An Earlier Meeting - Chapter 7.2

Chapter 7.2

Yu Zhong High School was extremely liberal when it came to student appearance. Uniforms were optional, as long as students didn’t wear skirts (which weren’t practical for PE). Hair was a free-for-all, with dyed and curled styles seen everywhere.

Even with this “free-spirited” approach, Yu Zhong continued to produce outstanding talent. The likes of Wei Shun and Pei Dan, “geniuses among geniuses” who had long since graduated, were a testament to this, even though they weren’t in the same grade.

The freshman awards were finally over, and it was the sophomores’ turn.

The sun had grown noticeably hotter, and the temperature on the field was rising. The middle schoolers were in for a tough time.

Huang Xiaozhi held her breath, listening closely to the names being announced over the broadcast.

The tenth name was called, but it wasn’t her.

The ninth name wasn’t her either…

Still not her at number seven.

Sixth place—”Sophomore Class 12, Huang Xiaozhi!”

It was her!

A brilliant smile instantly lit up her face. Sixth place! She had reached her small goal!

Standing not far away, Yu Wen saw Huang Xiaozhi’s undisguised joy, and the corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up as well.

Huang Xiaozhi walked with a light step toward the stage. Her low ponytail bounced with each stride. She seemed to be enveloped in a radiant halo of “happiness,” leaving a trail of cheerful bubbles in her wake.

The sense of accomplishment and pure joy that came from a fruit earned through hard work was truly captivating.

On her way to the stage, she already set her next goal: the top five.

When she received her award and prize from the principal, her smile was exceptionally bright, revealing her neat white teeth.

She had improved by five ranks! She deserved to be proud.

Standing on the stage, holding her prize, her smile was radiant. The photographer below clicked the shutter, capturing this moment as a footnote to youth.

And in the crowd, another “photographer”—Yu Wen—also raised her small camera.

Huang Xiaozhi saw the lens and recognized Yu Wen behind it. She beamed at the camera and made a victory sign with her fingers. A gentle breeze lifted a few strands of hair on her forehead.

In Yu Wen’s frame, Huang Xiaozhi’s smiling face was clearly reflected—a different, vibrant, and bright Huang Xiaozhi.

When the principal began to announce the top five names, Huang Xiaozhi stepped down from the stage.

Instead of returning to her class’s line, she took a detour through the gap between classes 11 and 12.

As she was walking back, the broadcast announced clearly, “Sophomore Class 11, Yu Wen!”

Yu Wen walked out from the crowd. Her loose hair was gently tousled by the wind. Without her signature pigtails and black-rimmed glasses, a smile curved her lips, a mature and childlike innocence combined.

This was completely different from the quiet, introverted girl everyone knew.

Huang Xiaozhi was a little stunned, and her steps slowed down involuntarily. Is this… still Yu Wen? Did she switch places with someone?

Before she could recover, something was suddenly pressed into her hand—it was the small camera that had just taken her picture! She turned her head abruptly, only to see Yu Wen’s back as she headed toward the stage.

The eyes of the students around her were all on her, filled with curiosity.

She returned to the back of her class’s line, a little dazed.

A classmate next to her leaned over and asked about her relationship with Yu Wen, but she just shook her head stiffly, her eyes locked on the camera in her hand.

For her? Why would she give it to me? Is she asking me to hold it for her? Or… is it for me to look at?

Huang Xiaozhi’s hand was stiff as she held the camera, but her mind kept replaying Yu Wen’s groundbreaking smile and appearance.

A thought popped into her head, unchecked: Am I… really straight?

Yu Wen walked through the crowd, stepped onto the stage, and took the microphone.

Her voice echoed through the speakers across the field: “Hello, everyone, I’m Yu Wen.” This simple introduction caused a stir and cheers from all the high school students. Top grades and a beautiful face—who wouldn’t love that?

She casually tucked a side of her hair behind her shoulder, leaving the other side to fall naturally. Her bright and brilliant smile shone in the sun.

Perhaps, this was the real her—bright, transparent, and living honestly in the sunlight.

