When the winter vacation ended and school started, Mei Zhong began a trial run of the latest system for dividing students into liberal arts and science streams. In the past, the official division happened at the start of the second year of high school. Starting in 2007, a survey on stream selection would be conducted at the start of the second semester of the first year, and everyone would be given a one-month adaptation period during which they could make adjustments, switching from arts to science, or science to arts. However, Teacher Xiao Xu advised that switching from arts to science should be considered carefully, as the sciences were difficult.

This notice was officially issued two days before school started, and Xiao Xu posted it in the class's QQ group.

The group erupted into chaos, with everyone saying the school's move was too sudden. They had thought the stream division was still a long way off. Why were they using their year as guinea pigs?

However, some had already set their direction, their goals clear on whether to study arts or science.

Regardless, everyone shared a consensus: the sooner the division, the better, to avoid wasting time on certain subjects.

Fortunately, there was still a buffer period after school started. In the past, after returning from a break, the girls' favorite activity was to gather and chat about what TV shows they had watched. Now, the topic had completely shifted to class division. Wang Jingjing didn't have Jiang Du's advantage in liberal arts, nor did she have an advantage in the sciences. Therefore, her parents wanted her to choose science, and she planned to do the same. At worst, she could switch back to arts, since switching from science to arts was simpler anyway.

It went without saying that Jiang Du would choose liberal arts. The math in the arts stream wasn't as hard, and she wouldn't have to study the physics that gave her a headache. No matter how she looked at it, choosing liberal arts gave her a chance to get into a key university.

The two had been classmates for so many years, which meant they were about to go their separate ways. Although they were still in the same school, their coursework would grow heavier, and they would be on different floors, so they would see each other much less.

"Sigh, it's a bit sad." Wang Jingjing fiddled with her pencil case. "Most of our class is choosing science. I asked around, and there are very few choosing arts. Are you really sure about choosing liberal arts?"

In everyone's stereotypical impression, most of those who chose liberal arts were students with poor grades who weren't particularly smart. The school had also always prioritized science over arts. Although Wang Jingjing said she could switch from science to arts at worst, she was just saying it to avoid being looked down upon.

Jiang Du smiled and took out her physics book, rubbing it in her hands a couple of times. She didn't actually hate the sciences at all; she just hadn't been good at them. Now that she really had to say goodbye, she felt a reluctance in her heart. But no matter which direction a person flies, they can't stay in the same place forever. All good things must come to an end.

"Yes, I've decided. As long as you don't regret your choice, whether it's arts or science, it's fine," she said, pulling a talisman pouch out of her schoolbag. It was from a temple and embroidered with the four characters for "A Bright Future." "For you. Grandma got one for me and one for you. I forgot to give it to you last time."

"Wow, thank Grandma for me, I love it!" Wang Jingjing took it with an exaggerated expression, kissing it over and over.

"Hey, do I get one!" Lin Haiyang's head suddenly popped up from behind. With a thwack, Wang Jingjing hit him with a book. "You're always in the middle of everything, like a lingering ghost."

"Then next Spring Festival, I'll ask my Grandma to get one for you too." Jiang Du remembered the incident during the winter break and felt she owed Lin Haiyang a favor, so she quickly made the promise.

Everyone was still wearing down jackets, which rustled whenever they moved. The classroom was filled with constant chatter. Such gatherings were already numbered, with each passing day meaning one less.

However, the students were used to parting, and they had to get used to it. So many people passing by in a hurry, so much laughter and cheer, so much sadness and joy, all destined to end at a certain moment.

The restless first week of school passed by unknowingly.

The stream selection form required a parent's signature. Over the weekend, Jiang Du showed the form to her grandparents. Of course, they had no opinion, and there was nothing for her to hesitate about.

When she handed it to Zhang Xiaoqiang on Monday, Zhang Xiaoqiang was helping a classmate fill out a form. Some people were never careful enough and forgot to write the date.

"You're sure about choosing arts?" Zhang Xiaoqiang asked Jiang Du, who nodded.

"There will be a class placement exam. Good luck, you might be able to get into the Liberal Arts Experimental Class." Zhang Xiaoqiang didn't forget to encourage her. Jiang Du smiled slightly and said, "You'll definitely get into the Science Experimental Class."

"I should be able to." Zhang Xiaoqiang said with considerable confidence. When she smiled, her small dimples deepened. Jiang Du was dazed for a moment; she knew that Zhang Xiaoqiang would once again become Wei Qingyue's classmate.

No matter how much she liked Wei Qingyue, she knew she would never choose science under any circumstances. Liberal arts was her future. If she were excellent enough, she might at least have earned the blessing of being his classmate. Unfortunately, she didn't even have that ability.

And with Wang Jingjing choosing science, it meant that it would be impossible for her to act as a ghostwriter again. Time was boundless, yet for her, he was becoming an increasingly hopeless matter.

