A golden silhouette streaked into Class One of Yaoguang Middle School like a slash of sunlight, then shot to the back corner seat with lightning-fast steps. Huff, huff—close one; her heart thudded like a scared rabbit, and Little Loli smoothed her wind-tossed hair.

It went like this: the moment Little Loli stepped onto campus, a voice burst like a firecracker. Wow, what a cute girl, and her hair’s golden!

Echoes popped up nearby like sparrows flurrying from a tree. Where, where? Where is she? New and old students alike surged in like a flood, boxing Little Loli in.

Damn it, these punks… She bit down hard, anger prickling like nettles. She triggered her evolved physique, and that small frame uncoiled like a spring, bursting with speed that didn’t match her size as she arrowed for the academic building.

I see her, I see her—she’s headed to the building, follow! The student tide rolled after her like surf chasing a fleeing fish.

Do you want to force me to wear a mask next time? This face is a walking disaster. The gold single-ponytail Little Loli muttered, the words like a pebble dropped in a pond. She knew how much trouble this flawless face could stir. But with speed like wind through bamboo, she shook the crowd on the stairs and slipped into the classroom.

Inside, Class One bubbled with chatter, voices warm as spring sunlight. Groups formed fast, friendships knitting like threads on a loom. Then—bam—the door slammed open, and the Little Loli who’d bullied the homeroom teacher yesterday rushed in and bolted for the back corner seat.

What the heck? Why come in so loud? She’s so cute. Today’s single ponytail is even prettier than yesterday’s twin tails.

A girl stared at Little Loli as she organized her bag, hearts practically popping from her eyes like floating lanterns.

Hmph, finally showed up? Ou Xiangyang slanted him a glance, his mouth curving at a strange angle like a hooked blade.

What’s first period… sigh, I didn’t even check the schedule. Did I bring the right book? Little Loli rummaged in her bag with a sigh, her mind foggy like morning mist.

May I sit here? A sweet voice slipped into her ear like the scent of candy.

She turned. A girl stood there with a slight bow, her light-brown hair falling to her chest like a soft veil. Her eyes weren’t big, but a sly fox-glint danced inside; the melon-seed face held a just-right nose and lips, neat as brushstrokes. Not on Little Loli’s level, but still a pretty little beauty.

Can I help you? Little Loli answered in a sugar-sweet tone, warmth first and not her usual winter-cold.

I want to be your deskmate, okay? I’m Joanna. Please take care of me. Joanna held out a small hand, pale as pear blossom.

A pretty deskmate isn’t a bad deal—and I could use a friend. Being alone is a dead pond. Little Loli’s heart loosened like a knotted ribbon.

I’m Xiao Qianxue. Please take care of me. Little Loli offered her hand too, and their fingers met.

So soft… Her surprise pricked like a spark—first time touching a girl’s hand since crossing over. Silk, warm and springy.

She didn’t expect the other girl to react harder and say it out loud. Xiaoxue, your hand’s so white and soft. It feels so nice. Joanna squinted with a grin, squeezed gently like kneading mochi, then lifted the hand to her nose for a sniff like a mischievous kitten.

Ah—don’t. Little Loli snapped her hand back, cheeks blooming red like a sunset.

You’re adorable when you blush, Xiaoxue. Joanna casually pinched her cheek, a feather-light touch, then sat in the neighboring seat, satisfied.

What is with this girl? So strange. Little Loli’s face stayed warm as she glanced around. The whole class stared, dazed like moths circling a lantern. That, she didn’t like.

Bang. Her face iced over like a winter lake, and she slammed the desk. What are you looking at? Mind your eyes!

Eyes skittered away like minnows. Just then, the homeroom teacher walked in with a Chinese textbook, gaze drifting past Little Loli like a cloud. This is the first class. I hope you listen well. Turn to page— He carried on, voice scratching like chalk.

Little Loli pulled out her Chinese textbook and flipped with a tourist’s curiosity, pages whispering like leaves. By halfway through class, she’d finished the entire book.

So boring— She yawned deep as a cat stretching, then turned and found the brown-haired beauty smiling at her, gaze tethered like a thread.

W-what are you doing? She turned away, a blush rose-petal soft.

Nothing. Your yawn was cute. Joanna faced forward again, voice light as a breeze.

You two in the last row—stand up! The homeroom teacher slapped the table, the crack sharp as a whip. The drowse vanished; Little Loli flinched like a startled cat.

First period, and you’re whispering? What does that look like? Joanna stood first, and Little Loli followed, shoulders stiff as boards.

You can stand and listen this period. He turned back to the lecture. Little Loli stuck out her tongue, a tiny surrender. Under another’s eaves, a sparrow bows in the rain.

At last, the bell freed them; the teacher took his book and left like a departing tide. Little Loli’s legs softened and she dropped into her chair, a kite cut loose. Joanna perched on her desk, leaned down, and looked at her.

Tired, Xiaoxue?

I’m fine. Little Loli looked up and smiled, voice steady as a calm pond. With an adult-grade physique, she didn’t feel it. But Joanna was a little girl; standing for half a class would weigh like stones on her calves. Yet she’d held on, worry circling Little Loli, not herself. The warmth pricked her eyes like smoke. This friend’s a keeper, she thought.

Can I call you Nana? Little Loli asked, cheeks pink as peach blossom.

Of course. We’re friends. Joanna swung her legs like a metronome, then suddenly reached out. Her fingers found Xiaoxue’s chin, explored like testing a shell, then pinched lightly.

Mmm-mmm—n-no. With her chin caught, Little Loli’s protest came muffled, her body going soft like noodles.

So your chin’s your weak point, huh. Joanna’s breath brushed her ear, a feather’s touch.

Mmmmmm— Little Loli struggled faintly, shock flickering. The moment someone pinched her chin, her strength drained like water from a bucket. So this is my weakness? Wu Hao thought.

Alright, I won’t tease. Let’s go out. Joanna let go, then took her by the hand and tugged her toward the door like a bright kite pulling a line toward blue sky.