When Shen Yuqing returned to the academy, he happened to hear the bell signaling the end of the first class.
Standing at the classroom door, Shen Yuqing first glanced inside and immediately spotted Song Wangzhuo in his usual seat.
He was bent over a book, paying no attention to the commotion around him.
Shen Yuqing pressed his lips together and walked in. Many of his classmates perked up at the sight of him, and one teased, “Wow, Qing-ge, you actually came back?”
Normally, if Shen Yuqing skipped class, he wouldn’t be seen in the classroom for the rest of the day.
Shen Yuqing lifted his chin. “Shut it.”
But his gaze involuntarily drifted toward Song Wangzhuo. Their voices weren’t loud, but they weren’t quiet either just enough for Song Wangzhuo to hear. Yet, at that moment, he remained engrossed in his book, showing no reaction.
Shen Yuqing couldn’t help but think that even a stranger would instinctively look up out of curiosity. Why did Song Wangzhuo seem completely indifferent?
He walked over, dropped his bag on the desk, and sat down beside Song Wangzhuo.
The other students couldn’t resist stealing a few more glances at them. Shen Yuqing remarked, “What, am I a monkey in a zoo for you all to gawk at?”
The students immediately turned their heads away better not provoke him.
Once everyone had stopped paying attention to them, Shen Yuqing turned to Song Wangzhuo and asked, “Did you see the note I left on your door?”
Song Wangzhuo flipped a page of his book without looking up. “I saw it.”
After his lunch break, Song Wangzhuo had intended to call Shen Yuqing to class together, but instead, he first noticed the note stuck to his door. Scrawled in bold, messy handwriting, it read: Busy. Skipping class.
Shen Yuqing couldn’t decipher the meaning behind Song Wangzhuo’s three-word response. Just as he was about to say something else, the bell for the next class rang.
Shen Yuqing had no choice but to swallow his words. He asked his system, [He’s not angry, right?]
The system replied, [No. Besides, what reason would he have to be mad at you?]
That made sense. It was just Shen Yuqing being overly paranoid.
The last class of the day was with their homeroom teacher. Instead of starting the lesson right away, the teacher said, “Before we begin, I have an announcement.”
The students perked up. The teacher continued, “On the first of next month, our school will hold a sports festival. I encourage everyone to sign up, especially the alphas if you’ve got the energy, go for multiple events.”
At this, many alphas in the class grew restless. A sports festival.
Shen Yuqing felt like he hadn’t heard that term in centuries. Even in this interstellar world, they still had sports festivals? He’d assumed they’d be replaced by mecha battles or something.
The teacher rapped on the podium. “Song Wangzhuo, come get the sign-up sheet later. Compile a list of participating students and hand it to me by tomorrow afternoon.”
Song Wangzhuo acknowledged with a quiet “Okay.” No one else wanted to handle such trivial tasks, so it naturally fell to Song Wangzhuo, the teaching assistant.
Shen Yuqing turned to look at him and couldn’t resist asking, “Song Wangzhuo, are you going to participate?”
Without glancing at him, Song Wangzhuo replied coolly, “Pay attention.”
Shen Yuqing pouted. Fine, he’d pay attention.
When the school day finally ended, Song Wangzhuo followed the homeroom teacher to the office to collect the sign-up sheet.
Shen Yuqing noticed that an unusual number of classmates had stayed behind.
The system explained, [They’re waiting to sign up.]
[“It’s just a sports meet. Wouldn’t tomorrow be the same for signing up?” Shen Yuqing was puzzled.
“Of course not,” the system replied. “There’s a difference between cool sports and uncool ones, you know.”
Shen Yuqing choked back a response, never expecting such a reason.
Soon, Song Wangzhuo returned. He didn’t seem surprised to see so many alpha classmates still lingering. Standing at the podium, he said calmly, “Those who want to sign up, come forward.”
The moment he finished speaking, everyone rushed toward the podium, shouting:
“I want archery!”
“Speed-assembling mechs for me!”
“Basketball! Basketball! I’ll play forward!”
Shen Yuqing couldn’t help but swallow hard. Listening carefully, he realized unsurprisingly these were all events that would look particularly impressive.
After signing their names, many left in groups, chatting excitedly. A few slower alphas lingered, scrutinizing the options with visible disdain.
Throughout it all, Song Wangzhuo remained utterly unruffled.
Shen Yuqing checked the time. The process had been efficient under twenty minutes, and nearly all events were filled, some even oversubscribed. But that was the teachers’ problem to handle later, not Song Wangzhuo’s concern.
Watching Song Wangzhuo jot down a few more notes before collecting the forms, Shen Yuqing saw him return to the teachers’ office to leave the paperwork on the desk.
When Song Wangzhuo stepped out, Shen Yuqing was waiting for him.
Handing over a bag, Shen Yuqing said, “Got everything packed for you.”
Song Wangzhuo glanced at it and took it. “Thanks.”
“Got any part-time work tonight?” Shen Yuqing asked.
