The next morning, the eight of them arrived at the village entrance early to wait.
Ning Rongrong was also the earliest today.
She had shed her superficial impulsiveness and arrogance, no longer putting on airs, wanting to truly integrate into the group.
Seeing Tang Sui and the others arriving together, Ning Rongrong looked at the four people who had become close in just two days with a hint of envy in her eyes. As Tang Sui approached, she proactively greeted her, "Tang Sui."
Tang Sui, who was exchanging notes on auxiliary skills with Oscar, turned her head and met another pair of clear, bright eyes. "Hm?"
"The night before last, thank you," Ning Rongrong sincerely bowed to Tang Sui, then took out a handkerchief she had washed and dried from her pocket, and handed it to Tang Sui with both hands, "This is your handkerchief. I've washed it clean for you."
Handkerchief?
Oscar made an "eew" sound, while Xiao Wu and Tang San exchanged bewildered glances.
"When did Sui Sui have any contact with Ning Rongrong?" Xiao Wu, walking beside Tang San, whispered to him in a low voice.
The asked Tang San shook his head in confusion, glancing at Tang Sui with a puzzled expression.
Under the gaze of the four, Tang Sui blinked and accepted Ning Rongrong's thanks, "You're welcome. Whether you've figured it out is up to you; this is also your own accomplishment."
Seeing Tang Sui's sincere and straightforward demeanor, a trace of bitterness welled up, which she then suppressed.
"Then... can I still call you Sui Sui?"
Ning Rongrong asked cautiously.
This was the first time she had received a genuine, honest answer.
It wasn't the usual flattering words meant to appease her status, nor was it the smugness of someone looking down on her, but an ordinary yet sincere reply that placed her on equal footing.
Tang Sui returned a smile devoid of any shadow, "Of course, Rongrong."
A gentle smile reappeared on Ning Rongrong's face.
This time, it was not a fake facade, but a smile from the heart.
Tang San caught a glimpse of a guess flashing in his mind from their seemingly vague conversation, but seeing his sister and Ning Rongrong chatting happily, he didn't spoil the mood by voicing his speculations. A hint of indulgence curved his lips.
Never mind, as long as Sui Sui is happy.
A while later, they were joined by Zhu Zhuqing, and then by Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun, who arrived fashionably late.
Dai Mubai's gaze towards Ning Rongrong was not as cold as the night before, but rather detached, as if looking at an ordinary classmate, without resentment or displeasure.
Because on his way back to the dormitory last night, he had encountered Ning Rongrong, who had bowed sincerely to him and apologized for her impulsive behavior that night.
To be honest, he was quite surprised, but he still found it hard to believe that someone could change their personality so quickly. Time would be the best judge; he would see if Ning Rongrong had truly changed.
He withdrew his scrutinizing gaze and blended into the topic Tang San and the others were discussing.
Later, Zhu Zhuqing, under Tang Sui's proactive and subtle guidance, also harmoniously integrated into the girls' conversations. When Zhao Wuji walked over, his face still bearing traces of purple bruising, he saw such a warm and harmonious scene.
Logically, he should have been pleased, but...
"Pfft!"
The cool morning breeze brushed against his face. Zhao Wuji, standing before the "little monsters" with a bruised and swollen face, felt his eyelids twitch violently. He glared at Oscar, who couldn't contain his laughter, gritted his teeth, and roared, "What are you looking at! You little brats! You're itching for a beating, aren't you?"
Xiao Wu whispered, "Why don't you say 'little blind bear'?"
"Hm?!" Zhao Wuji, with his excellent hearing, immediately glared fiercely, "What did you say?"
Xiao Wu instantly "whooshed" and hid behind Tang Sui.
Oscar, who reacted the most intensely, made a zipping gesture with his lips and shut up. Dai Mubai, still suppressing laughter beside him, turned his head and let out two light coughs, as if trying to cover it up.
Seeing his students trying to laugh but not daring to, Zhao Wuji felt no comfort, only a greater surge of anger, his face as dark as if water could drip from it.
"Little blind bear!" He had almost been beaten into a "little bear biscuit" the night before!
Seeing Zhao Wuji full of resentment, Tang San found it amusing and also felt a touch of doubt.
Who could have injured Teacher Zhao so badly?
Tang Sui's gaze flickered away, staring at the distant scenery.
Ah, the morning scenery is truly beautiful.