Shen Yusi hummed in acknowledgment. “I understand.”
After hanging up, she was puzzled.
How did he end up getting fired?
It was a bit disappointing that she didn’t get to deal with him personally.
Boring.
But Shen Yusi wasn’t planning on letting Li Yan off the hook just yet.
How the school decided to punish him was their business. How she chose to retaliate against Li Yan was hers. The two weren’t mutually exclusive.
If there was evidence, his actions weren’t just targeting a student; they were malpractice. The final punishment would be much more severe than just being fired.
Shen Yusi was never lenient with people who bullied her.
When Xie Sheng found out, she was furious. “He saw you were alone and a girl, and thought you’d be easy to push around. You should have waited for Su Ze to come, and the three of us could have gone together. I bet he wouldn’t have dared to act like that then.”
Shen Yusi nodded vigorously. “Yes, yes. It’s all my fault for not listening to the wise and mighty Lord Xie Sheng’s orders.”
Xie Sheng’s tone softened. “You can’t really blame yourself. Who would have thought the senior was so nice, but her colleague was such a weirdo? You were just going on first impressions. At least you didn’t have a huge fight with him in the office. Otherwise, you would have definitely been at a disadvantage. You were pretty smart about it.”
Shen Yusi remained in her groveling pose. “Thank you for the compliment, wise and mighty Lord Xie Sheng!”
“Keep talking like that and see what happens.”
“I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare.”
The next morning, the calligraphy group chat announced the final class assignments.
As expected, Shen Yusi ended up in B Class, with the lowest score.
This time, A Class made an exception and accepted one extra student, meaning all this year’s calligraphy majors got into A Class.
The instructors were also announced. A Class would be taught by the dean of the College of Fine Arts and the head of the calligraphy department.
B Class would be taught by two professional teachers and Lin Yingzhou.
Shen Yusi had gotten what she wanted. She thought she would be ecstatic, telling everyone the good news.
But instead, she felt an unusual calm.
Maybe it was because too many things had happened recently, her initial excitement about B Class was fading.
It had been a month since school started, and the National Day holiday was just a few days away.
This year was a bit different. The Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day fell together. Having the long holiday together was great, but the two weeks of adjusted work schedules before it were a nightmare. Thankfully, she only had two more days of classes before the break.
Already eager to go home, Shen Yusi had bought her plane ticket with Xie Sheng early on, planning to fly back to Canaan together.
One evening, Shen Yusi received a call from Yu Shushu. “Yuanyuan.”
“Auntie Shu?”
“Have you booked your flight back to Canaan for the National Day holiday?”
“Yes, the afternoon flight on the first.”
Yu Shushu inquired, “Alright then. Should we set the dinner with Old Master Lin and your calligraphy teacher for the evening of the 30th?”
Shen Yusi froze. How could I have forgotten about this?
The appreciation dinner was postponed last time because Lin Yunzhi was on a business trip. She hadn’t expected him to be back so soon.
If this dinner had been a little earlier or a little later, Shen Yusi wouldn’t be feeling so awkward right now.
What had been something she was really looking forward to had now become a burden.
Shen Yusi didn’t know what to say for a moment.
Sensing her silence, Yu Shushu asked, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Yes, let’s make it the evening of the 30th.” Shen Yusi knew she had to go, whether she liked it or not.
“Alright then. I’ll come pick you up.”
After hanging up, Shen Yusi smiled wryly. I’m still so young. How did I end up with so many unavoidable dinner parties?
Anyone would think I’m some top saleswoman, having to dine with clients every day.
On the afternoon of the 30th, when the bell rang for the last class, Foreign Art History, Shen Yusi felt an unprecedented sense of relief.
After all those adjusted work days, it’s finally holiday…
The classroom buzzed with noise as everyone quickly packed their bags and headed for the school gate.
Shen Yusi navigated through the traffic jam of honking cars and finally managed to find Yu Shushu’s car.
Once inside, she leaned back, thinking about how she should act towards Lin Yingzhou during the dinner.
