It's just The Sims, how did it become my ideal love story?

Chapter 56 Intuition (Seeking votes~)

"Alright, the results of this monthly exam will be out soon, everyone take a day off. The next exam is the class placement exam, and I think you all know how important this class placement is for you. I hope you won't leave any regrets in your youth, and that you won't realize you're not doing as well as others when you enter society, only to regret that you didn't work harder back then. School's out."

The familiar words were spoken on the podium.

Compared to his previous attitude of basically ignoring what the teacher said in meetings, Gu Huai listened attentively this time.

That makes sense, but looking at the expressions of the students around me, they were already daydreaming, or excitedly whispering to their seatmates about where they were going to play on Sunday, or they had already made plans to meet up somewhere, either outside the school gate or in some game world.

It's obvious that everyone treats this kind of talk as old news.

Gu Huai thought this was normal. After all, only a time traveler like himself, who had returned from the future, could truly resonate with the homeroom teacher's 'earnest teachings' and find them somewhat reasonable. But how could someone his age, who hadn't experienced these things, take them seriously?

That's just how people are. Many truths are right in front of them, but they always fail to plan ahead. They only understand the meaning of these truths after they've learned their lesson and suffered losses.

The word "after school" is undoubtedly more exciting than any other word.

Suddenly, the class erupted in excitement, as if prisoners had finally been released from prison. People walked out of the classroom in twos and threes, almost as if they were lining up.

Gu Huai, on the other hand, was slow and unhurried.

He was just wondering, "Will this simulation just be one exam? How much money can I make from just one exam? And I even used a double reward card, so I'm going to lose money."

However, it's impossible to say that the double card is a bad deal, it's just not as profitable.

But the simulation isn't over yet, so what should I do next? There haven't been any new invitations or events. The only one is that Cai Yan invited me to her birthday party on Sunday, but that's tomorrow.

Should he go home now? He doesn't want to go home, to be honest.

Unlike those time travelers who travel back in time and are moved to tears upon seeing their still-young parents, he didn't want to relive those experiences. This is why he practically lived in the provincial capital and rarely returned to Ji City.

"Aren't you leaving yet?"

Just as Gu Huai left his seat, a figure carrying a backpack appeared beside him. Her familiar voice was still melodious and pleasant, like a siren's song in the noisy and messy classroom.

Gu Huai looked at Cai Yan, "We're leaving now, right? By the way, it's your birthday tomorrow, should I bring you a present?"

This was essentially a joke. After all, given his current circumstances, where would he get the spare money to give gifts? As for what kind of relationship he would have with the other person if he made something himself, what is his skill level anyway? The scenario of giving someone a carefully crafted gift and seeing them moved to tears is simply impossible.

Of course, this becomes even more apparent later on. The emotional impact of a gift, especially when given to a girl, is directly linked to its monetary value.

Not only love can be priced, but so can feelings.

Cai Yan snorted and gave Gu Huai a provocative look. "What kind of gift can you give? Boys are so boring. All they know is to give girls books or crystal balls for their birthdays. I'm speechless. Couldn't you at least give them some earrings or a bracelet?"

Indeed, I've never given any gifts to girls myself. But in my memory, whenever an important girl's birthday is coming up, the guys around me would frantically ask around for advice on what to give her, and in the end, they'd end up buying a cheap crystal ball ornament from a boutique—the kind that makes snow fall inside—and then they'd have to buy a box for it. It would be much better if they just remembered to give her some snacks or something.

At this age, it's rare to find someone who can afford to give even more expensive gifts.

As for earrings and bracelets...? Is this a hint? I think I just remembered something.
Seeing that Gu Huai didn't answer immediately, Cai Yan thought he had misunderstood something and immediately spoke up.

"Don't get me wrong, I didn't mean you had to give me these things. We're all students, there's no need to give gifts, just come and participate."

"okay, I get it."

Gu Huai nodded.

Cai Yan felt inexplicably annoyed by the other person's nonchalant attitude.

You just agreed so readily? Although I really don't want him to spend any money, after all, his conditions don't seem to be that great. But you're too easily swayed by advice when it comes to this kind of thing!
"Hmph, who are you waiting for if you don't leave?"

She said it in an annoyed tone.

Huh? Is she going to leave school with me? Relaxed in the simulation, Gu Huai didn't think too much and walked out of the classroom with her.

Then, making conversation, he said, "Cai Yan."

"what?"

"Is your family well-off? You invited so many people to karaoke and dinner for your birthday?"

