My Mother-in-Law and I Became the Internet's Hottest Power Couple-Chapter 118
Lu Yicheng's face was expressionless as he stood up to pack his things. There wasn’t much—just two pens, a notebook, and a book. That was all.
It took less than a minute to pack. Lu Yicheng stood up, glanced at Jiang Lan, and said nothing.
Jiang Lan held her forehead and called out, “Wait…”
Lu Yicheng turned back, “...Hmm?”
Jiang Lan explained, “Lu Yicheng, I didn’t ask him about the questions. It’s just that our homeroom teacher thinks my foundation is too weak and asked the class monitor to help me. I feel like having one tutor outside of class is enough. I’ll talk to the class monitor when I go back. As for the monthly exam from a few days ago, when I have questions, I usually ask Zheng Miaomiao. She’s really good at studying.”
Lu Yicheng put his bag back down. “Different people have different ways of solving problems. Listening to multiple approaches might confuse you. Besides, I always rank first in exams, and my single-subject scores are also first. Maybe your class monitor’s method of problem-solving suits you better. Jiang Lan, the choice is yours.”
Oh.
Jiang Lan hadn’t even considered asking Zheng Yankai to explain questions to her. She wasn’t familiar with him at all. They were just classmates, not even sitting near each other, and hardly ever talked.
“Lu Yicheng, I’m definitely choosing you as my tutor. Don’t look at this test paper right now—I have other questions to ask you.” Jiang Lan put the test paper away and pulled out her workbook. “I still don’t understand these questions… Oh, and here are some new snacks from the supermarket. Try them—they’re really tasty.”
Jiang Lan emptied her bag of snacks. She had originally planned to save one for the evening self-study session, but since Lu Yicheng almost left, she decided to give them all to him.
There were chocolate bars, pork jerky, spicy strips, small bread rolls, and a few soft candies.
She gave them all to Lu Yicheng.
Lu Yicheng nodded slightly and swept all the snacks to his side.
He unwrapped a chocolate bar, took a bite, and asked Jiang Lan, “Which question?”
Jiang Lan swallowed hard. “This one…”
Lu Yicheng only needed a glance at the question to know the answer, but explaining it required him to go through the solution in his mind again. “First, connect BC to create an auxiliary line…”
He explained the process, and when he finished, Jiang Lan didn’t respond at all. He looked over and saw Jiang Lan staring at… the chocolate bar in his hand.
Lu Yicheng said, “Your saliva is about to drip.”
Jiang Lan replied, “Huh? No way… I understood the explanation. First, create the auxiliary line. But why connect BC and not AB or AC?”
Lu Yicheng finished the chocolate bar. “Because connecting BC allows you to solve the problem. Why would you even think of connecting AB or AC? It doesn’t help at all.”
Well, okay then.
During the two evening self-study sessions, Jiang Lan worked on questions while Lu Yicheng sat beside her reading and eating snacks. Occasionally, he explained a couple of questions. Time flew by.
In the final evening self-study session, Jiang Lan brought out her English and Chinese test papers—her best subjects, which she always saved for last.
Meanwhile, Lu Yicheng was already engrossed in a book outside the curriculum. That’s the world of a top student.
As the evening self-study session neared its end, Jiang Lan packed up her things to leave. Lu Yicheng stayed behind for a while longer. When Jiang Lan returned to the classroom, it was lively and bustling. Everyone was excited, ready to head back to the dormitory after a full day of studying.
Jiang Lan waved at Zheng Miaomiao, "You're back! Are you going to the supermarket later?"
Jiang Lan replied, "I'm not buying anything, but I can go with you."
Her monthly allowance was limited, and she had spent nearly all of it on snacks for Lu Yicheng. As for tuition fees, Jiang Lan didn't mind skimping on her own meals to save up.
Zheng Miaomiao was practically starving. "That works for me."
