Feigned Pity - CH 36

When Gu Jing Yuan woke up, he did not immediately recall last night’s events. He stared blankly at the ceiling as the memories of last night slowly trickle into his mind one after another.

The more he remembered, the more depressed he became. He could not help but cover his face with his hands.

As he had never experienced it before. He did not expect that after he became drunk, he would act so unabashedly.

Did people not say that after one becomes dead drunk, they would experience an alcoholic blackout? Then why was he able to remember everything so clearly?

On the brighter side, although he completely lost his face yesterday, he finally received his answers.

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His lips rose unconsciously and the corners of his eyes lit up with traces of brightness.

He just knew that she liked him.

When the alarm clock rang for the third time, a knock sounded on the door.

“Zswdt Yypvla, yal usw tskdt vs pnbssz vseyu?” G xyke ypjle vldvyvkhlzu qasx swvpkel vbl assx.

“Zlp.” Ls xyvvla bso wdnsxqsavyczl bl qlzv, bl pvkzz dllele vs tlv wr yde ynnsxrydu bla vs pnbssz.

Jlqsal bl xydytle vs vbkdj vbaswtb obyv bl oswze cl pyukdt vs bla obld vblu xllv, bl nszzkele blye-sd okvb bla yv vbl cltkddkdt sq vbl pvykap.

Gp pssd yp bl blyae bla qssvpvlrp, bkp lmralppksd alhlavle cynj vs clkdt yp nsze yp lhla. Bdqsavwdyvlzu, bkp cscckdt Geyx’p yrrzl tyhl yoyu bkp wdplvvzle nsxrspwal.

Mys Zk Dk eke dsv lmrspl bkx yp pbl tallvle bkx yp rla wpwyz.

“Qsse xsadkdt, Ql-tl.”

“Od.”

“Pke usw pzllr olzz zypv dktbv?”

“Very well.”

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“That’s good, I was afraid that you’ll be suffering from a headache today because of all the alcohol you consumed last night.”

“Cough… I didn’t… I’m going down first.”

Afraid that she would ask too many questions, he swiftly fled downstairs.

Tao Yi Xi chuckled, ‘Ge-ge, there isn’t 300 taels of silver buried here.’1

Both of them had tactfully chose not to mention what had occurred the previous night. However, it was not difficult to note that there was an impalpable change in the atmosphere between the two.

With one hand twirling his pen, another was used to pull at his hair in frustration over a question that was troubling him. A soft hand reached over to stop his action.

“Don’t keep pulling at your hair, it’s precious.” Because she had stated it so solemnly, even though Gu Jing Yuan did not comprehend what it meant, he still lowered his hand in apprehension.

She softly caressed the small area after he released it.

Then she naturally moved closer to his side and asked, “Which question do you need help with?”

“The last question.”

She took his exercise booklet and meticulously analyzed his problem-solving steps. Her graceful handwriting mixed with his bold cursive calligraphy, painting a surprisingly harmonious picture.

The classmate seated in front of them currently had nothing to do and was feeling bored. Noticing that he was looking at the same questions displayed in his exercise book, he silently listened in on their newly dubbed ‘Study God’, as she explained the steps.

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As he kept eavesdropping, he unknowingly became engrossed in her explanation. When it reached the part that he was originally stuck at, her explanation enlightened him and he immediately picked up his pen and frantically started writing it down on his paper.

His deskmate noticed his peculiar behavior so he leaned over curiously to skim through his answer workings. This subsequently led to the both of them perking up their ears as they attentively listened to her explanation.

When they exchanged glances, both were able to see the endless admiration and respect the other party had for Tao Yi Xi.

Student Tao Yi Xi was really capable. It was no exaggeration to say that her explanation was better put forward than the teacher’s. It was not that the teacher was underqualified but it was just that Tao Yi Xi could stand from a student’s perspective when she explained the points.

“Your current ability in solving questions is up to par. You can go a step further by pondering on the concept the person, who came up with this question, is aiming at.”

Gu Jing Yuan was baffled, “What? How? By calling them over to ask?”

She paused, “Ge-ge, you’re simply too crude.”

As the two students in front were eavesdropping, they released a laugh after hearing her words, exposing themselves. Gu Jing Yuan shot a glance at them, causing the two to feel a chill crawling down their backs as they quickly used their hands to muffle their mouths.

Tao Yi Xi continued explaining, “One can sense the teacher’s thought process from the question. Later on, I’ll print out a copy of the breakdown of the types of questions and categories of questions that appeared through the years for you. You should be able to systematically look through it and grasp what kind of questions the teachers are more likely to ask in the exams.”

