In the most recent monthly exam, Lin Ran had surprised everyone by ranking in the top 40 in the grade, which allowed him to be in the same exam room as Sheng Qingxi once again. However, they were seated as far apart as possible.
She was in the front row at the first desk, while he was in the back row at the last desk.
Lin Ran’s mood was evident in the way he walked.
He slouched slightly, head tilted, hands in his pockets, long legs striding at a leisurely pace as he followed behind Sheng Qingxi. His entire demeanor radiated laziness, from the way he raised his brows to the corners of his eyes.
When Lin Ran and Sheng Qingxi entered the first exam room together, the other students almost stopped breathing.
Although they were all focused on their studies, the name Lin Ran had been circulating around since their freshman year. Whether it was during school assemblies or daily life, everyone knew who he was.
Some even secretly wondered if Lin Ran had cheated to get here.
Of course, they only dared to think that in their heads, never aloud, lest they get beaten up.
Gu Mingji, upon seeing Lin Ran’s smug expression, twitched the corner of his mouth. This guy was really becoming more and more of a swaggering “grandmaster.”
Lin Ran, still in a great mood, waved to Gu Mingji, his tone lazy and provoking. “Yo, former top student, good morning.”
Gu Mingji: “…”
If only he knew how to fight, he’d definitely take Lin Ran on. How could someone be so infuriating?
Sheng Qingxi gave Lin Ran a helpless glance and quickly interjected, “Lin Ran, go sit down and stop looking around.”
Before he found something else to stir up, since these students already didn’t dare to say a word.
Lin Ran chuckled softly, then lazily saluted her. “Yes, ma’am.”
Though he didn’t say it too loudly, the classroom was so quiet that almost everyone heard it. They all glanced at Sheng Qingxi, mentally giving her a thumbs-up. She was truly the woman who could tame the big shot.
…
This time, sitting in front of Lin Ran was the class representative of Class 5. Since Class 5 and Class 1 were far apart, and the class representative was naturally more introverted, being seated in front of Lin Ran made him feel like he was sitting on pins and needles.
Especially during the math exam that afternoon, Lin Ran’s speed in solving the problems completely scared him. He had never been this nervous before.
Just as he reached the third-to-last question on the first page, Lin Ran had already turned the page!
The sound of the page turning was like a warning bell, jolting him into a state of heightened alert as he focused on the paper in front of him. It felt like Lin Ran was a predator chasing him, and if he wasn’t careful, he’d be caught.
When it came to the English exam, this feeling intensified. While he was still working on the reading comprehension, Lin Ran had already put down his pen.
Ahhh, he might as well give up!
By the time the final exam ended, the students around Lin Ran all had the same defeated look on their faces. With that kind of speed, did Lin Ran even need to cheat? For the last half-hour of every exam, he was practically napping.
They couldn’t tell if they were actually in the tenth exam room, or if Lin Ran belonged in the first.
After the final exams ended, it was already close to the end of the year. Sheng Qingxi was busy preparing new clothes and New Year’s gifts for the children, while Lin Ran and Lin Yanyan needed to return to their grandfather’s house for a family dinner.
As for their maternal grandparents, they weren’t planning to return to the country; they had gone off on a vacation without a trace.
Sheng Qingxi and Lin Ran didn’t manage to meet up until New Year’s Eve.
Lin Ran didn’t mention to Grandpa Lin that he wasn’t coming home for the New Year, so Grandpa Lin simply assumed they had returned to the villa at Mid-Mountain. Lin Youcheng, knowing that Lin Ran was still angry with him because of Cheng Jiayue, had Xu Yirong call Lin Ran to ask if he was coming home for the holiday.
Lin Ran only replied that he would return on his birthday, but not for the New Year.
Lin Youcheng sighed and didn’t press Xu Yirong to continue calling.
He had hurt the boy’s heart.
…
New Year’s Eve.
Xie Zhen’s parents didn’t question why Lin Ran and Lin Yanyan were spending the holiday at the garage, treating them as if they were their own children. Xie Zhen’s older brother knew Lin Ran would be of age after his birthday this month, so he drank a little with Lin Ran.
Not long after dinner, Xie Zhen’s parents and Lin Yanyan went to the living room to watch the Spring Festival Gala, leaving Lin Ran and the other two still sitting at the dining table, drinking and chatting. It was a rare moment of festivity and togetherness.
Xie Zhen popped a peanut into his mouth and casually asked, “Brother Ran, have you seen the fairy recently?”
The mention of Sheng Qingxi instantly darkened Lin Ran’s mood. He snorted lightly, “She’s been so wrapped up with those kids lately that she doesn’t even have time to call me. But she’s sure punctual about reminding me to do my homework.”
Upon hearing this, Xie Zhen puffed out his chest proudly and said, “Brother Ran, Mozi and I have already finished our holiday homework.”
Lin Ran paused mid-sip. “When did you do that?”
Xie Zhen chuckled. “While you and Yanyan were visiting the old house.”
Lin Ran: “…”
His homework wasn’t finished, and the person he liked had no time for him. What a way to spend the New Year.
At ten o’clock that night, while everyone was gathered in the living room watching the Spring Festival Gala, Lin Ran put on his coat and slipped out.
The black coat blended into the night, and even during such a festive time, there were still people driving taxis, making a living. The city’s rhythm never slowed, no matter the hour.
