Chapter 5: Is He Pursuing You? (1)

After hanging up, Qiao Xi dialed another number. This time, it took a while before someone picked up.

"This is Qiao Xi," she said into the phone.

"Ah, Xi, are you getting used to your new school?"

"It's fine."

"Remember to study hard from now on. Have you called your mother yet?"

"I have."

"I meant to talk to her about your transfer yesterday, but I got busy and forgot."

"It's all right."

"I'll bring back gifts for you and your brother when I get home from this business trip. Is there anything you want?"

"Anything is fine."

"You, always so unassuming at such a young age, how can that be..."

The man continued talking as Qiao Xi listened quietly. Suddenly, a woman's voice came from the other end:

"Who are you talking to? It's time to leave."

"I know. ...Xi, Dad has something to attend to, so let's stop here for now. Remember to call when you have time and take good care of yourself. That's all for now."

"Okay."

As soon as Qiao Xi put down the phone, she heard her grandmother's voice.

"Finished the call so soon?"

"Mm, they're both very busy."

"You really have it tough," her grandmother said, full of compassion.

"It's nothing." She was so used to it that she barely felt anything anymore.

"They divorced not long after you were born, and soon each started their own family. You lived with your father, so you're closer to him. You barely see your mother once a year, so it's natural to feel a bit distant. I understand. But she's still your mother, so you should keep in touch with her, and with your father too."

"I know."

"I know you're a good child. Come, have some fruit."

"Okay."

The next day, just after class began, the teacher brought in a new student.

"Hello, everyone. My name is Shan Chouchou. We'll be classmates from now on, so please take care of me." Before the teacher could say anything, Shan Chouchou introduced herself and wrote her name in large characters on the blackboard.

"You can sit there," the teacher said, pointing to the third seat from the back in the first row.

"Okay." Shan Chouchou walked down from the platform. As she passed by Qiao Xi's seat, she made a playful face at her.

There was a murmur of whispers among the students, while the teacher continued the lesson.

As soon as class was over, Qiao Xi walked out of the classroom. Shan Chouchou had originally wanted to get to know her new classmates, but knowing what was important, she followed Qiao Xi.

Qiao Xi didn't stop until they reached a deserted corner.

Soon, Shan Chouchou caught up.

Qiao Xi looked at her silently.

Even though Qiao Xi's eyes held no threat, Shan Chouchou still felt her heart skip a beat and confessed honestly, "Someone was worried you'd have trouble without a sidekick, so here I am."

Qiao Xi didn't have to ask—she already knew.

"It's the first time I've seen you in a skirt," Shan Chouchou said, winking at Qiao Xi. Although Fengyang High also had a skirt as part of its uniform, students didn't usually have to wear it. Even on days when uniforms were required, Qiao Xi would wear the sports kit, so there had never been a chance to see her in a skirt before.

Maybe it was because of the skirt, but Shan Chouchou felt that Qiao Xi seemed less aloof and a little more fragile.

"By the way, why did you transfer?" she asked. Everything had been fine at Fengyang High, so she really didn't understand what Qiao Xi was thinking, transferring here so suddenly.

Qiao Xi looked at her, her usually calm gaze turning a little colder.

This was the Qiao Xi she knew—quiet on the surface, but truly indifferent inside. Shan Chouchou actually preferred this version of her. Just a look from her carried an intimidating authority.