No matter which type it was, the motives were impure.
Jiang Baixie’s perfect mask finally shattered. His face turned gloomy, and the cold indifference in his eyes was replaced by incredulous shock.
Subconsciously, he glanced at the oil painting hanging on the living room wall; his pinhole camera was hidden just above it.
Song Xingqiu knew everything.
Jiang Baixie could not help but look around. Where had Song Xingqiu hidden his camera? When was it installed? It had been a long time since he had experienced this feeling of losing control.
Remembering there was a camera in the living room, Jiang Baixie took one last look at Song Xingqiu’s bedroom door and did not linger. He returned to his own room and closed the door. The well-bred expression and polite smile he had just worn completely collapsed.
His fists clenched until his knuckles turned white. He looked at the cabinet door beside him, then took a deep look in the direction of Song Xingqiu’s bedroom, suppressing the urge to punch something to vent. He forced himself to relax his palms.
Jiang Baixie took a deep breath.
Song Xingqiu had known all along. He knew from the very beginning.
He let out two ridiculous, self-mocking laughs.
He had underestimated Song Xingqiu.
Then again, how could someone who made a name for himself in the Federation and frantically amassed tens of billions in assets in just five years be a simple character?
He had been too naive.
To think he could use the same methods he used on those greenhouse flowers at the academy to scheme against Song Xingqiu.
Back when Song Xingqiu mentioned returning to the country and transferring to Exronia, Jiang Baixie had already looked up his records in the Federation and learned of his deeds there.
He concluded that Song Xingqiu was someone worth befriending. Unfortunately, Song Wenyue hated him intensely and had already issued orders at the academy to remain at odds with Song Xingqiu until the end.
Jiang Baixie could not abandon the heir of the Empire’s number one family in favor of Song Xingqiu.
However, making an enemy of Song Xingqiu would be a waste. So, he meticulously designed this “win-win” scenario: maintaining his alliance with Song Wenyue while bestowing a favor upon Song Xingqiu.
Song Xingqiu was only studying at Exronia for a year and would very likely drop out at any time due to Song Wenyue’s exclusion and bullying. Jiang Baixie thought he had chosen a shortcut, but he had not expected Song Xingqiu to be prepared. The shortcut had become a dead end.
He had originally crafted a script. He planned to appear just in time to rescue Song Xingqiu when Song Wenyue was being violent, using the opportunity to earn Song Xingqiu’s trust and goodwill.
That script had been a joke from the start.
What had Song Xingqiu been thinking since the moment he appeared? Jiang Baixie did not dare think too deeply on it.
He glanced at the keys lying on the table.
Song Wenyue.
That incompetent, more-harm-than-good fool.
Having resolved a major issue and stripped away Jiang Baixie’s carefully constructed mask in the process, Song Xingqiu was in a good mood.
On his first day in the dormitory, Song Xingqiu had installed surveillance cameras. With the help of his equipment, he discovered the pinhole camera Jiang Baixie had installed. Song Xingqiu immediately jammed Jiang Baixie’s signal and set up his own.
He knew Jiang Baixie was no saint, but he did not expect him to go this far.
He did not know what Jiang Baixie intended to do with the camera. Was he simply afraid of someone invading his territory?
If so, he should have at least informed his roommate.
Spying on his life? He did not know what about him was worth Jiang Baixie’s attention.
From Jiang Baixie’s perspective, he was just an outcast of the Song family.
Worthless.
Now he knew.
Jiang Baixie was not just observing him through the camera; he was trying to use it to stage a “heroic rescue” to win his favor.
The keys could have clearly been left at home, but he insisted on leaving them with Qin Xiushi.
Knowing full well that Song Xingqiu and his nephew Song Wenyue did not get along, he still revealed the location of his keys to Song Wenyue.
Step by step, he had practically lured the stupid Song Wenyue into sneaking into their dorm to attack him.