With Auntie Shu and Dean Lin there, she couldn’t give him the cold shoulder like before.
But she also didn’t want to be nice to him.
Yu Shushu was as gentle as ever. Seeing her worried expression, she asked, “What’s wrong? You look upset. Tell me all about it.”
How could Shen Yusi say she was upset because she didn’t want to see Lin Yingzhou?
She shook her head. “Nothing, I’m just a bit tired.”
Tired physically and mentally.
“Too much pressure from schoolwork lately?”
“A little.” All the classes during these adjusted days had been major-specific. It was driving her crazy. And now she had to go to a social gathering on her first day of vacation.
Yu Shushu looked at her with sympathy. “Then get some good rest over the holiday.”
The sky was still bright outside. The shadows of parasol trees blurred past the speeding car. Shen Yusi yawned, and just as she was about to doze off, they arrived at their destination.
As the carved wooden door swung open, Shen Yusi heard the crisp sound of a celadon teacup lightly tapping against a dark wood table.
Lin Yunzhi sat in the seat of honor, a dark Tang suit with subtle gold Kui dragon patterns embroidered on the front, his gaze sharp.
Yu Shushu wore a polite smile. “Sorry, sorry! Traffic was bad. You’ve been waiting a long time, Master Lin.”
Lin Yunzhi waved his hand, saying it was fine.
Shen Yusi also greeted him. “Hello, Dean Lin.”
Her gaze shifted to Lin Yingzhou. Her look was frank, her tone politely courteous and correct. “Hello, Teacher Lin.”
Lin Yingzhou sat on a rosewood chair beside Lin Yunzhi. The steam from his tea cup drifted past his beautifully shaped lips.
Hearing her, he lifted his eyes slightly and responded in kind, “Mm. Hello, Student Shen.”
Lin Yunzhi laughed heartily. “Yingzhou and I were just talking about you. He says your calligraphy has improved a lot, and you got into B Class, right?”
Shen Yusi knew how to play the social game. “Yes, that’s right. It’s all thanks to Teacher Lin’s teaching. Before, I couldn’t even touch the threshold of B Class.”
That’s what her mouth said, but it wasn’t what she was thinking.
It’s because I’m smart and learn fast. Even if Lin Yingzhou is good, he can’t teach a block of wood.
Lin Yunzhi praised her. “That’s also because you have a high aptitude. I’ve seen your paper. Your running script is indeed quite good.”
After a few more pleasantries, they all sat down. Yu Shushu and Lin Yunzhi started chatting about a recent cultural event hosted by the TV station.
Shen Yusi obediently sat to the side, sipping tea. The day before a holiday was always busy with schoolwork. She hadn’t eaten much all day and was inwardly hoping the waiter would serve the food soon.
So slow… so slow… I’m starving! I’m starving!
Just as she was screaming internally, a plate of green bean cakes was pushed in front of her. Shen Yusi’s gaze moved up slightly and saw a pale, slender hand.
She said politely, “Thank you, Teacher Lin.”
Lin Yingzhou gave a low hum in acknowledgment and returned to his seat.
He was sitting right across from her. Every now and then, their eyes would inevitably meet.
Through the thin, rising steam, his face was softened, taking on a cool, noble quality.
Despite being impressed by his looks, Shen Yusi still lightly averted her gaze and continued drinking her tea.
She took small sips. Just as her white teacup was nearly empty and she was about to get up, she heard a rustling sound from across the table. More tea poured in a perfect arc into her cup.
Shen Yusi feigned a flustered expression as she stood up. “Teacher Lin, I can pour my own tea.”
As usual, cold and indifferent. Now he’s offering me green bean cakes and pouring tea.
He’s being nice for no reason! There’s definitely something fishy going on!
You’re guilty, Lin Yingzhou!
No matter what topic the elders started with, they always seemed to eventually circle around to the younger generation.
Yu Shushu asked, “We’re having an event at the TV station soon and need a guest. I think Yingzhou’s image and abilities are perfect for it. Interested in giving it a try?”
