Stop Chasing the School Belle, My Shy Deskmate is Sweet and Soft - Chapter 76

The rain poured harder from the sky.

No matter how much Ye Ningyu tried to explain, Xu Yuan’s face remained twisted in a sneer of cold contempt.

“Whatever the truth is, no one cares. Besides, no one will believe you anyway, right? And let’s not forget—rumors don’t come out of thin air. Are you sure everything I just said is nothing but lies?”

Xu Yuan crossed her arms and let out a mocking laugh.

Hearing this, Ye Ningyu froze in place, tears streaming uncontrollably down her face.

She knew her explanations were weak and unconvincing.

Just like back at the High School Affiliated with the Normal University, no one would believe her.

Seeing Ye Ningyu’s state, Xu Yuan felt immensely satisfied.

Her plan was already more than halfway successful.

Taking a step closer, Xu Yuan tilted her chin up, her tone carrying a hint of threat:

“Xia Tian doesn’t know about all this, does he? If he finds out, do you think he’ll still treat you so well?”

“Xia Tian is a proud guy. A guy like him—what makes you think you’re worthy of being near him?”

Leaning in closer, almost whispering into Ye Ningyu’s ear, Xu Yuan’s tone turned even colder:

“If you really like him, then stay away from him. Otherwise, the day your past comes to light, you’ll drag him down with you!”

“You’ve been wallowing in filth your whole life. Even if you can be his little flower for now, so what? If you don’t leave Xia Tian alone, I’ll tell him everything!”

After dropping those words, Xu Yuan deliberately bumped hard into Ye Ningyu’s shoulder as she walked away.

Crash!

The music box Xia Tian had given her slipped from Ye Ningyu’s hands and shattered on the ground.

In that moment, it wasn’t just the music box that broke.

It was Ye Ningyu’s fragile, growing love for Xia Tian—the love she had just begun to embrace.

The old streetlights, with their aged wiring, flickered on and off in the heavy rain.

Tears mingled with rainwater on Ye Ningyu’s face, indistinguishable from each other.

She bit her lip stubbornly, crouching down to pick up the music box’s broken pieces, silently collecting them one by one before heading home.

In her mind, Xu Yuan’s parting words echoed relentlessly:

“You’ve been wallowing in filth your whole life. Even if you can be his little flower for now, so what? If you don’t leave Xia Tian alone, I’ll tell him everything!”

Clutching her chest, Ye Ningyu felt an unbearable tightness, as if she couldn’t breathe.

After a long while, she finally managed to calm herself. She turned back to look in the direction where Xia Tian had disappeared.

The streetlights there had all gone out, leaving the road completely dark.

Her delicate eyelashes fluttered, and the faint light that had momentarily appeared in her eyes…

…gradually dimmed and disappeared.

—

The May Day holiday was the last vacation for the stressed-out senior students of their high school careers.

At this stage, most students didn’t dare slack off, spending the break at home reviewing.

Only Xia Tian remained completely unbothered, sleeping in until he woke naturally.

During lunch, Chen Meijuan glanced at Xia Tian, her eyes narrowing slightly.

“How did you do in the second mock exam? Don’t give me any surprises by suddenly slipping back down the rankings, okay?”

“What are you talking about, Mom? I didn’t do well in the first mock by luck. My second mock scores will only be better. Just wait and see.”

“Hmph, I’ll remain skeptical until I see the results!”

Though she rolled her eyes at him, Chen Meijuan still doted on Xia Tian, using her chopsticks to place a piece of braised pork in his bowl.

She couldn’t help but add, “By the way, why not invite Little Ye over for dinner one of these days? She’s helped you so much with your studies.”

“Mom, are you kidding me? She’s a girl. If she comes to our house alone for dinner, imagine the rumors that’d spread about her. Who knows what people might say?”

“Ugh… You’re right. If people misunderstand and think Little Ye likes you, she’d probably die of embarrassment!”

“???”

Ignoring Xia Tian’s puzzled expression, Chen Meijuan propped her face up with one hand, her eyes full of worry.

“Sigh, I really like that girl. She’s so sweet and lovely.”

Xia Tian chuckled, shoveling two spoonfuls of rice into his mouth as he thought to himself:

“Just wait, Mom. One day, I’ll not only bring her home—I’ll also make sure she gives you a chubby grandson.”

In truth, Xia Tian did want to bring Little Ye home for dinner, even if only as deskmates.

But knowing her personality, he figured she’d never agree, no matter how much he tried to persuade her.

So, it could wait.

—

After lunch, Xia Tian lay on his bed, scrolling through Tieba and QQ Space.

Thanks to the May Day holiday, the Heartbreak Museum had gone viral again.

Both social media platforms were flooded with posts and updates about the museum.

“I’m a local from Beian. I went on opening day. Gotta say, the quotes and phrases inside really hit home!”

“Funny coincidence—I went yesterday. Didn’t focus much on the quotes, though. I just noticed how many beautiful women were there… Never thought so many gorgeous girls could get heartbroken. Some of them were crying so prettily.”

“Are you guys paid shills? If the museum’s really as good as you say, I’m buying a plane ticket to Beian right now!”

“Guys, the places where deep feelings can’t reach? Someone’s already driven a Maybach there.”

“Dude, delete that comment, will you? I’m fine, totally fine, but my friend’s got a double dose of heartache, and he’s not doing well. He’s gone to bed early. Not me, though— I’m totally fine. Just looking out for my friend.”

Xia Tian laughed so hard at the comments that his stomach hurt.

These idiots!

Feeling inspired, he decided to post his own comment using his Tieba account.

[Heartbreak Museum-Style Quotes, I’ve Learned the Art Too!]
[My love forever lost, gazing at ruins.]

He had intended to show off his “Heartbreak Literature Prince” credentials, but as soon as the post went live, the responses came flooding in.

[Scratchcard Champion: What the hell is this nonsense? One word review: Trash.]
[Rogue Toad: You think you can mimic the museum’s style? Get lost and go plant crops instead!]
[Sunnyboy: I’m gagging. What kind of garbage is this? Stop insulting the Heartbreak Museum—it’s sacred to me!]
[I’m Not Edison Chen: Who even are you? Stop pretending you understand the museum’s quotes.]

Xia Tian: ???

What the hell? I don’t understand the Heartbreak Museum’s style?

Looking at the comments, Xia Tian was utterly dumbfounded.

Seriously? Every single quote in the Heartbreak Museum was written by me!

One particular reply got under his skin.

[I’m Not Edison Chen: If you’re the owner of the Heartbreak Museum, then I’m Jack Ma. Anyone can talk big.]

Xia Tian: Damn it, I AM the owner!

[I’m Not Edison Chen: Oh sure, whatever you say. Looking at your profile, you’re 18—such a dreamy age, huh?]

Xia Tian: Disrespecting 18-year-olds now? Fine. Come to the Heartbreak Museum and meet me in person. I’ll prove I’m the owner!

[I’m Not Edison Chen: Sorry, but I’m actually the owner of the Heartbreak Museum.]

Xia Tian: ???

Another user chimed in:

“Honestly, I believe the guy saying he’s ‘Not Edison Chen’ is probably the real owner. You’re only 18… Go to bed, kid. You can dream about anything there.”

Xia Tian was stunned.

What the hell is this? Why is the internet full of lunatics?

Am I seriously being replaced by impostors?

Frustrated, Xia Tian uninstalled the Tieba app. Switching to QQ, he sent a message to “Little Ye.”

“Hey, Little Ye, finished lunch yet? The weather’s nice today—want to go boating at Qingshui Park? I’ll treat you to ice cream after.”