When the Tsundere Rival Turns Into a Cat - Chapter 42

Back at school, after all the procedures were settled, Li Xingcan placed her backpack on Jiang Qingyue’s desk, and Jiang Qingyue rearranged the books once more.

Everything seemed to have returned to normal, as if nothing had happened. Yet occasionally, when Li Xingcan and Jiang Qingyue looked at each other, there was an unspoken tension lingering between them.

Two uneventful days passed, and the weekend arrived—a rare opportunity for relaxation that everyone eagerly anticipated.

That afternoon, no one was in the mood for class. Everyone’s mind was preoccupied with weekend plans, and amidst the restless atmosphere, Jiang Qingyue, who was diligently reviewing her notes, and Li Xingcan, who was engrossed in her game, stood out as rare exceptions.

Fu Duosui quietly approached Li Xingcan and glanced at her phone screen, where dazzling special effects filled the display as a team battle raged on.

“I need to tell you something.”

“Hold on.” Li Xingcan was too busy to listen, her fingers swiftly gliding across the screen as she executed a seamless combo, swiftly eliminating the enemy’s two key damage dealers before retreating with a sliver of health left, leaving the rest to her teammates. Only then did she spare Fu Duosui a response. “What is it?”

“Are you free this weekend?” Fu Duosui raised her eyebrows expectantly, giving Li Xingcan a meaningful look.

Li Xingcan stared at her, puzzled and slightly exasperated. “Are your eyebrows cramping or something?”

“What? I’m being serious here. Do you have time this weekend? We’re planning to go out and have some fun.”

Fu Duosui was convinced that Li Xingcan was hopelessly oblivious.

“Nope.” Li Xingcan rejected her outright without hesitation, refocusing on her game. Then she watched as three of her four teammates—who had a numerical advantage—were wiped out by the enemy. Bl00d rushed to her head in frustration. “Are they idiots?! Even playing with their feet wouldn’t make them this bad!”

“Calm down!” Fu Duosui was at her wit’s end. Watching Li Xingcan, fully absorbed in clearing the jungle before chasing down the enemy’s low-health stragglers, she wore an expression of sheer agony. If only Li Xingcan could channel even half the energy she poured into gaming into Jiang Qingyue, Fu Duosui wouldn’t have to worry so much.

Fuming, she plopped down in her seat, grinding her teeth as she shot a glance at Jiang Qingyue, who was lost in her studies. Between these two, who exactly were the ones involved in this mess? Why was she the only one stressing over it? What were they even thinking?

Realizing she wasn’t getting through to Li Xingcan, Fu Duosui returned to her seat. Her original plan had been to invite both Li Xingcan and Jiang Qingyue out over the weekend, creating a romantic atmosphere where Li Xingcan could properly confess her feelings again. Maybe then, things could be salvaged? But now, it seemed hopeless.

Just as Fu Duosui was stewing in frustration, Ou Jin sidled up to her mysteriously and beckoned her over.

Confused, Fu Duosui followed her out into the hallway, where Ou Jin leaned in close. “I passed by the teachers’ office earlier—guess what I overheard?”

“What?” Fu Duosui knew Ou Jin always had the juiciest gossip, and her curiosity was instantly piqued.

“Not only did I hear about it, I saw it too. Li Xingcan’s brother was discussing this with Old Yang in the office. It seems the principal has already approved transferring Jiang Qingyue to the elite class for better cultivation. Old Yang will be announcing this soon.”

After speaking, Oujin stroked her chin thoughtfully. “So how far along are Jiang Qingyue and Li Xingcan’s relationship anyway? Why would Li Xingcan’s parents come to discuss Jiang Qingyue’s matters with the teacher? Could they have already met each other’s families and gotten approval?”

Oujin’s focus was clearly on this aspect, even convinced her speculation was absolutely correct. Otherwise, why would Li Xingcan’s parents—who were usually too busy to even attend parent-teacher meetings—make a special trip to school for Jiang Qingyue’s sake?

This was unusual. Extremely unusual.

Fu Duosui’s mind went blank upon hearing the news. Her first thought was that this would mean the two would be in separate classes. But after listening to Oujin’s analysis, she found it made sense too.

So now there was no need for her to worry? Had Li Xingcan and Jiang Qingyue’s relationship progressed by leaps and bounds?

That would be wonderful!

Fu Duosui’s eyes lit up, but then she reconsidered—if they were really in a relationship, wouldn’t Li Xingcan have told her? After all, she was Li Xingcan’s best friend!

Her emotions rollercoastered, her expression shifting dramatically, leaving Oujin thoroughly confused.

