Life after the start of the semester was naturally different from the holidays. Although Xu Qingqing didn't live on campus, she had to attend classes every day.
On the first day of school,
when Xu Qingqing got up in the morning and went downstairs, she found Xie Lianqing sitting properly at her family's dining table.
Xu Qingqing glared at him, very displeased. "Who let you in?"
She had never written a written guarantee in her life. Even though Xie Lianqing hadn't demanded a long one—just a short sentence—Xu Qingqing still felt it was unbearable.
Xu Qingqing, who had always been a drama queen, was actually forced by her boyfriend to write a guarantee, promising not to go street racing alone without him present. If this got out, she would definitely be laughed at by Le Jiaojiao and the others.
The more Xu Qingqing thought about it, the angrier she got. She said to Xie Lianqing, "I'm breaking up with you. Until you realize your mistake, I refuse to say another word to you."
Her line was quite imposing, but unfortunately, she had just woken up, bleary-eyed. Squinting, she even let out a small yawn after her outburst, completely lacking her usual domineering, drama queen aura.
Xie Lianqing was both annoyed and amused. "I was wrong. I deeply recognize my mistake. Eat first, then we'll talk."
Since the day of the street race, Xu Qingqing had said "break up" countless times. He suspected she had started using it as a catchphrase.
Xie Lianqing had a good attitude in admitting his fault. The key point was that Xu Qingqing also realized she had to go to school today. The first class was Business English, which she had failed last semester. She dared not be late again and test the teacher's patience.
Finally sitting down at the table, Xu Qingqing deliberately dawdled, grumbling and refusing to eat with him.
Miss Xu was still holding a grudge after being forced a few days ago to promise absolutely not to do dangerous things anymore.
Xie Lianqing was also afraid of upsetting this princess. He spent the whole morning busy catering to her, coaxing her in every way. Xu Qingqing was being difficult too—one moment she wanted fried dough sticks and soy milk, the next she decided Xie Lianqing's breakfast looked better and wanted to swap her milk for his.
Anyone else would have wanted to leave, but only Xie Lianqing, with his good temper, could still coax her so gently.
Otherwise, this princess would probably secretly add it to her grudge list. Don't think Xie Lianqing didn't know; Xu Qingqing privately kept a "grudge diary" specifically for writing down who had upset her.
And whenever she was in a bad mood, she would take out the grudge diary, look through it, and make phone calls to pick fights according to the list.
To this day, Xie Lianqing still didn't know if he was on that list, but after the recent incident, he figured there was a ninety percent chance his name was recorded.
When Xie Lianqing wasn't being forceful, he returned to being that gentle, considerate, absolutely perfect boyfriend. Xu Qingqing's temper softened a bit, and she finally softened her voice to make a request: "Then you have to come to class with me today."
When they first started dating, Xie Lianqing had often accompanied her to classes and the library. It was just that after he took over the company, he became busier and busier and gradually had no time.
Under Xu Qingqing's gaze, he smiled gently. "Of course. When Miss Xu gives an order, I naturally comply." He thought about it; there wasn't much scheduled at the company this morning, so he could indeed accompany his girlfriend.
Only then was Xu Qingqing satisfied, happily ordering him to spread jam on her bread slice.
However, facts prove that one shouldn't push their luck too far.
After dawdling all morning, Xu Qingqing was a bit late when she rushed to school. When she arrived at the classroom, she found the seats in the back rows were all taken, with only the first row having empty spots.
As an academic slacker, Xu Qingqing certainly didn't want to sit right under the teacher's nose. Moreover, the teacher for this class liked to call on students in the front rows to answer questions. If she couldn't answer in front of so many classmates, how embarrassing would that be?
Just then, a male student walked over. "Qingqing, you're so late today?" He had brown hair and was wearing a basketball jersey and shorts.
Xu Qingqing knew him. He was a student from the neighboring Performing Arts department, quite famous at school, considered a minor heartthrob.
Knowing Xu Qingqing's personality, he casually asked, "Are you sitting in the first row? I have a seat next to me."
Xu Qingqing followed his gaze and, to her delight, indeed spotted one last seat in the very back row.
Xie Lianqing, who had just parked outside, walked into the classroom and happened to hear the conversation between Xu Qingqing and that guy. Seeing his girlfriend eager, holding her books and ready to head to the back,
he narrowed his eyes and called out to her, "Xu Qingqing!"
This drama queen had called him here to accompany her to class, and now, just because she was worried about being called on by the teacher, she was about to abandon him to go sit in the back row alone?
