“Shut up!” Qin Jing rolled her eyes at him and turned to the others. “I’m having a birthday party this Sunday, and you should all come. I commissioned this brilliant cake for the occasion. I’m sure none of you has ever seen or tasted anything like it!”

She gave Yao Tanga meaningful grin.

“Especially you, Sister Tang! You have to be there.”Qin JinggrabbedYao Tang’s arm and shook it like a spoiled little kid.

The other girl didn’t seem annoyed by her actions, though. She took another sip of her milk tea and said, “Sure. I’ll be there.”

“Yay!” Qin Jingwas bouncing in her seat with excitement.

“We’re looking forward to it,” Lin Xinsaid. “Meng Yangand I will prepare a gift, so make sure you wear something pretty for us.”

“Of course!” Qin Jingreplied before curling her lip atMeng Yang. “Well, this one can do whatever he wants, I don’t care.Xiao Pang, you guys must come, too!”

Xiao Pang had just stuffed his mouth with food, but he nodded hurriedly and mumbled, “Yes, yes, Sister Jing. I won’t dare disobey tour orders!”

His immediate reply prompted a round of laughter from the table.

Later, they were making their way back to their classroom when Yao Tang’s phone beeped.Cheng Yanwas calling her.

She tapped the answer button. “Hello?”

“Do you have time tomorrow? I happen to be free.” On the other end of the line, Cheng Yanput down the report he had been reading and leaned back against his seat.

Qin Hao walked into the room just in time to catch his words.

He narrowed his eyes at Cheng Yan’s desk. Stacks upon stacks of documents were lined up on its surface, waiting to be reviewed.

This weekend was shaping up to be one of the busiest for the company, and here the boss was, lying through his teeth and making light of the situation.

The man was whipped beyond redemption.

“Tomorrow is Saturday…” Yao Ransaid tentatively. “It’sJingjing’s birthday on Sunday, so I was planning to pick out a present for her.”

“Then I’ll come and pick you up tomorrow morning. We can walk around the shopping area and choose a gift together. Afterward, we can have lunch at the World Haven. What do you think?”

Cheng Yan drew up a plan in a matter of seconds. He was already poised to make the arrangements for their little date.

The line went silent as Yao Tangmulled this over. “Fine,” she said after a while. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Bye.”

“Hmm” Cheng Yanreplied in a soft voice, his eyes twinkling.

…

That afternoon, the last period.

Xi Yan assigned the class their homework and stood at the podium.

The students were growing restless, eager for the weekend.

She smiled. “Before you go, I’d like to remind you to spend your weekend wisely. Get some exercise and spare an hour or two to review your lessons. You need to make the most of your time before the college entrance exams.”

It was her first time handling a graduating class, but Xi Yanhad also been a student once.

She, too, had undergone a rigorous study routine to prepare for the college entrance exams, and was familiar with the pressure that these youngsters felt.

After all, the upcoming exams just might decide the paths they would have to take in the future.

“Yes, Teacher!” The students shouted in unison, barely able to contain their enthusiasm.

At the back of the room, Xiao Pangwas clutching his backpack in anticipation. He had already packed up his stuff earlier, and was bracing himself to bolt out into the hall at any second.

Meanwhile, Lin Xinwas still busy scribbling notes from today’s tests. She wasn’t as smart asYao TangandQin Jing, so she had to make up for it with diligence.

Qin Jing was already on her phone, browsing through online shops for her birthday present. Her family had given her a considerable amount of money this year, and she was free to spend it however she liked.

As for Yao Tang, she was staring ahead atXi Yan, looking somewhat dazed. She only had one earphone on, and her fingers were lightly tapping the surface of her desk.

“All right, you’re dismissed!” Xi Yanannounced.

She couldn’t help but shake her head as the students jumped from their seats and raced out of the room.

“Yes!”

“It’s finally the weekend!”