Chapter 37

Following the physical laboratory explosion fiasco, the image of Chén Zhāoyáng and Lín Xiǎotáng grew even taller in their classmates' eyes. The tacit understanding and trust between them deepened further, and that hazy, delicate ambiguity became increasingly distinct beneath the sunlight. However, campus life resembled unpredictable weather, where ripples could stir amidst the calm at any moment. I know not when it began, but rumors started circulating around the school that Chén Zhāoyáng and Lín Xiǎotáng were involved in an early romance. At first, it was merely a few students whispering privately among themselves, but as time passed, the rumors grew more and more outrageous, gradually creating a huge uproar across the campus. One day during a break, Chén Zhāoyáng and Lín Xiǎotáng were discussing a difficult math problem in the classroom as usual. The surrounding classmates, however, occasionally cast odd glances their way and muttered softly about something. Chén Zhāoyáng keenly sensed these changes, and a bad premonition welled up in his heart. He turned to look at Lín Xiǎotáng, only to find her wearing a puzzled expression as well, evidently having noticed the classmates' unusual behavior too.