I'm a senior in high school, and the system says I'm going on a blind date with my childho

Chapter 267 Opening champagne at halftime is a big no-no.

The air the next morning, though less tense from the initial exam, carried a heavier, more profound sense of weight.

After Chinese and Mathematics, comes the Science Comprehensive Paper, which has a larger number of questions.

The echoes of the exam rules had barely faded when the enormous science exam paper, like an unfolded map, was laid out before Shen Yuan.

Looking at the rows of science exam papers, Shen Yuan licked his dry lips.

If you can consistently score above 280 in the combined science exam...

Shen Yuan took a deep breath, banished the unrealistic thoughts from his mind, and his gaze immediately fell on the last biology question.

With so many questions in the combined science exam, time management is crucial.

Shen Yuan was used to starting with simple problems.

He solved the biology and chemistry problems one by one, leaving behind a steady and methodical approach.

Time slipped by quietly, and the atmosphere in the examination room was heavy and tense, filled with the scratching of pens.

He fought his way through the challenges until the very end of the exam, where the comprehensive physics question, which took up half a page, stood like a treacherous mountain blocking his way to the finish line.

The question combines electromagnetic induction, particle orbits, and the law of conservation of energy, with each layer of questions intricately linked and logically intertwined.

Shen Yuan's pen hovered above the key sentences in the question, his brows furrowed habitually, and his fingertips unconsciously tapped the smooth edge of the answer sheet.

He took a deep breath, completely suppressing the sense of relief that came from the previous Chinese and math exams, as if he wanted to freeze the surrounding air into focused ice crystals.

The varying shades of ink spreading across the snow-white exam paper, and every keyword such as "smooth guide rail," "vertical uniform magnetic field," and "charged particle with zero initial velocity," acted like an invisible magnet, firmly attracting all his thinking power.

My mind was frantically churning with similar models from last night's error collection, the key auxiliary line ideas that Li Zhi had pointed out, and the instinctive formula chain condensed from countless practice sessions.

A very faint gasp seemed to come from the next seat, and the sound of carefully turning over exam papers came from the row in front. The rustling sound of the proctor walking quietly became distant and indistinct background noise.

Shen Yuan narrowed his eyes slightly, focusing on the complex initial conditions and the problem that needed to be solved.

The pen tip finally landed the first symbol on the draft paper.

The approach involves trying to find the first fork in the maze, which requires a huge amount of computation and involves complex paths.

Shen Yuan's entire mind was immersed in this war of physical construction.

Time slipped away quietly amidst the scratching of the pen and the clanging of formulas in my mind.

He proceeded steadily and methodically, dismantling the traps step by step, and a clear chain of logic quickly spread across the draft paper.

The first two questions involved basic force analysis and energy conversion. Although the calculations were tedious, they were still within his grasp.

The ink strokes confidently and smoothly filled the corresponding answer areas; a single word "solution," a few key formulas, and the answer was readily apparent, securing the answer with ease.

However, his speed noticeably slowed down as the pen tip moved towards the final question.

The problem requires a thorough solution to the precise trajectory of a particle in a composite field and its relationship with time, which necessitates extremely ingenious motion decomposition and model simplification.

He tried two approaches, and the draft paper was instantly covered with dense calculation symbols. However, each solution seemed to lead to a dead end, either because there were too many variables to solve or because the conditions were insufficient, resulting in contradictions.

That taut string of thought seemed to be repeatedly tugged by an invisible force, almost making a teeth-grinding friction sound.

The proctor's footsteps became clear again in the distance, like the drumbeats of a countdown striking his heart.

Shen Yuan suddenly looked up and glanced at the wall clock in front of him.

There were less than 20 minutes left before the deadline for collecting the papers.

A fine layer of sweat appeared on his forehead, and he decisively gave up on relentlessly pursuing the final, perfect answer.

Continuing to entangle ourselves in this is too risky; we could very well end up with nothing.

Almost instantly, the strategy took shape clearly in his mind.

