My Upperclassman Wants me to confess my feelings - Chapter 2

Chapter 2: The Hot Post

Beep. The card swipe was complete.

Xia Xiaohan carried her steamed buns, found a nearby seat, and began to eat.

At a table two rows away sat two girls with exquisite makeup. A long-haired girl sat upright, replying to messages on her phone, while the short girl opposite her talked and laughed as she ate, seemingly trying to please the long-haired girl.

Suddenly, the short girl caught sight of Xia Xiaohan. She grabbed the long-haired girl’s hand and gasped, “Yaya, look quickly! That girl bought ten steamed buns.”

The long-haired girl looked over curiously. Xia Xiaohan had just finished the first bun and was immediately picking up the second.

The short girl simply put down her chopsticks and took several photos with her phone. Seeing Xia Xiaohan finish two more buns, she went as far as filming a short video—specifically capturing Xia Xiaohan devouring a whole bun in ten seconds.

Seeing her companion filming, the long-haired girl frowned slightly. “Sisi, how can you secretly film someone else?”

Not far away, Xia Xiaohan heard the voice and looked over in confusion. The short girl hurried to hide her phone, stood up, and pulled the long-haired girl away. Vaguely, a voice could be heard saying something like, “I’ll delete it when we get back.”

Xia Xiaohan didn’t mind and continued eating her buns.

When she returned to the dormitory, it was empty. Except for Xia Xiaohan, the other three residents were sophomores. Cheng Wu was in the Management Department, while the other two—whom Cheng Wu had introduced via her phone photo album—were in the Finance Department. One was Ningning, a round-faced cutie, and the other was Zhao Ru, a gentle “older sister” type.

Sitting at her desk, Xia Xiaohan took out the books she had just received and began to preview the material.

…

Student Union Office, Department Building.

Cheng Wu, having just finished a meeting, leaned back in her chair to rest. Upon opening her phone, she found a string of messages from Ningning. After reading them one by one, Cheng Wu frowned slightly. She exited WeChat and clicked on the Jiangda Forum—a site she almost never visited.

The Mathematics Department post was still pinned at the top, but a “New” tag was displayed on a hot post below it. The giant headline made Cheng Wu feel slightly uncomfortable:

“New Pure ‘School Beauty’ Xia Xiaohan Destroys a Steamed Bun in Ten Seconds!”

Clicking into the post, she saw a series of photos followed by a short video. The protagonist was indeed Xia Xiaohan.

There were many arguments in the comments: some praised her, some insulted her, and others were just there for the drama. The “blockheads” from the Math Department were foolishly praising Xia Xiaohan for her great appetite. However, people from other departments—especially fans of the actual “Pure School Beauty”—immediately began attacking Xia Xiaohan for “hype-seeking.”

Because she was associated with Cheng Wu, these people even began making snide remarks about Cheng Wu by association. Cheng Wu, known as the “Glamorous School Beauty,” naturally had her own fans. They unhesitatingly jumped in to defend Cheng Wu, and by extension, Xia Xiaohan. A meaningless war of words ensued.

Cheng Wu scrolled back to the top, checked the poster’s information, and the corners of her mouth curled. “So it’s an alt-account.”

On the surface, it looked like praise for Xia Xiaohan, but in reality, it was meant to draw hatred toward her. Publicly, the poster was dissatisfied with Xia Xiaohan; actually, they were dissatisfied with Cheng Wu.

Just as she closed her phone, a knock sounded at the door. “Cheng Wu, are you there?”

“I’m here.”

The door pushed open to reveal a clean-cut, handsome boy wearing a white shirt and black trousers, looking bright and sunny. When he spoke, his voice was like music, and worry filled the office: “Have you seen the forum post?”

Cheng Wu gestured casually for him to sit. The boy shook his head, walked to the desk, and set down his phone. A string of white numbers glowed against a black background. “This is the poster’s IP. I’ve tracked it; it’s confirmed to be from someone in Building 13, Room 303.”

Cheng Wu smiled. “So it’s Li Ya, then.”

