The mornings at the end of December are always chilly. Even at St. Sakura Academy, which is carefully regulated by a constant temperature system, one can still catch a glimpse of the unique tranquility of winter through the faint light filtering through the thick curtains.
The air in the lounge attached to the student council office still retained the lingering warmth of last night's outburst, mixed with the expensive scent of cedar and rose, and a faint, sweet aftertaste of medicine.
Rong Shenghan stood beside her, and she leaned against his leg, her eyes lowered, seemingly lost in thought.
Xie Zhecheng was processing student council documents when his gaze unexpectedly turned and met Yu Jiuyuan's eyes.
There was no surprise, no embarrassment, not even the usual bewilderment one would feel upon waking up to such a scene on a normal morning.
Xie Zhecheng's eyes remained calm, but something seemed heavier and denser than usual in those unfathomable black eyes, like a lake with a thin layer of ice on its surface, with undercurrents surging beneath.
Yu Jiuyuan winked at him, her eyes clear and innocent, like a harmless young animal.
[System Notification: Xie Zhecheng, Favorability 77, Emotional Fluctuation (Negative 0/Neutral 5/Positive 105). Current positive emotional fluctuation has increased by 5 points, triggering the keyword: Dependence.]
She turned her gaze away and landed on the folding bed in the far corner of the lounge.
Lin Yanran lay there, not sleeping soundly, her brows furrowed, as if she were having an unpleasant dream.
His student council uniform was wrinkled and the collar was askew. His usual arrogant and aloof demeanor was gone, leaving only the raw, unpolished edges of a young man.
[System Notification: Lin Yanran, Favorability 46, Emotional Fluctuation (Negative 0/Neutral 10/Positive 20). Currently, there is no significant fluctuation.]
Yu Jiuyuan slowly sat up, her suit jacket slipping off to reveal a large shirt underneath that clearly didn't belong to her—it was Rong Shenghan's.
Her dress barely covered her thighs, and as her skin touched the slightly cool air, she subconsciously pulled her collar up, a natural and charming gesture.
This movement completely startled the others.
Yuan Xu practically sat up abruptly, looking at her sleepily. A few seconds later, the chaotic and intense images from last night rushed into his mind, and the boy's cheeks instantly flushed red, his ears turning almost blood red.
He opened his mouth as if to say something, but in the end he just looked away silently, his hands nervously clutching his scarf, his fingertips turning white.
[System Notification: Yuan Xu, Favorability 100, Emotional Fluctuation (Negative 0/Neutral 12/Positive 98). Current positive emotional fluctuation increased by 2 points, triggering the keyword: Shy.]
Rong Shenghan looked down at the head resting on his lap, gently stroking her long hair as he softly asked, "Does it still hurt?"
His voice was still slightly hoarse from just waking up, a few decibels lower than usual, like a feather gently brushing against the heart.
[System Notification: Rong Shenghan, Favorability 100, Emotional Fluctuation (Negative 1/Neutral 8/Positive 92). Current positive emotional fluctuation increased by 3 points, triggering the keyword: Possessiveness.]
Yu Jiuyuan did not answer, but lowered her eyes and looked at the faint red marks on her wrist, the marks left when she lost control last night.
Her fingertips lightly brushed across that skin, a fleeting glint of coldness flashing in her eyes, too quick to catch.
The Su family.
The name rolled silently through her mind, carrying a chilling murderous intent.
Last time they used drugs, this time they used an injection, a stronger dose, even potentially lethal, clearly indicating they didn't want her to live.
It seems that those behind the Su family are eager to make their move.
very good.
Yu Jiuyuan's life is not something anyone can take away at will.
Since the other party has turned hostile, she doesn't mind letting them taste what it means to reap what you sow.
"Does your head still hurt?" Xie Zhecheng's voice interrupted her thoughts.
He had already stood up, walked to the sofa, and handed her a glass of warm water. "The drug last night was very strong. Rong Shenghan has already had it checked. It's 'Crimson Flame,' which is circulating on the black market. An overdose can be fatal."
His tone was calm, as if he were presenting an academic report unrelated to himself, but his handing of water was steady, and his gaze fell on her face with a subtle concern.
Yu Jiuyuan took the water glass, and only when her fingertips touched the coolness of the glass did she feel her muddled mind clear up a bit.
She tilted her head back and took a sip; the warm water slid down her throat, carrying a faint warmth.
"Much better," she said softly, her voice still a little weak. "Thank you."
When she looked up, her gaze swept over the four people present, finally settling on Rong Shenghan: "Did you find the inhibitor?"
Last night at the last minute, Rong Shenghan somehow produced a temporary suppressant. Although it could only relieve the symptoms and not cure the problem, it did make her feel less uncomfortable in the end.
Rong Shenghan smiled, neither admitting nor denying: "Someone has to do something." He stood up, walked to the window, and drew back the heavy curtains.
Instantly, a flood of sunlight rushed in, illuminating the mess in the lounge.
Scattered clothes, overturned cushions, and a small dark stain on the carpet that hadn't been cleaned up yet.
Everyone's gaze lingered on that mark for a moment, and the temperature in the air seemed to rise a few degrees.
Lin Yanran was finally awakened by the noise. He sat up, rubbing his temples, and his face turned extremely ugly when he saw the scene in front of him.
Last night's memories were like shards of broken glass, piercing his mind sharply—himself, the four of them, and Yu Jiuyuan…
"Tsk." He chuckled softly, his tone carrying his usual arrogance, yet also a hint of panic that even he himself didn't realize. "Truly... absurd."
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