Confessing To The School Queen In Front Of The Whole School - Chapter 24.1

The evening breeze was gentle.

It was just that the small vegetable garden wasn’t quite what she had in mind.

She followed up on the conversation: “But since you suddenly moved in, Grandma Ji must not have had time to prepare. Why don’t I go help you make the bed!”

Having successfully found a way to spend more time together, Xia Meng gave herself a thumbs up for her quick thinking.

She dropped the miserable-looking small vegetable seedling she had been tormenting and stood up.

Tao Yun: “Warming the bed?”

Xia Meng nearly lost her footing, and Tao Yun quickly reached out to steady her.

Xia Meng suspected she had misheard, or perhaps the system was messing with her, imitating Tao Yun’s voice to set her up and make her look foolish.

That didn’t sound like something Tao Yun would say; it was too naughty. Xia Meng quickly regained her balance and covered her nose with her hand, afraid she might get a nosebleed, though she wasn’t sure who the naughty one was.

The system was caught in the crossfire innocently.

You’re slandering me!

No, it must be you!

How could Tao Yun say something like that? Or maybe she was joking?

If it was a joke, then it was fine. Xia Meng chuckled dryly: “Warm, if the bed isn’t warm, I won’t get out of bed!”

A faint smile surfaced in Tao Yun’s eyes.

You said it.

The system once again watched as the host sold herself out.

Mr. Ji’s house and Grandpa Xia’s house were very close, or rather, everyone’s houses were close. It was the kind of relationship where you could stick your head out the window and ask the opposite neighbor to borrow salt—close, cordial, and full of human warmth.

Xia Meng often came here when she was little because the elderly people loved the younger generation and were generous, and Xia Meng had received many red envelopes.

Later, the Xia couple became too busy and rarely came, but the siblings could still find their way back during the holidays.

She had to admit that her connection with Tao Yun was incredibly close. She just didn’t know why, after all these years, they had never run into each other.

Fortunately, it wasn’t too late.

In fact, now was the best time.

Mr. Ji had just returned from dinner at the Xia house. Wearing glasses, he happened to see the two young girls approaching.

One was smiling a little goofily, the other more reserved. They were a pair, one open and one closed, like good sisters who had known each other for many years, and the atmosphere was harmonious.

They only met today, right? A flash of surprise crossed Mr. Ji’s eyes, and then he greeted them.

“Little Meng is here, come and sit.”

Xia Meng happily walked over: “Grandpa Ji.”

“Hey, how are your grades recently?”

Xia Meng’s smile faltered. Why! Why does everyone ask this the moment they see me!

If she hadn’t done reasonably well this time, she would be completely embarrassed: “The midterms just finished, and the scores aren’t out yet, but I performed exceptionally well!”

Mr. Ji said, “Oh, so you passed, then.”

Xia Meng: “I always pass…”

Mr. Ji was merciless: “Your grades are still far behind your brother’s.”

Then why are you asking! Can’t we just get along!

Xia Meng wore a pained expression. Tao Yun was much better; she would give compliments, which Xia Meng absolutely loved.

Not only did Xia Meng think Tao Yun was good, but Mr. Ji also did. Tao Yun was his star pupil!

Mr. Ji also called Tao Yun over: “You should learn more from Tao Yun. Her grades are excellent, and she is also steady and reliable!”

The second half sounded a bit like a matchmaker, catching hold of the girl and praising her enthusiastically, promoting her to the young man.

The young man scratched his head awkwardly: “I will, I will.”

I will be good to her.

System.

If you had taken some Cefalgin, you wouldn’t be this drunk. What an imagination.

Xia Meng didn’t bother arguing with the system.

Mr. Ji didn’t know his star pupil was being coveted. If he did, he might grab a broom and chase the person away.

However, Mr. Ji changed the subject: “It’s so late, what are you doing here?”

…Isn’t that still trying to shoo Xia Meng away!

Was it instinct, or what, but Xia Meng didn’t dare speak up for a moment, afraid she might honestly confess the ‘sins’ she had committed and sell herself out.

What am I doing here? I’m here to warm the bed.

She didn’t dare to speak.

Tao Yun: “She’s kind-hearted and wants to help me tidy my room.”

Xia Meng looked over with starry eyes.

Mr. Ji was dismissive: “Help with what? Your teacher’s wife is here. Don’t cause trouble.”

