Chapter 2

The school hallway is crowded after the first period, but Zhang Xǐruì is still standing by her desk, staring at the door where Sang Míngzé just walked out

Chén Ruìzhé: Hey, earth to Xǐruì! Are you still thinking about that robot guy?

Zhang Xǐruì: snaps out of it No! I’m just... annoyed. He’s so rude. The teacher literally asked me to help him.

Chén Ruìzhé: Forget him. Let’s go get the spicy noodles before they’re gone. I’m seriously going to pass out from hunger.

They start walking toward the cafeteria, but the hallway is blocked by a group of girls whispering and looking at their phones

Student 1: Did you see him? The international math winner is in Class 8!

Student 2: I heard he’s even more handsome in person, but he doesn’t talk to anyone.

Chén Ruìzhé: rolls his eyes See? He’s already a celebrity. Good luck showing him around, Xǐruì.

Zhang Xǐruì: I’m not doing it. He said he memorized the map, right? Let him find his own way.

They reach the cafeteria and grab their trays, but every table is full except for one in the far corner

Zhang Xǐruì notices someone sitting there alone, reading a thick book while eating a plain apple

Zhang Xǐruì: Oh no... not there.

Chén Ruìzhé: points at the table Look! Empty seats! Let’s go.

Before Xǐruì can stop him, Ruìzhé runs over and slides into the seat right across from Sang Míngzé

Chén Ruìzhé: Hey, New Guy! Mind if we join you? Every other seat is taken by people talking about you.

Sang Míngzé doesn't even look up from his book

Sang Míngzé: It’s a public table. Do whatever you want.

Zhang Xǐruì slowly sits down next to Ruìzhé, feeling the cold atmosphere immediately

She tries to eat her noodles quietly, but Ruìzhé can't stay silent for more than ten seconds

Chén Ruìzhé: So, Míngzé... is it true you can solve a Rubik’s cube in five seconds?

Sang Míngzé: turns a page in his book Six. And it’s a waste of time.

Chén Ruìzhé: laughs Wow, you really are a mood killer. Xǐruì, say something! You’re usually the loud one.

Zhang Xǐruì: blushing Ruìzhé, stop it. He’s trying to read.

Suddenly, Xǐruì’s phone starts ringing loudly in her pocket. She panics and tries to pull it out, but her headphones get tangled with her chopsticks

Her tray slides forward, and a bit of spicy soup splashes right onto Sang Míngzé’s white shirt

The whole cafeteria goes quiet as everyone watches

Zhang Xǐruì: gasps Oh my god! I’m so sorry!

She quickly grabs some napkins and reaches across the table to wipe his shirt, but Sang Míngzé grabs her wrist firmly to stop her

Sang Míngzé: finally looks at her, his eyes are very cold Don’t.

Zhang Xǐruì: I... I was just trying to help. It’s going to stain.

Sang Míngzé: lets go of her wrist and stands up You’ve already done enough.

He picks up his apple and his book, looking at the red stain on his chest with a look of pure disgust

Sang Míngzé: First you stare at me on the bus, then you try to follow me around, and now this.

Zhang Xǐruì: standing up too I wasn't following you! The teacher told me to—

Sang Míngzé: Stay away from me, Zhang Xǐruì. I came here to study, not to deal with clumsy girls and their noisy friends.

He walks away toward the restroom without looking back

Chén Ruìzhé: stands up, looking angry Hey! Who does he think he is talking to you like that?

Zhang Xǐruì: sits back down, feeling embarrassed as everyone is whispering It’s fine, Ruìzhé.

Chén Ruìzhé: It’s not fine! He acted like you did it on purpose.

Zhang Xǐruì looks down at her tray, her appetite completely gone

She looks at the spot where he was sitting and notices he left a small bookmark behind—it’s a simple blue ribbon

She picks it up and hides it in her pocket

Zhang Xǐruì: thinking to herself He is the most frustrating person I have ever met.

The bell rings for the next class, but Xǐruì can still feel the coldness of his hand on her wrist

She walks back to class with Ruìzhé, but her mind is spinning. How is she supposed to sit next to him for the rest of the year?

When she enters Class 8, Sang Míngzé is already there. He has changed into his gym shirt, and he doesn't even glance at her as she sits down

He draws a physical line down the center of the desk with his pencil

Sang Míngzé: Don't cross this line.

Zhang Xǐruì: whispers to herself Fine. I wouldn't want to get near you anyway, Mr. Math Genius.

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