Get the points! We must get every point we can!

He quickly abandoned the unsolvable "dead knot" and instead focused his attention on the "parts" hidden in the last sub-question that could be disassembled.

The "magnetic induction intensity" and "orbital inclination" mentioned in the question are the key points to the breakthrough.

Without the slightest hesitation, his fingers gripped the pen tightly, and the anxiety in his eyes was replaced by a calm, seductive look.

The pen tip deftly wrote a few lines of key formulas in the blank answer area, which were logically related to the previous sub-questions but were not directly used or elaborated on.

Although the derivation did not arrive at the final answer, it precisely pointed to the core elements that influenced the result.

He then clearly listed the core conditions given in the problem, as well as the known quantities and relationships that he judged could affect the final trajectory.

This is not a solution, but rather a "score map" with a clear structure and specific direction.

Every written symbol and every marked quantity clearly tells the examiner what is being read.

Although I didn't reach the finish line, I know clearly where the path is and which piece of the puzzle is missing.

After doing all this, Shen Yuan let out a long sigh of relief, his chest heaving violently.

My fingertips were slightly numb from writing so quickly and battling the difficult problem. My heart was pounding strongly in my chest, tapping out the exhaustion after this brief confrontation and a faint sense of relief that the dust had settled.

at this time--

"There are fifteen minutes left until the end of the exam."

A voice carrying an undeniable reminder pierced the oppressive atmosphere of the examination room, ringing out above the heads of every examinee who was either writing furiously or deep in thought.

The proctor stood beside the podium, his gaze sweeping across the entire room, and repeated, "Students, pay attention to the time, only fifteen minutes left."

The sound was like a pebble thrown into calm water, instantly creating subtle ripples in the examination room.

Many candidates looked up abruptly, a hint of unexpected tension flashing across their faces, before burying themselves even more anxiously in their exam papers.

The scratching sound of the pen tip gliding across the paper seemed to become more frequent and rapid, and the pressure in the air suddenly increased.

Shen Yuan's heart skipped a beat at the sound of the notification.

He glanced subconsciously at the clock on the podium, checked the time, and quickly looked away from the physics problem filled with strategic answers.

The boy took a deep breath, forcing himself to detach himself from the frustration and strategic choices he had made with the difficult problem.

Shen Yuan unconsciously squeezed his knuckles, which were slightly stiff from writing for a long time, before steadily placing them on the answer sheet.

Starting from the end of the physics volume, we begin to trace back in reverse order.

His gaze quickly swept over the area where he had just written strategically, confirming that the formulas were clear and the conditions were listed correctly.

This is the only point he can gain; whether he gets it or not depends on luck.

Next are the answers to the sub-questions from the previous two major physics problems.

Every key formula and every calculated value was quickly verified under his focused gaze.

His fingertips silently traced the corresponding calculation area on the draft paper, ensuring that the process matched the final presentation on the answer sheet perfectly.

Beyond that, there are the rest of the physics problems.

Having confirmed that the physics section was correct, he quickly flipped over the answer sheet.

Chemistry and biology.

Even in the relatively easier parts, Shen Yuan did not slack off in the slightest.

His gaze swept over each line of answers like a comb.

Time flew by during the silent inspection.

The minute hand of the clock at the front of the examination room was coldly and steadily eroding the last safe zone.

I could hear the suppressed murmurs of anxiety coming from my neighbor's seat. In the row in front of me, a student was gripping the pen too hard due to nervousness, and the nib of his pen made a soft sizzling sound as it cut through the paper.

The proctor began pacing silently down the aisle again, the slight scraping of his shoes against the floor sounding exceptionally clear, like a final countdown.

Shen Yuan turned a deaf ear to this.

His world consisted only of the answer sheet in front of him, which contained all his focus and effort.

Unconsciously, his fingertips rubbed back and forth along the smooth edge of the answer sheet, a subconscious little action seeking final confirmation and reassurance.

The heart beat steadily and powerfully in the chest cavity, each beat propelling the examination forward.

