Chapter Three: Copying Homework

Zhou Xiaoqi hurried back to school, jogging all the way. Just as she was about to step into the classroom, her teacher, Ms. Lu, fixed her with a stern gaze. "Zhou Xiaoqi, come to the office with me."

Meekly, Zhou Xiaoqi followed behind Ms. Lu to the office. No sooner had Ms. Lu sat down than she began her lecture. "Do you not understand what I say, or are you just deliberately going against me? I told you all, no one is allowed to be late or leave early today. And you? Where did you go? You students are going to be the death of me. I'm still young, yet every day I end up nagging like an old maid, chasing after you all."

She seemed unable to contain her emotions, patting her chest as she spoke.

"Teacher, I know I was wrong. It won't happen again," Zhou Xiaoqi replied, thinking to herself that sometimes a well-intentioned lie and a show of obedience were necessary—there was no point in taking on hardship head-on. With Ms. Lu already so angry, telling the truth would only make things worse. After all, when students act out, they're the ones who suffer.

Perhaps it was her attitude of admitting fault that softened Ms. Lu's anger; her sternness visibly eased. "Xiaoqi, your grades aren't bad, but you’re not the best either. I know your temperament, but you can’t just ignore what I say, can you? Since it's your first offense, I'll let it go this time, but don’t let it happen again."

What Zhou thought would be a major disaster turned out to be nothing of the sort. Just as she was about to feel relieved, Ms. Lu’s voice sounded again at her ear. "I won’t call your parents, but you can’t just get away with being late. You’re all adults now; you have to bear the consequences of your mistakes. Copy today's lesson ten times."

Zhou Xiaoqi stared at Ms. Lu in disbelief, as if struck by lightning. "Teacher, really, ten times?"

"Yes. Or do you think that’s too little and want me to call your parents instead?" Ms. Lu feigned severity.

"No, no, Ms. Lu is the most understanding. Ms. Lu is so handsome, you must care for us very much. I’ll go start copying right away," Zhou Xiaoqi stammered, fleeing as if something were chasing her.

Watching her retreat, Ms. Lu shook her head, unable to suppress a laugh.

Back at her desk, Zhou Xiaoqi slumped over, as if her soul had left her body.

"Zhou Xiaoqi, where did you go? Why did Ms. Lu call you to the office? Did she punish you?" The moment Xiaoqi returned, Xue Ran pounced with excitement, her tone hovering between concern and schadenfreude.

"Since you’re so interested in my punishment, why don’t you help me copy the lesson?" For once, Zhou Xiaoqi didn’t ignore Xue Ran, surprising her by responding.

"Wow, Xiaoqi, how many times did Ms. Lu ask you to copy it? Considering we've been desk-mates throughout high school, I’ll help you this once. After all, you’ve never asked me for anything these three years—see how kind I am, always willing to help," Xue Ran declared, looking ready to charge up a mountain or dive into the sea for her.

Xiaoqi couldn’t help but laugh at Xue Ran’s theatrics. The instant she smiled, Xue Ran was momentarily stunned. In three years as deskmates, the times she’d seen Zhou Xiaoqi smile could be counted on her fingers. Xiaoqi was always reserved and aloof, rarely showing emotion. Xue Ran had always assumed she was someone who simply didn’t feel much at all. Gazing at Xiaoqi, Xue Ran blurted, "Xiaoqi, you look so beautiful when you smile. You should do it more often—even I’m a little charmed by you."

Looking at Xue Ran, Zhou Xiaoqi was genuinely touched. She knew she lacked a sense of security, so she often shut herself away, preferring solitude. She told herself that only in silence could she avoid disappointment. "Didn’t you say you’d help me copy the lesson? Ms. Lu said ten times. Since you’re so willing to help, let’s split it evenly—five each." Zhou Xiaoqi arched her brow, the corners of her lips lifting as she watched Xue Ran’s dramatic reaction.

"You’re really something! Ms. Lu tells you to copy it ten times and you actually make me do half. Are you being a good friend, or are you just tricking me?" Xue Ran widened her eyes, not missing a single expression on Zhou Xiaoqi’s face.

"Alright, enough talking. Hurry up—Ms. Lu will check tomorrow. If we don’t start now, we won’t get any sleep tonight," Zhou Xiaoqi urged, nudging the still-dazed Xue Ran.

"Alright, I guarantee I’ll get it done. But don’t forget, after I help you, you owe me a meal." Truth be told, Xue Ran didn’t know why she was so eager to get close to Zhou Xiaoqi—maybe it was because Xiaoqi’s solitude made her want to reach out.

"Fine. Once you’re done, after school tomorrow I’ll buy you your favorite spicy hot pot," Zhou Xiaoqi agreed, shaking her head helplessly. But only she knew how happy she felt at that moment.

"How did you know I love spicy hot pot? So, hmm—" Xue Ran’s words were cut off as Zhou Xiaoqi covered her mouth with her hand, knowing that if she let Xue Ran ramble on, she would never stop.

"Hurry up and write. Keep talking and there’ll be nothing left to eat," Zhou Xiaoqi threatened, playfully.

Back in those student days, helping each other copy homework or do assignments was perfectly normal. It was precisely because of moments like these that, looking back years later, those times seemed all the more precious.