Chapter 89 Graduation Photo

Chapter 89: Graduation Pictures

Jiang Ruotang coaxed in a playful tone, "Aw, don't be like that! Once we're in college, you'll be in sports and I'll be in arts—we won’t even be together. Won’t you regret not having a single photo with me when you miss me later?"

"Pfft, what nonsense! What regret? Stop talking rubbish!"

Though Zhao Zhangfeng acted annoyed, he was dressed exceptionally well today, so he figured taking a photo with Jiang Ruotang wouldn’t hurt.

So they moved closer together. To match Jiang Ruotang’s height, Zhao Zhangfeng even bent down slightly. They stood quite close, and though Zhao Zhangfeng had initially refused to smile, Jiang Ruotang kept pinching his waist, tickling him until he finally laughed.

The moment was captured on Zhao Zhangfeng’s phone.

Off in the distance, Qin Zhanchao had returned to his mother’s side, and their gaze happened to fall on Jiang Ruotang and Zhao Zhangfeng, who were fooling around while taking photos.

"Ruotang has changed a lot this past year—completely different from how I remember him."

"Oh? How so?" Qin Zhanchao turned to his mother.

"Just last year, he was still upset about his father being with Zhao Yunshu. But look at him now, getting along so well with Zhao Yunshu’s son—like real brothers. Family harmony is more important than anything."

"Wasn’t it because Zhao Yunshu agreed to a prenuptial agreement? I heard only Ruotang can inherit Uncle Jiang’s shares. With no threat from his stepmother or stepbrother, Ruotang has no reason to guard against them anymore. Might as well put up a front of brotherly affection in front of others."

Qin Zhanchao thought of his own uncle and cousin. Having endured family feuds and power struggles, he believed in permanent interests, not kinship.

"But from what your Uncle Jiang said, Ruotang genuinely cares for Zhangfeng. Ruotang specifically asked his father to hire trainers and fitness coaches for Zhangfeng. Even when Zhangfeng was selected for trials at the Capital Sports University, it was Ruotang who edited his game footage and sent it to the coaches. He really looks out for Zhangfeng. Once boys understand each other, they bond quickly."

Qin Zhanchao glanced at Jiang Ruotang. The last time he'd played around like this was with his cousin when they were very young.

Jiang Ruotang and Zhao Zhangfeng weren’t even related by blood. If Zhao Zhangfeng ever crossed Jiang Ruotang’s interests in the future, would he still treat him this well?

The banquet ended, and Jiang Ruotang sat in the backseat of the car, scrolling through his photos on his phone.

"Tch, so vain," Zhao Zhangfeng scoffed.

"Oh? Is this narcissism?" Jiang Ruotang thrust his phone at Zhao Zhangfeng, showing a picture of him with his cheeks stuffed full of food.

"You took that without me knowing!"

"Come on—I literally had my phone right in your face. You were just too busy eating to notice!"

"You—don’t you dare post that in the group chat, or I’m cutting ties with you!"

"I’ll keep it for myself, then. I'll enjoy looking at your silly eating face every day."

After more back-and-forth, they arrived home.

After washing up, Jiang Ruotang returned to his room and checked his phone, only to find Zhao Zhangfeng had already flooded their small group chat with photos—various dishes, the night view outside the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows. Though his photography skills lacked any sense of composition, it was enough to make Cai Ji and Jian Sha ooh and aah.

Jiang Ruotang considered posting his own photos too, but that would’ve been too narcissistic.

And… Lu Guifan hadn’t said a word in the group. Was he buried in books again?

Couldn’t this guy care about anything beyond math and science?

Somehow, Jiang Ruotang really wanted to get the Academic God to have some fun.

He selected a few of his own photos and sent them privately to Lu Guifan.

[Do I look good?]

There was no reply for a long time. Jiang Ruotang pouted, thinking Lu Guifan was probably engrossed in the academic journals Professor Yang had mailed him from overseas.

So annoying—journals over an actual person?

Even if Lu Guifan did see his photos, he’d probably just deadpan, "Narcissistic."

A few minutes later, Lu Guifan returned to his room after a shower, read for a while, and only noticed Jiang Ruotang’s messages when setting his alarm before bed.

His seatmate looked undeniably handsome in formal wear—his bright smile and sparkling eyes made him glow.

