Cheng Song didn’t know the exact reason, but he knew it was because of Xu Zhilu. The only person who could make Shen Siyan sulk was Xu Zhilu.

Thinking this, he said, “Who knows.”

Xu Zhilu felt it was absurd and ignored Cheng Song.

She bowed her head to study, not taking Shen Siyan’s anger seriously. He got angry a lot; one more time or less didn’t matter.

Throughout the day, Shen Siyan was like a lit fuse.

He didn’t lose his temper at anyone, but his whole demeanor screamed, “Stay away or you’ll regret it.”

This made classmates hurry past his desk, fearing he might explode.

–

Dorm students had to attend evening self-study sessions, and Xu Zhilu had gotten used to it over the past few days.

After school, she went to the cafeteria for dinner, then took a walk on the playground, and finally returned to the classroom to study and do homework.

She didn’t expect that after her usual routine, Shen Siyan was still there.

He was sitting alone in a corner with his earphones in, seemingly playing a game.

Xu Zhilu stared at him for a few seconds, finding it quite intriguing.

She slowly walked to her seat and sat down.

As soon as she sat down, someone tugged her hair from behind.

Xu Zhilu frowned and turned around, glaring at him.

Shen Siyan looked at her with a faint expression and said, “Don’t give lectures?”

Xu Zhilu was stunned, “What kind of class?”

Shen Siyan looked at her and said, “Tutoring.”

Xu Zhilu was taken aback. “Isn’t it only on weekends?”

Shen Siyan responded, “Two days on the weekend aren’t enough. From now on, I’ll attend evening study sessions at school, and you can tutor me then.”

Xu Zhilu didn’t say anything. She stared at Shen Siyan suspiciously for a moment and then asked in a low voice, “Did you take the wrong medicine?”

Shen Siyan looked at her expressionlessly.

The two stared at each other in silence for a moment before Shen Siyan reminded her, “There’s a monthly exam next week. At the very least, you should help me improve my math score by a few points.”

Xu Zhilu was speechless. “That might be a bit difficult.”

Shen Siyan lazily replied, “Oh, have you finished your homework?”

“Why?”

“Finish it first. My tutoring isn’t as important as your studies.”

Xu Zhilu’s eyelashes fluttered. She felt that something was off with his words, but she couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it was.

She hummed in response, pursed her lips, and said, “I have a little bit left. You can start by memorizing some English vocabulary.” She pointed out, “If you can’t memorize them, write them out. A dull pencil is better than a sharp memory.”

Shen Siyan didn’t resist and agreed while twirling a pen in his hand, “Okay.”

Though Xu Zhilu found it odd, she didn’t think too deeply about it.

She focused on her own work, as long as she did what she needed to do.

The evening breeze was very pleasant. After finishing her homework, Xu Zhilu did a math worksheet.

When she was done, a lazy voice came from behind, “Xu Zhilu, why do you do your homework so slowly?”

Xu Zhilu’s hand holding the pen froze, and she turned to look at him.

Seeing the surprise in her eyes, Shen Siyan had an uncertain thought. He stared at her, the corners of his mouth lifting, “You forgot.”

Xu Zhilu: “…”

She quickly apologized, “Sorry, sorry. I thought you had already left.”

Shen Siyan didn’t respond.

Xu Zhilu felt guilty under his gaze and said softly, “I really forgot.”

She mainly didn’t have the habit. Once she got immersed in her studies, she forgot about other things.

Shen Siyan tugged at his lips, “You don’t trust me that much?”

Xu Zhilu lowered her eyes and glanced at his desk. With her peripheral vision, she noticed that Shen Siyan was indeed writing down English vocabulary.

Suddenly, Xu Zhilu felt an inexplicable sense of guilt. “I’m sorry.”

Shen Siyan looked at her for a moment but didn’t pursue the matter further.

He picked up his textbook and notebook and, under Xu Zhilu’s gaze, sat down beside her.

“…Why are you changing seats?”

Shen Siyan replied expressionlessly, “If I sit at the back, in a few minutes you’ll think I’ve left again.” Xu Zhilu: “…”

She couldn’t argue with that.

Tutoring Shen Siyan was easier than expected.

Xu Zhilu prepared some materials for him, instructing him to read first, then do the exercises. If he didn’t understand, she would analyze and explain before he attempted similar problems.

There weren’t many students in the evening study session; only the boarding students attended.

Seeing Shen Siyan, many classmates were surprised, but seeing their setup, no one dared to ask questions.

At nine o’clock, Xu Zhilu had finished explaining a portion of the material.

Other students started to head back to the dormitories. Shen Siyan closed his book and glanced at her, “What time do the dormitory lights out?”

“Ten o’clock.”

Shen Siyan nodded and stood up, “Let’s go.”

Xu Zhilu nodded, “I’ll head back to the dormitory then.”

“Mm.”

She packed her things on her desk and walked out. Shen Siyan glanced at her and asked, “You didn’t bring your phone?”

“No, it’s out of battery. It’s in the dormitory.”

Shen Siyan paused for a moment but didn’t say anything more.

The dormitory was in the opposite direction of the school gate.

After going downstairs, Xu Zhilu headed towards the dormitory. After a few steps, she noticed someone following her. “Aren’t you going home?”

Shen Siyan responded coldly, “In a while.”

Xu Zhilu replied with an “Oh” and continued walking.

When she reached the girls’ dormitory building, she turned back again.

It was the peak time for the end of evening self-study, and there were many students coming and going. The area around the girls’ dormitory was bustling.

Not far away, there was a small supermarket specifically for students finishing their evening studies, providing daily necessities.

It sold all kinds of food and supplies.

Standing at the dormitory entrance, Xu Zhilu could smell the aroma of oden from the small supermarket.

She paused and turned to Shen Siyan and said, “I’ve arrived.”

Shen Siyan replied with a “Mm,” slinging his backpack over one shoulder, “Go on up.”

Xu Zhilu nodded.

Just as she was about to leave, Shen Siyan suddenly called out to her.

“Are you hungry?”

Xu Zhilu looked at him and asked, “Are you hungry?”

Shen Siyan pulled at his lips and looked away, “Wait here for me for a few minutes.”

“Huh?”

Before Xu Zhilu could react, Shen Siyan had already walked into the nearby supermarket.

Xu Zhilu stood there for a while, debating whether to go in.

Before she could decide, Shen Siyan came out with a bag.

He roughly shoved it into her hands and said, “It’s not spoiled, eat it today. I’m leaving now.”

Xu Zhilu watched his back for a moment and then, under the dim light, opened the bag. Inside was her favorite duck in soy sauce.