Chapter 22, Graduation
After entering senior year, the students in the class clearly became busier, sometimes not even seen for a whole day.
Most of them chose to study abroad. In freshman and sophomore years, they could still enjoy their leisure time, but by senior year, with various procedures to handle and foreign language tutoring, time clearly began to run short.
This did not include Gu Hengzhi and his friends.
Shen Shaoyan was playful. His family spoiled and protected him in China, and he didn't want to go to an unfamiliar place. Traveling occasionally was fine, but living there long-term would be the death of him.
Lu Yu's family was more traditional, they all hoped he would stay in China, or at least finish the college entrance exam before going abroad.
As for Gu Hengzhi, he could only stay in China.
The Gu family still had many matters to deal with. His conflict with the Gu family alone meant he couldn't simply leave.
For many students, senior year was a nightmare, countless exam papers, endless problems, and an infinite number of English words to memorize—all of which significantly increased stress.
But the atmosphere at Deyin was still friendly. Teachers didn't apply much pressure, and Ji Linxue had experienced the college entrance exam once before, so studying was relatively relaxed for him.
Gu Hengzhi, needless to say, had already reviewed all the material. Now, what mattered wasn't his grades, but the path ahead.
A year passed in the blink of an eye, and soon it was time for the college entrance exam.
A few nights before the exam, Shen Shaoyan paced nervously, holding an English book, cramming at the last minute.
"It's over, it's over. I just hope I can get into a university in C City. You're all academic geniuses, don't leave me behind!"
Lu Yu said, "Then you should work harder yourself."
"What school doesn't matter, as long as it's in C City," Shen Shaoyan said airily. "Anyway, my elder siblings at home are carrying the family. I'll just get any degree. If it really doesn't work, I'll just have my dad throw some money at a 'pheasant university.' I refuse to believe I can't get into C City."
With that, Shen Shaoyan instantly felt relieved and no longer nervous. He put down his English book and started playing games.
Lu Yu was completely exasperated with him.
Their exam centers were not in the same schools. The day before the college entrance exam, everyone booked hotels near their respective exam centers. Ji Linxue had just laid down when his phone screen lit up, and a new message popped up.
[Gu Hengzhi : Good luck with the college entrance exam.]
He unlocked his screen and tapped,
[X : You too.]
A few days later, the most important exam of their three years in high school finally ended.
Ji Linxue had packed his things early, intending to buy a train ticket back to A City, but Shen Shaoyan saw him and stopped him, "What are you going back so early for? There's a party."
"What party?"
"Are you stupid? A class reunion, of course. Old Chen already announced it in class."
Ji Linxue vaguely remembered it, but at the time, he seemed to be engrossed in something Gu Hengzhi was telling him and hadn't paid any attention.
Although he originally came here only for the plot, after two years of being together, it was impossible not to have developed some feelings.
It would also serve as a perfect end to his high school life.
So he nodded, "When is the party?"
"Tonight."
"Then I'll buy a ticket for tomorrow."
Shen Shaoyan's eyes widened, "Why are you in such a hurry? Aren't you coming with us on the graduation trip?"
Ji Linxue blinked, his light eyes filled with confusion, "When did I say I was going?"
Shen Shaoyan was surprised, "Then you'll just stay at home for the summer? Won't that be too boring?"
Ji Linxue didn't hide anything, "My financial situation doesn't allow it."
He had given all the prize money from his previous competitions to Bai Chutang. Although he had received many scholarships at Deyin, he saved all that money for daily expenses and hadn't asked his family for money for the past two years.
Shen Shaoyan said grandly, "Money isn't a problem, I can pay for you."
Ji Linxue said, "It's not about the money."
Seeing him so adamant, Shen Shaoyan pouted, thinking worriedly to himself how he was going to report this to Heng Ge.
Ji Linxue's birthday was in June, just a week after the college entrance exam. Gu Hengzhi planned to celebrate it for him during the graduation trip. After telling Shen Shaoyan and Lu Yu, both expressed their approval.
Because they wanted to give him a surprise, they didn't dare tell Ji Linxue. Who would have thought Ji Linxue wouldn't want to go?
Soon it was evening. The class reunion was set at a restaurant near the school. Their class was small, with only four tables in the private room.
Ji Linxue sat beside Gu Hengzhi. The seat on his other side was originally Shen Shaoyan's, but he was running around the room, so the seat remained empty.
Su Muqing kept staring at them. Seeing her looking somewhat restless, Lu Yu simply sat down there and reminded him, "She's been looking at you."
Ji Linxue turned his head and indeed saw Su Muqing just withdrawing her gaze.
Ever since Gu Hengzhi told him about Su Muqing, he hadn't paid any attention to her. Su Muqing clearly noticed this and sensibly stopped asking him for help.
For the past year, she had been trying every way to get close to Gu Hengzhi but was repeatedly frustrated. Gu Hengzhi simply ignored her, either showing obvious disgust or treating her as if she were invisible.
This was exactly the same as in the original novel.
Ji Linxue lowered his head and took a sip of water, wondering what Su Muqing's purpose was. Could it be that after so long with no success, she wanted to find a breakthrough through him again?
Just then, the class monitor brought a box of alcohol and poured a glass for everyone.
"It's just for the atmosphere. If you really can't drink, don't force yourselves. We won't pressure you."
