“Hey, why are you dragging two suitcases?”
Qi Taili glanced at the boxes behind Wang Yuqiong and couldn’t help but ask.
Wang Yuqiong replied warmly, “I picked up some books today, Senior Sister.”
“Oh, right!” Qi Taili slapped her own forehead and grinned sheepishly. “Sorry about that. My memory’s terrible.”
“Now that everyone’s here, let’s get down to business.”
Qi Taili clapped her hands together and put on a serious face.
“It’s not another assignment, is it?” Shen An’s PTSD kicked in first. “Senior Sister, we haven’t even joined the Art Troupe yet.”
“No, no, no.” Qi Taili shook her head vigorously. “It’s just a simple little thing.”
“Go ahead, Senior Sister.” Shen An quietly raised his guard.
“Ahem. The Troupe Leader asked me to tell you and Wang to go see her.” Qi Taili chuckled.
Shen An couldn’t muster a smile. No wonder he and Song Rui had run into Qi Taili right as they walked in—she’d clearly been waiting for him.
“What about me, Senior Sister?” Song Rui panicked a little upon hearing her name wasn’t mentioned.
Qi Taili turned to her with a playful whine. “You’re coming with me, of course. Don’t you want a proper tour?”
Ah, well…
Shen An knew there was no escaping it. He turned to Song Rui. “Perfect timing for you to catch up with Senior Sister Qi. It’s been ages since you last saw each other.”
“Mmm hmm~” Qi Taili nodded, then grabbed Song Rui’s hand. “Song Rui and I will head out first, then. You and Wang go find the Troupe Leader on your own.”
“Oh, right!”
She leaned in and whispered a reminder. “Knock softly when you get there. The Troupe Leader sometimes naps in her office, and she hates being disturbed while she’s sleeping.”
Shen An sighed. “What difference does it make? I’ll still wake her up.”
“Of course there’s a difference. Knock lightly, and even if she wakes up, she’ll go easy on you.” Qi Taili blinked, her gaze full of sympathetic “good luck.”
“Then you and Song Rui go on ahead, Senior Sister. Yuqiong and I will go find Senior Sister Zhao.”
Shen An turned and headed for the stairs.
Wang Yuqiong hadn’t even had a chance to set down her suitcases before Shen An dragged her along.
Song Rui watched them go with some concern. “Senior Sister, they’ll be okay, right?”
Qi Taili shrugged. “Who knows? I’ve been in the Art Troupe for so long, and this is the first time I’ve seen the Troupe Leader take such an interest in a freshman.”
“Take an interest… you mean she values him?” Song Rui had no idea about the undercurrents and simply assumed Zhao Qingyu thought highly of Shen An.
Qi Taili’s eyes darted around. Value him…?
She smiled lightly. “You could put it that way, sure.”
“Anyway, never mind them. Let me show you around my turf.”
“Oh~”
The four split into two groups. Shen An and Yuqiong headed up the left staircase, while Qi Taili led Song Rui up the right.
On the way, Wang Yuqiong asked hurriedly, “Why are you rushing so much? Do you even know the way?”
Shen An pointed to the office at the far right on the floor above.
“Ow, my eyelid’s twitching.” Wang Yuqiong frowned. “I have a feeling nothing good happens whenever I run into her.”
“Don’t worry. If there’s trouble, I’ll take the heat for you first.”
Shen An said calmly.
“Oh ho?” Wang Yuqiong’s lips curved up as she teased him. “Didn’t expect you to step up like that when it counts.”
“I should be the one apologizing.” A hint of regret colored Shen An’s voice. “I’ve dragged you into this.”
“Watch your words. It’s got nothing to do with you.”
Wang Yuqiong shrugged. “That’s just how Senior Sister Zhao operates.”
“Ugh, if it weren’t for me…” Shen An had no clue about whatever history existed between Wang Yuqiong and Zhao Qingyu. He paused, hesitating, then said, “Forget it. Just now, try not to say anything. Leave it to me.”
“If she gives you a hard time, just bear with it for my sake, okay?”
Wang Yuqiong puffed out her cheeks and tilted her head, eyeing his back with a flicker of amusement in her gaze.
Following Qi Taili’s directions, Shen An soon reached the door to Zhao Qingyu’s office.
Truth be told, he was a bit nervous.
Not scared, exactly—just unsure what scheme she had cooking this time.
Seeing this, Wang Yuqiong placed her small hand on his shoulder and leaned close to his ear, her voice soft. “Want me to take the lead instead?”
“You’d just make it worse.”
Shen An poked her approaching face away, then reached out and knocked lightly on the door.
Wang Yuqiong pouted, shooting him a dirty look.
This guy~ He wasn’t gentle with ladies at all.
But he sure had some backbone!
Hee hee hee.
Wang Yuqiong snickered to herself inwardly and obediently clasped her hands behind her back, deciding to follow his lead this time and not pick a fight with Zhao Qingyu.