When his gaze finally returned to the very front of the answer sheet, and he confirmed that his name, examination number, and other information were correct, he slowly and deeply exhaled the breath that had been building up in his chest.

He gently placed the answer sheet and exam paper down, letting them lie flat on the table, and then stopped touching them.

The boy leaned back slightly, his body pressed against the cool chair back. He closed his eyes briefly, and when he opened them again, his eyes held a calm and resolute look, as if a great battle was about to end.

He raised his head and calmly looked up at the podium.

The minute hand of the hanging clock was quietly approaching its end.

"Ring ring ring—!!!"

The sharp, piercing final bell rang like a thunderclap, instantly shattering all the remaining tension in the examination room.

"Stop writing! Everyone put down your pens!"

The proctor's voice carried a decisive quality, as if everything had been settled.

Shen Yuan remained seated, lightly touching the edge of the pencil case with his fingertip before completely relaxing and opening it.

As the sound still echoed in the classroom, all his tension vanished completely, like glass shattered by the bell.

As the last bell rang and the bell finally rang, he felt his tense nerves relax instantly.

He knew that the toughest battle was over.

English in the afternoon?
A smile of absolute certainty flickered across his eyes.

That was his most comfortable home turf.

……

The bell for the end of the English exam still seemed to echo in the corridor as Shen Yuan walked towards the experimental building amidst the noisy post-exam crowd.

The fatigue from the combined science exam was dispelled by the ease with which she spoke English, and her steps were relaxed and carefree.

As soon as he stepped onto the floor where classroom 305 was located, A-Jie's signature loud voice pierced through the door, exploding in the air with excitement and the ecstasy of surviving a disaster.

"I passed! Guys! I'm definitely going to pass English this time!!!"

Ah Jie's voice was so passionate it cracked, making the window frames in the corridor seem to buzz. It was filled with the complete relief of finishing the mock exam and blind confidence in his own self-awareness.

Then Chen Mingyu mercilessly exposed him: "Brother Jie, where does this confidence come from?"

"This is what you call a man's sixth sense! Do you even know what a 'test sense' is?! This time, my blood has truly awakened on this test! I'm definitely going to get the passing grade today!"

Ah Jie's voice was still full of pride, even rising an octave higher, full of self-righteousness.

Shen Yuan walked to the front door of the classroom and happened to hear the whole thing.

He had just finished his English exam, which he considered the most effortless he had ever taken, and when A-Jie's "bloodline awakening theory" came into his ears, he subconsciously paused in his steps.

"Can the monkeys in the East African Rift Valley understand English?"

The moment the words fell, A-Jie, who was immersed in "bloodline awakening," jumped up from his seat as if his tail had been stepped on!

A-Jie suddenly turned around, his gaze like a searchlight fixed on the doorway. When he saw that it was Shen Yuan, his face, which had just been declaring that he would definitely pass, instantly turned bright red.

"Shen—Yuan—!!" A-Jie's voice suddenly rose, each syllable seeming to be squeezed out from between his teeth, "You—Grandpa—!!!"

He braced himself on the table with one hand, and pointed his other finger at Shen Yuan, shaking it violently up and down as if to strengthen his accusation. However, he was so agitated that he choked and rolled his eyes back.

at the same time--

"Pfft——!!"

"Hahahahaha——!!!"

Like a fuse being lit, the entire classroom was instantly engulfed in an explosive burst of laughter!
Amidst the overwhelming waves of laughter, a dark blue figure appeared at the doorway.

It was our homeroom teacher, Mr. Zhou.

"Alright, alright, looks like you all did well on the test, why are you smiling so happily?"

After Lao Zhou finished speaking, Shen Yuan chimed in, "Because there are animal performances."

As soon as he finished speaking, another burst of laughter erupted in the class.

Only Ah-Jie glared at him fiercely.

Old Zhou cleared his throat: "Alright, everyone sit down, it'll be holiday soon."

“Wuhu——!!”