“It seems I’ve taken first place in our grade again,” her voice was calm and confident. “I hope we can all work hard together, and I hope someone behind me can surpass me. We’re classmates, but we’re also competitors. I look forward to the day when someone can truly beat me.” She paused, her gaze sweeping the crowd. “In the past, you probably saw me as the girl who always wore pigtails and black-rimmed glasses, sometimes a mask, and didn’t like to talk much. But maybe that wasn’t the real me. The real me is standing right here, speaking in front of you. The real me is also free. We all should be free—in body, soul, and mind. I hope everyone can be themselves and not put on a shackle like I once did.”

She smiled faintly and continued: “Lately, I’ve taken a liking to photography. And there seems to always be one particular heroine in my lens. I hope she can become a regular in my photos, and I’ll do my best to be a good documentarian. Thank you, everyone!” She bowed slightly and walked off the stage to warm applause.

A perfectly timed breeze passed by, as if it were there just for her, blowing her long hair and the hem of her clothes, capturing her at her most beautiful.

In the crowd, Huang Xiaozhi instinctively raised the camera in her hand, pointing it at the figure walking off the stage.

Through the lens, Yu Wen’s gaze also passed through the crowd and found her exactly.

It was as if in a sea of people, they could always lock eyes with each other.

The principal announced they were dismissed, and the field instantly erupted. The crowd scattered like ants.

Yu Wen didn’t follow the flow of people toward the school building. Instead, she walked directly toward Huang Xiaozhi, who was still standing in her spot.

Huang Xiaozhi was looking down, focused on the camera in her hand.

In fact, she had already been unable to resist flipping through the photos on it during Yu Wen’s speech.

One was a shot of her turning back in the early morning. The rising sun formed a halo behind her head, making it stunningly beautiful.

Another was the photo of her on the stage just now, smiling brightly and making a “V” sign. She knew Yu Wen was taking her picture.

But when was that first picture taken? As she was wondering, a fair hand reached out to her.

It was Yu Wen.

Huang Xiaozhi slowly looked up, meeting Yu Wen’s smiling eyes.

“Miss Huang,” Yu Wen’s voice was amused. “Can I have my camera back?”

“Ah? Oh, oh…” Huang Xiaozhi seemed to still be captivated by Yu Wen’s radiance on stage. She handed the camera back a little awkwardly. “Here… here you go.”

“Thank you.” Yu Wen took the camera, her fingertips brushing against the back of Huang Xiaozhi’s hand, creating a subtle, tingling sensation. “Shall we head back to class?”

Huang Xiaozhi nodded, feeling her cheeks flush. “Yeah, let’s go.”

Neither of them noticed that not far away, the official school photographer had quietly raised his camera.

Click.

The lens captured the silent exchange: Huang Xiaozhi’s head was tilted up slightly, her eyes a little dazed and still filled with un-faded awe. Yu Wen’s head was bowed slightly, her smile soft, her gaze focused.

Their eyes met as the camera was handed over. The noisy crowd around them became a blurry backdrop. The photographer was satisfied and carefully saved this photo, which was full of story.

On the way back to the school building, Yu Wen walked in front, her steps composed.

Huang Xiaozhi followed a half-step behind, silent. But her curiosity eventually won out. She quickened her pace to walk alongside Yu Wen and couldn’t help but ask, “Yu Wen, why did you… why did you give me the camera just now?”

Yu Wen stopped, standing one step higher than Huang Xiaozhi on the stairs. She turned to face her, her smile clear. “Because the camera only has you in it.” She paused, her voice softening. “And I only have you as a friend.”

Huang Xiaozhi’s heart skipped a beat. Her mind was instantly pulled back to the shock of seeing Yu Wen’s true face before the awards.

A wave of heat uncontrollably rushed to her ears. She hurriedly averted her gaze, looking at the flower bed below. “Is it… is it because we’re friends that you’re willing to show me the real you?”

“Mm-hm,” Yu Wen nodded, a hint of playfulness in her voice. “What? You don’t like it? If you don’t, I can go back to how I was.”