In Jiang Baixie’s script, Song Xingqiu should have been pinned to the ground by Song Wenyue, gradually breaking down under the blows. Then, Jiang Baixie would descend like a savior to stop the violence, becoming the first ray of light in his darkness.
From then on, he would open his heart to Jiang Baixie and view him as a rare friend in the academy.
The method was practical, efficient, and offered a high return; the only downside was that Song Xingqiu had to take a few hits.
He just did not know what Jiang Baixie was actually after.
Did he think his status as the Song family’s youngest son was still useful? Or did he simply find manipulating hearts amusing?
Either way, the motives were impure.
Song Xingqiu suddenly became curious about the truth behind Jiang Baixie’s special status at school, being adored by both the noble students and the special admission students.
It certainly was not the pure kindness he displayed on the surface.
Since he could use these tricks on him, he could naturally use them on others. Many people had likely already fallen for it.
“Tsk,” Song Xingqiu curled his lip.
Boring.
None of the F4 were truly good people.
His interest waned.
If Jiang Baixie loved controlling this school so much, let him. Jiang Baixie was doing the thankless work himself.
The true shadow manipulator of Exronia Academy?
Kind of interesting.
Like the limit of a Chuunibyou teenager’s imagination after reading too much shonen manga.
While Jiang Baixie played the academy’s hidden boss, he would focus on graduating peacefully and getting the shares and company Song Cheng promised him.
Song Xingqiu stopped thinking about Jiang Baixie.
He opened his suitcase, which was filled with a large number of textbooks.
The library was a public place, after all; it was not very convenient.
Having completely burned bridges with Song Wenyue this time, and with Song Wenyue’s days-long revenge plan failing, there was no telling what he might do out of desperation.
So, Song Xingqiu took this opportunity to bring in all the books he needed to read.
That way, he would not have to run to the library.
Song Xingqiu opened his laptop and began tonight’s study session.
The next day, Song Xingqiu got up for his routine run.
To maintain this body well, Song Xingqiu placed great importance on exercise.
He opened his door and saw Jiang Baixie in the living room.
In addition to the sofa and TV, the living room was equipped with a small kitchenette.
Jiang Baixie had brewed himself a cup of coffee. Currently, he was holding the cup, sitting on the sofa, and reading the news on a tablet.
When Jiang Baixie saw him, he subconsciously glanced down at the time on his watch.
6:45 AM.
The first class at Exronia Academy started at eight. Generally, students would not wake up until seven, and those who liked to sleep in would drag it out until seven-thirty.
Today was Saturday. Even the most diligent special admission students would choose to sleep in a little.
“Good morning.” Jiang Baixie put down his coffee and offered Song Xingqiu an impeccable smile, as if the person whose mask was ripped off last night was not him.
Song Xingqiu returned the greeting: “Good morning.”
His gaze swept over the faint dark circles under the other’s eyes, his tone unreadable: “You’re up early.”
Jiang Baixie pressed his temples, his handsome face showing a perfectly timed weariness that made him look harmless and soft, the kind of look that easily garnered goodwill. He explained, “I haven’t adjusted to the jet lag yet.”
He sized up Song Xingqiu’s sportswear: “Going for a morning workout?”
Without waiting for Song Xingqiu’s answer, he naturally followed up: “A very healthy habit.”
From his tone to his actions and demeanor, Jiang Baixie was perfect. One could never imagine that his mask of gentleness had just been peeled back to reveal a cold corner yesterday.
Song Xingqiu stared at him for two seconds, withdrew his gaze, and replied flatly, “Yeah. After all, health is the capital of revolution. I’m heading out now.”
As he spoke, Song Xingqiu walked out of the dorm, leaving their unspoken testing behind.
Jiang Baixie watched Song Xingqiu leave, the smile on his face vanishing. With a slight movement of his finger, he swiped to a new page on his tablet; it was all of Song Xingqiu’s information from the Federation.