"Have a holiday!!"

Although I knew that there would be a holiday after the mock exam, when the holiday actually arrived, it would feel a little incomplete without indulging in a bit of traditional ritual.

You can't have a long face even on a holiday, can you?
Shen Yuan returned to his seat amidst cheers.

As the familiar warmth drew near, Li Zhizheng turned to look at him, his beautiful eyes, which always shone with light, now brimming with the ease of post-exam relaxation and anticipation of the upcoming holiday.

The noisy and cheerful background noise in the classroom seemed to automatically diminish.

Shen Yuan casually flipped through the pages of the open book on the table, his body naturally leaning towards her, their shoulders almost touching.

He didn't look at Lao Zhou, who was still standing on the podium, nor did he notice the noisy classmates around him. He simply turned his head slightly and his gaze naturally fell on Li Zhi.

With a sense of relief after finishing the exam and a curiosity about the concept of "going home," Shen Yuan looked at Li Zhi and asked.

"Li Bao, do you think... if we go home now, will our family be waiting for us to eat?"

Li Zhi's lips twitched, clearly thinking of the day the joint entrance exam ended.

However, the beautiful girl suddenly had a wicked thought.

A mischievous smile curved her lips, and a cunning glint flashed in her eyes. Suddenly, she leaned close to Shen Yuan's ear, lowered her voice, and spoke with a playful yet threatening tone.

"No food?" The girl's voice was light and cheerful, with a hint of anticipation.

"Since we've already spent money last time, if we haven't prepared anything this time, let Lao Li spend money again~"

Shen Yuan's lips twitched slightly.

It's a nice cotton-padded jacket.

The moment this thought crossed Shen Yuan's mind, he suddenly felt someone sneakily poking him twice on the back.

He instinctively turned his head and immediately saw Ah Jie hiding in the gap between the stacks of books in the back row.

Upon seeing Shen Yuan's gaze, A-Jie immediately winked and signaled to him.

Shen Yuan raised an eyebrow slightly, without moving his body, but turned his head back slightly in the same very small way, his eyes conveying a question.

"what?"

Ah Jie immediately started demonstrating a few movements.

"Eat", "us", "walk together".

Before Shen Yuan could speak, he heard Old Zhou on the podium cough lightly.

The two immediately sat up straight. Shen Yuan subconsciously stopped whispering with A-Jie, but a sense of puzzlement quickly flashed through his mind.

Wait... something's not right.

He glanced at the podium out of the corner of his eye.

Old Zhou's cough just now was clearly directed at A-Jie, who was gesturing to him, and at the commotion in the back row.

But when he asked Li Zhijia just now, Zhong Deng, with his thick eyebrows and big eyes, didn't even lift his eyelids or utter a sound.

Shen Yuan's heart skipped a beat for no apparent reason, and an absurd thought popped into his head uncontrollably.

As He Zhiyu said...

Holy crap! Could it be... that Zhong Deng has really started using drugs?!

If Lao Zhou knew, he'd probably slap Shen Yuan across the face.

As for why Lao Zhou treated Shen Yuan and Li Zhi this way, the main reason was their grades.

Although my older cousin was gossiping about students dating in the office, complaining about Shen Yuan and Li Zhi, saying that if they weren't under the legal age, they would definitely have multiple certificates by now.

She also complained about the attitudes of Shen Yuan's parents and Li Zhi's parents towards the two of them.

But what ultimately made Lao Zhou decide to turn a blind eye was the performance of these two people.

Shen Yuan's final exam results speak for themselves.

If Shen Yuan can maintain this level of performance in the mock exam, Lao Zhou will probably really stop caring about dating.

When it comes to dating, academic achievements are far more important.

Old Zhou stood on the podium, pressed his hands together lightly, and his steady voice pierced through the noise.

"First of all, the mock exam is officially over."

"I know this exam is quite difficult, but no matter the result, it is only a preliminary test."