Relaxed, carefree, lively, even a little cute.

Propped against the headboard, Lu Guifan zoomed in on Jiang Ruotang’s photo. At some point, he'd begun thinking everything about Jiang Ruotang was perfect—the way he leaned in close was adorable, and when he laughed, his eyes sparkled like stars.

Lu Guifan didn’t know what defined a "good-looking" person, but Jiang Ruotang was truly beautiful.

Without realizing it, he’d spent a long time just staring at the photo.

Though he knew Jiang Ruotang was probably asleep by now, seeing the message [Do I look good?], he still typed out a reply: "Very handsome."

The next morning, Jiang Ruotang was jarred awake by his alarm.

Blearily grabbing his phone, he checked the time—and noticed an unread message.

Rubbing his eyes, he tapped it open. It was actually a reply from Lu Guifan?

The words "Very handsome" sent a jolt through him, and he bolted upright.

Unbelievable—Lu Guifan actually called him handsome?

Shouldn’t he have just dryly replied with "Pointless"?

Guess being seatmates had its perks.

On his way to school, a quick glance at his phone revealed Bai Yingchuan all over the headlines again. Fans adored him even more for openly embracing his flaws, even winning over casual observers.

Especially that line—"Imperfect cracks are where the light gets in"—seemed to signal Bai Yingchuan’s "rebirth."

But all Jiang Ruotang cared about was whether Little Sweet Fruit’s popularity had surged along with it. Money came first.

As soon as he arrived at school, Jian Sha excitedly asked if he’d met any celebrities at the banquet.

Jiang Ruotang listed a few A-list actors who often collaborated with Universe, and Jian Sha sighed, "Jiang Ruotang, your life seems like a different world compared to ours."

Beside them, Lu Guifan lowered his gaze, quietly paging through his textbook.

Jiang Ruotang shrugged. "What ‘different world’? If you ever go, you’ll realize how boring it is. No different from parent-teacher conferences—everyone’s just bragging. Except instead of bragging about their kids’ grades without studying, they brag about seeing some celebrity without makeup or drinking with award-winning actors."

Zhao Zhangfeng nodded. "And the mini cakes couldn’t hold a candle to the ones from the dessert shop three blocks from school."

Jiang Ruotang grinned. "See? Zhangfeng cuts to the chase."

A moment later, Jiang Ruotang leaned toward Lu Guifan. "Class Monitor, we’ve been seatmates for over three months now."

"Hm? What about it?" Lu Guifan lifted his eyes slightly.

"Let’s take a photo together. We’re seatmates, yet we don’t have a single picture. What if you become some renowned scholar later? I’d have no proof we were ever seatmates." Jiang Ruotang said seriously.

Before Lu Guifan could respond, Jian Sha teased, "Sounds like you're saying, 'We're already in a relationship, but we don't even have a single photo together—no keepsake to remember our love by.'"

Jiang Ruotang's face darkened. "Sister Sha, what kind of messy novels are you reading every day? Sounds like they're rotting your brain."

But Lu Guifan said, "Then let's take one then."

At this, Jian Sha’s eyes lit up, and she immediately reached out toward Jiang Ruotang. "C'mon, c'mon, let me snap one of you two!"

Jiang Ruotang hadn’t gotten his hopes up, always thinking Lu Guifan wasn’t the type to dwell on the past. To him, high school was just another phase in life—no need for sentimentality. Yet, unexpectedly, Lu Guifan agreed.

He gave Lu Guifan a surprised look.

Jian Sha was already standing in front of them with her phone, giving a finger snap. "Hey there, handsome, look at me."

Jiang Ruotang’s throat tightened. At that moment, his mind went blank—not thinking about striking a pose or whether he’d look bad in the photo. He just felt pure happiness, his heart racing, this incredible feeling surging through his veins.

At twenty-eight, Lu Guifan had once shown Jiang Ruotang their high school graduation photo.

Back then, Jiang Ruotang was already being sidelined in class due to his father’s issues, standing in the corner of the last row, hardly noticeable.

Lu Guifan, meanwhile, sat beside their homeroom teacher, his calm, gentle eyes looking straight ahead.

In that tiny photo, they might as well have been worlds apart, as if separated by countless mountains and rivers.

But now, Lu Guifan’s arm rested on Jiang Ruotang’s shoulder, his hand warm.