Everyone had their own theories, while the actual parties involved—Li Xingcan and Jiang Qingyue—remained completely unaware.

The afternoon classes finally ended after what felt like an eternity. The moment the bell rang, the homeroom teacher waved his hand, and the classroom erupted into chaos as everyone rushed to be the first out.

Old Yang gestured for Jiang Qingyue to wait.

Jiang Qingyue wasn’t in any hurry to leave. She calmly packed her bag and approached the teacher once most students had gone.

Old Yang got straight to the point, informing her of the principal’s decision.

“Jiang Qingyue, since you’ll be staying with us until the college entrance exams, we can’t have you idling in this class. After discussions with the principal’s office—and with Li Xingcan’s parents’ support—we’ve decided to transfer you to the elite class starting next Monday. The learning environment and teaching resources there will suit you better. Do you have any objections?”

After all, the international class was primarily for students like Fu Duosui and Li Xingcan who planned to study abroad, whereas Jiang Qingyue would be taking the national college entrance exams for domestic top universities—the two paths were fundamentally different.

Jiang Qingyue knew this was for her benefit and had no objections.

“I don’t have any objections. This arrangement sounds good.”

“Glad to hear it,” Old Yang nodded, both relieved and reluctant. He’d expected Jiang Qingyue to be the responsible type. “You can move your things next Monday. Also, there are now vacancies in the dormitories, so you could choose to board. This would allow you to attend two additional evening self-study sessions and have more study time. What do you think?”

This suggestion was indeed excellent. Jiang Qingyue carefully considered it—staying at Li Xingcan’s place would be convenient, but after all, it was Li Xingcan’s home, and commuting back and forth would waste some time. Boarding at school was truly her best option.

Without much hesitation, Jiang Qingyue nodded. “You make a good point, teacher. Is it convenient to arrange boarding now?”

“Of course it’s convenient. Don’t worry about that. Bring all your belongings on Monday—the dormitory will be ready for you. Just focus on your studies, and I’ll coordinate everything with your new homeroom teacher.”

Old Yang patted his chest in assurance.

After their conversation, Old Yang left first. By then, the classroom was nearly empty. Jiang Qingyue returned to her seat and began packing her bag.

Since she was only moving to the elite class on the second floor, she didn’t need to take everything—just what she’d need over the weekend.

Once packed, she slung her bag over her shoulder and glanced back at Li Xingcan’s seat. Li Xingcan stood empty-handed, leaning against the back doorframe, waiting for her.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Jiang Qingyue walked over and greeted her.

“It’s fine. What did Old Yang say?”

Li Xingcan had been too far away to hear clearly and decided to ask directly.

“The homeroom teacher told me about transferring to the elite class on the second floor next Monday.” Jiang Qingyue had been meaning to bring this up anyway.

Li Xingcan’s expression remained neutral as she nodded. “Oh, that’s good. Mumu was already moved to the elite class. She says the learning environment there is great—intense, fast-paced, and she loves it.”

“I know. There’s one more thing.” Jiang Qingyue was all too familiar with that kind of atmosphere, so she wasn’t worried. She continued with the second matter. “The homeroom teacher just mentioned that there are some vacant dorm rooms and suggested I consider boarding. After thinking about it, it makes sense—I could arrive earlier in the morning and attend extra classes at night. So I agreed.”

“You agreed?”

This caught Li Xingcan off guard, and her voice rose slightly.

“Yes, boarding fits my schedule better. It’ll also save you the trouble. I’m sorry I didn’t discuss it with you first.” Since her impression of Li Xingcan had shifted, Jiang Qingyue remained calm despite Li Xingcan’s tone.

Li Xingcan inhaled sharply, but under Jiang Qingyue’s composed gaze, she lowered her voice. “I never thought you were trouble.”

“I know. You’re really kind.”

Jiang Qingyue nodded firmly.

Li Xingcan clutched this “good person card” and fell silent.

As they walked out, Li Xingcan wanted to say more—that the school cafeteria couldn’t compare to home-cooked meals, that the dorm beds were harder and less comfortable, that the temperature wouldn’t be as ideal, that washing up would be less convenient, and that there wouldn’t even be internet…

Li Xingcan could list countless ways the school was less comfortable than her home, yet none of the words came out.

Before Jiang Qingyue arrived, hadn’t she herself chosen to stay in the dorms despite such comforts? Compared to the cold, empty villa, the chaotic yet lively student dorm had one undeniable advantage.