"Sucking up to her like that, I thought you'd follow her and choose science to kiss up." Chen Huiming's voice was extremely piercing. She glanced over a few times while cracking sunflower seeds with her deskmate.

"She's trying to get into the experimental class," her deskmate added cryptically.

Zhang Xiaoqiang didn't hear this, as she had already gone to the back of the classroom to find someone. Jiang Du turned her head to look at them without saying a word. She wasn't sure if they were talking about her, and her heart sank.

But Chen Huiming clearly rolled her eyes at her. Jiang Du's face immediately flushed red. Wang Jingjing noticed this scene and nudged her. "Is that bitch talking about you?"

Wang Jingjing had a loud voice, and Chen Huiming immediately shouted her name: "Wang Jingjing, who are you calling a bitch?"

At this, Wang Jingjing was so angry she laughed, her mouth twisting. "A guilty conscience needs no accuser. It seems you really were talking about Jiang Du. Aren't you bored? All day long, you're like some gossipy old lady from the wet market. Even they don't gossip as much as you."

"Who are you calling an old lady!" Chen Huiming's eyes widened. Just as she was about to argue, her deskmate gave her a look. Chen Huiming understood and changed her strategy, glaring at Wang Jingjing with a sarcastic, passive-aggressive tone. "You treat her as a friend, but she might not think much of you."

Wang Jingjing didn't know what she was insinuating and couldn't be bothered with her. She cursed, "You're sick in the head," and turned away.

Jiang Du was disgusted by Chen Huiming's attempt to stir up trouble, but she didn't want to start another conflict at this time. With the class division imminent, Class Two would be broken up soon anyway. There was no need to stay angry with people.

At that moment, the class president came over and told Jiang Du that Teacher Xiao Xu wanted to see her in the office.

There was a subsidy for students from impoverished families, with at least two spots available per class. At this age, everyone had a sensitive sense of self-esteem, and most people didn't want to admit their family was poor. In truth, very few students at Mei Zhong were genuinely impoverished.

"It's a waste if the spots aren't used. Jiang Du, fill out this form." Xiao Xu explained the situation and pushed the form directly toward her.

Jiang Du was a little troubled, not because of her pride, but simply because she felt her family really wasn't impoverished.

"Teacher Xu, my grandparents both have pensions, and our family sold a piece of land back home. My family has the ability to support my studies. I think this money should go to a classmate who needs it more."

Xiao Xu smiled. "I know, but have you thought about it? Your grandparents are getting older. If their health declines in the future, the expenses will be huge. You're young; you don't know how terrible illness can be. Listen to your teacher and take this money. If not for yourself, then think of it as being for the two elders. Trust me, what I'm saying is right."

The teacher meant well, Jiang Du understood, but she still stood there, unmoving. After a moment of hesitation, she said, "Teacher Xu, if my classmates find out I took this money, they'll talk about me."

"I'll explain. Don't overthink it." Xiao Xu couldn't help but sigh. "You're quite a thoughtful little girl."

In the end, she filled out the form. Jiang Du closed the office door behind her. As she reached the corner, the cross-draft was very strong. A blast of cold air hit her, and the girl shivered.

As she was going down the stairs, someone came up toward her. Jiang Du didn't notice, and only when an arm was stretched out right in front of her did she stop abruptly.

She looked up and met Wei Qingyue's smiling eyes. He looked her up and down for a moment and said,

"Why do you always pretend not to see me?"

The sudden encounter was like a tide stirred by the wind. Jiang Du was stunned for a moment, looking at him, then a shy smile slowly appeared. "I really didn't see you."

"Did you get in trouble?" he immediately joked.

Jiang Du shook her head, her face turning red, afraid that Wei Qingyue would find out about her receiving the poverty subsidy. If he knew, what would he think of her? Her food, drinks, and clothes were all normal. How could she be poor enough to need a subsidy?

"Teacher Xiao Xu needed me for something." She glossed over it with a vague sentence, thinking, 'Please don't press me for details.' At this thought, she quickly asked him, "What are you doing at the office?"

"The teacher wants to talk to me about the competition. I'm not participating, but the school probably wants me to." Wei Qingyue was much more frank than she was. "I thought about it carefully. Participating might be okay. If I can represent the country in a competition, it might be useful for me when choosing a school abroad later."

This was a very distant and unfamiliar matter for Jiang Du. After listening quietly, an indescribable melancholy settled in her heart, as if the moon had set and the stars had sunk.

"Going up?" Wei Qingyue asked, noticing her silence and pointing a hand upward.

Jiang Du forced a smile, nodded, and passed by him. A brief encounter, a swift parting. There was never enough time to prepare for anything.

As she had expected, after Xiao Xu announced the list of students receiving the poverty subsidy in class and gave his explanation, some people still whispered about her.

After all, Jiang Du had worn a pair of Nike shoes in the fall, which she had bought during a sale.

