The glares of jealousy, envy, and hate were so intense they felt tangible.
Of course, some of it was also simple curiosity from the other girls.
Gu Wanqing was being so intimate with a guy in public?
"Brother Lin Shen, what did you think of my singing?"
"It was fantastic. You have a beautiful voice."
Lin Shen chuckled and gently pinched Gu Wanqing’s cheek.
"Why didn’t you tell me you had a talent like this?"
"Hehe, this was my surprise for you, too."
After cheekily giving Lin Shen the same line he had used, Gu Wanqing finally noticed the girl next to him was her roommate.
"Huh? Linlin? What are you doing here?"
"I was sitting here the whole time, you know."
Sun Jialin was a little speechless. She then turned to Lin Shen, pretending they had just met, and asked curiously.
"Is he your cousin?"
’Her cousin?’
Gu Wanqing froze for a moment. Her lips parted, just as she was about to say something, but Lin Shen quickly covered her mouth and said with a laugh.
"I’m Lin Shen, Qingqing’s cousin. It’s nice to meet you all."
’Huh?’
’I’m not your cousin!’
’When did you become my cousin?’
Gu Wanqing looked at Lin Shen, completely bewildered, and pouted, feeling thoroughly annoyed and resentful.
’Why am I just his cousin? We’re supposed to be more than friends but not quite lovers!’
Gu Wanqing had wanted to just confess that she and Lin Shen liked each other, but it seemed Lin Shen didn’t want her to.
"I’ll tell you why later."
After Lin Shen whispered a few words in her ear, Gu Wanqing obediently and sensibly dropped the subject. Instead, she began to excitedly share stories about her recent college life with him.
"Brother Lin Shen! Did you know? I did really well during military training! I was even chosen to be a guide for our formation!"
"Really? That’s amazing! But it doesn’t look like you got much of a tan from it."
"Heehee, that’s because I slathered on layers of sunscreen and sunblock spray. Jiang Wan bought them for me. They work great."
"In that case, I’ll transfer you tens of thousands of yuan later for spending money."
"Whoa! No, you don’t have to, Brother Lin Shen. That’s way too much, and I have an allowance from my family."
"Ten thousand, then. If you don’t take it, I’m never coming to see you again."
"I’ll take it, I’ll take it! Thank you, Brother Lin Shen!"
...
Watching Gu Wanqing and Lin Shen chat so intimately, Sun Jialin, who was sitting beside them, didn’t feel a hint of jealousy.
After all, they just looked like a brother and sister who were very close.
Soon, the performing arts show to welcome the new students drew to a close.
"I now declare the Shanghai International Studies University Class of 2025 Welcome Gala a resounding success!"
As the host finished the announcement, a light and beautiful melody began to play again.
The staff, teachers, and students involved in the show all went on stage for a commemorative group photo. A palpable sense of finality, like the wrap-up of a film shoot, filled the air.
♪~A gentle breeze, the light of day~♪
♪~I’ve roamed across the nine domains~♪
♪~The vast sky is mine to explore~♪
♪~My hair has turned white beneath the snow~♪
...
"It’s finally over!"
After the group photo, Gu Wanqing came down from the stage and stretched languidly, feeling utterly exhausted.
Just then, Jiang Wan and Lin Shen came over, smiling at her.
"You worked hard, Qingqing. You were perfect today."
"Thank you, Jiang Wan!"
Gu Wanqing giggled and threw herself into Jiang Wan’s arms, but then her expression changed in an instant as she complained pitifully.
"Jiang Wan, Brother Lin Shen bullied me!"