Chapter Sixty: Another Weekend

For some people, a week feels long and difficult to endure—these are the busy ones. Others say a week is fleeting—these are the relaxed ones, unburdened by many responsibilities, so time slips quickly through their fingers. For students, especially those in their final year of high school, time is both arduous and short. The endless stacks of tests and questions can feel unbearably tedious, yet the week itself rushes by without a single moment of rest. There is nothing but study upon study, leaving little room for anything else.

At Innovation High School, the students had just finished their second mock exams. After receiving their scores, many realized their weaknesses, while others were determined to work even harder for future glory. Thus, during this week, everyone embarked on a new journey, shutting out the world outside their windows and devoting themselves wholly to their studies.

“Class, there are five minutes left. We’ll stop here for today,” the homeroom teacher announced. “When you go home this weekend, don’t relax your efforts. Remember, you’re in your final year, standing at the most critical turning point of your lives. Don’t fear hardship or exhaustion—perseverance is victory. Now, let me assign your weekend homework.”

No sooner had the teacher finished than a chorus of groans arose from below. “Here we go again. What’s the point of weekends if we’re busier than ever?”

“Exactly! We’ve been exhausted all week, and now there’s even more homework. Do they think we’re robots?”

“My mom even hired a tutor for me at home. How am I supposed to survive like this?”

But the teacher paid no heed to their complaints and continued assigning homework for the weekend.

“Xiao Lin, I’m heading out! Good luck! If you have any questions, call me,” Wang Yuqing said as she packed her books, shouldered her bag, and waved at Xiao Lin, mimicking a phone call with her small hand.

“You silly girl, is there any question I, Xiao Lin, can’t solve?” he replied, putting on a show of arrogance.

She giggled. “Of course not. You’re so talented, after all. Bye, see you next week.”

“Mm-hmm…”

In Beijing’s affluent district, the sight of magnificent villas stretched as far as the eye could see—row upon row of grand buildings, their elegant facades and refined interiors exuding an air of cultivated luxury. Lush gardens, harmonious water features, and the presence of armed guards at the gates all spoke of wealth and prestige. Amidst these villas stood one especially striking residence: a private, three-story manor, not of modern design but reminiscent of Western architecture. Its gardens bloomed with vibrant flowers, which, even in the depths of winter, remained upright and fragrant. The manicured lawns were dotted with white resin tables, giving the place a fresh and pleasing look, a testament to its owner’s prosperity and ostentation. This was the home of Gao Zheng.

Inside the villa, Gao Zheng sat on an elegant, luxurious sofa, a glass of red wine in hand. Before him stood a line of attendants—men and women, some dressed as chefs, others as security guards or maids, numbering more than thirty. At the front stood an elderly man in a black suit, who, though in his fifties, was vigorous and sharp-eyed, his silver hair lending him an air of distinction.

Gao Zheng spoke to the old man in a calm voice, “Uncle Xiang, have you told them everything?”

Uncle Xiang gave a slight bow. “Young master, rest assured, everything is arranged. When Miss Yuqing arrives tomorrow, we will receive her with the highest standard of hospitality.”

At these words, Gao Zheng nodded slightly and rose from the sofa. Instantly, a maid approached, holding a tray. Gao Zheng placed his wineglass on it and took a white towel to dab his lips.

“Do your jobs well tomorrow, and this month’s bonuses will be doubled. But if anyone upsets Yuqing, be ready to leave,” he said coldly. “Uncle Xiang, explain it to them again. I’m heading to my room.” With that, he set the towel on the tray and ascended the stairs.

“Safe journey, young master!” the staff called out in unison.

After Gao Zheng left, a woman in her fifties wearing a maid’s uniform asked Uncle Xiang, “Old Xiang, whose daughter is this Miss Yuqing? The young master treats her with such importance.”

Uncle Xiang’s tone turned stern. “Aunt Liu, you’re an old hand here. Don’t you know better than to meddle in the young master’s affairs?”

Aunt Liu gave an embarrassed laugh. “I spoke out of turn—I’m just curious, since the young master has never prepared such a lavish welcome for anyone.”

With a snort, Uncle Xiang said nothing more and turned to go upstairs, leaving the staff quietly speculating about the identity of the important guest arriving tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Wang Yuqing was in her room, lost in thought. She was still reminiscing about last week’s karaoke outing. Xiao Lin was so clever; surely he understood her feelings by now. But why did he act as if nothing had changed, making no move to respond to her? What could be the reason? She pondered for a long time, but found no answer. Snapping out of her reverie, she looked at the physics test before her and tried to focus, but her mind refused to settle.

With a pout, Wang Yuqing tossed her pen aside. She blamed Xiao Lin for disturbing her thoughts—what a troublemaker!

At that moment, far away at home, Xiao Lin sneezed while eating with his grandmother. “Someone must be thinking of me,” he muttered.

Back to Yuqing, she left her room and walked to the kitchen, where her aunt was preparing dinner. Yuqing grabbed an apron from the hook and tied her hair back, her face bright with a sweet smile. “Auntie, let me help you.”

“Oh, Yuqing, there’s no need. Go on, do your homework,” her aunt said, gently pushing her away.

“It’s fine, I can do my homework later. I need a balance of work and rest!” Yuqing insisted, picking up some vegetables to wash.

“Balance of work and rest! Yuqing, you’re something else. If you’re tired of studying, why not watch a little TV?”

“Hehe, I don’t feel like watching TV. I’d rather help you. Oh, Auntie, can you teach me a dish?”

“Which dish?” her aunt asked, amused by Yuqing’s playful manner.

“Uncle’s favorite—Kung Pao Chicken.”

“Alright, today we’ll make Kung Pao Chicken. Lucky old Wang, getting to enjoy your cooking,” her aunt teased.

Yuqing giggled along with her.

“If you’re tired from studying, tomorrow’s the weekend. I’ll ask your uncle to take us to the park to relax, how about it?” her aunt suggested as she chopped the chicken.

“Um, I can’t tomorrow. I promised a classmate I’d go to his house to discuss a study problem,” Yuqing replied, remembering her agreement to visit Gao Zheng, her brow furrowing slightly.

“I see. Well, maybe next time then,” her aunt said.

“Mm-hm,” Yuqing answered.

Truth be told, Yuqing had little desire to visit Gao Zheng’s house. After she agreed to his invitation, she’d felt a bit uneasy. Why did he insist she go to his home to discuss problems when they could have found time at school? But in her moment of confusion, she’d agreed, and now she couldn’t back out. With a sigh, Yuqing lowered her head, resigned to her fate.