Arriving at the classroom, Lin Qinghe, as expected, was met with constant trouble. Her books disappeared from her desk, replaced by a pile of realistic snakes and cockroaches underneath.
Lin Qinghe's mouth twitched fiercely. She looked up and saw many people secretly watching her with schadenfreude.
She sighed inwardly, picked up the messy items, and threw them into the trash can without even looking.
She wasn't a child anymore; such things wouldn't scare her.
Due to the discomfort caused by her cold, Lin Qinghe had no energy to contend with them. She lay down on her desk, intending to sleep and conserve her strength to deal with the formidable You Rong later.
Unexpectedly, today it wasn't just her classmates giving her a hard time; even the teacher wouldn't let her off the hook.
Mid-lecture, the teacher noticed Lin Qinghe sleeping and walked over, hitting her desk hard with a book.
"Wake up… what are you doing! Were you out robbing someone yesterday to sleep so soundly? Didn't you see I was teaching?"
Lin Qinghe opened her eyes tiredly, looking at the teacher in a daze.
With a fever, her head felt groggy and incredibly uncomfortable.
"I'm talking to you! Still not awake, huh? Where are your books? If you don't even bring books, how can you attend class! Don't think you can slack off just because you're pretty! When you enter society, you'll learn that beauty can't put food on the table!"
"I…"
Lin Qinghe was about to retort, but the words were cut off by the teacher's angry interruption, "What 'I'! Get out and stand by the door. If I finish class and don't see you still standing outside, you don't need to come to my class anymore next time!"
Lin Qinghe knew very well that this teacher was deliberately making things difficult for her. Otherwise, he wouldn't have ignored so many of her classmates sleeping soundly around her, yet chose to lecture her specifically.
Lin Qinghe, unwilling to argue, resignedly replied, "Yes, Teacher." She stood up and walked out of the classroom to be punished.
Standing outside in the corridor, the sun was shining. Although it was autumn, the sun wasn't strong, but for someone with a fever, being exposed to the sun made her feel parched and uncomfortable.
When the teacher finally finished the class, Lin Qinghe shook her head, feeling like she was seeing double.
She narrowed her eyes, forcing herself to buy some water and food and head to You Rong's classroom.
This time, her luck wasn't good. You Rong was still in his classroom, but he was surrounded by several girls, chattering away with him.
Lin Qinghe felt too unwell to engage in any disputes with these girls. She simply stepped back a few paces and waited outside for them to leave. Then, if You Rong was still there, she would go in.
Inside the classroom.
Standing in front of You Rong was Lan Ling'er, the belle of the dance department. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, and she shyly said, "You Rong, I heard you're going to participate in the Math Olympiad next week. Your scores have always been excellent; I believe you'll be first place again this time!"
"Yes, we believe in you too, You Rong…"
You Rong gave a cold "Mm" and no further reaction, causing Lan Ling'er and the others an awkward silence. Lan Ling'er hesitated for a moment before asking, "I want to participate in the next Math Olympiad too. Could you tutor me?"
You Rong frowned at this. His peripheral vision caught a glimpse of a retreating figure by the back door of the classroom, and he felt an inexplicable annoyance.
Didn't she say she liked him?
Seeing other girls pestering him, she pretended not to see and generously stepped aside to give them an opportunity to continue bothering him. Was this how someone in love behaved?
You Rong sneered inwardly.
Indeed, she said she liked him, but in reality, she just wanted to coax him, play him for a fool, and continue to trick him out of those luxury items to satisfy her vanity!
You Rong's face turned cold. "I'm sorry, I don't have time. Go find someone else!"
After being rejected outright, Lan Ling'er looked like she was about to cry, but she still forced a smile and said, "It's okay, I know you're busy with your studies; I was asking too much. Then… we'll leave for now. If you have time another day, I'll treat you to a drink."
You Rong didn't reply. Lan Ling'er, with red eyes, pulled the others and left.
After exiting, Lan Ling'er saw Lin Qinghe and immediately changed her expression. She glared at Lin Qinghe with disdain, snorted, and walked past her with her chin held high.
Lin Qinghe looked utterly bewildered.
He rejected You Rong, so why glare at me? I was being considerate just now and didn't interrupt you.
Lin Qinghe entered You Rong's classroom. Seeing that You Rong's expression was even grimmer than the previous two days, her steps faltered, and she felt a urge to retreat.
You Rong already disliked her, and now that he was in a bad mood, if she went to him, she would surely be in for trouble.
Lin Qinghe took two steps back, intending to turn around and leave. Unexpectedly, You Rong suddenly turned his head, and their eyes met in mid-air.
Lin Qinghe: "Uh…"
Would it be too awkward to turn and leave now?
While Lin Qinghe hesitated, she didn't notice You Rong's expression darken further.
After much deliberation, Lin Qinghe still forced herself to walk over and handed him the water and food she had bought. Seeing that You Rong's desk was already covered with various exquisite cakes and cookies, which looked like they were handmade by Lan Ling'er, she retracted her outstretched hand. Under You Rong's icy gaze, she stammered, "I saw you didn't go to the cafeteria for lunch, so I thought I'd buy you something. Now it seems you have something to eat for lunch, so… I'll be going now."
The dizzying sensation was intensifying. Lin Qinghe just wanted to go back and lie down to sleep as soon as possible.
Seeing You Rong's dark expression and silence, Lin Qinghe didn't waste any more words and turned to leave.
You Rong watched Lin Qinghe's retreating back, and for some reason, the anger in his heart flared even hotter.
But before he could react, Lin Qinghe swayed and suddenly fell to the ground.
You Rong froze for a moment, his brow furrowed. "Lin Qinghe? What trick are you trying to pull now?"
Lin Qinghe remained motionless on the ground. You Rong finally sensed something was wrong. He walked over and saw that Lin Qinghe's face was frighteningly pale, her breathing a little rapid, and sweat beaded on her forehead.
You Rong reached out and touched her forehead.
It was burning hot!
She had a fever!
You Rong instinctively reached out to pick Lin Qinghe up, but then seemed to think of something, his expression darkened, and his action halted.
Just then, someone walked past in the corridor outside. You Rong called out in a deep voice, "Come in. Someone here is sick. Take her to the school infirmary!"
The person called out paused, looked at the unconscious Lin Qinghe, then at You Rong. Likely recognizing You Rong and knowing his status, they didn't dare refuse. They quickly came in, picked up Lin Qinghe, and headed towards the school infirmary.
As the male classmate carrying Lin Qinghe disappeared from sight, You Rong pressed his thin lips together, and for some unknown reason, his well-defined face became even colder.