Mingxi was always diligent when it came to getting up early. The sky was still bright, and the world was silent.

She came down with her school bag, took the key from the lady in charge of the dormitories and squatted down to open the iron gate.

As soon as the iron gate was opened, she noticed the tall figure outside.

Hi, Xi ge. Why are you here so early in the morning? Did you not sleep last night? Mingxi jumped down the steps three by three and ran down quickly. She arranged the bangs on her forehead. Is there anything urgent?

How could I have not slept?! Fu Yangxi said with an expression of do you think I am a man made out of steel?. I fell asleep the moment I got home from the train station yesterday. I woke up early in the morning and came out for a walk since I had nothing to do. I just happened to pass by your dormitory.

Fu Yangxi asked, Did you manage to pick up your friend yesterday?

Yeah, I did. When Mingxi thought of the Dong family, the corners of her lips couldnt help but rise. Even if she hadnt seen them for two years, she didnt feel strange when she met them again. Both Aunt Dong and Uncle Dong have gained weight while Dong Shen has lost weight.

She said, They will have to find a place to settle down first. Ill be having a meal with them after school today, and Dong Shen will transfer to our school after a while.

Who?

Dong Shen.

Fu Yangxi observed Zhao Mingxis excited expression and tried not to show the jealousy he felt. He pretended to ask casually, Is he a boy or a girl?

A boy. Hes a year younger than me and we used to be neighbors.

Fu Yangxi asked abruptly, Do you have a crush on him?

What are you talking about? We were just neighbors. Mingxi frowned and looked at Fu Yangxi. She wondered if Fu Yangxi, the school bully with only one brain cell, knew what having a crush was. The girl in the music class handed him a thousand paper cranes last time, yet he fiercely asked if the girl wanted to fight him. Fu Yangxi probably isnt even aware of topics like feelings and romance.

Then does he have a crush on you?

No, he doesnt. Mingxi answered helplessly. I want to study hard now. You also know the situation in my family. I am not Zhao Mingxi. I am Niu Colu* Mingxi. I must raise my grades to a higher level.

*Niu Colu is the name of a character from the Chinese drama Empresses in the Palace. This character was both cunning and smart, which is what Mingxi is referring to in this context.