After tidying up, Cheng Youyi headed downstairs. Holding an umbrella, she strolled along the school’s creek path toward the restaurant.
Along the way, she overheard many discussions about some “money-collecting event,” leaving her utterly confused.
Perhaps it was her imagination, but every student she saw today seemed to be glowing with joy, as if particularly excited.
She also caught snippets about the school hiring a young professor or something similar, though she didn’t quite catch the details. In any case, the atmosphere on campus today was exceptionally lively.
Upon reaching the restaurant building, Cheng Youyi entered the elevator and pressed the button for the top floor. Yu Mengwan was waiting for her up there, claiming to have ordered a steak pizza and dessert for her.
Why was this girl being so nice today? She actually wanted to treat her.
With a ding, the elevator arrived. From a distance, Cheng Youyi spotted the familiar figure waving to her from a seat. “Cheng Youyi, over here!”
“Mengmeng!” Cheng Youyi happily ran over and sat down beside Yu Mengwan. “Did you strike it rich or something? Why are you treating me to a meal?”
“It’s not just me—everyone at this school struck it rich today, except you.” Yu Mengwan said mysteriously.
“Huh?” Cheng Youyi blinked in confusion. “What do you mean? Why except me?”
“There was a money-collecting event today. Everyone went to collect money except you. Since you weren’t back yet, I figured you probably missed out. So, I’m reluctantly treating you to a nice meal to console your poor little heart. Hahaha!” As she spoke, Yu Mengwan couldn’t help but giggle.
Cheng Youyi looked at Yu Mengwan as if she were a fool. She reached out and touched Yu Mengwan’s forehead, muttering, “That’s strange, no fever. Why are you talking nonsense?”
“Are you so broke you’re hallucinating about the school giving out money?”
“You’re the one talking nonsense! I’m telling the truth—the school really gave out money today.” Yu Mengwan’s eyes darted around before she leaned in closer and lowered her voice. “I heard it was organized by that new young professor just to catch a glimpse of his fiancée. And apparently, he only agreed to come to our school because of her.”
Listening to Yu Mengwan’s bizarre remarks, Cheng Youyi’s frown deepened, half-believing and half-doubting.
She silently grumbled to herself: What kind of love-struck fool with too much money and time on their hands would organize such a ridiculous event just to attract attention?
What a weirdo. If he wanted to see his fiancée, did he really have to spend money like that? Is he that loaded?
“Hey, why are you spacing out? Hurry up and eat while it’s hot—it won’t taste as good when it cools down. Listen, he has a class this afternoon, and you absolutely have to come with me.” Yu Mengwan placed a piece of steak on Cheng Youyi’s plate. “I went through a lot of trouble to snag two reserved tickets for his lecture. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—we can’t miss it.”
“No way, I’m not interested. I have to practice piano this afternoon. I don’t have time to listen to boring economic theories and political economy.” Cheng Youyi refused without hesitation. Although she was curious about what kind of guy could drive all the girls on campus crazy, she had no interest in sitting through those dull lectures.
Moreover, since this guy already has a fiancée yet still pulls such stunts to attract the attention of all the girls on campus, he must not be a decent person.
“No way, I went through so much trouble to get these two tickets. Cheng Youyi, don’t forget we’re the closest of best friends. If something happens to me because I’m heartbroken and upset, there’ll be no one left to stand up for you in the future.” Yu Mengwan threatened, her face drawn long.
“Alright, alright!” Cheng Youyi surrendered. “I’ll go, okay? I promise I won’t distract you from the lecture, all right?”
“Now that’s more like it.” Yu Mengwan patted Cheng Youyi’s shoulder. “You keep eating. I’m going back to my room to change and freshen up. They’re all dressed to the nines—I can’t afford to lose.”
Cheng Youyi couldn’t help but chuckle as she watched her friend walk away.
Doesn’t that guy have a fiancée? Why is everyone so excited? What’s so extraordinary about him anyway?
She took out her phone to check the time. There was still plenty of time before class, so she decided to read a book here while waiting for Yu Mengwan.
Meanwhile, elsewhere.
In Gong Ming’s private office, the man sat in his office chair, watching the girl on the surveillance footage with an inscrutable expression.
It seemed she didn’t know he had already taken up a position at her school.
This made the situation all the more intriguing.
Afternoons always felt fleeting, and as class time drew nearer, the cafeteria gradually emptied. Even the usually bustling playground now only had a few sparse ginkgo trees with withering leaves.
Most people had likely gone to prepare for the afternoon classes, leaving only a few girls gathered in the cafeteria discussing the matter, along with Cheng Youyi.
She had heard bits and pieces about that professor.
From the chatter, she learned he was young and accomplished, a business prodigy who had agreed to teach here for the sake of his fiancée.
However, no one knew yet who this lucky teacher might be.
“Could it be Teacher Fang Fang? She’s the most famous pianist at our school,” one senior suddenly chimed in.
“Yeah, Teacher Fang Fang is only 27, young, beautiful, and talented in music. Age-wise, she fits the profile of the professor’s fiancée. If it really is Teacher Fang Fang, then it wouldn’t be surprising,” another senior agreed.
“I’ve never heard that Teacher Fang Fang is in a relationship.”
“What if his fiancée is a student?!! Just a hypothetical, of course.”
“Haha, no way. How could a student land such an outstanding fiancé?”
…
The girls chattered away, while Cheng Youyi sat quietly, silently reading her book.
She really had little interest in such gossip.
“Hey, classmate, why aren’t you joining the discussion? Do you not have a ticket either?” someone finally noticed her.
“I do,” Cheng Youyi replied briefly, her eyes still fixed on the book in her hands.
“Oh my god, this classmate has a ticket. She’s going to attend the lecture later,” one of the girls exclaimed.
Everyone immediately looked at Cheng Youyi with envy and jealousy. Cheng Youyi felt a chill run down her spine under their intense gazes. Just as she was about to explain, a group of girls stood up and walked over to her, their faces full of anticipation as they asked, “Could you please help us get an autograph and a photo with him?”
“Please, we’ve been rejected so many times we’ve lost all hope.”
“Please, we’re begging you.”
“After class, let’s meet right here, okay? It’s settled then.”
“Huh? I…”
And just like that, Cheng Youyi found herself inexplicably surrounded by a group of girls and ended up agreeing to their strange request in a daze.
Now, not only had she been dragged to attend the lecture out of nowhere, but she was also being asked to get a photo with him. What a ridiculous situation. Would the professor think she was an idiot or some obsessed fan?
But since she had already agreed, backing out now was clearly out of the question.