Shang Qing tightened her arms, shifting the tall, heavy stack of books from the teacher’s hands into her own. She braced them against her chest, careful not to let them slip. As she walked slowly down the long corridor, it wasn't that she didn't want to move faster, but the stack was so high she feared bumping into someone.
Just then, Xue Xueling stepped out from the second-floor office. Seeing Shang Qing struggling with a pile so tall it nearly blocked her view, looking for all the world like a confused Psyduck, she didn't hesitate. She hurried over and deftly relieved her of about a third of the weight, cradling it in her own arms.
Shang Qing was delighted to have the help. When she realized it was the class monitor, Xue Xueling, her surprise gave way to a smile that curled her eyes into crescents.
Chapter 48