Qin Yi’s eyes were filled with sincerity.
He felt that since Gu Rumeng was being so kind to him, he had to show something in return.
Though he had no money right now, he still needed to show some attitude.
“Silly boy, why are you always thinking about that?”
Gu Rumeng flicked Qin Yi’s forehead with her finger. “Talk about it when you’re an adult.”
“I’ll be an adult in just two days,” Qin Yi said seriously.
“So what?” Gu Rumeng retorted. “Even if you’re an adult, you’re still far from being able to make money. Speaking of which, are you still in school?”
“Yes, I’m in my third year of high school,” Qin Yi replied.
“Senior year…”
Gu Rumeng glanced at her phone to check the date, and her expression changed. “That means the college entrance exam is in less than two months, right?”
“Yeah.” Qin Yi nodded.
“How are your studies?”
“Not bad, I guess… but it doesn’t really matter anymore.” Qin Yi’s gaze dropped. “I don’t really want to keep studying.”
He felt that while the exam was important, his current priority should be survival.
Sister Rumeng had been good to him, but they weren’t family after all.
Letting him stay was already more than generous. He couldn’t shamelessly rely on her for food, shelter, and even school fees.
Besides, he didn’t want to see a certain disgusting person at school anymore.
“That won’t do!”
Gu Rumeng’s face turned stern.
“With less than two months left until the exam, if you give up now, wouldn’t everything you’ve worked for over the past ten-plus years be for nothing?”
“Besides, nowadays a diploma is your stepping stone. At the very least, you should get into college. It’ll be much easier to find a promising job afterward!”
Qin Yi still wanted to decline. He felt too ashamed to keep accepting her kindness.
“Sister Rumeng…”
“Don’t say anything, Qin Yi. I know what you’re worried about.”
Gu Rumeng gently held his hand. “Trust me, okay? You really can’t miss the college entrance exam. You’re still so young. You need to build a solid foundation for your future. Don’t make such a hasty decision.”
“But…”
“How about this? You always talk about paying me back in the future, right? Then just think of it as me giving you a student loan. Once you get into a good college, graduate, and find a good job, you can repay me then. That works, doesn’t it?”
Seeing the serious look in her eyes, Qin Yi felt himself wavering.
Saying he didn’t want to study was a lie.
If he could, of course, he wanted to get into a good university, find a decent job, and live a simple but happy life.
Now that such a chance was in front of him, Qin Yi opened his mouth but still couldn’t quite bring himself to say yes.
“Sigh…”
Seeing that Qin Yi hadn’t responded, Gu Rumeng’s expression dimmed and she let out a long sigh.
“Sister Rumeng, don’t sigh.”
Seeing her reaction, Qin Yi felt a pang of guilt. He couldn’t bear to see someone who cared about him so much feel sad.
He quickly said, “I promise. I’ll go to school.”
“Really?” Her eyes lit up immediately.
“Mm, really.” Qin Yi nodded.
“Then let’s pinky swear.”
Gu Rumeng held out her little finger. “Whoever lies has to swallow a thousand needles.”
“But I can’t afford a thousand needles right now.”
“What?! You’re already trying to weasel out before the pinky swear even starts?”
It felt like he had started to lower his guard a little.
Yes… this was a good start.
“I won’t go back on my word.”
Qin Yi’s gaze was firm. “And I will definitely get into a good college.”
“Then it’s a deal.”
Gu Rumeng hooked her little finger with his and chanted, “Pinky swear, hang it high. A hundred years, no changing.”
Then she pressed her thumb against his. “Alright, stamped and sealed. Even if you regret it now, it’s too late!”
Watching her serious yet childlike gesture, a warm feeling rose in Qin Yi’s chest. He couldn’t help but smile.
“It’s getting late. What school do you go to? I’ll take you there,” Gu Rumeng said as she got up to grab her keys.
“Sister Rumeng, you probably have work today. I can just take the bus.”
“It’s fine. I’m self-employed, no clocking in. I’ll just take you once today so you can get familiar with the route. That way it’ll be easier to come back after school.”
She left him with no room to refuse.
“Hurry and change your shoes. Also, which school do you go to?”
“First High School.”
“It’s a bit far, but we should still make it in time. Come on, come on, hurry up or you’ll be late!”
Urged by Gu Rumeng, Qin Yi changed into his shoes and followed her downstairs to the parking shed.
She expertly wheeled out a small white electric scooter. After securing a helmet on Qin Yi’s head, she drove off with him on the back seat.
The early summer breeze was still a little cool. Sitting on the scooter, Qin Yi felt the wind brushing past his cheeks.
He silently watched Gu Rumeng’s figure from behind, and a strange, indescribable feeling rose in his heart.
Was this… happiness?