Then what was he doing here today? Reliving his university days out of sheer boredom?
Xie Lianqing was almost amused by his own anger at Xu Qingqing's antics.
Xu Qingqing knew she was in the wrong. She glanced anxiously at the seats in the classroom, trying to find an excuse. "Our teacher likes to call on students in the front. If I get called on later and can't answer, I might get scolded."
Xie Lianqing glanced at her sidelong, then slowly smiled, saying gently, "How could that be? The teachers at A University are always very amiable."
Xu Qingqing: "..."
Their little scene had already attracted the attention of others. While Xu Qingqing was racking her brains for an excuse, in the eyes of the other students in the classroom, it looked like a handsome guy and a beautiful girl publicly flirting. The surrounding classmates immediately showed expressions of cringing envy.
Some whispered to each other: "Didn't you say last time they were about to break up? Doesn't look like it."
"Xu Qingqing is the heir to the Xu Group. Their family backgrounds are similar. You think they might actually not break up?"
"Impossible, right? Xu Qingqing is so high-maintenance. Other guys might put up with her to avoid twenty years of struggle, but the Xie family isn't short on money. He could find anyone he wants." Why insist on sticking with this drama queen?
However, given that Xu Qingqing's popularity at school had recently soared, and everyone had an unprecedented understanding of her drama queen behavior, the person who spoke only muttered the last sentence in their heart, not voicing it out loud.
Another person stroked their chin and said, "Forget it. Last time on the forum, I bet fifty cents on when they'd break up. I'll push my bet back another month."
As for the male student who had initially spoken, his smile had stiffened the moment he saw Xie Lianqing appear. When his companion waved him over, he quickly turned and went back to his seat, never mentioning the seat next to him for Xu Qingqing again.
Xie Lianqing raised his eyes and gave the guy a sidelong glance, saying nothing. He hadn't been to campus for too long, and it seemed some people's intentions were getting restless again.
Xu Qingqing, unaware of the subtle shifts between her classmate and her boyfriend, was still struggling desperately for an excuse.
Just then, a voice drifted leisurely from behind them. "Class is starting. What are you students still doing standing here?"
Xu Qingqing's body stiffened. She turned around and respectfully greeted the handsome teacher, "Professor Shen." Xie Lianqing remained relatively calm, turning back to nod and smile at the teacher.
Professor Shen was in his thirties, wearing glasses and a shirt, tall and slender with a gentle, refined demeanor. He looked at them with a hint of a smile and said, "Class has started. Everyone should take your seats."
With her plan foiled, Xu Qingqing had no choice but to obediently sit with Xie Lianqing in the first row, where looking up meant meeting the gaze of the elegant Professor Shen.
During class, Xu Qingqing initially managed to maintain a prim elementary school student's posture, sitting up straight with wide eyes, listening attentively. After a while, she couldn't help herself, her little hands fidgeting, touching this and that.
A bit later, seeing that Teacher Shen on the podium wasn't paying attention, she stealthily took out her phone to play. Right under the teacher's nose, Xu Qingqing didn't dare speak, so she typed furiously on the keyboard, sternly condemning Xie Lianqing for pulling her back earlier.
Xie Lianqing glanced at the messages and ignored her. He was replaying the earlier scene in his mind, thinking he really should find time to visit the school properly sometime, lest everyone forget that Xu Qingqing was already a taken woman.
With no one responding to her, Xu Qingqing's excitement faded. She sent another message to Xie Lianqing complaining, "I'm so bored."
The first row was right under the teacher's gaze. Playing on the phone and chatting was one thing, but playing games would be far too obvious.
Xie Lianqing knew she was sulking and coaxed her gently, "Be good. We'll go to that restaurant you wanted for dinner tonight."
Xu Qingqing was still throwing a tantrum. "Don't wanna go." She put down her phone, laid her head on the desk, and stared blankly in boredom before dozing off into a hazy sleep.
After a while, a gentle voice came from the podium. "The student in the first row, please stand up and answer this question."
Xu Qingqing, half-asleep, jerked her head up.
Oh no, which question is 'this question'?
She hadn't been listening at all!
Xu Qingqing's heart raced with panic; she had been afraid of teachers since she was little.
Although she was widely known as a drama queen, even she knew there was a time and place for it. Throwing tantrums with her boyfriend was fine, but causing a scene in class with a teacher who held her grades, finals, and graduation in their hands? She must have a death wish.
