Chapter 13

Gu Qiang sat down confidently across from Ye Chunxi, her beautiful eyes fixed intently on her.

“You’re a student at Hengde, little sister? What’s your name?”

Ye Chunxi looked up.

She took off her earphones, completely unfazed by the other’s eager gaze.

After two seconds, Gu Qiang spoke appreciatively, “I like your eyeliner.”

Such makeup is hard to pull off; a slight misstep and it might look garish. But this girl in front of her made it look cool and fierce, with a hint of exotic charm that captivated the soul.

Receiving praise from such a pretty girl, Gu Qiang’s heart soared, and she happily touched the corner of her eye. “I think so too.”

The watching younger boys nearby exchanged confused looks.

“Sis Qiang, how did she get you so wrapped around her finger?”

Gu Qiang was so dazzled by Ye Chunxi’s compliment that she almost lost herself in her own beauty—until she remembered why she came here.

“Little sister, you’re not only beautiful but have a sweet tongue as well.”

Ye Chunxi smiled and answered her earlier question, “My name is Ye Chunxi. I just transferred to Hengde today.”

Gu Qiang confirmed her identity. “The transfer student in the gifted class?”

Ye Chunxi nodded.

The gifted class students are proud and arrogant, and Gu Qiang held no fondness for them. Yet with Ye Chunxi before her, she found herself unable to dislike her.

Who wouldn’t like something beautiful?

A waiter brought over food, the warmth of the rice noodles rising in mist, lending a delicate charm to Ye Chunxi’s lovely, deer-like eyes.

She sipped the soup, casually glancing up to find Gu Qiang still watching her.

Caught, but unashamed—her gaze was genuine, revealing a sincere nature.

Judging by her age, she was still in school.

Tilting her head, Ye Chunxi noticed that two of the boys nearby wore school badges over their chests.

She looked at Gu Qiang. “You’re a student at Hengde too.”

There was certainty in her voice.

Gu Qiang nodded and introduced herself openly. “I’m Gu Qiang, from Class 17.”

Since Ye Chunxi was new, she wasn’t familiar with the class divisions at Hengde.

But from Gu Qiang’s attire, it was clear she was either in the special talents class or the underachievers.

Ye Chunxi felt indifferent towards that, only sensing that this girl was easy to get along with.

Her eyes fell on Gu Qiang’s biker jacket, and with a thoughtful tone, she asked, “Do you ride motorcycles?”

Gu Qiang could tell Ye Chunxi was interested.

It was rare to meet such a pretty girl who also liked motorcycles, so she immediately invited her, “How about I take you for a ride?”

Ye Chunxi’s eyes lit up. “When?”

“After you…” Gu Qiang trailed off, “finish eating.”

Before she could say more, one of the younger boys waved happily beside her.

“Sis Qiang, your noodles are ready. Come eat!”

Interrupted, Gu Qiang paused.

Just as she was about to continue, the boy added,

“These are your favorite spicy pork intestine noodles. I specially ordered them extra spicy.”

Gu Qiang was speechless.

Unable to take it, she shot a sharp glare his way.

“If you ordered it, you better finish it!”

Turning back, the harshness vanished from her face, replaced by a gentle smile.

“After you’re done eating, I’ll take you for that ride.”

The boys looked on in disbelief.

“Sis Qiang, you’re showing favoritism!”

The lunch break lasted nearly two hours, allowing boarding students to rest in their dorms.

For someone like Ye Chunxi, who commuted far, there wasn’t much to do during that time.

She nodded in agreement.

Gu Qiang sat there waiting for her.

Watching the pretty girl eat was truly a delight.

As if recalling something, she suddenly sighed.

“Why are you in the gifted class, anyway?”

Ye Chunxi raised her eyes in puzzlement.

Gu Qiang smiled faintly and explained, “Don’t take it personally. I’m not talking about you, just that I don’t really like the students in the gifted class.”

Ye Chunxi lowered her head and continued eating her noodles.

The gifted class students were indeed a bit unlikeable.

Though she had been there only half a day, she didn’t hold a favorable impression of them either.

Seeing the innocent, harmless face before her, Gu Qiang worried she might be bullied, so she spoke out with a sense of justice.

“Xixi, if anything happens, just say my name—Gu Qiang—and no one will dare bully you. If you don’t like the gifted class, come straight to our Class 17.”

The boys nearby shook their heads silently, full of helplessness.

“Sis Qiang is recruiting little brothers again.”

Ye Chunxi noticed the change in address but didn’t mind. Instead, she asked, “Is bullying serious at Hengde?”

Gu Qiang chuckled at her cute question.

“Not really. But the competition among students is fierce, especially in the classes with the best grades.”

The gifted class was the most intense; Gu Qiang feared someone might push themselves too hard one day.

Hearing this, Ye Chunxi relaxed.

If it wasn’t much, there was nothing to worry about.

After finishing her noodles, Ye Chunxi wiped her mouth and was eagerly pulled along by Gu Qiang to ride motorcycles.

Passing the boys, Gu Qiang kicked the table and scolded, “What’s the hold-up? How can a bunch of grown men eat noodles so slowly?”

People from Jin City usually couldn’t handle strong flavors well; being able to eat mildly spicy food was already impressive.

The boys were full to begin with, and these extra spicy noodles were unbearable.

Urged to eat together, they were tearing up halfway through.

One boy complained, “Sis Qiang, it’s too spicy. We can’t take it.”

Gu Qiang shot back, “Then why did you order extra spicy?”

All eyes turned accusingly to the one who ordered.

He wanted to cry but was speechless. “I thought Sis Qiang wanted it.”

Gu Qiang knocked his head playfully. “I’m full. What else do you think?”

The boy was aggrieved but dared not argue.

“Bring me my helmet.”

At her command, two boys handed over helmets.

One pink, one white, both adorned with cartoon cat illustrations.

Gu Qiang gave the white helmet to Ye Chunxi.

She examined the pattern and thought the sheep design was cuter.

Together, they sat on Gu Qiang’s motorcycle at the entrance of the food street.

The engine roared as the pink bike sped away.

Gu Qiang, worried Ye Chunxi wouldn’t adapt, deliberately slowed down.

Usually chasing thrills, this was the first time she drove so steadily.

...

Gu Qiang took Ye Chunxi on a tour of the city before returning just in time for class.

A crowd of students poured into the school gate, many turning to look at the noise.

A pink motorcycle caught their attention, causing them to pause.

The bike stopped at the gate, and the rider removed her helmet, prompting the students to quickly give her space.

“Damn, did I see that right? That must be Sis Qiang’s bike.”

“Sis Qiang’s at school? Isn’t she supposed to be competing?”

“She rarely comes to school; today she’s early. That’s a first!”

Noticing the passenger, their expressions turned to surprise.

“Who’s got such guts to ride with Sis Qiang?”

“Even the big brothers at Hengde don’t qualify. How did she get on?”

Ye Chunxi got off, removed her helmet, tidied her hair, and handed it back to Gu Qiang.

Curious glances surrounded her, and when they saw her face, they were stunned.

Such beauty—absolutely stunning!

The boys: She actually thinks Sis Qiang is easy to get along with?!

Gu Qiang: Hm?

The boys: Yes, yes, Sis Qiang is the easiest to get along with.