"Ah, summer vacation is almost here. I've been looking forward to this for so long."

"I was hoping we could travel somewhere, but I heard the school is organizing mandatory remedial classes. Not sure about any practical activities," remarked someone who seemed well-informed. Although these were just rumors, his sources were usually reliable enough that no one ever dismissed his words outright.

Some were already debating how to spend the summer. Even though they’d be entering their final year of high school in September, some students were determined to have some fun during the break, even if only for a few days. The news that the school was planning extra classes caused an immediate wave of complaints throughout the classroom.

Wang Qiqi quietly packed her things. If she remembered correctly, the summer break was only about twenty days long, right in the middle of the hottest period. That’s why she only signed up for the Taekwondo class on Sunday mornings. The instructor had shaken his head, suggesting that half-days wouldn't be very effective, especially since Qiqi had started late. But Qiqi figured she was just doing it for show; she wasn't expecting a real fight. Besides, if she avoided dangerous places, what were a few petty delinquents going to do? Security was decent these days. As for someone climbing over the wall at night? That was even less of a concern; she kept a knife—a proper watermelon cleaver—by her pillow when she slept. Otherwise, Wang Qiqi felt completely unsafe at home, even though she had already changed the locks on the main door.

Shi Man had been cheerfully telling Wang Qiqi how she planned to sleep for three straight days before figuring out the rest of her schedule. Though she didn't elaborate on the subsequent activities, Qiqi knew Shi Man likely planned a short trip before returning to cram for exams. Even though they were all studying together, the others viewed the school's mandatory arrangement as an imposition, stealing their precious vacation time.

Huang Li watched the constantly bickering classmates and said coldly, "What’s so strange about this? Haven't they always made us attend review sessions when moving from Grade 11 to Grade 12? It’s just a matter of how long it lasts." Idiots, she thought, they don’t even know the school's old rules. This isn't the first time we’ve had mandatory study sessions.

Shi Man looked at Huang Li, whose expression was full of contempt for everyone else’s lack of experience, and whispered, "There goes that girl throwing a tantrum again. But I bet she’s just using this as an excuse. Did you hear? Apparently, her Math score wasn’t great this time." The thought of someone failing an exam made Shi Man feel particularly delighted.

"How do you know?" Wang Qiqi wondered. Shi Man had been incredibly busy studying lately, and her relationship with Huang Li was completely frozen. How would Shi Man know about Huang Li’s situation?

Shi Man leaned close to Wang Qiqi's ear and murmured, "Lina told me yesterday." Even if Shi Man didn't know Huang Li's specifics, the all-knowing Zhu Lina certainly did. "Apparently, she left several questions blank—including some of the major ones." Although Shi Man herself hadn't solved every problem, she knew her own level. Even with all the recent effort, her improvement wasn't huge. And hadn't Qiqi only managed to work through the first couple of steps on the last two problems despite being so diligent?

Wang Qiqi just sighed. Although the three of them often met on weekends to study together and occasionally grab dinner, at school, Zhu Lina only exchanged a few words with Shi Man and Qiqi, usually when borrowing homework to copy. It wasn't a warm interaction, no different from before. Zhu Lina was also quite adept at hiding things; any small improvements on her math scores during quizzes were easily missed, especially since many students' scores had risen after Wang Qiqi helped the class solve their doubts. Zhu Lina remained inconspicuous hidden among them.

"If we didn't know her true colors, we’d really have been fooled by her act," Wang Qiqi stifled a laugh, watching Zhu Lina put on the same overly dramatic upset face as everyone else.

"Exactly. But we’ve already made a plan. How about we study at your place during the break? It seems like someone has started noticing things lately," Shi Man whispered. Although they usually dispersed to study in the library, often in the least popular periodicals section, it seemed someone had spotted them once or twice. Since it was near finals, they hadn't paid much attention. However, someone planned to stake out the library during the vacation. If Zhu Lina hadn't overheard this from someone else, they wouldn't have known.

Studying at home? Wang Qiqi was momentarily stunned. It wasn't impossible, but she felt as though her private space would be invaded. "Also, you know the high school entrance exam scores are out. Her grades aren't ideal, and I’m worried..." It was fine if Shi Man knew certain things, but having Zhu Lina aware made Wang Qiqi uncomfortable. Although Zhu Lina was generally tight-lipped, Qiqi still felt it was a family secret she didn't want spread.

Hearing Qiqi’s worries, Shi Man rolled her eyes. "Who doesn't have a few annoying relatives? My family has plenty." Qiqi really overthinks things. "Besides, if your sister does come to our school, I bet she’ll latch onto you relentlessly."

