Chapter 31 - 030: All coincidental
It’s rare for the three of us, mother and daughters, to go out together. While walking in the compound, when running into someone, Bai Xue always stops to chat. Ye Qian is sweet-mouthed, calling everyone "Auntie" with ease. Compared to her, Ye Ling, who stands silently by the side, seems a lot less charming, much to Bai Xue’s obvious delight that the younger daughter appears more accomplished than the older one, her face lit up with a constant smile.
By the time they reach the bookstore, it’s already past nine, having been delayed. The bookstore isn’t crowded during this festive season, and coincidentally, they run into someone there — Liu Zhiyuan.
Seeing Liu Zhiyuan, Bai Xue is pleased, "Zhiyuan, did you come by yourself?"
Liu Zhiyuan gestures inward, "I came with Xiao Rui."
Following Liu Zhiyuan’s direction, Bai Xue and her daughters spot Liu Rui’s back behind the bookshelves. Bai Xue laughs, "I’ll go over and have a look. Meanwhile, Zhiyuan, you can help Qianqian pick some materials."
Once her mother is gone, Ye Qian sweetly says, "Brother Zhiyuan, let’s keep our voices down. Could you help me pick some review materials?"
Liu Zhiyuan hands over what he’s holding, "These are what I picked for Liu Rui. Have a look and see if they suit you. If they do, you can just take one of each."
Ye Qian thanked him and took a look down diligently.
Liu Zhiyuan remembers that they came with three people. He glances around and notices another gray figure at the high school section’s shelves. A junior high student like Ye Ling appearing in the high school materials section became a common sight for him.
Ye Qian, focused on the materials in her hands, isn’t the least bit interested, as many of the question types are unfamiliar to her. Seeing the words "Middle School Exam Review Exercises" on the cover, she felt a headache coming on. It’s not that she doesn’t study seriously; while the kids in the compound are playing, she’s always reviewing. Still, when the results come out, she always falls behind, which leaves her feeling the most unwilling.