Chapter 17: The Girl Who Never Smiles

The principal's morning address merely announced this one matter before he hurried away. The students were dismissed, and Yun Xuan, frowning, returned to his classroom.

Tomorrow was the final exam, and today was a rare opportunity for self-study. Shengyuliu High School did not impose strict discipline; during self-study, students could go anywhere they wished. However, if one ranked at the bottom in the finals, they would be required to stay for a month of review during summer vacation.

Because of this, the classroom was exceptionally quiet. Not a single person spoke; everyone was anxiously revising. To enter Shengyuliu High School, one had to have excellent grades or come from a well-off family.

“How boring,” Yun Xuan muttered, sprawling across his desk. With Miaomiao the cat-eared girl’s assistance, the answers to the questions could be displayed directly on the virtual screen—even during the finals.

“Xuan, don’t fall asleep! Get up and study. You absolutely can’t be at the bottom this time,” Lin Qingyu whispered as she walked up to Yun Xuan.

“Don’t worry, I’ve already revised. I’m going to the library,” Yun Xuan replied, rising and leaving the classroom.

Lin Qingyu hesitated, glanced at Yun Xuan’s empty desk, and decided to make notes for him.

Truth be told, Lin Qingyu was truly virtuous… No, no, not virtuous, just pure friendship.

...

Yun Xuan arrived at the library. Wen Xuan’er had gotten there ahead of him and was quietly reading an ordinary book.

With Wen Xuan’er’s reading habits, the finals were a foregone conclusion—she was guaranteed a place in the top five.

“Finished reading?” Wen Xuan’er closed her book and looked at Yun Xuan with a calm gaze.

“I’ve read what you gave me. I must say, my preferences are perfectly normal, so I’m returning this book to you,” Yun Xuan rolled his eyes and took the notebook from his pocket.

“You’re so close to Lin Qingyu, and you truly feel nothing? Could it be… you’re not interested?” Wen Xuan’er’s gaze slid downward, skeptical.

“…You can try and see,” Yun Xuan sat opposite Wen Xuan’er, rolling his eyes again.

“You came here—are you planning to date me?” Wen Xuan’er looked at Yun Xuan.

“You’re overthinking it. I simply find this place quiet. I have no intention of dating you,” Yun Xuan took out a sketchbook.

“Are you going to sketch me?” Wen Xuan’er walked over and sat beside Yun Xuan.

“I’m just practicing, but if you don’t mind, you can be my model,” Yun Xuan glanced at Wen Xuan’er and began to draw.

Wen Xuan’er sat motionless in her chair, while Yun Xuan started sketching.

...

Neither spoke further. Later, a few students from other classes came in. Wen Xuan’er, already taciturn, seemed to become a statue, silent and still.

Some of the boys looked at Yun Xuan with envy. To be acquainted with such a beautiful girl—they would do anything.

“Mind if I sit here?” A voice interrupted Yun Xuan’s thoughts.

Liu Mengyan, holding two lunchboxes, sat down across from him.

“I don’t mind,” Wen Xuan’er murmured without looking at Liu Mengyan.

“Yun Xuan, I made this lunch for you. If you don’t mind, please accept it,” Liu Mengyan gently pushed one lunchbox toward Yun Xuan.

Her gesture drew even more jealousy from the boys.

“Just as well, I haven’t eaten lunch yet,” Yun Xuan stopped drawing and opened the lunchbox without ceremony.

Usually, high school students ate at the school cafeteria; only a few brought their own lunch.

Upon opening the box, Yun Xuan’s eyes lit up. He closed his eyes and inhaled gently.

“This is tuna sushi?” Yun Xuan exclaimed.

“You recognize tuna sushi?” Liu Mengyan was surprised. She had learned to make sushi and many Japanese dishes while studying abroad in junior high.

“It’s basic knowledge for a chef,” Yun Xuan smiled. As a mid-level chef, he possessed a wealth of culinary knowledge—even if he had not cooked much, he knew many dishes.

“A chef?” Liu Mengyan looked at Yun Xuan in confusion.

“Not bad. I’ll remember it,” Yun Xuan said, savoring the sushi. The tuna was not very fresh, likely air-shipped.

“Is it tasty?” Liu Mengyan asked nervously.

“If the full score is ten, I’ll give you four,” Yun Xuan shook his head.

“I... I’ll work harder and make something better for you,” Liu Mengyan whispered, lowered her head, took the lunchbox, and left the library.

“Is it alright to reject her like that? Even a fool could see that it would be easy for you to make her your girlfriend now,” Wen Xuan’er remarked as she held the sketch.

“Would you love a flower with thorns, especially one that pricked you?” Yun Xuan retorted.

“Perhaps... I might,” Wen Xuan’er hesitated, then nodded.

Yun Xuan shot her a look—was that a joke?

...

Time passed swiftly as Yun Xuan chatted with Wen Xuan’er in the library. Wen Xuan’er dutifully acted as his model, allowing Yun Xuan to complete several sketches.

To others, their relationship seemed close, but Yun Xuan knew this was only a facade.

When Wen Xuan’er looked at him, her eyes remained calm as water, betraying no emotion.

...

Upon leaving the library, Yun Xuan glanced back at Wen Xuan’er, who was reading. Such a girl, perhaps, was already beyond his comprehension.

Inside the library, Wen Xuan’er lowered her head.

“Failed again... I’d planned to get along better with him. Why... why are my eyes always so calm? What is a smile, really? I don’t understand. Mother told me to smile at people—but what is a smile?”

Wen Xuan’er lay her head on the desk, watching Yun Xuan’s departing figure.

...

Ten years ago.

“Xuan’er, this is Grandpa. He came especially to see you,” the woman said softly.

“Grandpa?” Little Wen Xuan’er, clutching her book, looked at the elderly man in confusion.

“Xuan’er, Grandpa came to visit. I heard you ranked first in your class—my granddaughter is truly remarkable!” The old man, dressed in traditional attire, laughed heartily.

“Isn’t that only natural?” Wen Xuan’er replied, puzzled.

“Uh...” The old man was momentarily stunned, seeing genuine confusion in Wen Xuan’er’s expression. He sighed.

“Xuan’er, go read for now. Mama and Grandpa need to talk,” the woman said, something painful flickering in her eyes.

“Okay,” Wen Xuan’er nodded and walked into the study.

“That child... she’s never smiled. Is something wrong?”

“I don’t think so. She always ranks first in every exam.”

“Should we get a full check-up? Is it psychological, or...?”

Wen Xuan’er crouched by the study door, tightly clutching her book. Not being able to smile—is that an illness?

Much later, the living room quieted. Wen Xuan’er sat at the desk.

The woman entered, wearing a gentle smile.

“Xuan’er, Grandpa has left. What should we have for dinner tonight?” she asked softly.

“Mom, what does a smile feel like?” Wen Xuan’er asked, gazing calmly at her mother.

PS: Today’s post is scheduled. Xiaolong is in a place with no signal. Please favorite, and vote for recommendations