C14 Han Xiao's Signature!

Outside the classroom, the noise from Class 5 had already disturbed the entire floor.

Chen Yu and several of his cronies were standing in the hallway, peering through the wide-open door of the Class 5 classroom.

"Yu, isn't Zhou Wen getting a bit too cocky?" one of the cronies remarked.

Chen Yu sneered, "Damn! I sent someone to beat him up, and he ended up getting them sent to the police station!"

"Yu, seriously? Is Zhou Wen that tough?" the crony asked, astonished.

A glint of coldness flashed in Chen Yu's eyes. "My dad's got an important matter to handle, and I need to help out. Once we're through with that, I'll take care of him."

"Yu, but what if Zhou Wen ends up with Su Qin?" the crony expressed his concern.

"What a load of crap! Do you even think? Would Su Qin be with him? That would only happen if every other man on earth were dead!" Chen Yu smacked the crony on the head.

"Yu's got a point! Even if all the men were gone, Su Qin wouldn't be with Zhou Wen!" the cronies chimed in.

Chen Yu ignored their flattery, smirked darkly, and muttered to himself, "A thief armed with a knife? Zhou Wen, I've truly underestimated you before."

...

Ultimately, Han Xiao's interview took place in Zheng Chuan's office.

Both Zheng Chuan and Lee Dan had reviewed the questions in advance. With Lee Dan's help, Zhou Wen had prepared his answers, and the interview concluded without a hitch.

"Zhou Wen, thank you for your cooperation!" Han Xiao said, setting down the microphone and gracefully brushing her hair back with her right hand.

Zhou Wen found himself captivated. His gaze followed Han Xiao's hair down to her melon-shaped face, her cherry lips curved in a smile, the fullness beneath her white shirt, her slender waist, and her long legs. The high heels she wore highlighted the contour of her feet, merging seamlessly with the curves of her legs, exuding elegance and poise.

"Zhou Wen?" Han Xiao's voice brought him back to reality.

Zhou Wen snapped out of his trance and noticed Han Xiao's outstretched hand.

He quickly extended his own hand and shook hers. It was warm and soft, but Han Xiao soon withdrew her hand.

"We've nailed it! We need to share this news on Weibo and WeChat so that everyone can see how courageous the high school students of Anewood are!" Han Xiao said with a look of confidence.

"Han Xiao, could you do me a favor?" Zhou Wen asked sheepishly.

"What's the matter?" Han Xiao turned, looking puzzled.

"Could you sign something for me? My sister is a big fan of yours," Zhou Wen admitted, somewhat bashfully.

Zhou Xue often talked about Han Xiao at home. Inspired by Han Xiao, she aspired to study journalism in college.

Zhou Wen had learned about Han Xiao through his sister's stories.

So, when Han Xiao came to interview him, Zhou Wen immediately thought to secure an autograph for his sister.

Han Xiao paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Of course, what's your sister's name?"

"Her name is Zhou Xue. She's a freshman at the Second High School of Anewood. She's even said she wants to pursue a journalism major, just like you," Zhou Wen replied with a smile.

Han Xiao beamed. "Perfect. I have some printed photos in my bag. I'll give one to your sister as well."

She pulled out a photo from her coffee-colored handbag, scribbled a few words on the back with a marker, and handed it to Zhou Wen.

"Zhou Wen, we're heading out. Hope to see you again!" Han Xiao waved goodbye and left the office with the cameraman.

"Goodbye!" Zhou Wen waved back.

The photo showed Han Xiao standing at a school entrance, dressed in a light blue dress, with 'Aspuesila Media University' emblazoned behind her.

Clutching the photo, Zhou Wen read the message on the back, "Zhou Xue, keep it up! — Han Xiao."

Han Xiao's face radiated confidence in the picture.

Zhou Wen thought to himself that his sister would be thrilled with the autograph.

The photo filled Zhou Wen with anticipation for his own college experience.

He resolved to not only attend a university but to aim for a prestigious one, like Aspuesila Media University, known for its high ranking.

He needed to dedicate himself even more to his studies.

After some contemplation, Zhou Wen stepped out of the room.

Just outside the office was the hallway, where Zheng Chuan and Lee Dan had just bid farewell to Han Xiao and her group.

Upon seeing Zhou Wen emerge, Zheng Chuan gave him a pat on the shoulder and remarked, "You've done well. You've brought honor to our school! Ms. Lee, please take Zhou Wen back to the classroom."

Lee Dan nodded and walked with Zhou Wen down the corridor toward their classroom.

Along the way, Lee Dan expressed her concerns, "Zhou Wen, could you please avoid such dangerous activities in the future? Jumping into rivers, fighting knife-wielding thieves—what if something were to happen to you? Are you still planning on taking the college entrance exams? Remember, your primary focus should be your studies."

"Ms. Lee, I've got it," Zhou Wen responded, confident in his judgment.

During their conversation, they arrived at Class 5's classroom.

Back in the classroom, Zhou Wen settled into the normal routine of lessons, and life resumed its usual pace.

That evening, a gentle breeze wafted through the window, causing the pages of the books to flutter.

The clear moonlight was visible through the glass pane.

The evening study session had ended, and most students had departed, leaving only a handful, including Zhou Wen and Su Qin, still immersed in their studies.

Typically, Zhou Wen was too shy to approach Su Qin with questions in front of so many classmates.

