Apart from frequent fights, there are no other conflicts.

Stepping out of the air-conditioned room into the blazing sun felt like walking straight into hell. A glance at the phone confirmed it: 36°C.

Seriously, isn’t this supposed to be autumn? It’s almost October, folks. When’s the temperature gonna drop?

As they neared the school, Xia Yanchun shrugged off the large hand resting on her shoulder. Shen Nian had been holding her like that the whole way, leaving her feeling uncomfortably warm and her shoulder strap nearly slipping off. She suspected he’d done it on purpose—but had no proof.

After readjusting her strap, she snatched the umbrella back from Shen Nian, quickened her pace, and entered the school ahead of him.

Shen Nian caught up, peering at her curiously. "What’s up? Why’s your face so red?"

"It’s hot. I’m about to get heatstroke."

"Perfect. When’s the funeral feast?"

"You’ll die before I do."

"Shut up."

The afternoon math exam was Shen Nian’s forte. He finished most of it in just over an hour, spending extra time only on the final challenge problem.

The question was adapted from another test, and the problem type was familiar—Shen Nian had practiced similar ones before, so it came naturally.

Anyone who says rote practice doesn’t work just hasn’t done enough of it.

With time to spare, he grew restless. Su Kexi sat at the teacher’s desk, seemingly lost in thought. Shen Nian didn’t bother looking up, not wanting to be accused of glancing around.

Then, out of nowhere, Xia Yanchun’s image popped into his mind. His brain went silent. On impulse, he sniffed his palm—yep, no trace of her scent left.

Wait, why’s this troublemaker invading my thoughts during an exam? So damn sneaky. I’ll deal with her tonight.

The second day of exams: science in the morning, English in the afternoon.

With a racing heart and shaky hands, Shen Nian proved his efforts had paid off.

He could now translate two reading comprehension passages word-for-word. How impressive was that? Guaranteed at least 100 points.

Heh, I’m kinda amazing.

Post-exam, everyone slipped into a relaxed, post-stress haze—energetic, but not for studying.

Knowing the students needed a break, Su Kexi arranged a movie during evening self-study.

"Suggest something, but keep it positive!" she reminded. Some of the boys were way too rowdy.

High school boys were just ridiculously wild.

Last time, someone had joked about watching "a story with one woman and seven men," nearly giving her a heart attack—until they clarified it was Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

"Teacher, Final Destination 6!" a boy shouted.

"No gore. If it’s horror, make it tasteful. Preferably uplifting."

"Godzilla vs. Kong!"

"Come on, pick something everyone likes. Can’t you choose an inspirational film?"

"Teacher, Chasing the Dream: Showbiz!"

"Are you trying to get punished? Two classes’ worth of standing outside!"

"HAHAHA!"

Amid the chaos, Su Kexi gave up and put on Flying Colors—a straightforward underdog story about a delinquent girl turning her life around, suitable for all ages.

The lights flicked off, giving the classroom a cinema-like vibe.

Shen Nian stepped out to use the bathroom. Most classes were watching movies, but a few still had their lights on, teachers lecturing away. He mourned for them silently.

He’d seen Flying Colors before—at Xia Yanchun’s place—but didn’t mind a rewatch.

Digging out snacks from his bag, he dragged his chair over to Xia Yanchun, nudging her to scoot aside.

"Move over. The three of us watching together is what matters."

"Ugh, why’re you squeezing in here…?"

Xia Yanchun grumbled. They were practically squishing Li Shiyan now. With so many classmates around, wasn’t he embarrassed?

"I’ve got snacks. Movies are better with company, right?"

"...I guess…"

Noticing a couple in front had also rearranged seats, Xia Yanchun lowered her head, speechless.

Li Shiyan blinked her big eyes. "Can I have some too?"

"Go for it. Don’t hold back."

"Yay!"

Xia Yanchun pinched Li Shiyan’s hand. Traitor! Have you forgotten how Shen Nian used to tease you?

Where’s your pride?!

With Shen Nian shamelessly wedging himself in and Li Shiyan defecting, Xia Yanchun was out of options.

Was this karma for teaming up with Shen Nian to mess with Li Shiyan last time?

"Eat up. Plenty to go around." Shen Nian tore open a bag of chips, placing it between them and grabbing a piece.

"No kidding." Xia Yanchun snatched one too, munching loudly.

"You two are so close," Li Shiyan sighed dreamily. She lived for this bickering dynamic. Who wouldn’t?

We are NOT!

Before Xia Yanchun could retort, Shen Nian chimed in.

"Pretty much. Aside from the constant fighting, we get along fine."

Li Shiyan: ?

Constant fighting = getting along?

Since when did that make sense?

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