From his arrival at age 11 to live a ridiculous life, to the change that began at 14 when he transformed into a rising star in the Federation’s business world.
It was all recorded.
He had originally doubted the reliability of this data. After all, it was hard to believe someone could undergo such a complete transformation during their most rebellious years.
Looking at it now, miracles of rebirth truly did exist in this world.
Thinking of something, a mocking smile touched Jiang Baixie’s lips.
In that case, he had to hold this person worth befriending even more firmly in his hand.
He hoped Song Xingqiu would be a bit more cooperative this time.
His patience was very limited.
Walking out of the dormitory building, Song Xingqiu pressed his temples.
He had still underestimated Jiang Baixie; after such an embarrassing event, the guy could still act as if nothing had happened, continuing to pretend and maintain his persona.
Not being afraid of Jiang Baixie did not mean he enjoyed dealing with him.
People like this were the most troublesome.
He had thought that after last night’s events and warning, Jiang Baixie would back off. He had not expected him to be waiting in the living room first thing in the morning.
Was it a provocation or a gesture of goodwill?
The Jiang family was at least an old-money family in the luxury goods sector with deep roots. Was there any need to keep pestering him?
Song Xingqiu rubbed his aching shoulders; he had studied late again last night. He glanced down at his sports watch and began his morning run.
Not far from the dormitory building, a large artificial lake lay quietly in the morning light.
The lakeshore was covered with smooth pebbles, and lush trees surrounded the area, filtering the morning air until it was refreshing.
Song Xingqiu ran at a steady pace along the lakeside path, letting the moisture-laden breeze brush against his face. He slowed his breathing and focused on the shimmering surface of the lake, temporarily putting the intrigue behind him.
He admired the scenery as he ran.
He ran every other day to avoid wearing out his knees.
Usually, during school days, he would see a few scattered students. Since it was the weekend, the campus was empty, perfect for enjoying the view.
Out of the corner of his eye, Song Xingqiu saw a golden head abruptly pop over the school wall.
He immediately thought of certain plots and characters from the novel.
He ran into this too?
He nonchalantly looked away, pretending he had not seen anything.
Unfortunately, Mu Huaizhi had no intention of cooperating.
Climbing over the wall into the campus, Mu Huaizhi had zero self-awareness that he was sneaking in. Seeing Song Xingqiu, he immediately greeted him loudly and enthusiastically: “Song Wenyue’s little uncle, what a coincidence!”
The voice was lazy and lingering, the end of the sentence undulating with sweetness.
Mu Huaizhi’s sandy-gold hair was messily sticking up, and there were still pillow marks on his face. Even worse, the top two buttons of his shirt were torn open, revealing a large portion of his neck covered in hickeys.
He looked both thuggish and romantic.
It was as if he wanted to announce to the whole world what he had been doing last night.
Seeing he could not avoid it, Song Xingqiu nodded to him, consider it a greeting, and continued his morning run.
He wanted to leave, but Mu Huaizhi would not let him.
They were walking directly toward each other. Song Xingqiu tried to brush past, but Mu Huaizhi did not give him the chance.
He approached with a grin.
“Out for an early morning run? You live such a healthy life.” Mu Huaizhi walked familiarly in front of Song Xingqiu.
Song Xingqiu looked at the man blocking his path and tried to go around him. Mu Huaizhi immediately followed his steps, blocking him again.
After repeating this more than three times, Song Xingqiu stopped moving and stayed in place.
Song Xingqiu’s jogging was always progressive and scientific, following a complete process.
Now, stopped by Mu Huaizhi, his heart rate began to drop and his body started to cool, ruining his original rhythm. His breathing was slightly hurried because his exercise pace had been disrupted.
Having just dealt with the annoying Jiang Baixie and now facing Mu Huaizhi, Song Xingqiu naturally did not have a good look on his face.
Seeing Song Xingqiu’s expression change, Mu Huaizhi’s smile widened even further.
Angry?
