The midterm exam results came out in the second week after the exam. Since it was a city-wide joint exam, not only were the students concerned, but the teachers were also very focused on the results.
As soon as the scores were released, Wang Yong entered the classroom holding the score sheets.
Compared to before, when only a few people paid attention to the score sheets, now it seemed like everyone, including Wang Yong, had developed a sense of tension after entering their senior year.
He looked back at the countdown on the blackboard.
Another batch of graduates would soon be sent off.
Jiang Heng was in a surprisingly good mood today. When Wang Yong entered the classroom, he was holding the test papers that Shen Huaizhi had specifically given him to work on.
Due to what had happened with Shen Huaizhi’s sensitivity period a few days ago, Jiang Heng didn’t have much energy left to worry about whether he had done well on the exam. Anyway, after the two of them finished the exam, Shen Huaizhi shamelessly took two days off. Including the weekend, that meant he had wasted four days in total.
During those four days, he went through things that were hardly worth mentioning, but clearly, his mindset had stabilized a lot compared to before.
However, Jiang Heng also subtly noticed that Shen Huaizhi seemed to have done this on purpose. After all, it wasn’t his first time going through a sensitivity period. In the past, he would just temporarily mark things, restrain himself a little, and then take a leave to get through it.
This suspicion made Jiang Heng decide that from now on, he wouldn’t let his attitude be affected by academic matters.
Although he liked Shen Huaizhi’s way of helping him relieve pressure to a certain extent, his body couldn’t handle it much longer.
Jiang Heng felt that if it happened a few more times, he might not be worn out by studying but rather by Shen Huaizhi’s relentless antics.
Jiang Heng bit his pen, pausing on a difficult question.
His problem was too obvious. When the difficulty level increased a little, he couldn’t solve the problem.
This meant he couldn’t pull ahead of others in scores, so his grades remained average.
Including this midterm exam, after comparing answers with Shen Huaizhi, Jiang Heng could roughly estimate that he had made very few mistakes on the basic questions, but on the ones that could really differentiate his score from others, he had scored very poorly.
Fortunately, recently, Shen Huaizhi had been helping him with corresponding practice, and the papers Shen Huaizhi gave him had become somewhat challenging.
Wang Yong saw that everyone was either doing papers or memorizing, and cleared his throat. “The results are in, and our class did pretty well.”
Their class had always done well, mainly because they had Shen Huaizhi, the top student in the grade, who always helped pull up the average. Every class had its share of underperforming students, but only their class had the top student in the grade.
Seeing that everyone was still sitting upright, Wang Yong didn’t know whether to be happy or nervous. He didn’t want the students to feel too much pressure, but he also had to apply some pressure.
Wang Yong posted the score sheets on the bulletin board at the front of the classroom and continued, “You can look at your scores later. Overall, our class did well, and we ranked well provincially. Our class’s Shen Huaizhi got first place in the province in this joint exam.” Wang Yong paused, looking at Shen Huaizhi with admiration. “Of course, several students in our class also made significant progress.”
“I know you all feel a lot of pressure right now. Senior year is indeed very important, and you can’t afford to slack off, but I still hope that you can relax a little while studying and maintain a happy mood…” Wang Yong continued with a lot of encouraging words and then signaled for everyone to check their results.
Jiang Heng didn’t feel a strong urge to check his results. If he didn’t look, Shen Huaizhi wouldn’t either.
This naturally left the task to Chen Xingchi.
A few minutes later, Chen Xingchi finally squeezed his way out of the crowd, waving his hands. “Not bad, Jiang Heng! You’ve made progress again!”
Jiang Heng ranked 20th in his class for this midterm exam, which was the best result he had ever achieved in his many exams. However, this result was still not enough to get him into a university close to the one Shen Huaizhi was aiming for, based on provincial rankings.
Jiang Heng himself felt relieved, as progress was a good thing.
After returning to the apartment in the evening, Shen Huaizhi, using the excuse that the exams were over and he could relax, lingered in Jiang Heng’s room for a long time.
Jiang Heng was held in his arms, sweating, his eyes red. After the lingering sensation passed, he spoke, “Class monitor, I think you’re getting more and more indulgent.”
Shen Huaizhi kissed him intermittently, without saying anything.
Jiang Heng continued, “Look at you before, how restrained you were, and now look at you…”
He said this with a hint of sarcasm.
Shen Huaizhi didn’t seem to notice the sarcasm, but he did stop kissing him, falling silent for a moment. His voice was still hoarse as he slowly said, “The pressure from studying is too much. I need to relax a bit.”
Jiang Heng: “…” You, the top student in the province, are telling me you need to relax?
“I don’t think you’re relaxing at all.”
“Mm, then I’ll try harder,” Shen Huaizhi truly had no shame.
