Chapter 7: Unexpected Encounters and Hidden Agendas

Alright, today’s morning classes have concluded.

You are dismissed.

For some reason, the content taught by the instructors always struck me as overly simplistic; whether it was the practical combat lessons or any other type of course, studying them felt utterly bland.

“Is that Ouyang student present?” a familiar voice drifted over.

“Ouyang student… I have something to discuss with you.

Could you please come with me for a moment?”

I fixed my gaze, realizing it was none other than Lin Wanyun from the previous day.

Seeing her complexion had returned to its usual healthy glow, Ouyang Xiyue secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

‘This young woman possessed considerable courage.

Even knowing she would likely lose, she refused to give up easily, truly embodying the adage: “How can you know your limits until you try?”

While reality could be harsh and unforgiving, she was undeniably far stronger than those who recoiled at the first sign of difficulty.’

“Senior Sister Lin Wanyun, what can I do for you?”

“I need to ask a favor of you.

Could we speak somewhere more private?”

At a quiet, secluded corner…

****

“Senior Sister, it would be better if you just spoke directly.

Why bring me to such a secluded place?”

Gazing at the surrounding darkness, I found myself instinctively growing wary; perhaps it was just a natural reaction.

“Junior Sister Ouyang, there’s no need to be so nervous.

Although I, your Senior Sister, do have a fondness for women, I would never force anyone into something they don’t want…”

Ouyang Xiyue’s eyes widened, his jaw nearly dropping in astonishment, his mouth agape as he wondered if he had misheard.

“Ah! Wh-what? Senior Sister, did you just say you like girls!?”

“Shhh! Look how startled you are.

It was just a joke.”

Lin Wanyun watched Ouyang Xiyue’s reaction, secretly chuckling to herself; this little one was truly adorable.

“So it was a joke; you really gave me a fright.

Senior Sister, about your sword… I will compensate you.

Please, just tell me what you want.”

Ouyang Xiyue had genuinely thought he was about to stumble into a yuri romance (TL Note: A genre depicting romantic relationships between women.), relieved that it was merely a jest.

After all, he was the one who had broken the sword, and it would weigh heavily on his conscience if he didn’t offer compensation.

“I haven’t given the sword much thought.

However, since Junior Sister insists on compensating me, then what I want is… you~”

“Huh?! Senior Sister, please stop joking around.

If you keep this up, I’ll ignore you.”

Ouyang Xiyue looked at Lin Wanyun, who was now standing incredibly close, and sensed something was amiss.

Catching the cunning smile on her face, he couldn’t help but think of Ye Xuehui… ‘Damn it, why did I think of *that* person?’

“Hahaha, my apologies, my apologies.

Seeing how adorable you are, I couldn’t resist teasing you—it’s an old habit.

Actually, I wanted to ask Junior Sister for a favor…”

The scene shifted, transitioning to the Student Union office.

****

“How’s the progress on what I asked you to investigate yesterday?” Ye Xuehui asked into the phone, her legs crossed, leaning languidly against the back of her chair.

“Reporting to Young Master, regarding Ouyang Xiyue’s identity that you requested to be investigated, although your subordinate has looked into it, the information appears to have been deliberately concealed, yielding very little.”

“Oh? Interesting.

If even I can’t uncover it, then it seems the forces behind this young woman are not simple.

Report whatever you’ve found.”

Though Ye Xuehui’s posture remained relaxed, not a ripple of emotion disturbed her stern face, only an icy chill permeated her demeanor.

– “Name: Ouyang Xiyue, Student ID: pg12138…”

After a brief silence on the other end of the line, Ye Xuehui, who had been expressionless moments before, suddenly sat up straight, her expression turning serious.

– “Is that all? You’re utterly useless.

Do I really need you to investigate a name and student ID?

Go deeper with your investigation, and remember not to expose yourself, lest you startle the snake.”

With that, Ye Xuehui hung up the phone.

These past few days had been truly vexing; her family’s affairs were settled, and listening to teachers drone on about superficial knowledge, while observing her weak classmates, was utterly uninteresting.

Having finally encountered someone interesting, it seemed she would have to enjoy herself thoroughly, also releasing the accumulated boredom of late.

Recalling the events of last night, a mischievous smile played on Ye Xuehui’s lips.

“Ring, ring, ring…”

Suddenly, her phone’s ringtone broke through Ye Xuehui’s thoughts.

She frowned slightly, looking at the screen—it was a call from her father.

‘What could that old man want with me?’

– “Hello, Father, what can I do for you?” Ye Xuehui answered the call, her brow furrowed.

– “Xiao Ye, come home tonight.

There’s something I need you to do.”

– “Understood, Father.”

“Beep, beep, beep…”

Listening to the dial tone, Ye Xuehui frowned again, seemingly lost in thought.

“Have you heard?

That new student has gone on to challenge the remaining main clubs, and won every single match!”

“No way!

I was busy these past two days and missed it.

What a shame!”

“Lady Xiyue, congratulations, congratulations!

Although you’ve been adventuring and training with Uncle Jian since childhood, I never imagined your strength would be so formidable.

Your ice magic, in particular, completely overwhelmed the Ice Club—it was truly astonishing.

Now only the Student Union remains.

When do you plan to challenge them?”

Inside the dormitory, Shangguan Yun gazed at Xiyue with an expression of utter adoration.

In just a few days, she had completely fallen for Ouyang Xiyue, becoming a devoted fan.

Every mention of Ouyang Xiyue sent her into a frenzy of excitement, and she often boasted about sharing a dorm room with her, reveling in the envious and jealous glances of others.

“Tomorrow, I will challenge the Student Union.

Win or lose, I must try.

Regardless of who Ye Xuehui truly is, I will never easily concede defeat.

You should sleep first; I’m going out for some fresh air.”

Stepping out of the dormitory building, Ouyang Xiyue made his way to a balcony on the teaching building.

He settled onto the floor, leaning against the wall, and fully embraced the tranquility of the night.

This feeling of ease was truly wonderful.

Lost in thought, Ouyang Xiyue unknowingly leaned against the wall and drifted off to sleep.

After an indeterminate amount of time, Ouyang Xiyue groggily opened his eyes, shaking his head.

The frequent club challenges of late had left him physically and mentally exhausted, preventing him from getting proper rest.

“Awake?” A frigid voice pierced his ears.

Ouyang Xiyue jolted, his previously muddled mind instantly clearing as he warily turned towards the sound.

“Ye Xuehui? Why are you here?”

Ouyang Xiyue looked around, discovering he was covered by a blanket.

‘What was going on? Where was this?

I remember falling asleep on the balcony…’

“I returned to the Student Union to retrieve something and saw the balcony door wasn’t closed.

I found you sleeping so deeply on the balcony that you wouldn’t wake up no matter how I called.

Since you didn’t have your phone, I couldn’t contact your roommate, so fearing you might catch a cold and fall ill, I brought you back.”

“So that’s what happened.

Thank you, I really appreciate it.

I never would have guessed that beneath your cold exterior lies such a warm heart.

Um… is this your home?”

Having spoken, Ouyang Xiyue hastily glanced down to check his clothes.

Seeing they were perfectly intact, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

‘Thankfully, Ye Xuehui hadn’t taken advantage of him while he was asleep.

If she had discovered he was actually a man, it would have been disastrous.

He had truly been too careless…’

Watching Ouyang Xiyue’s reaction, Ye Xuehui shook her head helplessly, then revealed a mischievous smile.