chapter 31

EVERY LIKE, VOTE, AND COMMENT HELPS!

.....

Jiao Jiao's racing heart began to settle after the confrontation ended, and the room started to clear. Xiaoyu smiled wryly at her and said, "Can you let go of my hand now?"

Jiao Jiao looked down to see her hand gripping Xiaoyu's wrist mercilessly. She laughed with embarrassment and quickly let go. "Sorry, Xiaoyu, it's just that you were so heroic back there!"

"Oh? And what about me?" Chi Yang was still standing beside her desk, waiting for some praise.

"Pfft!" Zhou Xiaoyu scoffed and said, "What did you do, Chi Yang? Just barged in here like a bull in a China shop and yelled at some little girls."

Jiao Jiao stepped in to mediate. "Yes, okay, you were both very heroic. Happy now?" She grinned at their childish antics and turned to gather up her papers.

"But Jiao Jiao, do you know what you're getting into with the talent show? As much as I hate to admit it, Xu Haomei is quite good at piano."

"Don't worry, Yangyang, you've just seen the beginning of what I can do."

.....

Jiao Jiao kept busy over Golden Week, passing the time quietly in her apartment, brushing up on her schoolwork, and finishing her commissions. She also pondered long and hard about what to get for Li Qian's birthday until she finally settled on a thought that resonated deep within her soul. Why not encapsulate their first 'meeting'? Even though she hadn't met him when he visited the village, it was still the moment where the course of her life diverged.

She spent hours on the painting of Hunan Village, the focal point being the blossoming plum tree in early spring. She still dreamed about this tree, having spent many years in and under its shadow. The tree was adorned with delicate blossoms of the purest white and blushing pink, reaching skyward as if seeking to touch the heavens. Peeking out from the sturdy trunk, she painted the slim figure of a girl hiding in its shadow.

When she finally stood back from the finished painting, she sighed happily. Under the plum tree was one of her dearest places, and she hoped that Li Qian loved it too. Packaging would be a problem, though...

As she was pondering how to wrap it, her phone chimed.

(MightyYang): Can I ask you a favor?

Jiao Jiao giggled at his screen name.

(WhisperingBlooms): En.

(MightyYang): I need your help with the English homework. I know Pinnacle's not supposed to help Zenith but pleeeeeeaaassseee?

A cute sticker followed with a puppy dog blinking mournfully.

(WhisperingBlooms): I can help, as long as you can help me too. Do you know where I can find some heavy craft paper? I need to wrap up a painting.

(MightyYang): Oh, that brown stuff? We've got a huge roll of it at my house. My mom's redecorating again so we've got a bunch to protect the floors. You can come over?

(WhisperingBlooms): Okay, later today then? I need it by tomorrow.

(MightyYang): Come whenever, I'll send my address.

Once her phone chimed with the location, Jiao Jiao packed up her bag and headed out. As soon as she exited the building, she ran headlong into a familiar body. His arms wrapped around her in surprise, their bodies making the briefest of contact before he stabilized her and took a step back.

"Li Qian? What are you doing here?" Jiao Jiao smiled in delight at his appearance.

Li Qian slid his hands calmly into his pockets, fists clenched as if to hold onto the feeling of her soft and fragrant touch for as long as possible.

He said, "I was passing by and wanted to see if you had time for lunch with us?"

Jiao glanced over to see Yuan Ming leaning against a shiny black car with his arms folded over his chest.

He nodded his chin at her and said, "Long time no see, little sister."

"Brother Ming!" Jiao Jiao smiled back and forth at them for a moment and then remembered something. "I'm sorry, Brother Qian, I'm going to a friend's house to help him with his homework, so I can't meet for lunch."

Li Qian's face dropped slightly, and he said, "Do you need a ride?"