The two students in front were emotionally stirred. Despite the deterrent of the school delinquent, they weakly raised up their hands, “Student Tao Yi Xi, can we also have a copy? We’ll treat you to a month’s worth of milk tea- No, You can have as many cups of milk tea as you wish.”

Tao Yi Xi was momentarily stunned before she gave them a smile, “Definitely, but there’s no need for the milk tea.”

The school flower is so benevolent!

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How unfortunate! Back then, they did not give their votes to her. They have sinned… sobs…

“It’s no trouble! You can choose whichever flavor you want!”

Gu Jing Yuan’s eyes narrowed slightly, “Hey, if she wants to drink anything, I’ll buy it. There’s no need for you.”

The two swallowed their saliva before saying, “Then, thanking School Flower in advance. If you require assistance on anything in the future, you can count on us.”

After expressing their sincerity, they swiftly turned back to face the front.

The school delinquent truly deserved his title. His frigid countenance was too terrifying.

The form teacher briefly went through the overall statistics of this month’s examinations. Everyone could tell that he was over the moon.

“This round, our class’s Gu Jing Yuan is ranked 12th in class, and 101st in level! Everyone should learn from Gu Jing Yuan’s example.”

Learning from a school delinquent’s example? That was unheard of…

And yet, this was their mystifying reality.

Unlike the rest of the class, the two students seated in front of them were only momentarily stunned before they regained their composure. With such a great study god sitting beside and guiding him, it was no wonder that his progress skyrocketed.

“In addition, let’s give Student Yi Xi a round of applause. As everyone knows, she went for the mathematical competition recently, and yet, she’s still able to maintain her first position. Look at your fellow classmate, she didn’t fall behind despite having to prepare for the competition and simultaneously having to study for the monthly examinations.”

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This time around, he did not comment on the rest of his class to learn from her example. After all, the gap between her and the rest of the class was too wide.

The form teacher had called her to the teacher’s office to express his amiable concern, and the other subject teachers also showered her in love.

After all, a student that excelled in all subjects was a treasure!

During their conversation, the form teacher asked her, “Have you informed your parents about this?”

“They’re quite busy.”

“I thought so. Hence, I personally gave your mother a call to inform her of this splendid news. She was also elated to learn that you won an award from the competition.”

Tao Yi Xi’s brows relaxed, “Really?”

The form teacher grinned from ear to ear, “Who wouldn’t like a well-behaved daughter like you?”

She gave a faint smile. She also hoped that it was the case.

**

On their way home, he was tapping on the phone with his legs crossed.

She inadvertently glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. He immediately tilted his phone away from her as he defensively guarded his screen like he was defending against an enemy.

“Don’t look.”

“Okay,” Tao Yi Xi was too lazy to pay attention to him.

Who wants to look anyway.

Turning her head away from him, she missed his softened expression as he released an anticipatory smile.

Gu Jing Yuan continued sending WeChat messages: [We’re on the way home. Have you put them away?]

[Young Master, everything is in order. Please don’t worry.]

The two went upstairs together. Gu Jing Yuan paused at his door as he waited with bated breath for her to open her room door. Only after he spotted the various sizes of packages in her room then did he relax and enter his own room.

Tao Yi Xi stared at the several boxes of clothes beside the bed in confusion. There was an exaggerated pink bow on top and a pink woolen coat just underneath.

It looked like a gift. Extremely similar to the style of the room.

Her expression softened as she reached out and stroked the soft fabric.

After a slight hesitation, she picked up her phone and called her mother’s number.

“Hello, Mom?”

Since their last quarrel, the two of them did not speak with each other again. Tao Yi Xi clearly understood that this was her mother’s way of expressing her displeasure; by giving her the silent treatment.

Both mother and daughter might look soft on the outside, but in fact, they were more stubborn than anyone else. Tao Yi Xi did not expect that her mother would be the first to reach out to her to reconcile.

On Xia Yan’s end of the line, it sounded quite clamorous. She guessed that her mother was attending another social gathering.

Xia Yan’s tone was cold, “Xiao Xi, why are you calling me? Did you know, because of your actions the previous time, Mrs. Xu has gathered a group of acquaintances to isolate me?”

The mellow and agreeable words that Tao Yi Xi wanted to express were all knocked back into her throat.

“Mom, I’m sorry.”

“Forget it. Thankfully there’s still your Uncle Gu around. They wouldn’t dare to go too far. Xiao Xi, there must never be a next time. Otherwise, even if you admit to your mistakes, it wouldn’t blow over so easily.”

“En.” Tao Yi Xi did not refute her words. She took it that Xia Yan wanted to maintain a higher ground.

“Alright, I’m hanging up first. I need to have a chat with some of the Madams to make a comeback.”

“Okay.”

