Chapter 18: The Top Student and the Underachiever

The math class quickly passed by as Li Dong was deeply absorbed in his book.

This time, Li Dong was very serious, though he wasn't reading a math textbook.

Yuan Xue, who had been holding her frustration all period, turned to Li Dong before the math teacher left and said, "Li Dong, why haven't you been coming to class these days?"

Her tone was sharp, and her frosty face was starting to resemble an ice mountain.

Li Dong scratched his head, feeling helpless. What was this girl's intention? Was she concerned? Or was it something else?

With her strong resentment, Li Dong found it hard to endure.

"Busy!"

Not having clarified his relationship with Qin Yuhan, Li Dong didn't dare be vague at this moment. He tossed a single word and buried himself in his book.

Yuan Xue's face instantly filled with grievance. Was she too cheap? Did she really need to worry about this jerk?

She was originally a bit worried, but now it had turned into anger and annoyance. Was she someone to be overlooked? The fact that he wouldn't even look at her was too much!

"Li Dong!"

Her voice grew louder, familiar to everyone in the class. The students' attention once again gathered.

Li Dong sighed. Being good-looking certainly brought more trouble!

He had no choice but to explain helplessly, "I really have things to do. Starting next week, I won't be taking leave anymore. Also, with the May Day exam coming up, I'm currently studying. Please, top student, understand the pain of an underachiever."

The terms "top student" and "underachiever" hadn't been used yet, but their meanings were clear from the context.

Yuan Xue felt like laughing, but she restrained herself. Her previous annoyance had diminished considerably.

It was always like this; although she was full of anger, a few words from him would dissipate it.

Yuan Xue wondered if Li Dong was sent by heaven to torment her. She was worried that if this continued, it might cause her endocrine imbalance.

"Fine, you can study. If you don't understand something, you can ask me."

Yuan Xue's slightly tender words shattered the hearts of the students in the class.

What did the ice-cold beauty just say? If you don't understand something, you can ask her?

Everyone doubted their ears. Wasn't Yuan Xue known for being aloof and unwilling to help others?

Moreover, even when she did help explain something, she would still maintain a cold face. After a few times, even boys who wanted to approach her didn't dare to ask her anymore.

The boys were openly envious, with Wang Jie, Li Dong's deskmate, grumbling softly, "What kind of world is this? She hasn't talked to me for days, and now Dongzi comes and she's chatting away."

"Really? How about I ask Xiao Xue to keep you company?" Chen Yue, with sharp ears, squinted and said to Wang Jie with a smile.

"Haha, just kidding. You're here, after all…"

Li Dong wasn't interested in the flirtatious banter between the couple and felt a bit sympathetic towards Wang Jie. Sometimes, distance creates beauty, doesn't it?

As for Yuan Xue's offer to help, Li Dong mentally filtered it out. Who would dare ask her when she had that cold face? It was much better to focus on Qin Yuhan's smiling face.

Li Dong wasn't the kind of boy who would be easily swayed by beauty. He was confident that if he and Yuan Xue were really involved, Qin Yuhan would find out within a day.

Never underestimate the influence of a beautiful girl. Even though Qin Yuhan wasn't in his class, it was easy for her to find out what was going on.

...

After spending the entire afternoon, Li Dong was finally free.

He quickly grabbed his backpack and headed toward the alley outside the school. He knew that Qin Yuhan would definitely be waiting there for him, and even if she wasn't, she had no choice but to pass through that alley.

Yuan Xue behind him felt a bit lost. She guessed what Li Dong was up to. Don't forget, that alley was also on her way home.

However, as a top student, she rarely left school early, so Li Dong seldom encountered her during high school.

...

When Li Dong arrived at the alley, Qin Yuhan was already there.

Previously, Li Dong hadn't noticed, but today, for some reason, he thought about something: Qin Yuhan sometimes arrived earlier than him!

Usually, staying late is a habit not only for teachers but also for top students. Typically, high-achieving students are the last to leave class.

Yet Qin Yuhan was sometimes even earlier than him, which was a bit incredible.

"Yuhan, why did you arrive so early?"

Qin Yuhan didn't bother to respond, finding the question lacking in intelligence. It sounded as if she was eagerly waiting for him.

Li Dong seemed to realize something and looked at her with a burning gaze.

He naturally shifted the topic, "Yuhan, let's go out for dinner tonight. Tomorrow is a holiday."

"No, I don't want to. Who knows if that Yuan Xue will be there? I have nothing in common with her." Qin Yuhan mumbled, arrogantly brushing away Li Dong's hand that was reaching out.

Li Dong wasn't discouraged; instead, he was a bit happy. Was she jealous?

To be honest, Li Dong was somewhat perplexed about their relationship since it hadn't been explicitly defined yet.

Qin Yuhan's attitude was hard to gauge, but with her recent comment, Li Dong felt hopeful.

"Don't worry, there won't be anyone else. Just the two of us."