From the left, Zheng Yankai chimed in, "I need to go to the supermarket too. Why don't we all go together?"
Zheng Miaomiao agreed, "Sure!"
Jiang Lan, however, wasn't too keen on going with Zheng Yankai, especially after Lu Yicheng had scolded him earlier. "You two can go ahead. I'll skip it."
As soon as Jiang Lan finished speaking, the lively atmosphere in the classroom froze for a moment.
Zheng Yankai's expression turned slightly awkward. "Maybe I'll just stay back. You and Zheng Miaomiao can go together. She's a girl, and it might not be appropriate for me to join. I won't go."
There was a flurry of whispers from the front and back rows. Zheng Miaomiao glanced at Zheng Yankai, then at Jiang Lan, and suddenly realized something.
Hmph.
She cleared her throat, just about to speak, when Zheng Yankai interrupted, "Self-study isn't over yet. Everyone, please keep quiet and focus."
The classroom instantly fell silent.
Moments ago, he had been talking himself, and now he was telling others not to talk.
Zheng Miaomiao glanced around. Some boys were exchanging meaningful looks with Zheng Yankai, while girls were covering their mouths, giggling. It seemed like everyone in the class knew Zheng Yankai liked Jiang Lan.
She had just figured it out herself, but Jiang Lan was still blissfully unaware.
Oh my goodness.
Jiang Lan had only been back for a short while.
Zheng Miaomiao scrutinized Zheng Yankai. He had a clean-cut, delicate appearance, but his sunny personality added a touch of vibrancy to his looks, making him particularly likable.
He got along well with everyone in the class. They all wore school uniforms, but Zheng Yankai managed to make his look good. His hair wasn’t a buzz cut—it seemed like it had been styled. Rumor had it that girls from other classes had sent him love letters, but he had turned them down.
Turns out it was because his heart already belonged to someone.
As soon as class ended, Zheng Miaomiao dragged Jiang Lan to the supermarket. She grabbed a cup of instant noodles and a piece of bread, quickly queued up to pay, and on the way back, she whispered, "The class president definitely likes you!"
Jiang Lan choked on air. "Likes me? That’s impossible. I don’t see it."
Zheng Miaomiao insisted, "Why else would he go out of his way to explain test papers to you, from morning till night? And earlier, when you said you weren’t going, he decided not to go either. If he didn’t like you and wanted to be with you, why wouldn’t he just go to the supermarket with me?"
Jiang Lan found it hard to believe. She and Zheng Yankai weren’t even that close; they barely talked to each other.
How could Zheng Yankai possibly like her? Liking someone had to have a reason, didn’t it?
Zheng Miaomiao saw no issue with it. "Think about it: you’re pretty, talented, and it makes perfect sense for the class president to like you. In our entire school, everyone has short, ear-length hair, but you have long hair in a ponytail. It looks so nice! I bet the class president will confess to you soon—520 is just around the corner."
Jiang Lan furrowed her brows tightly. A confession…
She might as well chop off her hair and be done with it.
Washing hair takes time, and combing hair in the morning takes time too. With that time, it would be better to sleep a little more. As for confessing, Jiang Lan thinks it's unlikely. She's still in high school, and her mom teaches senior year. If she gets caught, it's over.
Even if she's not dating, this kind of situation isn't acceptable either.
Jiang Lan was worried to death. "Young people shouldn’t be thinking about such nonsense. Or is it that those who are good at studying feel secure enough to drag me down with them?"
Zheng Miaomiao laughed, "What do you mean drag you down? The class president is helping you with your studies; he's clearly pulling you up."
Jiang Lan retorted, "So by your logic, since Lu Yicheng helps me with my studies too, does he like me?"
Well...
Zheng Miaomiao thought it seemed like he liked her, but not quite.
She knew Jiang Lan was attending evening self-study sessions with Lu Yicheng. Normally, if it were the class president, he would probably steal glances while explaining problems.
