"You’ve finally come to your senses."
Hearing Qin Yun’s words, Zhou Yang immediately said, "I told you before that studying is the most important thing right now. Why insist on doing some part-time job? If you really can’t afford college, I’d lend you the money."
He never understood why Qin Yun suddenly went off to do a part-time job.
The two of them chatted as they walked towards the classroom.
There are twenty classes in the third year, and Qin Yun and Zhou Yang are in Class 18, on the fifth floor of the teaching building.
Qin Yun ran up in one go, while Zhou Yang was somewhat out of breath.
"So tiring, why is our classroom on the fifth floor?" Zhou Yang couldn’t help but complain.
"And those five days passed too quickly, I haven’t had enough fun yet."
"You really have the mood, playing around with the college entrance exam approaching." Hearing this, Qin Yun said helplessly.
Zhou Yang shrugged and said, "I’ve done those test papers to death already. I can’t wait for the college entrance exam, so I can happily play around. I want to travel to so many places."
He glanced at Qin Yun with a hint of dissatisfaction and said, "You have the nerve to criticize me. You used me as a cover in our second year to do a part-time job."
Talking as they walked, they arrived at the classroom, though there weren’t many people there yet.
The time was now 6:50, and Qingwu County First Middle School started early self-study at 7:00. By 6:57, about half the people would be in class, and the rest would pour in during the last three minutes.
This is something Qin Yun had previously observed and calculated when he was bored.
Sitting in his seat, Zhou Yang sat down next to him.
Their seats were chosen by themselves, determined by each monthly exam’s results. From the first to the last place, you could choose where you wanted to sit, so naturally, Qin Yun and Zhou Yang sat together.
In front of Qin Yun sat a girl with a ponytail.
Seeing Qin Yun arrive, the girl turned around, her face familiar. It was Xiao Lan, whom Qin Yun had met during his part-time job.
Next to Xiao Lan was Zhang Xiaoya.
"Qin Yun, Zhou Yang, the last monthly exam results before Labor Day are out. Here are your English test papers." Xiao Lan took out two test papers, handing one to Qin Yun and the other to Zhou Yang.
Xiao Lan had very good grades, usually ranking in the top three in class. She was also the class representative for English.
Before Labor Day, the monthly English test papers were with her, waiting to be distributed when everyone arrived.
"98."
The bright red score appeared in front of Qin Yun.
"About what I estimated," Qin Yun muttered to himself, looking at where he made mistakes.
His English scores always hovered around 100 points, with a total score of 150. This score only slightly exceeded passing and wasn’t particularly good.
English was Qin Yun’s weak subject.
After handing over the test paper, Xiao Lan took out five seemingly handwritten A4 sheets filled with English sentences.
"This is for you."
"Xiao Lan, what’s this?" Qin Yun asked, a bit confused.
"Xiaoya and others asked me to compile some common vocabulary and grammar for the college entrance exam in English. After finishing it, I printed a few copies. I gave Xiaoya a few copies, and there’s just one extra now, so here you go."
Xiao Lan explained with a smile, "I hope it helps with your English scores."
Without refusing, Qin Yun took the A4 sheets and smiled, saying, "Thanks."
"What about mine? Xiao Lan, do you have one for me?" At this point, Zhou Yang, sitting next to Qin Yun, hurriedly spoke up.
"There’s none left. I only had one extra copy."
Xiao Lan shook her head and said, "If you want it, you can copy Qin Yun’s."
Zhou Yang was speechless but didn’t say much. He looked at where he went wrong on the test paper.
"Qin Yun, Xiao Lan worked hard on organizing that English vocabulary and grammar. In this last month, you shouldn’t spend your time on unnecessary things."
Just then, a voice came from the side.
A tall, slim boy with gold-rimmed glasses looked over and said these words, sounding like concern for Qin Yun’s grades, hoping he’d improve. However, it came across as somewhat condescending.
Sun Jianqiang, the boy who spoke, had slightly better grades than Qin Yun.
After a year of working part-time outside and dealing with customers for a long time, Qin Yun could easily tell what someone meant. But he didn’t care enough to speak with Sun Jianqiang.
Seeing Qin Yun ignore him, Sun Jianqiang’s smile froze, but he then laughed and said, "My family rents out a few shops. If you want a part-time job, I can place you in one of those stores. The salary would be the same as full-time employees."
He was well-known in the class for being wealthy, with rumors about his family’s shops already widespread. Besides, his family also ran a supermarket.
With property prices skyrocketing, they might grow slower in the big cities, maybe even cap out, but in a small town like Qingwu County, there was still much potential for growth.
"No need." Qin Yun glanced at Sun Jianqiang.
"We’re all classmates; we should help each other," Sun Jianqiang smiled. "But not this month, as we all need to prepare for the college entrance exam. After the exam, I’ll arrange it for you."
After speaking, he unconsciously glanced at Xiao Lan, quickly retracting his gaze.
There wasn’t really a "class beauty" or "school beauty" in the class, but Xiao Lan was definitely the most beautiful girl in Class 18, widely acknowledged.
Now was a prime opportunity to draw attention in front of Xiao Lan.
"You think I’m just being polite?"
Tired of Sun Jianqiang’s continuous chatter, Qin Yun said helplessly, "I’m just not willing to talk to you. Can you stop bothering me?"
In fact, he and Sun Jianqiang didn’t get along well, having even fought each other with Zhou Yang once.
"Haha."
When Qin Yun finished speaking, a few chuckles arose nearby from several boys.
In the class, Sun Jianqiang often "accidentally" mentioned his family’s wealth, which was basically showing off.
During the crucial third-year phase, most people prioritized studying over wealth distinctions, finding Sun Jianqiang’s constant flaunting displeasing.
Moreover, many students secretly admired Xiao Lan; witnessing Sun Jianqiang make a fool of himself in front of her brought them joy.
"You... outrageous!"
Qin Yun’s words changed Sun Jianqiang’s face instantly, his voice turning cold as he said, "I’m helping you. We’re nearing the college entrance exam, yet you’ve been working part-time outside, severely affecting not only your studies but dragging down the class’s grades. I’m considering this for your own good, yet you’re ungrateful."
Looking at Xiao Lan, Sun Jianqiang added, "Xiao Lan, don’t give this vocabulary and grammar sheet to Qin Yun; he wouldn’t appreciate it anyway."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Lan frowned and said, "Sun Jianqiang, who I decide to give my stuff to is none of your business."
(Special thanks to Half-life Cool Cool for the 700 reward, thank you. New book seeking collection, monthly votes, and recommendations.)