But she was a bit absent-minded, the water in the sink was full, and the tap was still running.

At this moment, Liu Sufen walked in, quickly stepped over and turned off the tap.

"Shiqing!"

"Ah, mom?"

Qin Shiqing snapped back to reality.

"Shiqing, you didn't even turn off the water. What's on your mind, being so out of it early in the morning!"

Liu Sufen reproached.

"Nothing, I was thinking about a problem set."

Qin Shiqing casually found an excuse.

"The college entrance exams are over, what problems are you thinking about? Daughter, you're about to be a university student, you should enjoy your summer vacation!"

Liu Sufen didn't suspect anything.

"Okay, mom!"

Qin Shiqing nodded lightly.

Liu Sufen asked deliberately nonchalantly, "Shiqing, what do you think of Zelin?"

"Zelin?"

Mom suddenly asking this made Qin Shiqing a bit at a loss. She paused and then said, "He's great!"

"Zelin is indeed a good kid, handsome, smart, articulate, filial, ambitious, and opinionated. He's already planning to start his own business after entering college, right after graduating high school!"

"If there's anything lacking, it's just that he doesn't focus much on studies, but studying isn't that important. Your dad and Zelin's dad are not well-educated, but now our families are doing quite well in the city, even better than many of those who went to college back in the day!"

Liu Sufen seemed to be talking to herself, but she was actually saying it for Qin Shiqing to hear.

"So, when you go to college, don't be quick to date anyone unless they're better than Zelin in every way!"

Liu Sufen added.

In her mind, the scales slightly tipped toward Su Zelin, but she hadn't completely decided yet.

So Granny Qin gave her daughter a little nudge.

If there isn't a boy better than Su Zelin, then don't date anyone.

Qin Shiqing frowned, "Mom, Zelin is Zelin, how can you compare him with others like that!"

"Why can't I compare? Isn't this quite normal?"

Liu Sufen was indifferent.

"Qin Shiqing!"

Just then, Su Zelin's voice came from outside, and then he appeared in the Qin family's living room.

The two families usually visited each other without prior notice.

"Oh, Zelin is here!"

Liu Sufen smiled warmly.

And upon seeing Su Zelin, Qin Shiqing blushed for no reason.

"Auntie, my mom made some scallion pancakes and asked me to bring some over for you!"

Su Zelin, chewing on a piece, mumbled as he spoke.

"Hehe, how thoughtful, Zelin. Thank your mom for me!"

Granny Qin chuckled and said.

"Auntie, you're being polite. By the way, where's Uncle Qin?"

Su Zelin placed the dish on the dining table and asked casually.

"Your Uncle Qin is still sleeping. He had a few drinks last night, unlike you young people who wake up full of energy."

After a few words, Su Zelin remembered something, "By the way, Shiqing, thank you for last night!"

Qin Shiqing's face turned even redder, she unconsciously played with the hem of her clothes and whispered, "Why thank me?"

"Because you helped my mom clean up the mess!"

Su Zelin pursed his lips.

Although he didn't feel it necessary to be polite with a childhood friend, he couldn't disobey his mom's words.

Qin Shiqing was slightly taken aback, then her mind started to race.

Auntie must have known I helped Zelin to his room.

She wouldn't have seen that scene, right?

Thinking of this, her face slightly warmed.

"What's wrong with your face, is it very hot?"

Su Zelin frowned and asked.

Indeed, summer weather was very hot, but it wasn't too bad indoors in the morning.

Qin Shiqing felt it was strange, her childhood friend was acting normally upon seeing her, as if nothing had happened last night.

Did he really forget everything?

It's said that drunk people often forget a lot the next day, famously known as "blacking out." His dad had similar experiences.

Did he really black out?

Were those just drunken utterances?

However, his gaze and tone at the time didn't seem like the unconscious acts of a drunkard.

Quickly snapping back to reality, Qin Shiqing organized her thoughts and responded nonchalantly, "It is a bit hot, I'll drink some cold water later and it'll be fine!"

Su Zelin shook his head.

For unknown reasons, both his mom and Qin Shiqing seemed very unusual today.

...

Saying goodbye to the mother and daughter, Su Zelin left the Qin family's yard, just as a mountain bike approached, and its owner cheerfully said upon seeing Su Zelin, "Senior!"

Su Zelin was instantly shocked, "Huang Panpan?"

The visitor was indeed the underclassman.

Today, she was sporting a princess braid, neatly pinning her bangs symmetrically to the back with butterfly hairclips.

A faux two-piece dress with a doll collar and mid-sleeves in a pastoral style, its blue and white color combination was refreshing in the sultry summer, paired with light beige loafers, giving off an adorable little princess vibe with no traces of a problem girl.

"Why are you here again?"

Su Zelin was exasperated.

"Yesterday, the college entrance exam results were released. I heard you scored ideally, especially getting full marks in English, becoming the top scorer in a single subject. So, Panpan came specifically to congratulate you!"

Huang Panpan smiled, her fair pink cheeks dimpling with two faint dimples.

Indeed, there was an informant!

Su Zelin was angered.

The exam results had just been out yesterday, and today Huang Panpan got the news. It was impossible without an insider leaking information!

Huang Panpan knew too much about him, even down to the brand and size of his underwear!

Only a few people knew about his exam scores.

He could first rule out Lu Haoran; a buddy would never betray him.

Same with Xiaoyanzi; besides, she didn't know his usual brand and size of underwear.

Qin Shiqing did know since she often helped him tidy up his room, including his scattered clothes. Of course, she couldn't be the suspect.

And his parents and Uncle and Granny Qin were even less likely.

It seemed like all were ruled out.

But wait, more than these people knew my scores!

He scored full marks in English, becoming the top scorer in a single subject. When Lu Haoran and Tang Yan called others to discuss their scores, it was likely to be mentioned, and as it spread, it would inevitably reach that informant's ears.

Suddenly, Su Zelin came to a realization.

"Senior, I also bought some chicken pies and pancakes from a famous shop for you and Uncle and Auntie on the way!"

Huang Panpan handed over two paper bags with both hands.

Last time, she brought a few packs of cigarettes, but the Su family wouldn't accept them. This time she learned her lesson and bought a few breakfast items instead. They weren't expensive, but they showed her sincerity, and she thought, this time, Uncle and Auntie shouldn't have any reason to refuse.

Although it was early morning, the sun was already out, the weather was hot, and she rode her bike all the way over, her forehead slightly sweaty, her cheeks flushed.

Su Zelin originally wanted to send her away, but suddenly felt soft-hearted upon seeing this.

Remembering how his dad advised him to treat her as a normal friend, without provoking her or being overly harsh, to avoid hurting her sensitive heart.

He realized he'd been very unkind to Huang Panpan, treating her like the plague.

Firstly, Su Zelin, who loved freedom, disliked being pursued persistently by others. Secondly, he didn't want Huang Panpan to get too deeply involved, so he had to be a bit ruthless to avoid any misunderstanding by the underclassman.

However, in his previous life, he rejected her countless times, yet Huang Panpan persistently chased him for over ten years.

In this life, should he continue treating her this way?

Perhaps he should try a different approach, which might lead to unexpected results.

...

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