Chapter 8: Su Wanqing Is Approached

These were not the concerns occupying Liang Jiyong’s mind. He spent over an hour searching near the school before finding a place with enough vacant rooms.

The courtyard contained nine rooms in total: two singles, four doubles, and three triples.

However, one single and one double had already been reserved, leaving one single, three doubles, and three triples available.

Currently, thirteen students from the Red Flag Factory were repeating a year, so the accommodations were more than sufficient.

Liang Jiyong estimated that the four girls would likely opt for double rooms, while the nine boys would make their own choices.

He was certain he would choose a single room; he preferred not to share, as he had his own study plan and wanted to avoid distractions.

After a brief conversation with the landlord, they agreed he would provide a definite answer within three days. Regardless of whether the others stayed, Liang Jiyong was determined to live there.

The location was perfect—a mere ten-minute walk to school.

Exiting the school gate, he stepped into a nearby shaved ice shop.

This establishment had just opened in April of this year. Besides selling soft drinks, it offered snacks like sunflower seeds, peanuts, and rice crackers.

But the most alluring item was the shaved ice.

Ice crushed into a snow-like texture was combined with syrup, honey, and fruit jam to create seven or eight different flavors.

It had become a fashionable cold treat this summer.

A cup of shaved ice cost thirty cents—more expensive than a popsicle, yet cheaper than the crispy-skin variety—and was very popular among students, even attracting many young people from afar.

These snacks held little intrinsic value; Liang Jiyong guessed that next year, more shaved ice shops would appear in Yunzhou. Yet the owner of this shop had undoubtedly made a fortune this summer.

Liang Jiyong estimated a monthly income of three to five thousand yuan, which was significant considering his second sister, a master’s degree graduate and high school teacher, earned only five hundred yuan per month.

The shop was run by a young couple whom Liang Jiyong knew well and frequently visited during the summer.

Two years prior, they had worked as migrant laborers on the coast, meeting in a factory. They soon realized working for capitalists was exhausting and unprofitable.

So, after saving some capital and demonstrating business acumen, they returned to their hometown of Yunzhou to open this shaved ice shop.

With a small investment and seasonal fruit ingredients, business flourished.

However, shaved ice sales only lasted four or five months; after September, few would crave such a chilly treat.

Other items like sodas and snacks held less appeal.

“Jingjie, why are you here alone? Where’s Fengge?” Liang Jiyong entered the shop, noticing two young couples in the lounge area enjoying shaved ice and whispering sweet nothings.

Behind the counter stood a pale, well-proportioned woman in her mid-twenties, with an above-average appearance.

Seeing Liang Jiyong, she immediately greeted him with a sincere smile. “A Yong, what brings you here today?”

“Preparing to repeat a year. Came to check out the school.”

Xu Jing paused, surprised. Although Liang Jiyong was a decent kid, his academic performance left much to be desired. Repeating a year seemed futile.

But she quickly understood.

“Oh, I see. A classmate came by a few days ago and said that your classmate surnamed Su from the factory fell ill, performed poorly, and also failed. You’re really doing a good job as the protector!”

Liang Jiyong sighed inwardly. Why did everyone assume he was just there to be the guardian angel when they heard he planned to repeat a year?

He offered no explanation—it was unnecessary.

“I’ll have three bottles of soda: two chilled and one at room temperature, plus a bowl of red bean shaved ice!”

Suddenly, Liang Jiyong felt nostalgic for the taste of shaved ice.

Though in his previous life he’d tasted more expensive delicacies, this flavor had lingered in his memory for many years.

He was sentimental and fond of the familiar tastes and the memories of people once dear.

Holding the red bean ice, he sat nearby and ate slowly.

Though simple and somewhat plain in appearance by his current standards, its flavor was unparalleled—an original, chemical-free cold treat.

“A plum ice with just two spoonfuls of honey, not too sweet, please!” came a clear, refreshing voice.

Liang Jiyong looked up, surprised to see the quiet, beautiful girl he had met again at the Xinhua Bookstore.

