cake God will arrange it.”

“Well…”

Chen Yuan, still calculating the gods even at this moment, made Xia Xinyu sigh—as expected of him, so shrewd, even the gods can’t get the better of him.

However, she was also very shrewd: “It’s not a waste. The wish I made is a bit big. If He helps us make it come true, it’ll be very worthwhile.”

“I actually… can’t really guess.”

If he tried to guess on his own, Chen Yuan really wouldn’t be able to guess. After all, who prays for others on their birthday?

So, Xin Bao, just tell me directly.

“If it were you, making a wish to the Cake God and including me, what kind of wish would you make?” Xia Xinyu asked curiously.

“If it were me…”

Actually, today, when Chen Yuan saw how planned out Xia Xinyu was, even having plans for next summer vacation, he added a bit of weight to his own plans.

If it’s a wish, it won’t come true if you say it.

But if it’s a goal, he feels that saying it out loud will have a more inspiring effect, like a 'spiritual incantation.'

Therefore, the prerequisite for him to speak had already been met.

That is, she asked.

And then, he answered:

“I hope we can both get into a good university together.”

The night was silent.

The two people sitting opposite each other in the room quietly gazed at each other, even though they couldn’t focus their eyes, it was as if they could both see each other's faces.

Then, there was a long silence.

Not a word was spoken.

Chen Yuan didn’t listen to Xia Xinyu’s inner voice, because he couldn’t even hear his own.

His inner world had never been so peaceful.

And he was also grateful for the darkness, which didn’t reveal his panic to anyone.

Likewise, it didn’t expose Xia Xinyu’s joy.

“You said it.”

Finally, Xia Xinyu spoke first, suppressing her delight and trying to appear serious. She said quite earnestly, “What if you go back on your word?”

If I go back on my word, I’ll die.

In the year and a half left of high school, how could I possibly change my mind?

Although he was very confident in his heart, saying such words would be too exaggerated, so he said euphemistically, “I won’t.”

In order to restrain her emotions, Xia Xinyu smiled silently, her eyes narrowed into crescents, trying her best not to show her emotions. Then, she coughed lightly, adjusted her mood, and said, “I know you won’t go back on your word, but will you give up?”

If he didn’t rely on Chao Zi, Chen Yuan didn’t know if he would give up.

Studying depends on hard work, that’s true, but talent determines the upper limit.

Xia Xinyu is indeed a diligent child, but being able to compete with the talented students in developed regions who enjoy educational dividends, without falling behind, under those mediocre educational resources, shows that she has extraordinary talent.

And himself, indeed his grades were decent when he entered school, he had a bit of cleverness, but even his ranking at the time of enrollment wouldn’t have gotten him to 570 in the college entrance exam.

Moreover, the difficulty of high school is greater, and the gap will widen further.

The upper limit that someone with ordinary talent and a little bit of cleverness can reach is perhaps just barely 600 points.

“I won’t. When I’m tired of studying, I’ll watch *Xing Chen Bian*. I’ll do my best.” Chen Yuan said firmly.

Going upward might not succeed, but if you don’t freaking go upward, you’ll never reach the shore of victory!

Everyone is tired, who isn’t freaking tired? I don’t care, I’ll just study, study, study, study like crazy, throw myself at He Hongtao and study with him!

“Okay, I believe you.”

It was still unconditional trust, but at the same time, Xia Xinyu also felt that she should give him some motivation to improve: “As long as the difference between our scores is within thirty points, I’ll apply to the same school as you.”

That’s what she really thought.

If she didn’t have Chen Yuan, she would have become a star that day, to follow them.

If Chen Yuan hadn’t gone to Shao Xiang that time, with her personality, she would have worked hard to pay off that debt no matter what, even if her studies and health were ruined.

If he hadn't been by her side all this time, she, alone in Xia Hai at this moment, might never have wanted the wish she made on this birthday to come true so badly.

Because with him, the land beneath her feet sprouted flowers. Under the green trees and flowing wind, thousands of elves danced around her, and countless lovely voices excitedly told her: Be together.

My life is a little harder than others.

Therefore, I am even more afraid of losing.

Even when expressing emotions, I don’t dare to be too direct, fearing that I will prematurely overdraw future happiness.

And then, repay the interest called ‘a lifetime of regret.’

Which high school girl can suppress her emotions in her most beautiful years?

I just want to make all of this more than just a fleeting epiphyllum.

“Those words are too arrogant for a Southeastern man.”

