Chapter 176

Chapter 176: Preparations for Exams

In the coming two weeks, the three of them were busy preparing for their mid-term exams. Jiangcheng No. 1 High School, where Mei Fang studied, finally showed its true colors as one of the top high schools in Jiangcheng and even ChuBei province, with intense academic pressure.

You could almost see everyone around you studying tirelessly at their desks, even during the usually leisurely evening self-study sessions. There were no prodigies here who could achieve satisfactory results with just casual effort. Even those who usually scored in the top hundred in mock exams were now buried in their books.

Mei Fang’s usual ranking in class was around tenth, which would have been sufficient to get into a 985 university in previous years. However, compared to his performance when he first entered as a specialized student, this was a significant step back.

This was partly due to his lack of focus on studies. Mei Fang had to manage music, games, website management, and other things. Outside of school hours, besides doing homework, he had very little time for additional learning. Additionally, his academic abilities were gradually falling behind.

Jiangcheng No. 1 High School was a place filled with strong students. Even if he focused diligently on his studies in class, without putting in extra effort, he could only reach this level.

However, his current situation was still within his control. After all, he wasn’t relying solely on grades to get into a prestigious university; he was also looking forward to the NOI (National Youth Information Technology Olympiad) next July. At present, he was just making preparations on both fronts.

Based on his current understanding, winning a gold medal in the NOI would directly qualify him for a prestigious university. The competition allowed the use of C, C++, or Pascal languages.

Mei Fang and Lin You Xi had already mastered C language thoroughly before they started learning C# and Java. Converting to C++ would be efficient, so there was no need to worry too much.

Putting aside these future plans, everyone was busy with their studies and exam preparation these days.

As the weather turned cooler, the brief moments of hugging and holding hands during breaks became even more precious.

Whenever the bell rang for the break, if Mei Fang got up even a minute late, he would see Xia Yuan and Lin You Xi tapping on his window—during this period, Mei Fang happened to sit near the window, making it convenient for them to call out to him.

Mei Fang walked with Lin You Xi and Xia Yuan through the campus of Jiangcheng No. 1 High School in the deep autumn. Autumn was a golden season, with fallen leaves covering the paths, yet the air was filled with the scent of countless osmanthus flowers.

Recently, the school had been strictly cracking down on early relationships, and there seemed to be designated staff supervising the playground. The trio couldn’t go to such conspicuous places like the playground for their intimate moments.

Fortunately, Jiangcheng No. 1 High School was large enough, with plenty of secluded spots where they could be alone.

“This pavilion seems empty. Should we stay here? Yuan Yuan, do you want to go first or should I?”

“You can go first… I’ll keep watch.”

Xia Yuan had always been eager to hug Mei Fang, and after that, Lin You Xi would take over, making her feel like she was just a warm-up act.

So, she began changing her approach, occasionally switching the order of hugs but not making it too obvious.

Lin You Xi always accommodated Yuan Yuan, never minding the order but being particular about timing.

Lately, Lin You Xi had been hugging Mei Fang face-to-face, making it easier to hold him close for warmth.

“When it gets cold, it’s hard to feel anything.”

“Even though you haven’t put on your cotton jacket yet, you’re already complaining. Wait until you wear it, then you really won’t feel anything.”

“Hmm…”

Mei Fang enjoyed the process of recharging with Lin You Xi and Xia Yuan, but he knew this peaceful life couldn’t last forever. After all, maintaining balance was just a means, not the goal.

It seemed that his friends around him were expecting him to make a choice between Xia Yuan and Lin You Xi, including the two of them themselves.

But Mei Fang couldn’t let this thought solidify further. He needed to push the idea of maintaining their relationship, otherwise, by the time they graduated from high school, he wouldn’t be able to give any explanation.

That’s why “Willingness” was so important, important enough to be selected as a performance piece for the art festival, important enough to be sung together with them.

While Mei Fang was pondering these things, Lin You Xi suddenly stood on tiptoe and leaned toward Mei Fang’s ear.

“My hand is a bit cold. Can I put it inside for warmth?”

“Oh… well, don’t overdo it like last time.”

“Okay.”

Lin You Xi had done this before, but Mei Fang still felt a shiver from her icy touch before calming down.

At this moment, Lin You Xi was pressing against his chest, stroking his back, and humming a melody.

“What song is this? It sounds familiar…”

“This is Yuan Yuan’s creation based on the simple score of the song ‘Plain Face’ you wrote. She made it yesterday and played it for me. I quite like it.”

Lin You Xi looked up at Mei Fang, “Come to think of it, how did you write such lyrics? They don’t seem like your usual style.”

“Well… it’s all based on references and inspirations, not my own true talent.”

Lin You Xi didn’t take Mei Fang’s words to heart. She continued suggesting, “I think we could sing it at the New Year’s Eve party.”

Lin You Xi reminded Mei Fang, “I think you and Yuan Yuan singing together would be perfect.”

“Singing love songs is already pushing it. Do we have to do a duet? Maybe you and Yuan Yuan should sing instead.”

Lin You Xi shook her head, “Yuan Yuan definitely wants to sing with you. You know her personality.”

“And after our last performance, the school praised us highly. They probably won’t object now.”

