Chapter 21: Accidental Encounter Part 3

By the time Xu Yinian woke up under her thin quilt and saw Shen Ruoshuang’s message, it was already late. Her nose felt uncomfortably stuffed up.

Logically, she knew she should probably send a “thank you” back.

After typing those two words, Xu Yinian felt like something was missing.

If she added “you too” at the end, it felt too deliberate and stiff. More importantly, she was terrified that a reply would lead to a real-time conversation with Shen Ruoshuang.

She ultimately deleted everything and chose to run away.

Escapism is shameful, but it sure is effective.

Although things had ended on an unpleasant note last night, they had at least reached an agreement regarding Ji Yan. From the start of the semester until now, Xu Yinian finally felt like she understood Shen Ruoshuang’s attitude toward her.

It seemed the other girl wanted to let bygones be bygones and develop a proper roommate relationship. At the very least, Shen Ruoshuang almost never brought up their embarrassing past.

However, ever since Xu Yinian learned of her identity as a cannon-fodder villain, her only goal was to keep both leads at arm’s length. Staying away from the protagonists and the plot was the only way to ensure her own safety. She truly didn’t have the energy to maintain a “good roommate” facade with her.

Besides, they were people from two different worlds. Regardless of their past conflicts, they were never meant to walk the same path.

The dormitory remained empty all day, and Xu Yinian stayed cooped up until evening. When she wasn’t reading to pass the time, she was scouring the web for part-time job listings.

It wasn’t until the time Shen Ruoshuang usually returned from training that she suddenly remembered the message she had dodged earlier that morning. Just as she was sitting on pins and needles, debating whether to reply now, a sudden knock came from the door.

Did Shen Ruoshuang forget her key card?

Xu Yinian blinked in surprise. She dragged her feet toward the door, but when she opened it, she realized she had overthought things.

Standing in the hallway were several Senior Sisters with ID badges around their necks, clutching thick stacks of flyers. Before Xu Yinian could say anything, a familiar face spoke up.

“Junior, do you remember me?”

It was one of the department’s Student Union members who had helped receive her on registration day. Xu Yinian looked confused but nodded anyway.

Aside from that specific Senior Sister, the others were craning their necks, looking past Xu Yinian into the interior of Room 503. Once they confirmed no one else was there, they retracted their gazes with visible disappointment.

They were from the Public Relations Department of the Student Association Union, out on a “dorm-sweeping” mission to recruit new members. Because Room 503 was so famous, they had rushed here first to seize the opportunity.

X University had many large student organizations: the University and Department Student Unions, the Social Practice Center, the Student Association Union, the Broadcasting Station, the News Station…

Unlike ordinary clubs where you could just pay a fee to join, these organizations had high bars for entry. You had to pass interviews, and they were an integral part of the university’s daily operations. For college students, participating in these organizations was one of the few ways to build a resume and a network outside of internships.

Lately, the freshmen had been waiting with bated breath, discussing which organization they should join. While the freshmen were vetting the organizations, the organizations were also keeping a close eye on the freshmen.

If an organization could recruit one of the celebrities from Room 503, not only would securing sponsorships become much easier, but student engagement in their activities would skyrocket.

The girls from the Union had been gloating about being the first to arrive, only to find that the “stars” weren’t even home.

Xu Yinian finally grasped the situation. She realized just how poorly informed she was because she didn’t browse the forums or lurk in chat groups—and mostly because she didn’t have “normal” roommates to share information with.

“Our Union is very interesting, especially the Public Relations Department. We have frequent dinners and team-building events… Could you help us share the recruitment link in your dormitory group chat?”

After a long introduction, not a single person had actually invited Xu Yinian to sign up. That final sentence—the “dagger revealed at the end of the map”—made her realize the true purpose behind their oily flattery.

Their targets were the other three. Since they weren’t there, they had turned to her for help.

She froze, not sharing the link as they hoped. It was partly because the three of them had only just formed an awkward group chat, and partly because she felt a hint of resentment.

Sensing her hesitation, the recruiters’ attitudes visibly chilled.

“Weren’t people saying you were already close friends with Shen Ruoshuang and Ji Yan? This should be a simple favor. Besides, we aren’t forcing them to join. Just forward it; if they want to join, they can just fill out the electronic form.”

“We… we aren’t that close…” Xu Yinian whispered, recalling the discussions on the forum.

However, her words were taken as a deliberate excuse to refuse.

“I was so enthusiastic when I received you on your first day, Junior. Are you really unwilling to help with such a small thing? That’s a bit cold, don’t you think?”

Xu Yinian felt like she was being roasted over a fire. She had no idea how to explain the complicated dynamics of their room.

Right then, a familiar voice rang out.

“Is this how you people ‘invite’ new members? No wonder everyone says the Student Association Union is full of bullies.”

It was… Qin Jiashu, Ji Yan’s rumored new girlfriend?

The moment the stunning beauty appeared, she captured everyone’s attention. Qin Jiashu was a celebrity in her own right, often hosting major university events. She was well-connected across all organizations; everyone knew her.

“Senior Sister Qin.”

The recruiters fell silent, as quiet as cicadas in winter.

“Hurry up and apologize to her. Once you’re done, get lost. A bunch of seasoned veterans surrounding a little freshman—don’t you have any shame?”

Qin Jiashu walked up to Xu Yinian. When she met those eyes full of heartfelt gratitude, she felt as if her heart had been struck by a pair of sparkling, admiring stars.

Does this count as… ‘the hero saving the beauty’? It felt pretty good.

Out of respect for Qin Jiashu, the girls had no choice but to apologize. They left reluctantly, whispering among themselves as they walked away.