After pondering all the way, when the car stopped at the gate, Li Xingcan had sorted out her thoughts. She stopped Jiang Qingyue who was about to get out, “Then I’ll stay in the dorm too.”

“You don’t have to because of me…” Jiang Qingyue was both surprised and somewhat troubled by this answer.

“It’s not because of you,” Li Xingcan raised her hand to interrupt Jiang Qingyue’s next words. “Actually, I’ve always lived in the dorm before. Living alone at home was too boring. It was only because you were with me during this period that I chose to commute. If I’m left alone now, I might as well go back to the dorm. That’s decided then.”

Without giving Jiang Qingyue a chance to refuse, Li Xingcan finalized the matter first, then called their homeroom teacher Old Yang, asking him to arrange a dorm for herself while arranging one for Jiang Qingyue.

The weekend passed in a flash, and before they could properly enjoy it, it was already time for school to start.

Li Xingcan and Jiang Qingyue each carried a large suitcase and had the driver take them to school.

When Fu Duosui heard that Li Xingcan was moving back to the dorm, she was overjoyed and waited right at the school gate. Finally, they could be inseparable again.

“Don’t be too optimistic. I might not be assigned to your dorm again,” Li Xingcan reminded Fu Duosui. Although the two had shared a dorm before, now that Lin Xie had also moved out, Fu Duosui had a dorm to herself. But with so many empty dorms available, it might not be such a coincidence.

“No problem,” Fu Duosui wasn’t worried at all. “Wherever you’re assigned, I’ll just switch with your roommate. No big deal!”

Fu Duosui’s smile didn’t last long. When she stood at the door of Li Xingcan’s dorm and saw another nameplate that read “Jiang Qingyue,” her expression instantly became a kaleidoscope of emotions.

Jiang Qingyue also didn’t expect to be assigned directly with Li Xingcan. She looked at Fu Duosui beside her, “Then this works out perfectly. Should I switch with you?”

“No no no no no!” Fu Duosui immediately shook her head like a rattle drum, her hands waving so fast they blurred as she refused without hesitation. “It’s great that you two are in the same dorm. Let’s just leave it at that. No need to switch!”

“But you…” Jiang Qingyue was puzzled. Didn’t Fu Duosui want to be with Li Xingcan?

“No buts,” Fu Duosui firmly refused. “I suddenly think having a dorm to myself is more comfortable. Besides, I often visit other dorms to hang out. I’d feel guilty leaving Xingcan alone in the dorm, so let’s just keep it this way.”

Li Xingcan belatedly understood Fu Duosui’s meaning and rubbed her temples in frustration. Why couldn’t she get through to Fu Duosui?

“Duosui, it’s not that you…”

“Ah!” Fu Duosui grabbed Li Xingcan’s wrist to check the time. “It’s already so late! Let me help you two make your beds quickly, or we’ll be late for class!”

The topic was cut off again. When they looked back at Fu Duosui, she had already dragged both Li Xingcan and Jiang Qingyue’s suitcases into the dorm with each hand.

Li Xingcan clicked her tongue lightly, then pretended to glance casually at Jiang Qingyue beside her. “You… don’t have any objections, do you?”

“I don’t mind. Being with someone familiar actually makes me more comfortable.”

Jiang Qingyue nodded and stepped inside to examine the room. The two-person layout was quite comfortable, with beds above desks and a private bathroom—she couldn’t have been more satisfied.

With no objections, the next step was to quickly tidy up their luggage and bedding before hurrying to class. They could finish organizing everything properly during the noon break.

With Fu Duosui’s help, the three even had time to stop by the cafeteria on their way downstairs to grab some soy milk for class.

But that wasn’t all. As soon as they arrived at the classroom, they spotted their homeroom teacher, Old Yang, waiting there in advance. He instructed Jiang Qingyue to gather her books—he was taking her to the elite class.

She had nearly forgotten about that.

Jiang Qingyue quickly packed her things, and Old Yang helped carry some of them as he led her out.

Fu Duosui stood beside Li Xingcan, watching her gaze after Jiang Qingyue as she left. She slung an arm around Li Xingcan’s shoulders and took a sip of soy milk, offering comfort. “At least you two are still in the same dorm. What was that poem again? ‘Not in the morning, then in the evening’—fits you two perfectly.”

Li Xingcan swatted Fu Duosui’s hand away. “It’s ‘Not bound by day or night’—wait, no, what nonsense are you spouting? It’s nothing like that, go away!”

Nearly led astray by Fu Duosui’s teasing, Li Xingcan quickly shooed her off. Right now, she needed some quiet time alone.