Chapter 37: The Misery of Having Neighbors
During the school year, Toan Phuong had a ton of tests and quizzes, so Kieu Ly focused on helping him study. But as the second semester drew to a close, she had to start preparing for her own exams.
Once Toan Phuong got serious about studying, his progress was astonishing—especially in math, where he consistently scored perfect marks.
He suddenly became a rising star at school, catching the attention of several teachers.
In just a short time, Kieu Ly could hardly recognize the slacker with terrible grades and a rebellious attitude that she had met not too long ago.
When he studied with full concentration, he seemed so much more mature.
Soon enough, it was time for Kieu Ly's own final exams.
She took a break from tutoring for three weeks to focus entirely on her studies.
Except for the days she had to go take exams, Kieu Ly and Huong Tra stayed cooped up in their room, studying non-stop.
One afternoon, as they were fully immersed in their revision, Hong knocked on the door—dragging in a small student desk.
"Can I crash here for a while?" she asked.
Hong was in a different major, so their exam content didn't overlap at all.
Studying together wouldn't benefit anyone academically, but Kieu Ly still cheerfully cleared a spot for her.
"Of course. Make yourself at home."
Hong set the desk down on the bed, pulled out her books, and started spreading things out—though her expression clearly showed she was annoyed about something.
Huong Tra looked up and teased:
"You're not here to study. You just came to gossip, right? I'm warning you, we're in full study mode here—no chatting allowed."
Hong let out a heavy sigh and began venting:
"Mai's about to bring her boyfriend over. She used to wait until I wasn't home, but now she doesn't care anymore. Even if I'm there, she brings him anyway. And she basically worships the guy! She's on her way to the bus stop to pick him up right now. I can't stand watching them being all lovey-dovey."
Huong Tra smirked:
"You're just jealous because you don't have a boyfriend, huh?"
Hong didn't deny it—in fact, she leaned into her rant:
"Don't rub salt in my wounds! It's not like I can't get one—I just want to focus on studying and avoid all the relationship nonsense. But that guy? He's the worst! Never brings a gift when he visits. Doesn't even get her anything on holidays. And she still loves him! She's so dumb."
Since Kieu Ly was usually out tutoring, she rarely witnessed these situations.
But Huong Tra, who was home more often, had heard Hong's complaints several times.
And every time, she would tease her even more.
"You've never been in love, so what do you know?" Huong Tra said.
"When people love each other, they sacrifice and support each other without expecting things in return. You're too calculating—that's why you're still single. Students don't have money to go around spoiling anyone. And don't forget—he's a year younger!"