"If it's just the two of us, I still won't go. What kind of relationship do we have? Why should I have dinner with you? It's not like we don't have food at home."

Girls always say one thing and mean another. She looked as if she was blooming with joy, but her words contradicted her expression.

Li Dong wanted to laugh but held it in. The way Qin Yuhan acted so adorably while being stubborn was really cute!

Firmly holding her hand, which was swaying in front of him, Li Dong declared, "You're my girlfriend. Isn't it normal to have dinner with your girlfriend? Do I need anyone's approval?"

Li Dong felt a bit nervous inside, his palms sweating.

In his past life, he had been lonely for too long. Although he had had one or two ordinary relationships, he had never felt as excited as he did now.

Back then, he just wanted a home and someone to talk to, so he wouldn't feel so lonely.

There was no apprehension about love, and even breaking up was plain. They said goodbye, and he never missed them again.

But now, with Qin Yuhan, this uncertain relationship had him a bit fascinated.

Li Dong wasn't sure if this counted as his first love, and he seemed a bit disoriented.

Qin Yuhan's face was flushed. After struggling a few times and finding Li Dong's hand sweaty, she stopped resisting.

Her proud face showed a charming smile, her eyes turning into crescent moons.

Without saying a word, they continued walking forward, their bodies gradually getting closer.

Li Dong's nervousness slowly eased as they approached Qin Yuhan's home. Only then did he speak, "You go ahead and let your family know. I'll wait for you downstairs."

"Hmm!"

Qin Yuhan nodded with a red face, not daring to look at Li Dong, and ran into the community.

As soon as Qin Yuhan disappeared, Li Dong clenched his fists and cheered. Had he just bid farewell to being single?

There was some hesitation, but more excitement. After years of twists and turns, who would have thought that his dream girl had become his reality?

This wasn't one of those women who cling to wealth; Li Dong had won her over with his own charm.

As for his charm, who knows? Li Dong didn't care.

...

He rushed home, took a shower, changed clothes, and called his parents to let them know he'd be out late with friends.

Less than twenty minutes later, Li Dong was back downstairs at Qin Yuhan's building, sweating profusely. The shower had been in vain.

Qin Yuhan hadn't come down yet, and Li Dong waited eagerly, almost turning into a stone statue.

After about seven or eight minutes, Qin Yuhan appeared.

The young girl had changed into new clothes, her hair still damp. Seeing Li Dong's eager gaze, she couldn't help but smile.

"You look great!"

Li Dong sincerely complimented her. The freshly bathed beauty looked even more beautiful, making Li Dong almost drool.

"Stop flattering me. You're just a smooth talker!" Qin Yuhan gave Li Dong a scornful look, though she was pleased inside. She asked, "Where are we going now?"

"Let's have dinner first. Follow me; I know a place where the home-cooked food tastes great!"

Li Dong pulled Qin Yuhan's hand, feeling its softness, and couldn't help but give it a gentle squeeze.

Qin Yuhan's face turned even redder, especially in front of her home. She felt a bit embarrassed but was reluctant to let go of the warmth of the moment.

...

Dinner, shopping, strolling down the street.

This was the first time Li Dong had spent such a long time alone with Qin Yuhan. In the past, Wei Yuan was almost always there as a third wheel.

Their hand-holding, once awkward, had gradually become more comfortable. Seeing Qin Yuhan occasionally kicking her legs and looking delighted, Li Dong felt content as well.

Enjoying the rare time together, Li Dong mused, "I never thought there would be a day like this, with you standing by my side."

Qin Yuhan, who had been happily smiling, huffed and said, "Who else would you want by your side? That Yuan Xue, perhaps?"

Li Dong was taken aback and then burst into laughter. The little girl's jealousy was really cute.

Gently tucking away her stray hair, Li Dong said seriously, "There's no one like Yuan Xue. There's only you, Yuhan. You're the only girl who has ever entered my heart."

Not just in this life, but also in the past life, Li Dong added silently in his heart.

Qin Yuhan didn't know what Li Dong was thinking but could see his sincerity.

She lightly rested her head on Li Dong's chest and murmured, "I didn't expect it either. You're so bad, but I just like you. You're a big bad guy who used to bully me every day, making me cry so many times…"

The two of them embraced, saying nothing for a while.

After a long time, Li Dong finally returned to his usual self and cheerfully said, "Alright, there will be plenty of opportunities to hug in the future. It's almost ten now. I should take you home; otherwise, your mother will be worried."

Qin Yuhan, who had been a bit moved, was suddenly annoyed. She pushed Li Dong away and said, "I knew you couldn't say anything nice. Who is your mother-in-law?"

"Okay, okay. I'm sorry. Not mother-in-law, how about 'future mother-in-law'?"

"Don't talk to me, you bad guy!"

"Don't run. Wait for me…"

Under the streetlights, Li Dong caught up with the girl in front, holding her hand. He wished time could stop forever at this moment.