He’d knocked softly, but there was no response from inside the office.
What Shen An didn’t notice was that as he stood there knocking, the Art Troupe members on the Main Athletic Field downstairs all paused what they were doing. The once-noisy base camp fell utterly silent in an instant.
Wang Yuqiong glanced down and took in everyone’s stares. She chuckled to herself.
Looks like this really was Zhao Qingyu’s personal kingdom. Even just knocking on a door drew this much attention.
Shen An heard nothing and knocked lightly again.
No one?
He frowned in confusion. The office lights were off—maybe it really was empty.
Where was he supposed to find Zhao Qingyu, then?
Wang Yuqiong patted his shoulder. Shen An turned back. “Hm?”
“Looks like you’re really scared of her.”
Smiling brightly, she stepped in front of him, raised her small hand, and slammed it against the door with a loud smack. The whole door panel even vibrated slightly.
The sudden bang startled everyone downstairs, who quickly averted their gazes and got back to their tasks.
“That’s how you knock.”
Wang Yuqiong said smugly.
Shen An’s mouth twitched. “Doesn’t your hand hurt?”
“Ah, well…” Wang Yuqiong glanced at it. Her fair palm was flushed red—it actually stung a bit.
“The door’s not locked. Come in.”
A voice drifted from inside the office, laced with sleepy laziness. Zhao Qingyu had clearly been napping.
Wang Yuqiong hurriedly ducked behind Shen An and tiptoed up to whisper in his ear, mimicking the words. “The door’s not locked. Come in.”
Shen An shot her an exasperated look. Wasn’t this girl just trying to stir up trouble for him?
Wang Yuqiong stuck out her tongue innocently.
Shen An didn’t bother arguing with her. With a click, he pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The office lights were still off. Borrowing the light from the hallway, Shen An could vaguely make out the layout.
It was about the same size as a normal office. The only unusual thing was the sofa—it was huge, less like something to sit on and more like a makeshift bed, complete with a blanket draped over it.
Zhao Qingyu wasn’t on the sofa, though. She sat at her desk, yawning sleepily and stretching.
The computer screen glowed, illuminating her slightly weary but still coolly refined features.
No makeup, no flashy outfits like usual. It looked like she’d pulled an all-nighter working here.
“Ahem, sorry for waking you, Senior Sister.”
Shen An closed the door behind him and spoke softly.
Zhao Qingyu’s fox-like eyes flicked toward him, the corners of her mouth curving up. “I wasn’t asleep. I was just dozing off for a bit.”
“Senior Sister Qi said you wanted to see us?”
Shen An cut straight to the chase.
“Did I?” Zhao Qingyu tilted her head, looking at him with feigned confusion.
“Hah? You didn’t?” Shen An blinked. Had Qi Taili played him?
Were all Art Troupe members master pranksters or what?
Zhao Qingyu covered her mouth and giggled, crossing her legs into a more comfortable position. “Oh, right, I think there was something. Forgive me—my brain’s a little foggy right now. Can’t quite remember.”
“Heh…” Shen An forced a dry laugh.
“So, what is it?” he asked.
“Mmm, don’t rush me. Let me think.” Zhao Qingyu’s slender fingers pressed against her temple, rubbing gently.
“Sure.”
Shen An stood quietly, Wang Yuqiong at his side, giving Zhao Qingyu plenty of time to gather her thoughts.
One minute…
Two minutes…
Three minutes…
This damn silence…
Shen An watched Zhao Qingyu as her fox-like eyes grew hazy, sleepiness seemingly overtaking her. She looked like she might nod off again any second.
“Senior Sister?”
He was genuinely worried she’d pass out right there.
“Hm?” Zhao Qingyu struggled to open her eyes. “What’s up?”
“Um…” Shen An kept smiling. “Have you remembered yet?”
“Remembered what?”
Wang Yuqiong’s blood pressure spiked from where she stood behind Shen An!
This fox wasn’t sleepy at all—it was just her ploy to toy with them!
Shen An quietly gripped Wang Yuqiong’s arm and gave it a subtle shake, signaling her to stay calm.
“Remembered what you needed us for.”
Pfft.
The sleepiness vanished from Zhao Qingyu’s eyes in an instant. She twirled her finger, flicking on the office lights. The bright illumination highlighted the mischief playing on her lips.
“Looks like your patience has improved.”
Shen An smiled without responding.
“Alright, no more teasing.” Zhao Qingyu mused. “I do have a task for you.”
“But~”
Her eyes swirled with hesitation, drawing out the pause perfectly.
Shen An raised an eyebrow. “Just say it, Senior Sister. If it’s within my power, I’ll do my best.”
“You said it, not me.”
Zhao Qingyu spoke softly, propping her chin on her hand as her beautiful eyes fixed intently on Shen An, brimming with teasing. “Don’t blame me afterward, okay?”
