Outside the corridor.
Jiang Nian leaned against the railing, curiously glancing at Cai Xiaoqing. He wondered what was going on, making it so mysterious.
"What's up?"
"We need to put up a bulletin board on Friday," Cai Xiaoqing said, "but I have to take a leave tomorrow, can you help out?"
"Why are you taking a leave?" Jiang Nian looked at her.
They were somewhat familiar with each other, having had many interactions. Also, given their relationship as classmates, helping each other wasn't unusual.
"An elder from our extended family passed away," she said.
"Oh, my condolences."
Hearing this, Cai Xiaoqing replied,
"It's alright, I've barely met them. I just need to go, but remember the bulletin board."
"Just me?" Jiang Nian was bewildered.
"There's also the arts committee member,"
she said. "Usually, she and I do it together, but when it's my turn, it's just writing words."
