Shen Yi’s progress was plain for all to see. With another six months before the college entrance exams, who knew what new heights he would reach?

Besides, what if Qin Jiao’s grades slipped after switching to a different deskmate?

Not to mention, Sun Guotao had spent a great deal of time getting to know his students before deciding on the current seating chart, which he considered the most suitable arrangement. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

He set down his large tea mug and said, "After a semester of getting used to one another, it’s clear that you’re all well-suited as deskmates. So, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the seating chart will not change next semester."

One of the bolder students asked with a chuckle, "Mr. Sun, what if we develop feelings for each other from sitting together?"

These kids were growing up, all filled with a budding curiosity about love. Some had even started dating in secret.

Sun Guotao’s gaze swept over Chen Feng and Lin Nian. In a placid tone, he said, "You are all united and caring classmates, so of course you’ll have feelings for one another. Ten years from now, when you’re all working in different fields, you’ll look back and be incredibly grateful for these youthful years you spent striving together."

The student fell silent.

The teacher had deliberately twisted his meaning, but the student didn’t argue back.

All the students grew excited.

That’s right. In the past six months of their senior year, ninety percent of the students in Class 10 had improved, many by a significant margin. Several parents had been so pleasantly surprised that they’d tried to give Sun Guotao gifts, all of which he had refused.

Watching his students’ pensive expressions, Sun Guotao said earnestly, "Go home and tell your parents there’s no need to give me any gifts. The credit isn’t mine; it’s a result of your own hard work. However, only six months have passed. There are another six to go. You’re all about to go home for winter break and the New Year, but you can’t slack off and just have fun. You can only claim victory after the college entrance exams are finished!"

"Yes! We won’t slack off!"

"Good. Once the college entrance exams are over, I’ll treat you all to a great meal!"

"Wow!"

The students cheered, their thoughts no longer on puppy love. Everyone was fired up, some even secretly resolving to study hard over winter break and surpass a certain someone.

However, not everyone had stopped thinking about the topic of puppy love.

Shen Yi secretly glanced at Qin Jiao. ’We’ve been deskmates for so long. How has she not developed even a hint of feeling for me?’

Shen Yi’s brow furrowed slightly at the thought that he had to return to North City after the break, meaning they would probably be separated for some time.

He suddenly leaned closer to Qin Jiao and asked in a low voice, "Are you going back to your hometown for the New Year?"

People usually had to go back early for the New Year to clean the house from top to bottom, and they also had to prepare all sorts of special goods. Many households would be bustling with activity for quite a while.

After hearing Shen Yi’s question, Qin Jiao thought for a moment and said, "We haven’t decided yet."

Shen Yi said, "Oh." Then, as if making sure Qin Jiao heard, he added, "After my mom and Shen Zhengfeng finalize their divorce, she and I will come back to Ping’an Town to spend the New Year with my maternal grandfather."

Qin Jiao didn’t know what to make of his comment, and Shen Yi didn’t elaborate, having just mentioned it in passing.

After the grades were announced and the winter break homework and test papers were distributed, Sun Guotao dismissed the class.

Ever since the big snowstorm, Qin Zhonghui had been driving them in his three-wheeler. This included Xiao Shi, who was still in elementary school and always had to squeeze in next to Shen Yi. Qin Jiao had grown numb to the situation.

She repeatedly reminded herself, ’Technically, I’m much older than Shen Yi is now. It’s no big deal, just being squeezed in next to a little kid.’

’It’s not like you can literally squeeze feelings out of someone, so what’s there to be afraid of?!’