The scent of books seemed to arise from deep within.

A chance encounter? Perhaps.

But Liang Jiyong had no intention of striking up a conversation. This was not the time to pursue romance, especially since he could not forget Su Wanqing.

He did not know whether the women from his past life would reappear in his current one, so he had no energy to enter other girls’ worlds.

Lowering his head, he continued eating the red bean ice.

Yet, his heart was no longer as calm as before; the girl he had silently dubbed “Book Fragrance” had indeed stirred ripples within him.

Footsteps approached, prompting Liang Jiyong to look up instinctively.

The footsteps of the “Book Fragrance” girl also paused, as she did not expect to meet him here again.

Though they had only met briefly twice, she knew his name—Liang Jiyong—because the two girls who came looking for him at the bookstore had called it out.

Moreover, his friend had misunderstood that the two were on a date there.

A faint blush colored her face. She was quiet and introverted, but since Liang Jiyong had left a good impression, she smiled and greeted him.

“Hello!”

“What a coincidence!”

They exchanged greetings, but she did not sit with Liang Jiyong. Instead, she chose a single seat by the window, eating shaved ice and reading.

She was still reading *Jane Eyre.*

Liang Jiyong withdrew his gaze, having no reason to approach her. Although curious about her name, he resolved to leave that question unanswered.

He believed her name would surely reflect her literary nature.

After finishing his shaved ice, Liang Jiyong glanced her way, spoon paused at his lips, eyes on the page.

She seemed to have just finished the page and was about to turn it when she suddenly remembered her spoon was empty.

Liang Jiyong smiled slightly at the absentmindedness of the young girl engrossed in her book.

As he left, the girl by the window looked up thoughtfully, then relaxed slightly upon seeing him go.

Being in the same room made her a bit nervous.

She wondered if she should reveal her name if he came to talk, but as he departed, a slight melancholy crept in.

Soon, she calmed herself. While waiting in line, she had overheard a girl mention that Liang Jiyong seemed to like a girl named Wanqing.

Wanqing was truly beautiful and ethereal; they seemed perfectly matched.

Her mood dipped slightly—after a single encounter with a polite, composed young man she liked, reality reminded her it was just a fleeting moment.

As her parents had said, university would bring many outstanding young men.

What kind of man would truly make her heart flutter in the future?

One who was shrewd with money, cultured in reading, moderate in drinking, and tasteful in romance...

Unconsciously, the image of the young man reappeared in her mind.

But would they meet again? Perhaps he was just a passing figure in her life.

…

At the bookstore, Su Wanqing and Di Yutong were reading.

Su Wanqing was studying a reference book she had just bought, while Di Yutong was reading *The Count of Monte Cristo,* borrowed from Liang Jiyong.

Since Liang Jiyong’s focus was on studying, Di Yutong had taken on the leisure reading.

Sipping soda, Liang Jiyong pulled out a grammar book and browsed it, feeling somewhat overwhelmed.

The grammar was challenging—not many Chinese or foreigners would master it.

While Chinese has grammar, Liang Jiyong had spoken it for decades without much formal study.

Complaining was useless. Though time was short, it must be cherished.

Since others were reading, he refrained from asking Di Yutong for help to avoid disturbing them.

After reviewing the study guides and test books, Liang Jiyong felt the pressure mounting.

Foreign languages were manageable—he could understand, speak, and write them; the real problem was grammar.

As for math, he probably had forgotten how to solve even basic equations.

He had overestimated his math skills and likely needed to start reviewing middle school math.

“I’ll look around and buy a few more books!” Liang Jiyong said.

Su Wanqing glanced at him, nodding silently.

She had been observing him discreetly and was surprised to see him genuinely engrossed in reading—a strange feeling indeed.

Perhaps he had left too strong an impression on her before.

“What books are you buying?” Di Yutong asked.

Liang Jiyong blushed slightly, embarrassed.

“Some middle school math books.”

