Chapter 85: Sharing an Umbrella

Royal Academy

The day’s schedule had come to the last class.

As she changed classrooms, Nair, as usual, habitually walked toward the most secluded corner at the back of the classroom.

That place was peaceful; no one ever bothered her there.

However, as she drew near, she saw that on the desk next to her usual empty seat, there was a luxurious little leather bag with sparkling gemstone clasps.

Wen Er was startled and immediately retreated to another corner.

There was no doubt, that was Shang Wan’s bag.

Other than her, no one else in the entire class would bring such an expensive bag to the Academy.

Last time, because of Tang Yan’s little drama, she almost got herself into trouble.

Fortunately, El was reasonable and didn’t make things too difficult for her.

After that incident, Wen Er resolved to stay away from Tang Yan as much as possible.

But since they were in the same class, El couldn’t avoid her completely.

Just then, the class bell rang on time.

“Classmates, class is starting. Now, let’s take attendance.”

Wen Er breathed a sigh of relief.

Class had started, and with so many people around, Shang Yan surely wouldn’t try to switch seats now.

She was just thinking this, when the person next to her—who had been staring at the desk, using a book to cover the bag—suddenly moved.

That person stretched in a big, exaggerated way, and the book slid aside, revealing a head of dazzling golden hair and a face with a sly smile.

Sure enough.

Wen Er glanced up and saw Tang Yan sitting right next to her, those big amber eyes shining with a singular, mischievous smile.

The corners of her lips curled up, revealing those sparkling little canine teeth.

Wen Er: [c00].

No way, this girl actually knows how to play tricks now!

Tang Yan hugged her around the head.

“Wen Er, you’re amazing! As soon as you arrived, you knew to sit next to me!”

At times of extreme speechlessness, people really are left speechless.

Wen Er looked at the grinning Shang Yan beside her, feeling an overwhelming sense of helplessness.

She hadn’t expected that even being this careful wasn’t enough.

“You… why are you here again?”

Tang Yan blinked those bright, crystal-clear amber eyes, looking completely justified: “Why can’t I be here?”

“Didn’t you leave your bag over there?” Wen Er pointed at the bag left on the desk in the other spot.

Only then did Tang Yan seem to remember. She smacked her forehead: “Ah! I completely forgot. It’s fine—later I’ll have someone from that side bring it over for me. Hehe~”

Wen Er wiped her forehead in resignation.

Looks like there’s no peace to be had in this class…

The Teacher had just started the lesson on the podium, but many students below were already whispering among themselves.

Yes, Etiquette Class was never very popular.

Next to her, Tang Yan nonchalantly leaned toward Wen Er, almost pressing her body against Wen Er’s arm, her big amber eyes blinking innocently.

How annoying…

“Chat with me for a bit~ Zhou Benhe doesn’t have time today, said she’s going to her part-time job, so this is the only time…”

Wen Er decisively adopted the “ignore”, “pretend not to hear”, and “blank stare” tactics, and managed to get through the class.

Finally, when the class ended, Wen Er quickly packed up and rushed outside.

She hadn’t expected that just as she stepped out of the Main Building, it would start to drizzle.

Wen Er didn’t mind; she always carried an umbrella out of habit.

She opened her umbrella and was about to walk forward.

“Wen Er—wait for me! I don’t have an umbrella!”

Tang Yan grabbed her sleeve.

She looked up pitifully at Wen Er, golden hair made damp by the fine rain, strands sticking to her smooth forehead.

“My umbrella is too small, it can’t fit two people.”

Wen Er was telling the truth, and besides, all around, several people had already heard that Tang Yan hadn’t brought an umbrella, and were excitedly preparing to approach.

Their eyes sparkled, just waiting for Tang Yan to call out.

Wen Er certainly didn’t want to draw that attention.

“But I’m so cold~ I’m going to freeze to death!”

Tang Yan looked at Wen Er with such a pitiful expression that Wen Er’s heart softened a little.

But Wen Er still looked at Tang Yan’s outfit.

A pure white summer school uniform, black shorts underneath, long, slender, tight legs, not even wearing long socks.

The whole person was blown by the strange wind and shivered from head to toe.

Wen Er couldn’t help but complain: “It always rains in autumn, and you’re still wearing shorts this short. Aren’t you just asking for it?”

Tang Yan retorted with a pout, “Isn’t it just so you’d look at me~ You always like to look at others’ legs the most—”

Everyone’s noticed?

Even Zhou Tu and the others, have you all been watching me all this time?!

Wen Er was shocked and reflexively backed away, but Tang Yan immediately pressed herself against Wen Er’s chest, completely clinging to her.

Really too much.

But Tang Yan didn’t seem to care at all, her face still bright with a sunny smile: “It’s fine, just squeeze together. Hugging is even warmer.”

Wen Er froze on the spot.

She tried to pull her arm away, but Tang Yan clung on tight.

She was about to object, but seeing Tang Yan shivering in the cold wind, she couldn’t bring herself to be harsh.

Forget it… just walk her to the Academy Gate.

Resigned, she sighed, and awkwardly held the umbrella, supporting this human backpack as they headed toward the Academy Gate.

The rain got heavier, pattering noisily on the umbrella above.

Tang Yan’s hand held the upper part of the umbrella handle, while Wen Er’s hand held the lower part.

A sudden gust of wind almost twisted the umbrella out of their hands.

Tang Yan’s small hand slid down “accidentally” and rested on Wen Er’s hand.

Her heart fluttered secretly, and she quietly smiled to herself.

Wen Er hurriedly said, “I can hold it myself!”

But Tang Yan pretended not to hear, only snuggling closer.

The smell of rain mixed with the earthy scent, as well as the faint sweet fragrance from Shang Yan, and the warm breath she exhaled, continually brushed Wen Er’s earlobe and neck.

Wen Er’s heart beat uncontrollably faster, her face growing warmer.

She suddenly felt her mind drifting.

“Thunder—!”

Suddenly, a clap of thunder rumbled overhead.

“Ah!” Wen Er, lost in thought, was startled, her whole body trembling as she cried out unconsciously.

“So scary!” Tang Yan was also startled, but seeing Wen Er’s frightened look, she couldn’t help but laugh, “Haha! So you’re afraid of thunder, Wen Er?”

“You… aren’t you scared?” Wen Er was still shaken, her voice trembling a little.

“Of course I am!” Tang Yan admitted without shame, then laughed, “But seeing you scared is even funnier! Hahaha…”

The two looked at each other and, for some reason, both started laughing. That little bit of tension and awkwardness seemed to be washed away by their laughter.

At last, they arrived at the Academy Gate, where the luxurious Tang Family Carriage was already waiting.

Wen Er breathed a sigh of relief and quickly broke free from Tang Yan’s embrace: “We’re here, hurry up and get in the carriage.”

She turned to leave.

“Wait!” Tang Yan called out.

Wen Er turned back doubtfully, not knowing what Tang Yan wanted this time.

As luck would have it, just then a couple of girls passed by.

They were also sharing an umbrella.

Hand in hand, heads pressed close together, whispering secrets about Tang Yan, their laughter clear and sweet.

Wen Er suddenly felt a little embarrassed and looked away.

Tang Yan smiled faintly, but there was a trace of longing in her eyes.