“No!” Huang Xiaozhi immediately shook her head, her voice a little urgent. Then she realized her lapse and lowered her voice. “This… this is great. I hope you’ll always be like this. It’s very beautiful.” She still didn’t dare to look into Yu Wen’s eyes, afraid her own panic and fluttering heart would be revealed.

“Okay, I won’t change,” Yu Wen’s smile deepened. She reached out and gently ruffled the top of Huang Xiaozhi’s head, feeling the softness of her hair. “Let’s go back to class, my classmate.”

Huang Xiaozhi felt as if the spot where she was touched had been electrified. She nodded erratically and practically fled, rushing up the five flights of stairs, leaving Yu Wen far behind.

She leaned against the classroom door frame, breathing heavily. Her heart was pounding in her chest.

Su Li, who had just returned, was leaning against the hallway railing, getting some air. Seeing Huang Xiaozhi in this state, she asked in surprise, “What’s wrong, Xiaoxiao? Why the rush? Your ears are bright red!”

Huang Xiaozhi lowered her head, hiding her embarrassment. “It’s… nothing. Just from climbing the stairs. I’m tired.” In her heart, she was wailing: It’s over. I really don’t think I’m straight anymore!

Su Li pulled her back to her seat. Huang Xiaozhi chugged a few gulps of water, trying to calm her racing heart.

Su Li crossed her arms and leaned in, looking at her critically. “Spill it! Be honest! What’s your relationship with Yu Wen from Class 11?”

“We’re friends,” Huang Xiaozhi said, putting down her water bottle and trying to sound calm. “What else could we be?”

“Friends?” Su Li raised an eyebrow suspiciously. “I don’t remember you two knowing each other before.”

“She lives in the apartment above mine,” Huang Xiaozhi didn’t try to hide it. “My mom helped her out a while ago, and she brought over a bento to thank her. We just got to know each other after that.”

“No way? And you never told me?” Su Li’s eyes widened.

Huang Xiaozhi frowned slightly at her. “Why do I have to tell you every little detail?”

Su Li noticed the distance in her tone and immediately laughed it off. “Just kidding! It’s great that you made a new friend. It’s also great for her to have a friend. But she’s the kind of person who probably has a lot of friends, right?”

“No,” Huang Xiaozhi said calmly as she tidied her desk. “She only has me.”

Su Li looked at her friend’s calm profile in surprise. Just as she was about to ask for more details, the class bell rang.

She had to swallow her questions and said quickly, “Class is starting! I’m going back to my seat. By the way, we’re probably going to get our new class assignments soon. I’m sure we’ll still be in the same class!” With that, she hurried back to her seat.

Huang Xiaozhi nodded, her gaze turning to the window. The sunlight streamed through the glass, casting a bright spot on her desk.

A voice in her heart kept questioning her: Do I really… like her?

The thoughts of “yes” and “no” were fiercely pulling in her mind. This strange and strong feeling made her feel both curious and lost.

Was it a crush at first sight? Or was it an attraction that grew over time? It was the first time she had ever felt so confused.

The end of summer might just be the beginning of their story.

And the coming autumn would be a witness to the true start of something for them.

…

Sophomore Class 1

In the bright and clean classroom, the new desks and chairs were neatly arranged.

Huang Xiaozhi sat in a back-row seat by the window, feeling the gentle breeze coming from outside. Su Li sat next to her, stretching her arms out comfortably.

As Huang Xiaozhi was tidying her new books, she couldn’t help but tease, “You’re full of surprises, Su Li! Fourth in the grade! Who would have thought that you, who usually hovers around twenty-sixth place, were hiding top-five level skills?”

Su Li crossed her arms and shook her head proudly. “There’s a lot you don’t know!”

Huang Xiaozhi leaned in closer and lowered her voice, with a hint of mischief. “So… is it possible for you to beat Yu Wen?”

Su Li turned her head and gave her a look, immediately shattering her fantasy. “My lady, you give me too much credit! Her score is a height I’ll never be able to reach in my lifetime.”