Wang Qiqi did not want that person coming to school. She had once hoped Wang Rui would arrive to ward off a certain despicable guy, but after she repeatedly gave him the cold shoulder, he stopped hovering around her constantly. However, she kept hearing rumors about him: a senior girl from Grade 12 passing him love notes, arranging to meet at a certain university, promising to wait for him; or a younger girl from Grade 10 starting a fight over him. Of course, the rumors always ended with the same addendum: Too bad, the guy already has a sweetheart, a partner for life. Wang Qiqi didn't mind them gossiping, but they kept naming the male lead and then looking right at her when they said it, which deeply annoyed her.

He was clearly a player, yet he insisted on appearing deeply devoted—unbelievable. If Wang Rui came to school in September, who knew how she’d introduce herself? The only certainty was that she would use Qiqi to connect with that person. The best way for Wang Rui to avoid alienating his fans would be to use Qiqi. If Qiqi got into trouble, Wang Rui would reap the benefits. Therefore, Wang Qiqi really wished that person wouldn't come.

Shi Man noticed Qiqi’s expression, which looked like she’d just eaten something foul, and didn't press the matter. "Alright, let’s go get something good to eat. Zhu Lina, didn't you say you were treating Qiqi after the exam to thank her for helping you with your problems? Mind if I tag along?"

Zhu Lina made a small sound. She had said that, but she countered, "Didn't several other people also say they wanted to treat Qiqi to dinner to thank her? Why single me out?" Zhu Lina pretended to be very reluctant.

Huang Li finished packing and stomped toward the door, annoyed. She knew they had to report back the day after tomorrow to see their scores and get class notices. When she reached the door and heard Zhu Lina’s comment, she turned sharply toward Shi Man and snapped, "You know Zhu Lina’s family situation isn't great, and you still ask her to treat us? How shameless! Is tutoring a classmate supposed to always require payment?"

Huang Li was naturally furious. In the past, when her homework was highly sought after, many people became friendly with her just so they could borrow her work, buying her snacks and drinks—especially in the summer when her popsicles and sodas were free. But ever since Wang Qiqi suddenly appeared, those perks had vanished, which made Huang Li infuriated.

Shi Man had only made the suggestion casually. Though many people had offered to treat Qiqi to dinner that day, few actually intended to follow through; it was just lip service. She hadn't planned on eating with them anyway; just having Zhu Lina along would be enough so they could chat about vacation plans. Shi Man hadn't expected Huang Li to explode like that. What was her deal? Did she really think Shi Man was only upset about missing one free meal?

"No one asked you to treat, so why are you jumping in?" At first, Shi Man genuinely didn't understand why Huang Li was so volatile, assuming it was just her habitual need to argue. Huang Li simply disliked her. But then Shi Man realized something: that girl hadn't been buying snacks at the convenience store much recently. Could that be the reason for her outburst? "Oh, you haven't been eating many popsicles lately, have you? Is it because fewer people are treating you, and you’re unhappy about it?"

Huang Li became intensely irritated when Shi Man made such a pointed remark, especially as Shi Man looked her up and down, her expression clearly signaling, You are poor. It was true; she wasn't as well-off as them. Yes, the popsicles and sodas she ate in the summer were paid for by others, "They treated me; I didn't intentionally make people treat me, unlike you all who ask for it outright."

Shi Man scoffed. "I seem to recall someone telling Zhu Lina during break that she was going to treat me to a Coke. You didn’t say the rest out loud, but Zhu Lina ended up buying you a Coke, too. You drank the Coke, which is cheaper, but one can a day still adds up. Zhu Lina must have spent at least a hundred yuan on you over a month. How much money does her family even have? I bet you’ve eaten through her entire allowance. How can you expect Zhu Lina to treat you, but we can’t? Don't forget, you only let Zhu Lina borrow your homework for 'inspiration,' while Qiqi answered everyone’s questions. So, it turns out all your talk about treating Qiqi after the exam was fake? Fine, Qiqi, let’s go. I’ll treat you. I was initially thinking we could all chip in, which wouldn't cost much per person anyway."

Hearing Shi Man’s argument, everyone else started to agree. While treating Wang Qiqi to dinner sounded expensive collectively, splitting the cost meant each person would only pay for about ten ice lollies. Especially since no one had forced Huang Li to buy them treats. More importantly, they remembered they were the ones who had offered to treat Qiqi in the first place, so Shi Man bringing it up was perfectly reasonable.

"How about we all have dinner together today then?"

"Good idea. It’s the end of the exams, and I need to thank Wang Qiqi for taking care of me during this period."

And just like that, everyone agreed. Huang Li, seeing that so many people were now offering to treat Wang Qiqi, angrily slung her backpack over her shoulder and stormed out. She had been hoping that if they all treated Qiqi, then she, who let them copy her homework, would also be treated. But as she walked far away, she hadn't heard the words she was waiting for.