Among all the girls Shen An had interacted with so far, his dealings with Zhao Qingyu were the ones that drained his mental energy the most.
Song Rui was introverted and a bit slow on the uptake—a straightforward “silly girl” without much guile.
Chen Nannan was competitive and a tad stubborn in certain ways, but her temperament was gentle and considerate. She never went out of her way to make trouble for anyone.
Xu Yijing might have been the deepest among them, but Shen An didn’t need any deeper involvement with her right now. She hadn’t provoked him either, so they kept to themselves—live and let live.
Wang Yuqiong, on the other hand, meant no harm. Being around her always came with her brand of “care and attention.”
Only Zhao Qingyu was different.
This deputy troupe leader, infamous far and wide, truly lived up to the saying: no matter how outlandish the rumors, there was always a kernel of truth to them.
Counting this time, Shen An had been “toyed with” by her twice now, and he hadn’t done anything to offend her.
Well, if asking for directions when he didn’t know the way counted as an offense, then he had nothing to say about that.
Zhao Qingyu stood apart from the other girls.
She clearly took a strong interest in him, driven by her own agenda.
And that interest was laced with intense amusement, a hint of malice, mockery, and cold detachment.
Don’t be fooled by her silver tongue or the occasional seductive line that slipped out. Shen An wasn’t some untested innocent; he could tell genuine emotion from calculated pretense.
This Senior Sister Zhao was a fox in disguise, with a bone-deep hostility aimed straight at him.
Or maybe not quite hostility.
It was more like a spoiled child spotting a shiny new toy—playing with it on pure impulse and instinct, whether the toy was lifeless or full of spark.
What set Zhao Qingyu apart was that she wasn’t some naive kid.
A third-year senior, she was twenty-two, the same age as Shen An.
So facing this inexplicable urge to toy with him, Shen An had to tread carefully, step by step—like a game of wits.
That was where his mental drain came from.
Of course, all this was just his subjective take, but he always trusted his instincts.
Leaving aside guesses, those two interview questions alone were downright bizarre.
No normal department or club recruiting new members would ask things like that.
Zhao Qingyu was abusing her position as deputy troupe leader to sate her curiosity—or maybe to tease him on purpose.
Shen An knew he was decent-looking, but for a stunning stranger like Zhao Qingyu to fall head over heels at first sight? That was a pipe dream.
Nothing in her words hinted at real affection. Bold as they were, they rang hollow—full of hidden barbs.
That’s why he’d dragged Xu Yijing into it, putting her right out in the open.
That was the fun of the game.
According to Chen Nannan, Zhao Qingyu and Xu Yijing had a complicated relationship—more rivals than friends.
Zhao Qingyu’s own background was no small thing either, and from her personality so far, she wasn’t exactly magnanimous.
So would a petty, scheming fox with connections really be oblivious to her “enemy’s” situation?
Shen An had his theories.
Either Zhao Qingyu had ties to Xu Yijing’s mother, Zhao Li, and their grudge ran deeper.
Or it was purely personal, unrelated to Zhao Li.
Either way, Zhao Qingyu couldn’t be completely in the dark about Xu Yijing’s recent life.
Which brought up the intriguing question: Did she know Shen An was currently living with Xu Yijing?
He’d brought up Xu Yijing right before her question, and Zhao Qingyu’s response seemed clueless—she even egged him on to go after Xu Yijing.
But staring into those sly, fox-like eyes that flickered with hidden light, Shen An didn’t buy it.
So he figured Zhao Qingyu knew about him and Xu Yijing. Her “special interest” in him was all about targeting Xu Yijing.
He was putting on a show, lying through his teeth about not being involved with Xu Yijing.
She was playing along, knowing full well he was fibbing, without calling his bluff.
The constant sparring was exhausting, but challenging games were the ones that hooked you.
“Hmm, looks like you’ve taken a bit of an interest after all.”
Zhao Qingyu noticed his unwavering stare, her lips curving in faint smugness.
“That’s because you’re making a good point, Senior Sister.”
Shen An chuckled lightly.
“Oh?” She let out a soft huff. “Don’t twist my words. I wasn’t telling you to go after Xu Yijing.”
“Hah?”
“Playing dumb again?” Zhao Qingyu rolled her eyes at him. “If you weren’t interested in me, why keep staring? Can’t help admiring beauty, huh?”
“Uh, actually, I wanted to ask…” Shen An hesitated. “Were all these questions just made up on the spot, Senior Sister?”
She glanced at the blank sheet on the table, propping her cheek with one hand as she spoke softly. “What, feel like you’ve been played?”
“To be frank, a little.”