Or say some affectionate words.
"Lanlan, when Lu Yicheng attends evening self-study with you, does he look at you? Do you only talk about coursework during evening self-study?" Zheng Miaomiao thought it couldn't just be about whether he explains problems; Lu Yicheng seemed cold, but in the Olympiad class, he would always answer questions.
Jiang Lan replied, "When I look up, he's always reading. We only talk when I ask him questions. Of course, we talk about studies during evening self-study; otherwise, what would we be there for?"
"And when Lu Yicheng explains problems to me, I treat him to snacks. I've spent all my pocket money on him. Who spends their pocket money on someone they like? He can't possibly like me."
Zheng Miaomiao thought maybe Lu Yicheng just really liked snacks. It was just that Jiang Lan sought Teacher Zheng for tutoring, and Teacher Zheng was too busy, so Lu Yicheng took over. "Forget about Lu Yicheng for now; the class president liking you is a sure thing."
Liking someone is the most troublesome thing.
Jiang Lan didn't want to be in a relationship at all. Xie Yunzhen would kill her.
She didn't want to date; with that time, it would be better to study hard and get into a good university.
The entire school was full of Xie Yunzhen's informants. How could she possibly date? "Let's not think too much about it. I won't ask the class president questions anymore. Liking someone doesn't necessarily mean confessing, and it might not even mean liking. I should focus on improving my grades."
Jiang Lan wanted to keep her distance from Zheng Yankai, but Zheng Yankai was the class president.
He checked during break exercises, managed the distribution of homework, and supervised evening self-study. The next day during break exercises, Zheng Yankai jogged over, "Jiang Lan, Teacher Xie asked me to tell you not to go to the cafeteria at noon; she's bringing you food."
Jiang Lan whispered her thanks.
Zheng Yankai said, "What do you like to eat? I don't know what Teacher Xie is bringing you; maybe she made something delicious at home."
That wasn't necessary; Xie Yunzhen's cooking wasn't as good as the school's cafeteria food. She'd rather eat at the cafeteria.
Jiang Lan chuckled awkwardly, "I eat anything; I don't particularly like anything."
Zheng Yankai scratched his head. "Oh, I see. Well, I know a barbecue place that’s pretty good. It’s right next to the school. I’m not sure if you like barbecue, but maybe we can go there next holiday. Our class hasn’t had a gathering in ages."
Sweat appeared on Zheng Yankai’s forehead, but his expression remained bold. Jiang Lan sighed inwardly and said, "Well…"
She hadn’t decided what to say yet when someone suddenly called her name.
Turning around, she saw Lu Yicheng standing over by the seventh class’s lineup, though she wasn’t sure when he had gotten there.
Lu Yicheng tossed something toward her.
"This is for you. I don’t like eating it," he said casually before turning to leave.
Jiang Lan fumbled to catch it and called out to his retreating figure, "This is delicious! Have you even tried it before saying you don’t like it? You’re so picky!"
Interrupted by Lu Yicheng’s sudden appearance, Zheng Yankai didn’t get the chance to ask what he wanted. "Hey, Jiang Lan, are you close with Lu Yicheng?"
Jiang Lan replied, "Not particularly. He’s Teacher Zheng’s student—my mom’s old college classmate. Teacher Zheng helps me with tutoring. Lu Yicheng often goes to the office because of his math competitions. Over time, we just got to know each other."
Zheng Yankai glanced at Lu Yicheng’s retreating figure. "I see. Anyway, it’s time for exercises now. I won’t keep you. Just remember, Teacher Xie is bringing you lunch at noon."
Zheng Yankai knew Lu Yicheng. They were in the same class for math competitions, and their dorms were close to each other. After evening self-study, Zheng Yankai went to the seventh class’s entrance and called out to Lu Yicheng.
"Lu Yicheng, do you have a moment? I need to talk to you—no, I mean, I have something to ask you."