Jiang Heng: “…”
But at least Shen Huaizhi only said that; after that, he really did restrain himself a lot, which occasionally made Jiang Heng feel a bit tempted.
However, Jiang Heng at least managed to keep his own thoughts in check.
After the midterm exams, the weather grew colder.
The senior year entered the full review stage, with endless small tests every day. Even physical education classes gradually got replaced by core subjects, and the only remaining outdoor activity was the break-time exercises.
Jiang Heng hadn’t been too fond of the break-time exercises before. To him, morning runs were much more comfortable.
With such little time, he thought it would be better spent studying in the classroom.
But as the weather grew colder, the school decided that wearing thick clothes wasn’t suitable for the exercises, so they switched to running.
A group of people complained loudly, saying running was much more tiring than the exercises.
Jiang Heng, on the other hand, became more energetic.
So, almost every day during the second break of the morning, the first and second-year students would see two boys leading the run in front of the crowd on the playground.
Both Jiang Heng and Shen Huaizhi had good stamina, and they didn’t stop, so others didn’t dare to stop either.
After a month, everyone’s physical fitness improved significantly, and they were even more energetic in class. The supervising director smiled widely seeing the senior students looking so lively.
The school leaders were very pleased, so they arranged running during breaks for the first and second years as well. They even added a mandatory physical education class for the first and second years—starting class with a few laps to build strength.
This winter was much colder than previous years. Early in the winter, it had already snowed in the nearby city, and the school was covered in snow. The senior students, rarely so lively, were all outside watching the snow. Some of the more active ones had already picked up snow and started a snowball fight.
On the faces of the young students were expressions of carefree joy.
In the bitter winter, the final exams arrived as scheduled, which meant that half a year of senior high school life was coming to an end.
The numbers on the blackboard grew smaller and smaller.
Jiang Heng vaguely felt that something was drawing near, yet also felt that something was gradually drifting away.
It was probably that his high school life was about to end.
Over the past six months, he had gone through countless exams, and Jiang Heng had adopted a completely calm attitude toward the final exams.
After the exams, Wang Yong led the teachers of all subjects to distribute the New Year’s gifts in advance—a huge pile of homework, probably more than ever before, leaving no time for them to even enjoy the holiday.
However, this time, no one complained.
Everyone knew that there were only six months left.
In six months, they would face one of the most important moments in their lives.
Jiang Heng did well in the final exams, ranking 17th in his class. Compared to others, he had indeed been making progress, but over the past few months, he had also lost a bit of weight.
He was already quite slim, and now his collarbones were even more pronounced.
Ruan Shu carefully observed him for a long while, then gave her son a rare reproachful look. “I told you to send someone with him back then, but you insisted on not letting me.”
Jiang Heng always behaved obediently in front of Ruan Shu and Shen’s father. When Ruan Shu spoke, he just quietly listened.
Shen Huaizhi didn’t talk much in front of Ruan Shu either. After hearing her say this, he simply replied, “Next semester, let’s send someone.”
Jiang Heng: “…?”
Before he could ask Shen Huaizhi why they had to disturb their private world with someone else, Shen’s father came out of the kitchen wearing an apron, looking serious as he said, “The dumplings are ready.”
Today was New Year’s Eve, and the Shen family didn’t have as many relatives as usual, so only the four of them were gathered together.
Shen’s father didn’t say much. During dinner, Ruan Shu mainly asked Jiang Heng about school matters, and Jiang Heng responded.
Jiang Heng didn’t have much to say. The only interesting part was probably his daily interactions with Shen Huaizhi, but he didn’t have the energy to share much with others.
But such topics, he wasn’t comfortable discussing in front of his elders.
Shen’s father and Shen Huaizhi ate in silence.
After dinner, although they sat on the sofa watching TV with Ruan Shu, the conversation was mostly focused on work.
Jiang Heng’s attention wasn’t on the TV.
Shen Huaizhi sat next to him, occasionally touching the back of his head while talking to Shen’s father to remind him of his presence.
Jiang Heng was irritated by the constant touches but couldn’t get angry in front of his elders, so he gritted his teeth and endured it.
However, from the conversation between Shen Huaizhi and Shen’s father, Jiang Heng faintly heard that next semester, Shen Huaizhi seemed like he would get busier.
His grades didn’t require much concern, and Shen’s father’s expectations for him went far beyond just getting into a good university.
With this awareness, Jiang Heng became a little distracted.
This feeling lasted until Jiang Jin called him.
Jiang Heng glanced at the phone and then hung up.
Over the past six months, Jiang Jin had tried to contact him a few times. Even the class teacher had talked to him once because of Jiang Jin’s situation. However, Jiang Heng had been firm in his stance, and after that, Shen Huaizhi specifically spoke with the class teacher, so the teacher didn’t bring it up again. Since then, Jiang Jin hadn’t dared to contact Jiang Heng.
