Chapter 9 (1/2)

Translator: Jane

ch9

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Chapter 9

CHAPTER 9:

When they were starting out, Jiang Wenxu and He Zhishu didn't had much disagreement. Jiang Wenxu is good at sports but he was admitted as a student of fine arts. He wasn't very diligent. When at school he just sleeps and draws doodles. He Zhishu however was a scholar. He was approachable and good with people. He was good looking too and was well-liked by others.

During one of their cla.s.ses, their seats were arranged. It was then when he first met Jiang Wenxu, as his seat was moved next to him. The first thing that Jiang Wenxu said to him was, “You smell good.”

He Zhishu's grandfather raised a whole yard of jasmines. When the flowers were in bloom their house was bathed with its fragrance and the scent clung to their clothes. The next day, He Zhishu filled his pocket with jasmine and gave them to Jiang Wenxu. He was very happy. “Thank you.” he said.

Jiang Wenxu wasn't annoying. He knows that Jiang Wenxu doesn't like to be disturbed when he is cla.s.s, so he wastes his time alone and doesn't bother him. After cla.s.s he would hang out with the boys. Many girls would flock to get Jiang Wenxu's attention and would gossip about him. Jiang Wenxu was afraid of their English teacher and would copy his homework from others. He doesn't want other peoples' homework, he wants Xiaoshu's homework. He would approach the sickly Xioashu and say, “Xiaoshu, let me copy your homework.”

Jiang Wenxu was beside He Zhishu, s.h.i.+elding him from the cold wind. “You are so fragrant today.” he whispered. “I feel like walking on air when I saw you today.”

He Zhishu was stunned.

They got closer and their relations.h.i.+p was getting better. Jiang Wenxu would take He Zhishu to watch him play basketball. Everyone would laugh and tease them that as long He Zhishu was watching Jiang Wenxu, he was very fierce.  Unlike the other players, no girl would hand Jiang Wenxu his spare clothes and water bottles, because he allowed only He Zhishu to touch his things.

Later one day, He Zhishu discovered that Jiang Wenxu, who had always hated reading, was reading a foreign poem. He frowned and looked at the book.

“Cultivate Literary Temperament?” he read aloud, then laughed.

“You mentioned this book with the study committee yesterday. You read it. Why can't I read it?” said Jiang Wenxu, eyebrows raised and eyes sharp.

He Zhishu laughed. “This is not really a good book. I don't like it. The study committee just likes books that are unpopular. I prefer the book by Jianzhen.”