Ten minutes later, under the girls' dorm building, two figures still sat on a bench, chatting back and forth.

Though it was late at night, they showed no signs of tiredness, their voices lively and spirited.

Suddenly, Jiangyx Jiang slammed the bench and stood up. Anger filled her delicate face as she huffed,

"What kind of people are these... so hateful! Hey, you're... Suzhan Yue? Yueyue, tell me which dorm they're in. I'll drag each one out for a lecture right now."

"No, no, no..."

Though Suzhan Yue had cut ties with them, her gentle nature held firm. She called out repeatedly, shaking her head to stop Jiangyx Jiang.

"Let it go... I've made things clear with them. It's over, and I don't really mind.

Besides, um... it was partly my fault too. If I'd handled this relationship better and explained things sooner, it wouldn't have ended like this."

Suzhan Yue let out a light "Ahaha," brushing the matter off with a laugh. Jiangyx Jiang paused, then murmured with deep feeling,

"Yueyue... you're just too kind. Hmph, not cherishing an angel like you is absolutely their biggest loss."

"True, I think so too. But, class rep, Suzhan Yue has a point—you shouldn't rush in..."

"This isn't your business. Crawl away!"

"Understood. How far would you like me to crawl?"

Though unsure why he'd upset Jiangyx Jiang, Cheng Yu knew better. He willingly stepped aside as she demanded.

He didn't see Jiangyx Jiang glaring at his back, her eyes brimming with resentment and dissatisfaction.

She'd steeled herself, only to find her worries pointless.

It felt like shouting "dad" on League of Legends' public chat for a pentakill, only to have the enemy surrender at 20—utterly frustrating.

Jiangyx Jiang grew more restless, itching to call Cheng Yu over and demand his thoughts bluntly.

But she held back.

She knew her duty. She'd promised Cheng Yu and Suzhan Yue, after all.

So... she gently took Suzhan Yue's hand, softening her voice.

"It's fine. Since things are like this, stay in our dorm tonight. We have an empty bed. Um... I'll check with my roommates. If you don't mind, we can gather bedding and pillows for you."

"No trouble at all! Nothing to mind... I should thank you instead."

Suzhan Yue showed no spoiled princess attitude—just easygoing warmth. This deepened Jiangyx Jiang's fondness for her.

Determined to help this kind girl, Jiangyx Jiang thought for a moment, then suggested,

"Rest with us tonight. Tomorrow, I'll ask our advisor to negotiate with your department. If it works out, you can officially move in!

Um... Yueyue, tell me tomorrow. I'll borrow spare clothes from girls in the next dorm who match your size.

Give me your roommates' details? Heh... relax, I won't confront them. But I need basics for the teacher.

And if possible... I can fetch your things myself. Saves you the awkwardness of facing them again."

Though sitting far off, Cheng Yu watched Jiangyx Jiang chatter nonstop. A strange smile crept onto his face.

Jiangyx Jiang spotted it instantly. Her expression darkened as she glared at him.

"What's so funny, idiot? Or do you think I'm wrong about something, Cheng Yu?"

"No, nothing."

Cheng Yu shook his head, unembarrassed. He continued in a reflective tone,

"I just didn't expect you to change so much in a few days. You feel more like a real class rep now.

Not just agreeing with everyone, but truly wanting to help others improve.

And... I don't know. You look especially beautiful today. Like... a neighbor's daughter blossoming into adulthood.

Seeing you grow this much so fast... it makes me happy. For you, and for us.

Suddenly, you seem so reliable."

Cheng Yu's words rambled, jumping from thought to thought.

But even Jiangyx Jiang understood after a slight pause.

At least she caught his praise:

That she looked lovely today. That she'd become more dependable. That she'd truly grown.

"...You idiot haven't changed. Still doing reckless things... saying whatever pops into your head."

Jiangyx Jiang muttered under her breath, too quiet for anyone but herself to hear. When Cheng Yu asked what she said, she glared and denied speaking.

Cheng Yu chuckled helplessly. Checking the time, he realized it was late. With Jiangyx Jiang handling things, his worry eased.

"Alright then, I should head back... Jiangyx Jiang, if you need help, just call me."

He mimed a phone call. Jiangyx Jiang stayed silent but memorized his words.

Cheng Yu smiled, knowing she'd remembered. He stood and walked toward the boys' dorm.

Just then, Jiangyx Jiang saw the figure beside her leap up, shouting at Cheng Yu's retreating back:

"Lin Jie!"

The boy stopped but didn't turn.

"Today! Thank you! I'm glad to know you! Will... will we be friends in the future?"

【Facing Suzhan Yue's question, your choice is:

【Option A: Walk over and give her the answer. Reward: One bottle of Haigou pills】

【Option B: Leave without a word, back turned. Reward: 1 random attribute point】

...Weird. Why did options pop up for something so small?

Cheng Yu didn't get it. Puzzled, he kept walking until he vanished into the night.

"Of course Lin Jie didn't answer..."

Jiangyx Jiang murmured, not too sad—more like she'd expected it.

After a while, she even smiled softly.

"Anyway, since Lin Jie didn't refuse, there's still hope, right?"

The girl's optimism surprised Jiangyx Jiang. Watching Suzhan Yue's genuine smile, a strange emotion surged in her heart.

If she could voice all her feelings so openly...

Would things...

Be different between her and Cheng Yu now?

Jiangyx Jiang gazed at Suzhan Yue's profile. Her eyes remained pure and innocent.

But in Jiangyx Jiang's heart, a new feeling stirred.

Like envy. Like jealousy.

And also—a strange, unshakable

insecurity.

…………

After Cheng Yu left, Jiangyx Jiang quickly took Suzhan Yue back to the dorm. Their spot emptied instantly.

...Or so it seemed.

At a sudden command, dozens of boys emerged from the shadows.

Their faces were grim as they exchanged uneasy glances. One finally spoke:

"You... all heard that, right?"

"...Yeah. I saw it too."

"Her Highness Yueyue waved goodbye to that guy. They seemed close."

"Damn it... I knew Princess Yueyue was missing all night. Some filthy stranger stole her away."

"We must eliminate him!"

"Yes! Eliminate him!"

"We can't let scum near our Princess Yueyue!"

"But... did anyone see his face just now?"

"Damn, it's too dark. He walked fast—I couldn't make out his features."

"No matter. Faces don't matter. Didn't you hear? Princess Yueyue called out his name."

Silence fell. Then, in perfect unison, they hissed:

"Lin Jie!"

"We must eliminate that bastard!!!"

Had Cheng Yu been there, he'd have understood the earlier options.

By leaving silently, no one saw his face clearly.

Meanwhile, in a boys' dorm room, a guy sneezed repeatedly. He wiped his nose, tossed the tissue aside, and muttered,

"Is my cold not gone? Why keep sneezing... and why's my back so chilly..."

Lin Jie frowned in confusion.