Bai Yu's gaze was focused and intent as she looked at the lesson-planning notebook, her palm stroking it gently, as though she wanted to cover every trace of Miao Yue's presence on it.
But the gesture lasted only a moment. She quickly became gentle again, like the softest jasmine blossom on a branch, still in bud, quietly releasing its delicate fragrance.
Qi Gu walked over and stood between Bai Yu and Miao Yue, completely unaware of Bai Yu's fleeting emotion. He held out a hand. "May I take a look?"
The smile on Bai Yu's face twisted slightly, but she still handed him the lesson-planning notebook.
She should not have left the notebook here, but she had already grown used to it-used to having his presence in that spot.
She had grown used to sitting shoulder to shoulder with Fang Yuanwang at a desk after class, reviewing lesson plans while the children chattered together, looking for anything that needed revising or improving.
Back then, the scent of grass mingled with the midsummer heat, and her reflection and Fang Yuanwang's appeared on the windowpane, like a loving pair of mandarin ducks with their necks entwined.
Bai Yu treasured those moments. She could never help looking at that windowpane over and over, until every detail was imprinted on her mind.
"Are you and Mr. Fang a couple, Ms. Bai?" Miao Yue asked.
"No, we aren't. We haven't officially gotten together yet." Bai Yu looked slightly shy, a blush creeping up her cheeks.
"So the feelings are mutual," Miao Yue said. "What a shame heaven refused to cooperate and insisted on tearing you apart."
Bai Yu's face went from red to white, and she struggled to give Miao Yue a look of agreement.
After examining the lesson-planning notebook and confirming that it really