Everything seemed so perfect, like a meticulously choreographed drama.
Only Yu Jiuyuan knew that her thoughts had already drifted elsewhere.
Who exactly is the power behind the Su family?
The last medication almost caused her irreversible side effects, and this time they used the deadly "Crimson Flame," clearly intending to kill her.
The other party actually dared to make a move at Saint Sakura Academy.
Are they people from the school? Or... their spies planted around her?
Her gaze swept over everyone in the office without making a sound, finally landing on Lin Yanran.
The timing of the events—the Lin family and the Su family being on good terms, and Lin Yanran having just joined the student council—is far too coincidental.
But... his favorability rating is only 46, and there are no negative values in his emotional fluctuations. He seems more like a simple arrogance and awkwardness than someone hiding a secret.
Yu Jiuyuan narrowed her eyes slightly, her fingertips tapping lightly under the table.
Perhaps the problem lies not with Lin Yanran, but with the Lin family.
Halfway through the meeting, Yu Jiuyuan's phone vibrated.
It was a text message from an unknown number containing only one photo.
A hairpin she dropped last night at the entrance to the lounge, in the background of a blind spot in the student council corridor's surveillance cameras.
There were no words, yet it carried a blatant threat.
Yu Jiuyuan's eyes instantly turned cold, like a frozen lake.
But the chill only lasted a second before she returned to normal, even smiling at her phone as if she had received some interesting news.
"What's wrong?" Rong Shenghan, who was sitting next to her, leaned over, his tone full of curiosity, but his gaze was fixed precisely on her phone screen.
Yu Jiuyuan put away her phone, turned to look at him, and smiled innocently: "It's nothing. I just saw a newly opened dessert shop and I'm thinking of trying it later."
Rong Shenghan gave her a deep look, but didn't press further. He simply smiled and said, "I know a good one. I'll take you there after the meeting."
[System Notification: Rong Shenghan, Favorability 100, Emotional Fluctuation (Negative 1/Neutral 8/Positive 95). Current positive emotional fluctuation increased by 1 point, triggering the keyword: Desire to Explore.]
After the meeting, Yuan Xu carefully walked up to Yu Jiuyuan with the insulated box in her arms: "The roses need to be kept in a constant temperature environment. I... I'll take them to your dorm for you, okay?"
“Okay.” Yu Jiuyuan stood up and picked up the coat draped over the back of the chair. “I also need to go back and get some things.”
Xie Zhecheng, who was tidying up the documents, said upon hearing this, "I'll go with you; it's on my way."
Lin Yanran slammed her folder on the table with a thud, her tone unfriendly: "I have something to do, I'm leaving now."
He practically fled the office, his retreating figure revealing a somewhat disheveled state.
Yu Jiuyuan watched his retreating figure, a faint smile curving her lips.
This proud little peacock is still too easily amused.
As soon as the three of them stepped out of the student council building, they saw Tang Nianzhi standing in the snow, wrapped in a pink down jacket, looking like a delicate doll.
Her eyes lit up when she saw Rong Shenghan, and she immediately ran over: "Shenghan! I've been waiting for you for so long."
Her gaze passed over Rong Shenghan and landed on Yu Jiuyuan. Her smile faded slightly, but she still maintained her politeness: "Jiuyuan is here too."
"Hmm." Yu Jiuyuan responded faintly, without any extra expression.
Rong Shenghan looked at Tang Nianzhi, his tone gentle yet distant: "Is there something you need?"
"I just wanted to ask if you want to have lunch together? I know a newly opened Japanese restaurant that's really good." Tang Nianzhi said, affectionately reaching out to pull Rong Shenghan's arm.
Rong Shenghan took a step back without showing any emotion, avoiding her touch: "Sorry, I have an appointment with Jiu Yuan and the others for lunch."
Tang Nianzhi's expression stiffened for a moment, then she smiled again, but the disappointment in her eyes was hard to hide: "I see... Okay then, let's make a date next time."
She looked at Yu Jiuyuan, her tone slightly provocative, "Jiuyuan, Sheng Han doesn't really like greasy food, so remember to remind him when you order."
These words sound like a well-intentioned reminder, but in reality, they are a declaration of her understanding of Rong Shenghan and an implication that she is closer to him.
Yu Jiuyuan seemed oblivious to the deeper meaning in her words, and simply smiled and nodded: "Thank you for reminding me, I will be careful."
Her composure left Tang Nianzhi speechless, unable to utter a single word. She could only watch the four of them leave, stamp her foot, and a hint of jealousy flashed in her eyes.
When they reached the fork in the road, Yuan Xu whispered, "I'll go put the roses away first. You...you go to the restaurant first." He clearly wanted to give Yu Jiuyuan and the other two some space to be alone.
Yu Jiuyuan ruffled his hair, her gesture natural and affectionate: "Okay, we'll wait for you at 'Cloud Top'."
Yuan Xu blushed again, nodded, and quickly left with the incubator in her arms.
The remaining three walked side by side in the snow, their footprints overlapping, only to be quickly covered by new snowfall.
"That text message just now," Xie Zhecheng suddenly spoke, his voice low, "was it a threat?"
Although he appeared cold, he was incredibly perceptive. The momentary chill in Yu Jiuyuan's eyes when she looked at her phone did not escape his notice.
Yu Jiuyuan paused slightly, turned to look at him, and her smile held a touch more genuine warmth: "Yes."
She didn't hide anything. Of the four people, Xie Zhecheng's calmness and meticulousness made him the most suitable to handle this kind of situation.
Rong Shenghan's smile faded, and his eyes deepened: "Have you found out who posted it?"
“It takes some time to trace an unfamiliar number.” Yu Jiuyuan tightened her scarf. “However, since the other party dared to send photos, it means they have more to offer.”
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