Shen An shrugged, his expression turning serious. “I don’t feel any respect from you, Senior Sister.”
“Oh dear, that’s going too far.”
Zhao Qingyu laughed with a sultry giggle. “Your goal is to join the art troupe anyway. What does it matter what I ask?”
“Compared to those nitpicky ‘professional’ questions a normal interview would throw at you, don’t you think I’m going easy on you?”
“These are all so personal—like chatting with a friend, nice and relaxed.”
Shen An frowned. “Because I’m good-looking?”
“Yes, because you’re good-looking.”
Zhao Qingyu leaned in closer. Her features were strikingly cold and elegant, but her eyes burned with seductive fire.
Especially when they sparkled like that—like a siren’s lasso, drawing you in with a single glance.
“I’m very interested in you. Don’t tell me you have zero interest in me?”
She twirled a strand of her ink-green hair around her fingertip. “I’m not that far behind Xu Yijing, am I?”
“Why not give it a shot and fall for me too?”
Shen An replied politely, “I think the interest you’re talking about has nothing to do with romance, Senior Sister.”
“Hm? Why not?” Zhao Qingyu blinked. “These days, what else do guys and girls talk about besides that?”
“Don’t tell me you want to be my gal pal?”
Shen An raised a brow and played along. “So, how should I go about it?”
“Pfft~”
Zhao Qingyu burst into giggles. “You really haven’t dated much, have you? Asking a girl something like that.”
“Think about it—this is a game of pursuit. You’re the pursuer, I’m the pursuee. You figure it out yourself. Asking me ruins the mood.”
Shen An grinned. “I never said I wanted to chase you, Senior Sister.”
Zhao Qingyu’s face soured instantly. “Toying with me again?”
“No, no.” Shen An shook his head, utterly sincere. “I’m just puzzled why you keep dropping hints, nudging me to make a move.”
“Whether it’s you or Senior Sister Xu.”
Zhao Qingyu pondered for a moment before giving a casual shrug. “Isn’t it fun?”
“Fun?”
“Yeah, fun.”
She narrowed her eyes. “It’s too fun—using emotions as stakes, every inch poured with real heart and soul. No game beats that.”
“Oh dear, did I say too much? Scare you?”
Zhao Qingyu covered her mouth with a dainty hand. “I’m not really the type to toy with feelings on purpose. I just find the thrill exciting.”
“Even if you’re not chasing me, it’s fresh to watch as a spectator.”
“Because no one’s ever chased Xu Yijing before.”
Shen An’s mouth twitched. “You’re setting me up, Senior Sister. No one’s done it, and you want me to?”
“What if you’re the one?” she shot back. “Don’t sell yourself short. Sometimes it just takes courage and resolve.”
“The others were all spineless cowards. Are you one too?”
Shen An gave a dry laugh. “Sure, sure. I’ll think it over seriously.”
Zhao Qingyu knew he was brushing her off but didn’t press. Instead, she added, “Though she does seem tough to win over.”
“You’d be better off chasing me.”
“I’m way better than her.”
Shen An: …
I see you two are two peas in a pod. One’s so aloof it feels like she has no emotions at all, the other’s emotions overflow, always itching to play puppet master with feelings.
“You don’t believe me?”
“I do.”
“You don’t. I can tell.” Zhao Qingyu sighed. “Aw, looks like you’re a coward too.”
“Listened to all those rumors and think I’m some big bad wolf?”
“I’m just confused.” Shen An’s voice grew solemn. “That route you pointed out for me back then—it seemed a bit off the path, didn’t it?”
He sidestepped her question directly.
But in doing so, he answered her in a roundabout way.
She didn’t consider herself a great villain, but if she wasn’t, then why had she deliberately toyed with an innocent stranger just asking for directions?
Zhao Qingyu nodded in sudden realization. “No wonder. So that’s how prejudice is born.”
“Tsk tsk, you’ve been holding that in for a while, haven’t you?”
Shen An chuckled lightly. “It’s not prejudice, exactly. Just a bit baffling.”
“Hmm, since you’re so baffled, I’ll give you an answer.” Propping her chin on her hand, Zhao Qingyu said casually, “I was deep in thought at the time—right at a crucial moment—when you suddenly walked up and interrupted me.”
“I was annoyed inside, but I decided not to hold it against you. I just planned a little punishment.”
Shen An replied sarcastically, “Wow, Senior Sister, you’re so magnanimous.”
“You know it. Lucky for you, you’ve got such a handsome face.” Zhao Qingyu said smugly, “This rundown school doesn’t have many good-looking guys. You’re a rare find.”
“And I handled it just fine. I didn’t give you the cold shoulder or snap that I didn’t know.”
