Ji Ran wore a black evening gown, her hair styled in a bun, revealing her smooth forehead and long, elegant neck. Her refined demeanor drew glances from many male teachers at Jiang University.
But her mind was entirely on Lin Xiao. As she looked at Lin Xiao and Chu Yingying on the stage, her slender fingers unconsciously clenched.
Feng Qi whispered devilishly in her ear, and Ji Ran felt a sudden surge of annoyance for no reason. She frowned and said in a low voice, "Shut up. Feng Qi, when did you become so talkative?"
She didn't want Feng Qi to come, but he insisted that it was his brother's graduation party and he had to be there to offer his blessings.
But what is he doing now?
He was slandering his own brother.
She never expected that Feng Qi was such a tasteless person.
Feng Qi's face darkened, and he said in a low voice, "Professor Ji, why did you humiliate me for his sake? You have truly disappointed me!"
Ji Ran was extremely annoyed and stared at the top of the stage, ignoring Feng Qi's resentment.
Lin Xiao, holding the microphone, smiled and said, "Thank you for your kind words and affection, Senior Sister Chu. However, I am a rather rigid person and I am quite cautious about relationships and marriage. Please forgive my ungratefulness in not being able to reciprocate your kindness."
"I wish my senior a bright future and all the best."
When Ji Ran saw that Lin Xiao had rejected Chu Yingying, her heart finally settled down.
Bai Youyou, who was in the distance, also felt relieved.
Although Chu Yingying knew from the beginning that the outcome was 50/50, when she actually heard Lin Xiao reject her in public, her heart clenched and her heart trembled.
Her eyes suddenly reddened, and a feeling of grievance welled up in her heart.
Lin Xiao looked down at Chu Yingying, whose face was as delicate as a porcelain doll, opened his arms, and hugged her.
Chu Yingying buried her face in Lin Xiao's arms and cried uncontrollably.
A considerable murmur of jeers arose from the audience.
"Oh my god, why am I starting to feel a bit of a jolt from them?"
"Even the school beauty was rejected after confessing her feelings in public, Lin Xiao is truly extraordinary!"
Lin Xiao patted Chu Yingying's thin shoulders and back, took out a pack of tissues from his pocket, handed it to Chu Yingying, and then quickly stepped off the stage.
It was at this moment that Lin Xiao noticed Ji Ran's figure.
Their eyes met for a fleeting moment.
Lin Xiao naturally didn't miss Feng Qi's resentful gaze.
After this little incident, two more song and dance performances were staged, followed by Ji Ran playing the piano.
Ji Ran said, "I wish the graduates to stay true to their original aspirations and have a bright future."
"Life is full of hardships. If you encounter setbacks, don't be anxious or confused. Let's learn from Su Dongpo's state of mind in 'Ding Feng Bo': 'Do not listen to the sound of rain pattering through the forest, why not chant and stroll leisurely? Bamboo staff and straw sandals are lighter than a horse, who's afraid? Let the rain and mist of life take its course.'"
"So please believe that there is a reason and meaning to living life in any way, and don't be bound by the opinions of others. Keep going!"
After Chu Yingying stepped down, upon hearing Ji Ran's words, she immediately understood that Ji Ran had come for Lin Xiao.
No one understood better than her that Su Shi's poem contained the name Lin Xiao.
Lin Xiao wasn't stupid, and naturally understood why Ji Ran had come here.
Thunderous cheers and applause erupted from the audience.
The male teachers in the audience were completely captivated by Ji Ran's charm on stage, but Ji Ran was focused and played with abandon, all for the person in her heart.
She knew there was almost no chance for her and him.
She came here because this thought had crossed her mind, and she couldn't suppress it with reason.
She was like a moth drawn to a flame, knowing full well that death lay ahead, yet she was powerless to resist her own heart.
She used to think she was attracted to Feng Qi, but later she met Lin Xiao and was healed by his gentleness. She longed to have Lin Xiao's love. She knew she was not worthy and that she should not have any illusions. She tried her best to suppress her desires, but these hidden desires burned her heart like flames.
She played with abandon, her slender fingers dancing across the black and white keys, captivating everyone with her incredible playing skills and the emotions she poured out.
During the duration of this piece of music, Lin Xiao sensed a certain hidden emotion that Professor Ji had for him.
Lin Xiao was also in despair.
He is only one person; he cannot be responsible for all seven of them at the same time.
Given their respective social standing and personal excellence, they certainly could not tolerate his fickleness.
So, it's possible to fake it, but he can't truly break through that barrier.
After Ji Ran's performance, the auditorium resounded with prolonged applause.
A moment later.
Lin Xiao summoned Bai Youyou, Chu Yingying, Ji Ran, and the others to room 901 of the Youth Education Apartment, intending to resolve the matter in one fell swoop.
Feng Qi followed.
Bai Youyou poured a glass of water for everyone. Chu Yingying thanked her and asked curiously, "Junior Bai, is this the house you rented?"
Bai Youyou pursed her lips and nodded, "Mm."
Feng Qi also asked, "Youyou, you live at school, why do you need to rent a separate apartment?"
Bai Youyou pinched her fingernails, her face turning bright red, "I..."
Lin Xiao actually knew why the nerdy junior girl rented this apartment; she said it was so she could spend time alone with him without being disturbed.
He also knew that the nerdy junior was not good at socializing and didn't like being pressed by others to ask her questions.
So he interrupted, "Feng Qi, what are you doing following me? I have nothing to say to you."
She choked back a sob, her neck stiffening as she said, "I came here with Professor Ji. Is it wrong for me to worry about her?"
Ji Ran was speechless and ruthlessly exposed him, saying, "I don't need you to worry about me."
Feng Qi's face darkened, and he roared, "Professor Ji, you've changed! You'd treat me like this for a mere stand-in like him?"
Ji Ran sighed helplessly, "Feng Qi, can you please stop making a scene? Otherwise, you should just leave."
He crushed the disposable cup in his hand, and water overflowed, wetting the sleeves of his black silk shirt.
He looked at Bai Youyou and said in a coquettish tone, "Youyou, this is your territory, you're in charge. Tell me, can your brother stay here?"
Bai Youyou glanced at Lin Xiao and whispered, "Brother Feng Qi, you should go first. We have something to say."
Feng Qi's face turned as black as the bottom of a pot. He stood up and said, "Fine, fine! You don't need to chase me away, I'll leave on my own." With that, he threw the paper cup into the trash can and stormed off.
The door slammed shut with a deafening roar.
There were three women and one man in the room, and the atmosphere became awkward.
Lin Xiao cut to the chase: "Senior Sister Chu, come with me."
Chu Yingying put down her water glass and followed Lin Xiao into the study.
The study door closed.
Ji Ran and Bai Youyou were left alone in the living room, and both of them felt a little awkward.
The house wasn't very soundproof, and Lin Xiao's voice came from the study intermittently, but it wasn't very clear, and they couldn't hear exactly what he was saying.
Bai Youyou bit her lip, remained silent for a while, and then whispered, "Professor Ji, do you also like the senior?"
Ji Ran's pretty face flushed, she bit her lip and nodded, "Yes. You must find it strange that someone my age would like a college student like Lin Xiao, right?"
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