He only felt comfortable asking for help when the classroom was less crowded, wearing a sheepish grin as he approached her.

Having not seen Su Qin over the weekend, Zhou Wen felt a pang of longing.

After a moment's hesitation, he gathered his courage and went over to her with his questions in hand.

As he drew near, Su Qin turned to look at him, causing Zhou Wen's heart to skip a beat.

Today, Su Qin's hair cascaded over her shoulders, unbound except for a black hair clip that kept it from falling into her eyes.

"Zhou Wen, what can I do for you?" Su Qin inquired, her face expressionless.

"Yes, I have a question," Zhou Wen said awkwardly.

"Which one?" Su Qin asked.

Zhou Wen laid the workbook open in front of Su Qin, and as she reached out to point to a problem, her hand brushed against Zhou Wen's left forearm.

"It hurts!" Zhou Wen winced in pain.

Su Qin's concern was immediate. "What's wrong?"

Noticing Su Qin's rare display of worry, Zhou Wen felt a pang of guilt.

Cradling his left elbow in his right hand, he grimaced. "I was catching a thief, and I got my arm scratched."

"I'm so sorry!" Su Qin said, feeling remorseful.

"Let me take a look at your wound," Su Qin offered, her face softening with concern.

"Okay." Zhou Wen carefully rolled up his sleeve to reveal a square piece of gauze, about five centimeters on each side, with blood slowly seeping through.

As Su Qin reached out to touch the gauze, Zhou Wen flinched.

"It hurts!" he exclaimed.

"Zhou Wen, I haven't even touched you yet. Why are you yelling?" Su Qin asked, her tone cool.

"It's all in my head," Zhou Wen chuckled sheepishly.

"You think it's funny to tease your squad leader?" Su Qin's voice took on a stern edge. "You're on cleaning duty for the classroom tomorrow!"

"No, please! We should stick to the cleaning rota!" Zhou Wen pleaded.

Su Qin couldn't help but laugh at Zhou Wen's desperate expression.

"Zhou Wen, you've been a hero twice now. The first time, you jumped into a river to save someone and came out unscathed, but this time you got hurt. You should be more careful from now on," Su Qin advised with genuine concern.

"I understand," Zhou Wen nodded in agreement.

"Enough of that. Let's get to the problem at hand. Once we're done, I need to leave; I have to get home early today," Su Qin said, her demeanor turning distant once more.

"Something going on today?" Zhou Wen inquired.

"Yeah, a family matter," Su Qin responded curtly.

Realizing Su Qin wasn't inclined to elaborate, Zhou Wen didn't press further.

Still, he couldn't help but wonder what was going on. Su Qin wasn't usually so eager to leave. Could it be that something serious had happened at her home?

With a sense of unease, Zhou Wen headed home.

Upon his arrival, Zhou Guangrui and Xu Hui were engrossed in a TV drama on the couch. Noticing Zhou Wen, Xu Hui asked with affection, "Wen, back from studying? Are you hungry?"

"No, I'm not hungry. I had lunch at the school cafeteria," Zhou Wen responded.

"Is Xue at home?" Zhou Wen inquired.

"She's here. She actually has time to chat with you today," Xu Hui responded.

Zhou Wen chuckled. "I am her brother, after all. It's only natural for me to care about my sister."

Zhou Guangrui and Xu Hui wore warm smiles, pleased to see the sibling harmony between Zhou Wen and Zhou Xue.

Zhou Wen knocked on Zhou Xue's door and, hearing an invitation to enter, he pushed the door open and stepped inside.

Zhou Xue's room was charmingly decorated, adorned with anime posters on the walls and cartoon throw pillows on the bed.

Zhou Xue was diligently studying at her desk.

"Bro, what brings you here? Did you bring me something tasty?" Zhou Xue asked, turning around.

Zhou Wen, with his hands clasped behind him, smiled and teased, "I didn't bring any treats, but I did bring you something else. Can you guess what it is?"

Zhou Xue, her hair in twin ponytails and dressed in pink pajamas, pondered for a moment before guessing uncertainly, "Five years of college entrance exams and three years of mock tests?"

"Get out of here. Why would I ever buy you that?" Zhou Wen replied, feigning annoyance.

"I give up. I want to see what it is!" Zhou Xue bounded from her seat and dashed behind Zhou Wen, eagerly grabbing the item from his hands.

"Wow! Brother, where did you find a photo of Han Xiao?" Zhou Xue exclaimed with excitement.

With a mysterious look, Zhou Wen suggested, "Take a look at the back of the photo."

Puzzled, Zhou Xue flipped the photo over and upon seeing the handwritten words, she leapt up in elation.

"Brother, how did you get this? It's Han Xiao's autograph, and it's personalized for me!" Zhou Xue clutched the photo, examining it with sheer delight.

Zhou Wen's face lit up with happiness at his sister's joy, though he preferred to keep the details of how he acquired the signature to himself.

After a moment's thought, he shared, "Han Xiao visited our school today, so I got her autograph for you."

"Thank you so much, brother!" Zhou Xue exclaimed, giving Zhou Wen an excited hug.

"Time to hit the books!" Zhou Wen said, and then he left Zhou Xue's room.

Seated at his desk, Zhou Wen spread out his textbooks. The upcoming week's mock exam would be a true test of his academic progress.

Determined, Zhou Wen resolved to keep studying, inching ever closer to Su Qin.