Song Wenyue had pushed him so hard, yet Song Xingqiu’s expression had not changed.
But with just a little provocation from him, Song Xingqiu’s emotions fluctuated.
As a veteran of the dating scene, how could Mu Huaizhi not know this was a good sign?
He was not afraid of Song Xingqiu being angry; he was afraid of him not being angry.
He stood there leisurely, waiting for the impending outburst.
Then he heard Song Xingqiu respond with a cold face: “Yeah. Were you out whoring all night? You certainly live an indecent life.”
If he had to pick the person he hated most among the F4, it was definitely Mu Huaizhi.
This guy was practically a plus version of his original self before he transmigrated.
He did everything the original body did, and things the original had not. He was a pure scumbag.
He spent every day indulging in pleasures. Not only did he go out to play, but he also frequently targeted the beautiful special admission students at the academy.
He exploited their desperate need for protection to toy with them. He was an irredeemable bastard.
Mu Huaizhi had expected Song Xingqiu would not say anything nice, but he had not expected him to be so blunt and sharp.
The logic made sense, but who would dare directly say his life was indecent?
The most frequent comments Mu Huaizhi received in his life were that he was a romantic playboy, or at worst, a rake or promiscuous.
Theoretically, those words were derogatory, but in practice, they felt more like praise and bragging about being a smooth operator.
No one had ever directly said he was “whoring” or that his “life was indecent.”
Mu Huaizhi was momentarily choked up, the forced smile on his face nearly breaking.
“Hahahaha, you sure talk in an interesting way.” Mu Huaizhi reacted quickly and regained control of his emotions.
He figured Song Xingqiu judged him this way because he was being lumped in with the rest of the F4.
Mu Huaizhi adjusted quickly; it seemed his charm had not radiated enough.
He reached out to fasten the loose buttons and casually tousled his messy hair, tidying his reckless appearance.
Mu Huaizhi was an undeniable bastard, but he was also undeniably a rare handsome man. Once his phoenix eyes curved, a seductive arc appeared.
He knew he looked good. Even when tousling his hair for Song Xingqiu, he chose the best angle to show off his superior jawline and exquisite collarbone.
He shamelessly displayed the assets of his “indecency” to Song Xingqiu.
Song Xingqiu looked at him coldly and commented: “You really are boring.”
Mu Huaizhi: “…” The smile on his face faded significantly.
Mu Huaizhi had never been doused with cold water again and again.
Oh, wait, there was one other person: Shen Qianyan.
Song Xingqiu was the second.
But Song Xingqiu and Shen Qianyan were different.
Shen Qianyan was childish and stubborn; he resisted because he would not yield to power.
Song Xingqiu, however, looked down on him with genuine contempt and disdain from the bottom of his heart.
Mu Huaizhi had never experienced such pure loathing.
He adjusted his mood again, stopped fussing with his appearance, and changed tactics. He looked at Song Xingqiu piteously, acting cute: “Why are you so mean to me? Is it because of these on my neck?”
When he played the victim, his soulful eyes rippled with a natural watery light. His gaze occasionally slid down his collar, revealing glimpses of his well-defined muscles.
Blatant temptation.
“There are just too many people who like me. I just want to give them a response.”
His fingers lightly twirled his long, sandy-gold hair.
Under the morning sun, his face looked like an exquisite piece of art in a museum; every movement was filled with soul-stirring charm.
He turned his head to seduce Song Xingqiu with his eyes, lowering his head as he leaned closer.
Song Xingqiu’s cold expression finally shifted. Before Mu Huaizhi could feel joy, he heard Song Xingqiu say with a strange look: “Are you the one on the bottom?”
Mu Huaizhi almost spat.
He leaned back and coughed twice, unable to keep up the act.
His voice was filled with collapse and helplessness: “What kind of stereotype is this!”
“Why did you suddenly say that? Where did I give you that impression?”
