### Chapter 378: Insomnia Strikes Again
The homeroom teacher’s words still held weight. With a roar from him, the whole class immediately fell silent.
“I know you’re all looking forward to the field trip tomorrow, but let’s focus on today’s lesson. Anything else can wait until after class.”
As he spoke, He Gongxing noticed Xia Yu and Xia Ling who were not at school yesterday but are now back. He then continued, “Some students had special reasons for being absent yesterday and didn’t hear the principal speak. So I’ll repeat it for you right now.”
Sss—
Is the homeroom teacher going to announce it again? This will definitely delay the start of the class! But Xia Yu loved delaying class and listened to the teacher intently as if savoring a fine meal.
The other classmates had no desire to attend any class either; they’d rather pass one class at a time.
“Tomorrow, the lower grade classes will be going on an outdoor spring outing. It will be held at Nanshan Park, outside the city, and all of us will spend a night there before heading back the day after tomorrow.”
As he spoke, He Gongxing actually turned around and started writing on the blackboard, continuing to explain, “Everyone needs to bring two hundred yuan to pay for the trip tomorrow morning. The fee covers transportation, accommodation, and meals. Each student pays two hundred yuan. Don’t forget to pack extra clothes as well. There’s a hotel nearby and the school will arrange accommodations for everyone—no need to worry about sleeping outdoors.”
He detailed everything thoroughly before adding, “This spring outing is mandatory for all students except those who feel physically unwell. You must inform me in advance. Everyone else needs to participate. After we get back, you’re required to submit an essay with no less than six hundred words, due the day after tomorrow, to your class monitor.”
Xia Yu: “…“
Forced or not, Xia Yu wasn’t worried about the money, but she loathed having to write an essay. Essay writing was excruciatingly painful to her—boring and stressful.
Although Xia Yu’s essays had improved through training, that didn’t mean she enjoyed essay writing. It was a tiresome task and it made her hair fall out. High Xiaotian, who saw Xia Yu in distress, was unsurprised and leaned over to conspire, “I’m not writing an essay at all. Want to join me?”
Xia Yu: “…Really so domineering?”
High Xiaotian responded nonchalantly, “I am a dead fish anyway. Whether I struggle or not, I still end up salty. Why bother struggling if it just tires me out?” “Fair point.”
Xia Yu managed a wry smile. In the past, she’d have jumped at the chance to dodge the assignment with High Xiaotian, banding together in solidarity. But she felt she owed it to Little Ning and her tutor to behave more responsibly now.
So Xia Yu shook her head, declining his invitation, “Let’s write them. Facing constant anxiety after returning wouldn’t help. At worst, I could just copy someone else’s.”
Hearing this, High Xiaotian brightened up, “Right! I could copy one beforehand. As if I have anything better to do now.”
Then, much to Xia Yu’s surprise, High Xiaotian took out a large book titled ‘Huangguang Essays’ from under his desk. Xia Yu recalled seeing this book in his drawer before. High Xiaotian had bought it for fifty bucks and previously used it as a pillow until now.
High Xiaotian started copying from the essay book, prompting Xia Yu to act as well—even though she hadn’t relied on any books. She’d conjured her own stories out of thin air. The sooner she finished with the essay, the sooner she’d be free.
Xia Yu typed out her words incredibly fast. She handed over her work just as the bell rang. Checking her errors, she noticed that the bell rang just three seconds after High Xiaotian finished his messy, hurried writing.
“Hey, Xia Yu, you’re done too! Let me see.”
Curious, High Xiaotian approached Xia Yu’s desk and found her work completed. Her handwriting looked far nicer compared to his and better even than her previous efforts. Impressed, High Xiaotian handed the notebook back, “Did you practice calligraphy during the summer break? Your writing looks much better. Super elegant, like a delicate flower!”
Cough, cough, cough—
Xia Yu had been savoring High Xiaotian’s compliment with her eyes closed. Couldn’t he praise her a bit more? She complained in her mind.
At this moment, Jiang Hanhang and Xia Ling walked over. Seeing Xia Yu and High Xiaotian being playful, Jiang Hanhang narrowed her eyes and grinned, “Xia Yu, you’re a naughty kid!”