“No.”
His new gig was flexible. Since he’d already lost some time today, showing up now would only net him about three hours of work hardly worth the effort. Weekends with longer shifts were better.
Grinning, Shen Yuqing nudged, “Then how about some overtime, Professor Song? I skipped a class today and have no clue what was covered. Take pity on me and help me catch up?”
Song Wangzhuo didn’t answer, simply slinging his bag over his shoulder and walking off. Shen Yuqing followed, insisting, “I really had something urgent today. I wasn’t bluffing about wanting to study properly.”
Song Wangzhuo shot him a sidelong glance. “Just this once. Free of charge.”
Shen Yuqing gave a thumbs-up. “Deal. Generous as always, Professor Song.”
Song Wangzhuo pressed his lips together, silent.
Remembering Xiao Zhao was still in the hospital, Shen Yuqing added, “Oh, right I’ll order takeout to your place, okay? Dinner’s on me, as thanks for the tutoring.”
Song Wangzhuo gave a noncommittal hum. “Whatever.”
After getting his answer, Shen Yuqing pressed, “Any dietary restrictions?”
“No.” Song Wangzhuo lowered his gaze. He’d eat anything edible.
“Good,” Shen Yuqing muttered.
Easier to handle than Pei Yiyan, who had a mile-long list of food aversions.
Pulling out his phone, Shen Yuqing browsed a homestyle restaurant and picked a few decent-looking dishes.
By the time they reached Song Wangzhuo’s place, the delivery arrived right on cue.
Rubbing his hands, Shen Yuqing declared, “Food first!”
Now that he thought about it, this might be the first time they’d properly sat down for a meal together.
It also proved their relationship wasn’t as stiff as it had been at the start.
Shen Yuqing pulled up the values to check again. Although Song Wangzhuo’s favorability toward him was still at -30, his attitude had improved significantly.
When Song Wangzhuo went to the kitchen to fetch bowls, the doorbell rang twice. Hmm.
The food delivery had already arrived, who could be visiting Song Wangzhuo?
Shen Yuqing glanced toward the kitchen, then set down the lid of the meal box and walked over. Peering through the peephole, he saw Song Lejin standing at the door.
Shen Yuqing blinked. Why would Song Lejin be knocking on Song Wangzhuo’s door for no reason? Had they already run into each other in the neighborhood?
After a moment’s thought, he didn’t rush to open it. Instead, he took a few steps back and asked, “Song Lejin’s at your door. Should I let him in?”
Song Wangzhuo seemed to consider it briefly before replying, “No.”
They weren’t familiar what was the point of opening the door?
Shen Yuqing gave an acknowledging “Oh,” then asked, “Have you two already met in the neighborhood?”
Song Wangzhuo carried two bowls to the dining table. “No.”
“Then why is he knocking?” Shen Yuqing followed him.
At this question, Song Wangzhuo merely lifted his eyelids to glance at him, as if to say, “You’re asking me?”
The two sat facing each other at the table.
The doorbell rang twice more. Shen Yuqing looked up at Song Wangzhuo, who continued eating silently, paying it no mind. Seeing this, Shen Yuqing quietly resumed his meal as well.
Tonight’s tutoring session picked up from where they’d left off. Strangely, Song Wangzhuo seemed particularly free this evening the session didn’t end until 9:30 PM.
Shen Yuqing closed his eyes and rubbed his throbbing temples. Suddenly, Song Wangzhuo asked, “Isn’t it a problem leaving your cat alone at home this late?”
“It’s fine,” Shen Yuqing replied. “That cat lives better than I do well-fed, pampered, and having way more fun.”
Only after answering did he realize why was Song Wangzhuo suddenly asking about the cat? He opened his eyes and asked, “Do you like cats too?”
Song Wangzhuo tidied items on the table as he responded, “I’ve just seen it a few times at the academy.” He didn’t specify whether he liked cats or not.
Come to think of it, he’d mentioned this after seeing Lucky before.
Shen Yuqing said, “It’s very affectionate, just a bit mischievous. Otherwise, it’s quite well-behaved.”
[Blackening Value: 55, Favorability: -25] Hmm.
Shen Yuqing froze for two seconds. Why had the favorability changed?
He looked across at Song Wangzhuo, who was still organizing the table. These past few days of interaction had given Shen Yuqing new insights the man had a touch of OCD. No matter what they did, he always straightened everything up afterward. Not a bad habit, really.
Shen Yuqing stood. “It’s getting late I should head back.”
Song Wangzhuo gave a noncommittal “Mm” and added, “I won’t see you out.”
Shen Yuqing waved. “Bye, good night.”
After gathering his things, he yawned and prepared to leave. Song Wangzhuo merely glanced up briefly before standing to continue tidying he couldn’t tolerate the slightest mess.
As Shen Yuqing opened the door to leave, he noticed a woven basket placed against the wall. Bending down, he picked it up a white silk scarf draped over the top.
