Barbecue

Jiang Shen parted ways with Shi Fen as she rode her bike home. After the first day of school, she hadn't managed to go home together with Yang Mu. Not that it bothered her.

As she went ahead and pedaled out on the bike lane, several chimes of rings could be heard behind her.

"Hey, wait up!"

Jiang Shen recognized his voice and slowed down her bike. She then looked behind her and saw him pedaling to catch up. The sight made her laugh.

When he had caught up, he was panting for his life as he kept up the same pace as hers. Yang Mu decided at the last minute to go home with Jiang Shen after their talk at school.

Somehow he wanted to know more about the so-called genius from the STEM department. And secretly, he also wanted to know if she had feelings for him. But he wouldn't say that out loud.

"What's up? This is the second time i've seen you pedal a bike."

Yang Mu gazed at her happy face and couldn't help but chuckle. "I got curious about what we talked about back in school."

"What, you mean the matter about me joining the student union?"

It was a little peculiar that she joined. Although it was an abrupt decision, it might be nice to experience what it's like to hold responsibility and lead people. In the eyes of others though, she must look like she was forced.

Yang Mu did have a thought that she might have been forced, but somehow remembering the guy who took Jiang Shen away from the classroom unsettled him. He didn't look like a bad guy, but Jiang Shen's decision to join maybe had something to do with him.

"Yeah."

"You think that I don't look like the type of girl to join the student union?" Jiang Shen joked.

"It's nothing like that," Yang Mu shook his head. "I just thought that you joining might have something to do with the guy who took you away."

Jiang Shen glanced at him and said, "You mean Qing Yao? I mean, we might be friends but he's not the type to force me to join. He's not even a member of the student union."

"Really?" A flood of relief washed through him. "Well, it's just a thought."

"Your worries are unfounded. I'll be fine, I can handle it. Besides," Jiang Shen turned to him and said, "It could be added on my resume, no?"

"That's a good point."

"By the way..."

"Hm?"

Jiang Shen smiled mischievously and said, "Race you!" before speeding off.

Yang Mu looked a little dumbfounded before he laughed and said, "Cheater!"

...

The weekend had come and the pressure was on. After the weekend ends, it would officially be exam week.

While most students were fraught with stress, Jiang Shen woke up awfully late, her hair still a mess. She had spent the night making last minute revisions and flash cards that she had fallen asleep on the table.

As she looked at herself in the mirror, she scrunched her nose in disgust. There was dried drool on the corner of her mouth, her hair was a mess and most of all, her clothes were all crumpled.

Nanny Yue walked in the room with a pot of tea before retreating. Jiang Shen then showered and changed out of her clothes into more comfortable ones.

Dressed in shorts and shirt, she headed out to Cheng Muyi's house. By the time she arrived on her bike, it was already noon.

She was late by three hours. Walking up to the house that was larger than theirs by a large margin, Cheng Muyi led her inside as he scolded, "Why are you only arriving now? Ju Sheng had already barbecued most of the meat and we've been waiting for you since this morning."

Jiang Shen only waved dismissively and yawned. "It's not my fault. I was up all night doing revisions on my notes and making flashcards. I lost track of time."

Cheng Muyi nose flared as he said, "Lost track of time, my ass! Should I gift you a clock so that you won't ever lose track of time?"

"Good idea, thanks in advance." Jiang Shen patted his shoulder and headed to the backyard. She was already familiar with the layout of the house.

As she went outside, Jiang Shen was surprised to see that they weren't the only ones.

"Surprise!" Mo Ran shouted as he waved at her enthusiastically.

Cao Wei, who had her legs dipped into the pool, then said, "Sorry I didn't tell you. We decided last minute to invite them over. I figured you couldn't teach us all and surprisingly, he agreed."

Jiang Shen nodded. "Hello."

"Hi." Yang Mu greeted.

Kang Shu was at the grill helping Ju Sheng with the meat and Shi Fen, as always, was at the table glaring intensely at the meat. It's fragrance became enticing as it wafted in the air.

Cheng Muyi soon caught up and jumped into the pool, intending to cool off.

"What's got your panties in a twist?" Ju Sheng shouted as she frowned.

"Ask our latecomer!" then he went under.

Ju Sheng looked towards her for the answer, to which Jiang Shen only shrugged. She had also no idea why he was so hotheaded today.

"Should we eat first?" Jiang Shen clapped her hands and set down her bag by the door.

"We're almost done with the meat, just wait a while," Kang Shu said while she fanned the grill.

Jiang Shen nodded and sat beside Cao Wei relaxing on the pool.

"Hey."

"What time did you guys arrive?"

"I arrived with Shi Fen and Kang Shu at about eight, I think? I don't know, Shi Fen dragged us here because he was too excited about the barbecue."

They glanced at Shi Fen, whose face contorted into hunger, then back at each other before bursting out with laughter.