In her panic, Xu Qingqing suddenly heard the voice from the podium say, "Student Xie Lianqing." Although Teacher Shen had never taught Xie Lianqing, he certainly recognized the outstanding alumnus who had given a speech at the school not long ago.
Oh, it's not me.
Xu Qingqing's heart instantly settled. Completely unconcerned about her boyfriend's fate, she even had the leisure to sway her head lightly in her chair, looking utterly relieved.
Xie Lianqing and Shen Shushui, who had witnessed the entire scene...
Xie Lianqing, of course, hadn't been listening either. He had graduated years ago; today, he was just here to accompany Miss Xu and make amends. He didn't even have a textbook.
However, unlike Xu Qingqing, who panicked at the mere mention of her name, Xie Lianqing remained perfectly composed when called upon. Unhurriedly, he took the book from Xu Qingqing's desk, glanced back to check the page number from a classmate behind him, and then fluently translated the correct passage.
Having studied abroad for several years, this level was naturally nothing to him.
Behind his glasses, Shen Shushui's eyes on the podium flickered. He finally chuckled lightly and said, "It seems Student Xie Lianqing's brilliance hasn't diminished over the years. Stay after class. Let's discuss the fruits of your auditing today."
Teacher Shen had always been well-liked at the school and was quite lenient with students. In the past, when others had audited classes, he had usually just let it go with a smile, never pressing the matter. Today's behavior was rather unusual.
At this point, Xu Qingqing vaguely felt that Teacher Shen's attitude seemed a bit off. However, Xie Lianqing had never mentioned him before, so she thought maybe Teacher Shen was deliberately trying to teach him a lesson for not paying attention while auditing.
Sigh, being targeted by the teacher, Xie Lianqing is so pitiful.
Good thing this unlucky one isn't me.
Xu Qingqing happily swayed her head again, feeling quite fortunate for herself.
The next second, she heard Teacher Shen on the podium drawl, "Student Xie's deskmate seems quite happy. How about you answer the next question for everyone?"
Caught completely off guard, Xu Qingqing was dumbstruck.
Xie Lianqing, having witnessed his girlfriend's full range of expressions, suddenly laughed out loud. Facing the gazes of everyone in the classroom, he stopped laughing, cleared his throat, and resumed a calm expression. "Sorry, couldn't help it."
Xu Qingqing: "..."
And so, Xu Qingqing was detained after class. She watched helplessly as her classmates left, while she was kept behind by Teacher Shen for a talk.
Xu Qingqing acted as if facing a great enemy, while Xie Lianqing was quite calm, lost in thought. "I feel like I've seen your Teacher Shen somewhere before." However, before he could finish, Shen Shushui called him into the office, seemingly about some school matter.
Xu Qingqing pouted, not taking his words to heart at all.
She blamed it all on Xie Lianqing. If he hadn't gotten on Teacher Shen's radar, she definitely wouldn't have been targeted by association.
Unexpectedly, though, Shen Shushui didn't seem to have any real issue with Xie Lianqing. The two discussed some matters about the school's anniversary celebration for a while.
Xu Qingqing knew about this. This semester coincided with A University's centennial celebration, which was said to be very grand. They were inviting outstanding alumni back to participate and, incidentally, raise funds.
Although Xie Lianqing hadn't mentioned it before, Xu Qingqing guessed he was likely one of those invited.
After Xie Lianqing left the office, it was Xu Qingqing—who believed herself to be the collateral damage—who was kept behind by Teacher Shen for a long chat.
She walked into the office with her head down, thinking she was about to be scolded. After all, it was the first day of the semester, she'd been caught daydreaming, and on top of that, she'd failed this very subject last semester. Teacher Shen might make an example of her.
However, the atmosphere in the office wasn't stern at all. Shen Shushui only briefly touched upon her exam results and class performance from the previous semester. Instead, he showed some concern and asked a few questions about her family situation.
Although a bit baffled, Xu Qingqing said, "They're all doing well. My grandparents are on vacation abroad; I just called them yesterday..."
Although Xu Qingqing was a drama queen, she also shared a common trait among all students from the Middle Kingdom: fear of teachers.
Even though she later studied hard and got into A University, at heart she was still a slacker and an academic underachiever. Out of respect for teachers, she was very well-behaved in front of Shen Shushui.
Only after she finished speaking did Shen Shushui ask a very strange question: "Xu Youyue... how has your aunt been lately?"
The weird feeling in Xu Qingqing's heart grew stronger. Why was Teacher Shen suddenly calling her aunt by her full name?
But she still nodded instinctively. "She's doing fine." She's gone through several boyfriends, each with their own unique charm. Even Xu Qingqing felt a bit envious.
