"Hey, have you noticed, everyone’s looking at you?" Pei Yining and Xu Nianhua were strolling around the school when they sensed something amiss, as many classmates were stealthily observing them.
"Um..." Xu Nianhua touched her nose and said, "It might be because I scored full marks in foreign languages?"
Since the beginning of the school year, the news of Xu Nianhua’s perfect score in the foreign language exam had spread throughout their foreign language department.
As a result, Xu Nianhua felt that every time she went out, she encountered quite a few people secretly watching her, which also instilled in her a reluctance to go out.
She didn’t want to be stopped every time by people asking her how she studied foreign languages.
"True, you’re quite a celebrity at our school," Pei Yining said teasingly. "Are you taking part in any act for the welcome party at the end of the month?"
Xu Nianhua shook her head. As an old hand, she could handle giving a speech on stage, but performing a talent show?
"Your figure would look great in a dance," Pei Yining encouraged, as Xu Nianhua had a good physique. Dressed in professional dance clothes and improvising a few moves would look stunning on her.
"I’m just an old hand, better not bother," she declined.
Xu Nianhua’s comment earned her a significant eye roll from Pei Yining, who pouted and said, "Nianhua, we’re the same age, how can you call yourself an old hand?"
Pei Yining flipped her long hair, saying, "I’m in my prime and still young."
"Are you really not participating? That would be wasting a good opportunity," Pei Yining steered the conversation back on track. After today, aside from focusing on her major courses, she would spend the remaining classes preparing for performances, which meant she might not have much time to hang out with Xu Nianhua.
Xu Nianhua’s refusal was particularly firm as she countered, "What act are you in? I’ll come cheer you on."
"I’m singing ’Grandma’s Penghu Bay.’ Make sure you come and watch," Pei Yining replied. Although she studied photography, she really loved singing and had opted for music as an elective, naturally participating in the welcome party.
"Your voice really suits it."
Xu Nianhua remembered how that song went; its lively and catchy melody suited Pei Yining’s voice perfectly.
Pei Yining grinned broadly, having chosen the song because it was the most comfortable and joyful one for her to perform.
"Nianhua, someone’s looking for you outside."
Chang Hui, who just got back from fetching hot water, told Xu Nianhua.
"It must be my older brother," Xu Nianhua’s eyes sparkled with delight as she quickly said, "Chang Hui, you’re the only one left in the dorm now, want to join us? It’s just my brother coming to see me."
Today was a holiday, and the other roommates had all left the dorm.
"No, thank you for inviting me, I’ll just eat at school," Chang Hui shyly smiled.
"Alright, then we’ll be going first, bye." Xu Nianhua bid goodbye to Chang Hui and pulled Pei Yining towards the exit.
She hadn’t seen her brother for a week and really missed him, wondering how well he was adapting to school life?
"Your classmate is really shy, she seems so reserved. I’m not a tiger, nor do I eat people," Pei Yining remembered Chang Hui, who seemed very unobtrusive in their dorm.
"She’s just like that by nature."
Xu Nianhua explained with a smile, mentioning that in the dorm, Zhou Wanwan and Chang Hui both enjoyed reading.