Chapter 7 He Helped Me Study
Chi Jin's mood was bad.
Since yesterday's evening self-study, I'd been carefully reviewing the tough problems by the window.
One step in the solution process had slipped from my memory, and I couldn't figure out the rest no matter how hard I tried.
Jiang Ran was out sick, so I could only bite my pen and think.
As evening self-study was about to end, Chi Jin arranged his homework. A perfect-score test paper slipped from his bag onto my desk.
I blurted out, "I can't do this problem... Can you teach me?"
Under his gaze my voice grew smaller.
Just when I thought he wouldn't bother, a bony hand picked up the paper.
"Aren't you sitting over here yet?"
I reacted a beat late, then quickly moved to his side.
His low voice explained the knowledge points smoothly.
The moment the dismissal bell rang, the difficult physics problem was solved.
"Chi Jin, you're so amazing," I said, admiration clear in my voice.
Chi Jin's lips curled slightly, then he pursed them. "You're so stupid."
I didn't dare refute. "Can I still ask you for help later?"
"Depends on my mood."
I nodded. Having access to him was already a win.
Back home, after finishing homework and taking a bath, it was nearly midnight.
I lay on the soft bed and buried my face in the pillow.
My phone suddenly vibrated.
A friend request popped up.
[C: Approved.]
I realized it was Chi Jin and nervously accepted.
The chat stayed silent for a while. I rubbed my sleepy eyes and tentatively sent a message.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
I sighed.
Two new messages followed.
"From then on, if you have questions you don't understand, ask me online. In school, ask in person."
I opened my eyes wide.
I hurriedly replied, "Thanks, Brother Chi!"
He didn't respond after that.
I carefully put the phone away.
Before sleep, I thought drowsily that Chi Jin didn't actually hate me that much. It was just an initial misunderstanding that made him resent my existence.
The thought of having a top student to ask questions from now on made the corners of my lips curl up as I closed my eyes.
Becoming friends with Chi Jin didn't seem bad.