Shen Shushui probably also thought of Xu Qingqing's aunt's style. He nodded upon hearing this and said, "In that case, have her come to the school. Regarding your academic issues, there are some things I need to discuss with her."
Xu Qingqing was stunned. No way!
She made a last-ditch effort: "Teacher, my aunt is very busy..."
Shen Shushui smiled. "Busy with romance? I saw on her social media that President Xu's latest update was a photo with her boyfriend."
Xu Qingqing: My aunt is the death of me.
Xu Qingqing also didn't understand why Teacher Shen had her aunt's contact info, and she didn't dare ask.
She was just an unlucky student who got her guardian called on the very first day of school.
When she walked out of the office, Xie Lianqing was waiting outside. He remarked, "I remembered why your teacher looked familiar."
Xu Qingqing rolled her eyes at him. "I figured it out too." She guessed the school probably also wanted to invite someone from the Xu Group to participate in the anniversary fundraising. Perhaps Teacher Shen had already approached her aunt about it before.
But her aunt didn't graduate from A University either.
Xu Qingqing called her aunt. The other woman arrived in a whirlwind. Xu Qingqing was a bit curious; discussing donations should be official business, right? Why didn't her aunt bring an assistant?
Xie Lianqing had received a call a few minutes earlier, seemingly about an urgent meeting, and had already left. Xu Youyue glanced at her niece, who was waiting outside with her head bowed, and walked straight into the office without explanation.
Aunt Xu talked inside the office for a long time. When she left, she cursed, "Shen Shushui is simply being unreasonable!"
Xu Qingqing was shocked. She immediately turned to look at the classroom behind her. Seeing that no one had come out, she said nervously, "Auntie, are you crazy? You're cursing my teacher! Do I still want to graduate or not?" Just because the business deal didn't go through, there's no need to curse someone.
She couldn't help but glance behind her again. If Professor Shen came out, she would immediately jump away from Aunt Xu and raise both hands high to prove her innocence.
She was a good student who never spoke ill of teachers behind their backs!
CEO Xu was probably very angry. She sneered, "Afraid of what? I already dumped him. What's wrong with cursing him once?" CEO Xu, having been in the business world for a long time, carried an imposing air in her every word and action.
Xu Qingqing...
She cried out in disbelief, "Auntie! You actually dated Professor Shen?! And you dumped him?! How could you do this?!" Isn't this professionally screwing over your own niece?
Although she had also dumped many ex-boyfriends, she at least knew to avoid teachers! At the very least, avoid your niece's teachers!
Her aunt was fighting dirty!
Xu Qingqing was heartbroken. "You should have waited until I graduated before dumping him!"
She now strongly suspected that it was because of her aunt's relationship with Professor Shen that she had been singled out and failed the course.
No wonder last semester, every class, Professor Shen would call her name. Everyone else had a chance to skip class or slack off, but only her name was remembered most clearly by the teacher. She got called on every single time, making it impossible for her to skip class.
And besides, didn't her aunt only sponsor impoverished male college students with dreams? Why would she suddenly get involved with Professor Shen?
If Xu Youyue knew what she was thinking, she'd probably tell her that sometimes, after eating your favorite dish too much, you want to change the flavor.
Stared down by her niece's accusing gaze, Xu Youyue suddenly felt a bit guilty. "When I was dating him, I didn't know he was your teacher. And I never told him I have a niece named Xu Qingqing."
The implication was that Xu Qingqing being targeted and failing the course had absolutely nothing to do with her.
Xu Qingqing angrily pulled out her phone and opened her aunt's social media feed. The first thing that met her eyes was the background wall—a clear, oversized solo photo of Xu Qingqing, with a line of text added: "Let's see who's looking at my aunt's feed."
Scrolling down, one could see that over the years, apart from major company news, the vast majority of Aunt Xu's posts were related to Xu Qingqing.
The caption templates were basically the same: a photo of Xu Qingqing paired with fresh text. "My niece got a new hairstyle. Not bad."
"Qingqing insisted on pestering me today. Having a niece who's too clingy can also be a kind of trouble, huh?"
All sorts of humble-bragging and self-promotion regarding Xu Qingqing.
Aunt Xu...
She took a deep breath, ready to say something, then took another breath.
Xu Qingqing stared at her, full of indignation. "When you posted those, you could have at least blocked Professor Shen!"