“Also, the video editing Zhao Chaoxiong did for us went viral on C Station, with views breaking ten thousand early on. Some of the comments were quite interesting, you must have seen them, right?”

“Comments? What kind of comments… I didn’t pay much attention.”

When Mei Fang said this, he looked up at the night sky guiltily. This small action naturally didn’t escape Lin You Xi’s observant eyes, and she gently pinched his waist.

“Many comments say you’re living the life of a winner, having both at once. What do you think, Mei Fang?”

“My opinion is: people who always think of impure things will see everything as impure…”

While Mei Fang hummed, Lin You Xi stared at him. Finally, he couldn’t stand it anymore and gave up pretending, laughing outright.

“But, it’s normal for others to envy us, right? After all, long-lasting relationships like ours are rare.”

Lin You Xi seemed satisfied with Mei Fang’s response. After hearing him out, she buried herself in hugging and swaying with him.

Although Ah Fang sometimes avoided topics like love, appearing naive and innocent, he wasn’t completely stagnant.

For instance, he used to often describe their relationship as sincere friendship, but now he would use neutral terms like “affection” or “friendship” to describe their bond.

But there was nothing to pretend about.

I’ve pushed this far, so if he doesn’t understand now, he’s just being stubborn.

Though the initial push came from Yuan Yuan’s super energy, Lin You Xi’s subsequent efforts were crucial in sustaining it.

Lin You Xi didn’t expect Mei Fang to give a final answer because she felt that this arrangement was fine as it was.

Of course, if Mei Fang did give an answer, she would accept it openly.

After some more hugging, Lin You Xi and Mei Fang noticed Xia Yuan fidgeting nearby, twisting her fingers.

“Yuan Yuan, did I exceed the time?”

“Oh… really? Not much, ha ha…”

“I’ll make it up to you tomorrow. The day after tomorrow is the mid-term exam, so I’ll make it up to you tomorrow night.”

“Oh? Well… no, it’s okay… I didn’t…”

Just a second ago, Xia Yuan was blushing and reluctant, but the moment she hugged Mei Fang, she held him tightly.

“Why are you holding me so tight?”

“Will it hurt?”

Xia Yuan looked up at Mei Fang, “In autumn, we wear more clothes, so it’s harder to recharge. That’s why we need to hold tighter.”

“Ah… yes…”

The more Mei Fang interacted with Xia Yuan and compared her to Lin You Xi, the more he realized how pure and simple Yuan Yuan was.

In childhood, she was actually like this, but back then, Lin You Xi was more awkward and introverted, making her seem like a big sister.

Over the decade, Lin You Xi’s personality had changed significantly, while Xia Yuan remained largely the same.

But this “unchange,” in a sense, was something worth cherishing.

“By the way, Ah Fang, I made the accompaniment melody for the song ‘Plain Face’ you gave me based on your simple score. You can listen to it when you have time.”

“Not studying properly and secretly writing songs, have you finished solving the physics problems?”

“You’re so mean! You even brought up physics.”

Xia Yuan lightly punched Mei Fang, “Physics isn’t difficult in senior one, and I can still get decent scores.”

“Yes, yes, who would dare say our Miss Yuan can’t do well? I guarantee I’ll beat them up.”

“It’s just you, isn’t it…”

Xia Yuan rubbed against Mei Fang’s chest and suddenly made a dramatic voice, “Ah Fang’s hug is so warm, it must be You Xi warming me up.”

“Pfft.”

“Why are you laughing at me?”

“If you use the same joke again, it becomes funny.”

“There is?!” Xia Yuan blushed and muttered, “I don’t think so…”

“But You Xi’s body is very cold. My hand was just chilled by her, and it’s still cold.”

“Really? Let me feel.”

Xia Yuan took Mei Fang’s hand and closed her eyes to savor it.

“Hmm… it doesn’t seem very cold…”

“You wouldn’t feel it this way. You should do it like this…”

Mei Fang could sense Xia Yuan’s shyness; she found it hard to speak directly.

If he wanted to maintain balance, he could lay low on You Xi’s side, but he had to take charge on Yuan Yuan’s side.

So, Mei Fang took Xia Yuan’s hand and intertwined their fingers. Xia Yuan didn’t resist and quickly cooperated, holding his hand.

“It does feel a bit cold, but it’s okay!”

Xia Yuan held Mei Fang’s hand with one, and wrapped her other arm around him.

It was like dancing, it was fun.

Xia Yuan felt the emotions Mei Fang was expressing, so she intensified her efforts.

“By the way, Ah Fang… I want to talk to you about something. It might be a bit early, but… at the New Year’s Eve party—”

“We’ll perform together, right? Sure, let’s sing ‘Plain Face.'”

“Oh, I meant you and You Xi should sing that song.”

“Do you not want to sing with me?”

“No… I think You Xi’s voice is nice too. She might—”

“Let’s sing together. You Xi and I have talked about it, and she hopes you’ll join us.”

“Oh… then I’ll… go along with it…”

Xia Yuan participated in the midterm exams of the first semester of senior one with Jiangcheng No. 1 High School, feeling very happy, and performed very well.

Writing is like water, daily life is like water, and I wonder if anyone will say my story is too watered-down.

(End of Chapter)