Goodbye Joe Xi

After learning that Zhou Yi had returned to Huaihai, Kong Huaijin invited him out for a meal.

Before going abroad, Zhou Yi had already promised her, so this time he didn’t decline.

Zhou Yi and Kong Huaijin scheduled their meeting for the weekend. Until then, Zhou Yi still had to attend school as usual.

The news of Zhou Yi winning first prize had spread throughout the school. For a genius like him, no one would be surprised no matter what award he won next.

At most, they’d sigh and lament how vast the gap between people could be.

Upon entering the classroom, Zhou Yi took out two beautifully wrapped gift boxes.

He placed one on Su Ning’s desk.

Su Ning’s face lit up with surprise and disbelief. "This is...?"

Zhou Yi smiled. "A gift for you."

Without saying anything more, he walked away.

Su Ning’s ears turned red as she gazed at Zhou Yi’s retreating figure, her eyes sparkling.

She never expected Zhou Yi to bring her a gift...

077, observing Su Ning looking like she might faint from happiness, shook its head inwardly.

Little did she know, Zhou Yi had bought gifts in bulk—even Zhang Wu received one. Su Ning’s excitement was misplaced.

But the girl remained blissfully unaware. She carefully tucked the gift away, her heart overflowing with sweetness.

077 asked Zhou Yi curiously, "Why did you get one for her too? It’s not like you need ‘Ningning’ right now."

Zhou Yi replied, "You make me sound so calculating. I can’t just be nice to her only when I need something, can I? Even a fool would notice something’s off."

077 snorted. "From what I see, she wouldn’t notice a thing. She’s practically lovestruck—whether you give her gifts or not, she’d still pour her heart out for you."

Zhou Yi shrugged. "Good thing I bought an extra gift. Kong Huaijin mentioned the Su family has connections in the shipping industry. I’ll ask Su Ning about it later."

077 sighed. "...Looks like ‘Ningning’ is making a comeback."

The other gift in Zhou Yi’s hand was for Zhang Wu.

When Zhang Wu saw the exquisite box, he stammered, pointing at himself, "Yi-Ge, is this... f-for me?"

Was he really getting the same treatment as the school belle Su Ning?

Wait, no—it seemed Su Ning’s status with Zhou Yi was even lower than his now.

Zhou Yi shoved the box into his arms. "Yeah, it’s yours. Take it."

Zhang Wu’s face flushed crimson. He was deeply moved—this might be the first time anyone had ever given him a gift.

The box was elegant and fragrant, tied neatly with a silk ribbon.

Zhou Yi pretended to flip through his book for a while. By the time class ended, Zhang Wu still hadn’t opened it.

Zhou Yi asked casually, "Why not take a look?"

Zhang Wu hesitated. "I’m... a little scared."

Zhou Yi frowned. "Scared of what?"

Zhang Wu drooped his head. "That it might be something I can’t repay."

Gifts usually came with expectations of reciprocity. Given his current circumstances, how could he ever match Zhou Yi’s generosity?

The more valuable the gift, the heavier the pressure.

Now that Zhang Wu had turned over a new leaf, he wasn’t about to take advantage of Zhou Yi.

Zhou Yi burst out laughing. "You really surprise me sometimes. Relax, I don’t need anything in return. But if you insist, you can help me with something else."

Zhang Wu perked up. "What is it? Just say the word, Yi-Ge!"

Zhou Yi lowered his voice mysteriously. "Help me hunt for treasure."

Zhang Wu thought he was joking and readily agreed. "Sure! Where’s the treasure? I’ll go."

Zhou Yi waved it off. "No rush. I’ll fill you in once I’ve got a plan."

Only then did Zhang Wu finally open the gift.

Inside was a scarf.

The brand looked luxurious, though Zhang Wu didn’t recognize it.

To him, the mere fact that Zhou Yi had gifted him anything was honor enough.

At lunch, when Zhang Wu tried on the scarf, his classmates gasped in awe.

That was when he learned it cost fifty to sixty thousand yuan. He froze.

Immediately, he tucked it away—wearing something that expensive felt like flaunting gold. Better to keep it safe.

The rest of the class envied Zhang Wu even more. If only they could be friends with Zhou Yi too.

But it was too late. They’d treated him poorly before, and now countless others were vying for his favor—they didn’t stand a chance.

In the afternoon, while Qiao Xi was in class, students around her suddenly started glancing out the window.

Curious, she followed their gaze—and there stood Zhou Yi!

Her eyes brightened instantly. When Zhou Yi smiled at her through the window, Qiao Xi’s cheeks turned pink.

"Is he looking at me? Oh my god, Senior Zhou Yi is so handsome!"

"No way, he doesn’t even know you. He’s here for the class belle."

"Not true! Qiao Xi never said she knew Senior Zhou Yi."

"Why do you think he’s here? To ask someone out?"

"Like he’d need to chase anyone... One word, and anyone would say yes."

"Wow, this is the first time I’ve seen him up close. Feels like spotting a celebrity in real life."

Qiao Xi’s class was mostly girls, and Zhou Yi’s appearance sent them into a frenzy.

As freshmen just out of high school, they wore their emotions openly—their excitement and admiration were impossible to hide.

The teacher glanced outside, about to scold the class, but upon recognizing Zhou Yi, she pursed her lips and cleared her throat.

"Focus on your books. Class is almost over—just hang in there."

The moment the bell rang, the girls by the window flung it open, leaning out to bombard Zhou Yi with questions.

"Senior, who are you here to see?"

"Senior, can I have your WeChat?"

"Senior, can I get your autograph?"

"Senior..."

"Senior..."

The bold and enthusiastic freshmen held nothing back.

Zhou Yi answered most of their requests—except for the ones about WeChat.

When they learned he was here for Qiao Xi, their expressions turned gossipy.

It wasn’t surprising—Qiao Xi was the prettiest girl in their class.

By the time Zhou Yi finished responding, Qiao Xi had already stepped out of the classroom.

Dressed in a pure white sweater with her long hair cascading softly, she hugged her books to her chest—just as delicate and innocent as when they first met.

"Yi-Ge, why... did you come to my class?"

Her voice trembled with joy, her delicate face unable to conceal her shyness.

Zhou Yi began walking as he replied, "Xiao Xi, didn’t you want me to come?"

Qiao Xi hurried after him, waving her hands. "No, no! I’m just... really happy."

She curved her eyes into sweet crescents as she smiled.