Chapter Eleven: Gao Zheng

“You are the blooming of every tree, the swallow whispering beneath the eaves—you are love, warmth, and hope; you are the April in this world!” The gentle poem came to an end.

“Thank you all, that’s the end of today’s program. Let’s meet again tomorrow.” Wang Yuqing stood up as the classmate Liu Minru called “Fatty Wei” flipped off the broadcast switch.

“How did I do?” Wang Yuqing asked as she rose from her seat after reading the poem.

“Oh, you were wonderful! Our broadcasting station has never had such a talented announcer!” Liu Minru exclaimed happily, grabbing Wang Yuqing’s hand. Beside her, Meng Ranran’s expression turned a little awkward upon hearing this praise.

Just then, a clear, lively voice called from outside the door: “Big Sis, who are you talking to? You sound so happy.”

Wang Yuqing looked up to see a tall boy step into the room. He wore a black trench coat, his skin was fair, his eyes large, a pair of gold-rimmed glasses perched on his high nose, and his face bore a sunny smile—everything about him spoke of refinement.

Before Liu Minru could reply, Meng Ranran chimed in, “Oh, Master Gao is here! It’s been a while since you’ve visited the station.”

This was Gao Zheng, son of high-ranking officials. To call him a second-generation rich kid would hardly suffice—his grandfather was a retired military commander, his father a provincial-level government official, and his mother the chairwoman of Shenghua Group. He’d been born with a silver spoon, raised in England, inheriting the gentlemanly manners of that land. Talented in many fields, especially the piano, he was the perfect prince in the hearts of many girls.

Every school had its prodigies, and he was not only one of them, but a standout among the best.

“Heh, Ranran, I’ve just been busy lately, so I haven’t come by,” Gao Zheng said with a smile.

As Meng Ranran opened her mouth to say more, Gao Zheng pointed at Wang Yuqing and said to Liu Minru, “Big Sis, aren’t you going to introduce us?”

Liu Minru’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Master Gao, this is Wang Yuqing, a recent transfer to Class One. She’s now a member of our radio station.” Then, turning to Wang Yuqing, she added, “Yuqing, this is Master Gao, Gao Zheng—he’s quite famous at our school.” Wang Yuqing glanced at Gao Zheng and nodded politely.

“Hello, may I call you Yuqing? Was it you who read that poem just now?” Gao Zheng stepped over and, in a gentlemanly manner, extended his hand.

Wang Yuqing looked at his outstretched hand, hesitated for a moment, then shook it lightly before quickly withdrawing her own.

“Yes, you may. I did read the poem. If there’s anything I can improve, please advise me,” she replied courteously.

“There’s nothing to advise. Yuqing, you’re too modest. Your voice is beautiful—you could sing opera! I’m the head of the music club, by the way. Would you be interested in joining us?” Gao Zheng asked.

But Wang Yuqing gently shook her head. “Thank you, but I must decline—I don’t have much free time, and I need to focus on my studies.”

Gao Zheng didn’t press her. As he looked at the delicate, graceful girl before him, something deep within him stirred.

Meng Ranran, watching Gao Zheng’s gaze fixed on Wang Yuqing, was seized with a wild surge of jealousy. He had never invited her to join the music club, but here he was, inviting a girl he’d just met. She glared at Wang Yuqing as if she could set her on fire.

“Big Sis, if there’s nothing else, I’ll head back to class now,” Wang Yuqing said, adopting the nickname the others used for Liu Minru.

“That’s all. Go ahead, just drop by when you have time,” Liu Minru replied with a smile.

Wang Yuqing gave everyone a faint smile in farewell and left the broadcasting room.

Gao Zheng watched her go, his gaze thoughtful and unreadable.

Liu Minru noticed and nudged Gao Zheng with her elbow, teasing, “What’s this, Master Gao? Have you fallen for her?”

Gao Zheng chuckled, neither confirming nor denying, but his silence spoke volumes.

Inside Class One, everyone was buzzing about Wang Yuqing.

“Hey, whose voice do you think is prettier, Wang Yuqing’s or Meng Ranran’s?”

“Oh, come on, it’s definitely our Wang Yuqing. Her voice is like a nightingale’s.”

“No, no, I still think Meng Ranran sounds better.”

Whatever their opinions, one thing was undeniable: Wang Yuqing was now one of the school’s top beauties.

In a corner, Xiao Lin lay with his head on his desk, his handsome face clouded with sorrow—hidden behind a thick pile of books, invisible to others.

“A hymn to love and warmth,” Xiao Lin murmured. “Wang Yuqing, who are you, really?” His brow furrowed. He desperately wanted to know if he’d known this girl before, but no matter how hard he tried, he could not remember.

Just as his thoughts grew chaotic, he caught a whiff of fresh jasmine. Looking up in surprise, he saw Wang Yuqing standing before him, a radiant smile on her face. Instinctively, he blurted, “Weren’t you at the broadcasting station? When did you get back?”

Wang Yuqing laughed at his astonished expression. “Why, do I need your permission to come back?”

“Uh…” Xiao Lin was momentarily taken aback, then quickly recovered, putting on a cold front. “What does it matter to me whether you come back or not?”

Wang Yuqing saw through his act and, delighted to see a glimpse of his old self, secretly rejoiced.

She glanced around, noticing that the whole class was watching them. Blushing, she stamped her foot in mock annoyance. “Honestly, what is wrong with you all? Can’t I talk to Xiao Lin about our studies?”

The class erupted in whistles and jeers.

Xiao Lin looked at the girl who was at once feisty and bashful, feeling at a loss.

After her outburst, Wang Yuqing suddenly leaned closer and whispered, “The poem I read at the station—‘You Are the April in the World’—pretty good, right?”

“Not bad,” Xiao Lin replied politely, turning slightly away.

“To tell you a secret, I read that poem especially for you,” Wang Yuqing whispered, then dashed shyly back to her seat.

“Uh…” Xiao Lin watched her escape in embarrassment, touched his nose, and murmured, “Especially for me…”

He had not realized it himself, but since Wang Yuqing’s arrival, something in his own character had begun to change. Her words yesterday had lingered in his mind, making him wonder if, after all this time, it was finally time to let go of the past.

Just then, the bell rang, and their homeroom teacher entered, face stern.

“Students, I have some unfortunate news,” the teacher announced.

A collective gasp filled the room.

“There will be no extra classes this weekend. The order came down from the Education Bureau,” the teacher said in a grave tone.

“Yay!” the class erupted in cheers.

Bang! Bang! The teacher slammed the desk. “What are you all so happy about? You’re in your final year—shouldn’t you be focusing? We’ll add another math class this afternoon.”

A fresh chorus of groans filled the classroom…