Chapter Thirty-Seven: Indifference

“My dear students, although geometry requires memorizing some formulas, its true essence isn't about rote application. Mathematics is a wonderful thing. Once you become fascinated by it, you'll realize it demands more mental effort than any other subject. It requires abstract thinking to truly understand and use it. Let me share some practical ideas—before tackling a problem, we should first…”

As I watched Professor Ren’s chalk sketching on the board, my thoughts had already drifted far from the classroom, back to the hotel suite I left that morning…

At dawn, when I awoke on the sofa, the beauty in the bedroom had already slipped away, leaving behind only a small note written in delicate handwriting. It was the only trace Zhang Jing left behind, and on it, she wrote: “Xiao Qiang, after last night, I can no longer face you, nor can I be your friend. I have no dignity left to stand before you. I hope we never meet again. Farewell.”

I knew Zhang Jing must have been overwhelmed with shame and anger after last night’s madness, so much so that she didn’t even dare to see me before she left. I had been too drunk to notice her departure. I really wished I could talk to her face to face and explain, because now, aside from a permanent awkwardness, she might not even realize it was the drug that made her act so out of character. The thought occurred to me: what if she suspects I was the one who drugged her? But the idea was so absurd, I dismissed it at once. If I’d been the one behind it, would I have just slept on the sofa? There was no reason to worry, and I breathed a sigh of relief. If meeting again would only be unbearably awkward, perhaps it’s better we never do. Suddenly, a sharp pain struck my heart. It occurred to me that these words could just as easily apply to me and Su Xin…

“Xiao Qiang? What are you thinking about? Did you have a good weekend?” While I was lost in misery, Su Xin’s melodious voice sounded beside me, cheerful as ever. She laughed, “I had such a wonderful weekend! It’s been so long since I’ve felt this happy.”

Her words made my face grow even darker. I lowered my head, not turning to look at her, and replied coldly, “As long as you’re happy.”

“Mm, I really am. What about you? What did you do these past two days? I tried calling your house, but nobody answered. I was worried something happened to you.” There was a hint of reproach in her gentle voice. Normally, I would have been elated to hear it, but now it only made me feel worse. I shook my head. “You don’t need to worry about me. Someone like me—nothing could possibly happen.”

As I spoke, my eyes shot a resentful glance at Xia Jianren, who kept sneaking looks at me from the side. My anger was plain for all to see.

“What’s wrong?” Su Xin finally noticed something was off, worry flickering in her eyes. “Are you alright?”

“Me? How could anything be wrong with me? Spare me your concern.” My words were icy, even to my own ears. I hadn’t realized I could be so callous toward Su Xin. I didn’t hate her, but I resented her for deceiving me! She said I was her only male friend, but I had seen everything with my own eyes yesterday! The thought ignited a fury within me. No matter what, she shouldn’t have treated me this way. If she knew how I felt, why not just be honest? Did she really just want to toy with me?

“What’s wrong with you, Xiao Qiang?” Su Xin was flustered by my words and the look on my ashen face. “Did something happen at home?”

“I told you, it’s none of your business!” In a fit of anger, I turned and snapped at her. Only after my outburst did I realize we were still in class. The entire class turned to stare at me, and even Professor Ren, who usually favored me, looked embarrassed and angry. “Xiao Qiang! What are you doing? This is a classroom!”

“Sorry, Professor Ren.” I stood up to apologize, then sank back into my seat and buried my head on the desk, ignoring Su Xin and pretending to sleep. Perhaps this time, I really would part ways with her…

Su Xin bit her lip in shock and humiliation. She had never seen me act like this, not since we met, and tears welled up in her eyes. When she saw me with my head down, her own temper flared. She turned away with a cold huff, refusing to speak to me.

Soon it was midday. After nearly an hour of cold silence, it seemed Su Xin’s anger had faded. I stood up and gathered my things, and just as she was about to speak to me, I slapped Zhang Li on the back and laughed, “Zhang Li, stop flirting with Wang Lili all day. Let’s go eat at Wangsheng Pavilion—your favorite crystal dumplings, my treat.”

Zhang Li’s face lit up. “Great! Boss, you’re so generous today, treating me to such good food. Lili, you’ve never been, right? Those crystal dumplings are amazing!”

Growing impatient with his chatter, I gave him another playful slap. “Are we going to eat the dumplings or talk about them? Let’s go!”

With a grin, Zhang Li grabbed Wang Lili, and they walked out together. Without even glancing at Su Xin, I turned and left with Zhang Li. Su Xin was furious, her pretty face flushed with anger, but she couldn’t vent it. After all, I wasn’t anything to her—why should I have to invite her to lunch every time? Normally, I would, but today, leaving her out must have hurt. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her beautiful, angry face reflected in the window, and my heart darkened.

“What’s wrong, Su Xin? Sitting there alone? Nobody to eat with? Perfect, I’m alone too. How about we have lunch together?” Just as I was about to leave the classroom, a voice I longed to throttle rang out. No need to guess—it was my nemesis, Xia Jianren.

Su Xin shot a cold look at my back, then suddenly smiled and nodded. “Alright, I don’t have much of an appetite today, but I’d like some dumplings.”

“Dumplings? No problem! Any kind you want, I’ll take you!” Xia Jianren was ecstatic; after hundreds of failed invitations, this was his first success. “I don’t know why that annoying Xiao Qiang isn’t in the hospital, but it looks like he’s finally scared off. He’s being so cold to Su Xin—this is perfect. First day, and I already get to take her to lunch. From now on…”

His face beamed as he said, “Su Xin, just tell me what kind of dumplings you want. As long as they’re in C City, we’ll go! I’ll have my dad’s driver bring the car around and take us back after.”

With a triumphant glance at me, he strutted like a rooster.

“Crystal dumplings, and from Wangsheng Pavilion!” Su Xin’s sudden demand took the wind out of Xia Jianren’s sails. “Wangsheng Pavilion? Isn’t that where Xiao Qiang’s going?” he fumed inwardly. Still, rare as this chance was, he forced a smile. “Alright, Wangsheng Pavilion it is!”

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