Shen Zhihua’s gaze fell on the bulging backpack beside An Hao, and he knew what she was talking about.
She must be going out to sell goods.
Before the new year, he had heard that An Hao had sold hawthorn cakes in town, making a decent amount of money in one day.
Now, her family was deep in debt, and she must be going out to sell goods to earn money.
"An Hao, are you planning to go out and sell goods?" Shen Zhihua’s gaze rested on her face, unwavering as he watched her.
"Mm," she nodded lightly.
Shen Zhihua felt somewhat depressed and even a bit angry at her reply, his tone becoming heavier, "An Hao, it’s almost time for the college entrance exams, so you shouldn’t go out to sell things anymore. Anyway, my family isn’t in a hurry for the money; your top priority right now is studying. Do you think that just because your grades are good, you don’t need to study to get into university?"
Seeing her son getting anxious, Zhang Xiuping leaned in and stared at him for a long time.
"Mom! What are you looking at?" Shen Zhihua felt uncomfortable under his mother’s scrutiny and turned his face away.
"Why are you getting flustered while talking? You’re even blushing," Zhang Xiuping thought her son’s reaction was strange, wondering if there was something going on between him and An Hao.
Otherwise, whenever An Hao’s family matters were mentioned, her son was more active than anyone else.
But looking at An Hao, her complexion was normal, her expression natural. Could it be that her son had a one-sided love?
"I’m not blushing," Shen Zhihua blurted out, his face turning even redder, "Even if I am blushing, it’s because An Hao is making me angry. We’re in the same study group. If she keeps being absent, it will hold everyone back!"
"Really?" Zhang Xiuping’s suspicions grew as she observed her son’s demeanor, clearly he had feelings for An Hao.
"Is there any doubt?’
"Thank you, class monitor," An Hao smiled gently, her eyes showing a touch of gratitude.
Although she knew that Shen Zhihua was acting this way because he liked her, she was still grateful for his decisive help during her family’s difficult times.
She wouldn’t forget this act of kindness amidst adversity.
"You don’t need to thank me," Shen Zhihua was flustered by her soft thanks, his heart racing as he looked at An Hao’s pure and clean face, her gaze gentle and smiling upon him, he turned away somewhat embarrassedly, "If you’re going out to sell goods, hurry up. There’s a temple fair in Donglin Village today, maybe if you go early, you can sell more. I’ll keep today’s study notes for you."
Having said that, he walked back into the house without turning back.
As Shen Zhihua entered the house, An Hao shouldered her backpack and said her goodbyes to Zhang Xiuping, "Auntie, I’m leaving! Thank you!"
"Take care, An Hao!" Zhang Xiuping sent her out the door.
Watching her slender figure walking away, Zhang Xiuping sighed: The child is a good kid! But if my son ends up marrying her, with all her family to look after, it will be too much to handle.
This is not a good match!
Back inside the house, Shen Zhihua’s face was still slightly hot, and the encounter in the yard had not escaped Zhang Li and Song Yueqin’s notice.
"Class monitor, why is your face all red?" Zhang Li couldn’t help teasing him.
"Do you even need to ask? Our class monitor’s heart is just beginning to stir!" Song Yueqin joined in with a burst of laughter.
She would love nothing more than for Shen Zhihua and An Hao to become a couple, giving Qin Jian a taste of unrequited love—serve him right!
To have ignored her! He deserved it!
Song Yueqin thought to herself, should she give them a hand, maybe bring the two of them together?