In 2011, the Wuyang ice cream cone was still sold for just two yuan. Other than the Magnum being the top ice cream of that era, very few varieties exceeded three yuan.
The five girls found their new friends quite decent, so even though he paid for everyone's ice cream, it cost less than thirty yuan in total.
Of course, it was also because the Wuyang ice cream was really delicious. In 2011, the ingredients and size had not yet shrunk, and each bite was full of chocolate and crushed peanuts.
"So, Brother Fan, what's going on with your class and the student council? I heard they don't want anyone from Class 16 this year." On the way back, a short girl walking next to Xia Xiaoxiao inquired.
"Didn't you see the video in the freshman chat?" Even before Xu Qingfan could answer, someone thoughtfully chimed in.
"Huh?... Oh, oh, I remember now. Just because of that? How petty!" Song Yanqin, who wasn't much into gossip, only learned about it because she was planning to join the student council.
His waist still aching, Xu Qingfan initially wanted to say something pretentious, but seeing the five girls' unfriendly stares, he wisely continued eating his ice cream cone.
"It should be fine, I think the school will handle it. The student council isn't a one-man show; he's just barking." Representing Class 16, Xiao Ruawen spoke up.
"I think so too. Besides, he's just a little vice president!"
"A vice president who only barks!"
They say three women make a scene, and now with twelve, Xu Qingfan truly felt overwhelmed.
Wanning and Yiyi formed one group, Xia Xiaoxiao and Ruan Wen formed another, and Yu stood alone.
The groups, formed around the five girls, chatted, occasionally overlapping their conversations, radiating bursts of laughter.
Xu Qingfan felt a bit isolated, but upon reflecting on his past actions, he found the current situation quite satisfactory.
Flirting with his childhood sweetheart's friends would be utterly beastly!
"By the way, Qinqin, are you joining the student council? What's the student council in high school for?"
Having only seen the term in movies and anime, everyone, as high school students, was naturally curious, except for Xu Qingfan.
Among them, the only ones determined to join the student council were Wang Xuan, Lan Yiting, and Song Yanqin. Apart from Wang Xuan's spontaneous idea, the other two had evidently done their research.
"From what I know, the student council is responsible for organizing major school events, like the music festival, New Year's Gala, and the school sports meet. It also manages and allocates funds and venues for student clubs, as well as attendance and exercise evaluations; that's about it."
Lan Yiting explained what she had learned.
"Yes, also the school's official forum and Sina Weibo are managed by the student council. Besides, as a member of the student council, you get to skip exercise duty and score points while standing in the teaching building. Just think about how cool that is!" Song Yanqin added.
They had to admit; with such an introduction, even the five girls were intrigued.
Watching classmates do exercises from the teaching building was the epitome of student era coolness.
"Why don't we check it out after school? Brother Fan, you should... prepare for the college entrance exam, so don't come!" Xiao Ruawen felt it was inappropriate for Brother Fan to tag along with a large group of girls.
[Who knows if some sly girl would try to flirt with Brother Fan!]
"It's only the first year of high school, and you already need to prepare for the college entrance exam?"
The five girls exchanged smiles, as they all knew Ruawen meant to say "start a company," but almost let it slip.
"Hehe~ Brother Fan is determined to be the top scorer in the province; of course, he has to start preparing now!" Xiao Ruawen laughed and looked back at Xu Qingfan walking behind, "Right, Brother Fan!"
"If you say so." Xu Qingfan gave her a disdainful look.
Xu Qingfan was quite displeased with the girls' lack of confidence in him. In both his past and present lives, he considered himself a pure-hearted love warrior.
In the past, he purely liked Xia Xiaoxiao, and now he purely loved the five of them. How could that not be pure love?
After saying goodbye to the four girls and returning to the classroom, he finished his ice cream.
With a few minutes left before class, after returning to his seat, Xiao Ruawen pulled out a tissue to wipe the chocolate stains from his mouth.
"So sloppy, here, take it." After cleaning his face, she handed him the tissue.
"I feel like you've become too arrogant recently. Hmm? Who gave you the courage?" Xu Qingfan threw the tissue into the trash can and grabbed the back of her neck.
"Ah~ What are you doing!" Xiao Ruawen recoiled, the loose school uniform failing to conceal her proud curves.
Moments later, Xu Qingfan stiffened.
"Xiao Xiao told me everything, about you two on the rooftop... hmph hmph!" Xiao Ruawen whispered in his ear.
[Wait, why does Xia Xiaoxiao tell her everything!]
Xu Qingfan instantly caved, feeling inexplicably subdued before Xiao Ruawen.
The two whispering wasn't a one-time thing, so although Wang Xuan was curious, she didn't ask.
"Why aren't you saying anything, Little Fan?" Xiao Ruawen continued to tease, inching closer.
"Ever heard of Eason Chan's song? 'Don't Speak'." Xu Qingfan pretended to lower his head to do homework.
"Tch~" Xiao Ruawen's smile widened as she continued, "Don't think about flirting with other girls, I'll be keeping an eye on you for Xiao Xiao!"
Seeing her hand clench under the desk, Xu Qingfan felt a sudden inspiration.
Luckily, he had the Ruawen Handbook—no panic, absolutely no panic.
"Hey Ruan, do you want a new song?"
"What?" Xiao Ruawen's eyes suddenly lit up.
"A new song." Xu Qingfan picked up a pen and started writing the lyrics to "Waiting for you to finish class" on scrap paper.
"You really have one?" Xiao Ruawen's excitement was unmistakable.
"Hehe~" Xu Qingfan stopped writing at 'Can you tell me', waiting for her to beg.
"Hey Brother Fan, why did you stop? What's next, what's next!" Xiao Ruawen shook his arm coquettishly, "Brother Fan is the best, Brother Qing Fan~ please continue!"
"Stop it, stop it, don't say that." Xu Qingfan felt a shiver run down his spine; Tomboy Ruawen's differences in behavior were strikingly effective.
"Okay, I'll write, I'll write. Stop it, please." He felt goosebumps and picked up the pen again.
Wu Shichong and Lai Chenglang exchanged glances, all too familiar expressions on their faces.
[Damn it, some people have it all, while others have nothing!]