Mu Huaizhi was truly obsessed with the “charming gentleman” persona he had built for himself. After speaking, he blinked at Song Xingqiu, forcing a bit of a lively feeling, and tried to seduce him again: “If you’re willing, it’s not like I couldn’t give it a try.”
Unmoved, Song Xingqiu said coldly: “Because you have a face full of unsatisfied lust, looking like you’re begging me to fuck you.”
Mu Huaizhi: “…”
His movements froze in place.
Song Wenyue and those guys usually spat out all kinds of filth, but the level of nastiness in Song Wenyue’s speech could not compare to the Song Xingqiu in front of him.
Mu Huaizhi twitched the corner of his mouth, continuing to try and piece together his scattered heart to reason with Song Xingqiu.
Song Xingqiu delivered another blow: “I’m not interested in fucking you.”
“I don’t like a ‘meat toilet’ that has been used by so many people.”
After saying those two sentences, Song Xingqiu acted as if he had not just dropped a massive bombshell. He finally walked around the completely frozen, motionless Mu Huaizhi.
This time, Mu Huaizhi did not stop him, because he was entirely submerged in a state of shock!
Even the lingering alcohol from his hangover mostly cleared up.
Meat, meat-what?!
He stared open-mouthed at Song Xingqiu’s receding back, unable to believe such crude, direct, and ugly words had come from the mouth of a beauty like Song Xingqiu.
Compared to the aggressive Song Wenyue, Mu Huaizhi was, to some extent, a person with a good temper; it was hard for anything to shake his spirit.
Today, it happened.
He did not know if Song Xingqiu was intentionally saying these things to provoke him.
But he had to admit, he was indeed provoked.
Losing his usual composure, Mu Huaizhi broke into a jog to reach Song Xingqiu’s side. He stopped acting like a decadent, lighthearted playboy and said through gritted teeth: “I’m the one who does the fucking!”
After saying it, he felt faint for a moment. What on earth was he saying to Song Xingqiu?
Song Xingqiu was not surprised. His expression grew colder as he glanced at him with disdain: “What’s the difference? You’ve all got ‘cauliflower’.”
Mu Huaizhi: “…”
He was completely speechless.
Cauliflower, cauliflower.
What was he supposed to say now? Prove to Song Xingqiu that he did not have cauliflower?!
Mu Huaizhi stopped in his tracks, watching Song Xingqiu leave.
After a long time, he stood with his hands on his hips. He really had felt an impulse to chase after him and explain.
Every person he found had to be taken to the hospital for a check-up before they went to bed. Those people even had to undergo regular check-ups.
Cauliflower was simply impossible!
But just as he was about to speak, he felt that saying such things to Song Xingqiu would be too bizarre.
Wasn’t he here to flirt with Song Xingqiu?
Could he still flirt after saying that?
Was this some kind of “solicitation experience sharing”?
As a veteran of the field, Mu Huaizhi knew all too well how ridiculous these words were.
Standing by the lake for a long time, he felt absurd. Finally, he let out two frustrated laughs, his head spinning with anger.
He fiercely chanted Song Xingqiu’s name in his mind.
Song, Xing, Qiu!
Fine, man, you have caught my interest!
Mu Huaizhi returned to the dormitory. Just as he sat down and before his seat could even get warm, he received a text message from the school.
Someone had reported him for staying out all night and climbing the wall to sneak back onto campus. He was required to do three days of cleaning duty to make up for it, and three credits would be deducted.
Mu Huaizhi: “…”
He gritted his teeth: “Song Xingqiu, you just wait!”
After finishing his run, Song Xingqiu conveniently sent a text to the principal’s office. Once he was sure Mu Huaizhi would be punished, he put away his phone with satisfaction.
“Dead cauliflower, stay away from me.”
Song Xingqiu returned to the dorm.
Inside, Jiang Baixie was still in the living room. Seeing him enter, he put away his tablet and greeted him with a smile: “You’re back.”
Song Xingqiu gave a brief acknowledgment.