However, after Xia Xinyu finished speaking sincerely, Chen Yuan’s reply was very unromantic.

“Ah… I didn’t mean to offend you, nor am I looking down on you. I’m just saying that when we apply, we can both move a little closer,” Xia Xinyu explained.

“There’s no such thing as not having enough points to move up.”

Xia Xinyu said that she wasn’t compromising. She would indeed do it willingly.

But in reality, this is a kind of sacrifice.

“Okay, then let’s work hard together!”

Seeing that the atmosphere was delicate, Xia Xinyu smiled and changed her tune, deciding not to talk about it for now.

But Chen Yuan’s style was not to tacitly accept this matter.

“I didn’t have any goals before, so I was a little more casual.”

Eliminating all retreat routes, forgetting those rational thoughts, Chen Yuan, who had twice the study time, promised: “You don’t have to stand still either, or I’ll be the one waiting for you.”

“…”

Hearing these words, Xia Xinyu was stunned for a moment.

In the past, when he said such things, Chen Yuan would use a joking tone, as if acknowledging his status as a pursuer.

But at this moment, he said it very seriously.

Likewise, just like every time he made a promise before, if he said it, he would do it.

He’s a little too handsome.

Xia Xinyu decided to believe boldly: “Okay, then I’ll work hard too. A mere 625 points really can’t keep me in Hai Dong.”

Hai Dong Province only has one 985 university, Hai Dong University, which is very top-tier. The remaining schools are too far behind, and there isn't even a 211.

And if she sets her sights on Xiamen University, then Chen Yuan will be following her to leave her hometown.

Neither of them will be in their hometowns.

“Hiss, staying in Hai Dong and still having to test for a 985 is a bit…”

After talking about reality, Chen Yuan suddenly had rational feelings again. Of course, he couldn’t back down at this time, so he could only continue to say boldly: “Then you have to improve by another thirty points. Step on the gas.”

“Okay, okay, okay.” Xia Xinyu nodded and said with a smile, “Then if you have more points than me, will you lower your score to apply to the same university as me?”

“Yeah.”

“Ah? You’re really applying double standards.”

“Southeastern men are all like this. It’s not my problem.”

“Then please ask the Southeastern man to turn on the light. The food is going to get cold.”

“Okay.” Chen Yuan stood up and turned on the switch.

When he sat back down, he saw Xia Xinyu smiling. Even though she didn’t say anything, he could feel that she was very happy.

And that bright smile wasn’t planning to be restrained. She propped her face up with her hand, stared at him, and the little birthday star’s good mood was about to infect him through the air.

She looks very beautiful when she smiles.

The quiet her is another kind of beauty, facing everyone.

But at this moment, it was a state specifically for himself.

This girl definitely knows she’s a great beauty.

“Let’s eat first. We’ll eat the cake later.”

Chen Yuan picked up the cake and put it on the desk.

Then, Xia Xinyu rearranged the dishes and placed the paper cups in front of each of them.

“It’s 9 degrees.”

Chen Yuan unscrewed the cap of the sparkling wine and reminded Xia Xinyu before pouring it, this is not comparable to that ripoff Rio.

“It’s okay. As long as I don’t drink as much as I did last time with beer, I won’t get drunk. At most, a little tipsy.”

Xia Xinyu knew that she got drunk last time because she drank a whole can of ice-cold beer.

But Chen Yuan wanted to remind her a little…

Then do you know which sip you got drunk on last time?

Never mind.

If she likes to pretend, let her pretend.

Chen Yuan poured wine for each of them, and then took the initiative to raise his glass: “It’s Xinyu’s birthday today. I propose a toast.”

“Okay.” Xia Xinyu held the paper cup with both hands and clinked glasses with him, “Then let’s propose something.”

“The words are all in the wine. I won’t say much more. Eat well and drink well.”

“Okay, eat well and drink well, and be happy every day.”

Today's extra meal was even more lavish than the last meal Xia Xinyu made for herself, and because it was very late, they were both very hungry, so they had quite a good appetite, finishing the sweet and sour spare ribs and the sea bass, two dishes that weren't very filling.

The roast duck from that restaurant was expensive, but the meat was very good, the skin was soft and delicate, and the sweet sauce had a very rich taste. After they ate half of it, they rolled up the rest and put it in a take-out box. The remaining salt and pepper shrimp and salt and pepper duck rack were also put on a plate and used as lunch for tomorrow.

“I’m already full…”

Xia Xinyu shook her head, feeling that it would be a waste to cut the cake now, because she definitely wouldn’t be able to eat a piece.

