Shen Yuqing hadn’t expected such a pleasant surprise first thing in the morning.
Seated beside Song Wangzhuo, he placed his textbook on the desk. Thanks to Song Wangzhuo’s tutoring over the past few days, his classes no longer felt like deciphering an ancient script at least he could now follow what the teacher was saying, though his comprehension was still a bit slow.
Song Wangzhuo watched him energetically flipping through the pages, recalling how sickly he had looked just yesterday.
Shen Yuqing’s constitution was truly remarkable. The last time Song Wangzhuo had fallen ill, it had taken him several days to feel even remotely better.
But then again, he still hadn’t figured out who had sent him medicine, paid his bail, and even left him clean clothes after rescuing him from the locker room stall.
Oh, he’d almost forgotten that mysterious “friend” had also saved him from being trapped in the changing room.
Yet after all that, he’d never encountered this so-called “friend” again. If not for the note and the fresh set of clothes left behind, he might have thought he’d imagined the whole thing.
And there was another matter the person who had locked him in the changing room still hadn’t been identified.
For now, the whole situation had hit a dead end, with not even a sliver of light to guide him forward.
Song Wangzhuo took a slow, deep breath, just as a small note landed conspicuously between the pages of his textbook.
He glanced sideways at Shen Yuqing, who was putting on an exaggerated “I’m paying attention, don’t disturb me” act despite being the one who had tossed the note.
Shen Yuqing peeked at him but was immediately caught red-handed.
Clearing his throat, Shen Yuqing tilted his chin, signaling for Song Wangzhuo to open the note. But Song Wangzhuo remained expressionless, simply tucking the note into his desk drawer as if it held no interest for him.
He can actually resist the temptation? No wonder he’s the protagonist.
Shen Yuqing grumbled inwardly. If it were him, he’d have ripped it open the second it landed in his hands.
But seeing how seriously Song Wangzhuo was focusing on the lecture, he pressed his lips together and turned his attention back to the teacher.
The instructor, who had witnessed their little exchange, hesitated over whether to call out Shen Yuqing for disrupting the model student. But before he could intervene, Shen Yuqing straightened up and began listening attentively on his own.
Shen Yuqing’s reputation wasn’t just well-known among students every teacher was aware of his antics. But given his family’s influence, most turned a blind eye as long as he didn’t disrupt class.
Shen Yuqing himself seemed well aware of this. In the past, he’d either skip lectures or slump over asleep.
Lately, though, it was as if he’d become a different person actually putting effort into his studies.
The teacher adjusted his glasses. Well, whatever the reason, a student who pays attention is a good student.
And so, the first period passed without incident.
During the twenty-minute break, Shen Yuqing stretched and yawned before turning to Song Wangzhuo. “Why didn’t you read my note?”
Song Wangzhuo merely gave him a sidelong glance. “Class time is for focusing.”
As Shen Yuqing’s tutor, he couldn’t very well set a bad example by slacking off.
Shen Yuqing pouted. “Fine. I just wanted to ask if you’re eating in the cafeteria at lunch.”
Song Wangzhuo replied with a simple, “Mhm.”
He had so much money left on his meal card now. If he didn’t use it, it would go to waste after graduation.
But thanks to Shen Yuqing’s actions recently, he’d been feeling much healthier.
“I’m eating at the cafeteria too,” Shen Yuqing yawned. “Xiao Zhao isn’t home.”
He had told Xiao Zhao to focus on taking care of Pei Yiyan at the hospital these days and not worry about rushing back to cook for him.
Song Wangzhuo just glanced at him, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
Shen Yuqing took that as a yes.
When Song Wangzhuo stood up, Shen Yuqing asked, “Where are you going?”
“Restroom.” Song Wangzhuo couldn’t help but give him a look, as if saying, Don’t be so nosy.
Shen Yuqing drew out an “Ohhh,” then stood up as well. “I’ll go too.”
Unexpectedly, Song Wangzhuo’s expression shifted slightly. “I don’t have that kind of habit.”
What habit?
Still confused, Shen Yuqing saw two Omega classmates linking arms as they headed for the door, calling out to another Omega, “Wanna go to the bathroom?”
The other Omega immediately stood up. “Sure.”
The three of them left the classroom, chatting and laughing.
Shen Yuqing coughed lightly and muttered, “I don’t have that habit either.”
Then he quickened his pace toward the door, leaving Song Wangzhuo behind.
At noon, Shen Yuqing’s wrist terminal buzzed it was Lin Sui asking if he wanted to grab lunch together at a restaurant he’d booked.
