As the ding-ding-ding of the class-break bell rang out, it meant brief liberation for ordinary students after forty minutes of teacher-inflicted torture. The ten-minute break was perfect for relaxing, joking around, or simply gazing out the window to unwind.
But for Liming, the newly appointed class monitor swamped with back-to-school tasks, those ten minutes brought no rest—only more frantic work.
Completing the class roster, rearranging seats, and logging special notes for certain students—all tedious chores. If possible, Liming wanted to finish this mess quickly to avoid the teacher’s nagging and get class affairs running smoothly.
Thanks to his middle school experience, the homeroom teacher’s fussy assignments didn’t feel too hard. But this work demanded patience and time. Speeding it up required help—and Liming’s pre-planned assistant, Zhangqianxing, was now…
“Ahaha, what? No way! You like dark chocolate too? I thought sweet, girly types would prefer creamy flavors… Not a compliment, just stating facts… Oh right, speaking of chocolate, I just bought a whole box…”
*[Sigh…]*
Sure enough, the moment class ended, he’d shamelessly gone girl-hunting. Liming sighed inwardly, watching Zhangqianxing chat animatedly with a girl whose eyes had already turned dreamy, pink bubbles practically floating around her head. They were clearly hitting it off—his best friend had almost sealed the deal.
And soon enough, once Zhangqianxing got bored, he’d move on to the next target. Luckily, he had limits and knew when to stop; otherwise, his “reinforced platoon” of ex-girlfriends would’ve torn him apart.
As Zhangqianxing put it: “A charming man leaves his heart everywhere; a sleazy man leaves his… well, you know.”
Liming utterly rejected that twisted logic. But it was precisely because Zhangqianxing had those boundaries that they’d been friends since childhood. With anyone else, Liming would’ve kept only a nodding acquaintance.
Yet here he was, flirting instead of working—Liming felt a vein throbbing on his forehead.
“…Ah, sorry, Jingjing, I need to borrow this guy for a sec… You, come here. Now!”
“Uh? Sure thing, Monitor.”
Liming suddenly appeared behind Zhangqianxing, grabbing him firmly. With an apologetic smile, he dragged his choking best friend aside—ignoring his gasps for air.
The move was so practiced, so precise, it was clear Liming had yanked Zhangqianxing away from girls many times before.
“I’m dying! Let go—my neck’s snapping!!”
“Oh, you’re alive? Good. Now help me verify class records. Sixty-plus students. Split the work. Finish by morning.”
Liming felt zero amusement at his friend’s overacting.
“Cough… haha, you nearly killed me. Interrupting romance gets you cursed, y’know. I was this close to getting her QQ.”
In response, a thick stack of papers slammed onto the desk. Forms for all sixty-something students in Class 9, Grade 10. Zhangqianxing, who hated tedious tasks, forced a smile. He was a free spirit—why get tied down by paperwork?
Thinking this, he coiled to bolt. *Xiao Mingzi* the workaholic would handle it; he just needed to hide for a bit.
He dashed off in one fluid motion, papers scattering wildly in his wake.
“Xiao Mingzi, sor—ry~~!”
“………”
Watching his fleeing best friend—and the mess of papers now littering the floor—Liming’s stiff smile cracked wide open.
Thick waves of anger radiated from him. Classmates stifled giggles, pretending to focus on their own tasks. Even the usually aloof Liqianying turned away, a faint trace of a smile curling her lips.
*Looks like the monitor and vice-monitor get along great~~ Unexpectedly couple-y~~*
*[This break… I won’t finish the records. Better tidy these papers first—before it gets worse.]*
Shaking his head in resignation, Liming figured that even after cleaning up, time would run out. Verification would have to wait for the next break.
Just as he crouched to gather the scattered files, a small, pale hand entered his vision, helping to collect them. Surprised, Liming looked up into a delicate, intellectual face.
“What’s wrong, our great Monitor Liming?”
“…Nothing. Thanks for helping. I really appreciate it.”
Xulu offered only a slight smile at his sincere gratitude. As a class officer, she was simply doing her duty—unlike lazy slackers like Zhangqianxing.
Xulu, Class 9’s study committee head, had impressed teachers during enrollment by solving one math problem three different ways. In preview classes, she answered every question swiftly and accurately.
Once Liming’s strongest rival for monitor, she’d later stepped down voluntarily over some incident, settling for the quieter role of study rep.
As she’d said: “If I can’t surpass him in studies, how can I claim to lead the class?”
“Seems the vice-monitor doesn’t enjoy sharing work.”
“Ah, he’s always like that. But he’s reliable when it counts. His usual nonsense just gives me headaches.”
“I see… You two seem close.”
Xulu observed Liming’s expression curiously while calmly sorting papers.
“What?”
“Well, you smile unconsciously when talking about him. Must be good friends.”
True—whenever Liming mentioned Zhangqianxing, a weary yet fond smile crept onto his face. A habit he hadn’t noticed, but Xulu spotted it instantly.
Liming was exceptional—academically and as a leader—drawing admirers effortlessly. Yet beyond that, he carried an unexplainable charm that drew people in.
Lowering her voice as she placed the last paper, Xulu added:
“I’ll be watching your performance in every subject, Monitor. Let’s see if I can surpass you.”
As the ding-ding-ding of the next class bell rang, Xulu and Liming finished gathering the scattered files.
