The next morning.
Because she had class, Shen Ci woke up early. Seeing Gu Lianxing still sound asleep, she quietly washed up and slipped out alone.
The campus cafeteria was nearly empty at such an early hour—just a few students scattered around eating breakfast.
Shen Ci bought a bowl of soy milk, an egg, and two buns, then found a corner seat by the window.
She pulled out her phone just in time to see a message from her little sister.
“Sis, we’re starting military training tomorrow. I won’t be allowed to bring my phone, so I might be out of touch for a while!”
A tender smile touched Shen Ci’s lips.
“Got it. Remember to wear sunscreen during training, and stay safe.”
“You’re up so early too? Do you have class today?”
“Mm. I’m at the cafeteria for breakfast now. Don’t skip yours either. Spend the money I sent you—when it runs out, I’ll send more.”
“Okay~ By the way, looks like it might rain. Did you bring an umbrella?”
Shen Ci instinctively glanced outside—just as heavy raindrops began pattering against the window. She hadn’t.
At that moment, the quiet cafeteria was broken by a noisy group entering from the main doors.
A bunch of guys in basketball jerseys trooped in, laughing as they shook off the sudden downpour. They had been drenched on the court.
Shen Ci immediately spotted Qu Yang. His rain-soaked jersey clung tightly, outlining firm chest muscles and sharply defined abs. He casually rubbed his wet hair with napkins, every movement dripping with unrestrained youth and vitality.
She allowed herself a lingering look before withdrawing her gaze. As the number one patroness, such sights are exactly what I deserve.
The boys chatted noisily as they lined up for food.
“I told you to bring an umbrella.”“You had one but didn’t even get it open in time!”“This rain was way too sudden.”“I want rice noodles. You guys want anything? My treat.”“Qu Yang, what about you? I’ll grab it for you.”“Steamed dumplings and savory tofu pudding.”
As they joked, Shao Yu’s eyes suddenly lit up. He grabbed Qu Yang’s arm. “Look—it’s Shen Ci!”
Qu Yang followed his gaze. There she was, seated alone by the window, peeling her egg in quiet concentration.
Shao Yu whispered, “Should I go thank her? She gave me twenty carnival gifts yesterday—three whole yuan in earnings! My record!”
But Qu Yang held him back. “Forget it. Don’t bother her.”
“You’re right,” Shao Yu deflated. “Might be awkward anyway. What if she enjoys the mystery? If I tell her I recognized her, maybe she’ll stop watching my stream.”
Smack! Qu Yang cuffed him hard on the back of the head.
“Ow! Why hit me?”
Qu Yang’s face darkened. “Stop thinking nonsense. Go buy food.”
The rain kept pouring. Having finished her meal, Shen Ci stayed, waiting for it to let up. She’d need to visit her counselor soon, but she had no umbrella.
She asked the bun vendor if she could borrow one, but the lady shook her head apologetically. Shen Ci pressed her lips together, unsure what to do.
At a nearby table, Qu Yang had been sneaking glances the whole time. Finally, he snatched up Shao Yu’s umbrella and strode quickly to the cafeteria doors, where Shen Ci stood.
A dark umbrella suddenly appeared in front of her.
“If you’re in a hurry, use this,” Qu Yang said, his voice low but steady. It was the first time he’d spoken to her directly. He tried hard to keep his eyes level, though his subtle fidgeting betrayed nerves.
Shen Ci blinked in surprise. “And you?”
“I don’t have class this morning. I’ll wait until the rain stops.”
She accepted it with a polite nod. “Then thank you. I’ll return it at noon here in the cafeteria.”
Qu Yang nodded once and walked back without another word.
Opening the umbrella, Shen Ci stepped into the rain and vanished.
Back at the table, his friends erupted.
“Smooth, man. Borrowing Shao Yu’s umbrella to play hero?”“Didn’t think you had it in you. We didn’t even notice she needed one.”“I thought you were the straight-laced one—guess not.”
Shao Yu looked the most aggrieved. “Fake gentleman!”
Qu Yang scowled. “Shut up and eat.” Yet the faintest smile tugged at his lips as he bent over his tofu pudding.
Meanwhile, Shen Ci arrived at the administration building. She knocked lightly before entering, but Counselor Li Jianguo stepped out to meet her in the corridor.
His expression was heavy as he sighed.
Sensing something off, Shen Ci’s face grew serious. “Director Li, what’s wrong? Judging by your expression, it’s not good news.”
Li Jianguo sighed again and nodded. “It’s not. Someone reported you to the Academic Affairs Office—for receiving school assistance while wearing luxury goods.”
End of Chapter 18