Half an hour later, the taxi pulled up in front of Shengkai Welfare Home.
Lin Ran got out but didn’t immediately go in. He stood outside the gate, looking at the brightly lit dormitory building in the distance for a long time. Shengkai was lively tonight; even from where he stood, he could faintly hear the children’s cheerful laughter.
Just as he was about to walk in, the door of the dormitory suddenly opened, and a slender figure stepped out.
The dim light at the entrance cast a soft glow, making the figure appear blurry, but Lin Ran recognized Sheng Qingxi immediately. She seemed to be holding something in her hands.
Lin Ran quietly moved a little closer.
He stayed hidden near the gate, his gaze fixed on Sheng Qingxi.
She stood alone in the dark courtyard, fiddling with something in the quiet night. Lin Ran watched as she took out a lighter and lit the object in her hand.
It was a sparkler.
The moment it was lit, it was as if a cluster of tiny stars burst forth from her hands, filling the air around her with lively, shimmering light.
Though she stood alone in the silent courtyard, the scene didn’t seem lonely at all.
The bright light from the sparkler reflected off her soft smile.
She looked so happy, Lin Ran thought.
He stood quietly in place, watching her play alone for a long time.
Just as the sparkler went out, his phone vibrated in his pocket.
Lin Ran hesitated for a moment before taking out his phone. The screen lit up, and he lowered his gaze.
[Xiao Xi: Happy New Year, Lin Ran.]
After sending the message, Sheng Qingxi tilted her head up to look at the sky. A few stars were scattered across the deep blue night, twinkling in different corners of the sky. She quietly made a wish to them.
She wished for Lin Ran to grow up safely.
Sheng Qingxi didn’t linger in the courtyard for long. She tucked her hands into her coat and turned toward the door. Just as she reached for the handle, a sudden, firm force wrapped around her waist.
She was pulled into someone’s embrace.
“Happy New Year, Yuan Yuan.”
A slightly raspy voice came from above her, followed by a kiss as light as a feather landing gently on her hair.
Sheng Qingxi froze for a moment, then immediately turned around and hugged Lin Ran tightly.
Even the coldness of the snowy night couldn’t mask the familiar scent she knew so well, though tonight it was tinged with a faint hint of alcohol. Burying her face in his chest, she mumbled, “Lin Ran, why did you come here?”
Lin Ran chuckled softly, loosening his hold on her slightly. He reached into his pocket and took out a red envelope he had prepared earlier, handing it to Sheng Qingxi. “Of course, I came to give my little one her lucky money.”
The red envelope in Lin Ran’s hand was small and delicately designed, looking both cute and elegant. Its contents remained a mystery.
Sheng Qingxi smiled sweetly at him, reaching out to accept the red envelope.
She carefully began to unwrap it, her attention focused.
Lin Ran, in the meantime, reached over to pull up the hood of her jacket, securing it over her head. He then took the strings on either side and tied them into a bow.
Sheng Qingxi was wearing a new outfit today, a bright red down jacket. Her fair skin and the hood made her look like a small, snow-white version of Little Red Riding Hood in the forest.
She carefully emptied the contents of the red envelope into her palm.
A chubby little golden mouse lay in her hand, with a fine chain spreading out like a tiny stream across her palm.
Knowing that Sheng Qingxi found it inconvenient to wear necklaces while running, Lin Ran had commissioned a bracelet instead. On the little gold mouse’s belly was a small engraving of a stream, just as cute as his own “Xiao Xi.”
Sheng Qingxi cradled the tiny golden mouse delicately, staring at it for a long time before finally looking up at Lin Ran, her eyes shining with joy. “Lin Ran, I love it.”
Lin Ran gazed down at her, a soft smile appearing in his eyes.
He reached out to gently ruffle her hair. “Go inside, it’s cold. I just wanted to see you. I’ll head back now.”
Sheng Qingxi blinked at him, then softly said, “Lin Ran, I’ll stay up with you tonight.”
Lin Ran froze, unable to react, as the girl in front of him suddenly turned and dashed into the dormitory. As she ran, she looked back over her shoulder, calling out, “I’ll be right back, wait for me!”
Lin Ran stood still, watching her go without moving an inch.
Five minutes later, Sheng Qingxi dashed out of the door with a small shoulder bag, running toward him like a little firecracker.
The steps weren’t far away, and Lin Ran, worried she might fall, took a few steps forward to stop her, pulling her into his arms.
Lin Ran looked down at her. “Where are you going? It’s late, and you’re still carrying a bag.”
Sheng Qingxi lifted her face to smile at him, her beautiful eyes full of joyful warmth. “I said I’d stay up with you for New Year’s Eve. I’m going back to the garage with you to spend the New Year together.”
The light in Lin Ran’s eyes gradually dimmed, and his Adam’s apple bobbed slightly. After looking at her for a long moment, he spoke in a hoarse voice, “Yuan Yuan, can I kiss you?”
Before he could finish speaking, the girl stood on tiptoe and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. Not shy at all, she urged him right after, “Lin Ran, let’s go! I even brought a gift for Yanyan.”
Lin Ran: “…”
At that moment, he had no thoughts left in his head.
Alright, let’s go.
They would stay up for New Year’s Eve and spend the New Year together.