One second, he was an enthusiastic matchmaker, the next he was a stern relative, finding fault with Xia Meng everywhere.

Xia Meng: I’ll get used to it.

People say, “A Day as a teacher, a lifetime as a father.” She had to treat Mr. Ji well: “Grandpa Ji~”

Give me a chance to prove myself!

“I won’t be a bother!”

Xia Meng’s eyes scanned the area, accurately finding the room Tao Yun was going to stay in tonight. She lifted her foot and started walking towards it. She definitely had to fight for this opportunity.

For the sake of warming the bed!

System.

Snap out of it!

You’re warming the bed for her, not the other way around! Why are you so eager?

Xia Meng: Is there a difference?

In any case, she was highly motivated. If she couldn’t sleep in the same bed as Tao Yun, then at least an indirect co-sleeping arrangement would do!

Xia Meng wasn’t hot-headed; she was smitten.

Fortunately, Grandma Ji came out of the room first. The door opened, and the room was already tidied up. Grandma Ji saw Xia Meng and, having a strong impression of the girl who loved sweets since childhood, said: “Little Meng is here.”

Xia Meng looked at the made bed, refusing to believe it.

Dejectedly: “Grandma Ji.”

She was so disappointed.

In contrast, Tao Yun was very calm: “Teacher’s wife, thank you for the trouble.”

Grandma Ji smiled warmly: “It’s no trouble at all. You two go play. The room is all ready for you.”

So, Xia Meng’s hope was reignited.

She wanted to chat and play with Tao Yun in the same room!

Mr. Ji: “Play what?”

Xia Meng: …

She began to recall which foot she stepped into the house with that caused Mr. Ji to be so displeased with her.

System.

You’ve really wronged him.

A cultured, dignified old man being completely mischaracterized by your fantasies.

The system felt wronged on Mr. Ji’s behalf.

Xia Meng sighed.

I know.

She just wanted to spend more time with Tao Yun. She was also clearly aware that Tao Yun was here to prepare for the Physics Olympiad and shouldn’t waste time.

But she just held onto a bit of luck and a desire to be unreasonable.

She wasn’t kind-hearted; Tao Yun was, and she was still accommodating and indulging her.

Xia Meng pouted: “Grandpa Ji, can I be a study partner?”

Mr. Ji: “…Are you sure you’d understand?”

I’m sure I won’t understand. Farewell! Xia Meng retreated gracefully.

She reluctantly said goodbye to Tao Yun. One second, she was crestfallen, the next she cheered up: “See you tomorrow! I’ll definitely wake up very early and come find you!”

After all, they lived so close now.

She was also neighbors with Tao Yun! Even if it was a limited-time neighbor situation, and only for one day, it didn’t stop Xia Meng from secretly being happy.

If she could, she would even want to text Lin Ruoruo to show off, but unfortunately, she didn’t have Lin Ruoruo’s contact information.

That’s right, she didn’t.

She had added the student council seniors but deliberately not Lin Ruoruo, just because Lin Ruoruo was relying on her childhood neighbor status to be so close to Tao Yun.

She had to remember; a childhood friend is no match for a sudden arrival!

Xia Meng was smug. In fact, she was both a childhood friend and a sudden arrival. This combination was invincible!

Tao Yun didn’t know why Xia Meng was so happy.

But she couldn’t help but be infected and smiled along: “Okay, I’ll wait for you.”

She paused, chuckling internally. As for warming the bed, she wouldn’t forget.

Mr. Ji didn’t understand.

Are young girls this clingy now? Even when he was dating Grandma Ji, they weren’t this affectionate.

I just don’t get it.

Xia Meng returned to Grandpa Xia’s house.

Mom Xia had gone into her room to work on her laptop, and only Xia Ning was sitting in the living room.

Seeing his sister return, Xia Ning chuckled: “You didn’t walk into the wrong house.”

Xia Meng: …

Brother, you don’t have to be like that.

Xia Ning had specifically waited for Xia Meng to come back, definitely having something to say. His expression was serious: “You can’t just move on to someone else because you couldn’t get the first person. I can’t have a sister like you!”

He was still annoyed about that matter.

It was all because of Xia Ning’s nonsense that Tao Yun had specially come over to tease her!

Tao Yun would never tease people; she’s the best. It’s all brother’s fault! Xia Meng was indignant but also knew her brother was looking out for her and was genuinely worried.

