Stop Chasing the School Belle, My Shy Deskmate is Sweet and Soft - Chapter 96

June 1st arrived, marking another Children’s Day.

Early in the morning, Xia Tian turned off his alarm and groggily sat up in bed.

“Sigh, once again, I’ve woken up because of how handsome I am.”

Brushing his teeth, he looked in the mirror and couldn’t help but admire his reflection.

After washing up, he packed the pink handbag and hairpin he had bought for Ye Ningyu into his school bag, ready to head out.

But as he walked into the living room, he saw Xia Zhengguo standing by the dining table, wearing an apron.

“Little Tian, don’t go out for breakfast today. I made breakfast for you. Your mom already ate and left for work.”

“Huh?”

Xia Tian looked at his father in surprise, noticing the table set with a sumptuous breakfast.

It seemed Xia Zhengguo had gone to great lengths to prepare it.

“Dad, the layoff notice just came out yesterday, right? Even if you’re being laid off, it shouldn’t mean you stop going to work immediately.”

Xia Zhengguo chuckled bitterly.

“I just need to go in the afternoons for handovers. In two days, I’ll be officially out. Besides, I had some free time and haven’t cooked in a while. Try my cooking and see if it’s still good.”

“Sure.”

Though Xia Tian didn’t usually eat breakfast, he sat down.

He knew that his father was going through a tough time and would likely be job hunting after Xia Tian left for school.

From his past experience, Xia Tian knew that his father’s job search would be met with rejections and silence, leading to a period of self-doubt.

To prevent that from happening again, Xia Tian wanted to give his father some encouragement, to show that even if he wasn’t working, he was still an indispensable part of the family.

“Dad, your cooking is great. It’s even better than Mom’s.”

“Really?”

Xia Zhengguo’s face lit up with joy.

“Of course, the eggs are perfectly cooked.”

“Then eat more. With the gaokao just a week away, you need to stay healthy.”

The gloom on Xia Zhengguo’s face lifted, his heavy heart lightened.

As Xia Tian was about to finish eating, he suddenly remembered something.

“Dad, could you pack some of this for me to take to school?”

“Aren’t you full? Why bring more?”

“I get hungry during the morning break. Don’t ask so many questions, just pack it for me.”

“Alright, alright.”

Xia Zhengguo packed a portion in a thermos for Xia Tian.

After eating, Xia Tian grabbed the thermos and hurried out.

Once the house quieted down, Xia Zhengguo looked at the glass of water his son had quickly finished.

Despite his usual calm demeanor, Xia Zhengguo’s eyes reddened.

“Silly boy, you’re all grown up and comforting your old man. It was a bit salty, but you still ate it so fast.”

—

To make it easier to get to school, Xia Tian rode the pink bicycle he had bought for Little Ye.

As he rode to the bike shed at school, he drew many curious glances.

“Wow, a pink bike! So cute!”

“Isn’t that Senior Xia Tian? He’s riding a pink bike. Is he letting loose before the gaokao?”

“I want a pink bike too…”

“Get real. He’s probably just relieving stress. You, on the other hand, might just be showing your true colors.”

Xia Tian paid no attention to the curious looks and comments.

You guys don’t understand. Real men ride pink bikes!

Not far away, Xu Yuan had just entered the school and heard the discussion about the pink bike.

Following their gazes, she saw Xia Tian riding it.

For a moment, her eyes filled with mixed emotions.

Others might not know, but she immediately understood.

Ye Ningyu’s bike was old and worn out.

And today was Children’s Day.

The pink bike Xia Tian was riding was likely a gift for Ye Ningyu.

Xu Yuan’s eyes dimmed, a wave of sadness washing over her.

She recalled the many times Xia Tian had given her gifts on various occasions, always proudly telling everyone.

But now, he wouldn’t even spare her a glance, let alone give her gifts.

Since that morning when Xia Tian had waited outside her apartment to warn her about Ye Ningyu, Xu Yuan had realized she had lost the boy who only had eyes for her…

Thinking about this, her eyes reddened, and she stubbornly lifted her head, telling herself over and over.

Xu Yuan, be strong. There are plenty of boys in the world, and you’re so outstanding. Losing Xia Tian isn’t the end.

But the more she thought this, the sadder she felt. Eventually, tears rolled down her cheeks.

“But… but I want a pink bike too.”

—

In the classroom, Ye Ningyu was already in her seat, working on problems.

But today, she was unusually restless.

She kept reaching into her desk, her bright eyes flickering.

She seemed nervous.

She timidly poked Li Jiahui’s back.

“Jia, Jiahui… Will Xia Tian really like this gift?”

“Don’t worry. Boys are always boys. He’ll love it, no matter his age, especially since it’s from you.”

Li Jiahui smiled confidently.

Since Ye Ningyu had asked to switch seats, Li Jiahui had added her on QQ.

One of the two gifts Ye Ningyu prepared was Li Jiahui’s idea.

“Don’t be so nervous. As long as it’s from you, Xia Tian will love it.”

“R-really?”

“If he dares say he doesn’t like it, I’ll twist his head off for you!”

Ye Ningyu was startled.

“Jiahui, don’t… don’t do that.”

“Hmph, I knew you’d be soft-hearted. Spineless woman!”

Li Jiahui rolled her eyes, ready to tease some more, but then she saw Xia Tian entering from the back door.

She gave Ye Ningyu a look and then turned back to her seat, ears perked to eavesdrop on the interesting desk mates.

She was also curious about what Xia Tian would give Ye Ningyu for Children’s Day.

“Morning, Little Ye. Happy Children’s Day~”

“Good morning, Xia Tian. H-happy Children’s Day to you too…”

Xia Tian grinned and unzipped his bag, taking out the gifts.

“Here’s your Children’s Day gift.”

When Xia Tian pulled out the pink handbag and hairpin, Ye Ningyu’s eyes widened, sparkling like stars.

She wasn’t too excited about the handbag.

Little Ye wasn’t into such accessories and didn’t have the same level of interest.

But the hairpin Xia Tian held captivated her.

“Xia Tian, is this hairpin for me?”

“Yes, do you like it?”

“I love it! I-It’s perfect!”