For some reason, Wang Jingjing's attitude about her receiving the subsidy also seemed a bit strange. She twirled her pen, speaking as if in a casual manner,

"Doesn't Teacher Xiao Xu know that your grandparents' pensions are very high?"

Jiang Du immediately heard that something was off in her tone. In certain matters, she was as sensitive as the Princess on the Pea.

"I told him, but I couldn't refuse." She explained slowly. "The reason Teacher Xiao Xu gave me was the same as what he said in class. I didn't ask for it."

Wang Jingjing let out a laugh, her expression unreadable. If there was a moment when a tiny crack appeared in their friendship, it was definitely this one. Jiang Du felt it, but she couldn't understand why.

"Don't blame people for talking behind your back. During the winter break, you even went to Zhang Xiaoqiang's birthday party. Everyone saw you guys playing on the street. What kind of impoverished student does that?" Wang Jingjing blurted out, but she didn't mention that Chen Huiming had talked to her.

Sometimes, friendship can be stronger than gold, but also more fragile than paper.

Her gaze was burning as she looked at Jiang Du. "It was the sixth day of the new year, right? And Wei Qingyue went to Zhang Xiaoqiang's birthday party too. But you told me you went to the temple with your Grandma."

Jiang Du's heart began to pound violently. She wanted to explain, but she didn't know where to start. After thinking for a moment, she finally spoke,

"The reason I lied was because I knew Zhang Xiaoqiang didn't invite you, and I was afraid..."

"Come on, you underestimate me. Zhang Xiaoqiang invited you but not me, you think I'd be jealous of you? Besides, she's not usually that close to you, is she? The whole thing is pretty strange." As Wang Jingjing spoke, her tone unconsciously became confrontational.

The friction between young girls can arise from seemingly nowhere, yet there are always clues to be found. With their ever-changing thoughts, Wang Jingjing could generously stand up for Jiang Du without fear of offending others, and just as easily get angry over her concealment. She couldn't even clearly explain to herself why she felt angry.

Jiang Du opened her mouth, and after a long pause, she said softly, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to lie to you. I hope you're not mad at me."

"Let's just read." Wang Jingjing's tone was still hard. She lowered her head.

Jiang Du was stunned. Seeing that Wang Jingjing had no intention of continuing the conversation, she sat there blankly for a long time before walking out of the classroom alone.

Because of the impending class division, the first-year students were all a bit restless. Some were still struggling with their decision. The school building was brightly lit, divided into floor upon floor, and on each floor were cubicle-like classrooms filled with a sea of heads and restless emotions. Youth was in progress.

The weather was still very cold. The streetlights were dim, their light seeming as if it were frozen. As Jiang Du looked out from the corridor, her gaze involuntarily fell on the tree by the library, which was just a shadowy silhouette.

As she passed by Class One, the bright light from the window shone on her body. She looked at the light, and in that instant, a certain emotion suddenly became so intense that it couldn't be any stronger.

She missed Wei Qingyue so much.

She wanted to see him smile, to hear the sound of his voice, and also for him to accompany her for a while. Even just walking with her a part of the way to the restroom would be wonderful.

Driven by this emotion, Jiang Du turned her head and, boldly yet stiffly, peeked into the Class One classroom a couple of times.

Class One was relatively quiet, with most people busy with their own things. No one looked up at the window. The walk she had wanted to take to clear her head was just a trip to the restroom, to feel the cold wind, hoping it might make her feel a little better.

Wei Qingyue was tall and sat at the very back. He was wearing headphones and had closed an English newspaper.

Perhaps planning to go out, he glanced outside first, preparing to stand up.

Their eyes met. Jiang Du forgot to look away. For a second, she thought she was hallucinating, that she had wanted to see Wei Qingyue so badly that she had imagined him looking up.

Wei Qingyue looked suspiciously at Jiang Du staring at him through the window, slightly surprised. Soon, he smiled at her. He clearly saw that her face, which had been expressionless a moment ago, suddenly became flustered. She turned her head and walked away quickly.

He was a bit bewildered. He walked out and headed in the direction of the restroom, and halfway there, he saw Jiang Du's figure.

"Jiang Du!" Wei Qingyue's voice was raised slightly.

The voice came from behind. The moment she heard it, a stinging sensation rose in her nose, almost reaching her eyes. She fought desperately to control her emotions and turned around.

Wei Qingyue walked closer, his hands in his pants pockets, looking relaxed. He didn't notice her unusual state and just asked, "What were you looking at in Class One just now?"

She heard his voice. As always, he spoke to her like any other classmate. He had no obligation to be special to her, and she harbored no such delusions. Jiang Du blinked, blinking hard whenever she felt like crying, and quickly rubbed her nose with the back of her hand.

"What's wrong?" Wei Qingyue leaned down slightly, raising an eyebrow, his gaze roaming over her face. "Not feeling well? Or did someone bully you?"

His question made everything come crashing down. Jiang Du's small face scrunched up, and she could no longer utter a single word. She cried.