Chapter 55: The Little Admirer from the Next Class

At that moment, Zhou Ziqing approached, carrying her prized possession.

"Cheng Yao."

"Class monitor, good morning."

Cheng Yao instinctively glanced at that indecent wickedness, struggling to look away.

Zhou Ziqing smiled and said, "Here, this is your number. Go to the comprehensive building for the interview at four in the afternoon. I picked it up for you while I was on my way. You're scheduled a bit later. Good luck."

"Thanks."

Cheng Yao took the number tag, surprised to see he was over five hundred, and couldn't help but ask, "Do you know how many people signed up?"

"Mm, more than six hundred."

"Got it. I'll treat you to milk tea after class."

"Sure."

Zhou Ziqing returned to her seat with a cheerful smile. Liu Hanyue leaned over and whispered in a voice only the two could hear, her tone mocking, "With her shamelessness... do you really need to treat her? Let her buy you a drink instead, freshly squeezed, no straw needed..."

"Come on, don't say that. I'm not used to it." Cheng Yao felt a little dizzy.

No matter how wicked Zhou Ziqing was, she couldn’t squeeze anything out anyway.

Liu Hanyue’s eyes curved into crescents as she laughed. "Didn’t you used to enjoy this kind of banter? Can’t handle it now?"

"You’re making it too hard for her."

"Hmph."

After turning back, Liu Hanyue shot a sidelong glance at Zhou Ziqing. What did she grow up eating—papaya since childhood?

Wang Churuo quietly said, "Stop staring, there's no hope. She was born special."

"I’ll strangle you!"

"Ah... yi..."

Soon, the teacher entered the classroom, and everyone quieted down.

Cheng Yao set his phone to silent, playing a game while listening. With Liu Hanyue’s notes, he could borrow them after class.

Zhang Ya was still on the road but nearly arrived in the metropolis.

She’d definitely be late, so Cheng Yao sent her a photo of snowy scenery.

Moments later, Zhang Ya replied with a photo of the sunset.

The corners of Cheng Yao’s lips lifted slightly; a gentle breeze passed by, and campus life felt quite pleasant.

He remembered that in high school, the teacher had given them a bit of wisdom in the final class: "If you ever fall in love, send a sunset photo to a boy, and a snowy scene to a girl."

Why?

Because,

"In spring, admire the flowers; in winter, watch the snow. Awake, I think of you; asleep, I dream of you.
In the morning, I watch the sky; at dusk, the clouds. Walking, I think of you; sitting, I think of you."

When you feel bored and impatient, time teases you, keeping you in that state. But when you find something truly interesting, time flies by.

In the blink of an eye, class was over.

He glanced at the time—it was nearly four o’clock. Cheng Yao picked up his phone and said, "I'm off."

"We won’t go with you. We'll cheer for you during the competition. The interview is no big deal for you anyway." Liu Hanyue waved her hand.

"No big deal."

Cheng Yao left behind a cool silhouette, exiting the classroom and heading straight for Class Two. At the doorway, he attracted several gazes, especially whispers among the girls, who had a deep impression of him.

The boys, however, shot him unfriendly looks, as if saying, "You dare approach the girls of Class Two?"

How dare you!

Cheng Yao ignored the hostile stares. "Excuse me, is Qiu Wan here?"

"Qiu Wan, someone from Class One—Cheng Yao—is looking for you."

"Cheng Yao, hello. What’s up?"

Qiu Wan had her hands clasped behind her back, her figure slender—probably around one meter seventy.

Name: Qiu Wan (can be pursued)
Appearance: 80
Figure: 73
Special: 90

"I remember you have a guitar, right? Could you lend it to me? I forgot mine..."

Cheng Yao told a small lie; his custom guitar wouldn’t arrive for at least another two weeks.

Qiu Wan nodded gently. "You’re going to the interview, aren’t you? I’ll fetch it from the dorm."

"Alright, thanks."

"You’re welcome. By the way, can I add you on WeChat?"

"Of course."

Cheng Yao brought up his QR code for her to scan. His fish pond wasn’t large, but it seemed magical—mermaids kept wanting to dive in, which troubled him greatly.

Some people watched the two leave, beating their chests in regret.

Is there no one left in Class Two?

They quickly went to the girls’ dormitory. Qiu Wan didn’t waste any time, coming down with the guitar, her eyes full of smiles. "Good luck!"

"Bye."

Cheng Yao made a gesture and hurried off—he was pressed for time.

He arrived at the comprehensive building, where a line stretched down the hallway. He waited twenty minutes before it was finally his turn.

"Number 543, Cheng Yao from the School of Economics, number 543, Cheng Yao, are you here?"

"Excuse me, senior, please let me through. Teacher, I’m here."

"Come in."

Cheng Yao squeezed in, apologizing as he slipped inside.

Inside the interview room, three walls were lined with people—music teachers and members of the student council.

Among them, Cheng Yao spotted a familiar face.

The vice president of the student council, Wang Yuting.

Cheng Yao smiled at her; Wang Yuting’s lips curved as she nodded and greeted him.

"Hello, teachers, seniors. I’m Cheng Yao from the School of Economics..."

The music teacher looked at Cheng Yao and smiled. "Cheng Yao, you may begin."

"Teacher, may I use the guitar?"

"No problem."

Wang Yuting held a pen, looking at Cheng Yao. She’d heard of this younger student lately—rumor had it he sang quite well.

Cheng Yao brushed the guitar strings; the prelude made the music teacher’s eyes light up.

This student—not bad.

As Cheng Yao gave his all, his pitch, tone, rhythm, and breath were flawless, completely different from the previous contestants.

Some participants even crowded the window to watch, feeling intense pressure.

If I had known you earlier, when you were free-spirited,
Or met you later, when I was mature,
But oh~
It’s all my fault,
Silent when I shouldn’t be, weak when I should be brave,
If only I knew how to let go...
...

Inside the classroom, the interviewers forgot to call time.

Wang Yuting listened intently, suddenly realizing this junior really had some skill—and he was very handsome, especially when singing.

Handsome, and a good singer.

"Okay!"

The music teacher applauded, smiling. "Excellent, Cheng Yao. You have real talent in music."

"I’ve studied since I was young." Cheng Yao lied smoothly, his expression unchanged.

"Oh? Then why did you come to Nancai instead of Nanyi or a better school?"

"It’s a hobby."

"...Congratulations, you passed. Remember, after five o’clock tomorrow afternoon, go to the gymnasium for the preliminary round. I wish you a great result."

"Thank you, teachers and seniors."

Wang Yuting smiled at him, nodding.

After thanking everyone, Cheng Yao left as quickly as he’d come. As he exited, most people stared at him.

"Wow, school status minus one?"

"Whatever, he’s just here for fun. Maybe he’ll get lucky and make the top ten."

"A freshman—and he’s amazing. He’ll definitely be in the top ten, right?"

...
...