Chapter 58: Unexpected Encounters at the Research Building

The following day during lunch break, Bai Chen had meticulously prepared himself before departing. He had changed into a fresh school uniform before leaving home, his hair was neatly styled, and he had even made a trip to the restroom.

After ensuring everything was in order, he arrived at the appointed location ten minutes early, and from a distance, he spotted a familiar figure.

To his surprise, Mo Qiu was already waiting for him. People bustled in and out of the research building’s entrance, everyone chatting and laughing, yet she stood alone by the door, appearing conspicuously out of place.

Noticing this, Bai Chen quickened his pace, being the first to greet her:

“Mo Qiu, you arrived quite early. Have you been waiting long for me?”

“Just arrived.”

“Is that so? That’s good then.”

This was a lie. Mo Qiu had been waiting there for half an hour. Her objective, naturally, was to be waiting for Bai Chen before he arrived, thereby making him feel a pang of guilt.

Her strategy proved quite successful; indeed, she caught a fleeting glimpse of guilt on Bai Chen’s face.

****

The principal of Wind Chime Middle School was reportedly a wealthy man, who had specifically commissioned a research building to serve as activity rooms for the school’s clubs. During lunch breaks, this became the liveliest spot in the entire school, where one could encounter members from all sorts of clubs.

Soon after arriving, Bai Chen observed several groups. The basketball club members headed off together to play, the dance club changed into their uniforms and made their way to the dance studio, and then there was the supposedly most fervent math club, whose members were still heatedly debating problems from their test papers even while walking.

After a short wait, Bai Chen noticed Mo Qiu’s gaze. He smiled and explained,

“We’re still waiting for someone. She’ll be taking us to tour the drama club.”

Mo Qiu nodded.

Despite his words, Bai Chen glanced at his watch. It was already almost ten minutes past their agreed time. ‘This person is running a bit late,’ he thought.

Bai Chen could afford to wait, but having called Mo Qiu here, he couldn’t simply make her stand around idly with him.

“Is she not coming?” Mo Qiu inquired.

“She’ll be here. Let’s just wait a little longer…”

A soft patter of footsteps.

Approaching footsteps halted, and Bai Chen and Mo Qiu turned their heads simultaneously.

“Are you two here to visit our club?”

“Ah, yes. You must be Zhou Yue, right?”

Bai Chen greeted her with a smile, yet inwardly, he mused about how different she was from what he had imagined.

Judging by her name, she ought to be a pretty girl. But the person before him… while not exactly unattractive, her mental state could definitely be described as dreadful.

Before coming out, Zhou Yue hadn’t tied her hair up, letting a messy tangle cascade over her shoulders. Her complexion was pale, and the dark circles around her eyes were alarmingly pronounced.

She seemed utterly devoid of energy. Yet, her gaze was as sharp as a blade, making it difficult for Bai Chen to meet her eyes. He much preferred Mo Qiu’s eyes.

“Let’s go. Don’t waste any more time.”

With that, Zhou Yue turned and strode into the research building, nearly leaving the two of them behind.

Bai Chen quickly ushered Mo Qiu to follow. His first impression of Zhou Yue was undeniably poor. ‘Why would the drama club send someone like this to be our guide?’ he wondered.

****

The trio entered the research building. This marked Bai Chen and Mo Qiu’s first glimpse into the true interior of the club building.

Not only the classrooms, but even the corridors were teeming with people. At this hour, few people had returned to the regular academic buildings; the contrast in liveliness was like heaven and earth.

The drama club’s activity room was on the third floor. Before they entered, Zhou Yue blocked the doorway, specifically cautioning them:

“Don’t touch anything. The costumes inside are the culmination of everyone’s hard work. If you damage them, you won’t be able to afford the compensation.”

“…Why are you looking at me?” Bai Chen felt a little awkward under her stare. “You’re not saying that specifically for my benefit, are you?”

“Because you look like the type.”

Zhou Yue’s words sharply stung Bai Chen’s heart. ‘Even if she’s judging by appearances, isn’t that a bit too harsh?’ he thought.

Bai Chen admitted that he wasn’t particularly adept at intricate thinking, but he had never considered himself reckless. To be accused of such a basic mistake before even entering the room was truly disheartening.

As Zhou Yue pushed the door open and entered, Bai Chen remained standing in place. Suddenly, a soft touch brushed his hand.

“Bai Chen, let’s go.”

Mo Qiu’s palm pressed against his.

‘Don’t pay it any mind.’

Feeling her gentle presence, a smile reappeared on Bai Chen’s face.

