After the banquet ended, Gu Ling sat in the back seat. The stifling heat made her breathing rapid, and she nearly couldn’t catch her breath. The car keys weren’t in her hands, so she could only roll down the window.
The dim streetlights illuminated the surroundings, and a gentle breeze brushed past the tip of Gu Ling’s nose, finally easing her breathing.
At that moment, the System suddenly appeared out of thin air.
“Ding-dong, Host, the president of S University is calling. Shall I connect?”
Gu Ling carefully recalled the plot of the novel in her mind. The original owner, Chi Yan, had scored full marks on the college entrance exam and entered S University, single-handedly turning the biology department—which wasn’t particularly famous at S University—into a flagship program.
In the original book, after the engagement banquet, Chi Yan accepted the invitation from S University’s president to return and give a speech.
“Accept the call.”
On the other end, when the president of S University saw the call connected, a hint of surprise squeezed onto his originally stern expression. He immediately began greeting Gu Ling, speaking quickly, afraid she might hang up.
“Student Chi, do you have time to return to S University for a speech? Salary and such are all negotiable—the juniors and seniors are all looking forward to your visit.”
Sure enough, it matched the original plot exactly. This put Gu Ling somewhat at ease, confirming that the original storyline hadn’t been affected too much.
Gu Ling muted the microphone and asked, “System, can I accept this speech?”
The System replied confidently, “Host, rest assured. The System’s knowledge base is very broad. A mere speech is more than enough.”
Gu Ling nodded, unmuted the microphone, and replied in the manner of Chi Yan from the book: “I happen to have time tomorrow at 3 PM. I can stop by and give the speech.”
“Great, I’ll notify everyone right away.” The president of S University barely managed to hold back his laughter.
Gu Ling heard footsteps approaching and hung up the call.
The dean of the School of Biological Sciences stood across from the glass door, anxiously waiting for the result.
The tea on the table, which had been steaming hot, had already gone completely cold.
Seeing the president walk out, Dean Zhang hurried forward and asked anxiously, “How is it? How is it?”
The president let out a meaningful sigh, patted Dean Zhang on the shoulder, and said, “Little Zhang, every man for himself. I can only help you this far.”
Dean Zhang’s face instantly fell. He had just lifted his foot to leave when the president called him back and instructed:
“Don’t forget to arrange the welcome ceremony.”
Hearing this, Zhang Decai squared his shoulders and immediately regained his drive.
＊＊
Chi Yan sat by the computer, finally finishing her script revisions.
Shi Yu had been keeping her company the whole time, holding a sketchbook, drawing something unknown.
Chi Yan had been so absorbed in typing her revisions that she completely failed to notice Shi Yu still hadn’t left.
“It’s one in the morning. Young Master Shi certainly has perseverance.”
Seeing that Chi Yan was done, Shi Yu closed his sketchbook, stepped forward to massage her shoulders, and said, “Go to sleep once you’re done. My room is right across the hall—feel free to come find me if you need anything.”
Chi Yan reached back, pressed Shi Yu down onto the sofa, and tilted his chin up with her hand, teasing, “That’s my line, isn’t it? You look more dangerous than I do.”
Chi Yan leaned down, closing in on Shi Yu. Their breaths intertwined, their faces drawing extremely close.
The moonlight was gentle and bright, casting a soft glow across the girl’s cheeks, as if it were her own natural aura.
As Chi Yan drew nearer, Shi Yu’s heart unintentionally skipped half a beat.
Chi Yan paused, curled the corner of her lips, and released her hand, saying, “I’m sleepy. You can leave now.”
Shi Yu did not disturb them any further either. After saying “Good night,” he left.