They say sincerity is the ultimate weapon.
But Zhao Si’s sincerity didn’t seem to please Chen Guangxue. On the contrary, it made his face turn grim.
“You there, repeat that. What did you say Gu Zhe was doing?”
Zhao Si awkwardly rubbed his nose and said with a guilty tone, “Professor Chen, Gu Zhe is… preparing to apply for a patent.”
If the first time Zhao Si said it left some students doubting their ears, this time, the classroom burst into laughter.
No one laughed louder than Duan Mingdong, who leaned forward and back, slapping the desk with glee.
Not far from him, sitting with her dormmates, Song Yihan suddenly felt a mix of shame and irritation.
In many classmates’ eyes, Gu Zhe and Song Yihan were still considered a pair.
Even though they’d had some falling out, long-standing impressions weren’t so easy to erase. As soon as Gu Zhe was mentioned, many students instinctively turned their gazes toward Song Yihan.
“Hahaha, Gu Zhe is really something! At least make up a better excuse!”
“Applying for a patent? Please. He probably just had a fight with his girlfriend and can’t get over it.”
“Tsk tsk, such a hopeless romantic. Guys like that never go far—no wonder Song Yihan ditched him.”
They were speaking in hushed tones right behind Song Yihan, but their words were sharp and mocking.
Yet, at this moment, Song Yihan acted as if she hadn’t heard a thing. She didn’t react at all.
Hmph, that’s what you get, Gu Zhe, for boasting and lying. Now you’re making a fool of both of us!
Why should I defend you?
In fact, even before this, back when she and Gu Zhe weren’t on bad terms, she rarely stood up for him in these situations.
After all, Duan Mingdong had whispered criticism of Gu Zhe to her more times than she could count. Over time, it had influenced her. Hearing people criticize Gu Zhe just felt normal to her now—like it was something he deserved.
“Hey, don’t say that. Even if Gu Zhe has issues, he’s still the top student in our major! He’s way better than that slacker Duan Mingdong!”
“Exactly! Say what you will, at least Gu Zhe is a real man. Duan Mingdong? He’s barely even a guy.”
Hearing that, Song Yihan, who had been perfectly calm, suddenly snapped. She turned around and glared at the boys, “What’s that supposed to mean?” Enjoying the story? Read on at g.com.
“Gossiping about classmates behind their backs—where’s your basic decency?”
Seeing she was genuinely angry, the boys exchanged looks and quickly shut their mouths.
Her dormmates, sitting nearby, shared a knowing glance and sighed quietly in their hearts.
Unlike Shu Ya and the others, these girls were in the same department as Gu Zhe. They shared many classes with him, interacted with him often, and had seen firsthand how he treated Song Yihan.
Saying he worked himself to the bone for her wouldn’t be an exaggeration.
If they had a boyfriend like that—good character, good looks, good skills, and completely devoted—they’d probably smile in their dreams.
But as they say, the one involved is often the most blind, while the bystanders see it all.
Their dormmate, Song Yihan, didn’t seem to realize what kind of treasure she had.
Clap clap clap.
Chen Guangxue slammed the chalkboard eraser on the podium like a gavel.
“You, go tell Gu Zhe this—”
“Next class, he must bring that patent application and present it to me personally.”
“If he really intends to apply for a patent, of course I’ll support him. I’ll even offer assistance and resources if needed.”
He paused, his tone simmering with restrained fury.
“But if he’s just making things up… then his attitude toward academics and his disregard for faculty are utterly disgraceful! It must be reported to the department—perhaps even the university!”
“Class dismissed!”
The classroom went silent with unease.
Even the most carefree students could hear it clearly—Chen Guangxue seemed calm, but he was furious. His words of ‘support’ were just a facade, a professional professor’s last bit of restraint.
Everyone could tell—he was livid.
Think about it: a second-year student, who likely couldn’t even complete a project without copying or relying on seniors, claiming he was applying for a patent?
Wasn’t that treating the professor like an idiot?
The next two periods passed under stifling tension. The source of this chapter is g.com.
After class, many passing students glanced at Song Yihan and whispered among themselves.
Her dormmates knew exactly what they were thinking.
One of them couldn’t hold it anymore and softly said, “Hanh-Hanhan… maybe you should check in on Gu Zhe?”
Song Yihan packed her books expressionlessly and replied indifferently, “Why should I? He’s the one who chose to give up. What can anyone else do about it?”
Another dormmate tried to persuade her, “But Hanhan, you know Gu Zhe must be devastated because of you. Think about it—he’s so upset he’s skipping class and not even bothering to make up excuses!”
“Yeah, Hanhan. Gu Zhe was so good to you before. We’ve all seen how much he liked you.”
Her face remained cold, but inside, Song Yihan was already blooming with joy.
As expected, Gu Zhe couldn’t function without her.
He actually said he wanted to break up?
Who do you think you are, Gu Zhe?
I, Song Yihan, am going to class, eating, and sleeping like normal.
But you?
You’re probably so heartbroken you’ve lost your appetite.
“Hanhan, honestly, Gu Zhe’s really a great guy. We’d hate to see you truly miss out on someone like him.”
“Yeah, and remember when you forgot your anniversary? He stood out in the rain until he fainted. Of course he’d be upset! But if he ruins his academic future over it… that would be a lifelong regret!”
Gu Zhe, willing to abandon his studies… for her?
Instead of guilt, Song Yihan felt a strange sense of triumph.
It was that feeling some girls get—the need to be chosen above all else: above career, hobbies, friends, even family.
It didn’t matter how much someone gave. What made them happy was how much the other person gave up for them.
Under her dormmates’ persuasion, Song Yihan lifted her chin proudly and said, like she was being magnanimous, “Well… since you’re all insisting, I’ll go check on him then.”