Xia Yu: “… It’s just friends talking, isn’t it?”
Xia Ling couldn’t stand seeing her sister being mischievous and gave her a light tap on the head, “If you keep bullying me… and treat your brother so badly. I’ll make him less stiff when we go back tonight.” After dealing with Jiang Hanhang’s mischief, Xia Ling finally turned to Xia Yu, “Come on, let’s go to the bathroom. Don’t think I’m not taking care of you.”
“Alright.”
Coincidentally, Xia Yu wanted to use the restroom as well.
Watching Xia Yu being led away by Jiang Hanhang and Xia Ling, High Xiaotian frowned. “Cheh, favoring females over friends. Your highness is above you now.”
As for whether Xia Yu heard his comment, that was another story entirely.
On the way, Jiang Hanhang stopped teasing. Turning serious, she said to Xia Yu, “I asked my sister. They won’t be going on a field trip there since they’re busy. Plus, she is unable to come along due to work.”
“Why not? Isn’t my Xiao Ning the one doing everything?”
In her eyes, Xia Yu believed Little Ning could do anything. If she wanted to attend a lesson, she would attend it; if not, she wouldn’t. Xia Yu originally wished to go sightseeing and take pictures with Little Ning. But learning that Little Ning couldn’t join them made Xia Yu feel a little down.
Jiang Hanhang sighed, “You know sister has been awfully busy. She works with her laptop wherever she goes, even during lessons. How can she find time to play with us?”
Xia Yu reflected and realized that Little Ning had indeed been very busy. If only she didn’t have to be so dedicated.
They arrived at the women’s restroom.
After using the restroom and returning to her seat, Xia Yu was no longer as excited about the trip the next day. Because now, Little Ning wouldn’t be joining them.
“It’s really not fun…”
She sighed with regret and put her head back down on the table. High Xiaotian sneered, “Tired after visiting the ladies’ room already? Feeling bored?”
“I am. The girls look too beautiful. Even I feel like a fool. Want to take a peek inside? The view’s stunning!”
“Cut the cr*p!” Xia Yu retorted.
Xia Yu sat attentively through the rest of her classes, determined not to fall asleep. She remembered Little Ning’s words—if she wanted to succeed and help Little Ning, she needed to study hard.
When lunchtime came, Xia Yu finally confronted Jiang Kekai directly. “Little Ning, are you truly unavailable tomorrow? The spring outing really seems impossible?”
From Xia Yu’s voice, Jiang Kekai knew the little girl genuinely wanted to go. Hearing from Hanhang that both Xia Yu and Xia Ling were first-timers for a field trip explained their enthusiasm.
However, Little Ning was genuinely busy. She stroked Xia Yu’s head apologetically, “I wish I could go, but I am caught up in a project. There’s a lot of work that requires my immediate attention. But you can still go though.”
“But it’s not fun without you.”
Seeing Xia Yu throw a tantrum made Xia Ling and Jiang Hanhang amused. Although Xia Yu had picked up some habits, they rarely saw her act spoiled. This provided an excellent opportunity. They even wanted to take photos of this moment, but feared it might stop.
Xia Yu was practical, reverting to normal quickly after her moment of indulgence. “I understand, Little Ning. Your work must be important. So I don’t want to impose.”
Jiang Kekai felt unexpectedly touched but soon accepted Xia Yu’s sentiments. Patting her hair lovingly, she said, “It’s alright. Things will calm down soon, and I’ll catch up with you all.”
Turning to Xia Ling, the strongest among them, she added sternly, “You three are definitely going on the trip. I can’t say no, but remember to stay safe. Xia Ling, especially, make sure Xia Yu and Hanhang are protected.”
Xia Ling was surprised by Jiang Kekai’s tone but understood it was because she was both her sister and Xia Yu’s favorite. Her heart fluttered with joy.
With everything settled, lunch wrapped up, and everyone dispersed to nap.
Feeling Little Ning’s warmth, Little Ning held Xia Yu close to comfort her sleeplessness. Xia Yu’s little face pressed against Little Ning’s chest, making her even more restless.
