A heavy rain had taken away the last of the summer's oppressive heat.
Early on Monday morning, the sun shone brightly, and there was a hint of coolness in the air.
On this day, all schools in Shangjing City ended their vacation and welcomed the start of a new term.
That morning, Shen Chaoxi entered the classroom to the sound of the school bell, nearly late for class.
She had almost been late.
"Why are you so late?" Zhong Li asked.
Looking at her deskmate who had arrived in the classroom only a few steps ahead of her, Shen Chaoxi mentally rolled her eyes.
You're late too!
"I forgot that school was starting today, and the bus was too crowded; I missed two of them."
Shen Chaoxi glanced at the class schedule, noting that the first period was a class meeting. She took out a set of English exercises from her backpack and began to work on them with a pen to pass the time.
Zhong Li scooted his chair closer and leaned halfway over.
"Hey beautiful deskmate, let's discuss something!"