Overwhelmed

Younger man, campus, 1v1, both leads' first time, male lead's point of view, a somewhat slow burn.

I'm terrible at writing blurbs, sorry TAT

A lively, loyal puppy with plenty of little schemes x a beauty who's not very perceptive about romance and has a rough, carefree heart

Blurb:

Zhou Tingze and his female classmate Xu Huaiqing were admitted to Jiannan University, the country's top university, with the highest and second-highest science scores in the city, causing quite a stir.

Since they were classmates, the two were often mentioned together in reports about the admissions.

Rumors spread in no time. Everyone around them was curious whether there was something between the two, but only Zhou Tianrun, Zhou Tingze's younger brother by two years, knew they had nothing to do with each other, because...

Before leaving, his sister had even filmed a video to clear things up with his help!

Secretly falling in love, pledging their lives to each other, encouraging one another, living happily ever after together: none of that was true!! (frantic.jpg)

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Just after Zhou Tianrun started his first year of high school, his older brother started “enslaving” him, making him bring lunch over at noon.

Zhou Tianrun, with his boyishness not yet quite gone and his hair buzzed short, jogged all the way from the auditorium to the sports field, then around to the cafeteria. He practically had to run across half the school before he finally found “a new village beyond the willow-shaded path,” and the view suddenly opened up to reveal the senior-year building, isolated from the mundane world like a Peach Blossom Spring.

He even wondered if someone might “invite him home, serve wine, and kill a chicken for a meal,” then casually ask, “What year is it now?”

...No wonder his brother didn't want to come out and get his lunch. He wouldn't do it either.

When he reached Class One, Science, he peeked through the window. His brother was nowhere to be seen. A few classmates were in the classroom doing practice problems, while the rest had probably gone to the cafeteria. He saw only a senior girl chatting leisurely with a classmate.

She said calmly, “I wonder how Zhou Tingze manages to score first every time. The perennial runner-up will never get a chance to turn things around.”

Her best friend comforted her, “Sigh, he's a monster. Don't compare yourself to him. Look on the bright side, Momo.”

Zhou Tianrun: ...I haven't even met him, and I've already heard his name. Zhou Tingze, you're pretty famous.

After waiting a few minutes and seeing no sign of his brother, the boy gathered his courage, took a deep breath, and walked up to her with the most proper posture he could manage. Politely, he asked, “Excuse me, senior, do you know where Zhou Tingze is? I'm his younger brother. I brought his lunch.”

The senior girl froze for a moment, then turned to look at Zhou Tianrun. Perhaps she realized it had been impolite to talk about his brother right in front of him. She smiled awkwardly. “He's in the activity room right now. Go forward, then turn left at the third classroom.”

The sun was just right, the breeze was gentle, and warm sunlight fell across the girl's cheeks, stirring the boy's heart. He stood dazed for a few seconds, then turned and hurried away. His “Thank you” drifted into the air along with the breeze.

It turned out that a lifetime's encounter could take just a few fleeting seconds. A blush spread across the boy's face, leaving his whole youth shaken.

From the rankings of the school's most recent senior-year exam, he learned that the senior girl was called Xu Huaiqing. She was second only to Zhou Tingze in the whole school, with excellent grades. He could never hope to measure up to her.

He also knew one more thing than everyone else: her nickname.

When Zhou Tianrun went to the senior-year building, the first person he looked for outside Class One, Science, was Senior Momo. When he flew to Qianjing to visit his brother, the first person he checked on was her, too.

During that period, he felt lost and full of hope. The senior girl did everything she could to help him, guiding him with his studies. That time was always exceptionally warm.

Zhou Tingze was busy, and after entering university he studied even harder. Whenever Zhou Tianrun messaged him, it was like throwing a stone into the sea, so he could only keep in touch with Xu Huaiqing. In that respect, he was very grateful to his brother for creating opportunities for him and the senior girl.

Sis, I won't tell you that my brother used to have a crush on you, too. He just never took that step.

Shishi's notes:

1. The male lead isn't a “simp.” He does this because he likes her, and the female lead doesn't mind him coming around all the time.

2. The female lead isn't aloof; she just hasn't figured out her feelings. She's not stringing the male lead along.

3. No dating in high school. Let's be good young people of the new era and focus on our studies. Romance comes after university, and they'll be together openly and honestly.

4. By then, a certain someone will be saying in the female lead's ear every day: Zhou Tianrun likes you, Zhou Tianrun likes you...

5. This probably won't be a short story. I've made up my mind to really put in the work!

6. I'm terrible at writing blurbs. Please forgive me TT

7. There won't be any of that brothers-turning-against-each-other drama. This is a healing story with a slow-burn vibe. Zhou Tingze may not even realize he likes Xu Huaiqing before Zhou Tianrun smothers the feeling in its cradle, hahaha.

Someone as talented as him ought to be devoted to the country!

Screenshot from 2022-7-24

Tianrun, I just want to tell you one thing: liking someone takes effort.

Xu Huaiqing: Shi Xuchi, you should've told me sooner! If I'd known, I would've gotten together with him right away. He wouldn't have needed to go to so much trouble. Ahem, who wouldn't like a cute younger guy who knows how to take care of people... (blushing)

Theme: Study hard and improve every day.