Chapter 37: No Tears Allowed!

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“Did I... did I hear that right?!”

“You heard right! Senior Junfeng just said it! — Tonight, we’re going to the Sky Garden Club for a party, a big bash!!”

“Oh my god! I heard that only members can bring guests into the Sky Garden Club... and those who can actually get a membership there are all people of wealth or status!”

“That’s right! Even though it’s on Night Market Street, the South Street is only for those who can afford it!”

“I heard... parties at the Sky Garden are outrageously expensive... even a casual gathering easily costs tens of thousands—it’s just the norm!”

All the students were flushed with excitement.

Zhang Junfeng looked on with great satisfaction, pride swelling in his chest at the thrill on everyone’s faces.

Song Ningsnow, however, frowned slightly and reminded him, “Zhang Junfeng, don’t you think this is a bit inappropriate? I know it’s for relaxation, but places like Night Market Street are full of all sorts of people, and students—”

Before Song Ningsnow could finish, Zhang Junfeng turned, flashing what he thought was a charming smile. “Ningsnow, don’t worry. Even though it’s on Night Market Street, South Street is well-known as a haunt for the wealthy. Especially the Sky Garden—unless you have some connections, you can’t get in. And people with money usually have class; nothing bad ever happens there.”

Disgust twisted in Song Ningsnow’s heart.

Especially that “Ningsnow” address from Zhang Junfeng—it irked her to no end.

“Ningsnow, look how happy everyone is. If you veto it, it might backfire. The college entrance exams are just days away, and it could affect their mindset.”

“...”

Song Ningsnow glanced at the students, silent for a long moment. At last, her elegant brows knit together. “All right. But on one condition: I must go with you, otherwise I can’t be at ease.”

“Great! It’s a deal!”

Zhang Junfeng grinned broadly, as if that was exactly what he’d been waiting for.

He let his gaze linger on Song Ningsnow’s long, beautiful legs, a sly smile curling in his heart. Heh, let’s see if you don’t fall into my net! I’ve had my eye on you since school started! Now that I’m back, I’ll show you what I’m made of—my connections, my wealth, my looks! I refuse to believe you’ll say no to me!

...

That night.

Just as Ling Qiu returned home, intending to meditate, his phone suddenly rang.

“Hello.”

It was Song Ningsnow. “Ling Qiu... why didn’t you come?”

“Come? Come where?”

“The Sky Garden Club... the thing we talked about after class today, did you forget?”

“I didn’t forget.”

Ling Qiu yawned. “I’m just not interested in that kind of scene. If there’s nothing else, I’ll hang up.”

“Wait!”

“Is there something else?”

“...Ling Qiu, I want to ask you something. Answer me honestly.”

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“Go ahead.”

“What are your plans after high school?”

“What do you mean?”

“Just answer me...”

Ling Qiu replied, “I guess I’ll just apply to some random 211 or 985 university... I’ve heard of places like Harvard and Oxford, but they don’t really interest me, so I never considered them.”

“Pfft—!”

Song Ningsnow nearly choked. “Ling Qiu, where do you get that kind of confidence? Your last mock exam score was the lowest in the class—no, the entire grade! And you think you can get into a 211 or 985?!”

Ling Qiu replied lazily, “Yeah... getting into a 211 or 985 is easier than getting you.”

Song Ningsnow: ??????

Ling Qiu: “Ahem, just kidding. So, what did you actually want to talk to me about?”

“...Nothing really.” Song Ningsnow paused, then added, “I don’t know why, but... so many students came today, and you were the only one missing. I just felt a bit disappointed. After graduation, I don’t know where you’ll go, and I’ve applied for a transfer next month. After that, I suppose we’ll be worlds apart.”

Ling Qiu finally laughed. “You’ve been drinking, haven’t you?”

“...Just two beers.”

“Your tolerance is terrible. Already spilling your heart.”

“Spilling what?”

“For example, right now, you miss me a lot.”

“Nonsense!” Song Ningsnow scolded coquettishly, slightly tipsy. “Are you coming or not?”

“Sure, why not? I’ve got nothing better to do.” Ling Qiu smiled. This was a good sign—Song Ningsnow was starting to care about him. He wasn’t one for romance, but if there was a spark, why not let it grow?

...

Night Market Street.

South Street.

Sky Garden Club.

Zhang Junfeng really had some clout—he’d booked four private rooms, inviting the whole class and several teachers.

Finding the private room, Song Ningsnow came to open the door, her delicate face appearing in the doorway.

At the sight of him, a hint of joy flashed across Song Ningsnow’s face—though, true to her “ice queen” reputation, the smile was quickly masked.

Slightly flushed, her beauty enhanced by a touch of wine, she said softly, “You’re here. Have a seat.”

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Ling Qiu saw that, counting himself, there were only eight people in the room: Song Ningsnow, homeroom teacher Old Zhao, Zhang Junfeng, and four other teachers and administrators.

Dishes and drinks were arrayed on the table, and everyone was chatting happily.

This “party package” included dining, games, and karaoke—clearly, they were still at the meal stage.

“...Ningsnow, what’s going on with this person? If he’s a student, he shouldn’t be in our room, should he? This table is for drinking,” Zhang Junfeng said, frowning instinctively at the sight of Ling Qiu.

Song Ningsnow replied coolly, “The other rooms are crowded. Ling Qiu can sit with us. — Ling Qiu, here, sit by me.”

She patted the chair beside her.

“Sure thing,” Ling Qiu answered casually, taking the seat without hesitation.

At that moment...

Zhang Junfeng’s expression grew darker. He exchanged glances with the others, and it was clear that everyone, Old Zhao included, looked at Ling Qiu with hostility.

Ling Qiu sensed the atmosphere. No surprise... this was a set-up.

The way Zhang Junfeng had been eyeing Song Ningsnow earlier was lecherous enough. Now, spending all this money to arrange a gathering and drinks, his intentions were obviously not pure.

And judging by the looks of it... the other teachers were surely his accomplices.

“Come, everyone, let’s have a toast! To wish Director Song all the best in her new position next month, and to hope... our classmate Zhang Junfeng achieves his heart’s desire tonight!” Old Zhao lifted his glass.

The others feigned confusion. “Oh? Old Zhao, what exactly does Zhang Junfeng desire tonight?”

“Don’t you know?”

“Know what?”

“Isn’t it obvious? Our outstanding Zhang Junfeng arranged this table tonight to confess to the one he loves!”

“Oh! Zhang Junfeng, you’re really brave!”

“What’s so brave about that? Zhang Junfeng is already twenty, already helping out in the family business while still in school! Such a promising young man! Now that he’s back, it’s the perfect opportunity!”

“Exactly! Zhang Junfeng, as your former teacher, I hope to see you take this step boldly!”

No one paid Ling Qiu any mind. It was as if he didn’t exist. After all that buildup, Zhang Junfeng finally stood, straightened his collar, and suddenly pulled a bouquet of roses from beneath the table!

Then, dropping to one knee, he presented the flowers to Song Ningsnow!

Startled, Song Ningsnow sobered up halfway, quickly rising to evade him. “What... what are you doing?”

Before Zhang Junfeng could answer, Ling Qiu took a lazy sip of wine and drawled, “Isn’t it obvious? — The guy’s trying to hit on you.”