“But after all, it’s your birthday. Eat a little bit.”

So, Chen Yuan cut out a quarter of it, which was a 90-degree sector with a radius of 7.5 centimeters.

Do smart kids still remember how to calculate its area?

“Then we’ll have the rest as dessert for tomorrow night’s dinner.”

Xia Xinyu got up and put the cake and plastic forks in the refrigerator, then sat back down in front of Chen Yuan.

Then, she saw Chen Yuan looking at her with a subtle, confused expression.

“What’s wrong?” Xia Xinyu asked, puzzled.

Chen Yuan held up a plastic fork, gesturing: “You put all the other forks in the refrigerator.”

“Oh, sorry. I forgot.”

“It’s okay. Let’s just take a few bites each.”

Seeing Xia Xinyu about to get up to get them, Chen Yuan waved his hand to refuse.

Then, he scooped up a bite of cake with mango. Just as he was about to put it in his mouth, he saw Xia Xinyu, her cheeks slightly flushed, opening her mouth…

Damn, she’s really drunk.

You can get drunk on half a bottle of 9-degree sparkling wine?

But she’s not doing it on purpose. It’s purely because she misunderstood, coupled with the moe look displayed by being a little tipsy…

Damn it, it feels a little too cute.

“Ah…”

After opening her mouth in a daze, a conflicting thought suddenly flashed in Xia Xinyu’s mind.

Wait, does he mean that each of us should take a few bites, not that he feeds me a few bites and then eats it himself?

Just then, Chen Yuan put the cake into her mouth.

Oh, so she didn’t misunderstand.

That’s what he thought.

Hammer, I never thought you needed to be fed at all!

But it would be great if I were the kind of person with a camera on my head, so I could record my life at any time, and post Xia Xinyu’s daily daze after drinking. I bet it would get a million followers.

Of course, that’s impossible.

I don’t even want to give it to my aunt, why would anyone else be able to see it?

What, Xinyu can become popular and get endorsements?

Then let’s negotiate. Can I film Yuan Bao’s daily life and make a female-oriented Douyin?

But speaking of aunt, she hasn’t replied yet.

Chen Yuan handed the fork to Xia Xinyu, took out his phone, and wanted to see what his aunt had replied.

Cloudy and breezy: You’re eating very well. I hope you have fun.

Chen Yuan: Yeah, we’re almost done eating. I’ll send Xinyu home later.

Who says sending her to the apartment across the hall doesn’t count as sending her home?

《Reasonable》

Just as Chen Yuan finished sending the message and was about to look up, a slippery sensation was applied to his face.

Taking advantage of him looking at his phone, Xia Xinyu dipped a dollop of cream on her finger, stood up, and carefully drew a line on Chen Yuan’s face.

Knowing that Chen Yuan was about to retaliate, she quickly reloaded three bullets, with three dollops of cream on her three fingers.

Then, Chen Yuan silently lifted up the cake with one hand.

“Ah?”

At this moment, Xia Xinyu’s pitiful piles of cream seemed so thin.

“I have a fear of insufficient firepower. I’ll let you fire three shots first.”

“What about after three shots…”

“I’ll launch a Katyusha.”

Smearing cake is the last part of a birthday, and it can’t be missed.

Xia Xinyu’s cute and handsome face, let me personally destroy it.

However, before the French-style Xinyu could start the war, she added three cat whiskers to her right cheek and weakly begged, “We’re even… okay?”

Tsk, if you act like this, who would really play with you?

“No, I haven’t smeared at all.”

Chen Yuan was unwilling to take the victory like this.

No sense of accomplishment.

“Okay then.” Xia Xinyu really had no choice but to raise her head, close her eyes, and say, “Don’t get my hair dirty, and don’t get it on my clothes. It’s not easy to wash off, and it’s uncomfortable if it gets in my eyes…”

“You have so many requests.”

Chen Yuan was completely restricted in his creation, which meant that all that was left for him was this side of his face.

How can he come up with the best act within this limited range?

“Is it done yet?” Xia Xinyu asked nervously.

“It’s done.”

After a brief thought, Chen Yuan chose the simplest path.

On Xia Xinyu’s face, he casually drew a round circle with cream.

Meaningless.

“Okay, wash your face and go to bed early.”

Chen Yuan got up and casually put the rest of the cake aside.

Then he went to the sink and started washing the pots and dishes.

“Let me help you.” Xia Xinyu approached and offered proactively.