Before, when Xie An went in, Jiang Heng naturally became Jiang Jin’s legal guardian. But once Jiang Heng turned 18, he could stand on his own.
Jiang Heng didn’t want to bother with this person.
He had never understood before, and he didn’t want to understand now—what was most important in Jiang Jin’s heart? Family? Love? Maybe none of these mattered to him. What mattered most was himself.
“Whose call was that?” Ruan Shu, who had been watching TV, suddenly turned and asked.
Jiang Heng was momentarily stunned, then realized and shook his head. “Nothing, just a spam call.”
Ruan Shu responded with a couple of “mhm”s, glanced at him, then looked at Shen’s father who was holding their son. Realizing the two of them were not paying attention, she raised an eyebrow. “Are you two going out to set off fireworks? They’re right outside the door. Your dad moved a bunch out there this morning.”
The old house didn’t allow fireworks.
Jiang Heng had only seen fireworks a few times in his life, let alone set them off. And such things were mostly enjoyed by little kids.
Jiang Heng kept a stiff expression.
Before they even reached the door, Shen Huaizhi grabbed his hand, ignoring Ruan Shu and Shen’s father’s gaze. “Is it cold?”
When Shen Huaizhi held his hand, Jiang Heng finally felt something tangible. He was silent for a moment. “Yes, it’s cold.”
Shen Huaizhi smiled but didn’t say anything. Instead, he pulled Jiang Heng into his embrace.
Jiang Heng smelled faintly of roses, mixed with the scent of melting snow, which brought a sense of calm.
Jiang Heng lifted his eyelids, symbolically struggling a little. “Uncle and Aunt are still watching.”
Shen Huaizhi hummed, his tone carrying a hint of amusement. “Aren’t you cold?”
Jiang Heng clicked his tongue lightly and said nothing.
Omega’s dependency on Alpha would only grow stronger.
So when he heard that Shen Huaizhi might not have much time for school next semester, Jiang Heng felt as if he were about to lose something. He impatiently wanted to get closer to Shen Huaizhi.
As if he had read Jiang Heng’s thoughts, Shen Huaizhi smiled. “I’ll still go to school next semester.”
“I just might not be able to sleep with you every night.”
He knew the responsibility he carried. Only by becoming stronger could he protect the people he wanted to protect and make Jiang Heng’s life better.
Jiang Heng didn’t say anything.
Shen Huaizhi thought for a moment. “Didn’t you always say you didn’t want me to disturb your studies?”
“At least you’ll have some energy left after high school graduation…”
Before he could finish, Jiang Heng suddenly stepped on his foot, saying fiercely, “Shut up.”
Shen Huaizhi was helpless.
“…It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s just…” Jiang Heng knew exactly what was on his mind.
Shen Huaizhi: “Hmm?”
Jiang Heng, deciding to just give up, said, “I actually like it.”
“…Anyway, it’s pretty relaxing.”
After saying that, his ears turned red.
At times like this, he was incredibly honest.
Shen Huaizhi didn’t know whether to be happy or worried.
After all this time, Jiang Heng still didn’t understand that being too indulgent would make an Alpha lose all sense of boundaries.
Shen Huaizhi paused for a moment, then, with a slightly amused expression, pulled him closer. “Then later, I’ll help you relax.”
Jiang Heng: “…???”
That’s not what he meant.
Shen Huaizhi really had something else on his mind.
Ruan Shu had told them to go outside to set off fireworks, but all they were given were some sparklers. The larger fireworks had already been taken by the workers to the artificial lake to be set off later.
Jiang Heng had never played with sparklers before, and it was only when Shen Huaizhi lit one with a lighter that he realized how to use them.
Once lit, the sparklers hissed and sparked, the golden light reflecting on the young man’s face as he suddenly smiled.
Before long, Jiang Heng was holding a sparkler in one hand, standing side by side with Shen Huaizhi, his gaze fixed on the sparks. For once, he seemed a little childish. “It’s actually quite beautiful.”
Shen Huaizhi smiled, tilted his head to look at him, and the young man’s profile, illuminated by the sparks, reflected in his eyes. After a long while, he responded, “It’s beautiful.”
However, the sparkler burned out quickly.
Before Jiang Heng had time to react, Shen Huaizhi handed him a new one.
It was rare to see Jiang Heng so playful, and Shen Huaizhi’s smile deepened with warmth.
He moved his fingers and, after a while, took out his phone.
Before long, the sound of a huge firework explosion came from the artificial lake behind the old house.
In an instant, fireworks of all colors shot into the sky.
Jiang Heng froze for a moment.
Last year, he had watched it through a video call, but it was nothing compared to seeing it in person—so spectacular and beautiful.