He paused, then emphasized, "Whether your grades were good or bad, it's all in the past now. What you need to do now is to continue to focus on your studies and prepare for the next exam."

"The second mock exam won't be too far away, it will probably be in April. And before the second mock exam, there will be a joint exam, which will be a test of your own shortcomings."

After saying that, Lao Zhou glanced at the countdown next to the blackboard.

There are 96 days left until the college entrance examination.

He turned his gaze away from the bright red numbers, then scanned the class again, his voice carrying a deeper weight: "Time... is really running out."

"All in all, it's just over three months. These last 96 days are the most crucial sprint before the army crosses the single-plank bridge."

"This period will be tough and tiring. But I hope that each of you can grit your teeth and give it your all."

Old Zhou's tone carried an almost earnest expectation: "It's not just for the expectations of your parents and teachers, but more importantly, so that you won't have any regrets in the future."

"I hope that many years from now, when you look back on this period, you can sincerely say: 'At that time, I really did my best and did not let down this best time of my life.' I hope you can live up to your efforts and live up to the trust placed in you during this period of your youth."

"Ultimately, you have to cross the threshold of the college entrance examination on your own. All your teachers can do is cheer you on when you're tired and lend a hand when you stray from the right path. The road ahead is ultimately in your own hands."

The audience below the podium was unusually quiet. Everyone could feel the heavy responsibility and expectations in Lao Zhou's rarely expressed heartfelt words.

Just then, Ah Jie broke the silence as usual.

"If I repeat a year next year, can I recall it twice?"

Immediately afterwards——

"puff--!"

Someone in the class with a low threshold for laughter burst out laughing.

Old Zhou's penetrating "death stare" instantly fixed on A-Jie, and he rolled his eyes with practiced ease and power.

Zhong Deng squeezed out a disgusted remark through gritted teeth.

"It's okay, Zhou Shaojie, I won't be taking you with me next year anyway."

"Then I won't repeat the year. I came here specifically for you, Lao Zhou."

As soon as he finished speaking, another burst of cheerful voices rang out in the class.

Looking at the smiling faces below the stage, which were finally showing some of their youthful spirit, Old Zhou's serious face couldn't hold back any longer, and the corners of his mouth twitched up almost imperceptibly.

He clapped his hands again to signal everyone to be quiet: "Alright! I've said what I needed to say. The mock exam is over. School's out! Remember to come back for evening self-study tomorrow."

"Wuhu—!!!"

"liberation!!!"

Old Zhou's shout of "School's out!" was like a floodgate being opened, and the classroom was instantly flooded with an even more intense wave of cheers.

The legs of the tables and chairs scraped against the ground amidst the deafening shouts, making a piercing screeching sound.

At the very moment the commotion reached its peak, a paw slapped Shen Yuan on the shoulder!
Shen Yuan turned around and met A-Jie's face, which was so excited and eager that it was almost touching his nose.

This guy, who was "coming for Lao Zhou" just a moment ago, now had eyes that gleamed with the same light he would when he encountered braised pork ribs with potatoes in the cafeteria.

While Li Zhi was busy packing and not paying attention, he quickly whispered to Shen Yuan and Li Zhi.

"Let's go! Lao Yuan! Young Master Li! We've just been released from holiday, let's have a get-together! Let's find a restaurant and have a meal together, consider it a celebration for the end of the mock exam! My treat! Want to come?"

The classroom was still noisy as students busied themselves packing up their books to go home.

Shen Yuan felt the lingering force of A-Jie's hand on his shoulder, and the almost overflowing desire for victory in his eyes.

Shen Yuan didn't agree immediately. Instead, he raised his hand and tapped the back of A-Jie's outstretched paw with his knuckles.

A soft "thud" sounded, not loud, but carrying a calmness that sent chills down A-Jie's spine.

"What's the rush?" Shen Yuan's lips curled up slightly, but there was no excitement in his eyes; instead, he appeared calm and composed.

"Jay, the results aren't out yet, and you're already popping champagne to celebrate?"

