In the classroom, seeing her indifferent expression, Gu Zhiyan’s jawline tightened, and the corners of his lips gradually straightened.
Amid the noisy discussions, the professor entered and tapped the table displeased. “Quiet.”
As the PowerPoint opened, Shen Nanyin’s name appeared in the first column.
“Shen, the department beauty, is first in assets again this week. So impressive.”
“The department beauty’s excellence is all-encompassing. I’d call her the pride of the Beijing North Finance Department!”
“Whispering here, the department beauty is both stunning and talented. How could anyone bear to break up with her? It’s simply incomprehensible.”
“Pause the studying, I’m going to pursue her!”
“? Bro, is your urine matte?”
“Damn, I really want to secretly follow her investments, but Old Man Li is too sharp.”
The professor, referred to as Old Man Li, praised Shen Nanyin and then sternly reiterated that students were not allowed to disclose their stock purchases to others.
Liang Wan looked at her own ranking with a bitter expression. “Come on, what would happen if you shared half your brain with me?”
An unpleasant voice chimed in.
“Bragging about virtual achievements like this. Who knows how much you’d lose in real trading?”
“No matter how good your grades are, you’re still just a party escort.”
The voice was neither too loud nor too soft, just enough to reach Shen Nanyin’s ears.
Across the aisle was Finance Class Two. Shen Nanyin recognized the boy.
He was Gu Zhiyan’s friend, whom she had met at a banquet once.
Because Shen Dingguo often took her to social events, packaging her as a commodity to be sold at the highest price, the young masters and ladies in their circle often looked down on her.
Except for Gu Zhiyan.
He had rescued her from awkward situations, taken her away from suffocating banquets, and even promised to marry her so she could escape the Shen family.
Fortunately, she had been disappointed too many times, so it wasn’t as painful anymore.
Hearing this, Finance Class One loudly defended her.
“Can’t handle losing, so you resort to slander? Which class’s genius is this? Oh my, could it be from Finance Class Two next door?”
“No way, no way. You’re not one of those pretentious finance bros from TikTok, are you?”
The professor on the podium, understanding the gist of the situation, quieted everyone down and spoke meaningfully.
“Students, good simulation results don’t necessarily mean strong practical skills, but poor simulation results definitely mean poor practical skills.”
The boy’s face turned pale, then flushed red.
After all, this was Beijing North’s top university, a breeding ground for countless national talents. No matter how influential one’s background was, they couldn’t act recklessly here.
After class, Shen Nanyin washed her hands at the bathroom sink while Su Yaqin stood beside her, reapplying her lipstick.
“I heard you’re Zhiyan’s ex-girlfriend?”
Shen Nanyin paused, glancing at her in the mirror before calmly replying, “Not really. At best, you could call it a game of truth or dare.”
Smoothing the color with her fingertip, Su Yaqin capped her lipstick. “Whatever you were, I hope you keep your distance from him from now on.”
Hearing this, Shen Nanyin smiled faintly. “Then you should petition the school to cancel large lecture halls.”
Su Yaqin took a moment to process this, not expecting her to be so sharp-tongued. She sneered, “Miss Shen, I believe people should know their place.”
She glanced at Shen Nanyin’s hand, her eyes filled with mockery.
“Isn’t it inappropriate to still wear the ring Zhiyan gave you after breaking up?”
Shen Nanyin’s clear eyes showed a hint of exasperation.
She really had quite the imagination.
Shen Nanyin explained earnestly, “This wasn’t given by Gu Zhiyan. It’s—”
“Enough already,” Su Yaqin sneered, cutting her off. “This is an L-brand ring. If you’re going to lie, at least make sure it’s something you could actually afford.”
As she spoke, a flicker of jealousy flashed in her eyes.
L-brand, as a top-tier luxury jewelry brand, was renowned for its design. It appeared simple and understated, yet its prices were so exorbitant they were beyond reach.
“Believe it or not,” Shen Nanyin’s voice was cool and detached, “this was a gift from my boyfriend. It has nothing to do with Gu Zhiyan.”
With that, she ignored Su Yaqin’s reaction and walked away.
Scattered sunlight filtered through the gaps between the tender green leaves, while the fragrance of magnolia blossoms filled the air, carrying a rich, mellow sweetness.
When she opened her phone, she noticed that Lu Jingyan had added her to the family group chat at some point.
Seeing that Lu Daiqing and Mother Lu had sent friend requests, she quickly accepted them.
The next second, Mother Lu called her.
Shen Nanyin answered, hearing a voice filled with concern on the other end.
“Yinyin, are you done with class? Have you eaten yet?”
Shen Nanyin was taken aback.
The static in the receiver felt like a secret passage through time and space, carrying the warm, nostalgic scent of old memories. She couldn’t help but feel a lump in her throat.
It had been a long time since anyone had asked her that.
When she was studying in Suzhou, Grandmother and Grandfather would ask her that, and her mother, far away in Jingbei, would often call to check on her.
She would sit on the low steps, staring at the few tender weeds growing from the chipped blue bricks, her fingers winding the telephone cord in circles.
That short telephone cord bridged a distance of over a thousand kilometers, and it was the moment she looked forward to most every week.
But after her younger brother was born, the once-a-week calls became once a month, then once a year, until they stopped altogether.
It wasn’t until after Grandmother and Grandfather passed away that she was brought back to Jingbei.
A mist of tears welled up in Shen Nanyin’s eyes. “I… I’m done with class. I was just about to go to the cafeteria.”
“The cafeteria food is awful. Mom asked Uncle Zhang to bring you a meal. It’s homemade, clean, and nutritious. He should be there soon.”
She fought back the lump in her throat. “Thank you, Mom.”
Lu Minghui beamed at being called “Mom.” “Silly child, we’re family. There’s no need for thanks.”
Clutching her phone tightly, Shen Nanyin’s eyes were already rimmed with red.