A Confession in the Air

“Ji Ye, you are the flourishing tree of summer, my sole belief, the light that pulls me from the abyss.”

The boy’s cool, clear voice resonated across the campus through the broadcast system.

Yet, the expected uproar never materialized. Everyone seemed largely indifferent.

Immediately after, a flurry of praise, delivered by the junior reporters, acknowledged Chen Gong’s first-place victory and Ji Ye and Zhu Hao’s shared second place. The crowd showered them with unreserved commendation.

He Chuanrong, observing this, felt a bittersweet mix of relief and disappointment.

He was relieved that his impulsive declaration hadn’t caused Ji Ye any trouble. However, his earnest confession had been as light as a feather, easily swept away by the cold wind, drifting into the sky, unnoticed by anyone.

No one knew that he had poured out his heart to his benefactor during the sports meet.

He Chuanrong offered a self-deprecating smile, striving to mask his indifference and lack of concern, yet his heart suddenly ached with a sharp pang.

‘I am a coward, only able to express my affection through such a convoluted method,’ he scorned himself inwardly.

Eventually, he racked his brain, conjuring a justification for his timidity:

‘To be able to protect Ji Ye is already a great fortune. I cannot be insatiably greedy and attempt to claim him for myself.’

With this thought, He Chuanrong seemed to momentarily forgive himself.

Tian Jingwen noticed He Chuanrong spacing out. She quickly glanced at the note, but it contained only a few short words, far fewer than what he had just read aloud.

‘Could I have misread it?’ she mused suspiciously.

Fortunately, He Chuanrong quickly recovered and resumed his duties.

****

The final event was the 4×100 relay. The venue buzzed with excitement, cheers rising and falling in waves. The students in charge of cheering for each class exerted themselves fiercely, their voices growing louder and their faces redder, each determined to outdo the others in spirit.

Yet, no matter how loudly they roared, their cheers couldn’t quite match those from Class 8.

Zhang Qian, armed with a loudspeaker rented from outside the school gates, stood at the finish line, cheering on each girl as they exchanged the baton. When Zhou Yao took the final baton and sprinted towards the finish line like the wind, Zhang Qian’s voice completely broke, yelling encouragement until he was hoarse.

His voice alone dominated the entire track, nearly drowning out the cheers from the boys’ race nearby.

As the closing remark, “Young people embrace the present with action and forge ahead bravely,” echoed from the broadcast, the final runners of both the boys’ and girls’ relays surged across the finish line. A thunderous roar of applause reverberated through the stadium.

After the competitions concluded, all students assembled on the sports field as instructed, awaiting the tabulation of class total scores and the awarding of prizes for each event. The class teachers were responsible for collecting the prizes from the academic affairs office.

Once the certificates were distributed, the host on stage began to announce the top three classes in total scores for each grade level. The students below held their breath, erupting into cheers upon hearing their own class called out.

Initially, Zhang Qian and Ji Ye whispered to each other, complaining that their classmates’ reactions were overly dramatic. But the next second, when the host announced that Senior Two (8) had secured third place in overall points, the two paused in stunned silence.

Moments later, they joined the roaring cheers, their exultation even more fervent than before.

After the awards ceremony, all students returned to their classrooms. Whether classes would resume depended entirely on their homeroom teacher’s arrangements.

On the staircase, Zhang Qian was excitedly discussing the sports meet with those around him. Achieving a tie for third place with Class 5 in overall scores was completely unexpected for them.

Ji Ye turned his head, observing the engrossed group, a clear smile gracing his face.

“Old Eleven performed well this time; he deserves commendation.” Zhang Qian, who had been walking ahead, stopped, turned sideways, and patted Ji Ye’s shoulder, giving him an approving look.

At his words, the others all looked at Ji Ye, giving him a thumbs-up.

Ji Ye lifted his chin, mimicking the academic director’s mannerisms during flag-raising ceremonies, clearing his throat a few times before raising a hand to signal, “Low profile, low profile.”

The others paused in bewilderment for a moment, then realized he was imitating Director He. They all began to speak in He Yuan’s tone, one after another, laughing so hard they nearly toppled over. Zhang Qian laughed breathlessly, sinking onto the stairs and pressing himself against the right wall, unconcerned about getting wall dust on his clothes.

