MNL Chapter 32
by VolareChapter 32: Competition – Anyone can do it with hands.
After evening self-study ended, Shen Yan had just finished packing up and was about to leave when a figure blocked his path.
Xu Jing leaned half his body against the wall, his black bag loosely hanging from his slender shoulder. His expression was indifferent, as if he had been waiting there for a long time.
“So slow,” he said impatiently.
Shen Yan paused in his steps, raising an eyebrow in confusion.
Xu Jing tugged his bag higher, preventing it from slipping, straightened up, and brushed past Shen Yan, “I have something to tell you.”
“…”
The series of actions was infuriatingly arrogant. Shen Yan had never been treated like this before.
But thinking about the other’s reaction during evening self-study.
Shen Yan stared at the ground for two seconds, and finally followed.
Their way home originally passed through a night market, but now the shops, big and small, were all closed, and the surroundings were eerily quiet.
Shen Yan waited for a long time but Xu Jing didn’t seem to be saying anything. He was about to ask when the person next to him spoke.
“There are rumors that Zhang Dong’s matter is related to you, do you know?”
Shen Yan was obviously a little surprised, but not because of the matter itself, but because he didn’t expect that Xu Jing was planning to talk about this.
“I heard it on the way to the office today.”
Xu Jing paused, and then asked, “You don’t care?”
Hearing this, Shen Yan chuckled softly and replied, “There’s no need to.”
No one knew who started the gossip, saying that Zhang Dong often complained about Shen Yan to the people around him before the incident. And this unconfirmed statement, after a short afternoon of fermentation, actually turned into Zhang Dong’s poisoning being related to Shen Yan, and even some people in the class were discussing it. Rumors were like wild grass in a barren land, and as long as there was a slight sign, they would begin to grow endlessly. Their influence swept in like a flood, with no exception for the victims.
Looking at the serious expression of the person beside him, Shen Yan couldn’t help but feel a little moved, “Do you care a lot?”
Xu Jing looked at the road ahead and didn’t say anything.
“Or are you concerned about what they are saying about me?”
Hearing this, Xu Jing’s semi-curled fingers tightened, his fingertips knocking against his palm, and a stinging sensation gradually spread.
“No.”
Shen Yan didn’t rush to expose him, but looking at the fair and delicate face in the bright moonlight, he somehow felt as if he had been struck twice.
“Actually–”
“I just don’t like hearing those people make things up.”
Interrupted, Shen Yan became quiet. Compared to just now, the atmosphere was even stranger at this time. After a long while, seeing that the other person was still silent, Xu Jing felt a frustrating feeling of not being able to express himself properly, so he could only cough lightly and say, “There’s also, other reasons, I guess.”
Shen Yan continued to play deaf and mute.
Xu Jing cursed softly in his heart, turned his head slightly, and said in a muffled voice, “What you said, that counts too.”
Shen Yan said in a subtle tone, “Oh.”
Xu Jing: “…”
Although he wanted to punch someone, strangely, seeing Shen Yan’s reaction like this, he felt a lot lighter, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his heart.
The two walked home side by side. When they reached the downstairs, Xu Jing subconsciously looked at Shen Yan, and found that the other person naturally followed him into the elevator. But he had noticed before that Shen Yan always took the stairs when he was alone. Even though there was an easier way, he insisted on choosing the most tiring one, which was really strange.
“That water cup, did you throw it away?”
Shen Yan turned his head in question, “Why would I throw it away?”
Xu Jing was stumped. After a moment, he replied, “Don’t you think it’s weird to keep it?”
“No.” Shen Yan asked in return, “What, do you mind?”
Xu Jing didn’t answer directly, but instead showed a rare awkwardness.
He actually had many questions, such as why wouldn’t he think it was strange? Was he going to wash this cup clean before using it again? And also, regarding what happened last night, didn’t he have any other thoughts?
Disorganized thoughts emerged from his mind one by one. In the narrow elevator, they disturbed Xu Jing’s breathing. Shen Yan had a faint mint scent, like a cool breeze after the rain carrying a little moisture. It was originally fresh, clean, and pleasant, but at this moment it became a catalyst. With the unintentional touch of their sleeves, it almost forced him into a panic.
However, it was quickly replaced by an even warmer sensation. Xu Jing’s heart thumped, because he clearly realized that it was Shen Yan’s hand.
It was as if dense currents were running through his body from top to bottom, carrying a certain indescribable feeling. The backs of their hands were vaguely close to each other. In such a place, whether it was intentional or unintentional, for a moment, neither of them moved away.
Finally, the elevator door opened, and the oncoming wind cooled not only the surrounding temperature that was about to ignite, but also shut back the little bit of reason he had left.
Xu Jing took the lead in breaking away from this awkward atmosphere. Seeing the hurried movements of the person beside him, Shen Yan’s hand that was hanging down moved slightly.
He lowered his head to look at the back of his hand. Although his expression was calm, his gaze was not peaceful. He didn’t know what he was thinking, until the door was about to close, and then he stepped out.
