When Jiang Yi heard Lu Li agree to make a small sacrifice, his eyes lit up. He gripped Lu Li’s hand more firmly, dimples appearing beside his soft smile as he sincerely said, “Arno, you’re so good to me.”

Lu Li wasn’t well-versed in Chinese idioms, otherwise, he might have recognized one that described this moment perfectly: sugar-coated bullets. Unfortunately, Lu Li didn’t know this term, and right now, he was so flattered by Jiang Yi’s sweet words that he felt like he was floating on air.

He tried to remain composed but couldn’t help feeling smug, thinking to himself that maybe this competition wasn’t so bad after all.

Struggling to maintain his cool, Lu Li couldn’t help but boast, “You do realize how great I am, don’t you? Sacrificing a little for you is no big deal.”

He was feeling pretty proud of himself, thinking that with this, guys like Zhuohan and that nerdy kid wouldn’t stand a chance.

Jiang Yi’s dimples deepened, and his eyes sparkled with gratitude. In a soft, earnest voice, he continued, “If I win something important in this competition, it’ll be thanks to you too.”

“You’ve supported and encouraged me so much, and you’re even willing to make sacrifices for this competition. This award would belong to both of us. If I win, I’ll be even happier because I couldn’t have done it without your help.”

Lu Li, completely unaware of the phrase selling a dream, was caught up in the moment, feeling as if Jiang Yi’s words were filling his heart with warmth. He could already picture it—Jiang Yi standing on the podium, holding a trophy, and solemnly declaring to the entire school, “I owe this award to my best friend, Lu Li. We’ve grown up together, and he’s always been there for me. I couldn’t have achieved this without his support and encouragement.”

Everyone’s gaze would be full of admiration, and wherever Lu Li went, people would excitedly whisper, “That’s Jiang Yi’s best friend!”

And as for that kid Ying Zhuohan and the nerdy deskmate? They’d be left to gnash their teeth in jealousy, staring up at him in regret and envy.

With his golden hair practically standing on end from pride, Lu Li said dreamily, “You can focus on the competition. I’ve got your back.”

Jiang Yi smiled brightly and nodded. “Great, I’ll let you know when I’m ready.”

Lu Li, still trying to act composed, gave a slight nod, though his heart was swelling with pride.

The rest of the journey passed with Jiang Yi, for once, not studying vocabulary. Instead, he joined Lu Li in their childish knee-bumping game, both of them finding endless amusement in something so simple.

To the outside world, they appeared like two very serious, composed teenagers—one being the top student, often called to the stage for speeches, the other a star athlete known for his slam dunks. Yet here they were, on the backseat of a car, fully engrossed in a ridiculously childish game.

---

The next morning, Lu Li and a group of friends, led by Qin Lan, strolled down to the school’s award bulletin board.

With his hands behind his back, Lu Li surveyed the board with a high and mighty expression, while Qin Lan, still fighting off drowsiness, yawned and tried to keep up with Lu Li’s pace.

“Lu, our basketball awards aren’t on this side of the board,” Qin Lan said, puzzled.

The bulletin board was long, like a hallway of honor, with different sections. Sports awards were posted on one end, while academic competition awards were displayed on the other.

Lu Li nodded nonchalantly, “I know.”

Qin Lan, even more confused, scratched his head. “Then why are we standing here?”

The academic competition awards were highly prestigious, usually dominated by students from the advanced classes. Every now and then, a standout student from another class might make the list, but for the most part, it was a space reserved for the school’s elite scholars.

The names of students from the international class, where Lu Li belonged, rarely, if ever, appeared here.

Just as Qin Lan was about to question this further, Lu Li casually pointed at the academic competition board and said, “My name’s going to be up there soon.”

Qin Lan: “…”

Was he still dreaming?

If Lu Li’s name ended up on the sports section of the board, that’d be normal. But seeing it on the academic competition section? That would be less of a surprise and more of a shock.

Qin Lan wanted to gently redirect Lu Li’s finger to the sports awards section but didn’t dare.

All he could do was stare at Lu Li, who continued nonchalantly, “You’ll see soon enough.”

The others exchanged confused glances but, feeling they had no choice, nodded in agreement.

Satisfied, Lu Li lowered his hand and stared at the academic competition board. Right in the center was a picture of Jiang Yi, one of his previous competition wins proudly displayed. His calm, handsome face stood out even in the school’s less-than-flattering photo, giving off an air of quiet confidence.