He thought that Jiang Baixie truly deserved to be the “hidden king” of Exronia Academy. Although he was a bit Chuunibyou, his mental state was much better than Mu Huaizhi’s.
Mu Huaizhi had quickly broken down after having his essence pointed out.
Yet Jiang Baixie could still face him with a normal expression.
His psychological resilience was truly good.
And he did not have “cauliflower.” Thinking about it this way, sharing a dorm with Jiang Baixie was not so unbearable after all. Song Xingqiu compared the two in his mind and finally found his roommate a bit more tolerable.
“I’m going to the dining hall for breakfast now. Do you want to come with me?” Jiang Baixie invited him.
Song Xingqiu declined instantly: “No need.”
Jiang Baixie nodded, did not pester him, and headed out alone.
Song Xingqiu watched Jiang Baixie’s back. No cauliflower: that is one win. Does not pester: that is a second win. Two wins over Mu Huaizhi: a third win. Jiang Baixie was winning big.
After critiquing Jiang Baixie, Song Xingqiu went back to his bedroom, showered, changed clothes, and messaged Wu Hongzhou. Meanwhile, he watched the footage of the living room at ten-times speed to see what happened after he left.
Jiang Baixie had gone back to his room to change clothes after he left, then sat back down on the living room sofa until he returned. Only after being rejected did, he head to the dining hall.
In other words, Jiang Baixie could have gone to breakfast much earlier, but he had specifically waited until he came back.
Song Xingqiu’s brow furrowed.
Jiang Baixie’s posture was as if he were completely unaware of the camera’s existence, still going about his business and maintaining his consistency in wanting to befriend him.
Was it because he had not made things clear yesterday and had not laid it all out on the table that the guy was acting like nothing happened today?
“Well, it looks like I praised him too early,” he muttered, putting his phone away.
Wu Hongzhou had arrived. On their way to the dining hall, Song Xingqiu told him everything: how Jiang Baixie had installed the camera and manipulated Song Wenyue into stealing the keys for a sneak attack, all to stage a “heroic rescue” drama.
Wu Hongzhou had not expected such a convoluted twist behind yesterday’s events.
He was shocked at first, but after calming down, he quickly shook his head, disagreeing with Song Xingqiu. He spoke cautiously, “No, Jiang Baixie would not go that far.”
“It should just be a coincidence.”
“He has a good relationship with Qin Xiushi. Unlike Song Wenyue or Mu Huaizhi, Qin Xiushi is very quiet and reliable. Jiang Baixie often leaves important things with him.”
“It is normal for him to give his keys to Qin Xiushi. Besides, he could not have guessed that Song Wenyue would steal them.”
“He was already in the Federation before you transferred. How could he have predicted that Song Wenyue would fail so miserably against you?”
“Before you arrived, everyone thought you would be bullied mercilessly by Song Wenyue.”
“Even I thought you two would be evenly matched at best, and that you would suffer a few setbacks at his hands.”
Before the events unfolded, who would have thought the confrontation between the two would be a total landslide, favoring Song Xingqiu?
Song Xingqiu frowned. “And the camera?”
Wu Hongzhou answered carefully, “That, I do not know.”
Wu Hongzhou lowered his head in thought for a few seconds and suddenly remembered something. “I recall a long time ago, when Jiang Baixie lived with Song Wenyue, he suggested installing surveillance in the living room.”
“But Song Wenyue did not like it, so it was never installed.”
Exronia Academy did not install surveillance inside the dormitories; there were not even cameras in the hallways. Officially, this was to protect the privacy and human rights of the students.
Otherwise, Song Wenyue would not have been so bold.
Though, talking about human rights in this school was truly a bit laughable.
Song Xingqiu stopped walking and stared at Wu Hongzhou for several seconds. Wu Hongzhou felt his skin crawl and asked in confusion, “What is it?”
