Chapter - 2

As Wang Haotian made his way to the door, Wei Han entered the room, catching sight of his departure.

"You're leaving?" Wei Han questioned, noticing Haotian's movements.

"Yeah, I got a call from the company. I still have a meeting, so I'm leaving," Haotian replied, his tone carrying a sense of urgency.

Wei Han frowned slightly, concerned. "Brother, it's too late. You still have a meeting?"

Haotian nodded solemnly. "Right. It's with an investor from abroad."

"Alright. Brother, thanks for today," Wei Han expressed his gratitude sincerely.

"It's fine. I'm going then," Haotian responded, preparing to depart.

Xingyue, who had been observing quietly, interjected with a soft reminder, "Shushu, be careful."

Haotian turned towards Xu Ning with a reassuring smile. "Okay. Sleep early. You still have school tomorrow," he advised kindly before bidding farewell .

As Wei Han settled onto the sofa in the living room, Xingyue shot him a menacing glare, her expression filled with playful mischief.

"Ayah, what happened to our Xiaoyue?" Wei Han inquired, noticing her intense stare.

"You old man. You're doomed today. Who gave you the permission to sit down?" Xingyue retorted with mock severity.

Wei Han chuckled, feigning innocence. "Hey, little kid, who are you calling old? What do you mean? This is my house. Why do I need permission? And what happened?" he protested, trying to diffuse the tension.

Unconvinced, Xingyue grabbed a cushion and began hitting him playfully, " You still have courage to ask what happened," Okay, okay. It was my fault. Next time, I will inform you first," Wei Han conceded, dodging the cushion with a grin.

"Wei Han, you're lucky today. If Wang Shushu were not here, then you would have left me behind. He helped me with my assignment," Xu Ning explained, her tone softening slightly.

"Okay, okay. Forgive me this time," Wei Han pleaded, recognizing his mistake.

"Fine, I will forgive you this time. Your dinner is on the table. I'm going to sleep. Don't forget to pick me up at school tomorrow," Xingyue reminded him before making her way to her room.

"Okay, I got it," Wei Han replied with a nod, watching Xingyue disappear down the hallway with a fond smile.

The next morning, Xingyue emerged from her room, dressed in her school uniform.

"Gòngzhu (princess), you're awake. Come have breakfast," Wei Han greeted her warmly as she entered the kitchen.

"Okay," Xingyue replied, taking a seat at the table.

As they sat down to eat, Xingyue couldn't resist teasing Wei Han. "Lao Han, you should learn some cooking from your friend," she suggested with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

Wei Han chuckled, shaking his head. "How can you say that? Alright, stop complaining and eat your food," he retorted playfully, passing her a plate of steamed buns.

"Drop me off at school; it's on your way," Xingyue reminded Wei Han as they finished breakfast.

Wei Han nodded in agreement, acknowledging her request. "Of course," he replied, already planning their route for the day.

As Wei Han pulled up in front of Xingyue's school, she prepared to leave,

"Okay, then I'm going," Xingyue announced, reaching for the door handle.

"Wait, I'll pick you up after school. I've heard that there are some bullies around the school. It's dangerous. So don't go anywhere. If I'm busy, then I will send someone to pick you up," Wei Han instructed with concern evident in his voice.

"Okay, no problem," Xingyue reassured him with a nod.

Just then, Xingyue's best friend, Yumei, approached the car, waving enthusiastically at Xingyue.

"Xingxing, you're here! Good morning, Shushu," Yumei greeted them cheerfully.

"I've told you, don't call me Shushu. Call me Wei Han Ge (brother)," Wei Han corrected her gently.

"I'm sorry, Ge. Then we'll be going," Yumei apologized, before turning to Xingyue.

Wei Han nodded in acknowledgment. "Go ahead," he replied, watching them depart.

"Wei Han Ge is so handsome," Yumei remarked with admiration as they walked towards the school gates.

"You say that every time you see him," Xingyue teased, rolling her eyes playfully.

Ignoring the comment, Yumei continued, "Hey, what job does he do?"

"He's a lawyer. He owns a law firm," Xingyue replied proudly.

"Xiaoyue, your family is incredible. One is a doctor, one is a lawyer. That's awesome," Yumei exclaimed, impressed by Xingyue's family background.