“You...” Di Yutong’s voice rose slightly but she quickly covered her mouth with a book.

Liang Jiyong laughed, “Don’t mess with my books, or I’ll accuse you of harassment!”

Di Yutong raised the book to strike him, but he dodged up quickly.

“Wanqing, I get the feeling his chances of passing the university entrance exam aren’t great!”

Su Wanqing shared the sentiment; Liang Jiyong’s foundation was too weak. After three years of high school, he had regressed and forgotten much of middle school knowledge.

“Hopefully, he’s serious. Otherwise, he might as well join the army.”

“I think he’s determined. Once he sets his mind to something, he doesn’t turn back even if he hits a wall.

If he really wants to get into university, even if he fails this year, he’ll probably repeat again.

Haha, maybe someday I’ll get the chance to teach him in class!”

Di Yutong’s cheerful nature made the thought amusing.

“I don’t think he has much hope. Shao An and Shao Ping are excellent students. If he studies seriously, he might get into a decent university in two years.

But if it’s just a passing fancy, even years of catch-up won’t help.”

“Then you’ll have to watch him and make sure he listens to you!” Di Yutong said earnestly to Su Wanqing.

Su Wanqing felt a strange emotion—perhaps due to Di Yutong’s devotion or Liang Jiyong’s persistent pursuit and protection of her.

“I’ll talk to him. But Yutong, when you get to university, you’ll meet many outstanding young men. You should consider...”

Di Yutong immediately shook her head.

“We agreed: unless you willingly date him, I won’t give up!”

Su Wanqing sighed helplessly. Matters of the heart could not be forced.

“He’s a good friend, but I don’t think he’s suitable for love or marriage—at least not now. He falls far short of my standards.”

“You want a Platonic love, but where are there perfect men?

Jiyong is sincere and brave, and I think he’s truly changed—more steady and mature.

Maybe you should consider it. If you two get together, I’ll bless you and then seek my own happiness!”

“Yutong, let’s not talk about this now. I won’t consider it this year. I’ll give it my all and won’t make mistakes next time!” Su Wanqing said earnestly.

“Wanqing, you’re overthinking. I think you’re just too nervous.

That’s why as exams approach, you only focus on revision and neglect your health.

Relax a little. Your grades are already better than mine. With the right mindset, in a year, it won’t be Peking University, but Fudan is definitely within reach.”

Su Wanqing nodded at Di Yutong’s words.

“I know, but I always get nervous before exams. Usually I’m fine, but before the college entrance exam, the anxiety worsens.

I’ve had nightmares for several nights, dreaming that I failed. Who would’ve thought the nightmare would come true!” she said with a hint of disappointment.

“Alright, alright, you’re just too perfectionistic and wearing yourself out. You need balance.

I think this year, adjusting your mindset is more important than studying.

Once your mind is right, next year you can go to Daming Lake and find your prince charming!”

“Daming Lake? It’s Weiming Lake, thank you very much. And I never said I was looking for a prince charming. I’m reading—ignore you!” Su Wanqing lowered her head and resumed reading.

“You read, I’ll go help him pick some reference books!”

Di Yutong left, and Su Wanqing exhaled deeply. Did she really have a problem with her mentality? But how could she not be nervous?

…

When he returned, Liang Jiyong, following Di Yutong’s suggestion, had selected three books.

“My math isn’t great—I only scored eighty. Wanqing’s math is good; you can ask her to tutor you!” Di Yutong said.

With a full score of 120, eighty was just passing.

Moreover, he had nearly forgotten the middle school material.

Liang Jiyong hesitated. Su Wanqing was also studying, and her goals were higher; he didn’t want to affect her.

“You just feel sorry for Wanqing. She’s covered most of the material and needs to balance work and rest, and adjust her mindset.

If she can face exams calmly, I think with her current level, Fudan or Zhejiang University are realistic.”

“Alright, I’ll talk to her!”

As they reached the lounge area, a young, handsome man sat across from Su Wanqing, chatting animatedly.