Because of his seat, Shen Guang had endured almost a whole morning of hostile stares.

He hadn’t done anything, yet his classmates were wary of him.

Was it because of the rumors? Were they all keeping their distance from him because of them?

But after just one morning, Shen Guang had figured out one thing: he really didn’t have any friends!

Even now, aside from Qin He, no one had come over to ask how he was doing. And judging by what everyone said about him, he was probably a pretty pitiful guy.

A pitiful guy turned into a pitiful cannon fodder. If he didn’t get eliminated in the game, he’d probably end up as an enemy of the players.

So why fly straight into the flames?

Shen Guang didn’t like that kind of personality.

The lunch bell rang. Shen Guang set down his book and was about to leave, but Yan Qingxue stepped in front of him first!

She pursed her lips and furrowed her brows, looking a little annoyed. But she was so cute that it was impossible to feel even a little angry with her.

“Shen Guang, did you forget I said I’d treat you to lunch? It’s only been one class!”

There was a hint of reproach in the girl’s voice, something he’d never heard from her before. At least in the hospital, Yan Qingxue had been more wary and distant with him.

Now, it seemed his attitude had put her at ease.

“I didn’t forget. But if we go to the cafeteria together, I’ll probably get the cold shoulder.” Shen Guang tried to joke, but Yan Qingxue looked serious.

“But I’m the one who invited you! Let them gossip all they want.”

She really didn’t understand how these things worked. Shen Guang sighed inwardly, but there was no backing out now. He’d said yes, so he might as well go.

........

The cafeteria was packed, with people coming and going and noise everywhere. It was even louder than a marketplace.

The students who’d already found seats were enjoying the rewards of their early dash.

Useless at everything else, but first in line when it comes to eating.

Yan Qingxue waited in the long line, chatting with Shen Guang.

“Hey, Shen Guang, what do you like to eat?”

“Anything but bitter melon or celery.”

Shen Guang really couldn’t stand either of them. He didn’t even want to touch bitter melon, and celery made him throw up as soon as he ate it.

“How about tomato and egg, plus a chicken leg?”

“Sounds good.”

Quite a few students noticed the two of them talking. Some even wondered: hadn’t the rumors said Shen Guang had done something to Yan Qingxue? So why were they chatting and laughing together?

Shen Guang ignored the many looks aimed his way. What mattered more were his classmates.

Some of his classmates were eating in the cafeteria. They watched Shen Guang as if they were afraid he might do something.

Shen Guang simply sat back down, calm as ever, and waited for Yan Qingxue to join him.

But before he’d even settled in, a burst of exclamations came from the cafeteria entrance.

Shen Guang looked up on instinct—and couldn’t believe it was Lin Qingqian!

Speaking of Lin Qingqian, Shen Guang found her whole situation a little ridiculous. There were always two people following her around, a guy and a girl, like a pair of personal bodyguards.

One was Chen Yubin, the Student Council vice president. He wore glasses and always had a stern expression.

The other was Han Yi, a pretty girl who was cool and composed, and well-liked by her classmates.

A lot of people were overwhelmed by Lin Qingqian’s inexplicable aura. Han Yi’s job was to smooth things over.

She was always smiling, and at school she was the only girl who could joke and chat with Lin Qingqian.

“It can’t be easy living in a lion’s den.”

Shen Guang muttered under his breath, unconsciously thinking of Lin Qingqian as a lion.

He suspected that woman was made of ice. He’d never seen her smile—not once. He wondered who owed her a fortune.

He was about to look away when, as if she’d sensed his gaze, someone met his eyes!

Her gaze was indifferent, as if she were looking at a complete stranger.

Shen Guang instinctively tried to look away, just as Yan Qingxue called out to him.

“Shen Guang, could you help me carry these?”

Yan Qingxue was holding two trays by herself and looked like she was struggling. Shen Guang even noticed someone starting to step forward to help her.

He cursed himself for getting distracted, stood up, and hurried over to her. Then he took both trays from her hands.

“Sorry, I was thinking about something.”

Eating with Yan Qingxue was bound to attract plenty of attention. But what made Shen Guang most uncomfortable was the feeling that a pair of eyes was watching him from somewhere in the shadows—as if he’d be punished the moment he did anything out of line.

Yan Qingxue didn’t seem to notice the atmosphere.

She ate as she asked Shen Guang a question.

“Shen Guang, I heard from the teacher that your English isn’t very good. English is one of the three main subjects. If your grades aren’t good enough, it’ll be hard to get into a good university!”

“Maybe failing English just suits my personality.” Shen Guang pushed his food around, but he didn’t have much of an appetite.

Someone was always watching him. He instinctively looked toward the direction that made his hair stand on end, only to see Lin Qingqian eating with two other Student Council members.

The other two seemed perfectly normal. Lin Qingqian alone, as she lightly brushed her hair aside, kept her eyes on him.

So it really was that woman....

Shen Guang sighed inwardly. How had he become her surveillance target? Should he install a camera on himself or something?

Seeing Shen Guang distracted, Yan Qingxue put down her chopsticks and looked at him, puzzled.

“Shen Guang?”

“Huh? Oh... I was just thinking about something important. Sorry.”

“You should pay attention when a girl treats you to lunch! How are you ever going to make a girl happy if you act like this?”

Yan Qingxue puffed out her cheeks in annoyance. She couldn’t quite understand why Shen Guang’s personality had changed so much.

He used to keep his eyes on her all the time, but after leaving the hospital, it seemed he’d fallen for someone else?

Shen Guang said nothing more. He lowered his head and ate in silence.

Lin Qingqian, who’d been watching Shen Guang from afar, set down her chopsticks too. Her indifferent gaze held no emotion.

........

School was full of youthful energy, but Shen Guang hated noise.

During lunch break, he stayed by himself in the library, reading. The air conditioner hummed as it blew cold air, and the quiet around him soothed his restless mind.

The librarian at the front desk was an old man with white hair. Every so often, he glanced at the only student in the library.

“There are still students who come here to read? Now that’s rare...”

Just then, the sound of little leather shoes tapping across the floor came from outside.

He looked up. The newcomer gave him a polite nod, then walked straight over to the boy.

Watching Shen Guang quietly read, Lin Qingqian grew more certain of her suspicions: this wasn’t Shen Guang.

Why would Shen Guang waste time reading? He should be busy figuring out ways to talk to Yan Qingxue.

“How are you finding life at school?” Lin Qingqian sat down beside Shen Guang and lowered her voice, seemingly without a care.

Shen Guang simply raised his index finger to his lips and gave a quiet “Shh.”

Then he took out a slip of paper and wrote a short message.

“Please keep quiet in the library.”