I didn't really know this girl very well, and it seemed unreasonable and unwise for me to ask her questions after she became my team leader. But it would be good to take advantage of the simulation opportunity to learn more about her.

"It's alright. Anyway, I'm not exactly a rich kid, so it's enough to support my brother and me."

That's really modest.

With her hands in her pockets and her backpack slung over her shoulder, she walked with a more confident and sassy air than any boy—that's the benefit of being beautiful and self-aware. She radiated confidence and pride.

The key point is that the grades are good.

However, after being placed in different classes and graduating from high school, he didn't know much about the girl, nor did he know which university she ultimately got into. It wasn't that Gu Huai had changed his mind and wanted to create some kind of plot to go to the same university as her; he was simply curious.

"Oh, I see. Will your brother come to your birthday party?"

Why are you so curious about my brother?

She asked, puzzled.

Gu Huai was taken aback. "Otherwise, should I be curious about you?"

"Why are you curious about my mom?" "...A pun, right?"

"Hahahaha, you idiot."

It seemed like she was just teasing herself, and the girl laughed happily, her high ponytail bouncing in front of her eyes.

It seems that Cai Yan's carefree smile was never seen again. Life is sinful, and growing up turns people into ghosts.

Gu Huai never expected to walk to the school gate chatting and laughing with this girl. The simulation was so relaxing that he didn't care how others looked at him and her.

It gives off a feeling of being barefoot and unafraid of those wearing shoes.

"Okay, I'll go that way."

Not far from the school gate, Cai Yan pointed to the other side of the road and said, "It seems normal. Parting when it's time to part is polite and tactful, without putting more burden on others."

But
How did you know I went the other way?

Gu Huai asked curiously.

Cai Yan was stunned for a moment, and her delicate, pink cheeks immediately flushed red. It was as if a camera was fast-forwarding through the scene of maple leaves turning red with the season.

She immediately stood still and started directing traffic, raising her arms to point from one side to the other.

He was saying nonsensical things.

"What? I don't know."

"really do not know!"

"My guess!"

"My intuition is always right! Tell me, isn't it!"

Why is it so cute?

She's so adorable that it's impossible to see through her act, but is this what it feels like to be noticed? And why, and when, did she start paying attention to me?
It seems like some teenagers are starting to fantasize and dream, but it's just a simulation, so what's wrong with enjoying it?
"That's really accurate, Cai Yan is amazing."

"What's with that weird tone of yours?"

Cai Yan glared at Gu Huai, her face flushed, like Hakimi about to pounce on her, his ears already turning into airplane ears.

"Was my tone strange?"

"It's the same tone of voice my dad sometimes uses."

"You really want me to be you?"

Looking into the other person's eyes, Gu Huai didn't continue.

Cai Yan slightly revealed her beautiful silver teeth, which were neat and shiny like pearls.

"Say it! Just say it!"

She threatened him fiercely.

Gu Huai coughed. "Um... I'm going home now. See you tomorrow."

"Hmph, see you tomorrow, don't be late."

She gave a light hum, put her hands in her pockets, and turned around with a flourish.

Unfortunately, Chinese school campuses don't have pleated skirts. It would have been even more beautiful if the skirt had spread out like a lotus leaf when she turned around.

Although he said "see you tomorrow," Gu Huai had a strong doubt: would the next simulation be on her birthday? He couldn't control it, or was this simulation just about him going home, taking a nap, and then starting again tomorrow?
To be honest, he still hoped to actually attend her birthday celebration. The reason was simple: he wanted to have that memory.

just now
As he wondered whether he should really embark on that familiar road home, his gaze swept around and caught sight of something.

A familiar figure.

Wearing the school uniform, she appeared somewhat timid, lacking the poise, gentleness, and tranquility she would later develop.

It was the young girl Lin Jiang.

She wasn't alone there; in front of her stood a still-attractive middle-aged woman.

At this moment, she was facing the middle-aged woman, her head bowed deeply.

The woman was talking incessantly, her expression seemingly full of earnest advice.

This seemed like a family matter, not something I should get involved in; my instinct to avoid trouble was kicking in.

However, one detail changed Gu Huai's mind.

He saw the cuffs of Lin Jiang's sleeves, where the girl's head was bowed deeply; her fists were clearly clenched tightly, the knuckles white.

……

P.S.: Here we go! I've set it to update every minute, with nearly 10,000 words in total.
(End of this chapter)