Song Xingqiu withdrew his gaze and replied flatly, “Nothing. I just suddenly suspected you were an undercover agent sent by Jiang Baixie.”
Wu Hongzhou: “…”
Wu Hongzhou felt helpless. Reflecting on everything he had just said, he did indeed sound like an undercover agent, invisibly exonerating Jiang Baixie with almost every sentence.
Wu Hongzhou pushed up the frames of his glasses that had slipped down his nose and could only say, “Apologies, I did not mean to speak for him.”
“I am just stating my thoughts based on my past judgment of him.”
Song Xingqiu did not pester Wu Hongzhou further on this topic.
He knew Wu Hongzhou was telling the truth.
In that case, he had to re-evaluate Jiang Baixie.
Accident? Coincidence?
Song Xingqiu sneered in his heart.
How could there be so many coincidences?
The only thing Jiang Baixie did that commanded his respect was his ability to win people over. He could make a shrewd person like Wu Hongzhou spontaneously and unreservedly explain and apologize for him. He had underestimated this student council president.
He just wondered if Jiang Baixie had anticipated all of this. If he had known Wu Hongzhou would say these things, that would be why he appeared in the living room this morning as if nothing were wrong.
For once, Song Xingqiu felt a bit of irritation.
Is the acting really necessary?
After breakfast, Song Xingqiu and Wu Hongzhou returned to the dormitory.
“I am not going to the library today,” Song Xingqiu said.
Wu Hongzhou thought about Song Xingqiu and Shen Qianyan’s “secret tryst” at the library. Hearing this, his expression brightened considerably.
Song Xingqiu continued his instructions, “So, go to the library and tell Shen Qianyan that I will rarely be going there from now on.”
“Also, tell him not to go lately either. The school will not be peaceful. I do not know what Song Wenyue will do next, so tell him to be careful.”
Wu Hongzhou’s improved mood dipped slightly because of these words, but he gave a sound of acknowledgment.
Fine, it was for the best that the two had no further contact.
On his way back to the dorm alone, Song Xingqiu received a call from Song Cheng.
“You have not been home since you returned to the country. It is the weekend, so you and Wenyue should both come home. Let’s have a family dinner,” Song Cheng said, stating his purpose immediately.
Song Xingqiu’s decision to return had been sudden, and his schedule was quite rushed.
After returning, he had prioritized transferring into the school and had not yet found the time to go home.
Since it was finally the weekend, he really should make a trip back.
“I will have the driver pick you up. You and Wenyue can come back together.”
Song Xingqiu had no objections. He went back to his room to change and then headed to the school gate to wait for the driver.
At this time, many students were already out on campus.
Upon seeing him, everyone consciously kept their distance, avoiding him from afar.
Some brave students secretly took photos of Song Xingqiu’s back and opened the school forum.
Before Song Xingqiu transferred, the discussion threads about him were the most numerous.
After he arrived, the number of threads actually decreased.
It was not because they were uninterested in him, but because Song Xingqiu was too terrifying.
Currently, the situation at the school was unclear. No one dared to speak up for fear of picking the wrong side and being liquidated later.
The news that Song Wenyue’s sneak attack on Song Xingqiu’s dorm had ended in a humiliating loss was only known to those involved.
So, from the perspective of the public, Song Xingqiu and Song Wenyue had made no moves since their conflict on the first day.
The academy was as calm as a peaceful lake.
Until today, when Song Xingqiu left the campus, threads about him popped up like mushrooms after rain.
[Breaking news! The new transfer student is suspected to be leaving the school.]
The first post included a picture of Song Xingqiu’s back.
[Is Wu Hongzhou not with him?]
[I saw them together at breakfast. They parted ways after leaving the dining hall.]
[What can one person do going out alone?]
The content of the main thread was quite boring, almost nonexistent.
However, the students’ enthusiasm for replying early in the morning was very high. In no time, everyone’s bits and pieces of gossip had built the thread to 40 floors high.