“It shouldn’t be her.” The boy’s brow furrowed as he swiped his phone to play surveillance footage. It was from the corner of the Third Canteen. Not only was Xia Xiaohan there, but the real “Pure School Beauty,” Li Ya, was also present.

However, the boy pointed to the person opposite Li Ya. “The post was made by Ye Sisi. She’s close friends with Li Ya; she probably couldn’t stand seeing someone steal Li Ya’s title of School Beauty.”

Cheng Wu stood up and slowly approached the boy, her eyes cold. “Fan Jia, what exactly do you want by bringing these photos and videos to me?”

The boy named Fan Jia had light in his eyes as he spoke sincerely, “I like you. I won’t let anyone slander you, not even Li Ya’s best friend.”

Cheng Wu chuckled. She turned toward the window, looking out at the campus, and said in a detached tone, “Fan Jia, I’ve told you I don’t like you.”

“Can’t you give me a chance? You can be so gentle to a new junior; can’t you spare a little bit for me?” Fan Jia looked incredibly hurt, but his hand behind the desk was clenched tight.

Cheng Wu turned slowly, the night wind blowing through the window and lifting her slightly curled hair. Her beautiful eyes were now incredibly icy. “Fan Jia, whether you truly love me to the point of being unable to help yourself… you know the truth in your heart.”

…

The dormitory door was pushed open. Xia Xiaohan’s pen paused, and she hurriedly looked back. Seeing it was Cheng Wu, she stood up. “Senior, you’re back.”

The shy smile instantly wiped away Cheng Wu’s irritation. She couldn’t help but reach out and pat the top of Xia Xiaohan’s head. “I’m back. You weren’t bored being in the dorm alone?”

Glancing around, she saw that Ningning and Zhao Ru hadn’t returned. Her eyes fell on the desk; the pile of scratch paper was entirely covered in calculations. Looking at the book next to it, filled with dense symbols and numbers, Cheng Wu was stunned.

“You’ve been previewing the material this whole time?”

Xia Xiaohan nodded and pulled her down to sit. “Yes. Since you weren’t here… thanks to you, I have everything I need to buy and collect.”

Just then, giggling came from outside. The door pushed open again, and Ningning and Zhao Ru appeared. Ningning was carrying a large bag of snacks. Seeing Xia Xiaohan, she rushed over and circled her.

“Xiaohan! You look much better than in the photos and videos! So cute! And so well-behaved!” Even though Ningning was shorter than Xia Xiaohan, she tried to reach up and pat Xia Xiaohan’s head. However, she didn’t succeed; Cheng Wu blocked her hand.

Zhao Ru closed the door and entered, saying softly, “Xiaohan, I’m Zhao Ru, and she is Ningning.” She pulled Ningning back as she spoke.

Xia Xiaohan laughed. “Hello, Senior Ningning. Hello, Senior Zhao Ru. I’m Xia Xiaohan. Senior Cheng Wu already introduced you to me.”

“Hmph! Sister Wu didn’t even give us a chance!” Ningning pouted, her round face looking even rounder, making one want to pinch it. Xia Xiaohan was thinking exactly that when she saw Zhao Ru actually reach out and give it a pinch.

Ningning immediately turned and hid behind Xia Xiaohan, shielding her face. “Xiaohan, Xiaohan, save me! Ru is bullying me again!”

“Senior Ru, don’t bully Ningning anymore.” Xia Xiaohan suddenly felt that university was wonderful; everyone she met was so nice. A heartfelt smile appeared on her face.

Gaining courage, Ningning ran over and threw herself into Zhao Ru’s arms, playfully hugging her waist. Only Cheng Wu saw Xia Xiaohan’s smile—so brilliant and warm, it felt like a ray of sunlight shining into her heart.

…

After everyone finished washing up, the lights went out at 11:00 PM. Since it was the start of the semester, the neighboring dorms were still rowdy, but Xia Xiaohan’s room was very quiet.

In the darkness, Cheng Wu kept replaying Xia Xiaohan’s smile in her mind, feeling inexplicably happy. This reminded her of what Xia Xiaohan had asked before falling asleep:

“Senior, I don’t want my head facing the window. Can I face your side?”