“You guys, really, sigh…” he began, then suddenly lost his balance and fell backward, his voice rising in pitch.

Fortunately, Ji Ye was quick-witted, extending his leg to brace Zhang Qian’s back, preventing him from falling.

“What’s that phrase again…” Chen Gong, also ascending the stairs, saw this and stroked his chin, feigning thought. Then, clapping his hands, he declared, “’A small man puffed up with pride’—that’s exactly what you look like.”

With that, he let out a cold snort.

After being lectured by He Yuan last time, he already harbored significant resentment towards Zhang Qian and his group. Now, having lost to their class in the Winter Sports Meet, he felt that if Class 8 tied with Class 5, Class 5 had effectively lost.

Chen Gong was seething with anger, and it was his bad luck to run into the celebrating group. He couldn’t resist retorting.

As his words hung in the air, Zhang Qian swiftly rose from the steps. He crossed his arms over his chest and chuckled provocatively, “I remember someone saying something about what they’d do in the Winter Sports Meet, right?”

A Class 8 student beside him chimed in, “They said they’d crush our class.”

“The wind is strong; aren’t you afraid of biting your tongue?” Ji Ye’s gaze swept over Chen Gong and his companions. He smiled, retorting, “Isn’t that right, Chen Pizi?”

Chen Gong’s face flushed a deep, liver-like red from the retort. He awkwardly tried to salvage the situation, “You just got lucky; what’s there to be so smug about?”

Meeting Ji Ye’s eyes, he couldn’t help but be startled. Ji Ye’s gaze carried a hint of pressure, completely unlike his previous childish demeanor.

Although they had fought before, back then, Ji Ye had merely been quick and ruthless. Now, however, Chen Gong caught a glimpse of a fleeting ruthlessness in his eyes.

‘Could it be from spending too much time with that kid who transferred from the vocational high school?’ he wondered, utterly baffled.

Seeing Chen Gong’s discomfited expression, Ji Ye felt a secret thrill, yet he maintained a calm facade, merely urging his friends back to the classroom.

“Let’s go. Leave them some room to dig a hole and hide in,” he said, raising an eyebrow with a grin, brushing past Chen Gong.

Zhang Qian and the others let out an exaggerated, sarcastic “Ohhh” and continued up the stairs.

“Boss, they’re looking down on us. Should we teach them a lesson?” A boy standing beside Chen Gong, seeing his gaze fixed on the retreating backs of the others, tentatively spoke. Then, remembering something, he added, “We can ambush them in the alley outside school; Elder He won’t scold us.”

Chen Gong’s eyes flickered. He indeed wanted to give them a good beating, but not over the Winter Sports Meet. If word got out, people would criticize him for being a sore loser.

He couldn’t afford to lose face.

****

Meanwhile, back in the classroom, Zhang Qian and the others were laughing and chatting. Most of the class had already arrived, with only a few seats empty. Ji Ye settled back into his seat, leaning against the chair back, his hands resting on it, a lazy expression on his face.

“You performed well just now, full of spirit, with an aura two meters eighty wide.”

Just as Ji Ye closed his eyes for a short nap, Zhang Qian’s voice reached his ears, sounding very happy. He half-opened his eyelids and said nonchalantly, “Of course. I’m an A-type; the kind who can single-handedly pick someone up and throw them against a wall.”

Zhang Qian had no doubts about this. Although Ji Ye still looked boyish, he could undeniably beat someone down in a few moves during a fight.

“You little rascal, not humble at all,” Zhang Qian chuckled, then suddenly grew serious. “Little Ji Ye, congratulations on pushing your limits and proving yourself.”

Ji Ye paused, then straightened up, sitting properly, his smile fading. “Understood. I will forge ahead bravely.”

The two exchanged glances, both amused by the other’s simultaneously dramatic and serious expression.

When He Chuanrong returned to his seat with Tian Jingwen, carrying the awards, he saw the two laughing uproariously. He gently tapped Ji Ye’s arm.

Ji Ye turned his smiling face towards him, his eyes filled with confusion, then followed He Chuanrong’s gaze to the podium, where Old Wen stood with his hands clasped behind his back.

“Stop laughing.” Ji Ye quickly sobered, hastily reminding Zhang Qian to turn around.

