Chapter 138 Xiaoxi, be gentle

"On the bulletin board, there's..."

Ning Xi's voice trailed off as she propped her chin with her hand, her eyes sparkling. "Can you guess what's on the bulletin board?"

Ye Fan clicked his tongue, a faint smile spreading on his sharply defined face.

Knowing Ning Xi as he did, he was aware this girl didn't joke around casually, only with people she was really close to.

Looks like his efforts over this period hadn't been in vain!

"If I'm not mistaken, the bulletin board probably has… an announcement."

"…"

Ning Xi rolled her eyes and replied, "Obviously, the bulletin board has announcements, but do you know what the announcement says?"

"No idea."

Ye Fan imitated Ning Xi's pose, resting his chin in his hand, creating a scene of mutual gazes with a strange sense of harmony.

Seeing Ye Fan's little gesture, Ning Xi sat up straight, speaking softly, "To prepare for the second mock exam, the school teamed up with Yuqing High School to hold a joint test this Friday. The teachers will probably talk about it in class."

"A joint test between the two schools?"

After listening to Ning Xi's explanation, Ye Fan instantly lost interest, casually flipping open a book.

This kind of test meant nothing to him. He'd rather spend time leveling up his experience points. Only the college entrance exam was worth his attention.

"Don't take it so lightly."

Noticing Ye Fan's indifferent attitude, Ning Xi was slightly annoyed and poked his arm, saying, "If you take first place in this test, I'll treat you to a meal this weekend."

"Hm?"

Ye Fan paused, visibly surprised, "Are you sure?"

"...Yes."

As she felt Ye Fan's gaze, Ning Xi turned her head slightly, responding softly.

"It's a deal then! This time, the top spot in the joint test is mine!"

Although he had his doubts, how could Ye Fan reject such a good offer that came to him on its own? Only a fool would refuse. With Ning Xi's affirmative response, he was instantly motivated.

Ning Xi chuckled, murmuring quietly, "Don't get too confident just yet. Be careful, or I might take the top spot from you."

"Just try."

Ye Fan closed his book, smiling. "Don't overthink it. Just focus on second place. No expectations, no disappointment."

Ning Xi: "..."

Look at him—does he even hear himself?

How infuriating!

But she was aware of Ye Fan's strength. Except for last month's monthly test, he hadn't missed a single point in any exam, no matter how difficult the papers were, even in language—he was unstoppable!

Competing for first place with someone like him was just asking for frustration.

"Ding-ding—"

Lin Dejiang walked into the classroom, set down his materials, and cleared his throat loudly, "All right, everyone, stop what you're doing. Most of you probably already know about the joint test, but I'll still make an announcement."

"To help everyone maintain an exam-ready state, on Friday, our school will hold a Grade 12 joint test with Yuqing High School, and it will take place on our campus. The principal just held a meeting with the class teachers. This test is not to be taken lightly; bring your best. Understand?"

"Understood!"

"Good."

Lin Dejiang nodded in satisfaction. "Let's start class."

…

After learning about the joint test on Friday, the entire Grade 12 atmosphere subtly changed. During break, the usually bustling corridors felt unusually quiet, with only a few students passing through on their way to the restroom.

Seeing this scene, Ye Fan was baffled, silently wondering.

It's just a joint test; wasn't this supposed to be prep for the second mock exam? Why does everyone seem more nervous than they do for the actual mock exams?

Strange—

When lunchtime arrived, the only ones left in the advanced class were Ye Fan and Ning Xi.

Ning Xi took out her lunchbox and, noticing Ye Fan still reading, gently reminded him, "You should go eat."

"I brought lunch. No need to go to the cafeteria."

Knowing that Ning Xi was bringing her own lunch, Ye Fan had packed one for himself this morning. He wanted to be with her, cherishing the present moments after having experienced loss.

When Ning Xi saw Ye Fan taking a lunchbox out of his desk, she froze briefly before a peculiar look flashed in her eyes.

She brought a lunchbox, and so did he…

The intent was obvious.

The two quietly ate their meals in silence.

Time passed gently and quietly.

At one o'clock in the afternoon, they returned to Class Two. They'd barely sat down when Yang Ting called them out.

As the two left the classroom, a few of the boys in Class Two began muttering, their tones tinged with jealousy.

"Wow, don't you guys think there's something odd between Ye Fan and Ning Xi?"

"I really don't get Ning Xi—what does she see in Ye Fan? He's just a bit good-looking and gets good grades. Besides that, how is he better than me?"

"Yeah, something's definitely off. Could those two really be…"

"Bang—"

Luo Yumo slapped her desk, giving the boys a cold glare as she warned, "What nonsense are you talking about? We've got a joint test with Yuqing coming up, and instead of focusing on improving your grades, you're here gossiping. Ye Fan and Ning Xi are ranked first and second in the grade—do they need your concern?"

"…"

The boys awkwardly laughed and promptly shut their mouths.

Meanwhile…

Ye Fan and Ning Xi followed Yang Ting, seemingly heading toward the principal's office.

Ning Xi tugged at Ye Fan's sleeve, her eyes filled with worry as she whispered, "Oh no, oh no. Teacher Yang seems to be taking us to the principal's office. Could it be because we held hands at school, and now the principal's going to settle the score?"

"What are you even thinking?"

Ye Fan shook his head with a laugh, comforting her, "It's definitely not about holding hands. Most likely, it's about the joint test on Friday."

"That's a relief."

Ning Xi sighed, placing her small hand over her chest as the worry in her eyes faded.

Ye Fan noticed her gesture and, with a slightly amused expression, whispered, "Xiao Xi, go easy."

"Huh…"

Ning Xi froze, pausing in her steps. Soon, she understood the hidden meaning in Ye Fan's words, and her cheeks flushed instantly as she turned to confront him.

But Ye Fan had already caught up with Yang Ting, casually chatting and leaving her no chance to retort.

Ahhh—

So infuriating!!!

Ye Fan discreetly glanced back at Ning Xi, whose bashful beauty was captivating, a faint smile forming at the corners of his lips.

In the office…

Yang Ting nodded at Zhan Chongshan behind the desk, "Principal, they're here."

"Good."

Zhan Chongshan's gaze fell on Ye Fan and Ning Xi, his face breaking into a smile, "Take a seat; there's one more person we're waiting on."

After speaking, he got up to boil water for tea.

Ye Fan nudged Ning Xi, saying, "The principal told us to sit, so let's sit."

Without waiting for Ning Xi to agree, he gently pushed her by the shoulders to the sofa, pressing her down to sit.

"Cough, cough—"

Yang Ting felt like she couldn't unsee what was happening. These two... no, rather, Ye Fan was acting far too boldly. She, as the class teacher, could barely contain herself!

If he wanted her out as the teacher, he could've just said so—why act like this in front of the principal?

Ning Xi kept her head down, not daring to speak. If she were alone in the office with Ye Fan, she'd surely bite this troublemaker.

Bro! Big bro!!!

She still had a lot to live for…

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