After getting dressed, Lin Jin stood awkwardly behind Qin Yi, tugging slightly at his sleeve.

"Qin Yi meow~"

"Speak normally," Qin Yi said, noticing Lin Jin's voice had turned a bit babyish.

"You're so annoying, meow~"

"I don't wanna go to class, meow~"

"This way of talking is embarrassing, meow~"

"Damn it, why can't I stop, meow~"

Qin Yi's face twitched. He felt creeped out by Lin Jin acting cute with his rugged build.

"Just stay here. I'll call the homeroom teacher for a sick leave."

"Never mind, meow~"

"I'll go, meow~"

On the first day after the short summer break, everything started well. You absolutely couldn't fall behind in studies.

"Don't say another word," Qin Yi said seriously, staring into his childhood friend's eyes. "Unless you don't want to stay in Class 331."

"...Got it, meow~"

...

"Lin Jin, the homeroom teacher wants you in the office."

Yang Yiyi, the math class rep, approached Lin Jin with the notice.

Her clear, melodious voice was pleasant, but to Lin Jin, it felt like a devil's roar.

He'd skipped the entire morning self-study and all morning classes. Sure, he skipped with top student Qin Yi—but Qin Yi was the teacher's pet, unlikely to be scolded. As an average student neglected by everyone, Lin Jin knew he'd get a harsh scolding.

So he walked slowly, heart uneasy.

From the classroom to the office was only forty steps. Slow as he was, he arrived.

Lin Jin stood outside the office door, head down as if counting ants.

"Go in."

"You—"

A sudden shove pushed him through the door.

Lin Jin's anger turned to relief at the familiar poker face. At least this guy hadn't abandoned his buddy.

"Lin Jin! You—"

Homeroom teacher Liang Zengguang had planned a stern warning in front of Discipline Director Xu, who sat with legs crossed. But seeing someone unexpected, he swallowed his scolding.

Director Xu lowered one leg, crossed his arms, and looked stern.

"You two, which one is Lin Jin?"