Gao Kai spent the entire day restless, desperately wanting to go to Wang Qiqi's classroom to talk with her. Yet, every time he paced back and forth outside her door, she acted as if she didn't see him, instead engaging in conversation with that insufferable Shi Man.

Gao Kai restrained himself for a long time, ultimately choosing not to call Wang Qiqi out. He consoled himself, Hmph, it’s not that I’m timid; it’s just that I don’t want to start an argument with Shi Man. That would make me look completely unmanly.

Gao Kai’s habit of showing up at her classroom during every break drew the attention of many in the class, especially the girls. Whenever they saw him arrive, their eyes immediately darted toward Wang Qiqi. Though they both pretended to be engrossed in their own activities when he approached, their gossiping gazes betrayed their inner thoughts.

They had some inkling about the relationship between Wang Qiqi and Gao Kai. What surprised them was how much Wang Qiqi had changed since returning to class. The fact that she simply ignored him fueled widespread discussion. Especially since someone had previously seen Gao Kai being intimate with another girl while going to and from class. When combined with Wang Qiqi’s current behavior towards Gao Kai, they were certain that something had gone seriously wrong between them.

“Say, maybe Gao Kai has a new something on the side, and Wang Qiqi found out.”

“Yeah, I bet that’s it. Before, as soon as Gao Kai showed up at the door, Wang Qiqi would always rush out. But look today, she acts like she doesn’t even see him.”

“Ugh, I told you Gao Kai wasn't a good guy. Back in middle school, he dated the school beauty,” someone who was clearly Gao Kai’s middle school classmate chimed in with a revelation.

Although Wang Qiqi was discussing the progress of their recent lessons with Shi Man, she heard everything they were saying. To be honest, some of the gossip, like the story about Gao Kai dating someone in middle school, was news to Wang Qiqi throughout high school. It was only because she had been ignoring Gao Kai today that she heard all these details. Of course, perhaps they dated in the previous life too, but back then, she actively avoided knowing such things, or perhaps seeing her proximity to Gao Kai, coupled with his family background, prevented people from ever bringing up such topics in front of her.

Shi Man cautiously watched Wang Qiqi’s expression. Some of the comments were quite sharp, especially since they even discussed the family backgrounds and figures of Gao Kai’s previous girlfriends.

Shi Man truly admired those girls. Even though they were in the liberal arts track with a majority of girls, how could their conversation delve into such detail? She knew only boys typically discussed female figures this way. “Hey Qiqi, aren't you angry?” Shi Man noticed Wang Qiqi was focused on her math problems and asked quite directly.

Wang Qiqi shrugged. “Why would I be angry? What they said isn't wrong. I don’t have a good figure, and I’m an orphan now, without parents.” Comparing her situation to everyone else's, Wang Qiqi thought their assessment was accurate. “But the one thing they got wrong is that Gao Kai and I are just classmates from the first year. We often study together now, so who he’s with, or the details of his past girlfriends, are none of my business.”

Although Wang Qiqi spoke softly, some people in the class had overheard Shi Man’s question to her, and after hearing Wang Qiqi’s reply, they were dumbfounded. “Huh? Qiqi, you and Gao Kai aren't, aren't a couple?” a girl who was quite close to Wang Qiqi asked. “But Gao Kai said…”

“Gao Kai said Qiqi and I are a couple, right?” Wang Qiqi looked at the girl with a rather sultry figure. She could tell from the girl's tone that they were quite familiar, though Wang Qiqi genuinely couldn't recall her name. “I recall that when Gao Kai and I study together, it’s usually a group, right? If we were a couple, we would definitely be acting separately.”

As soon as Wang Qiqi finished speaking, some people found her point quite valid. If Wang Qiqi and Gao Kai were together, it was primarily Gao Kai’s friends who spread the rumor, and Wang Qiqi had never refuted it. However, Wang Qiqi’s statement made some people in the class restless. Gao Kai was practically a prince in their class. The reason no one had made a move before was that Gao Kai had clearly established himself as pursuing Wang Qiqi, and she had been close to him, causing those with intentions to set their hopes aside. But now, Wang Qiqi’s words gave everyone a glimmer of hope.

Shi Man was surprised that Wang Qiqi would deny her relationship with Gao Kai so thoroughly today, as it contradicted what she had told Shi Man before. Wang Qiqi had previously admitted Gao Kai was pursuing her and that she was quite moved. Admittedly, Shi Man found Gao Kai charming and knowledgeable, but she always felt his gaze was lecherous, especially when looking at beautiful girls. Fortunately, Qiqi seemed to have come to her senses, though Shi Man couldn't figure out why—perhaps they just had a falling out.

“Qiqi, Qiqi, can we talk?” Gao Kai had expected Wang Qiqi to separate from the annoying Shi Man after school, but he never thought they would walk out holding hands, showing no sign of splitting up. Gao Kai couldn't hold back any longer and called out. He was genuinely worried that if Wang Qiqi spent too much time with Shi Man, she might be assimilated by her.

