Chapter 27:But I Don’t Want to Be Just Friends with Her

In her previous life, Qin Ju had never quite understood Shen Yi's temper or when he was happy or angry. His mood swings were intricate, and a single misstep could trigger a storm.

Now, she couldn't figure out why he was upset again. She decided to let him be.

Qin Ju turned to bid Grandpa Du farewell and headed home. She needed to pack her things for the start of school the next day and finalize the procedures for checking out of her dormitory. Her parents had bought her a "Forever" bicycle, which, though third or fourth hand, was still a joy to ride.

Shen Yi sat on the steps beneath the grapevines. Most of the grapes had been picked, leaving only a few stubborn green bunches hanging, unlikely to ripen this year.

Grandpa Du glanced at his usually reserved grandson and then at the direction Qin Ju had left. Gently, he said, "You don't want her to be distant from you, do you?"

Shen Yi's eyes flickered.

Grandpa Du continued with a smile, "That girl is independent and perceptive. When I give her something, she feels embarrassed and returns the gesture with buns. At first, it may seem like she's just being polite, but over time, this exchange brings you closer."

The sun blazed brightly. Shen Yi looked down at his shadow on the ground, murmuring, "She won't want to get closer to me."

In both his lifetimes, she had resented him. No matter what he did, she wouldn't be willing to draw nearer.

A hand shielded him from the harsh sunlight. Grandpa Du's voice was gentle as ever. "If you don't try, you'll never know if it's impossible. She's a good girl who can distinguish kindness. If you show her genuine care, she'll eventually see it. She's like a wary little animal, shaped by her past. Once you earn her trust, she'll treat you with her whole heart."

Shen Yi's thoughts swirled. He didn't want to be just friends with her.

He finally understood the issue from his previous life but was at a loss about what to do now. It seemed better to make her his wife, just as in the past...

"I don't know why, but she seems so familiar," Grandpa Du said. "Xiao Yi, if you like her, you must treat her well. She's both intelligent and kind."

Shen Yi's thoughts jolted to a halt. He looked at his grandfather, stunned, and broke into a cold sweat. Even though Qin Ju was trying to distance herself, they still crossed paths and exchanged polite greetings. In his previous life, Qin Ju would have only pulled further away!

Regaining his composure, Shen Yi said firmly, "I will treat her well."

**

September 1st, the first day of school, dawned sunny and bright. Students trickled back to campus, many arriving a day or two early.

Although Lin Nian had returned to the county town some time ago, she only arrived back today. Her face glowed with confidence, for she had successfully captured Chen Feng, the hero of the story, both physically and emotionally. She planned to hold onto him tightly, knowing he would be successful in the future.

However, as Lin Nian glanced at Qin Ju's bed, she noticed that the luggage was missing. Not only that, but all of Qin Ju's belongings in the dormitory were gone.

Lin Nian grabbed a roommate and asked, "Did Qin Ju change dormitories?"

-----

The female classmate said, "Oh, you mean Qin Ju? She went to see the dormitory supervisor and decided not to live on campus this semester."

Lin Nian was stunned.

She had been planning how to flaunt her success and steal Qin Ju's luck, only to find that Qin Ju wasn't living on campus anymore. Why was that?

Lin Nian hurriedly said, "Are you sure? Qin Ju's family is so poor. Why would she move out?"

The girl, who was about to pack up her things and head out with her classmates, replied irritably, "If you don't believe me, check for yourself when classes start."

Lin Nian sat on the edge of her bed, frowning deeply. It felt like finally surpassing the top student in exams, only to find out they had transferred to another school. How frustrating!

Qin Ju had completed the check-out procedures and asked her parents to take her luggage away. She walked into the classroom with her schoolbag, her eyes fixed on the countdown to the college entrance examination on the blackboard. She was resolute—she needed to not only take the exam but also get into her desired college!

It might be due to the spring water, but Qin Ju felt her senses and memory had sharpened. Although the spring water added to the buns was minimal, making them taste good, the effects were more pronounced for her.

She hoped her family remained healthy, if nothing else.

The class had not changed, and the students were the same. When Shen Yi entered, he nodded at Qin Ju without saying anything. It was a normal gesture, and Qin Ju didn't dwell on it.

Then Lin Nian and Chen Feng walked in together. Lin Nian had been smiling shyly, as if she had just shared a private joke with Chen Feng. However, upon seeing Qin Ju reading a book, her smile faltered, though she tried to control her reaction.

Chen Feng glanced at Qin Ju with a look of disgust, as if she had committed a grave offense.

Qin Ju, however, was indifferent. She had no interest in Chen Feng, the male protagonist of this book. Their future paths would diverge after high school, so she paid him no mind.

Their first class was supposed to be taught by their homeroom teacher, Li Mei. The students waited until eight o'clock, but Li Mei still hadn't arrived.

The monitor, having no other choice, went out to search for her. After a while, the monitor returned with a grim expression, saying, "The teacher is busy. Let's start with self-study."

"Busy on the first day? What's going on?" someone asked.

"She's usually very active on the first day. After all, many parents visit her after the school starts..."

Some students were silent, others sarcastic, but Qin Ju remained calm.

She figured the complaint letter she had written before the holiday should be taking effect now. Qin Ju valued every minute of her study time and would not waste any on the unethical teacher.

Meanwhile, Li Mei's face was red as she faced the Provincial Education Bureau representatives. She pleaded anxiously, "Everything written is false! I've never accepted bribes! I've never bullied students! I've never..."

"Teacher Li, the report details everything. Which parent gave you a TV? Which parent gave you a bicycle? Another gave you a gold brocade... and more. There are also several cases of students dropping out of school, all linked to you. Please cooperate with our investigation."

Li Mei's legs gave way, and she collapsed to the ground.

(End of this chapter)