“How can the little birthday star wash the dishes? Go back to sleep.” Xia Xinyu was obviously drunk, so Chen Yuan wanted her to go back to rest earlier.

Today’s happy birthday should also come to a perfect end.

Suddenly, Xia Xinyu didn’t know when, but she scooped up another dollop of cream and drew a circle on her own face.

“What are you doing?”

No, I’ve already stopped the war. What she’s doing is cheating, cheating.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”

Xia Xinyu scooped up some water in her hands, smiled, stood on tiptoe, wiped off the symmetrical faces of Chen Yuan and herself, then waved her hand and turned to leave her room: “Good night.”

“Good night.”

Not bad, quite mischievous.

Drunk cuteness +20%.

Of course, it can’t always be like this, or she’ll really develop her tolerance for alcohol.

But that bit of sparkling wine had no effect on Chen Yuan, so after washing the pots and pans and tidying up the house casually, he sat in front of the desk again and studied math for an hour and a half, until eleven o’clock.

It’s Xia Xinyu’s birthday. She can relax.

But Chen Yuan needs to know where his limits are.

Then, in next week’s monthly exam, prove himself fiercely.

“Ha…”

Yawning, Chen Yuan was also sleepy.

So, taking a few supplementary teaching materials, a neutral pen, and a correction tape, he put them all in a cloth bag, and when he lay on the bed, he hugged them and gradually fell asleep—

This is a classroom.

Everyone is blurry, except for Xia Xinyu, who is sitting in a seat by the window, looking down and doing the test paper seriously.

The blackboard is covered with dense formulas, and the others are also focusing on doing the problems.

Chen Yuan didn’t understand what kind of deep memory this was.

After a long while, he realized that this was Xia Xinyu preparing for the monthly exam in the near future.

Could it be said that her deep memories no longer have any regrets?

Perhaps…

It’s not like that.

The first time Xia Xinyu dreamed of her parents was because her parents had just passed away. The second time, she dreamed of her previous birthday because it was her birthday the next day. This time’s monthly exam is also the monthly exam she will be taking next week…

I understand.

Dreams reflect the state of mind.

Perhaps, this is just the deep memory she’s been concerned about recently.

Because this is the first exam after she met herself.

Exactly how early… whether this kind of thing affects grades, the reference significance of this time is extremely great.

After realizing this, Chen Yuan got up with the materials he brought, walked to Xia Xinyu’s side, and pulled up the blurry girl: “Student, switch seats.”

“Shh.”

After sitting down, Xia Xinyu made a gesture to him, reminding him that the teacher on the platform was watching.

Okay, okay, I won’t talk.

But don’t really pull the teacher into the dream in a concrete way. It’s kind of scary.

Since she’s studying, I’ll quietly study for a while too.

Spiritual Time Chamber, activate—

After doing the problems for about thirty minutes, the classroom bell rang.

The students in the class, as well as the teacher on the podium, left one after another.

Is Xia Xinyu going to leave?

Chen Yuan turned his head, and then saw Xia Xinyu lying on the table…

She fell asleep.

No, she’s sleeping even in a dream?

Ah right, after all, she drank wine, and the state of being drunk was brought into the dream, so at this time, the state is naturally tipsy.

This can be seen from her slightly red face.

The sun was setting in the west, and the afterglow melted into the residual clouds, kneading out clusters of scarlet sunset clouds.

Xia Xinyu’s high ponytail was illuminated with gold.

Slowly, Chen Yuan took off her hair tie, and her long hair fell down.

He didn’t know why. Although the high ponytail also looked good, he probably just wanted to be a bit of a smart aleck.

Slowly, Xia Xinyu opened her eyes and quietly looked at her deskmate Chen Yuan.

He originally thought that Xinyu was going to protest ‘Don’t make a fuss, we’re still in school,’ but she didn’t say anything, she was still looking quietly.

It was as if this was a silent movie.

Or, it was quietly becoming a static wallpaper.

While studying, Chen Yuan casually put a hand in front of Xia Xinyu, and she unceremoniously rested her soft face on it.

Then, she continued to look at Chen Yuan, who was doing the problems with one hand, and said with a light smile: “Chen Yuan, aren’t you afraid of being caught having a premature romance?”

The second group has been expanded. I spent two hundred gold coins on Tengzi. I’m so heartbroken. Then I created a third group for five thousand book friends. Everyone can wait until the full subscription fan value is enough before joining the group.

(End of this chapter)