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She took the milk from Ruan Mian, then pulled a piece of candy from her desk. "This is really good."

Ruan Mian looked at the candy in her palm, her almond-shaped eyes full of delight. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Meng Jiu'an took the milk carton from Shen Baili, opened it, and handed it back to her.

The whole thing took less than five seconds.

Shen Baili thanked him sincerely and sipped her milk.

Once she stopped thinking, color visibly returned to her cheeks.

Qiao Yi felt a little more at ease. "Suìsuì, if you feel unwell at all, tell me. I'll go to the infirmary with you."

"Your health comes first."

Shen Baili leaned against Qiao Yi's shoulder, feeling completely safe. "Okay."

Ruan Mian closed her hand around the candy. Watching Shen Baili and Qiao Yi together, she couldn't help feeling envious. She didn't approach them. Instead, she returned to her seat, considerately giving Shen Baili room to rest.

Her impression of Meng Jiu'an had improved. He wasn't like the fierce, intimidating people she'd met before.

Everyone around Shen Baili was so kind.

She wanted so badly to join them, to move closer to that light.

That was what Ruan Mian thought.

Riiing...

When the last class of the morning ended, Shen Baili brought Qiao Yi over and invited Ruan Mian to the cafeteria. She agreed at once.

"After we eat, let's walk around campus." Shen Baili asked Ruan Mian, "Would that be okay?"

Ruan Mian had no objections. "Sure. Whatever you say, Baili."

She had deliberately left off Shen Baili's surname, as though that might bring them a little closer.

Ji Qi and the other two followed behind them. The six of them stood out among the students rushing toward the cafeteria.

"Don't we need to run?"

Watching