Chapter 35: The Big Shot is Both Beautiful and Cool

Qiao Nian stuffed her backpack into the desk, reached out, and squeezed her hand. "Thanks, Qiao Nian."

Wow, so cool!

Shen Qingqing's cheeks flushed crimson, feeling as if she had been struck by electricity, unable to snap out of it for a long time.

The new classmate had such long fingers, though her palms were a bit cold—Shen Qingqing wondered if she had caught a chill from the wind. She patted her own cheeks to cool them down and silently closed the window on her side.

She even nudged the student in the front row's chair. "Xiao Han, I'm cold. Close the window."

"It's August and you're still cold..." The student in the front row complained, yet thoughtfully pulled the open window shut.

Qiao Nian rummaged through her backpack for a pack of gum. Noticing their little interaction, her dark, beautiful, star-like eyes flickered toward her new deskmate. She didn't say anything, but after digging through her shoulder bag for a while, she finally pulled out a small trinket and handed it to her.

"This is for you."

"What is it?" Shen Qingqing instinctively took the object. It was an extremely fine bracelet with a small, round, crystalline pendant. She picked up the pendant to look closer and found a particularly brilliant crystal inside, sparkling under the sunlight.

She couldn't help but let out a gasp of "Wow!" and held the bracelet as if she couldn't bear to put it down. "Qiao Nian, are you really giving this to me? It's so beautiful."

It was too beautiful!

She had never seen such a lovely bracelet.

The crystal inside looked just like a real diamond.

Seeing that she liked it, Qiao Nian's pink lips curled into a slight smile as she replied nonchalantly, "A friend gave it to me. I don't wear it anyway. Rather than letting it sit in my bag, it's better on the wrist of someone who loves it. Just take it."

Shen Qingqing accepted it joyfully, but then felt embarrassed. She pursed her lips and said, "Thank you. Then I'll give you a small gift in return another day."

The corners of Qiao Nian's eyes lifted slightly, making her look both beautiful and dashing. Her long legs were casually tucked under the desk, and her eyes seemed to radiate electricity. "No need."

Shen Qingqing felt that electric sensation again. Why did she feel like this new classmate, despite being a girl, was so cool?

Touching her burning cheeks, she stammered, "You've already given me a gift; it wouldn't be right if I didn't return the favor."

"If you won't accept my gift, then I can't accept this either." She reluctantly placed the bracelet on the desk, pushing it toward Qiao Nian, her eyes never leaving the piece. It was clear she truly loved it.

Qiao Nian raised an eyebrow, her starlit eyes falling upon the girl's flushed cheeks and expectant gaze. After a moment, she nodded helplessly.

"Fine."

Just then, the homeroom teacher entered. As the teacher tapped on the podium, the students scattered like birds, returning to their respective seats.

The teacher on the podium began discussing the precautions for the new semester.

Qiao Nian found it tedious. Suddenly, the phone in her desk vibrated.

She lowered her head and pulled out her phone.

A new message popped up.

There was no signature; the entire ID consisted of a string of strange Roman numerals.

[Boss, the goods you're waiting for have arrived. The auction starts in one hour. Get here quickly.]

Qiao Nian's slender, pale fingers moved swiftly as she replied.

[OK.]

The teacher on stage finally finished speaking and began directing people to move the books.

As the academic representative, Shen Qingqing busied herself arranging for people to go downstairs to fetch the books.

Qiao Nian stood up to pack her bag. Zipping up her shoulder bag, she said to Shen Qingqing, "I have something to do and need to head out for a bit. When the teacher comes, could you please ask for leave for me?"

"You're leaving now?" Shen Qingqing was stunned.

(End of Chapter)