“Just say it straight, Senior Sister,” Shen An replied flatly.
“Don’t be in such a rush. Before that, I need to have a little chat with your classmate first.”
Zhao Qingyu pointed at Wang Yuqiong. “Yuqiong, right? I didn’t get your name wrong, did I?”
Wang Yuqiong’s face held a polite, forced smile. “Senior Sister, you have a great memory.”
“Mm~ I think so too.”
Zhao Qingyu smiled faintly and picked up a file from the desk. “I’ve taken a look at your profile. It seems you have your eye on joining the Discipline Department of the Student Union.”
“Yes.”
“Have you signed up for it yet?”
“I already have.”
“I see. With your talents, they’d be thrilled over at the Discipline Department to snag such an outstanding freshman.”
Zhao Qingyu’s words were laced with barbs.
Wang Yuqiong glanced at Shen An beside her, reining in her emotions as best she could and keeping her smile in place. “The interviews haven’t started yet.”
“When’s the interview?”
“I haven’t received the notice yet.”
“Do you really like the Discipline Department that much?” Zhao Qingyu gazed at Wang Yuqiong, her smile gradually fading as her seductive fox-like eyes took on a subtle edge of coldness.
Wang Yuqiong’s smile didn’t waver. “Not particularly. I just think trying something different might be interesting.”
“Between the Discipline Department and the Art Troupe, which do you prefer?”
Zhao Qingyu’s questions came one after another.
Wang Yuqiong answered without hesitation. “The Art Troupe.”
“Oh~ So if you had to choose, you’d pick the Art Troupe.”
“If there’s no conflict.”
“And if there is a conflict?”
“Well…”
“Does it depend on the situation again?” Zhao Qingyu’s smile turned mocking. “How about this? You don’t need to worry about the Art Troupe anymore.”
“Devote yourself fully to the Discipline Department. How does that sound?”
There it was—her true intentions laid bare.
Wang Yuqiong’s smile faltered. “Sorry, I don’t quite get what you mean, Senior Sister.”
“My meaning is simple: you can only pick one.” Zhao Qingyu’s tone was casual.
Wang Yuqiong’s breathing grew suddenly heavy. Shen An gripped her arm again, then turned to Zhao Qingyu. “Does the Art Troupe have a rule like that?”
“No, theoretically, you can join every department.”
Zhao Qingyu shrugged. “But I don’t allow my members to have divided loyalties.”
“You can think of it as my personal rule.”
“It might feel a bit coercive, but I’m doing this for your own good.”
“You’re a new student, fresh on campus and clueless about everything. You might think hopping between departments lets you try new things, but in reality, you won’t master anything. Most of the work is repetitive and dull. Those trivial tasks will just waste your time and leave you spinning your wheels.”
“Of course, you don’t have to agree with me.”
“But between the Art Troupe and the Discipline Department, you can only choose one.”
Zhao Qingyu leaned back, her smile playful. “So, Wang, what’s it going to be—the Art Troupe or the Discipline Department?”
Wang Yuqiong gritted her teeth. “Senior Sister, this violates the school rules.”
“Mm-hmm, you’re absolutely right.”
Zhao Qingyu nodded frankly, even with a hint of smugness. “Violating the rules is my favorite thing.”
“Go ahead and file a complaint or report me—I don’t care.”
“Zhao Qingyu! You—”
Wang Yuqiong couldn’t hold back any longer. She dropped the “Senior Sister” honorific and called her by name directly.
But Shen An quickly covered her mouth, silencing the rest of her words.
Mmph! Mmph!
Wang Yuqiong glared at him in humiliated fury. This guy was such a coward!!!
She’d thought he’d say something fawning and placating.
But instead, he turned to Zhao Qingyu. “Senior Sister Zhao, forcing someone like this seems a bit much, don’t you think?”
“There’s no school rule like that. You’re bending the rules on your own, which is bound to stir up more criticism.”
“Maybe the school can’t do anything about you, but I can’t just stand by and watch.”
Zhao Qingyu frowned slightly, and Wang Yuqiong’s expression filled with surprise.
“Maybe in your eyes, Senior Sister, I’m nobody.”
“But I really value my friends. If you’re going to push her into this choice, then I might have to rethink joining the Art Troupe myself.”
Shen An grinned. “Or you could just kick both of us out right now.”
Wang Yuqiong’s beautiful eyes blinked rapidly as his earlier words flashed through her mind: “Even if there’s trouble, I’ll handle it first.”
Zhao Qingyu stared at him coldly, but Shen An remained unfazed, his expression calm.
Then, the chill faded, and her seductive fox-like eyes sparkled with an enigmatic amusement.
“Tch, pulling that card again? Do you like sticking your neck out for others that much?”
Shen An replied softly, “I don’t like sticking my neck out for others. I just love helping my friends.”