Jiang Ruotang tilted his head slightly, keeping his smile small—his eyes would disappear if he did.

"You two are so stiff, like you're just standing together but miles apart," Jian Sha said, reaching over to push their heads closer. "There, that’s better!"

After taking two more shots, Jian Sha handed the phone back to Jiang Ruotang.

Jiang Ruotang grinned at her. "You’re being so nice, taking photos for us? What do you want? Out with it!"

Jian Sha gave him a "you know me so well" look. "I want a set of commemorative photos taken at school before the college entrance exams too. Jiang Ruotang, you’re the son of a director—you should be able to give me a set of artsy, moody shots."

Jiang Ruotang suddenly felt the weight of responsibility. "Artsy, moody shots?"

Does that mean I have to learn Photoshop real quick?

The countdown to the college entrance exams on the blackboard had dropped from triple to double digits. As it inched closer to zero, everyone was filled not just with test anxiety but also uncertainty about the future… and the sadness of soon going separate ways.

Some little, fleeting, pure moments in life—how much of them would remain after leaving this campus?

At the end of May, the school arranged for graduation photos for the senior classes.

Class 1, Senior Three was up first.

Though teachers usually warned students against wasting time on appearances, this time, Teacher Song unexpectedly set out combs, mirrors, and hair clips and such on the lectern. "Anyone who needs them can borrow these to tidy up. Just remember to return them—they were contributed by your English teacher."

Jian Sha had come prepared, fussing with her bangs in the mirror. Watching her, Jiang Ruotang thought of the line "adorning oneself before the mirror."

Who would’ve thought tomboy Jian Sha actually cared about her looks?

After fixing herself up, Jian Sha helped Cai Ji tame his curls and gave Zhao Zhangfeng’s eyebrows a trim.

"My eyebrows are fine as they are—no need to trim them!"

"They’re a complete mess. Shaping them will give you cleaner lines!"

"No way, what kind of guy trims his eyebrows…"

Zhao Zhangfeng tried to dodge, but Jiang Ruotang pinned him. "Trim them! Zhang Feng, listen to me—groomed brows make you look polished!"

"Fine… fine… you can trim them, but not too thin or long!"

"Okay, okay, we won’t! Just a clean, defined shape! See for yourself!"

Jian Sha worked quickly, tidying Zhao Zhangfeng’s brows in no time.

Zhao Zhangfeng examined himself in the small mirror, stroking his chin. "Huh, I do look better!"

"Right? Who’s next?" Jian Sha waved her eyebrow razor.

"Me," Cai Ji raised his hand.

Cai Ji’s eyebrows were sparse. Even after shaping, something was still off.

Jian Sha shot Jiang Ruotang a look. "Go grab an eyebrow pencil."

"Where am I supposed to get one?"

Jian Sha tilted her chin toward Chen Minzhen in the front row—the class hottie.

"Alright, for Cai Cai's sake."

Just as Jiang Ruotang was about to stand, Lu Guifan was already up. "I’ll borrow it."

Lu Guifan walked to Chen Minzhen’s desk and asked calmly, "Chen Minzhen, mind if I borrow your eyebrow pencil?"

The girl named Chen Minzhen looked up, meeting Lu Guifan’s eyes through her glasses, froze for a second.

Ever since Lu Guifan changed his lenses, maintaining eye contact with the Academic God for more than three seconds had become one of their school’s top three "crush-worthy challenges."

Chen Minzhen had thought it was exaggerated—how could Lu Guifan’s eyes compare to Bai Yingchuan’s?

But now… heavens, with graduation looming, she suddenly understood Lu Guifan’s appeal.

"Oh, sure… do you want brown or light gray?"

"It’s for Cai Ji. I’m not sure what suits him."

"Light brown would work." Chen Minzhen handed one over from her makeup bag.

"What color would suit Jiang Ruotang?"

"Ah…" Chen Minzhen glanced back at Jiang Ruotang, who was chatting with Jian Sha. "Probably light brown too."

"Okay, thanks. I’ll return it soon."

Lu Guifan gave a faint smile before turning away.

Chen Minzhen tilted her head, then whispered to her deskmate and best friend, "I just realized the class monitor’s eyes are actually really beautiful!"

"You’re only noticing now?"