Beneath the photo were a few simple lines of acknowledgment, the standard “thank you to the school and teachers for their support, I’ll continue to work hard” kind of thing. Nothing special, but perfectly in line with Jiang Yi’s character.

But Lu Li was already imagining something grander. Soon, after making his “sacrifice,” Jiang Yi would win first place, and his thank-you speech would be much more emotional, much more meaningful.

And Lu Li’s name would be right there in Jiang Yi’s speech, forever enshrined on the board as “Jiang Yi’s best friend.” Maybe he’d even convince his mother to donate some money to the school to refurbish the board. LED screens, 24-hour broadcasts, with audio to ensure everyone knew just how great this friendship was.

When the school bell finally rang, Lu Li reluctantly left the board and headed back to class, still riding high on his daydreams. As he walked in, he noticed that even Qin Lan, who had been yawning just moments ago, was now wide awake, as were the rest of the students in the class.

It was time for a health education class, a topic that always seemed to stir up excitement among students going through puberty.

Lu Li, however, slouched in his chair, legs sprawled out, still lost in thoughts about his “upcoming” award. By the time the class was over, he hadn’t heard a single word of the lesson.

Qin Lan nudged him afterward, asking if he had any thoughts on the class. Lu Li muttered a half-hearted response, not really paying attention.

Meanwhile, over in the advanced class, Jiang Yi finished his math class and, turning to his classmate Cai Fang, asked casually, “How’s the dorm life here at school?”

Cai Fang, who lived in the dorms, immediately lit up. “It’s pretty good! Four people to a room, bunk beds with desks underneath, and we even have a private bathroom.”

“And the best part? No one checks our lamps.”

Lowering his voice, Cai Fang added conspiratorially, “In some of the top student dorms, guys like Ning Tao stay up studying till midnight. Sometimes they’re up discussing problems until one or two in the morning.”

Jiang Yi’s interest was piqued. “No one stops them?”

Cai Fang waved it off. “As long as you turn off the lights when the dorm supervisor checks, you’re good. Once they’re gone, you can turn the lamps back on and study as late as you want.”

Jiang Yi’s eyes gleamed. The thought of studying for as long as he wanted without being interrupted? It was like heaven.

No wonder people said the advanced class dorms were paradise for hardworking students, though a nightmare for slackers.

“Are you thinking of moving into the dorms?” Cai Fang asked eagerly.

Jiang Yi nodded. “Yeah, I’ve been considering it.”

Cai Fang was thrilled. “That’s great! We actually have a spare bed in our room. Once you apply, you can move in and we can discuss problems all night!”

Jiang Yi smiled, excited by the prospect. “Sounds perfect.”

---

Later that evening at Lu Li’s house, Jiang Yi wrapped up his homework earlier than usual. He took a shower and lay on his bed, working on a puzzle.

At around 8:30, Lu Li came back from fencing practice, towel in hand. As he dried his hair and stepped into the room, he noticed Jiang Yi engrossed in his puzzle.

Without missing a beat, Jiang Yi proudly showed off the puzzle he was working on. It was his favorite one, and only the final piece remained.

Normally, Jiang Yi would never let anyone else place the last piece. But this time, he handed it to Lu Li.

Surprised, Lu Li carefully fitted the last piece into place. Looking at Jiang Yi’s focused expression, he couldn’t help but ask, “Why did you let me finish it this time?”

Lying on the bed, Jiang Yi’s eyes sparkled, and in a soft, sincere voice, he said, “Because you’re the most important to me.”

Lu Li froze for a moment, his heart swelling. He felt like he was drowning in sweetness as he asked, “Really?”

Jiang Yi nodded. “Really.”

Lu Li fought to keep his smile in check, but the corners of his mouth were already twitching upward. His expression softened, and he seemed as easy-going as ever.

Jiang Yi, dimples showing, whispered softly, “So, in a few days, I’m going to move into the school dorms. Is that okay?”

His voice was soft and sweet, full of warmth and affection, and Lu Li, who was completely taken in by the earlier praise, casually responded, “Sure, if you want to stay up a bit longer to study…”

But then, two seconds later, Lu Li’s words suddenly stopped.

He froze, replaying what he had just heard in his head. Slowly, he turned towards Jiang Yi, eyes wide in disbelief.

“Wait, what did you just say?”
Lu Li’s face darkened. “Say that again.”