"Alright, stop it and hurry up," Xingyue urged, trying to change the subject as they walked through school corridor.

As Xingyue and Yumei continued walking towards the school building, Cheng Yan, Xingyue's classmate, trailed behind them, overhearing their conversation.

"What's so good about being a doctor and a lawyer?" Cheng Yan interjected snidely. "You know, my brother is one of the director of the WH group."

Xingyue couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity at the mention of the WH group, but she kept her thoughts to herself for the moment.

Yumei, however, was quick to respond. "Cheng Yan, do you have some problem? Mind your own business, or you'll end up failing the monthly tests again," she retorted sharply, her tone laced with irritation.

Realizing the futility of engaging with Cheng Yan, Xingyue decided to diffuse the situation. "Alright, why waste time talking to her? Let's go inside," she suggested, eager to leave Cheng Yan's presence behind.

As the math class began, their teacher, Mr. Tang, entered the room with a stack of papers in hand.

"Have you guys done your assignment that I gave?" Mr. Tang inquired, scanning the classroom.

A chorus of "yes, Mr. Tang" echoed through the room.

"Then let me check your assignments. Who will come first?" Mr. Tang asked, his gaze sweeping over the students.

He noticed Xingyue, who was sitting at the back of the class, seemingly engrossed in drawing something in her notebook. Sensing his attention, Yumei, who sat beside her, nudged Xingyue discreetly.

"Hey, Xingyue, the teacher is looking at you," Yumei whispered, trying to get her attention.

Upon hearing her name, Xingyue looked up and met Mr. Tang's expectant gaze.

"Xingyue, you come first," Mr. Tang instructed.

"Okay, teacher," Xingyue replied, gathering her assignment and making her way to the front of the class.

Mr. Tang began checking Xingyue's assignment, he glanced over her work with a critical eye.

"You did it?" he asked, seeking confirmation from Xingyue.

Xingyue nodded confidently, indicating that she had indeed completed the assignment.

"Not bad," Mr. Tang remarked, impressed by Xingyue's diligence.

Turning to address the class, he announced, "Everyone, listen up. If you have any problems with any question, tell me. Xingyue will solve it on the board, and I'll explain it to you."

A student raised their hand and spoke up, "Teacher, question 27."

"Okay, then," Mr. Tang acknowledged. "Xingyue, please solve this question on the board, and I'll explain it to the class."

After Xingyue finished solving the question on the board, she turned back to face the class, a sense of accomplishment evident in her demeanor.

"Xingyue, very good." Mr. Tang praised, prompting the class to applaud her efforts.

As the applause died down, Mr. Tang instructed Xingyue to return to her seat. "Okay, go to your seat now. I'll explain it," he said kindly.

Xingyue complied, making her way back to her desk. However, her moment of triumph was interrupted by Cheng Yan's annoyed gesture as she threw her assignment onto the table and shot Xingyue a resentful look.

Unfazed by Cheng Yan's behavior, Xingyue ignored her and sat down calmly.

Observing the exchange, Yumei leaned over to Xingyue and whispered, "What's wrong with Cheng Yan? She's so annoying."

Xingyue shrugged, shaking her head. "Forget her. Don't spoil your mood. She's always like that," she replied, choosing not to let Cheng Yan's attitude affect her.

As the class neared its end, Mr. Tang addressed the students with a final announcement.

"Okay, that's it for today," he declared, signaling the conclusion of the lesson.

Turning to the class president, he continued, "Class president, please bring these assignments to my office and take another assignment from there. Then distribute them among your classmates."

The class president nodded in acknowledgment, ready to carry out the teacher's instructions as the bell rang, signaling the end of the lesson.

As Xingyue rested her head on her desk, lost in her thoughts, she suddenly became aware of someone standing beside her. Lifting her head, she found their class president, Ling Xiao, standing there.

Yumei shot Xingyue a curious glance as she noticed Ling Xiao's presence.

"What's the matter?" Xingyue asked, puzzled by Ling Xiao's sudden appearance.

"Did I disturb you?" Ling Xiao inquired politely.

"No, it's fine. You can go ahead," Xingyue replied, gesturing for him to continue.

"Mr. Tang called you to his office after school," Ling Xiao informed her.

"He called me? Why? What have I done now?" Xingyue exclaimed, a hint of concern creeping into her voice.

