Suppressing the urge to continue their conversation, Zhou Tingzhao looked at his watch and said gently: “Enough.”

Sang Ru, engrossed in their discussion about the science project, raised her eyes at his words. They were bright with excitement, and her cheeks were flushed.

This appearance was truly full of enthusiasm.

Unable to resist her eager expression, Zhou Tingzhao closed his notebook, making a soft sound that barely registered. Sang Ru, pausing her explanation, took a few moments to collect her thoughts, then made a small sound of confusion: “Hmm?”

His hand still rested on his notebook as her latest diagram remained unfinished. His palm suddenly felt an inexplicable warmth.

Zhou Tingzhao used his thumb to turn to a blank page. Facing this person who now appeared particularly disappointed, his voice unconsciously softened: “That’s enough for today.”

His still-unopened textbook was gripped in his hand, his distinctly careful fingers holding the cover, looking extremely like someone reluctant to end a study session.

He hadn’t finished helping her yet, and this was supposed to be enough?

Sang Ru didn’t take him seriously at all. She leaned forward and pointed to the next problem in his book, then said insistently: “Not enough.”

This seemed as if he were actively sharing his knowledge with her. Zhou Tingzhao felt his resolve weaken once, nearly giving in.

“It is enough,” Zhou Tingzhao said in a gentle voice. He reached up to take a couple of sticky notes from Old Zheng’s desk to mark important pages, then began organizing his study materials. Before putting away his books, his voice was calm despite her pleading: “Time to do our homework.”

Still thinking about homework when she wanted to keep talking?

Sang Ru moved closer, pressing her hand against his notebook, preventing him from closing it. His textbook remained open, or more directly, kept available for her questions.

Her expression was very earnest, now animated from her interest in the subject, contrasting with his more reserved demeanor—a heartwarming sight perfect for this classroom setting.

Sang Ru pointed to a difficult equation, instantly drawing his attention back to the problem. She tapped her pencil against it, saying: “Why are you being difficult again, Zhou Tingzhao?”

If he were being helpful, he would patiently explain the problem to her, watching her eagerly learn, or even work through more examples, watching her eyes light up with understanding.

Like he did later when they became study partners.

But at her age, in his situation, the pressure of exams made leisurely study sessions challenging. He simply couldn’t spend unlimited time.

Yet she never relented in persuading him. Now she pointed to another problem, her voice as if softened from disappointment: “I’m so confused about this part, won’t you help me understand?”

Zhou Tingzhao didn’t respond whether he would or wouldn’t, only his expression showing slight hesitation.

Too tempting, too tempting.

But Sang Ru suddenly stood up, moving to his side of the desk and leaning on it. She opened her own notebook, her neat, colorful notes appearing before his eyes with star-shaped highlights marking important formulas.

It was so well-organized that Zhou Tingzhao felt he could appreciate her dedication—her effort.

Seeing him motionless for a long while, Sang Ru flipped through more pages to show him her work.

He should have self-discipline about time, but she seemed born to challenge his schedule.

As if drawn in, Zhou Tingzhao did as she asked, raising his hand to point at her notes. His fingers moved from one equation to another section. The pages were filled with careful work, the detailed steps also showing her commitment.

He quickly reviewed the page, saying: “Very thorough.”

This wasn’t just a casual compliment, yet he made it sound like an academic observation. Engaging him step by step, Sang Ru felt encouraged—how had his attention suddenly become so focused?

She decided to be even more direct, turning to a blank page in her notebook. Her questions became more specific and were clearly written out. She wrote down what she understood so far, making the central problem very clear. Ideas visibly flowed onto the page. A small diagram illustrated the top section, but it didn’t provide the full solution—rather, it highlighted where she needed help.

Zhou Tingzhao hesitated at the edge of giving in completely. She continued adding notes occasionally, and even brought her pencil to his side of the desk, personally pointing out the specific concept confusing her.

“Zhou Tingzhao, Zhou Tingzhao…”

She was calling him, trying to change his firmly set schedule.

As if convinced, Zhou Tingzhao slowly raised his hand. When he took the pencil, both of them smiled.

“Mmm…” Just receiving help from him made Sang Ru feel relieved all over. She moved her notebook between them for better access, then immediately felt both his focus and expertise.

He remained thoughtful, but his explanation was clear. Sang Ru listened attentively as he began to solve the problem.

The concepts under his guidance became clear and accessible—the best teacher could not compare. Zhou Tingzhao became somewhat animated.

As he explained, the class time grew short. The pace of his explanation imperceptibly quickened. Suddenly, he drew a key diagram, hearing Sang Ru’s small gasp of understanding.

The elegant solution appeared logical, revealing deeper insights. Zhou Tingzhao circled an important formula once, and Sang Ru promptly began to nod, her excited comments flowing freely, grateful yet enthusiastic.

He was fully engaged now, working through the problem step by step. His pencil moved across the page again and again. His reasoning was inserted between complex ideas, as if guiding her through a challenging maze, clear and helpful. Zhou Tingzhao added one final note, and as expected, was rewarded with her bright smile.

“Wow, now I see, I see…”

She never let him maintain his distance, and the careful schedule he had planned finally adjusted. His attitude softened, and Zhou Tingzhao lowered his head to check if she truly understood, vaguely noticing her genuine appreciation.

The class-ending bell rang at this moment, startling the focused students.

But neither was willing to stop immediately. Zhou Tingzhao pointed out the last connection in the problem and quickly summarized it. The completed solution in their shared work brought Sang Ru immense satisfaction.

She began to gather her materials happily, her excitement evident in her movements. Pages of notes were organized before his eyes. Zhou Tingzhao watched her for a long while.

Outside, the noise gradually increased. In the quiet of this corner, she reached a new understanding.

In the moment Sang Ru gratefully closed her notebook on the desk, Zhou Tingzhao bent down and gently placed a bookmark on the page they had finished—