Zhang Qian turned his head to see Old Wen’s gaze fixed on him. He spun around instantly and sat upright.

“Everyone performed exceptionally well in this Winter Sports Meet,” Wen Xuanyi announced with a benevolent smile, scanning the expectant faces of the students looking up from below the podium. He then cheerfully declared, “Tomorrow, I’m treating everyone to hotpot.”

At his words, the entire class instantly erupted in a wave of enthusiastic cheers.

Wen Xuanyi gazed at their smiling, youthful faces, and couldn’t help but feel joyful with them. After distributing all the prizes, with half a class period remaining, he allowed the students to engage in self-study.

The entire class cheered again, praising him profusely.

****

The next day, at the hotpot restaurant.

Wen Xuanyi had reserved a private room early and led the Class 8 students there immediately after class. Around the large round tables, students chatted and laughed, enjoying themselves immensely. Wen Xuanyi moved from table to table, eating with them and raising his drink in a toast at each one.

Finally, the entire class rose together, raising their cups high, and shouted to Wen Xuanyi at the round table, “Teacher Wen, thank you for the treat!”

“Ah,” Wen Xuanyi replied, raising his cup to them. The scene was remarkably similar to the farewell he’d received from the previous graduating class, and his eyes welled up. “Thank you, too, for your effort and hard work. It’s because of you that our class won these awards.”

“I hope you will continue to move forward, as always, both in your studies and in sports.”

“We will!” Everyone responded loudly and promised, their faces beaming with smiles.

It was almost six in the evening when they left the hotpot restaurant. After bidding farewell to Wen Xuanyi, the students headed home, while Wen Xuanyi personally drove those living further away.

On the way, Zhang Qian and the others were playfully bickering. Someone suggested going to a KTV to sing, and everyone unanimously agreed.

Inside the “Hongyun” KTV, singing mixed with laughter filled a large private room. Zhang Qian, microphone in hand, sang with passionate absorption. If someone picked an unfamiliar song, he would sing it. After one song ended, the room echoed with thunderous, sustained applause.

By the end, everyone was a little tired. Someone suggested playing Truth or Dare. At the suggestion, everyone raised their hands in agreement. Initially, Ji Ye was vaguely worried that He Chuanrong would feel out of place among them, finding their antics childish, given his perpetually mature and aloof demeanor, despite being the youngest in the class.

However, after a few rounds, Ji Ye was surprised to find that He Chuanrong had integrated quite well, even showing rare glimpses of a smile in his eyes.

Zhang Qian, on the other hand, had particularly bad luck, failing several times in a row. Unwilling to give up, he rejoined the game. Before flipping his card, he took a deep breath, clasped his hands together, and reverently bowed towards the north.

“Today, I refuse to believe in this bad luck!” he declared, then abruptly flipped over the card. Everyone quickly crowded around, and the next moment, bursts of laughter erupted.

“Why me again!” he roared, clutching his head. “I’ve already drunk two sodas and eaten six packs of spicy strips!”

“Truth, then,” someone said.

Zhang Qian propped his hands on the marble table, his gaze sharply sweeping over everyone, feigning a warning, “Don’t you dare mess around.” He knew them well; normally, they’d ask anything and say anything, but with Zhou Yao present, he was a little hesitant to speak.

“We’ll be discreet,” Ji Ye said, raising an eyebrow at him, sounding utterly convinced.

If it weren’t for the mischievous grin he was trying to suppress, Zhang Qian might actually have believed him.

“Ask away,” Zhang Qian muttered resignedly.

“Do you have someone you like?” the questioner pondered for a moment before speaking.

Zhang Qian knew they would ask. Despite being mentally prepared, his forehead pressed against the marble table, his face still flushed crimson without warning.

Seeing this, everyone let out a chorus of teasing “Ohhhs.” Even Tian Jingwen and Zhou Yao, who had been observing from the innermost part of the booth, leaned forward to join the fun.

Ji Ye turned to signal He Chuanrong, then mischievously reached out and tugged at the back of Zhang Qian’s collar, lifting him up.

“Ji Ye, you little rascal,” Zhang Qian mumbled, covering his burning face with his hands, “You’re setting me up.”

“No way, we’re all just waiting for your answer,” Ji Ye said, stifling a laugh. He exchanged a glance with He Chuanrong, who cooperatively pulled Zhang Qian’s hands away from his face.