Cheng Wu had naturally agreed; she didn’t like facing the door herself either. Opening her eyes, Cheng Wu listened to the sound of breathing coming from above and couldn’t help but chuckle. She had fallen asleep so fast only a few minutes and she was already out.

Zhao Ru opposite her was also quiet, but Ningning was tossing and turning, unable to sleep. After the lights went out, she suddenly remembered something. She had sent Cheng Wu a message, but Cheng Wu hadn’t replied. At the time, she thought Cheng Wu was busy and went to the Management Department to find her. Upon reaching the third floor, she saw Fan Jia standing at the Student Union office door. A moment later, Fan Jia slammed his fist against the wall next to the door.

Watching from hiding, Ningning understood everything. Fan Jia must have investigated everything and run to tell Cheng Wu. But looking at him, he had likely been ruthlessly rejected again. Ningning didn’t care about Fan Jia; she cared about Xia Xiaohan. It was rare to find a junior so cute and sensible, and she liked her very much.

After hesitating, Ningning whispered, “Cheng Wu. Cheng Wu.”

“What is it?” Cheng Wu answered softly, worried about waking Xia Xiaohan.

Ningning poked her head out, her eyes shining. “Who exactly posted that thread to cause trouble? Ru told me the poster was actually targeting you.”

“Who else could it be? The ‘Pure School Beauty’s’ best friend.” Cheng Wu had encountered this before, but this time, she felt a bit unhappy. It was normal for Ye Sisi to dislike her and play petty tricks, but to step on her friend too… Cheng Wu felt this matter shouldn’t just be let go.

Ningning gritted her teeth and cursed, “That petty person! Always using these tricks! I really can’t understand why Li Ya would have someone like that as a best friend!”

Just then, Xia Xiaohan mumbled and rolled over. Cheng Wu signaled for silence. Once Xia Xiaohan quieted down, she whispered, “Go to sleep. I’ll take care of this.”

“Really!?” Ningning was excited; Cheng Wu usually didn’t care. She glanced at Xia Xiaohan was it because of Xiaohan? Cheng Wu urged her again, and Ningning finally suppressed her excitement and went to sleep.

… 

In the early morning, Cheng Wu heard movement above and opened her eyes. Xia Xiaohan was quietly climbing down the bed ladder. Noticing Cheng Wu was awake, she whispered an apology, “Sorry, did I wake you? I’ll be more careful next time.”

“It’s fine. I need to get up too.” Cheng Wu got out of bed as well. Their movements were extremely light and didn’t wake the other two. Zhao Ru was in the same position as before she slept, but Ningning was completely different one leg was dangling out of the bed, the other was propped against the wall, and her mouth was smacking as if she were dreaming of delicious food.

They got up very early; the sky was still dark, and the roads outside the dorm were empty. “Why are you up so early?” Cheng Wu didn’t usually wake this early, and she felt Xia Xiaohan had another purpose.

Sure enough, Xia Xiaohan scratched her head sheepishly. “I wanted to get up early to buy more buns.”

Cheng Wu was surprised. “Did you see the post?”

“What post?” Xia Xiaohan looked bewildered.

Cheng Wu chuckled and shook her head. “Nothing.”

Although Xia Xiaohan felt there was more to her words, she explained, “The auntie who sells buns yesterday told me to come early. She’s making a few giant buns specifically to sell to me. I was afraid of missing the time, so I got up early on purpose.”

“The aunties at our school are very nice,” Cheng Wu said with a smile.

When they reached the canteen, the windows weren’t open, but the kitchen was in full swing preparing breakfast. They didn’t wait long before Xia Xiaohan got her buns. Cheng Wu, worried about her being malnourished, bought her a cup of soy milk and a serving of cut fruit.

Initially, Xia Xiaohan thought Cheng Wu bought them for herself, but when Cheng Wu handed them over, she waved her hands in fear. “I can’t eat this much. Senior, don’t give them to me.”

“But eating only buns all the time won’t do,” Cheng Wu said worriedly.

Xia Xiaohan nodded. “Mhm. So I plan to go out and buy some fruits and vegetables after military training ends today.”