“Don’t worry, I’m fine.”

The two stepped into the activity room together. This scene, coincidentally, was witnessed by Zhou Yue.

She stared at them wistfully, like a dog blinded by a sudden flash on the roadside.

****

Old Zhu had already described the drama club’s layout to Bai Chen yesterday. Yet, seeing it firsthand still filled him with novelty.

The club members had collectively funded and built a small stage within the classroom, allowing everyone to experience the sensation of performing onstage even during regular practice.

Many exquisite costumes hung on the walls. They ranged from ancient styles to futuristic designs, a complete array. On a table, the numerous awards the drama club had accumulated over the years were displayed, so many that they barely fit.

Bai Chen was quite interested in the acting textbooks on the table. He looked at Zhou Yue.

“May I take a look?”

Zhou Yue lifted her chin.

“Of course.”

Granted permission, Bai Chen picked up a book and began to flip through it with great interest.

Zhou Yue was pleased with his reaction; a haughty angle lifted the corner of her mouth. Immediately, she looked to the other side. Mo Qiu had approached to examine the costumes on the wall.

Unlike Bai Chen, Mo Qiu maintained a completely expressionless face throughout. Her lips merely parted slightly, murmuring something unintelligibly.

“This set, the material is so cheap, and the workmanship is crude. It definitely wouldn’t cost more than five hundred.”

“This one looks a bit better, but still no more than a thousand.”

“Hmm, this set actually appears to be worth over a thousand.”

The rapid patter of footsteps drew near. Out of the corner of her eye, Mo Qiu caught sight of Zhou Yue’s lifeless expression.

“Hey, just look, don’t touch carelessly. You’ve never seen such expensive clothing, have you?”

‘Expensive? Can this level truly be called expensive?’

In her previous life, as a deceiver, Mo Qiu frequently needed to infiltrate dangerous locations. To blend in with hostile forces, her attire could absolutely not be overlooked.

Spending several thousand at once was commonplace, and in special circumstances, she would even spend tens of thousands to commission professionals for custom-made outfits, ensuring absolute perfection.

In comparison, the drama club’s costumes were no different from children’s wear in her eyes. Her observation stemmed from a curiosity about whether their financial capabilities could even match half of hers.

After all, it was just a school club; a costume costing a thousand was likely their upper limit.

“These are everyone’s hard work, and for our drama club, they represent an inviolable honor. Although you’re an outsider, I still need to tell you…”

Zhou Yue continued to prattle on incessantly, but Mo Qiu quickly lost interest in her words and turned to leave.

“Hey, you’ve looked at so much, don’t you have any thoughts?”

Zhou Yue’s voice made her pause. She turned back, once again facing that zombie-like countenance.

“No.”

‘Thoughts? Should I ask: Can you really get into character wearing such cheap clothes?’

Considering Bai Chen was still present, Mo Qiu preferred not to stir up trouble.

“Don’t you feel even a little moved, or imagine yourself performing on stage in one of them?”

“No.”

“Then you must have some reason for looking at them, right?”

“No.”

Each successive question was met with Mo Qiu’s impassive refusal. Zhou Yue’s cheeks were practically flushing with anger.

‘To invite someone like this to participate in the performance — was the club president blind?’

“Do you have any more questions?”

“…”

Receiving no reply, Mo Qiu immediately walked away, heading towards Bai Chen.

Zhou Yue, left standing alone, watched the two stick together again. She bit her lower lip.

‘Why them?’

‘Both Bai Chen and Mo Qiu seem so ordinary. Why would President Luo agree to let them replace actual club members in the performance?’

‘People like them can have a spot in the performance, but me…’

The president’s bitter expression resurfaced in her mind. Those voices continued to needle Zhou Yue.

“Zhou Yue, you really should get some proper rest. Don’t overwork yourself. We’re all concerned about you, and we definitely won’t let you miss out next time.”

“Sigh, if you insist on being involved in the performance, then go be a guide tomorrow. Zhu Youcai introduced two students. I’ll be busy tomorrow, so you can show them around first, and I’ll catch up later.”

The president and the others would still take some time to arrive.

Zhou Yue’s hands tightly gripped her own costume hanging on the wall. They trembled incessantly.

Her resentful gaze fixed on Mo Qiu’s back. It was as though she were stabbing her from behind.

Just as her resentment continued to swell, her gaze shifted from the young girl. It landed on a basin in the corner.

Prompted by a thought that flashed through her mind, Zhou Yue released the costume she had crumpled in her grasp. She patted her face. Then, with a bright smile, she walked forward.