The next day at school, our science club met up for a group discussion. Mrs. Chen, our advisor, walked in with a big smile on her face. "I have some exciting news, everyone! Our science club has been invited on a 3-day trip to a science museum in the city!"
Bao let out a squeal of excitement, while Lily and Yang looked happy too. Wuhao and I exchanged a look, both of us grinning.
But one person didn't seem too thrilled - Zhiyu. He looked down, his expression gloomy. Mrs. Chen noticed and asked, "Zhiyu, is everything okay?"
But Zhiyu just shook his head and quickly left the classroom. Wuhao got up to follow him, and Bao and I trailed behind.
We found Zhiyu and Wuhao on the school grounds, sitting on a bench. Zhiyu looked upset, and Wuhao was trying to comfort him. "What's wrong, Zhiyu?" Wuhao asked.
Zhiyu sighed. "My father would never agree to let me go on this trip. He's always saying I need to focus on my studies."
Bao and I joined them, and Bao piped up with an idea. "Hey, I've got it! We can tell your dad that you're studying at Wuhao's house for three days. That way, you can sneak off on the trip without him knowing!"
I rolled my eyes good-naturedly. "Bao, that's a terrible idea. We'll get caught for sure."
Wuhao chuckled. "Actually, it's not a bad idea. My mom is always saying I need to study more, so she'll totally believe it."
Zhiyu looked hesitant, but Bao's enthusiasm was infectious. "Come on, Zhiyu! It'll be fun, I promise!"
Zhiyu finally cracked a smile. "Okay, fine. But if we get caught, I'm blaming Bao."
Bao grinned, satisfied with herself. "Ha! I knew you'd see it my way, Zhiyu."
Wuhao chuckled. "Yeah, Bao's always coming up with crazy schemes. But hey, sometimes they work out."
I playfully rolled my eyes. "And sometimes they get us into trouble."
Zhiyu smiled, looking more relaxed now. "Thanks, guys. I owe you one."
Bao waved her hand dismissively. "No need to thank us, Zhiyu. We're just happy to have you along on the trip."
Wuhao nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it won't be the same without you."
Bao grinned mischievously. "So, Zhiyu, you'll just tell your dad that you're studying at Wuhao's house for three days, and he'll never suspect a thing!"
Zhiyu chuckled, shaking his head. "You make it sound so easy, Bao. But I'm not sure I'm comfortable lying to my dad."
Wuhao reassured him, "Hey, it's just a small white lie. And it's not like you're hurting anyone. You'll be learning lots of cool science stuff on the trip!"
Zhiyu smiled wryly. "I guess you're right. I just hope I don't get caught!"
Bao teased him, "Oh, come on, Zhiyu! You're not going to get caught. You're a great liar... I mean, actor!"
Just then, Lily and Yang walked up to us, excitedly chattering about the upcoming trip. Yang announced, "Guys, we've got only 2 days to go! We should celebrate!"
Bao's eyes lit up. "I know! Let's go shopping! It'll be like an outing!"
I shook my head, disagreeing. "You guys, we should really focus on studying. We don't want to fall behind."
Zhiyu, who had been quietly observing our conversation, suddenly piped up. "Come on, Mei, just a few hours won't hurt. You won't lose anything."
I shot back, "Easy for you to say, Zhiyu. You're not the one who's always stressing about grades."
Lily and the others chimed in, teasing Zhiyu about being a "grade-obsessed" student. Zhiyu laughed, taking the joke in stride.
Yang jumped in, grinning mischievously. "Hey, hey, no more arguing! Today, after school, we're going out! Who's in?"
The others cheered, and I couldn't help but laugh along with them. "Fine, fine. I'll come. But just for a few hours, and then I'm going back to studying!"
Zhiyu caught my eye, and we both burst out laughing.