Lu Yicheng stood at the seventh class’s entrance. "Go ahead."
Zheng Yankai cleared his throat. "Can we go to the sports field? It won’t take long—just five minutes."
Lu Yicheng nodded, and once they reached the sports field, he asked Zheng Yankai what he wanted to know. ƒrēenovelkiss.com
Zheng Yankai wasn’t the type to beat around the bush. He was just feeling a bit anxious. Seeing Lu Yicheng made him panic—he seemed so familiar with Jiang Lan. If Lu Yicheng liked her, then Zheng Yankai’s chances might not be as solid as he thought.
"Lu Yicheng, do you like Jiang Lan?"
Lu Yicheng raised an eyebrow but didn’t say whether he liked her or not. "You like Jiang Lan, don’t you?"
Zheng Yankai’s face turned bright red, though he relied on the darkness to hide it. "Well, I wouldn’t exactly call it liking… I just have a good impression of her. I’ve never seen a girl who smiles so beautifully, with such boundless energy. When she came back from training camp, she couldn’t keep up with her schoolwork, and I just wanted to help her."
Zheng Yankai was a good student, heading into senior year soon. As long as he followed his study plan and performed normally, he was sure to get into a top university. He figured even dating wouldn’t affect his studies. On top of that, he could tutor Jiang Lan—a win-win situation.
Even if Jiang Lan didn’t like him now, once they spent enough time together, she surely would.
Zheng Yankai said, "To be honest, I want to attend the same university as Jiang Lan."
As it turned out, Lu Yicheng had the exact same thought.
But why should three months of tutoring Jiang Lan be overshadowed by Zheng Yankai? What was he thinking?
Lu Yicheng said, "If you like her, then go confess. You're good at your studies, and as long as you don't let it affect your academics, I think even if Teacher Zheng finds out, he won't say much."
Zheng Yankai exclaimed, "Really?"
Lu Yicheng replied, "Do you know why Teacher Zheng asked our homeroom teacher to tutor Jiang Lan? It's because Teacher Zheng is a specially appointed teacher at our school, and he's particularly good at math. But since he often has to supervise evening self-study sessions, I was the one who ended up tutoring her."
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Zheng Yankai knew what he wanted to ask—it was nothing more than, "Why was it you?"
Lu Yicheng added another explanation, "I'm the top student in our school."
Zheng Yankai nodded, listening as Lu Yicheng continued, "Teacher Zheng just wants Jiang Lan to get into a good university. If you can help her, it’ll make things easier for me."
At this point, Zheng Yankai was sure that Lu Yicheng didn’t have feelings for Jiang Lan.
The crescent moon in the sky looked a bit like Jiang Lan’s eyes when she smiled.
Lu Yicheng said, "If it weren’t for Teacher Zheng and the snacks she bought, I wouldn’t have bothered tutoring her."
Zheng Yankai was surprised, "Teacher Zheng?"
"Teacher Zheng helped me before."
Zheng Yankai asked, "And what’s the deal with the snacks?"
"They’re tutoring fees. But I don’t like pork jerky."
So that’s how it was.
Zheng Yankai patted Lu Yicheng on the shoulder, "Thanks, buddy."
Lu Yicheng glanced at his watch, "It’s getting late. I need to head back. Do you have anything else you want to ask?"
Zheng Yankai laughed, "No, no, that’s all. But I don’t even know if Jiang Lan likes me. She just got back, and I’m the person she’s most familiar with. I promise I won’t let her studies suffer. Lu Yicheng, thanks for tutoring Jiang Lan before."
Lu Yicheng smiled, "No problem."
May 20th—a day when high school students were buzzing with excitement. Young couples seized the opportunity to go on dates, and the air was thick with romance.
Zheng Yankai had bought a box of Ferrero chocolates—something he had prepared last month when he went home.
In addition to the chocolates, he had asked a day student to bring him a single rose.