So Xia Meng clarified: “I didn’t move on.”

That wasn’t convincing enough.

“I wasn’t unable to get him!”

Xia Ning: “…Huh?”

He looked at his sister’s earnest and affirming expression. Could it be that I misunderstood?

Xia Ning couldn’t figure it out: “Then you were staring intently at Mr. Ji’s student.”

“I…” Xia Meng’s face turned red.

Hmph, I wasn’t staring intently! I covered it up, okay? Xia Meng felt guilty, her palms sweating.

She mumbled defensively: “I have a reason to be nice to her.”

Xia Ning: I don’t really understand girls’ logic.

He thought about it: Tao Yun was Mr. Ji’s student, and Xia Meng had been looked after by Mr. Ji. It was normal for her to want to be nice to Tao Yun and have another peer as a friend.

It was just… Wouldn’t that girl misunderstand?

Xia Ning’s head was about to explode from thinking. This is a world I don’t understand. Finally, Xia Ning’s eyes were glazed over: “Just… know what you’re doing.”

I know what I’m doing.

She had been counting all along: the survival time Tao Yun brought her. Every minute, every second, she had been counting.

System.

Puns will be penalized. Different pronunciations of the same character will also…

Xia Meng.

Go ahead and penalize me, I don’t care.

System: …

Tsk. It couldn’t penalize her. It could only grumble a few words to make itself feel relevant.

It’s infuriating. It was definitely a system, but Xia Meng wasn’t necessarily human! Such a jerk.

After Xia Ning confirmed that his sister hadn’t gone astray, he returned to his room to do his own thing. Xia Meng, on the other hand, found Grandpa Xia and kept him company for a chat.

The other people in the complex all had their spouses, but Grandpa Xia was alone. Grandma Xia passed away early, and Grandpa Xia was usually by himself at home.

Fortunately, he had foresight. When he was young, he convinced a group of people to build houses here for retirement.

With neighbors who shared interests, it wasn’t too lonely.

But seeing family would still make him happy. He talked with Xia Meng for a long time, asking about everything from top to bottom, and finally sighed: “Your dad says the company is busy, but I don’t know what he’s busy with.”

Xia Meng was sweet-talking: “We came to see you, though.”

Grandpa Xia: “It’s good that you remember me—”

Just as the topic was about to become sentimental, and Xia Meng was ready to listen to Grandpa Xia’s earnest advice, she heard Grandpa Xia ask: “Do you have a boy you like at school?”

Xia Meng: …

She whispered: “No, Grandpa.”

I just recently developed a bit of a crush on a girl.

Xia Meng didn’t dare to say it. The elderly had different views. If she startled Grandpa Xia, her dad might come back and beat her up.

Unexpectedly, Grandpa Xia nodded, then asked: “What about girls?”

Xia Meng: ???

Holy cow, my heart is about to jump out of my chest! Did Mom Xia tell Grandpa Xia about the school incident? Is Grandpa Xia testing the waters?

How should I answer!

Urgent, waiting online!

Xia Meng’s pupils dilated: “What are you asking, Grandpa—”

“Your brother.”

Xia Meng: …

With that pause, it took her a long time to understand what Grandpa Xia meant. He was asking if Xia Ning had a girl he liked.

How would I know?

Xia Meng answered with certainty: “No, absolutely not!”

She spoke resolutely and firmly, able to withstand any challenge.

Grandpa Xia sighed again: “When are you two going to bring me a granddaughter-in-law?”

Why the ‘two,’ Grandpa! Can’t you be more reliable with your words! Xia Meng was so nervous she almost cried and could only be vague: “You will, you will. Don’t worry.”

She walked out of Grandpa Xia’s room with a pounding heart.

She felt like she was going to have a nightmare tonight.

She didn’t have a nightmare, but Xia Meng had a sweet dream.

In the dream, she and Tao Yun were on holiday. They traveled together, chasing each other, and catching small butterflies in a flower garden. When Xia Meng caught one, she heard the butterfly say: “I’m going to punish you!”

So, it turned Xia Meng into a cat.

Tao Yun took the freshly minted little kitten home and began a life of blissful shamelessness, constantly holding her and cuddling her.

When Xia Meng woke up, her eyes were still blurry, and she felt a strange stiffness in her neck.

She first thought she had been cuddled too much.

Then she realized she had a stiff neck.