Chapter 81: On the List Again

If someone were to ask what couples love to do most, there would probably be a myriad of answers: hugging, shopping together, watching movies, traveling… For example, Tan Linlin’s favorite pastime is teasing Xu Tong, while Xiao Lin and Wang Yuqing most enjoy taking walks. Every day after lunch, the two of them would stroll arm in arm around the school track, making several leisurely circuits. This habit puzzled Wang Tao and the others. In the dead of winter, with not a flower or blade of grass in sight, even the few scattered trees stood bare—what could possibly draw them there?

Xiao Lin explained that a walk after a meal aids digestion, but not even a three-year-old would believe such an excuse. No matter what Wang Tao and the others said, Xiao Lin and Wang Yuqing remained steadfast in their routine, undeterred. The midday track was nearly deserted, and with the sun shining down, the chill wasn’t unbearable. Hand in hand, Xiao Lin and Wang Yuqing circled the field, savoring the rare peace.

“Hey, Xiao Lin, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could walk together like this for the rest of our lives?” Wang Yuqing loosened the scarf around her neck, tilted her head, and looked at Xiao Lin.

“Silly girl, we’re still so young, and you’re already thinking about a lifetime. These are our best years—live in the moment and don’t worry about the future,” Xiao Lin said, gently patting her furry hat with an expression full of affection.

“But isn’t it wise to plan ahead? Also, I want you to promise: from now on, we’re not allowed to argue,” Wang Yuqing said, putting on a stern little face.

Seeing how adorable she was, Xiao Lin’s heart overflowed with joy. He reached out and lightly flicked her tiny nose. “Alright, my little princess.”

“How dare you! Flick my nose, will you? I’ll get you for this!” Wang Yuqing, cheeks flushed with embarrassment, raised her fist and playfully swung at Xiao Lin. Laughing, he dodged away, letting go of her hand and breaking into a run. “Come on, try and catch me!” he called out.

On tiptoe, Wang Yuqing chased after the boy she loved, and soon the field echoed with the sound of her bell-like laughter, interspersed with the cries of a young man pleading for mercy.

Back in Class One, the class monitor, Liu Xiaoming, waved a slip of paper in the air and shouted, “Everyone, come look! Xiao Lin and Wang Yuqing are on the list again!” His words filled the class with confusion. On the list? What list?

“Hey, Fatty Liu, what’s this about being on the list again?” Only Tan Linlin dared call Liu Xiaoming by that nickname. In the past, he would have argued with her, but today, he didn’t seem to mind. He rushed over to Tan Linlin’s desk and slapped the slip of paper down.

“See for yourself. Xiao Lin is incredible—he’s a real celebrity!” Liu Xiaoming declared, eyes shining with admiration.

Tan Linlin and Xu Tong looked at the note and were taken aback at a single glance. On the letterhead was a photo from the New Year’s party: Xiao Lin presenting flowers to Wang Yuqing. The clarity was remarkable—clearly shot with a professional camera.

“Wow, the Hall of Fame. Xiao Lin and Wang Yuqing,” Xu Tong exclaimed.

At that, the students crowded around the desk for a better look.

“Innovation High’s Hall of Fame? What’s going on? It hasn’t even been two months since the last list—did the Review Committee lose their minds?” one of the boys counted the days on his fingers, baffled.

Liu Xiaoming, pleased, explained, “I’ve got a friend on the Review Committee. He told me this is a special case. With winter break coming up and Xiao Lin’s latest stunt making such a splash, the Student Review Committee decided to put out the list early.”

“I see,” the crowd nodded in understanding.

“Come on, read the introduction below. We can’t all see from back here!” Those who couldn’t crowd in grew impatient, urging those in front to read aloud.

“Xiao Lin, senior in Class One, nickname: the Dark Horse Prince. Wang Yuqing, Innovation High’s newly crowned school beauty. On the night of the 2014 New Year’s party, Xiao Lin did something that rocked the entire school: with a magic show, he made a romantic declaration to the school beauty, Wang Yuqing, winning her heart and thrilling the audience. To everyone’s astonishment, our goddess actually said yes. Many admirers of Wang Yuqing were left heartbroken—even Young Master Gao Zheng was reportedly despondent for days. But the story didn’t end there. In the following days, no less than thirty ‘confession incidents’ took place at Innovation High. The confessors—both male and female—even outdid Xiao Lin’s performance in creativity and flair. Upon investigation, all these bold souls admitted they were inspired by Xiao Lin. After deliberation, it was agreed that, from now on, the week after New Year’s Day shall be designated ‘Xiao Lin’s Confession Week.’ During this week, everyone is free to confess their feelings to the one they love…”

“Incredible! Xiao Lin is truly something else.”

“He pulled it off with such style—how can we not admire him?” The students sighed in admiration.

At that very moment, Xiao Lin and Wang Yuqing returned from their walk, puzzled by the commotion in the classroom.

“Hey, what’s going on here? What’s so exciting that you’re making such a fuss?” Xiao Lin grabbed a boy in front and asked.

“Ah, Xiao Lin, you’re back! Who else could it be about? It’s you two, of course. Hey everyone, Xiao Lin and Wang Yuqing are here!” The boy’s face lit up as he shouted excitedly.

“Boss Xiao, you’re back! Come on, take a look—you’ve made it onto the list again,” Xu Tong said, waving the sheet at him.

Xiao Lin and Wang Yuqing glanced down, and their faces changed instantly. Wang Yuqing’s cheeks flushed crimson; she bit her lip, punched Xiao Lin lightly, then hurried to her seat and buried her head beneath the desk, playing ostrich.

A chorus of teasing rose from the classroom.

Xiao Lin looked at the list in his hand, at a loss whether to laugh or cry. They really had a knack for drama—pulling a stunt like this just before winter break! And “Xiao Lin’s Confession Week”? They’d dug him a pit to fall into. Now he’d surely be facing disciplinary action from the school. Though Xiao Lin wasn’t too concerned for himself, he worried Wang Yuqing might get caught up in it. What he didn’t know was that, thanks to Wang Yuqing, Director Liu—an old friend—had let the matter slide, otherwise they’d have been disciplined long ago. Instead, Director Liu gave Old Yan, Class One’s homeroom teacher, the directive that Xiao Lin and Wang Yuqing were forbidden from dating, fearing Wang Yuqing’s grades might slip, making it hard to explain to his old friend. But when Old Yan tried to talk to them, he was swiftly rendered speechless by one of Wang Yuqing’s remarks.

“Xiao Lin, how are you always this amazing? I just don’t get it,” Wang Tao said, giving Xiao Lin a playful punch.

“This kind of ‘amazing’ is more trouble than it’s worth,” Xiao Lin replied with a wry smile.