Milk: Xiao Xu, I Think We Need to Talk

Even as she made this decision, Jiang Xu still felt nervous and unsure of herself. Yang Man had already gone to the office ahead of time. The class monitor had collected all the preference forms a day early. In reality, there wasn't much to consider—most students had attended Shuiqing Middle School for junior high, so naturally they would continue on to Shuiqing for senior high.

It was a familiar place with familiar people; no need to spend time adapting again. Maybe they'd even run into old classmates and stay friends. More importantly, the teachers exaggerated how poorly Shuiqing's students performed, so it seemed like not many would even get into senior high anyway.

Whether confident or not, everyone was willing to try Shuiqing—it was the best choice for these kids.

So most of the class filled in Shuiqing without a second thought.

Almost everyone assumed Jiang Xu wouldn't pick Shuiqing. She had good grades, lived with Teacher Liang, and Liang had high hopes for her—maybe she'd be one of the few to go to the county high school. Jiang Xu was too cold in class; no one dared approach her easily. At most, a few girls gossiped about her behind her back, and some boys said she was pretty.

Jiang Xu wasn't the soft, gentle type. Though her face still held youthful innocence, there was a sharpness in her brows and eyes. When that face looked at someone without expression, people had to be careful even when speaking to her. The boys would keep their distance and joke that she was too aloof and hard to get along with, so none of them bothered her.

Actually, Jiang Xu wasn't as scary as they imagined. Otherwise, Jiang Erya wouldn't follow her around all day. Others said she was just Jiang Xu's sidekick, but Jiang Erya knew Jiang Xu truly considered her a friend. When she asked questions, Jiang Xu explained carefully; she could share her worries, and Jiang Xu would even offer solutions.

Plus, Jiang Xu didn't always have a stern face—she did smile, and when she did, she seemed much more approachable. Jiang Erya had also seen Jiang Xu with Liang Xiaoqing, and in those moments she wasn't the least bit distant like at school—in fact, she seemed clingy toward Teacher Liang, which showed they had a good relationship.

Sometimes Jiang Erya felt sorry for Jiang Xu because her mother was gone.

Like the other students, she thought Jiang Xu wouldn't choose Shuiqing again. If she didn't leave, she'd never know her true level.

Jiang Xu gave off the impression of not being a country kid, even though she'd spent her childhood there. She had an air about her—not someone destined to stay stuck here forever. She needed to get out, so Jiang Erya figured Jiang Xu would pick a high school in town or the county seat.

But when she learned Jiang Xu's choice, she couldn't help being shocked: "Jiang Xu, what's wrong with you? With grades like yours, you'd easily get into the county high school! How could you—"

Jiang Xu, however, was quite calm. Her gaze swept over lightly, which made people nervous—though that was just her usual expression. She didn't act superior like some classmates claimed, flaunting her grades and staying at Teacher Liang's house. When Jiang Xu spoke, there was a maturity and steadiness beyond her years. She told Jiang Erya, "Even if I don't go to the county high school, I can still get into university."

Jiang Xu had that confidence. The way she spoke and her demeanor made Jiang Erya believe her without realizing it. She looked at the neatly written characters on the preference form—Jiang Xu's handwriting was like her, restrained yet sharp.

"Then... does Teacher Liang know about your choice?"

Jiang Xu's eyes flickered, but she stayed silent.

Jiang Erya said, "Jiang Xu, I believe you can get into university no matter which school you go to. But I also hope you'd attend a better high school." Jiang Erya genuinely considered Jiang Xu a friend—especially now that her own future was uncertain, not knowing if she'd even continue studying. She both envied and worried for Jiang Xu, afraid something might go wrong.

During evening self-study, bright fluorescent lights lit the classroom. After Shuiqing Middle School expanded, the facilities were upgraded. Word was the playground would be renovated this summer—paved with rubber and grass—and the campus would grow larger.

The whole teaching building was brightly lit and quiet. On her way to the office, Jiang Xu deliberately walked slowly. She was afraid Liang Xiaoqing would be there, though even if she wasn't, Liang would find out sooner or later. She just hadn't figured out how to tell Xiaoqing.

Given Liang Xiaoqing's temperament, Jiang Xu was sure she'd go along with it. Maybe it was because Liang had never refused her anything that she'd grown a bit reckless.

But delaying wasn't a good solution; what was meant to come would come eventually.

When Jiang Xu reached the office, she didn't see Liang Xiaoqing. Relieved, she walked over to Yang Man's desk.

Yang Man looked up at the sound, then said, "Have a seat, Jiang Xu."

She pulled over a chair, still holding a piece of paper in her hand as if studying it. Jiang Xu didn't particularly like Yang Man, but Yang Man and Liang Xiaoqing were close.

She complied with Yang Man's instruction.

To be fair, Yang Man was a decent teacher—conscientious and skilled at teaching. Jiang Xu felt constrained sitting beside her. Since Yang Man didn't speak, Jiang Xu stayed quiet too. Yang Man continued reading the paper, and Jiang Xu glanced over, catching the heading: "School Preference Form".