She knew the Xu family loved to show off. Besides Aunt Xu, Grandpa Xu and Grandma Xu's social media feeds were basically the same. Xu Qingqing was used to it. Every time her grandparents and aunt asked her for photos, she would happily send dozens over, carefully selecting her best-looking pictures.
She never dreamed in her wildest dreams that her aunt's social media feed was hiding one of her own teachers!
Xu Qingqing deeply regretted it. If she had known her aunt was so careless, she would have never sent her all those various photos of herself.
Xu Qingqing had made up her mind. This matter must be reported to the parents! She would go back... no, she would immediately call her grandparents later and tell them that her aunt had flirted with a boyfriend who turned out to be her teacher, and then dumped him!
Who was Xu Youyue? She had watched Xu Qingqing grow up. With just one look at this troublemaker's expression, she knew what kind of unscrupulous idea the kid was cooking up.
Thinking of the consequences if her parents found out about this, she immediately warned, "Don't you dare tell your grandpa and them."
Xu Qingqing humphed and hawed, not saying a word.
Xu Youyue pretended to be calm and said succinctly, "Last year, I met him while on a business trip abroad. He said he was a teacher. A City is so big, I never imagined he would be your teacher!"
In fact, back then, she had dumped Shen Shushui very nonchalantly, and the reason was so absurd that it was hard to accept.
But that part she wouldn't tell anyone, especially not Xu Qingqing, who was planning to tattle to Grandpa Xu.
Xu Qingqing understood. Then, displaying rare cleverness, she asked, "Do you think Professor Shen still likes you? Will you two get back together?"
Settling old scores was pointless. The most important thing now was to mend the fold after the sheep were lost!
Based on Xu Qingqing's years of romantic experience, she felt that Professor Shen asking about her aunt's recent situation and specifically requesting her to come here meant there was a hundred percent chance he might still have feelings for her aunt.
If they were going to get back together, Xu Qingqing could consider temporarily putting aside the matter of her aunt digging a pit for herself and not tattling to the parents.
Ah, she was sacrificing so much just to pass the exam!
Xu Youyue sneered, "Knowing full well how busy I am at the company and still calling me here? Get back together, my ass."
Xu Qingqing understood. However, she surprisingly spoke up for Professor Shen. "But you were on a date with a young guy yesterday. You didn't seem that busy then."
Xu Youyue...
Xu Qingqing suddenly stopped in her tracks and said blankly, "Wait, that's not right. If he still likes you, why didn't he let me pass the exam? Does he not know I'm your niece? No, I have to go remind him, so he doesn't forget again this semester."
Xu Youyue was dumbfounded. "Xu Qingqing, come back here!" She hadn't figured out how to deal with Shen Shushui yet.
Xu Qingqing pretended not to hear and ran off.
Xu Qingqing scurried back to the classroom and called out to Shen Shushui, who was packing up his teaching materials, "Professor Shen, hello! I'm Xu Qingqing."
Shen Shushui turned around, saw her, and smiled. "Xu Qingqing, I know who you are. What can I do for you?"
Xu Qingqing was very honest. "Nothing much. I just wanted to say I'm Xu Youyue's niece."
She added very cleverly, "Professor Shen, don't worry! With me here, a situation like what happened with Comrade Xu Youyue's social media feed yesterday definitely won't happen again! I'll help you keep an eye on my aunt!"
Xu Qingqing only hoped that, seeing how obedient she was, this Professor Shen wouldn't fail her this semester. You have to understand, when she checked her grade last time and saw that huge 58, she was practically depressed to death.
If only Professor Shen were willing to give her two more points! Then she wouldn't have to review for the makeup exam this semester!
Not without hinting, Xu Qingqing said, "I got a 58 last semester. Actually, I think if you help me out a bit, Teacher, maybe I have the potential to pass too?"
After hearing her idea, Shen Shushui asked with a smile, "How do you know your 58 wasn't the result of me already having gathered?"
Xu Qingqing frowned, her expression confused.
Xu Youyue came over to find her and happened to hear this sentence. She immediately laughed and walked away.
She had always maintained that Shen Shushui wasn't the type to give students a hard time over personal matters. It was just that Xu Qingqing had spoken so convincingly earlier that she had almost been taken in.
Now, looking at it, it made perfect sense that Xu Qingqing—that silly child who had even failed pinyin in her younger years and took the foreign language proficiency test (Level 4) so many times without passing—would fail her Business Foreign Language exam.
Before leaving, she sent Xu Qingqing a message: "Don't you dare tell your grandparents."
Xu Youyue even added a specific threat: "Otherwise, I'll have Shen Shushui call on you in every single class."
