Song Lang returned to his seat and took out his scarf. He looked at it from left to right, but couldn't find a single heart.
A lyric suddenly popped into his mind: "It's supposed to be a movie for three people, but I can never have a name."
Well, what can you do? He's just such a selfless and great person. As long as his brother is happy, it's really okay for him to give up a kind and sweet girl.
Song Lang felt melancholy all day, but the next day he still wore the scarf that Lin Qian had given him.
Meng Fanxing took a sick leave today, so it was just the two of them on their way to school.
Song Lang then asked directly, "Feifei, why aren't you wearing the scarf she gave you? Girls will be unhappy if you do that."
Shen Zhifei glanced at his neck but didn't answer.
Song Lang smiled knowingly and said, "Are you afraid I'll mind? Hey, it's nothing. Her liking me is a thing of the past. Now we're just good buddies. She even made fun of me for being illiterate the other day."
A cold wind blew in her face, and Shen Zhifei pulled her turtleneck sweater up a little.
Song Lang continued carelessly, "Either you're just shy. Actually, everyone knows you two are interested in each other. Otherwise, why would she come to our class every day? Even someone as quiet as you can chat with her for ages. You can't hide feelings like that."
Shen Zhifei silently repeated his last sentence in his mind.
After the two entered the school's parking shed, Shen Zhifei locked the car before saying, "I will return the scarf."
Song Lang looked at him with a question mark on his forehead.
Shen Zhifei took a carton of milk out of his pocket and handed it over, saying, "I don't like her."
Chapter 012
Song Lang felt awkward about returning the scarf so readily, but fearing that returning it would hurt the girl's feelings, he folded it neatly and put it on the top shelf of his wardrobe when he got home that day.
That year, Meng Fanxing unexpectedly ranked among the top 500 in the school's overall academic rankings during the final exams, leaving his good friend far behind.
Meng Fanxing was overjoyed and, regardless of whether Shen Zhifei was willing or not, grabbed him and spun him around several times.
He tried to hug Song Lang again, but was kicked away.
"Hehe, I'm not going to hold it against you today since I'm in a good mood." Meng Fanxing slapped the shoe print off his butt. "Yesterday I showed my parents my report card, and guess what? My mom's first reaction was to hit me. She said I cheated."
Song Lang rolled his eyes at him, "Look how smug you are."
Meng Fanxing was about to hug Shen Zhifei again when Shen Zhifei dodged him. Meng Fanxing chuckled and said, "Thanks to Xiao Fei's tutoring over the past six months, I'm one step closer to my dream of being in the top ten of the school!"
Song Lang scoffed, and Shen Zhifei shook his head with an ambiguous expression.
Meng's parents were overjoyed. During the Chinese New Year, they brought large bags of gifts to express their gratitude and even made an appointment with the Song family to travel abroad together next summer.
Upon hearing that he was going abroad, Song Lang's eyes lit up, and he exchanged a glance with Meng Fanxing, who was sitting opposite him pretending to be a good girl.
Shen Lingyu couldn't help but laugh at his expression. "Don't even think about it. There's no place for you kids."
Song Lang objected: "Why? Are you worried about the airfare?"
Shen Lingyu said, "Xiao Xing has made rapid progress this semester. It's a bit unreasonable for you, his good brother, to still be hovering outside the top 800. If you can catch up with him next year, you can decide where you want to go."
Song Lang glanced at Meng Fanxing.
Shen Lingyu knew what he was up to, and then said to Meng Fanxing, "Xiaoxing, Auntie also has a request for you. At the very least, don't back down. That shouldn't be too difficult, right?"
Meng Fanxing nodded vigorously.
Song Lang really went to great lengths to be able to travel abroad.
He only stayed up all night playing video games on New Year's Eve, while he usually buried himself in his studies, which amazed his relatives and neighbors who came to visit for the New Year.
Teenagers are in their rebellious phase; they love smoking, drinking, and getting perms, but hate studying. How did the eldest son of the Song family, who was always so mischievous and energetic, suddenly change his ways and start studying?
Shen Lingyu just smiled and remained silent. It was not that he had reformed; he was simply still playing around.
After the New Year holiday, Song Lang's dedication to his studies made his deskmate, Zhou, question his life. Had this guy been possessed by another soul during the New Year?
Actually, Song Lang wasn't stupid; he just hadn't used his intelligence for studying.
Although his serious study plan couldn't last two months due to the strong temptation of traveling abroad, his grades still improved overall thanks to Shen Zhifei's occasional tutoring.
The week before summer vacation arrived, Song Lang was already excitedly making travel plans.
Shen Lingyu found it amusing: "So confident? Let's make this clear first, you and Meng Fanxing can't collude, or the trip will be canceled."
While looking up information, Song Lang said, "Mom, just you wait and see. I could understand the questions Feifei gave me last time, so there's absolutely no problem."
Shen Lingyu scoffed and didn't take it to heart.
Unexpectedly, when the report card was received a week later, Song Lang's name had actually risen to the middle of the class, ranking 502nd in the school overall, with Meng Fanxing leading him by more than 30 places.
Song Lang hugged his mother's waist and started shamelessly saying, "Mom, I'm practically burning the midnight oil. Please forgive this small difference since I've never scored this high before, okay?"
Shen Lingyu was genuinely excited. After so many years of schooling, her eldest son had finally shown her a report card where all his grades were above average.
She patted Song Lang's arm and said helplessly, "You child... let go, it's so hot."
Song Lang refused to let it go, saying, "Tell me about the trip abroad first."
Shen Lingyu was convinced and laughed, "Your father and I have already cleared our schedules. We'll leave in ten days. You and Feifei should go get your visas first."
"Holy crap! Thanks, Mom! Oh wow—!"
Song Lang excitedly kissed his mother, jumped up and hugged Shen Zhifei again, then went to call Meng Fanxing with great enthusiasm.