Bai Su and I stared at each other in silence.

The application form before us felt impossibly heavy, weighing down on our heads like a thousand pounds.

It meant one less burden before Bai Su’s "Divine Book" could steadily earn profits. We might repay some of Uncle’s loan. Life would lighten for us kids.

Why not?

But we couldn’t.

Absolutely not.

Bai Su shook his head at me. He took the pen Principal Qi offered, slid it back into the holder, and stood. I’d never seen him this serious.

"Principal," he said respectfully, "you don’t need to do this."

"No, Su," Principal Qi sighed, shaking his head. "I know your situation. Life’s too hard for two kids. I can’t match Provincial Experimental High School’s offers. As an old friend, I urge Su Su to go there."

Bai Su’s face darkened instantly.

I worried he’d lose control hearing this again and prepared to interrupt.

But Bai Su glanced at me.

I saw the emotion in his eyes and stayed silent.

It was my old unwavering determination—and the proud backbone unique to youth.

His expression calmed, yet he still shook his head.

"We appreciate your kindness, Principal. But don’t worry so much. We’ve decided to stay here."

"That stubborn streak…" Principal Qi sighed. "Have you considered your sister’s feelings?"

Bai Su turned to me.

His gaze held a faint plea, a glimmer of hope.

I understood.

Always alone together, how could we not?

I almost laughed, though I couldn’t.

I stood, took the application under Bai Su’s anxious stare and Principal Qi’s complex look, and placed it back with the documents.

Back where it belonged.

I smiled. "Principal, you asked if my brother considered my feelings—have you considered mine?"

I never wanted any school but this one. It’s more than a building.

It holds every memory of my past life’s youth—bitter and sweet—buried in every corner, waiting for me.

People are nostalgic. I’m no exception.

This place holds my best moments, my first love, that quiet girl who sat beside me.

I’ll never meet her again, with that familiar soft smile…

But the old school that witnessed us remains. It won’t fade in time’s river.

My feelings for her won’t either.

I looked at Principal Qi.

His expression grew more tangled.

"I don’t want Provincial Experimental. Here is fine. Process our enrollment now… or we’ll only call you ‘Principal’ from now on."

Yes—just the cold, empty title "Principal."

Principal Qi’s face twisted like he’d bitten bitter melon.

Yet, strangely, he seemed pleased.

He pulled three new documents from the stack, slid them to us, and pushed a pen forward—repeating his earlier gesture. Then he winked playfully.

A bad feeling shot through me.

While Bai Su still looked utterly bewildered, I snatched the papers and scanned them.

Three forms: my tuition waiver, a new scholarship notice, and an image rights authorization contract.

Oh my god! We’d been tricked!

I cursed inwardly.

Of course—the old fox had truly outsmarted us!

But warmth flickered in my chest.

Bai Su finally grasped it. He grabbed the documents I handed him, skimmed them, and wore a meme-like "how is this possible?!" face. He yelled at Principal Qi, "Old Qi! That’s not fair! You scammed Su Su and me! Tuition waiver, scholarship, image fees—you should’ve told us!"

Principal Qi shrugged. "You didn’t ask."

Huh?

Huh? Huh?

Huh? Huh? Huh?

Our fault? Oh my god!

Under our murderous glares, Principal Qi stayed calm. Smug after winning, he raised an eyebrow. "Don’t forget to sign the image rights contract. It benefits you."

Image rights?

I recalled seeing that contract among the papers.

Principal Qi tapped the desk, grinning. "The higher-ups are turning our No.1 High into a nationally top school. Funds and equipment were installed over summer. Facilities are nearly ready…"

He paused, winking at Bai Su. "Su, come back in two years—you won’t recognize your old school!"

He chuckled to himself.

I frowned, a memory flashing.

I patted Bai Su’s hand to snap him out of it, nodding for him to sign. At fifteen, I couldn’t sign contracts. Somehow, Dad’s lawyer friend had made Bai Su my legal guardian—even though it should’ve been impossible. My guardian brother could sign for me.

But the dummy ignored me.

Frowning, he waved a hand. "Stop joking. I haven’t finished reading. I’ll sign after I understand."

Huh?

This brat disobeyed again!

My arm slipped off the chair, snaked behind Bai Su to his waist. I pinched a fold of skin and twisted it hard—a full 360-degree Thomas spin!

Bai Su froze.

I watched his face flush red, pale to white, then turn ashen before settling back to normal. I nearly laughed.

He turned, shooting me an aggrieved look, silent.

Trembling, he picked up the pen and signed my name.

"I’m not of age, dummy!" I hissed. "Sign your name after mine!"

Bai Su shuddered, then added his signature.

I tapped the documents tidy on the desk and lifted them. Instinctively, I asked, "You have a copy too, Principal Qi?"

"Mm, yes…" he replied.

But his eyes shifted—sparkling with childlike curiosity.

My heart lurched. Cold sweat broke out. I’d forgotten: that move was too advanced for a girl my age.

I opened my mouth to explain, but Principal Qi closed his eyes, dismissing us.

"Nothing else? Leave then. Report to your homeroom teacher by five PM. You know where the class list is posted… This old man’s energy is fading."

He waved. "Su Su, enjoy your high school life."

I suspected he’d noticed something. But I acted obedient, following Bai Su out with a farewell.

Leaving the old man in the principal’s office, waving, his eyes shimmering with unspoken thoughts.