"I have no idea," Ling Xiao admitted.

"Okay, I got it," Xingyue responded, mentally preparing herself for the meeting with Mr. Tang.

Ling Xiao then handed Xingyue and Yumei their assignments, saying, "And these are your assignments."

"Thanks, class president," Xingyue acknowledged with a nod of gratitude.As Ling Xiao returned to his seat, he overheard Xingyue's conversation with Yumei.

"I have a headache," Xingyue murmured, rubbing her temples in discomfort.

"Are you alright? It's probably because it's too hot today," Yumei suggested, expressing concern for her friend.

"Yeah, maybe," Xingyue agreed weakly. "Do you have water?"

"Wait, let me bring you some cold water from the cafeteria," Yumei offered, eager to help.

Xingyue hesitated before responding, "Forget it. Let me sleep for some time."

"Okay, then take some rest. I'll wake you up," Yumei assured her before returning to her own tasks.

After a short while, Ling Xiao approached Xingyue and sat at the desk in front of her. He held out a bottle of lemon juice and lightly tapped it against Xingyue's arm.

Startled awake, Xingyue looked up at Ling Xiao in surprise. "Brother, what are you doing?" she asked, confusion evident in her voice.

"Here," Ling Xiao replied, pointing to the bottle of juice.

Xingyue furrowed her brow in confusion. "What?"

"I heard you earlier. Have some; you'll feel better," Ling Xiao explained, offering her the drink.

"Oh, okay," Xingyue responded, accepting the gesture of kindness. "Tell me how much it is, and I'll pay you."

"It's alright," Ling Xiao insisted."

No, no, take the money," Xingyue insisted."Then treat me another day," Ling Xiao suggested with a smile.

"Alright, thanks, Ling Xiao," Xingyue said gratefully, touched by his thoughtfulness.As the final bell rang and classes came to an end, Yumei patiently waited for Xingyue to finish packing her belongings.

"Let's go to the staff room," Yumei suggested, eager to remind her friend of their appointment.

"Why?" Xingyue inquired, momentarily forgetting about Mr. Tang's summons.

"You forgot Mr. Tang has called you," Yumei reminded her gently.

"Oh, right, I forgot. Let's go," Xingyue replied, grateful for Yumei's reminder, and together they made their way to the staff room.

Standing outside the staff room, Xingyue couldn't shake off her nervousness.

"Hey, Yumei, have I done something? Why did he call me?" she asked, her voice tinged with apprehension.

"Don't think too much. Just go ahead," Yumei reassured her friend, gently urging her forward.

Xingyue hesitated for a moment before dragging Yumei along with her. "Xiaomei, you come with me too," she insisted.

Yumei hesitated, taking a step back. "No, no, I'll wait for you here," she said, gently pushing Xingyue forward.

Xingyue knocked on the door and asked, "Teacher, can I come in?"

"Yes, come in," Mr. Tang replied.

Entering the room, Xingyue nervously approached Mr. Tang's desk. "Mr. Tang, you called me?" she inquired.

"Yes, right. Come here," Mr. Tang said warmly. "You have done good work. I've checked your assignment. You have made progress. I was just talking to Mr. Sun, and he also mentioned that you did great in physics. You're good at studies. I know you don't like math that much, but if you work hard, you can make more progress. So keep it up."

"Okay, I got it, teacher. Actually, my uncle helped me with my assignment," Xingyue confessed.

"I see, that's good," Mr. Tang acknowledged. "Your grades in math were not good in the first semester, so I hope in the second semester, you can get better grades."

Nodding, Xingyue replied, "Okay, teacher, I'll work hard."

"That's it. You can go now," Mr. Tang dismissed her.

Exiting the staff room, Xingyue met Yumei, who was waiting for her on the school campus.

"What happened? What did he say to you?" Yumei inquired eagerly.

"Nothing much. He just said to study hard for next semester," Xingyue replied nonchalantly.

"Oh, why didn't he call me then? Aren't your grades better than mine?" Yumei wondered aloud.

Xingyue grinned and teased, "Sweetheart, he won't call you; he'll directly call your mom."

Yumei gasped, alarmed. "Don't scare me! If he calls my mom this time, I'll be finished."

"It's okay, it's okay. We'll study hard this time," Xingyue reassured her friend.

"Yes, we can do it," Yumei agreed.