Song Xingqiu’s every move was a topic of concern for the students.
Just then, at the 43rd floor, someone posted a new picture.
[Song Wenyue has appeared!]
The person in the picture was indeed Song Wenyue.
Song Wenyue was walking not far behind Song Xingqiu. He was walking quickly but did not catch up to him, looking straight ahead as if he had not noticed Song Xingqiu’s existence.
Song Wenyue ignored the students’ secret stares and whispers.
Everyone was a bit confused about what this uncle and nephew pair were up to.
It was not until the Song family car appeared at the school gate that everyone realized.
Oh!
They were going home.
The Song family sedan sat quietly outside the school gates. Song Xingqiu was the first to pull open the door. As he sat down, his peripheral vision caught Song Wenyue following closely behind.
Song Wenyue’s emotions toward Song Xingqiu were now very complex.
Last night was a plan he had prepared for two days. He never thought a layout he believed would be a total victory would be crushed by Song Xingqiu’s strength once again.
At the time, he was too busy begging for mercy. For a long while after returning, he was immersed in the joy of having his life saved by Jiang Baixie.
It was not until the dead of night that the more he thought about it, the worse it felt. A belated sense of shame washed over him, and his hatred for Song Xingqiu instantly climbed to its peak.
His fear had also reached its zenith.
One time could be called a coincidence, but being completely suppressed by Song Xingqiu twice made Song Wenyue instinctively feel timid when facing him.
He was both hateful and afraid.
He did not want to sit in the same car as Song Xingqiu.
According to his usual tyrannical personality, he would have long since dragged Song Xingqiu out of the car, thrown him to the side of the road, and driven away himself.
Now he was afraid that if he really did that, he would be the one left on the side of the road.
No, it would definitely be him.
He felt annoyed.
His father too, why did he not send two cars?
How were they supposed to sit in one car?
Song Xingqiu’s voice came from inside the car. Seeing through what his nephew was thinking at a glance, he said lazily, “There is not a second car. If you do not get in now, you can take a taxi back yourself.”
Song Wenyue gritted his teeth and, under the searching gazes of his classmates, bent down and ducked into the car.
Are you kidding! Taking a taxi back in front of so many people would be an open declaration that his confrontation with Song Xingqiu had ended in his defeat.
This scene was witnessed by the students in the distance.
They did not dare get too close, so they could not hear what Song Xingqiu said to Song Wenyue, but everyone could see Song Wenyue getting into the car with Song Xingqiu.
This scene was quickly posted to the thread.
[Huge news! Song Xingqiu and Song Wenyue went back in the same car! And Song Xingqiu got in first!]
[Looking at it this way, is Song Xingqiu’s status in the Song family actually quite high?]
[Hah, well, Song Xingqiu is part of the direct lineage. How bad could it be?]
[Does this mean we have to take the long way around if we see Song Xingqiu in the future?]
[What long way around? Does the Song family only sending one car not explain everything? This was clearly prepared for Song Wenyue, and Song Xingqiu just forced his way in. Song Wenyue could not exactly drag someone out who was already in the car, could he? Song Xingqiu’s thick skin is truly something else!]
Everyone was thinking about it and went silent for a second after seeing that reply.
Wait, dragging someone out of a car was exactly the kind of thing Song Wenyue was capable of doing.
So why did Song Wenyue not do it this time?
Naturally, it was because he could not win. That was the real reason.
No one put this complaint on the table, leaving a bit of face for Song Wenyue. That reply was full of holes, but it also gave everyone an idea.
[It must be that Song Xingqiu just hitched a ride.]
[Hilarious. Does Song Xingqiu think the violent methods he uses at school will work at the Song family home? Just wait and see. Song Wenyue will not even need to lift a finger; the real power-holders of the Song family will show him what true power is.]
[I have seen people walk into a trap, but never someone so eager.]
[He has been arrogant for a week; that is enough face given.]
[Waiting for the show to begin.]