Tao Yi Xi kept away the clothes and hung them beside the ones Grandma gave her. As she reached the bottom of the pile, she found smaller items like gloves and socks. It seemed that the whole set of attire was prepared meticulously for her.

Mom is quite considerate.

She smiled as the last bit of grievance dissipated.

Winter was approaching and the wind that blew grew colder. The students that had a lower tolerance for cold had already started wearing an additional coat on top of their school uniforms.

The next day, she wore that pink coat. The white fluff surrounding the collar made her pale face blush red, making her look unbelievably delicate.

When Gu Jing Yuan spotted her in the coat, he was unable to withdraw his gaze. It was as perfect as he had imagined.

He also felt a little regretful. She looked so pretty wearing it, everyone’s attention would be drawn to her.

“Ge-ge, does it look good?”

“En, it looks good. Is it warm enough?”

Her bright eyes formed into crescent shapes as she pursed her lips and smiled sweetly.

“Yes. It’s just that the color is too pink. I’m already all grown up but my mom still thinks that I like pink.” She muttered her last sentence.

As she was too delighted, it slipped her mind that his impression of her mother was rather poor. And sure enough, Gu Jing Yuan’s expression immediately sank.

“Your mother bought it?”

“I guess so? Form Teacher said that he gave my mom a call regarding the competition results. This is also the first time that she prepared a present for me.” Her head was lowered as she gently stroked the coat with her fingers.

Although she sounded indifferent, he could hear the undisguised jubilant in her tone.

No wonder she was like a child showing off her new clothes.

He chose not to comment.

Tao Yi Xi thought that he was just fed up with Xia Yan hence he did not want to continue with the conversation. She also chose not to continue mentioning it further.

Fortunately, he was not stimulated into having any rebellious thoughts and spent his day obediently studying.

He was rather calm, completely different from the previously highly irritable Gu Jing Yuan.

**

Taking advantage of the short break between classes, she hurriedly made her way to the library to borrow a book. Yesterday, she received a system notification that the book she wanted was finally returned. Fearing that it would be borrowed by others again, she quickly made her way over.

As the bell rang to signal the commencement of class, she could not help but hasten her steps.

Just as she rounded the corner of the stairs, she collided straight with another person, causing the book in her hand to drop to the ground.

“I’m sorry.” Tao Yi Xi immediately apologized as she bent down to pick up her book.

“So it’s true that he bought it for you.” The voice that came from above her head sounded very familiar.

When she straightened, she spotted Shen Chen Chen with a complicated expression.

“What?” Tao Yi Xi frowned. Not quite understanding what Shen Chen Chen meant.

Shen Chen Chen stared at her new clothes with profound eyes as she stated, “The coat you’re currently wearing was bought by Gu Jing Yuan from a store that I recommended.”

“You’re saying that Gu Jing Yuan purchased it?” Tao Yi Xi’s eyes widen in shock.

“You didn’t know?”

“He never told me. I assumed that it was my mom who bought it for me.”

“Did you mention the coat to him?”

“Yes.”

“And he didn’t say anything?” Shen Chen Chen unwillingly interrogated.

Tao Yi Xi shook her head.

“Then he must really like you.” Shen Chen Chen tried to suppress her grief. But her words were inevitably jealous.

She gradually learned about some of Gu Jing Yuan’s family matters from Qi Yue. Especially his attitude towards his stepmother. But looking at his behavior currently.

How absurd…

Does he like her that much?

Shen Chen Chen’s nose felt sore, “I’ve never seen him treat a girl so well. He used to be like an insulator against all girls. I initially thought that I would be able to move his heart if I just keep clinging to him. But Qi Yue was right, if Gu Jing Yuan doesn’t like a person, he never will in his lifetime.”

After speaking, she turned around and walked away. Tao Yi Xi could vaguely hear her slightly sniffling.

Watching her departing back, Tao Yi Xi cast a complicated look at the coat she was wearing.

A place in her heart felt empty, and yet, another place was filled.

The bell signaling the start of class had long ended. It would not matter if she was late for this lesson as she no longer rushed to class.

In the quiet corridor, the sound of footsteps quickly approached. From the sound of it, the person was rushing over as their footfall was loud and rapid.

Then, it suddenly stopped in front of her.

“Tao Yi Xi, you’re here.” Gu Jing Yuan panted, perspiration dotted his forehead despite the cold weather. He breathed a long sigh of relief when he saw that she was fine.

Her eyes flickered, “You were looking for me?”

“A good student is rarely late for class. Who knows if something happened to you and you fainted in some abandoned corner that no one can see? Form Teacher would bawl his eyes out if that happens.” He awkwardly gave a long rant.

Tao Yi Xi stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his waist.