Huang Xiaozhi laughed and pulled back a little. “Fair enough. Then… how about trying for second place?”

Before the words were out of her mouth, their homeroom teacher, He Wei, walked in with a list.

The classroom instantly fell silent. Huang Xiaozhi looked at the blue sky outside the window, still feeling a bit surreal—she had actually done it. She was in Class 1.

After calling roll, He Wei got straight to the point, explaining the rules and requirements for the new semester in a concise way, repeating everything no more than three times.

This efficiency was in sharp contrast to Tang Yuan’s endless chatter.

Huang Xiaozhi’s eyes roamed the classroom, finally catching sight of that figure—Yu Wen.

There were several rows of seats between them, like a mountain separating them.

Yu Wen sat quietly, her long hair draped over her shoulders. She was no longer in her pigtails and black-rimmed glasses, exuding a cool and calm aura.

Just last night, Yu Wen had looked at her old photos with pigtails and ultimately set them on fire, turning them into a small pile of ashes in the trash can.

She finally had a reason to shed that disguise.

She had created that persona in the past to avoid unnecessary attention for a certain purpose. But now she realized that her true self didn’t need that deliberate concealment.

After a year of being a “good girl,” it felt much more comfortable to be herself again.

…

The time to assign seats arrived. All the students stood in the hallway outside the classroom, waiting for He Wei’s instructions.

Soon, Huang Xiaozhi realized a key problem: there were 16 girls and 14 boys. This meant that, arranged by height, the tallest girl, Yu Wen, would likely be her seatmate, as she was the second tallest girl.

This realization made her heart skip a beat again.

She stood in line, her eyes fixed on the end of the hallway, trying her best to ignore the strong presence behind her.

She didn’t even know that Yu Wen was gently wrapping the hanging knot of her belt with her fingers, playing with it with great interest.

Suddenly, her shoulder was lightly tapped.

Huang Xiaozhi’s body stiffened. She slowly turned around.

Yu Wen was looking at her, her smile exceptionally bright in the sunlight. “Hello, new seatmate.” This smile was a hundred times more lively than her old “good girl” persona.

Huang Xiaozhi felt her breath catch in her throat. She tried to force a smile. “Ah? Haha… hello, new seatmate.” Her voice was a little dry.

Yu Wen clearly saw her awkwardness. Her eyebrow twitched, and the smile on her face deepened. “Do I look scary? Or do I seem a little mean?”

Huang Xiaozhi didn’t dare admit that she was so stunned by the other girl’s beauty and aura that she was incoherent. She quickly waved her hands. “No, no! Absolutely not! It’s just… a new class, so it’s a little hard to get used to… yeah, that’s it.” As she spoke, her eyes started to wander again, and she wished she could just turn back around.

Yu Wen accepted her explanation gracefully. “I see. It’s okay. You’ll get used to it.” Her tone was gentle.

Huang Xiaozhi nodded hard as if she had been granted a reprieve. She quickly turned back, leaving only a slightly flushed ear for the person behind her.

Yu Wen looked at her reddened earlobe and smiled silently.

Although she had already known who her seatmate would be, sitting side-by-side in the classroom still felt unreal, like she was walking on clouds. They were both organizing their books, and silence filled the air.

Huang Xiaozhi’s emotions were a surging tide. She probably… really liked Yu Wen. This realization filled her with a sense of panic—was she a lesbian? But what about Yu Wen? It seemed she only saw her as a good friend.

No one would believe in love at first sight, but her heart had truly been captured in that fleeting moment—by the free and brilliant Yu Wen who had shed her disguise in the wind.

She knew nothing about Yu Wen’s past and very little about the real her now. But she believed that time would give her a chance.

She wanted to know more about her story. She wanted to walk side-by-side with her on the same path.

A youthful crush was always awkward and nervous.

A person with a crush needed great courage to face a possible rejection and to hope for a small chance of acceptance.

Would Huang Xiaozhi’s crush ultimately become a brave person’s declaration or a timid person’s secret?

Time would tell.