Chapter 11: Come With Me (1)

Hearing the words “transfer student,” Leng Xinmeng became annoyed and shouted, “Who’d want to come to a dump like this to study? Say one more word and I’ll beat you up!”

“Wow, why is she so fierce? Is she really a girl?”

“Yeah, what’s she so arrogant for?”

…

Leng Xinmeng clenched her fists, just about to explode, when Dan Qiuqiu came running over.

“Gu Shao, Xin— you’re both here.”

“Where’s Qiao Xi?” Leng Xinmeng asked directly, too impatient to bother with irrelevant people.

“I’ll take you to her.” Dan Qiuqiu led them off to find Qiao Xi.

“What’s with this? Are we not supposed to be seen? Why are we going further and further away?” Leng Xinmeng grumbled, while Gu Heng remained silent.

At last, they saw Qiao Xi in a secluded corner. Dressed in a deep blue school uniform, her serene expression made her appear especially gentle.

Qiao Xi used to be quiet—just standing there, she gave off a sense of calm detachment that made her hard to approach. But now, all her previous coldness and pride seemed to have vanished.

She had changed.

When had this change begun? Gu Heng realized he had no idea.

“Honestly, what’s so great about this lousy school? Why did you transfer here?” Leng Xinmeng asked with a frown.

“You shouldn’t have come,” Qiao Xi replied softly, not looking at anyone.

“And you should?” Gu Heng’s voice dropped, deep and tense.

Qiao Xi met his gaze, her eyes steady as her voice. “It’s none of your business.”

“Is that so?” Gu Heng’s tone grew even colder.

“Oh, come on! Do you think you’re in a drama, with all this tension?” Leng Xinmeng couldn’t take it anymore and strode up to Qiao Xi. “Don’t change the subject—answer me!”

Qiao Xi glanced at her but didn’t reply.

Leng Xinmeng frowned and said bluntly, “Don’t tell me it’s because of that birthday party.”

Qiao Xi said nothing. No one could tell if that counted as confirmation.

Over the past few days, Leng Xinmeng had reluctantly thought it over and, no matter how she considered it, that party was the only thing that stood out. After all, nothing else had really happened between them.

“That night, we were all drunk and just collapsed on the bed and fell asleep. I only wore his T-shirt because mine was dirty! Nothing happened between us at all! Who would fall for a guy like him? You’re reading way too much into it!” Leng Xinmeng scoffed, shooting Gu Heng a disdainful glance.

Hearing her words, Gu Heng’s expression froze, and he looked over at Qiao Xi.

“I don’t want to answer,” Qiao Xi replied coolly.

“Come with me,” Gu Heng said, already grabbing her hand and walking away.

His grip was firm and warm. Qiao Xi looked up at him but could only see the tense line of his jaw.

She knew he was upset.

She didn’t really want him to be upset either; she felt conflicted inside, which is why she didn’t pull her hand away immediately.

As the two of them crossed the sports field, they quickly drew stares and whispers. Even though it was lunchtime, there were still plenty of students around.

A little distance behind, Leng Xinmeng shouted irritably, “What are you all staring at? If you don’t cut it out, I’ll make sure you leave here flat on your backs!”

“Where did she come from, daring to act tough here at Yingran?!”

A voice called out from behind. Leng Xinmeng spun around and was suddenly face-to-face with a looming figure.

Damn.

Without a second thought, she threw a punch.

Ji Niansheng stepped back and dodged. Once he’d steadied himself, he spoke again. “At least tell us your name first.”

“I never change my name, whether I’m sitting or standing. Leng Xinmeng, that’s who I am.” She arched her brow, every inch as brash as her words.