Hearing that voice, which made her stomach churn, Wang Qiqi felt nauseous. “What a persistent ghost.”

Shi Man chuckled upon hearing Wang Qiqi’s assessment. “It just shows how devoted he is. Look, lingering at the classroom door all day wasn't enough; he even chased you outside the school.” But he certainly had a thick skin. When Shi Man was around Qiqi before, that guy never approached unless she wasn't present. “Go on, I’ll wait for you.”

Wang Qiqi sighed. “There’s no need. But honestly, I’m worried if you go over there, you two will start your usual bickering. Though, I must admit, I finally understand why you felt the way you did.”

Gao Kai breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Wang Qiqi approach alone. “Uh, Qiqi, I need to talk to you about something.”

“What is it?” Wang Qiqi replied impatiently. “I have to study with Xiao Man tonight.” She’d rather spend that precious time doing extra math problems at home than chatting with him.

“Actually, I thought you could come over to my place to study with me.” Gao Kai was surprised by her response; he remembered how much effort it took him ages ago just to convince Wang Qiqi to study at his house. “And we can invite Wang Rui too; she mentioned the high school entrance exams are soon, and she’s struggling with some parts.”

Wang Qiqi truly couldn't understand if this man had listened to anything she said that morning. Now that she thought about it, maybe he had never seriously considered things from her perspective. “Well, since I’ve missed a few days of class, it’s better for me to study with Xiao Man.”

“But isn’t your math quite good? I can tutor you. I remember Shi Man’s math isn't great either, right?” Gao Kai tried to persuade her. He knew Qiqi was decent in history and geography, but her math was weak—that was one of the reasons he had convinced her to study with him initially. “Can you really make progress studying with her?”

Wang Qiqi took a deep breath. Honestly, studying with Gao Kai was somewhat effective, but often their group discussions devolved into chatting about other things. “I think precisely because Xiao Man’s math isn’t great, studying with her will be better for me. It gives us the drive to catch up. Otherwise, keeping up behind all you math whizzes is exhausting.”

Besides, among the people surrounding Gao Kai, how many were truly good? Some of them loved to gossip about others. Especially after the previous life, Wang Qiqi was sick of their attitudes. Back then, she only had Gao Kai, seeing him as her salvation, so no matter how harsh their words were, she didn't want to leave. But in this life, was she mentally ill to willingly subject herself to their cold remarks?

“But we haven't seen each other in ages. Didn’t you say studying with me was really interesting?” Gao Kai said meekly, though he reassured himself: It’s fine. The most important thing now is to placate Wang Qiqi, make her happy, and everything else will fall into place later.

Wang Qiqi felt irritated by his shameless persistence, but she knew if she didn't give him a sour look, his fans would surely cause trouble again. “No need. I’d feel inferior studying with top students. Plus, Xiao Man is my classmate, so she can help me catch up on the progress.”

Wang Qiqi pursed her lips. “My parents are gone. I know they wanted me to get into a good university, and I don't want to let them down on this last hope they had for me.”

Gao Kai looked at Wang Qiqi, whose expression was pitiful or perhaps just resolute. What could he say? Should he tell her, It’s fine, you're rich now, not studying won't matter? That would be courting death. At this moment, Wang Qiqi hadn't yet emerged from the shadow of losing her parents. Gao Kai’s plan was to make Wang Qiqi realize she wasn't alone, thinking this would be the best way to enter her heart now, but she kept rejecting him again and again.

No matter how thick Gao Kai’s skin was, he was still just a teenage boy; he couldn't maintain perfect patience forever. His ability to be so humble toward Wang Qiqi for this long had reached its limit.

Gao Kai frowned and said impatiently, “Forget it. Since you think that way, I shouldn’t force you.” Gao Kai had initially planned on this tactic because Wang Qiqi usually acquiesced when he spoke like that before, so he expected her to yield this time. “I’ve already arranged to study with someone. If you’re not coming, then never mind.”

Wang Qiqi watched Gao Kai, who said he was leaving but remained rooted to the spot. “Fine, I need to go study too. The final exams are not far off.” If you won't leave, I’ll leave first, surely that’s okay.

Gao Kai watched helplessly as Wang Qiqi walked over to Shi Man and linked arms with her, walking forward together. Seeing them leave, Gao Kai felt an intense urge to rush over and pry their hands apart.

Thank you all for your support of Bu Bu. Bu Bu is humbly requesting monthly tickets, as this is currently the double monthly ticket period.

【Xiao Fu An Jia】 Yun Tingyu: A modern female writer is reborn as a farming girl in ancient times. She only wishes for her family's well-being and peaceful years, but heaven does not grant her wishes. 【Chi Xin Bu Gai】 The little loli only asks for handsome guys and delicious food. 【Wei Fei Cai De Xing Ji Sheng Huo】 The history of a pseudo-waste achieving growth step by step in interstellar life.