“I still pointed you in the right direction—even if it was a bit roundabout, right?”
“You know, anyone else whose train of thought got derailed like that might’ve given you attitude on the spot.”
“Oh~” As if suddenly remembering, Zhao Qingyu leaned in with a sly whisper. “Your Senior Sister Xu is exactly like that. When she’s thinking, she’s an Arctic iceberg in the dead of winter. Interrupt her, and she’ll show you just how cold it can get.”
“So don’t disturb her when she’s deep in thought, got it?”
Her smile was radiant, but no matter how Shen An looked at it, she seemed to be egging him on.
“Thanks for the tip, Senior Sister,” Shen An said flatly, “but Senior Sister Xu and I haven’t even exchanged greetings. I doubt I’ll have a chance to use it.”
Zhao Qingyu’s smile grew even brighter. “No worries. Once you join the Art Troupe, you’ll be part of the Student Union too. She’s the Vice President—you’ll cross paths.”
“Even if not, I can always create a few opportunities for you.”
“But whether you make the most of them? That’s on your skills.”
At her words, Shen An abruptly changed the subject. “By the way, Senior Sister, you’re the Deputy Troupe Leader. Why aren’t you at the meeting with Senior Sister Xu?”
“I don’t like going, so I don’t,” Zhao Qingyu said softly. “What’s the mystery?”
The answer was pure Zhao Qingyu.
“Besides, today I’m handling your interview.”
Her voice turned gentle. “Compared to your interview, the Student Union meeting is nothing.”
Shen An put on a flattered expression. “You’re overpraising me, Senior Sister.”
“Whether I am or not, you’ll find out soon enough.” Something seemed to flicker in her fox-like eyes.
“So, are you giving me a private interview ahead of schedule?” Shen An asked. “I checked with some other classmates. They said the second round doesn’t start until after the first interviews wrap up.”
Zhao Qingyu nodded slightly. “That’s the normal process. But I’m different.”
“Anyone I interview personally gets special perks.”
“Then…” Shen An feigned hesitation. “What about Song Rui? I asked her last night, and she hasn’t gotten any message.”
“Song Rui? Who’s that?” Zhao Qingyu tilted her head.
“The girl who came with me yesterday,” Shen An said quietly.
“Oh, yeah, I vaguely remember her.”
Zhao Qingyu pouted. “I never planned to let her join the Art Troupe.”
“This…”
“Surprised? You shouldn’t be.” She met his eyes, as if peering straight into his soul. “You must’ve guessed it already.”
“I didn’t,” Shen An said, shaking his head softly. “I actually thought her chances were better than mine.”
“Hehe~” Zhao Qingyu smirked. “Looks like you had high hopes for her. You two wouldn’t happen to have something going on, would you?”
“I’m her friend. I have to care a little.”
“Caring, huh? Fine, here’s a straight answer: with her personality, she’s not suited for the Art Troupe.”
“It’s not personal bias. If I remember right, she didn’t even get a registration form at first. You did.”
“You’re lying. No way you didn’t see this coming.”
“If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have even given her an interview slot.”
Zhao Qingyu’s charm faded. Though her smile lingered, it carried a cold, oppressive edge.
“She should be grateful she got that far.”
Shen An didn’t care for that.
His face hardened as he said earnestly, “Senior Sister, every school organization is equal. There’s no hierarchy.”
“Oh? A sense of justice, huh?” Zhao Qingyu covered her mouth and laughed lightly. “Fine, fine, everything’s equal.”
“But she’s really not suited for the Art Troupe, is she?”
“Ask yourself deep down: does she fit? The Art Troupe needs outgoing types—people who stay self-aware and cool-headed no matter the situation. Timid folks should stick to other Student Union departments.”
Her attitude was arrogant, looking down from on high.
But her words weren’t without merit.
Song Rui was introverted and timid. A group like the Art Troupe, always performing on stage, truly wasn’t for her.
Of course, everyone needed time to adapt. No one sprang up fully formed.
With Song Rui’s personality, though, she’d likely struggle.
Still, Shen An had his own convictions.
“You make a good point, Senior Sister,” he said gently, “but no one’s born ready for this stuff.”
“You’ve got to give people a chance to try.”
Zhao Qingyu narrowed her eyes. “Are you pleading her case?”
Shen An’s gaze sharpened with resolve. “If you won’t pass her, then… I’m sorry, but I can’t accept that either.”
A faint frost crept into Zhao Qingyu’s fox-like eyes, and her smile vanished.
“Looks like it’s not pleading. It’s a threat.”
“I hate threats. You get out too.”
