August 28, with only two days until the end of summer vacation, more teachers appeared around the campus.
This conveniently facilitated the Human Observation Department, which planned to shoot part of their school film.
After the morning training of the Wind Instrument Club, Kiyono Lin and Dubian Che went to the teachers’ office.
"Mr. Xiaoquan, I have a request to make," said Kiyono Lin.
"What is it, Miss Kiyono?" Xiaoquan Aonai said, her gaze inadvertently drifting toward Dubian Che standing next to Kiyono Lin.
The words he said that night during the training camp, running to the girls’ dormitory, had impacted her to this day.
On the one hand, Kiyono Lin, who was completely unaware of the rumors about ’herself and Dubian Che being an item,’ continued, "The Human Observation Department is planning a movie for the Cultural Festival, and we want to shoot some scenes at school. We would like to ask for permission to film here."
"Of course, no problem at all."
"Thank you, teacher, and also, after school starts, we might need to use some class time."
"I see..." Xiaoquan Aonai thought for a moment and did not immediately agree.
Kiyono Lin and Dubian Che’s academic performance, using class time to prepare for the Cultural Festival seemed to her a good way to relax and enjoy their youth.
She would have agreed without hesitation before the training camp. Other teachers and the principal would probably not object either.
Xiaoquan Aonai’s mind filled with the gossip shared discreetly by Akiko and Miyuki about students secretly kissing and hiding in the girls’ restroom.
Thinking about Dubian Che running to the girls’ dormitory in the middle of the night, she wondered as a teacher if she should agree.
What if agreeing encouraged a malicious atmosphere?
Xiaoquan Aonai’s eyes turned to Dubian Che.
Dubian Che, understanding her hesitation, assured her, "It’s really just for filming, and Meiji is the female lead; she’ll be present most of the time."
"That’s good." Xiaoquan Aonai finally nodded. "I’ll help you apply with the school."
"Thank you, teacher." While saying this, Kiyono Lin harbored a flicker of doubt.
Akiko, who sat at the desk next to Xiaoquan Aonai and was diligently writing something, put down her pen, stretched lazily, grabbed a snack nearby, and leaned over, "A movie? Who are the main actors? The two of you?"
"No, it’s me and Jiutiao Meijie," answered Dubian Che.
"So that makes Miss Kiyono the second female lead? You’ve chosen Jiutiao in the end," Akiko said, munching on her snack, resembling a group of college girls gossiping about a melodramatic TV show.
"How could that be? If Miss Kiyono were the second female lead, I should say ’You both are my wings,’ and then stride into a happy harem..."
"I’m just joking," Dubian Che shut his mouth.
Kiyono Lin shot him a cold glance, and said to Xiaoquan Aonai and Akiko, "Please don’t worry, teachers. I will not let Mr. Dubian experience those things, even in the movie."
"... Well, such morally inappropriate behavior is really not suitable for students," Xiaoquan Aonai said, looking into Kiyono Lin’s eyes, hoping she would reflect on her actions.
Unfortunately, Kiyono Lin showed no signs of repentance, behaving as if nothing had happened.
"I’d actually be quite interested in watching such a movie," Akiko said regretfully. "But choosing between Miss Kiyono and Jiutiao is really tough!"
It seemed she was already picturing herself as the male lead, showing a conflicted expression.
Then, she suddenly leaned forward, asking Dubian Che, "Dubian, which one do you like?"
"Me?" Dubian Che pointed at himself.
"Mmm-hmm," Akiko nodded, stuffing more snacks into her mouth.
Other than her, inexplicably, both Kiyono Lin and Xiaoquan Aonai stared silently at Dubian Che as well, looking like they were also waiting for his answer.
There’s no such good thing, so why face such a sharp question?
He had always said—Dubian wanted the world at his feet, not to be indecisive among a few women.
"My grandmother, no, my mother told me not to easily express whom I like," Dubian Che chose evasion.
The three women watched him with slightly widened eyes.
Akiko, licking the snack residue on her fingers, remarked, "Dubian, I now believe what Miyuki said. Have you had many girlfriends?"
Yuzao Haomei counted as one, and now there was also Jiutiao Meijie. Dubian Che didn’t know if that fit the description ’having had many girlfriends.’
If it fit, no matter his answer, Kiyono Lin would know the truth.
Dubian Che made a face as if wrongfully accused, "Ms. Akiko, what was your last question?"
"You asked which one you liked?"
"I choose Mr. Xiaoquan."
"Hahahaha!" Akiko burst into laughter, then mercilessly teased Xiaoquan Aonai, "You said it was nothing! Look at this!"
Xiaoquan Aonai blushed, "Dubian, what nonsense are you spouting?"
Kiyono Lin looked down in embarrassment, her fingers pinching the bridge of her nose.
Then, using lunch as an excuse, Xiaoquan Aonai sent Dubian Che and Kiyono Lin away.
On their way back to the Human Observation Department, the stifling air moved through the hallway, and outside the windows cicadas chirped incessantly.
In the distance, the playground seemed to be slightly distorting.
"So you like older ones," Kiyono Lin teased mercilessly.
"For a researcher, there’s no older or younger, no liking or disliking, the work is everything."
"Meaning, as long as the legs look good, right?"
"Specific research details aren’t convenient to disclose, give up, I won’t answer any of your questions."