Chapter 88 - Chapter 88: Anger
Chapter 88: Anger
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Wen Nian herself was curious about Bai Zheng. During this stage in the country’s history, depression didn’t receive as much attention as it would later on. Smiling Depression, in particular, held a special significance. Bai Zheng’s suicide had prompted some awareness of this specific form of depression, and as a result, more people had gained some understanding of it.
Following Bai Zheng’s demise, numerous speculations and theories surrounding the cause of his death began circulating on the internet.
One prevailing theory suggested that Bai Zheng’s exceptional talent placed an overwhelming amount of pressure on him. Coupled with the high expectations from others, this pressure ultimately led to a loss of inspiration for him.
There were also claims that Bai Zheng’s family background was complex, with his parents being divorced. It was suggested that his lack of parental care contributed to his ability to adeptly put on a facade of pleasing others.
Furthermore, there were speculations about Bai Zheng’s sexual orientation, with some suggesting that he was homosexual. It was believed that his fear of societal judgment and the inability to alter his sexual orientation added to the immense psychological pressure he faced. Tragically, these circumstances ultimately led him to take his own life.
The final theory, which carried an enigmatic undertone, gained significant traction and became the most widely circulated version during that time.
Back then, Wen Nian was unable to uncover the truth surrounding Bai Zheng’s situation. However, at least Bai Zheng’s smile right now was still genuine.
Wen Nian couldn’t help but feel a sense of regret that such a brilliant genius had met such a tragic fate.
There came a knock on the door, and as Wen Nian turned around, she found Zhou Mei standing there. “Mom,” she greeted.
Zhou Mei carefully set a glass of milk on the desk and advised, “Make sure to drink milk before going to bed. Sister Sun has become accustomed to helping out, so she will be able to help with a lot of things. Going forward, your father will deliver both yours and your brother’s meals to the school guard during lunchtime. You can simply pick them up after class tomorrow afternoon.”
As Wen Nian contemplated Shen Jun’s habit of eating lunch outside, she couldn’t help but think about the potential hygiene concerns and time wastage involved. She considered the possibility of suggesting to her mother that they prepare Shen Jun’s meal as well, which would not only save time but also allow her to receive additional lessons.
The more Wen Nian pondered over the idea, the more convinced she became of its feasibility. With a warm and eager smile, she looked at Zhou Mei and said, “Mom, could you please pack an extra serving for me?”
hou Mei’s response was delayed as she processed Won Nian’s request. Finally, she replied, “But aren’t you planning to eat at the noodle restaurant tonight?”
Wen Nian clarified, “It’s for Shen Jun. His family isn’t from Hai City, and he’s studying here on his own.”
Zhou Mei expressed surprise, saying, “1 noticed his accent that day too. He doesn’t sound like he’s from Hai City. I thought his parents moved here because of work and brought him along. He’s just a child and he’s alone in this unfamiliar place. That’s sad. He doesn’t seem like he knows how to cook.”
“I’ll pack an extra serving for him to thank him for tutoring you everyday.”
Wen Nian smiled warmly and embraced Zhou Mei, wrapping her arms around her waist. “Thank you, Mom. You’re the best to me,
Zhou Mei’s heart melted as she gazed at her daughter’s innocent gesture. “I am glad you know. It would be best if you don’t make me worry about you in the future.”
As the next day’s noon dismissal approached, Wen Nian suddenly realized that she had forgotten to inform Shen Jun about the lunch arrangement.
Wen Nian quickly caught up with Shen Jun, who was about to head out for lunch. She halted him and eagerly informed him, “Starting today, my father will send me food, and you’ll have a share too. You don’t have to eat out anymore.”
Shen Jun furrowed his brows slightly, a look of confusion crossing his face as he regarded Wen Nian. Then, as he deduced the reason behind her offer, a playful smile emerged on his lips. “Well, I suppose I can consider it one of the rewards.”
Wen Nian smiled and nodded in agreement. “Yes, you can interpret it that way,” she replied, sharing in the lightheartedness of the moment.
Shen Jun raised an eyebrow and grinned playfully. “Well, in that case, 1 won’t hesitate to accept.”
Wen Nian brought the food over, presenting two lunch boxes with identical designs, one in pink and the other in blue. The three-layered lunch boxes were carefully packed, each containing a serving of rice, vegetables, and soup.
Just as they were about to begin their meal, Wen Nian casually shared with Shen Jun that she had made the decision to join the production team for an upcoming movie.
As Shen Jun was taking a sip of soup, he heard the unexpected news and choked, covering his mouth to cough a few times. After regaining his composure, he looked at Wen Nian with surprise and asked, “You want to become a celebrity?”
Wen Nian proceeded to recount to Shen Jun the conversation she had with Bai Zheng the previous night.
Shen Jun remained silent, and this caused Wen Nian to feel a pang of guilt. She realized that she had been the one to request additional lessons in the past, and now she was the one considering putting her studies on hold. She had even promised Shen Jun that she would persevere until the end. It felt like a contradiction and a betrayal of that promise.
Wen Nian began tapping her chopsticks against the rice and glancing at Shen Jun from the corner of her eye.
After their dedicated study sessions, Wen Nian and Shen Jun felt quite content with their recent progress. Despite it being only the second week of December, they had already covered a substantial portion of the freshman semester’s material, making up around one-third of the curriculum.
Based on their current pace, they would be able to finish learning the second book of grade 10 by the last day of December.
Shen Jun found himself experiencing a sense of anger, although he couldn’t quite pinpoint its source. Honestly, he and Wen Nian were just working together. Currently, he was even eating food made by her family. It was Wen Nian who wanted to stop being tutored and there was no real reason for him to feel angry.
After the silent meal, Shen Jun proceeded to conduct the day’s tutoring session with Wen Nian as usual. However, there was a distinct shift in the atmosphere during the session..