The Love Letter Finally Blossomed

“Yes, yes, there’s a typo there—fix it.”

“Change this description here.”

“Zhibo, you should teach him too.”

“Oh! I feel it coming! Thank you, teachers.”

Finally, through our relentless efforts, the love letter had blossomed and borne fruit.

I slumped back in my seat, a little helpless. Zhibo chuckled and placed a hand on my shoulder.

Even though it was a freezing winter day, and even with my ability, I was sweating.

It had been so tough, truly. But the joy of reaping the results was beyond words.

“Wuwu, great, great.” Caiheng clutched the love letter to his chest, his voice choked. He had racked his brains and exhausted every ounce of energy to reach this point. At last, his love letter could earn our recognition and approval.

“By the way, why did you suddenly decide to have me deliver the love letter today?” I asked suspiciously. Although we were separated by a corridor, we weren’t all that far apart.

“Because I could see Huaixin’s brother as soon as I looked up, so I decided not to chicken out!” Caiheng clenched his fists, furrowing his brows as he stared at me.

‘If you’re not chickening out, then why are you having me deliver it…’ I silently complained in my mind. Still, I was glad the love letter had turned out well.

“Alright, I can help you deliver it, but you still have to go to the agreed-upon place yourself.” I glanced at the final version of the love letter. It said they would meet in the school’s little garden. Since I was delivering it, Huaixin would still go.

The school’s little garden, huh. That was indeed a good place for confessions. I’d heard the success rate was as high as ten percent!

Because there, a hundred flowers bloomed, green grass carpeted the ground, and a towering tree stood tall. It was a scenic resting spot on campus. Many students liked to flirt and fall in love there, especially during lunch breaks. They would sit on the grass with their girlfriends, feed each other, and whisper sweet nothings. And the best part? The school didn’t interfere! That was the crucial point—you could openly flaunt your relationship without the school caring. How passionate and unrestrained.

I heard that some single dogs, struck by this public display of affection, started questioning life itself, even grabbing weapons to cause trouble. But they were caught by a security guard who was dating in the little garden. And that guard actually succeeded because of that incident! Truly a story that would make the hearer grieve and the listener weep. Such outrageous deeds happening right around me made me, a single dog, seethe with indignation.

But now, I no longer felt that way. I hoped he would succeed in his confession. That was the only thought in my mind.

****

Back in the classroom.

“Where the hell did you lot go playing? Half the class is already over!” We stood at the door, staring at the math teacher who was fuming at the podium. Lost in thought.

What to do? If we gave the excuse of writing a love letter and forgetting the time, we’d be screwed!

“Teacher, please forgive our lateness. Look at Huaimo—he’s wearing a lot of clothes.” Zhibo spoke first, turning around to look at me worriedly, then pleadingly at the teacher.

“So what if he is!” The teacher wasn’t swayed and continued to scold us.

“Teacher, you might not know this, but although Huaimo’s physical condition is excellent, he still collapsed on our way to eat, right, Caiheng.” Zhibo replied with emotional emphasis, then turned back to signal Caiheng.

Caiheng didn’t want any more trouble either, so he followed Zhibo’s lead and started spinning lies. Meanwhile, I coughed a few times, then put my hand into my coat pocket and lightly stamped my feet.

“Teacher, I’m sorry! For our indiscipline, I hope you can mercifully forgive us! I met Zhibo and Huaimo… classmate on the way. Huaimo was staggering a bit, looking physically drained. Zhibo was helping him walk, and I couldn’t bear to just ignore it, so I butted in. I’m sorry!” Caiheng lowered his head helplessly, speaking with a pitiful tone.

‘You two are such good actors. Caiheng, your vocabulary has improved a lot. Truly a teachable talent! This might just work!’

“R-really? Putting Zhibo aside, Caiheng and Huaimo are still decent at math. I’ll trust you this once. Come in and sit down. And Huaimo, are you okay?” The anger on the teacher’s face faded. He nodded understandingly and asked about my health with concern.

“Cough cough, I’m fine. I feel much better, just a bit of a sore throat. Thank you for your concern and understanding, teacher.” I coughed a few more times to sell the act.

“Alright, go to your seats.” The teacher nodded.

“Thank you, teacher.”

S-safely through…

I sat in my seat and let out a soft breath. Then…

“Why have you and Zhibo swapped seats?” The teacher looked over, as if sensing something off, curiously examining me.

‘No way, did I slip up?’

“Teacher! The back door lets in too much draft. I was afraid Huaimo would catch cold, so I let him sit in my spot!” Zhibo sprang up from his seat with a bang, straightened his back, and spoke bluntly to the teacher.

‘Brother Zhibo, you kept your promise. You told the truth. I’m so moved.’

“I-it is, indeed. Classmates, the weather is changeable, so remember to take precautions. By the way, Huaixin, you’re wearing a lot too. Are you okay?” The teacher shifted his focus to my sister, who was also bundled up like a dumpling.

“Eh? I-I’m fine.” My sister was startled and quickly waved her hands.

“If Huaixin is cold, she can swap seats with me!”

“No! Go away! It’s warmer here!”

“Screw you! I’m the one!”

“N-no, it’s fine, everyone. Don’t worry, I’m okay!”

“That’s good. Speak up if something’s wrong.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“…”

“Everyone, quiet! Let’s continue the lesson!”

The farce was finally over. The classroom, which had been in chaos a moment ago, returned to silence, and the teacher’s lecture resumed.

So! Caiheng and I had agreed that this afternoon, I would formally deliver the love letter, and he would confess in the school garden! I was so excited! Victory or defeat, all in one shot!