Chapter 34

Natsume Chikage saying this was actually not a lie; the current Xiyuanji Qilai was indeed much better looking than she had been in the first year of junior high.

Upon hearing this, Xiyuanji Qilai's naturally dazed face first showed a hint of confusion, and she subconsciously blinked those large, lively eyes.

It wasn't until a certain moment that she realized, like a system delay, the full meaning of Natsume Chikage's previous sentence—"You've become so much prettier than before that I didn't recognize you."

"Bang," as if stained by the evening glow, those jade-white cheeks turned slightly red.

She even unconsciously shrank her neck, her long eyelashes drooping, casting small shadows on her flushed cheeks.

Xiyuanji Qilai couldn't help but secretly glance at the handsome and refined Natsume Chikage, remembering that he didn't talk much in class before and wasn't very noticeable.

If it weren't for her excellent memory, she might have had a hard time remembering Natsume Chikage at all.

It was just that she hadn't expected Natsume Chikage's changes to be so great now that they were in high school.

Although he still really likes playing on his phone and doesn't take the initiative to talk much...

Just then, a light sound of a chair being pulled back came from the seat in front of Natsume Chikage, and a girl sat down.

Xiyuanji Qilai saw who it was and her eyes lit up with surprise: "Lingyin?! You actually got into this school too, and we're in the same class?"

The cold-looking Xuecun Lingyin turned her head at the sound, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes: "Eh? Qilai, you're here too?"

Xiyuanji Qilai nodded repeatedly, her voice full of joy: "Mm-hmm! I really didn't expect that not only are we in the same class, but our seats are so close too!"

Xuecun Lingyin nodded slightly: "It really is a coincidence."

Xiyuanji Qilai happily turned to Natsume Chikage beside her and enthusiastically introduced him to her best friend: "Lingyin, this is my junior high classmate, Natsume Chikage!"

Xuecun Lingyin rarely took the initiative to chat with ordinary classmates, but since her best friend was introducing him, she, who didn't like socializing anyway, had to politely turn around and prepare to introduce herself: "Hello, my name is Xuecun Ling..."

However, the moment her gaze truly landed on Natsume Chikage's face, her words came to an abrupt halt.

Her expression froze, her lips pressed tight, and her eyes narrowed slightly, revealing obvious surprise and small emotions—she clearly hadn't expected to meet him again here, and even... this person was sitting right behind her?

Natsume Chikage looked up and discovered that this new neighbor was none other than Xuecun Lingyin, whom he had met once on the train, and a hint of surprise flashed in his heart, immediately followed by a trace of imperceptible joy.

This really is... better to come at the right time than to come early?

When he was on the train before, he didn't know what method to find to obtain this girl's special equipment.

If he spoke rashly, it would always seem too deliberate, and it would be bad if he scared her away.

Since this person was now sitting in front of him, he figured that with time, perhaps he could find an opportunity.

"Hello, my name is Natsume Chikage," he maintained his politeness and introduced himself.

Xuecun Lingyin narrowed her eyes to examine Natsume Chikage and responded briefly: "Xuecun Lingyin."

As soon as she finished speaking, she quickly withdrew her gaze.