Under the endless night sky, the fireworks were dazzling, lighting up the sky, and the surface of the artificial lake shimmered with reflections.
Here is the English translation:
Jiang Heng’s heartbeat quickened.
In a daze, a pair of hands circled from behind him, gripping his hands, and warm breath brushed against his ear. The voice was soft and lingering, “My Jiang Heng, Happy New Year.”
Jiang Heng took a moment to respond, “Happy New Year… Shen Huaizhi.”
Shen Huaizhi let out a soft laugh.
He liked seeing Jiang Heng like this, with no other emotions in his eyes.
The next second, Jiang Heng turned his head slightly, unable to bear it any longer, and Shen Huaizhi kissed his neck, softly and gently, without any desire.
Jiang Heng froze for a moment, then turned around to kiss him.
The fireworks continued, and the dark night carried on.
The kiss became long and lingering.
But there’s always something that can break the mood.
Jiang Heng muttered softly, “Damn,” just as he was about to lower his head to check his phone that kept ringing. Shen Huaizhi tightened his hold on him, not allowing him to move.
It wasn’t until half an hour later that Jiang Heng replied to the message.
【He Ci: Happy New Year!!!】
【Chen Xingchi: Hehehe, Happy New Year!!】
【Chen Xingchi: Where are the class monitor and Jiang Heng?】
【He Ci: Probably can’t get up.】
【Chen Xingchi: On New Year’s Eve, is the class monitor even human?】
They chatted and joked for another half hour.
Half an hour later…
【Waterworks Wang Xing: ? Have you two finished your winter break homework?】
【Chen Xingchi: ?? Don’t ruin it.】
【He Ci: You can still type, that’s good.】
【Waterworks Wang Xing: If you don’t want to type, I can help you.】
【Waterworks Wang Xing: Happy New Year.】
This winter break passed quickly but was full.
After all, it was just homework all day long. Even Jiang Heng, who was very determined, found it hard to keep going.
And Shen Huaizhi was a man of his word—when he said he’d help him relax, he really did. He was never vague about this.
Fortunately, Jiang Heng felt that his stamina had improved, and he hadn’t completely worn out.
But by the end of the winter break, Jiang Heng had already come up with two hundred ways to assassinate Shen Huaizhi.
Jiang Heng had always thought that the final six months would pass quickly.
However, he suddenly realized that when Shen Huaizhi occasionally skipped classes or stayed out late, even time seemed to slow down.
Fortunately, he was now able to study independently. Even when Shen Huaizhi wasn’t around, he could still study steadily all day long. However, sometimes when he woke up in the morning and found no one by his side, he felt a bit unsettled.
At the beginning of March, the senior year students had their first mock exam.
During these mock exams, Shen Huaizhi did attend classes properly. However, his main purpose was probably to accompany Jiang Heng.
Most teachers said that the first mock exam was essentially equivalent to the future college entrance exam results, with little difference expected.
Jiang Heng’s results in the first mock exam reached new heights. He could barely catch up to the tail end of schools near Shen Huaizhi’s ideal university.
Shen Huaizhi’s results, as usual, remained steady, securing the top spot in the province. Even the teachers knew that he would be this year’s top scorer.
However, while some were happy, others were anxious.
There were students in their class who were clearly not going to make it and had already started packing up, preparing to return home and wait for the real college entrance exam.
Some were crying quietly.
Jiang Heng had never understood why these people cried over their results, but now he suddenly understood.
Everyone has dreams, everyone wants to get closer to their dreams, maybe it’s because of pressure, or maybe it’s because of themselves.
He no longer knew if he was working hard for Shen Huaizhi or for himself. He wasn’t even sure what his dream was anymore.
After the first mock exam, the teachers’ supervision of them gradually loosened.
By the time the second mock exam came around, some couples in relationships were openly affectionate, and the teachers began to turn a blind eye.
Every time Jiang Heng saw these openly affectionate couples at school, he couldn’t help but feel annoyed.
With Shen Huaizhi absent, Chen Xingchi occasionally added a few sarcastic remarks, “Lonely, empty boudoir~”
Jiang Heng: “…”
Although he was focusing on his studies now, no one said he couldn’t hit people.
The next day, Chen Xingchi appeared in class with a bruised face.
Wang Yong had originally been worried about students causing trouble before the college entrance exam. However, after Chen Xingchi repeatedly claimed that he had just fallen, Wang Yong gave up and simply reminded Jiang Heng to keep an eye on his deskmate.
Chen Xingchi: “…”
No, my life is more important.
In the gradually relaxed atmosphere, the countdown on the blackboard slowly began to shrink to single digits.
[mfn]You can support me if you like my translations by leaving a comment below, or by sending me a Ko-fi. Thank you and Enjoy reading! ❤️ -TL: Ysiad [/mfn]