He paused for a moment, looking at A-Jie's momentarily stunned expression, and slowly added a sentence, his tone carrying the unique vigilance of a young man and a firm belief in some kind of metaphysics.

"Opening champagne at halftime is a big no-no, you know?"

Ah Jie was taken aback; his previously enthusiastic invitation seemed to have been doused with a bucket of icy water.

His words, "What are you afraid of! There will definitely be no problem!" were stuck in his throat, but when he met Shen Yuan's clear-headed and knowing look, he forced them back down.

He opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to refute this "superstitious" claim, but his mind uncontrollably flashed back to times when he was defeated in video games and when his exam results unexpectedly plummeted...

Those countless painful experiences that proved the adage "too much joy will surely bring disaster" are examples of this.

That initial confidence of "certain victory" vanished almost instantly.

A-Jie's shoulders slumped instantly, like a punctured balloon. He pursed his lips and muttered under his breath, "...Damn, that seems...to be true."

He scratched his head, feeling somewhat unwilling, but he had to admit that Shen Yuan's words had touched on his hidden worries.

His gaze swept over Shen Yuan's serious face and Li Zhi's knowing smile beside him. Finally, A-Jie sighed as if resigned to his fate and waved his hand dejectedly.

"Okay, okay, I got it! Then... then let's wait for the results! It's not like we'll miss out on this meal!"

Although he said "not bad," the dejected tone that came with the thought of "the plan being forced to be postponed" was very obvious.

Li Zhi witnessed the whole thing from the side. She didn't say anything, but quietly poked Shen Yuan's school uniform waist with her finger, as if silently praising his timely "brake".

Shen Yuan felt the subtle touch, and the smile on his lips deepened.

Shen Yuan nimbly swept the wrong problem notebook and stationery on the table into his schoolbag, and the zipper was pulled up to the top with a "whoosh," the movement so fast that it created a gust of wind.

He casually picked up Li Zhi's canvas bag and slung it over his shoulder, while his other hand precisely gripped her wrist: "Let's go, Li Bao!"

"Hey, slow down—!" Li Zhi stumbled as he was pulled, but couldn't help but laugh out loud, grabbing his fingers tightly in return.

Shen Yuan chuckled: "Slow my foot! By the time they realize what's going on, they'll be too late!"

"But I told Lao Li that day that I was going to review for the mock exam, and Lao Li also told me to do my best on the exam."

Li Zhi spoke softly, seemingly not believing that he could continue to trick the parents.

Shen Yuan's initial excitement faltered, but he quickly regained his composure.

"No problem, the family will definitely prepare a big meal after the exam."

On my way home, the sun had already set.

With two not-too-heavy schoolbags slung over his shoulders and holding Li Zhi's hand in one hand, Shen Yuan walked happily toward home.

……

The elevator ascended quietly, and the mirrored metal walls reflected the slightly tired yet relaxed figures of the two people.

The numbers jumped, eventually stopping on a familiar floor.

With a soft "ding," the elevator doors slid open smoothly.

The dim, yellow light from the overhead lights in the corridor poured down, quietly enveloping the two adjacent doors.

The air still carried the unique scent of dust and quiet that lingers when one returns home.

The two stopped in front of the door as if on cue.

Shen Yuan released Li Zhi's hand and handed her the canvas bag that belonged to her.

As the backpack straps were passed around, there was a subtle touch between their fingertips.

Shen Yuan turned his head and looked at the girl next to him who was taking out her keys from her pocket.

Her profile appeared clear and soft under the light, with a hint of post-exam emptiness and the relaxation of returning home in her eyes.

The boy took out his phone, weighed it in his palm, and a mischievous smile, the kind only the two of them would understand, curled up at the corner of his mouth.

His voice was low but clear enough to reach Li Zhi's ears.

"Alright, everyone go home and find your own mothers. Later..." He raised his phone screen and winked at Li Zhi.

"Report the results on your phone, Li Bao."