Now everything was clear. She wondered if Yang Man would tell Liang Xiaoqing—most likely she would. Jiang Xu sat quietly while Yang Man frowned slightly at the form. After a long moment, Yang Man placed it in front of Jiang Xu and said seriously, "Jiang Xu, are you planning to fill in Shuiqing High School?"

Jiang Xu looked at the form she'd deliberated over for so long and said, "Mm."

Yang Man frowned deeper: "I know most students choose Shuiqing for the safe bet, but your grades are good enough that you don't need to do that. With your scores, you could easily pick a better school." She paused, then continued, "I remember Xiaoqing mentioned she hopes you go to the county high school. Does she know about this choice?"

"..."

Jiang Xu stayed silent.

Yang Man sighed and said, "Jiang Xu, as your homeroom teacher, I also want you to think this over carefully. You should have confidence in yourself—with your grades, getting into the county high school is a sure thing." She handed her a fresh form. "Take this back and fill it out. Give it to me tomorrow. Think it over. I'd suggest you apply to the county high school."

"Go back to self-study now; don't fall behind. Off you go." Yang Man gave her the form and sent her back.

Throughout it all, Jiang Xu hadn't said a word. When she brought the form back to the classroom, Jiang Erya couldn't contain her curiosity and asked what Teacher Yang wanted. Jiang Xu briefly explained. Jiang Erya noticed the new form on her desk, picked it up, and urged her again: "Jiang Xu, if you ask me, just fill in the county high school."

There was a hint of envy in her words.

Jiang Xu still hadn't figured out how to face Liang Xiaoqing back home. By the time she arrived, Liang should already know about her choice. She felt dejected—because of Liang's expectations, since Liang genuinely wanted her to attend the county high school.

But what weighed on her mind most was something entirely different from what Liang thought.

Among her peers, she seemed like an odd one out, out of step with everyone. Boys and girls her age were drawn to each other through teenage hormones, but she had no interest in that—instead, she'd developed improper feelings for someone over ten years older, someone who cared for her with unwavering attention and deep concern. Maybe it was her fault, or maybe it was Liang Xiaoqing's.

She shouldn't have been so good to her.

After evening self-study, Liang Xiaoqing didn't come to pick her up. Jiang Xu knew then that Liang must have found out, and that she had surely disappointed Liang's hopes and efforts. She felt guilty—guilty and, strangely, relieved.

When she got home, she deliberately lightened her steps and slowed down. She thought Xiaoqing would be upset with her over this, maybe even ignore her, and she tensed up for a long time. But she clearly underestimated Liang Xiaoqing's tolerance.

The light in the house was on as usual, as if left on for her sake. The desk bought for her also had a desk lamp glowing, and Jiang Xu noticed details she'd previously overlooked. She tiptoed to the desk, placed her backpack on the back of the chair, and sat down, looking around—she didn't see Liang Xiaoqing anywhere. She thought maybe Xiaoqing didn't know yet after all.

A voice came from the narrow balcony: "You're back."

Jiang Xu's heart jumped.

Liang Xiaoqing walked over from there, went into the kitchen, and came out holding a glass of milk, clearly warmed, with steam rising. Jiang Xu watched her approach, and due to her guilt, she stammered, "I'm—I'm back."

Liang Xiaoqing set the milk on the desk and, as usual, ruffled her hair. "Drink this while it's hot."

"...Mm," Jiang Xu responded, lacking conviction.

But she was also certain Liang Xiaoqing didn't yet know her choice was Shuiqing. She looked up at Liang Xiaoqing and curved her lips slightly. "Xiaoqing, are you busy today?"

Liang Xiaoqing seemed lost in thought, staring at a spot absentmindedly. When Jiang Xu spoke, she snapped out of it, glanced at her, and said, "Not too busy."

It was like a stone lifted from Jiang Xu's heart—everything seemed normal. Slightly reassured, she turned, unzipped her backpack, pulled out a practice test, and said, "Then I'll do some practice." She felt much lighter.

"Mm," Liang Xiaoqing replied. "Go ahead."

Surprisingly, Liang Xiaoqing pulled up a stool and sat beside her, doing her own work. Jiang Xu saw her work notebook—she opened it and started writing something.

This made Jiang Xu feel flattered. Her mood gradually improved, and she worked quickly on the practice test, her thoughts flowing like a stream.

Once she started, she lost track of time. Midway, Liang Xiaoqing reminded her to drink the milk. She gulped down the whole glass. When she finished the test, she saw Liang Xiaoqing was no longer working. Her gaze was both puzzled and mildly serious.

She was staring at her—had been for a while.

She took a tissue and handed it to Jiang Xu to wipe her mouth. Jiang Xu took it and wiped.

Liang Xiaoqing leaned in a little closer and said, "Xiao Xu, I think we need to talk."