Zheng Yankai had been contemplating this confession for over two months. Even if Jiang Lan didn’t accept his feelings, he hoped for a promise—that she wouldn’t attend evening self-study sessions with Lu Yicheng anymore. It wasn’t fair to trouble someone else.
Jiang Lan didn’t return until evening self-study was almost over. Zheng Yankai passed her a note, asking if she had time that evening because he had something to say.
Jiang Lan stared at the note for a while before asking her deskmate, Zheng Miaomiao, "Who gave this to me?"
Zheng Miaomiao replied, "The class president. He’s asking you out."
Jiang Lan nodded, "But I don’t have time tonight."
She didn’t like the class president. Even if she did like him, dating was out of the question. She tore the note into tiny pieces and said, "Miaomiao, can you help me let him know? I won’t pass notes anymore."
Passing notes risked being caught by the teacher, and that would be disastrous.
Zheng Miaomiao nodded, "Leave it to me."
Zheng Yankai was so nervous he felt like he was going to die. The rose and chocolates were tucked away in his desk, waiting for him to grab them when he went out.
He kept glancing at Jiang Lan, watching her talk to Zheng Miaomiao, but the note never came back.
As soon as the class bell rang, Zheng Yankai saw Jiang Lan rushing out. He was about to chase after her when Zheng Miaomiao called out, "Class monitor, I have something to ask you. Don't hurry off just yet."
Even if Zheng Yankai was a bit thick-skinned, he understood what Jiang Lan meant.
The roses and chocolates were still in the desk drawer, probably never to be given away.
Zheng Miaomiao watched the light fade from his eyes and then asked with a bitter smile what the matter was.
Zheng Miaomiao said, "It's nothing important, why don't you head back first?"
Zheng Yankai was the class monitor of Class Seven, and they would see each other often in the future. Jiang Lan could only pretend this incident never happened.
And Zheng Yankai retreated to the safe distance of being just classmates.
Jiang Lan finally breathed a sigh of relief. A few days later, while going to Teacher Zheng's office for evening self-study, Lu Yicheng suddenly brought up the matter.
"A few days ago, your class monitor came to me and asked if I liked you. What's his deal, asking such a silly question?"
Jiang Lan had been holding it in for days, and hearing Lu Yicheng say this, she felt relieved, "Who knows, maybe he's helping the head teacher catch early romances. Didn't he see you throw jerky to me that day? He probably thought you were giving me food, but actually, it was tutoring fees."
Lu Yicheng chuckled, "Why would they catch early romances and target me? Am I usually very close to you, or do you like me?"
Jiang Lan replied, "How could I possibly like you! Nonsense, it's just... you always study and don't understand these things. Our school is very strict about early romances. My mom works in this field. But we're in the teacher's office, so there's no way they'd catch us. You can rest assured."
Lu Yicheng nodded slightly.
Jiang Lan continued, "If our class monitor comes to you again, just ignore him. We're in high school; we should focus on serious matters and not unnecessary ones. Do I look like someone eager to fall in love? I'm clearly focused only on studying."
Lu Yicheng asked, "You don't want to fall in love?"
Jiang Lan said, "Absolutely not. Right now, I just want to get into a good university. Didn't you say that if we're going to aim, aim high? I want to go to Qinghua University."
"Nice to know you remember what I said."
Of course, Jiang Lan remembered, "There's a time for everything. Now is the time to study, and I won't be falling in love."
Lu Yicheng didn't seem to like her, which was quite good. Otherwise, it would be like their class monitor, unable even to remain friends.
Lu Yicheng said, "Focus on your papers, stop thinking about irrelevant things."
She was reading very attentively; it was Lu Yicheng who started the topic.
But who could blame him? He was the teacher.
Jiang Lan said, "I won't think about it, nor will I have any improper thoughts about you just because you're handsome and good at studying. Rest assured."
Lu Yicheng pressed his brow, "Read your book."