Li Zhi gripped the key tightly. Hearing his words, she couldn't help but chuckle softly. A few fine lines appeared on her delicate nose, and her eyes regained their bright, smiling light.

She glared at Shen Yuan with an annoyance, her eyes seeming to say, "You idiot."

"Isn't your nose a nose? Try smelling it, can't you smell the cooking?"

Shen Yuan blinked and carefully sniffed the air in the hallway.

The tiny dust particles under the corridor ceiling lights seemed to float slightly as he inhaled.

A cool breeze, carrying the dusty smell of the building materials and the faint lingering smell of disinfectant in the elevator, filled my nostrils.

Apart from that, it was completely empty.

I imagine the pungent aroma of stir-fried scallions and ginger, the rich fragrance of stewed meat, and the steaming rice...

Every trace of the warmth and life that once belonged to the kitchen has vanished without a trace.

"Damn... could it be that we really weren't prepared again?"

Although that's what he said, Shen Yuan's eyes clearly lit up.

Looking at the way his eyes were shining, Li Zhi didn't know what to say for a moment.

Just then, a crisp and urgent cell phone ringtone broke through the quiet atmosphere without warning.

It was the cell phone in Li Zhi's pocket.

The pretty girl quickly pulled her phone out of her pocket and saw the caller ID.

It's Lao Li.

Li Zhi's heart skipped a beat for no apparent reason. He swiped his finger across the screen to answer the call and subconsciously put the phone to his ear.

"Hello, Dad?"

Her voice carried a hint of relief, as if she had just returned home, and a subtle trace of post-exam fatigue.

The corridor was quiet, with only a slight sound emanating from the phone's receiver.

Shen Yuan, who was standing to the side, could almost clearly hear Lao Li's voice coming from the phone.

"Zhizhi? Are you home yet?"

Shen Yuan subconsciously held his breath, his shoulders tensing slightly, afraid that "Uncle Li" on the other end of the phone would notice the slightest movement.

Even though the other person can't see you over the phone.

"Yeah, I just got to the door," Li Zhi replied, glancing at Shen Yuan almost unconsciously.

On the other end of the phone, Lao Li's voice didn't falter at all, as if he had already made arrangements.

"It's good that we're here. You and Shen Yuan can come down together. I just got downstairs. I'm taking you two out to eat today."

Li Zhi was slightly taken aback, and Shen Yuan was also stunned.

The two glanced at the time simultaneously.

It is 5:31 now.

Normally, the two parents finish get off work around 5 p.m. during winter time.

I'll get home around this time, maybe a little earlier.

So why doesn't my house smell like food?

It's simple, no one's home.

The two looked at each other, their eyes clearly reflecting a mixture of surprise and deep embarrassment.

Shen Yuan's eyes, which had just been shining with excitement at the possibility of "tricking" the parents, suddenly widened like two innocent glass marbles, his expression freezing into a vivid question mark of "the plan has completely failed."

Looking at his expression, Li Zhi pursed her lips, which had been slightly parted in surprise, and a hint of helplessness, both amused and exasperated, crept onto her brow.

“…Okay, I’ll be right down.” Li Zhi replied and hung up the phone.

The elevator door slid open quietly, revealing the slightly stiff figures of the two people.

They went in silently, and the door closed behind them.

The cramped space began to descend slowly, and a slight feeling of weightlessness enveloped them.

Li Zhi glanced sideways at Shen Yuan, who was still somewhat dazed beside him, and finally couldn't help but raise his elbow and lightly poke the soft flesh on Shen Yuan's side.

"Hiss!" Shen Yuan gasped, nearly jumping up, startled by the sudden attack. He looked at Li Zhi with a wronged expression, "What?"

Looking at his grimacing face, Li Zhi's beautiful eyes sparkled with mischief. She parted her red lips slightly and gave him two clear and concise words.

"Sand dollar!"

The clear, resonant sound echoed within the metal car.

Shen Yuan smiled and shook his head when he heard Li Zhi's words.

(End of this chapter)