“Go to bed early tonight, or, leave a door open for me.” Shen Yan said to Xu Jing’s back.
Xu Jing paused and asked in return, “Why should I leave a door open for you?”
“We have to get up half an hour earlier tomorrow. I’m afraid someone will sleep through the competition.”
“…”
Xu Jing snorted softly, gave the other person a cold back view, and then directly closed the door.
After a moment, a series of unhurried footsteps came from outside. As the sound of the door closing rang out, the movements gradually disappeared.
Xu Jing neatly threw the bag on his body onto the sofa on the side. When he raised his hand, he stared blankly at it for a while. Then, for some reason, he slowly moved his arm to the front of his chest, stared at it for a long time, and his face became a little hot.
He knew that he was a little out of his mind now, but his mind was still clear.
But he still couldn’t help but lower his head to smell it.
It was obviously no different from before, but it seemed to carry the refreshing scent of Shen Yan’s body. Xu Jing widened his eyes and stared blankly at the counter that lacked a model, as if waking up from a dream. In that instant, his heart pounded like a drum.
·
The next day.
As expected, Xu Jing didn’t manage to wake up on time. The alarm clock that had been ringing for a full seven rounds was finally thrown out by the person on the bed in frustration. The poor battery inside exploded several meters away, and five minutes later, he was greeted by the phone bombing from the person at 602.
Thus, the Young Master Xu, who had barely fallen asleep at three o’clock last night, carried his morning grumpiness all the way to the examination room. On the car, his face was so cold that it looked like someone owed him millions. Except for Shen Yan, no one dared to talk to him.
“Check if you have brought all your stationery. There is still one hour left. If you are not sure, you can take another look at the materials.” Wu Songyue walked around with his thermos cup in hand, earnestly instructing them.
However, from that smiling face, it could be seen that he was not worried at all. The teacher leading the team from the neighboring No.4 High School knew Wu Songyue. At this time, while pouring water, he came over to probe.
“Yo, Teacher Wu, how many awards is No.1 High School going to take this time? Leave some opportunities for our No.4 High School kids.” The male teacher joked with a smile.
Wu Songyue narrowed his eyes, and instantly smiled as well, “Teacher Liu, don’t be humble. I heard that you put a lot of effort into this geography competition. Did you start preparing three months in advance?”
“No, no, it’s all rumors.” The male teacher waved his hand, and after remembering something, he said, “By the way, Teacher Wu, did that student who got first place in the last joint exam come? Who is that talent? Point him out to me.”
Wu Songyue said “oh” twice, put the thermos cup in his hand aside, and scanned the people who were sitting and reviewing, only to find that even Shen Yan’s shadow was not there.
Just then, footsteps came from behind. Only to see Xu Jing coming out of the toilet, followed closely by the protagonist of their topic.
“Shen Yan, come here for a moment.” Wu Songyue called out and said to the male teacher, “It’s him.”
When the male teacher saw the approaching young man, he was first stunned, and instantly the smile on his face became even brighter, “Not bad, not only are his grades good, but he’s also so handsome. There must be many girls chasing him at school, right?”
Shen Yan looked at Wu Songyue strangely.
Wu Songyue coughed twice and replied, “Our Shen Yan usually only cares about studying, and has no thoughts about being in a relationship. Teacher Liu, don’t joke.”
The male teacher then asked, “This student, do you have any tips for studying geography? Share them, so I can let my little cubs learn from them when I get back.”
Shen Yan thought for a moment, and truthfully said, “There are no tips, anyone can do it with hands.”
Male teacher: “…”
Wu Songyue laughed awkwardly twice on the side.
“Hahaha, our Shen Yan is just more humorous, haha.”
This male teacher surnamed Liu was about to say something when a girl ran up from behind, looking anxious and flustered, “Teacher, the class representative is feeling a little unwell.”
Seeing Liu Ping being pulled away, Wu Songyue immediately straightened his face and scolded, “What’s going on with you and Xu Jing? I saw you two going to the toilet four times in half an hour. Are you feeling unwell, or are you too confident? Are you very confident in this competition? Are you sure you can win an award?”
Shen Yan was originally accepting the scolding with an unchanging expression. When he heard the last sentence, he lightly said “yes.”
Wu Songyue: “…”
“You–”
“Teacher Wu, my stomach hurts.” Not knowing when, Xu Jing, who should have been reading books over there, came back and explained to Wu Songyue, “He helped me go.”
Wu Songyue looked at the two suspiciously. He was still about to say something, but finally looked at the time and could only give up, saying harshly, “If you two don’t bring back a first prize for me this time, then you can wait to copy the geography book.”
“Okay.”
His tone could be said to be very disdainful.
Wu Songyue was angered.
The hour passed quickly. Looking at his students entering the competition examination room one after another, the teachers who were seeing them off showed expectations in their eyes.
And the last two teenagers in the crowd stood up straight, walking unhurriedly. Their side-by-side figures were eye-catching and flamboyant. Their dark hair and blue and white school uniforms radiated the aura of youth, shining exceptionally brightly in the sun.