"And when he asked to borrow the eyebrow pencil just now, he was so gentle. Nothing like when he collects homework!"

"Kicking yourself now?"

Chen Minzhen nodded vigorously, "Yes!"

"Don't think about it, that 100 million only belongs to the class president's seatmate."

Chen Minzhen turned to look again and saw Jiang Ruotang cheerfully taking the eyebrow pencil and handing it to Jian Sha.

Cai Ji tilted his head slightly as Jian Sha, who had quite a talent for eyebrow grooming, applied the pencil with just the right touch.

"Hey... do you think Lin Lu will come for the group photo?"

As soon as Cai Ji said it, he realized he shouldn’t have brought up that name.

But Jiang Ruotang understood why Cai Ji had thought of him—because long ago, Cai Ji had also been a social outcast in class, struggling to fit in socially.

"He won’t come. Teacher Song invited him, but he declined, saying where he lives now is too far," Lu Guifan replied.

Hearing this, Jiang Ruotang sighed.

Lin Lu was someone whose low self-esteem warred with his stubborn pride—he wouldn’t come to endure the judgmental gazes of his classmates.

Before long, Song Qinghe entered the classroom and called everyone downstairs.

"All dressed up? Check if there’s any food stuck at the corners of your mouths! Are your suits and shirts buttoned properly? Come on, kids, let’s go downstairs!"

Amid laughter, everyone headed down. The afternoon sunlight wasn’t too harsh but was bright and full of hope.

Song Qinghe, Wang Fuzi, and other subject teachers sat in the front row. As class leaders, Lu Guifan and Jian Sha also took their seats in the front, with Lu Guifan right beside the teachers—claiming the center position.

Jiang Ruotang deliberately positioned himself behind Lu Guifan and lightly rested his hand on his shoulder.

Lu Guifan was the most rule-abiding person, so Jiang Ruotang guessed he’d shake off his hand once the official shooting started. But for now, he’d enjoy it while it lasted.

When the photographer looked at them through the lens and counted, "One, two, three!"

Just as Jiang Ruotang was about to withdraw his hand, Lu Guifan suddenly raised his own and gently pressed down on his fingertips.

At that moment, Jiang Ruotang’s heart felt like it was dipped in honey. Maybe it was just an unconscious gesture for Lu Guifan, but right then, Jiang Ruotang knew—he was special to him.

Because Lu Guifan wouldn’t let anyone else rest their hand on his shoulder during a group photo.

Classes ended at 5:30 that day. Jian Sha dragged Jiang Ruotang to be her photographer, saying she wanted to take rooftop photos at sunset.

"Alright, Your Highness."

When they reached the rooftop, they realized it wasn’t just Jian Sha—other sneaky couples were also there taking pictures.

Luckily, no one had written "XX, I love you" or carved love graffiti on the walls. Anything like that would be mercilessly removed by the school.

Beicheng Guangyao could have legends of the Academic God, but no traces of romance were allowed to stay.

Jiang Ruotang was great at photography, adjusting angles while directing Jian Sha’s poses.

"Sha Sha, lift your chin a bit, give me some attitude—yes, just like that..."

"Sha Sha, point your toes toward me... prop your chin, don’t look at me, gaze into the distance—yes, perfect!"

"Tilt your head back and laugh—bigger, happier! Imagine Cai Cai’s sheepish curls!"

While Jiang Ruotang focused on photographing Jian Sha, Lu Guifan also took out his phone and captured Jiang Ruotang’s profile.

Like a silhouette—soft cheek contours, thick and upturned lashes...

At that moment, Lu Guifan felt as if the whole world faded with the setting sun, leaving only Jiang Ruotang in sharp clarity.

A wave of emotion welled up inside him, merging with the sunset.

Even the couples taking photos nearby couldn’t resist crowding around to see Jiang Ruotang’s shots.

"Wow... these are amazing... Hey, Jiang Ruotang, could you take some for us too?"

For them, youth came only once—and so did first love.

Jiang Ruotang didn’t refuse. He took several shots for them, then asked for a favor in return.

"Let’s take a group photo too—all five of us."

Cai Ji nodded eagerly. "I was just about to suggest that!"

Even Zhao Zhangfeng, who usually hated photos, agreed. "We should have a memento."

