Chapter 24: Studying Together
Time passed by and Su Ning was now in her third year of Junior High in Chang Yue. She had lost the baby fat on her face and she had grown slimmer and taller. She was a girl on the cusp of being a young woman. She will be entering M Academy in a few months after successfully testing into their Senior High program. Of course Qin Rong who constantly placed first was also admitted to M Academy. Surprisingly, Qing Mei was also accepted into M Academy as well. However, there were rumors of a special pass being given since her scores were not at par with other examinees who were rejected by the academy. Meanwhile, Li Youqing and Lin Miao decided to test into another public high school in A City, Kunshan.
In the past 3 years, Su Ning had gradually become really good friends with Gu Yuchen and Lin JinYan. The first time they all got together was awkward to say the least. Su Ning who had been staying at Grandma Gu's mansion invited Lin JinYan over after getting permission from the elder.
Su Ning really liked her room at this manor. It was very spacious with an intricately carved chinese canopy bed. She also had her own separate study in the corner. The lacquered wooden table with 4 traditional study chairs was ensconced by 2 chinese style bookshelves on either side.
One afternoon, Su Ning brought Lin JinYan to her room to do their homework when Gu YuChen suddenly entered with his books and laptop. "Gu, Gu YuChen? What are you doing?" asked Su Ning perplexed while Lin JinYan sat beside her with a smirk on his face. "Studying." Gu YuChen responded succinctly as he took the chair across from her. "Here? With us?" Su Ning further asked. Gu YuChen only nodded in reply. "Err. Alright. There's a lot of space so you are more than welcome to study with us." Su Ning said with uncertainty.
The group quietly studied for several minutes before Lin JinYan leaned over to whisper into Su Ning's ear. "Does YuChen study together with you often?" Su Ning thought for a second before leaning over herself, her long hair lightly brushing Lin JinYan's ears. "Nope not all. He must be feeling lonely by himself?" she wondered. To Lin JinYan that whisper tickled his ear and that feeling fluttered into his heart. He glanced at Gu YuChen who had a dark expression on his face, "I wonder." They had passed the afternoon mostly in silence, freshman of junior high was not at all difficult so she had but a few questions on her homework.
At breaktime, Mother Qin had brought up a plate of cut fruits as a snack. Su Ning was rather picky and would only eat the oranges and grapes. The boys quickly noticed this and began eating the rest. "Su Ning, you don't like strawberries?" Li JinYan asked. "Mm. I don't like any type of berry fruit." Su Ning answered with a slight look of disgust. "I see. I don't like durian, the rest are okay." said Lin JinYan. "Ah! The smelly fruit. I haven't tried it before." Su Ning poked Gu YuChen with her pencil, "Gu YuChen, What about you, what type of fruit do you not like?" Gu YuChen thought for a moment before answering, "Pineapples." with a straight face.
"Puahahaha! Your expressionless face is too funny for me!" Su Ning laughed. "Hmm it is pretty devoid of emotion." Lin JinYan agreed while nodding. "Riiiiight?! Initially I thought he had facial paralysis. Hahaha" Su Ning laughed till her eyes were misty. Lin JinYan grabbed a tissue and began patting her tears dry. Gu YuChen looked at his natural actions with a slight frown but just responded with "Behave or no beta testing for you." "Gu YuChen. Good. Very good! It seems you are all grown up now! You can even threaten people with this. Fine! I will study now. So call me when the game is ready to test." Su Ning answered with as much pride she can muster. Gu YuChen just continued to work on his laptop, his lips quirking up to an arc.
They had spent many ordinary afternoons together. And just like that 3 summers have passed. Su Ning was now turning 15 in two weeks while Lin JinYan turned 16, and Gu YuChen 17. This year, Lin JinYan wanted to bring Su Ning to his beachside villa in H City to celebrate her birthday and admission to M Academy.