Shen Yuqing declined. He had already (in his mind) agreed to eat with Song Wangzhuo, and standing him up wouldn’t be great. Plus, he still had tutoring with Song Wangzhuo in the afternoon. If he went with Lin Sui and the others, he’d have to make excuses to leave early, which would be a hassle.
But seeing Song Lejin’s name reminded him of something he’d nearly forgotten.
He glanced at Song Wangzhuo walking ahead of him there was always a few steps between them. It wasn’t that Song Wangzhuo was unwilling; Shen Yuqing just figured he probably wouldn’t want to walk side by side in public.
He was walking pretty fast this morning too.
At the cafeteria, he followed Song Wangzhuo to the food counter, where Lin Sui’s lackey happened to be standing nearby.
“Bro Qing, you’re eating here too?” the lackey said in surprise.
Shen Yuqing gave him a look. “What, am I here to attend class?”
The lackey fawned, “Let me get your food for you, no way you should have to do it yourself.”
“No need, I can handle something this small.”
The lackey wanted to insist, but after meeting Shen Yuqing’s gaze, he obediently shut up.
The line moved quickly, but chatting with the lackey delayed Shen Yuqing a few minutes. By the time he got his food, Song Wangzhuo had already found a seat and started eating.
Shen Yuqing couldn’t help but complain to the system: [What a cold guy.]
Their relationship wasn’t the same as before, couldn’t he at least wait for him?
But the system just said, [So cool! That’s the male lead for you! Host, charge over there and sit right next to him!]
Just as Shen Yuqing was about to head over with his tray, Lin Sui’s lackey called out, “Bro Qing! Over here! Bro Qing!”
A small crowd turned to look at the commotion, and even Song Wangzhuo glanced his way.
Shen Yuqing took a deep breath, utterly speechless. He had originally planned to walk past quietly, but now that idiot had ruined everything.
With no other choice, Shen Yuqing walked over and sat down. His little follower even asked, “Brother Qing, do you want anything else to eat? I can grab some more for you.”
Shen Yuqing rubbed his temples in exasperation. “Just eat your meal.”
He had completely lost his appetite now.
After lunch, Shen Yuqing trudged gloomily toward the academy gates. Song Wangzhuo had finished eating early and left, while he had been stuck at the table listening to his little follower ramble on and on.
He couldn’t help but wonder who was the boss here, really?
The system teased him: [Host, you are the boss.]
A boss who got stuck listening to his underling’s nonsense only he could be in this situation.
Shen Yuqing rolled his eyes and ignored the system.
He quickened his pace. Though he hadn’t been able to walk back with Song Wangzhuo, they had agreed on a time to start their afternoon tutoring session.
He just needed to show up on time.
Glancing at the time on his wrist device, he saw he still had fifteen minutes plenty of time.
But after only a few steps, he spotted Song Wangzhuo sitting quietly on the edge of a flower bed, his legs resting beside his black bag.
A faint smile tugged at Shen Yuqing’s lips. “Song Wangzhuo.”
At this hour, the area was nearly deserted, so Shen Yuqing didn’t have to hold back. After calling out his name, he hurried over.
Only when Shen Yuqing got closer did Song Wangzhuo stand up. “Let’s go.”
Shen Yuqing’s expression brightened even more.
So, Song Wangzhuo had been waiting for him?
The thought left him pleasantly surprised, and he blurted out, “You were waiting for me?”
Song Wangzhuo gave a quiet “Mm,” then added, “Hurry up, or we’ll be late.”
They had a strict schedule to follow after all, they still needed to set aside half an hour for rest.
Shen Yuqing muttered an “Alright” and quickened his steps.
Only after entering the residential area did Shen Yuqing finally bring up what he’d been meaning to say.
“Oh, there’s something I need to tell you.”
Song Wangzhuo looked at him, noting his serious expression. “What is it?”
Was he going to say he didn’t want to continue tutoring?
Or that Song Wangzhuo’s teaching style was too harsh?
But this was his first time tutoring anyone. Song Wangzhuo pressed his lips together. Shen Yuqing’s foundation wasn’t bad he just couldn’t understand how his previous grades had been so terrible.
But if he wasn’t strict, he worried he wouldn’t be able to keep Shen Yuqing in line…
Just as Song Wangzhuo was debating whether to adjust his teaching approach, Shen Yuqing spoke up.
“Song Lejin is living in the apartment below yours now.”
Song Wangzhuo blinked at the name, confusion flickering in his eyes.
Shen Yuqing stared at him, equally puzzled. “Song Lejin, the Omega who bumped into you the other day.”
Only then did Song Wangzhuo recall that there had indeed been such a person.
Shen Yuqing gaped. “You don’t remember him?”