So they lined up against the rooftop railing—Jian Sha in front, Jiang Ruotang leaning out slightly, followed by Cai Ji, Lu Guifan, and Zhao Zhangfeng.

With Jiang Ruotang’s guidance, the composition turned out like a professional-grade shot.

And just like that, May came to an end.

The college entrance exams were just around the corner. Classes shifted to self-study periods—students working through practice tests while teachers stood ready to explain.

Meanwhile, Lu Guifan raced against time, guessing likely exam topics for Zhao Zhangfeng and coaching Jiang Ruotang through final prep.

"Class monitor, you’re a real friend," Zhao Zhangfeng said.

"It’s nothing. We’re friends," Lu Guifan replied without a change in expression.

"Honestly, two years ago, I never imagined we’d be talking so calmly," Zhao Zhangfeng admitted.

Lu Guifan smiled slightly, glancing at Jiang Ruotang, who was struggling with a tough question. "Two years ago, you also never thought you’d call him ‘bro.’"

After racking his brain and only managing a few steps, Jiang Ruotang turned to Lu Guifan. "Can you... come home with us tonight?"

Zhao Zhangfeng, not overthinking it, quipped, "Even machines need downtime. It’s crunch time—you still want to squeeze the last bit out of the class monitor?"

"That’s not..." Jiang Ruotang opened his mouth but bit back his explanation.

He was just nervous—too nervous to sleep.

Not everyone got a second chance. Even those who retook the exams often scored worse the second time.

He knew failing the exams didn’t mean the end of life, but after nearly a year of backbreaking work—relearning forgotten material—if he still didn’t make it, he’d lose all faith.

More importantly... if he didn’t get in, or didn’t make it to the capital, it meant being separated from Lu Guifan.

With his abilities, becoming the Provincial Zhuangyuan would be a cakewalk.

He’d definitely go to the capital.

After class ended that day, Jiang Ruotang slowly packed his things. Lu Guifan studied his profile and spoke up.

"If you’re really worried about having questions at night... want me to come over?" Lighting up, Jiang Ruotang nodded before he finished speaking. "Yes! Please!"

For Lu Guifan, he knew his personality wasn't particularly likable.

Since childhood, he never knew how to sweet-talk, never boasted about helping others, and was too uptight and serious. Other relatives had also remarked that with his high IQ but low EQ, even if he excelled academically, he’d get eaten alive out there.

But Jiang Ruotang was different—he accepted and wanted to get close to Lu Guifan, flaws and all.

Lu Guifan lightly pressed the back of Jiang Ruotang’s head. "So, can you pack up a little faster now?"

"Speedy! Blazing fast!"

Zhao Zhangfeng, who had slung his backpack over his shoulder, remarked dryly, "Man, you don’t brag about being 'speedy.'"

Jiang Ruotang shot him a glare.

That night, Jiang Ruotang lay by the wall, his pulse pounding, especially when he heard the sound of running water. His mind automatically conjured up steamy mental images of Lu Guifan—his head tilted back, wet black hair clinging to his forehead like some sea deity’s, water trickling down his cheeks, neck, shoulders, and dripping down…

Then Jiang Ruotang pinched himself hard.

Stop it, stop it! Rein it in, your brain’s going wild!

If a drama filmed something like this, they’d call it cheesy!

Jiang Ruotang felt like his brain was full of trash. As he rolled around, trying to shake out those useless thoughts, the bedroom door opened, and Lu Guifan stood there, momentarily stunned.

"What’s with the caterpillar impression? Can you even crawl out of your cocoon?"

"I was just… bored since you weren’t here," Jiang Ruotang blurted out an excuse.

When he caught sight of Lu Guifan’s loosely fastened pajama collar, he froze.

Lu Guifan’s collarbones… were really nice.

Before, Lu Guifan would button his pajamas all the way up, a total prude—Jiang Ruotang never got to see anything.

By late May, the weather had grown warmer. Though the nights were still slightly cool, coming out of a hot shower left Lu Guifan feeling warm, so he’d left one button undone. Finally, Jiang Ruotang got an eyeful.

Lu Guifan, glancing down at the suddenly quiet Jiang Ruotang, tugged at his collar to let out some heat.

That warmth seemed to rush straight to Jiang Ruotang’s face.

Jiang Ruotang felt his self-control hanging by a thread. Wrapped in the blanket, his back grew sweaty and hot, but without it, his reactions would be completely exposed. Talk about a lose-lose.

