"Whatever," He Lingyi repeated.
Jiang Sifan smiled and pushed the door open. They took their seats, and he ordered grilled fish along with a few side dishes. While waiting for the food, he poured a glass of water and pushed it toward her. He Lingyi cupped the glass with both hands but didn't drink, just staring blankly at the water inside.
"Lingyi," Jiang Sifan called out softly.
She looked up.
"Do you know what score I got on my first mock exam in my senior year of high school?" he asked.
He Lingyi shook her head.
"A bit over four hundred and eighty," Jiang Sifan said with a smile. "Even worse than yours."
He Lingyi froze for a moment. "Really?"
"Why would I lie to you?" Jiang Sifan leaned back in his chair, his tone relaxed. "Back then, I was just like you. I locked myself in my room and wouldn't even open the door when my mom knocked. Later, my homeroom teacher called me and said something I still remember to this day."
