Shen Zhiyu was left speechless.
The same old story, the same old taste.
He angrily jumped out of the car, carrying his small backpack, and ran straight into the school gate without looking back.
Shen Zhili watched his figure disappear into the morning crowd, and only then did the smile at the corner of her lips deepen.
She also got out of the car, walked around to the driver’s side, curled her knuckles, and tapped on the dark-tinted car window.
The window rolled down quickly.
“No need to pick me up at noon today either. Just come directly in the evening to take the young master home.”
The driver nodded respectfully.
“Yes, Miss.”
…
Shen Zhili resumed her “cross me and you die” expression, her high heels clicking on the polished floor as she walked all the way into the classroom.
She took her seat, pulled out her phone.
The next second, hurried footsteps sounded from behind her.
Qiao Yi scurried over, her eyes shining brightly.
“Lili!”
Shen Zhili didn’t even look up, continuing to stare at her phone screen, her fingertips typing “oil paint brand recommendations” into the search bar.
“Hmm.”
“Did you go to Qingshan Apartments last night?”
Qiao Yi lowered her voice, her tone filled with barely concealed excitement and gossip.
“I asked around and heard something happened at the convenience store where Jiang Xianzhuo works last night. Li Junye and his gang went to cause trouble, but ended up getting dealt with…”
Shen Zhili finally lifted her eyelids, glancing at her.
“You’re quite well-informed.”
Qiao Yi puffed out her chest proudly.
“Of course, after all, it’s news you’re interested in, I…”
Before she could finish, Shen Zhili suddenly moved.
The exquisite shopping bag tucked under the desk was lifted out with one hand and, without even a glance, shoved directly into Qiao Yi’s arms.
Qiao Yi froze.
She looked down at the paper bag in her arms, printed with the logo of a top luxury brand, then snapped her head up to stare at Shen Zhili, completely stunned.
“Li, Lili, this is…”
“For you.”
Shen Zhili withdrew her hand, leaning lazily back into her chair, and continued fiddling with her phone.
“There’s a bag inside. I’ve only used it twice. If you like it, take it. If not, give it away.”
Qiao Yi’s hands began to tremble.
She shakily opened the paper bag, took just one look, and her breath hitched.
She recognized the bag lying quietly inside.
A globally limited-edition style from last year, only ten arrived in domestic boutiques total. It had long been resold for an outrageous price, something money alone couldn’t necessarily buy.
And Shen Zhili just… casually gave it away, just like that?
Qiao Yi’s heart raced wildly, her face flushing red.
“Lili, I…”
“Don’t get excited,” Shen Zhili interrupted her, her tone casual. “Just keep an eye on Jiang Xianzhuo’s situation for me. If anything unusual happens, tell me right away.”
Qiao Yi nodded frantically.
“Don’t worry, I’ll start watching Jiang Xianzhuo like he’s my dad!”
She clutched the bag, her eyes gleaming with fervor, as if ready to serve Shen Zhili hand and foot immediately.
Shen Zhili: “…”
That’s really not necessary.
If Jiang Xianzhuo were her dad, what would that make her to Qiao Yi?
“Alright, get out of my sight now.”
“Roger that!”
Only after Qiao Yi had walked away did Shen Zhili turn her attention back to her phone screen.
The search results popped up with a bunch of oil paint brand recommendations, along with detailed introductions of various price ranges and uses.
Shen Zhili frowned as she scrolled down one by one.
She remembered Jiang Xianzhuo used expensive materials for painting, but she couldn’t recall the specific brand.
Forget it, she’d just ask at the store later.
She exited the search page and opened the shopping app again, starting to search for items like canvases, easels, and sketchbooks.
While browsing, a new message suddenly appeared at the top of her phone screen.
Shen Zhili’s heart skipped a beat, and she immediately tapped it.
It was from Qiao Yi.
【Oh, by the way, Zhili, I just heard Li Junye went to find Xie Yuchi this morning.】
【But Xie Yuchi wasn’t in the classroom. Li Junye waited for half an hour without seeing him and didn’t look too happy.】
Shen Zhili stared at these two messages, her brows slowly furrowing.
Li Junye went to find Xie Yuchi?
…
Meanwhile, at the end of the hallway in the teaching building.
Li Junye, clutching his groin, limped out of the men’s restroom, his expression extremely unpleasant.
Even now, he could still feel a dull ache in that area.
Just thinking about how Shen Zhili had kicked him so hard yesterday made him grit his teeth in anger.
But he didn’t dare to act on it.
After all, she was the eldest daughter of the Shen family—someone he couldn’t afford to provoke.
Li Junye could only swallow his anger for now, planning to deal with Xie Yuchi’s instructions first.
Who would’ve thought that as soon as he turned the corner of the hallway, he’d see Xie Yuchi leaning against the wall, his light brown eyes watching him with a faint, mocking smile.
Li Junye’s heart skipped a beat in panic, and he quickly forced a flattering smile as he walked over.
“Second Young Master Xie, what brings you here?”
Xie Yuchi didn’t respond.
He merely straightened the cuffs of his white shirt unhurriedly, his movements elegant.
His eyes, which usually brimmed with gentle warmth, now held not a trace of warmth.
“I asked you to test Jiang Xianzhuo, and this is how you handle it?”
Cold sweat instantly broke out on Li Junye’s forehead.
“Second Young Master Xie, I… I didn’t expect Shen Zhili to be there either…”
“Shen Zhili was there?”
Xie Yuchi interrupted him, his tone still gentle, but to Li Junye, it carried an unsettling chill.
“Are you saying Shen Zhili was at the convenience store where Jiang Xianzhuo works last night?”
Li Junye nodded frantically, as if grasping at a lifeline.
“Yes, yes! Not only was she there, but she also brought food for Jiang Xianzhuo and even helped him deal with us in the end…”
Before he could finish, Xie Yuchi suddenly reached out and patted his shoulder.
The gesture wasn’t forceful, but it made Li Junye freeze completely.
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure!”
Li Junye gritted his teeth and repeated the scene he had witnessed yesterday.
“She was dressed very plainly too, just in a hoodie and jeans. If it weren’t for her striking face, I might not have even recognized her…”
Xie Yuchi withdrew his hand, his face once again wearing that gentle, harmless smile.
“Alright, I understand.”
He turned to leave but stopped after a few steps, not looking back.
“Oh, and remember to pay back the money you owe Shen Zhili.”
“Don’t let her come looking for you over such a trivial matter again.”
With that, he strode away without a backward glance.
Li Junye stood rooted to the spot, not daring to breathe heavily until Xie Yuchi’s figure had completely disappeared around the corner of the hallway.
He raised a hand to wipe his forehead, only to realize his back was already soaked with cold sweat.