Finally, the day for school to start arrived, and Lingguang No.1 Middle School bustled with activity once again.
After a year, many girls complained about eating too much and getting fat, only to discover upon school start that all their clothes had become too tight.
The boys, on the other hand, chatted about the rock stars from the Spring Festival Gala.
The group of four met up again in the cafeteria, Qu Ruorui excitedly distributed postcards to her three friends.
"My mom and I spent the New Year on an island, it was really warm there. On New Year’s Eve, we counted down on the beach, the waves lapping at our feet were so fun."
Zhuang Lan glanced up and commented, "Hmm, you do look a bit tanner."
He had hit right at the heart of a girl’s vanity.
Qu Ruorui anxiously asked Yue Qingqing and Lu Zhu, "Ah? Do I really look tanned? Is it noticeable?"
She had been enjoying the sunbathing during those days.
But when she got back to the hotel and took off her swimsuit, the tan lines were stark, as if she had worn a white tank top.
Yue Qingqing quickly reassured her, "It’ll fade in no time."
Lu Zhu also nodded in silent comfort.
Qu Ruorui gave Zhuang Lan a look and thought, if it weren’t for Feifei backing you up, a straight guy like you would never find a girlfriend.
The foursome chatted and laughed while eating. After a rest, they placed their trays on the rack and prepared to head to class together.
Zhuang Lan glanced at Yue Qingqing, wanting to say something but hesitating.
Yue Qingqing, understanding his cue, slowed her pace, falling behind Qu Ruorui and Lu Zhu.
Zhuang Lan looked at Yue Qingqing closely, his gaze traveling from her eyes to her jawline.
Yue Qingqing suddenly realized something but continued to smile as if she had no idea.
After a moment, Zhuang Lan casually asked, "How did you spend the New Year?"
"I went back to Daye Village with my family, as we do every year."
Daye Village was indeed a village near Zhuancheng, and Zhuang Lan mapped it out in his mind.
He racked his brain for an opening and asked in as natural a tone as he could manage, "Have you always been close with your family?"
The effort you put into making conversation is somewhat awkward, young man.
And that question was rather abrupt, wasn’t it?
Even Lu Zhu looked at Zhuang Lan in surprise after hearing him, and Qu Ruorui asked suspiciously, "Why are you suddenly asking this?"
"Just curious," Zhuang Lan insisted, his eyes shifting to the large banyan tree outside the cafeteria.
"That’s not right, how could you possibly be curious about something that’s not related to studies?" Qu Ruorui’s eyes were sharp. "Could it be—"
Gulp, Zhuang Lan’s Adam’s apple moved, and he felt a dryness in his throat.
"You want to inquire about Sister Qingqing’s matters? But Yue Xingxing isn’t from our grade; she couldn’t be your rival."
Qu Ruorui spoke with a knowing tone, causing the anxiety in Zhuang Lan’s chest to gradually subside.
"Even if she’s not from the same grade, one should still be informed. It’s my professional integrity," he asserted with seriousness, prompting Qu Ruorui to burst into laughter, "I really don’t know if I should say that you’re a textbook come to life or an honor roll incarnate, what kind of mess is this."
Yue Qingqing joined in laughing, and as Zhuang Lan watched her, he was struck by a realization.
Or perhaps I should call you—
You must understand it too, which is why you were at a loss for words when I asked earlier.
Because you know what I really wanted to ask was.
Were you adopted? How have you been all these years?
Does being abandoned make you feel sad?
My only wish is for your days ahead to be bright and sunny, without a hint of rain.
And I, your cousin, will forever keep this secret for you.