Chapter 35: Chocolate

Yingnan Xue clapped her hands.

“First, Happy Halloween, everyone! I brought lots of candy to share~ Hope you enjoy~”

Her words sent the class into a frenzy of cheers. Though twins, she and Yixin Xue seemed worlds apart in personality.

Some classmates were already smitten, plotting to win over the more approachable Yingnan Xue. Most would pick the friendlier, easier girl, right?

“Your sister’s super popular.”

Ling Yuan lay on his desk, watching her hand out candy to each student.

The candies were exquisite, clearly high-end, with each person getting three. Yingnan Xue kept a soft, warm smile throughout.

Her motherly demeanor warmed hearts, radiating endless kindness.

“That’s just how she is. She loves fun and making friends.”

Yixin Xue propped her head up, watching expressionlessly. She’d seen this too many times, so it didn’t faze her.

Yixin Xue had no friends, but Yingnan Xue was the opposite—friends everywhere, always a hit.

“That’s weird. You’re twins; shouldn’t your personalities be somewhat similar?”

He pursed his lips.

“You could learn from her. Don’t always look so cold, like everyone owes you money.”

She turned slightly.

“So, Ling Yuan, when are you going to start studying?”

“Uh… good question, really good…”

He planned to half-ass some studying soon. Things he wasn’t into were hard to stick with.

“Hm?”

“I’ll study… don’t rush me…”

He gave a sheepish grin.

“Ling Yuan~ This is for you~”

Yingnan Xue reached past Yixin Xue, pulling out a box the size of a math textbook.

“Imported chocolate~ Super tasty~”

But a cold glint in Yixin Xue’s flame-red eyes sent chills down spines.

“Ling Yuan doesn’t want it?”

All eyes, except Yixin Xue’s, were on him. She turned away alone.

[How does she know my name?]

He froze.

And why did he feel impending doom…? He glanced at Yixin Xue’s back, then at the chocolate.

Taking it or not, he’d face consequences either way…

But with Yingnan Xue standing there, he couldn’t just reject her kindness—she was Yixin Xue’s sister.

“Uh… thanks…”

He forced a smile, taking it, though his heart screamed in agony.

“Looking forward to getting to know you~”

She winked, heading back to the podium, deliberately glancing at Yixin Xue.

[What’s Sister up to…?]

Yixin Xue bit her lip. She was the only one without candy… and Ling Yuan got the most and best!

[Sister’s supposed to help me!]

“Emmm…”

He held the chocolate, at a loss.

Keeping it would upset Yixin Xue. Not keeping it might upset Yingnan Xue… A lose-lose situation.

After a moment, he cautiously called out.

“Class President…”

“What?”

“This chocolate…”

“You dare eat it?”

“No, no, of course not! You take it…”

He shoved it into her hands.

“You should smile more… You’re kinda scary like this…”

[Really?]

She turned slightly, lips curving up.

“Satisfied, Ling Yuan?”

That wasn’t a smile—her eyes held no warmth, only a sick desire.

“Maybe don’t smile…”

He covered his face, half-laughing, half-crying.

That smile was even scarier, bone-chilling.

“So, Yingnan Xue, where would you like to sit?”

The teacher asked kindly.

Yingnan Xue’s grades were solid, earning her the privilege to choose.

“I’d like to sit behind Xue’er.”

“No way!”

Yixin Xue shouted.

“Uh…”

The teacher froze, words stuck in their throat.

“Well… your sister…”

“Teacher, my sister has poor eyesight. I suggest putting her in the first three rows.”

The teacher nodded thoughtfully, turning to Yingnan Xue.

“Do you agree?”

She seemed to see through Yixin Xue’s intentions but kept her soft smile.

“My sister’s right. That works.”

“Then Lan Feng, move to the second-to-last row. Yingnan Xue, take this spot.”

Lan Feng!

Ling Yuan sat up straight. His long-lost brother was back! They’d only be one aisle apart now.

Sure, it was farther than before, but having a fellow sufferer nearby lifted his mood.

Plus, he had way more to talk about with Lan Feng than Yixin Xue.

He watched happily as Lan Feng moved his desk over.

[Why’s he so drained today? Never seen him this worn out.]

Lan Feng set his desk down and immediately collapsed to sleep.

“What’s up with you today, so out of it?”

Ling Yuan leaned over curiously. Lan Feng rarely slept in the morning, unlike him, who often pulled all-nighters gaming.

Lan Feng lifted his head, eyes bleary, then dropped it, mumbling, “So f*cking tired.”

“What’d you do last night?”

“Talk after I sleep. I’m seeing a little devil and angel right now. The devil says sleep.”

“Hm?”

Ling Yuan was confused. Something big must’ve happened to leave him this wrecked.

“What’d the angel say?”

“Listen to the devil.”

Lan Feng grumbled irritably.

“…”

Ling Yuan wanted to press, but seeing his exhaustion, he let it go. He’d ask when Lan Feng was rested.

“Class begin.”

The teacher glanced up, spotting Ling Yuan looking around.

“Looks like Ling Yuan’s not sleeping today—progress! Let’s go over last week’s English quiz. We’re running out of time before tomorrow’s test.”

After some rummaging, Ling Yuan poked Yixin Xue’s back, clutching his forehead.

“What?”

“Uh… I can’t find my quiz…”

“Hmph, come sit by me.”

Wait… why that weird laugh…?