Thanks a lot, teenage hormones!

But Lu Guifan was the one he wanted. Even at twenty-eight… it’d probably be the same.

Lu Guifan got up and sat at Jiang Ruotang’s desk to blow-dry his hair, luckily facing away.

Seizing the opportunity, Jiang Ruotang threw off the blanket and dashed to the bathroom… Finally, he could clear his head!

After a while, splashing cold water on his face, Jiang Ruotang made sure he wasn’t blushing anymore before returning to the bedroom.

As soon as he stepped in, he saw Lu Guifan already leaning against the headboard. His freshly dried short hair was soft and fluffy, and he wore those black-framed glasses that toned down seventy percent of his hotness—along with one hundred percent of desire. Paired with his pajamas buttoned all the way up, Jiang Ruotang took a deep breath. So damn proper.

Then he pulled the same stunt again. Even though he could climb onto the bed from the foot, he deliberately chose to step over Lu Guifan’s side.

Lu Guifan, totally clueless about his scheme, simply lifted a hand to support his waist, effortlessly using his impressive arm strength to guide Jiang Ruotang to the inner side.

Once Jiang Ruotang lay down, Lu Guifan turned off the bedside lamp and removed his glasses.

"Ruo Tang."

Before Jiang Ruotang could adjust to the darkness, Lu Guifan softly called his name. His heart was an echo chamber, and Lu Guifan’s voice echoed through it, layer after layer.

"Hmm?" Jiang Ruotang turned onto his side, tilting his face up toward Lu Guifan.

It was surreal—Lu Guifan’s features grew clearer in the dark, while he surely couldn’t see Jiang Ruotang at all.

"I don’t think you need to stress over the college entrance exam. You’re hardworking and smart. You’ll ace it."

Jiang Ruotang swallowed before speaking. "I’m just afraid… what if I bomb it, but all of you leave…"

Truthfully, what really scared him wasn’t the exam—it was being separated from Lu Guifan.

Lu Guifan lifted a hand and gave Jiang Ruotang’s hair a tousle. "What’s the big deal? I’d retake senior year with you."

Jiang Ruotang went stock-still.

Everything seemed to rewind rapidly, back to their last life when Lu Guifan had given up an overseas opportunity from Professor Yang just to take care of him.

Lu Guifan would always be Lu Guifan—unchanged.

"I won’t need that," Jiang Ruotang muttered.

Lu Guifan thought he was upset about the suggestion of repeating the year, as if he’d underestimated him. Just as he was wondering how to comfort him, Jiang Ruotang curled up, just like the last time he’d slept here—like he was trying to worm his way into his arms.

"I’ll nail it. I won’t let anyone sacrifice anything for me."

Jiang Ruotang’s voice was firm.

In this life, no matter what he and Lu Guifan ended up being—lifelong classmates, friends, or, if Jiang Ruotang’s wishes came true, something more—what he wanted most was for Lu Guifan to have a bright future.

"Dummy, it’s no big deal. At most… a gap year."

"That’s not what a gap year is for!" Jiang Ruotang added, "And don’t call me silly."

"Aren’t you?" Lu Guifan chuckled. "You get lost the second electrons hit a magnetic field."

"Yeah, well, next to you, we’re all morons."

Jiang Ruotang pretended to be angry, turning to face the wall, but inside, he was glowing.

For someone as goal-oriented as Lu Guifan to say he’d repeat the year with him…

Even if it was just comfort, it meant the world.

He stayed like that, back turned to Lu Guifan, unmoving for about five minutes. Unexpectedly, Lu Guifan was the one who turned over first.

When Lu Guifan draped an arm lightly over him, Jiang Ruotang’s heart went into overdrive. Great, now he’d never sleep—with Lu Guifan beside him, it’d be even worse!

"Ruo Tang, your paintings are already being exhibited in galleries. You’ve won prestigious art competitions. You have such foresight that you’ve made investment decisions that even veterans in the field found impressive. Your life has already beaten ninety-nine point nine-nine percent of people… So, to me, to Zhang Feng, and to all your friends, you’re way more than any test score."

Lu Guifan’s voice was steady, just stating facts.

"Other than me, who else have you praised like this?"

"The neighbor kid back home."

"What’d you say about him?"