Chapter 16 - Going home (1/2)

Chapter 16: Going home

After school on Friday, when the last class ended, the students excitedly packed their bags and headed to the school gates.

Only those in first and second year are able to go home at this time. The third years were busy getting ready for their college entrance examination and still had classes on the weekends. They only get two days off each month.

Some of the students couldn’t help but express: “Next year, it’s our turn. So unfortunate.”

Other classmates would comment: “What are you afraid of? You could just mix in with the first and second years and slip out. If you’re brave enough, you can have a break every day~”

They would then laugh and continue to head downstairs.

Most of the students in this high school lived in the same city and wasn’t too far from home. They would choose to go back by bicycle which is both a convenient and chic form of transportation. A group of good friends would band together to form a team and ride down the road with their uniforms billowing with the wind. From time to time they would laugh and chat with the people around them. People who saw them couldn’t help but feel nostalgic as they recall the times when they were also like this in their youth.

Leaving the school gates, Jiang Yang rode on his bicycle enjoying the breeze. Soon, Huang Shao caught up from behind. He chucked while saying: “Xiao Yang Yang, is this shirt washed by Xu brother? Tell me the truth, what happened between you two? Why is he willing to help you wash your clothes?”

His eyes were filled with anticipation for gossip.

However Jiang Yang who heard his words only reacted indifferently. He fake laughed a few times: “You want to know?”

Huang Shao nodded his head vigorously.

Jiang Yang: “It’s actually very simple. If you let me beat you up then I’ll tell you.”

Hearing that he would be beaten, Huang Shao shuddered and retracted his neck, “Xu brother provoked you again?”

Again. That word was used very well. The fact that it was said without a thought demonstrated how their bad relationship had become deeply rooted in the hearts of onlookers. The reason why Jiang Yang is not in a good mood, without even needing to think, nine times out of ten would be because of Qin Xu. This was the same for Qin Xu.

Jiang Yang coldly snorted and didn’t respond.

Huang Shao wanted to probe further but was interrupted by Xiao Yuxin who suddenly appeared out of nowhere and purposely rammed into him with the front of his bicycle. Huang Shao was confused but Xiao Yuxin turned to Jiang Yang and gave him a look of understanding.

Jiang Yang: “……….” As I said, what on earth do you understand?!

After Xiao Yuxin accidentally witnessed that scene last night, Jiang Yang couldn’t help but notice the terrifying changes in his eyes. Understanding, appeasement, encouragement and……sympathy?

Jiang Yang who didn’t even know where to start explaining things felt even more frustrated.

After separating from Xiao Yuxin who took a different turn, they continued to ride their bicycles bypassing streets and turning corners. Huang Shao smelt something very aromatic, squinted and rushed ahead to a street stall before turning back and waving his hands, “There’s octopus balls here. Do you want it?”

Jiang Yang showed an impatient expression and didn’t respond. He still, however, rode over to the stand and stopped to ask the boss for a box.

The boss responded quickly and turned over the octopus balls on the stove with skilful movements. The fried octopus balls were then one by one poked and neatly arranged in the carton and toppings were added in the order of sauce, dressing, seaweed powder and bonito flakes. The freshly made octopus balls were golden and fragrant, and the skin was both crisp and tender. It truly enticed the hungry high school students’ stomachs.

Once it was done, the boss even helpfully gave them two sticks and handed the box over. Naturally, they had already paid for it with the QR code. Like others, the moment Jiang Yang took his box he rested on his bicycle and proceeded to eat by the side of the stall. From the side a stick reached in and bravely took hold of one of his octopus balls.

Jiang Yang turned around to find himself face to face with Huang Shao’s mischievous face that had no hint of guilt. He felt a little speechless: “It’s not like you don’t have any yourself. Does it taste better when you take it from others?”

Huang Shao extended his thumb up, “Bingo! Do you want to try mine?”

Facing the carton that was enthusiastically pushed in front of him, Jiang Yang rolled his eyes and took one.