Lin Yingzhou picked up the cue. “If Auntie Yu is producing the show, then naturally, I’m interested.”
With Shen Yusi’s anxious anticipation, the dishes finally started arriving one by one.
But with the two elders there, she had to wait for Lin Yunzhi to take the first bite.
She stared at the trembling tofu hotpot on the lazy Susan, the steam making her mouth water.
Finally, Lin Yunzhi started eating. Shen Yusi immediately scooped up a generous spoonful of crab meat and tofu.
The silky smooth tofu, coated in the golden yellow crab roe, dissolved on her tongue with a burst of sweet and savory flavor.
It was so delicious Shen Yusi wanted to shake her head with joy, but she managed to hold back.
“How have your classes been going lately?”
Realizing the dean was asking her, Shen Yusi quickly grabbed a tissue and wiped her mouth. “We’re still on foundational courses for the freshman year. I can keep up with the pace the teachers set.”
Lin Yunzhi nodded. “That’s good. Next semester, there will be sketching field trips organized. It might be a bit tiring then.”
“Wow, I heard our batch of freshmen might even go abroad for it.” Shen Yusi’s eyes instantly lit up. “Dean, Dean! Can I get some inside information from you?”
The thought of sketching on the streets of a foreign country with her classmates was exciting just to think about.
Lin Yunzhi said kindly, “You kids have sharp ears. The college is considering it, but not all classes will be able to go. It depends on the arrangements at the time.”
“Oh, I see.” Shen Yusi nodded, thinking to herself that her class absolutely had to be on that list.
The conversation drifted to other topics. Yu Shushu praised Lin Yingzhou a few times for achieving so much at such a young age.
Shen Yusi reluctantly chimed in, “Yes, yes. Teacher Lin is indeed very impressive.”
Having drunk too much tea, Shen Yusi excused herself to go to the restroom.
After taking care of business, she habitually admired herself in the mirror for a moment before turning back.
The corridor lights were bright. Lin Yingzhou was leaning against the tiled wall, looking like he was waiting for someone.
With the elders gone, there was no need to pretend to be a harmonious teacher and student. Shen Yusi walked straight past his tall figure without looking.
Lin Yingzhou took a step and blocked her path.
The scent of ink and the man’s presence drew close. Shen Yusi took a half step back. “What are you doing?”
“Not calling me Teacher Lin anymore?”
Shen Yusi looked up, meeting his unreadable gaze. “What do you really want?”
His tone was calm. “Why haven’t you been replying to my messages? Are you still angry?”
Shen Yusi was getting tired of this question. Why did all men ask this? “No reason. If I don’t reply, it’s because I don’t want to.”
Lin Yingzhou nodded. The silver frames of his glasses glinted coldly under the ceiling lights.
“It started after that dinner. Because of Qi Yue. You think we knew each other but deliberately hid it from you?”
Shen Yusi’s expression flickered slightly. Her reasons for getting angry were always strange and specific. These hidden temperaments could only be deciphered by people who really understood her.
She hadn’t expected Lin Yingzhou to be so perceptive and guess the reason.
Tsk. No wonder he’s a psychology major. He’s good at reading people.
But so what? Shen Yusi wasn’t going to admit it. “No.”
“Qi Yue and I are different.” Lin Yingzhou ignored her stubborn denial and continued explaining. “I never hid anything about this.”
“You…”
Shen Yusi’s mouth twitched. He’s explaining himself. Why does he have to drag someone else down while he’s at it?
Lin Yingzhou said, “You forgot.”
Shen Yusi’s hackles immediately shot up. “Who forgot? Not only did you keep it from me, now you’re reversing the blame and accusing me!”
Lin Yingzhou sighed helplessly. “A few days before the opening ceremony, you got drunk at a bar and sent me a video. Remember?”
Shen Yusi was confused. “I remember.”
Like I could forget.
“After that, you didn’t reply to my messages. I was worried something had happened to you. I found out the bar’s location from a friend. I searched for a long time and finally found you in the hallway by the restroom. You were already drunk. You saw me, came at me cursing and pushing, and even grabbed my glasses.”
