Locking away my heart and love! Going back to 2000 to be a top student again.

Xu Su didn't speak, but her wrist was grabbed again. "You're still young, it's normal that you're not quick to understand. If you don't like me, then let's continue being good classmates, okay? Don't avoid me, alright?"

"..." Xu Su was speechless: "You're only a year older than me."

It's normal for her to be slow to understand.

Then he's not normal?

“Being one year older is enough,” Xi Zirong smiled, “enough for me to know that I like you.”

“…Xi Zirong,” Xu Su said awkwardly, her mind in turmoil, “we should be at an age where we need to study hard.”

“Yes,” Xi Zirong nodded, “I know.”

He just couldn't resist wanting to solidify their relationship as soon as possible.

This time, he stayed by her side, just like he had from the very beginning.

Xu Su looked embarrassed. "Students shouldn't be in relationships too early."

Under the cover of night, the girl's drooping eyelashes resembled gently trembling butterfly wings, a breathtaking sight.

Xi Zirong's chest was burning hot. "Okay, no early romance. Can I first consider you my future boyfriend as a friend?"

That's a novel idea.

Xu Su looked up: "What do you mean?"

"Let's be friends for now. I can wait until you feel the time is right before giving me a formal title."

Xi Zirong's voice was slightly hoarse, "Su Su, you just need to promise me that I will be your future boyfriend."

"..." Xu Su's eyes widened. "You can do that?"

“Hmm,” Xi Zirong smiled and said, “I like you so much that I’m afraid you’ll be taken away from me, so I want to settle down as soon as possible.”

He readily admitted his fear.

Xu Su didn't know where his unease came from, but she could definitely sense his emotions.

...Could it be because I've never had any friends growing up that I cherish them so much, yet also feel anxious about losing them?

But that's clearly not the case.

Over the course of more than a month, she discovered that he wasn't friendless at all; rather, he was too aloof and never participated in class activities, which kept other classmates away from him.

In this environment, he stood out like a crane among chickens, completely out of place.

Only with her... from the very beginning, she was different.

It was as if... they came specifically for her.

Xu Su was startled and looked at the person in front of her, asking, "It's only been a month or so, and you like me this much already?"

"Hmm," Xi Zirong softened her voice, "Su Su, don't you believe me?"

...I believe it.

Even someone as oblivious as her could tell.

Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to ask them.

But now that the truth has been revealed and they've admitted it without hesitation, she's the one who's at a loss.

Like it?

...You like it, right?

Xu Su turned her face away and nodded somewhat awkwardly.

She accepted him as her potential boyfriend.

But their relationship remained the same as before.

Perhaps the only difference is that Xi Zirong's gaze is no longer concealed, but has become increasingly direct.

His sincerity was so evident that many people recognized his affection.

Xu Su told him to tone it down, fearing he might be summoned by the teacher.

Xi Zirong just smiled and said, "Don't worry, I'll handle everything."

He did handle everything well; I don't know how he did it, but in any case, the teachers turned a blind eye to their behavior, which seemed like "puppy love."

...Perhaps it's a privilege reserved for academic geniuses?

With this thought in mind, Xu Su felt relieved.

With the high school entrance exam approaching, she began to focus on preparing for it.

Xi Zirong, who was tutoring her, would sometimes get distracted after hearing that she wanted to go to Changshi to attend high school with her parents.

Finally, one day in early May, after dinner, as the two walked side by side from the cafeteria to the classroom, Xi Zirong said, "Su Su... how about we go to high school in Kang County?"

Xu Su stopped in her tracks: "Why?"

She already knows about his family.

His family is from Changshi, and her parents are also from Changshi.

With their grades, getting into a top high school in Changshi is a sure thing.

Why not go where there are better educational resources?