Although that's what was said, thinking this might be the last time they gathered, everyone raised their glasses.
"Happy Graduation!"
With a cheer, everyone drank it all.
Ji Linxue wasn't good with alcohol. After one glass, his cheeks flushed almost instantly, but he felt his mind was very clear and he shouldn't be drunk.
Gu Hengzhi was different. He didn't know what was wrong with him today, he drank glass after glass with his head down. No matter how the people next to him tried to stop him, it was useless. Ji Linxue eventually lost count of how much he drank.
By the end, Gu Hengzhi was directly sprawled on the table, his head tilted, his eyes sparkling, staring intently at Ji Linxue.
Ji Linxue pursed his lips, a little angry, "Why did you drink so much?"
Gu Hengzhi stared fixedly at him. His face wasn't red, but his eyes were red, radiating a moist warmth.
"Mind your own business."
His words were harsh, but his tone was soft.
It had been a long time since he heard him speak in such a tone, and Ji Linxue was slow to react for a moment.
"What do you mean, you don't want me to mind your business?" He tightened his face. "I know you're drunk now, come back with me."
Lu Yu dared not speak a word beside them.
Gu Hengzhi sat motionless. His face was handsome, and when he acted sulky, he didn't appear unreasonable at all, in fact, it made one want to coax him, "No."
"Are you coming or not?"
"No."
The dinner was nearing its end. Most of the people around had left. Ji Linxue suddenly stood up, "You're not coming, are you? Then I'm leaving."
As soon as he took a step, his sleeve was pulled by the person behind him. Gu Hengzhi's eyes drooped, wet and glistening, like a large dog that had been drenched. His fur was wet and clumping together, worried that his owner might dislike him, "Don't go."
"Didn't you say you didn't want me to mind your business?"
Gu Hengzhi whispered something that Ji Linxue didn't hear clearly. But seeing him obediently stand up, he pulled him and walked out.
Shen Shaoyan returned with his wine glass. Drunkenly leaning on Lu Yu's shoulder, he vaguely glanced towards the door and happened to witness this scene. He thought to himself, 'Heng Ge and Xiaoxue are really becoming more and more compatible.'
Looking at them, they truly resembled a bickering young couple.
Although Gu Hengzhi's mind wasn't clear, he walked very steadily. Ji Linxue supported him as they left the restaurant.
The restaurant was on a street near the school's south gate, not far from the dorms. He was holding Gu Hengzhi's arm, about to walk in that direction, when a sudden weight settled on his shoulder.
Gu Hengzhi rested his head on his shoulder, rubbing against him as if to appeal, "Don't go back."
Ji Linxue always responded better to gentleness than to stubbornness, and his tone was no longer as cold as before, "Then where are we going? Do you want to sleep on the street?"
Gu Hengzhi lifted his face, flushed red from the heat, "Come with me."
Ji Linxue was really a little skeptical of a drunk person, but seeing Gu Hengzhi's persistence, he could only follow him.
Soon, Gu Hengzhi led him into a magnificent hotel.
Ji Linxue, "?"
Gu Hengzhi whispered in his ear, "This is a property under Gu Corporation. I have a suite here."
Oh, Ji Linxue remembered. The original novel mentioned that Gu Hengzhi had a strong libido and wasn't someone who would deny himself. After coming of age, on Shen Shaoyan's recommendation, he became a regular at a certain private club.
But he had high standards and was a clean freak. He only chose people with clean bodies. After picking someone from the club, he wouldn't take them home. Instead, he would take them to a hotel under the Gu Corporation for their activities. A room would be prepared for him there year-round.
Ji Linxue's face darkened slightly.
Although the current Gu Hengzhi hadn't done this, he still felt like he had swallowed a fly, feeling a little nauseous.
"I don't want to go."
A hint of confusion appeared on Gu Hengzhi's handsome face, "Why not? The dorm beds are too hard, I don't like them."
Ji Linxue's lips moved. The current Gu Hengzhi was still very innocent and shouldn't do such an unprincipled thing.
Moreover, with him by his side, this situation shouldn't arise.
Understanding this, Ji Linxue relented, "Let's go."
Hearing him agree, Gu Hengzhi instantly cast aside his previous question.
The two walked into the hotel shoulder to shoulder, unaware of a figure appearing behind them.
The service staff quickly handed them a room card, and the two took the elevator all the way up to the top floor.
There were only a few suites on the top floor. Just as Ji Linxue took out the room card, he realized his phone was missing. Recalling, it seemed he had forgotten it at the hotel front desk.
He hurriedly swiped open the room door, sent Gu Hengzhi inside, and made him sit properly on the bed.
He coaxed softly, "I'll go down and get my phone. You sit here obediently."
Gu Hengzhi seemed a little uncomfortable. He closed his eyes and nodded.
As soon as Ji Linxue let go, he uncontrollably fell backward, sinking into the soft bed.
His long lashes softly covered his eyelids, like curled little fans, casting a shadow.
The tall boy appeared fragile and innocent, making one feel pity.
Ji Linxue didn't look any further. After closing the door, he quickly entered the elevator.
The elevator doors slowly closed in front of him. With a 'ding', the other elevator beside it stopped on the top floor and opened its doors.
One minute later, a knock sounded at the door of Gu Hengzhi's suite.
The man on the bed tiredly opened his eyes, holding his forehead, muttering to himself, "Didn't he bring the room card?"
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