Lin Yingzhou paused deliberately, catching the violent tremor of her eyelashes. His Adam’s apple moved under his cool, pale skin, a hint of mirth hidden in his voice. He asked intentionally, “Do you remember all that?”
“…”
Shen Yusi closed her eyes. His fragmented words pieced together an awkward memory in her mind.
She felt like jumping up and covering Lin Yingzhou’s mouth to make him stop talking.
“Maybe you got tired from all the yelling. You fell asleep leaning on my shoulder. I put you on a bench and stayed with you. Qi Yue showed up looking for you. Just then, Grandpa called me. I went to answer the phone, and when I came back, you were awake.”
The faint blue veins on the side of Lin Yingzhou’s neck stood out slightly as he spoke, carrying a strange allure.
And that small, light-colored mole between his brows, half-hidden and half-revealed.
Shen Yusi was momentarily captivated. She snapped out of it with some annoyance. Even at a time like this, I’m noticing things like that.
His tone was flat, but his words made Shen Yusi want to sink into the ground. “I saw you put your arms around Qi Yue’s neck, and he carried you away.”
Knowing the truth made Shen Yusi’s vision go black.
She stood there, not knowing what to say.
She had been drinking a lot back then. She wasn’t fully conscious. When she woke up on the bench, the first person she saw was Qi Yue. Naturally, she thought the part about cursing Lin Yingzhou was just a dream.
After that, Qi Yue never said anything, and Lin Yingzhou never said anything either. How was she supposed to know that the person who stayed with her was Lin Yingzhou?
Besides, she and Lin Yingzhou had never met in person before that. It would never have occurred to her that Z would come all the way to the bar just to find her because of a few messages.
Sure, Shen Yusi was narcissistic, but not that narcissistic.
A faint texture spread across Lin Yingzhou’s otherwise steady voice. “You never brought it up again afterwards. I thought you didn’t want to talk about it, so I didn’t say anything either.”
The explanation ended. It was probably the longest speech Lin Yingzhou had made in over twenty years.
Well, now Shen Yusi didn’t have a leg to stand on.
“Then… then… you…” Shen Yusi’s lips moved, but she couldn’t form a complete sentence.
She was screaming inside.
Shen Yusi, why is your mouth so stupid right now? Hurry up and defend yourself!
Lin Yingzhou’s usual cold tone softened, a rare occurrence. “This wasn’t something I deliberately hid from you. Stop being mad at me?”
At this point, Shen Yusi gave up completely and started being unreasonable.
She lifted her chin, her eyes firm. “No.”
The air froze instantly.
This was Lin Yingzhou’s first time coaxing someone, and his first time dealing with this kind of situation.
He couldn’t believe it. So there really were people in this world this unreasonable.
The usual indifference on Lin Yingzhou’s face cracked slightly.
“Then what do I have to do for you to stop being angry?” He took a step forward, his breath lingering faintly near Shen Yusi’s nose. “How should I make it up to you?”
He remembered the last time he handled a similar situation. After compensating her, Shen Yusi had stopped being angry.
Lin Yingzhou’s gaze was too direct now. Shen Yusi hurriedly looked down, unable to meet his eyes. She needed time to process what she had just heard.
So, her crush had not only seen her flirting with another crush on social media.
He had also seen the two of them leaving together in each other’s arms.
A rare sense of shame made Shen Yusi even more speechless.
Sure enough, there’s always something more embarrassing. Shen Yusi threw out a line, “I don’t know. Just put a rain check on it.”
She fled the corridor and ran back into the private room.
First one left, then the other, and then they both returned.
The redness from Shen Yusi’s earlobes spread to her neck. She kept her head down, drinking water to hide her embarrassment.
Lin Yingzhou still wore that same expression, but if you looked closely, you could see the corners of his mouth had turned up by about three pixels. His whole aura had softened significantly.
The two old foxes at the table understood the situation almost instantly.
They exchanged a look and smiled, both catching the unspoken message in each other’s eyes.