Volume 1 Chapter 16: Longing for Apples

  He An's inexplicable and absurd bet had ignited a strong fighting spirit in Zhan Yu, but he still had a little bit of luck on his mind - losing wasn't a big deal, right? At worst, he would just tell the truth that he lost the bet, after all, who didn't know that he only loved Xia Zhi in the whole school?

  But now that Xia Zhi has given the fatal temptation, this matter must be considered separately. At least for now, it has risen to a short-term life ideal and goal.

  "Wow, why are you so early today?" Xia Liqiu had just entered the classroom when he saw that a certain someone who usually arrived just before class was already sitting in his seat, intently reading a chemistry book with great interest - yes, it really was with great interest, and his expression even seemed a bit enchanted, his state seemingly as if he had been injected with chicken blood, not showing any of the usual spaced-out look he had during class.

  "Li Qiu!" Warmed up with joy and laughter, he waved his small paws: "Come quickly! Just in time, I have a few questions to ask you!"

  Uh... Xia Liqiu accepted the incompetent, looked at Zhan Zhuang with concern, stretched out her slender jade hand, and touched her forehead: "Zhuang, are you okay?" Won't it be that yesterday's fight with Fei Han Gege caused a concussion from hitting your head?

  "Go, go, go! I'm fine!" Zhang Doudou was in a state of full combat readiness. For the sake of her darling husband, she vowed to fight this battle to the death: "Come quickly, come and help me carry this periodic table."

  Xia Liqiu silently took the book, and after seeing her notes, she was even more speechless: a good periodic table of elements had been annotated into a small flower face... oxygen silicon aluminum iron calcium sodium potassium magnesium... which family's daughter would be given such a beautiful note?

  "Xiang Xiang, isn't this useful? I think it's better for you to follow Fei Han Gege and learn from him." Xia Liqiu put forward a very reasonable suggestion.

  "Uh-huh, I was just planning to apologize sincerely to Brother Fei Han today."

  Dandan nodded naturally, but Xia Liqiu's jaw almost dropped - when had Dandan ever called out "Fei Han Gege" with such sincerity and emotion behind Xia Fei's back, unless it was absolutely necessary?

  "Xia... Xia Liqiu!" Someone outside the window suddenly shouted Liqiu's name, with a coarse and loud voice, but also with a slight tremble and hoarseness.

  Zhan Liuliuliu and Xia Lixia turned their heads at the same time, saw the person behind the window, Xia Lixia's eyes flashed slightly, lowered her head, a hint of helplessness and annoyance flashed in her eyes; Zhan Liuliuliu was also very unhappy that his rare good learning state was interrupted. Asha patted Xia Lixia's hand to signal her not to worry, got up and walked out of the classroom.

  "Old cow, don't you know that we're in the midst of intense review for the most important middle school exam? Why are you bothering her at this time?" Zhan Er'er stood with her hands on her hips and a fierce expression, glaring at the boy in front of her.

  As the princess Xia Liqiu, naturally has many followers, and the guy in front of her is one of them. He is Liu Gang, a second-year high school student, nicknamed "Big Cow" because his body is as strong and powerful as an ox, his personality is as honest and kind-hearted as an old yellow cow, and he studies as diligently and practically as an old yellow cow.

  Xia Liqiu's greatest regret in life was joining the Go club, and being one of its core members, which gave the club president Liu Gang a great convenience. He didn't confess to Xia Liqiu like other boys did, but instead showed his concern through his actions - for example, at this moment, Zhan Doudou noticed that Da Niu was carrying several apples behind him.

  Li Qiu's heart is soft, and there's no way to directly refuse, so in such cases, it's usually solved by Zhan Yu.

  "I...I brought some apples, they're from my family's own orchard, non-toxic..." Da Niu looked slightly embarrassed as he glanced at Xia Liqiu, his words a bit stuttered. Xia Liqiu could only lower her head into her book.

  Taking advantage of honest people, even a rogue like me can't bear it. What I fear most is running into such situations. "Thanks, Big Brother, we've already had an apple today, so you can take this one back and keep it for yourself. I'll thank you on behalf of Li Qiu."

  "This... can be eaten tomorrow too..." Big Cow is good at doing test papers and playing chess, but as soon as he speaks, he gets nervous and stammers. Another child with high IQ and low EQ.

  "Come on, every family is very strict about the Autumn Festival. If you casually accept their gifts, you'll get scolded when you go home." Zhan Dandan scared him.

  "It's nothing... just a few apples..." Big Cow finally mustered up the courage to say: "Hey, why don't you take them, they're really delicious."

  "Hey, you still know how to fight in a roundabout way." "Big Cow, do you know what our family does?" Zhan Yunyun reminded him kindly.

  The great cow suddenly remembered its identity as the master of the war-torn home and smiled slightly.

  "Alright, alright, Big Brother, can I take this apple first?" Waruwaru is currently in an excited learning phase and doesn't want to waste time: "Do I have the right to deal with these apples now?"

  "Ah!" The big cow nodded busily, feeling relieved. For him, although he didn't get close to the goddess, taking a photo of the goddess's private parts was also considered half successful, wasn't it?

  Zhan picked up the apples and put them back in Liu Gang's hands: "Come on, big cow, I think you're a great person, I think your studies are very diligent and you're a role model for us. How about I give these apples to you as a gift?"

  The big shot's smile froze there, and he shook his head: "Uh, no one gives that back..."

  "Oh dear, it seems I've hurt someone's feelings. Warily, a person suddenly pops into my mind: 'Alright, alright, I was wrong, so please help me out and give these apples to your classmate An Ran, okay? Tell him that apples are nutritious, eating more of them will be good for his eyesight, he'll be able to see things clearly; it'll be good for his brain, he'll think before speaking; and it'll boost his energy, preparing him for the declaration.'"

  I'm willing to make a bet on myself, but I must win.

  Huh? Liu Gang was somewhat bewildered by the situation in front of him, wondering if he had become a substitute for someone else. But shouldn't he also take responsibility for his emotions, right...

  Before he could finish thinking, she quickly stuffed the apple into his hand, hooked up the corner of her mouth with satisfaction, and waved goodbye as she walked into the classroom: "Alright alright, hurry back to class, the high school department is a bit far from here. Don't be late for class!"

  Wow, solved! Those few apples can be considered a thank you to Xiong An'an. If it wasn't for him initiating the exam bet, she wouldn't have had the chance to win Xia Zhi's graduation promise either. She is now full of fighting spirit and confidence - of course, she believes that Xiong An'an will definitely not tolerate her kindness, or else he would be dead from anger.

  Alas, when the time comes for Xiong An'an to confess in front of the whole school, what attitude should I use to face it? It's really inexperienced. Should I be a little shy and give Xia Zhi brother a sense of crisis, or should I be righteous and refuse to continue expressing my sincerity to Xia Zhi brother?

  Singing a little tune, joyful and melancholic at the same time.