The scene before him suddenly brightened, and Zhang Qian exclaimed in surprise, “Vice-class rep? You guys…”

His surprise gave way to a pause as he retreated a few steps, scanning the expectant eyes of everyone. When his gaze landed on Zhou Yao, his face flushed again, and he stammered, “Yes, I do.”

Having said that, he quickly averted his gaze back to the table, hurriedly shuffling and dealing the cards, not daring to look at Zhou Yao again throughout the entire process.

Everyone teased, their expressions suggesting, “So that’s how it is,” but they didn’t explicitly reveal his secret. Zhou Yao, realizing belatedly, felt her heart race, her hands clenching into fists on her lap.

Tian Jingwen, beside her, grabbed the entire bag of sunflower seeds, sharing them with Zhou Yao to help her out of the awkward situation. Fortunately, everyone had already started drawing cards again and didn’t notice her unusual reaction.

“Whoa, it’s Ji Ye!” someone excitedly called out.

It was the same question, and everyone’s eyes still swiveled to him. Ji Ye remained composed, slowly scanning the curious eyes, deliberately building their anticipation, before finally saying, “No—I don’t.”

The expectant crowd let out a collective “Ooh,” expressing their skepticism. “There were so many confessions at the sports meet; we don’t believe you.”

“Really,” Ji Ye explained with a smile.

“I know this kid; with his stubborn head, he couldn’t possibly,” Zhang Qian stated firmly.

He was certain Ji Ye wasn’t lying. “He once drew a stick figure of himself on a love letter someone gave him and sent it back.”

At his words, everyone burst into laughter.

He Chuanrong also couldn’t help but look at Ji Ye curiously, only to see him looking embarrassed and unnatural, a blush creeping up his neck to his earlobes.

After their laughter subsided, Zhang Qian shuffled the cards. Once everyone had drawn, he slowly drew one himself, then jumped up with joy.

“See? It’s not me! I’m not the game’s black hole!” he boasted, showing his cards to everyone one by one.

As the cards were revealed in succession, everyone gasped, their gazes falling on the person who had drawn the card. The atmosphere in the private room noticeably plummeted.

The person who had asked the previous question now appeared reserved, their hesitant gaze meeting a pair of cold eyes. They hesitated, unsure whether to ask.

“Ask.”

Just as they wavered, the owner of the cold eyes spoke.

At his words, the atmosphere in the private room returned to normal.

The questioner cleared their throat, taking a deep breath to steel their nerves. “Ahem, that, Vice-class rep, do you have someone you like?”

All eyes instantly fell on He Chuanrong. Even the two observers leaned closer. Tian Jingwen, as if afraid of missing crucial information, pricked up her ears, her heart pounding uncontrollably. For some reason, a hint of fear arose within her.

Ji Ye’s eyes widened, but he quickly returned to normal, looking at He Chuanrong.

He Chuanrong’s expression was natural. He stared at Ji Ye’s blinking eyes for a moment, then cast his gaze upon everyone, stating seriously, “Yes, I do.”

With that, Zhou Yao felt Tian Jingwen, who was leaning on her shoulder, stiffen for a moment. But when she looked back, the other girl seemed as if nothing had happened, still smiling.

Everyone else erupted in disbelief. He Chuanrong was, in fact, quite difficult to get along with, and rather uninteresting, always wearing a detached expression. If it weren’t for Zhang Qian and his friends being close to him, most people were certain he would have no friends in the class.

Ji Ye was equally stunned. His eyes dimmed, and he felt as if a heavy stone was pressing on his heart, an inexplicable discomfort settling within him.

The atmosphere in the private room turned strange. Everyone remained immersed in He Chuanrong’s answer for a long time, a sudden silence falling. It was Zhang Qian who finally broke the quiet.

“The vice-class rep is the school heartthrob and an excellent student. He’s not made of wood; it’s perfectly normal for him to like someone.”

Everyone nodded, murmuring “Oh, oh,” but still seemed somewhat surprised.

“Exactly! It’s not strange at all that my deskmate likes someone. Let’s continue, continue.” Ji Ye snapped out of it, gathering the cards by his hand, awkwardly mimicking Zhang Qian’s shuffling motion.