Chapter 41: Reminiscence

Class Thirteen had won!

From this moment on, no one would question the validity of their runner-up title. Fang Huijian had truly lost all face; at least, in all his years, he had never suffered such a defeat.

Ming Han pointed at Chen Li’s seat, his gesture clear: Fulfill your promise.

Since Fang Huijian had accepted the bet, there was no way he could back out without shame. He walked over to Chen Li’s desk. “Sorry, Chen Li, sometimes I speak without thinking. But you have to believe me, I really do like you…”

Chen Li replied coolly, “I accept your apology.”

Seeing how indifferent she was to him, Fang Huijian felt a chill in his heart. His hatred for Ming Han grew stronger: One day, I’ll make you pay for this.

As for Ming Han, he was naturally delighted. He had sealed the victory with a decisive shot, which showed that not only had his skills improved, but his mentality as well.

“Damn, Ming Han, you really showed off just now! Waving me aside to clear the space—were you trying to give me a heart attack?” Da Xu was excited too.

In Da Xu’s hierarchy, video games came first, then pretty girls, and only then basketball. He had never put as much effort into basketball as Yuhang or Ming Han, but that didn’t mean he didn’t crave victory. On the contrary, his pride made him value this match more than any before. Seeing Ming Han’s huge progress, he couldn’t help but feel happy for his friend. Perhaps, with these two brothers, their school’s long-standing poor track record in basketball would finally change.

“How about KTV tonight? We could even call a few hostesses to sing with us,” Zheng Yuan suggested.

“Aren’t we under eighteen? Isn’t it illegal?” Ming Han had never been to a KTV.

Da Xu gave him a sidelong glance. “You’re six feet tall—no one would doubt it if you said you were twenty. Stop pretending to be innocent, get lost!”

Ming Han couldn’t help but laugh. “Do I really look that old?”

Yuhang chimed in, “Ming Han, let’s all go! It’s summer break, and it’s rare for us to get together. Let’s have some fun. If we don’t go wild now, when will we?”

Hearing this, Ming Han couldn’t refuse. He called home. “Mom, my classmates are going to KTV tonight!”

Su Yan was busy in the shop. “Since when do you tell me before you go out? Go have fun, just don’t get drunk!”

Hanging up, Ming Han thought to himself that his mom was really unreliable. Weren’t parents supposed to say that places like that weren’t for kids his age? Sometimes, it stung a little to think about it.

At that moment, Chen Li walked over. Ming Han greeted her, “We’re all going to KTV tonight. Want to come?”

She shook her head. “I’m not going, and you can’t go either.”

Her tone was commanding, which surprised Ming Han. In truth, he didn’t understand what was on Chen Li’s mind. Watching his transformation over the past two months, she had grown more and more worried.

When did she first meet Ming Han? It was the first day of seventh grade. The homeroom teacher was talking about how important these years would be, and how everyone needed to work hard…

Suddenly, Ming Han appeared at the classroom door. “Excuse me!”

Everyone was shocked—a student in the honors class, late on the very first day?

The teacher’s face was dark. “Why are you late?”

Ming Han scratched his head and replied with a laugh, “Teacher, I couldn’t find the classroom.”

Back then, he had a buzz cut and looked honest and earnest. Aside from being taller and better looking than most, there was nothing special about him. Chen Li hadn’t paid him much attention.

It wasn’t until a week later, when they became desk mates, that they exchanged a few words. Then one day in English class, Chen Li forgot her textbook—just as the homeroom teacher was making the rounds. If she got caught, a scolding in front of the whole class would be the least of her worries.

Just as the teacher approached her desk, Ming Han placed his English book on her desk, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

He got thoroughly scolded that day.

Chen Li felt terrible and apologized over and over during the break.

Ming Han waved it off. “I’ve got a thick skin—it’s nothing!”

He was the most easygoing and comfortable boy she had ever known. Every word from him made her happy, sometimes even moved her.

So she wished Ming Han would always be the well-behaved top student she had known. His unserious exterior was just a shell; inside, he was sensitive and caring.

But lately, it seemed he was drifting further and further from that image.

Seeing her opposition, Ming Han replied with a grin, “Don’t worry, Chen Li, I’ll be back in no time.”

Their exchange was so natural, but to others, it sounded anything but.

Wow, are you two already a married couple?

Chen Li snorted but didn’t object further. “I’m heading home then. Ming Han, thank you for today.”

Ming Han smiled. “Chen Li, study hard when you get home, alright? Try to catch up to me, and let’s get into City No. 1 High School together. Otherwise, you’re so hopeless that without me, I’m afraid you’ll get sold off in high school…”

Chen Li just smiled without replying. She had originally planned to stay at their current school for high school, since it was the best in the county. But now, it seemed she’d have to aim for City No. 1, just to keep up with that pig.

Watching Ming Han and his friends drive away, she clenched her fists in determination. “Ming Han, I’ll always be with you.”

Ming Han and his friends arrived at a famous KTV, the kind with prices that kept most students away. But it seemed Zheng Yuan was a regular, handing over a VIP card to the attendant.

Ming Han had always known Zheng Yuan came from a well-off family, but he hadn’t realized just how well-off. Unlike Fang Huijian, who flaunted his wealth in every detail, Zheng Yuan’s taste was much more refined.

“Tonight, we don’t go home until we’re drunk!” Zheng Yuan raised his glass.

They clinked glasses, chatting and smoking.

When Zheng Yuan offered him a cigarette, Ming Han hesitated but declined. At least for now, he wasn’t interested in picking up smoking; some things were best left until you were older.

After about an hour, Ming Han felt the urge to use the restroom. On his way down the corridor, he spotted a familiar figure—Lin Jingjing.

“Ming Han, you’re here too?”

“Just out drinking with some friends.”

Lin Jingjing was a lively, cheerful girl, but that didn’t mean she was loose. She’d never dated anyone, thinking sixteen was still too young.

“Ming Han, it’s my sister’s birthday today! Want to join us in our private room for a bit?”

Faced with her invitation, Ming Han hesitated. “I don’t think so. You know how shy I am—meeting your family would be too awkward!”

Lin Jingjing wasn’t bothered. “Then let’s just the two of us go hang out! Just us—you’re not allowed to bring that gang of rascals you call friends.”

Ming Han thought to himself: You call my friends a gang of rascals? Couldn’t have put it better myself!