Qianlan University was nestled in the heart of City S, backed by Xuecheng Mountain and facing the historic architectural ruins district—a scenic area dating back to the early 20th century. It was said that Qianlan University itself had been converted from ancient relics.
Even before stepping onto campus, Tang Lingyi could already sense an aura of classical scholarly elegance emanating from the old-style pavilions in the nearby heritage zone.
As their car drew closer to the university, she saw the grand, antique-style entrance gate, with a plaque boldly inscribed with the four characters: "Qianlan University."
Before even entering the campus, Tang Lingyi spotted the majestic Linglong Pagoda rising proudly in the distance—a sight far more imposing than anything at her own Jiangcheng University.
But she understood why. After all, this wasn't a school just anyone could get into; naturally, its environment would be exceptional.
At the entrance, their vehicle was stopped by a security guard who declared that outside cars weren't allowed inside. However, after a few words exchanged between the driver, Wu Feng, and the guard, the gate obediently swung open.
"Wait, you just said outsiders aren't allowed in!?" Tang Lingyi muttered, thoroughly exasperated.
"Let me confirm—you're a student in the School of Foreign Languages, right?" Qin Xiu, seated beside her, asked.
"English Department, Class One," Tang Lingyi replied, drawing from what she'd learned through Tian Suqing's diary.
"Good. Then you lead the way—we'll drive there."
"Huh?" Tang Lingyi blinked in confusion. She knew Suqing's major, sure, but had no idea where the building was located.
"This campus is huge—you're the only one who knows how to get there," Qin Xiu said matter-of-factly.
Tang Lingyi fell silent for a moment, then shook her head honestly. "I don't know how to get there."
"You don't know? How could you possibly not know?"
Her eyes darted around before she replied with a shrug, "Because I'm not Tian Suqing—so of course I don't know."
"You little bitch—are you trying to mess with Brother Qin!?" Lu Qicheng, sitting in the front passenger seat, whipped around, glaring furiously at her, his thick finger jabbing accusingly in her direction.
Faced with such an intimidating, burly man, Tang Lingyi instinctively shrank back, her petite frame tensing with fear.
But Qin Xiu raised a hand, stopping Lu Qicheng's aggression. He narrowed his eyes slightly as he studied Tang Lingyi, then gave a faint, knowing smirk. "You really think you can skip school by pretending you're not Suqing? You're far too naive, Tian Suqing."
Clearly, Qin Xiu didn't believe her at all—he assumed she was just making up an absurd excuse to avoid going to class.
He turned to Wu Feng. "Wu Feng, find someone to ask where English Department, Class One is located."
"Yes, Mr. Qin."
Relieved inwardly, Tang Lingyi let out a quiet sigh. She'd deliberately said that precisely so Qin Xiu would interpret her truth as a ridiculous lie—an attempt to dodge school—rather than realize she genuinely didn't know the way.
Sometimes, telling the truth was the most effective form of deception.
At least in Qin Xiu's eyes, her honest statement was the most far-fetched lie imaginable.
Wu Feng got out of the car, quickly obtained directions, and soon they were on their way again.
As the scenery outside the window began moving once more, Tang Lingyi stole a sidelong glance at Qin Xiu.
Perhaps because of the contrast with Lu Qicheng's explosive temper, she suddenly found Qin Xiu oddly... civilized. Even though she wasn't cooperating, he hadn't yelled, insulted her, or laid a hand on her.
If what he claimed was true—that Tian Suqing had nearly killed him—then Tang Lingyi had to admit his current behavior was surprisingly restrained.
Still, she couldn't fully trust his version of events. After all, according to Tian Suqing's diary, she'd harbored deep feelings for Qin Xiu.
The real truth? She had no way of knowing.
A few minutes later, a black Mercedes G-Class pulled up in front of the English Department building. The driver, dressed in a sharp black suit, stepped out and opened the rear door. Out stepped a girl with voluminous golden-red wavy hair—but her face was completely bare, utterly plain, clashing oddly with her flamboyant locks.
"Wu Feng, keep a close eye on her. I've got other matters to attend to," Qin Xiu instructed through the window, then turned to Tang Lingyi with a smile. "I'll pick you up this afternoon. Enjoy your school day."
With that, Qin Xiu left—but Tang Lingyi couldn't relax yet.
Because Qin Xiu had left his watchdog, Wu Feng, behind. Expressionless, she turned and walked into the building.
Now, however, she faced a new problem: she still had no idea where English Class One was.
Fortunately, each classroom had a sign with its number. So, accompanied by Wu Feng, she began a floor-by-floor search from the ground level.
Wu Feng stayed silent at first, trailing quietly behind her. But by the time they reached the third floor, he finally sensed something was off.
"Miss Tian, what exactly are you looking for?" he asked warily, suspecting she might be hiding something.
"Huh? Nothing—I'm just... taking a stroll," Tang Lingyi replied awkwardly, scratching her head.
This building only had four floors, and she'd already searched three without luck.
Her luck really couldn't get any worse.
Just as she was silently lamenting her misfortune, a female voice called out from behind her.
"Suqing!?"
At first, Tang Lingyi didn't realize the name referred to her. After a few seconds, she turned around to see a stylish girl with long black hair staring at her in astonishment.
"It really is you, Suqing! You're back?" The girl rushed forward and grabbed Tang Lingyi's hand. "You seem... different. Wait— are you wearing no makeup?"
"Ah... yeah, I'm back," Tang Lingyi replied, forcing herself to mimic Tian Suqing's tone as best she could.
"I saw the news—you fled overseas! And now that your husband's become so powerful, I figured you'd stay hidden abroad forever."
"Heh... hey, by the way, where's our classroom again? I've been away so long I've totally forgotten," Tang Lingyi quickly steered the conversation away.
Behind her, Wu Feng's eyebrows twitched slightly.
So she'd been searching for her own classroom? But why wouldn't she remember where it was?
"Seriously? You've only been gone a month and you've already forgotten? Do you even remember my name?" the girl teased.
"Honestly? Not really. Give me a hint?" Tang Lingyi played along, turning her genuine confusion into a joke.
"Haha, you're such an actress! If you've forgotten me—Lin Wan—then I'll truly be impressed."
Ah, so you're Lin Wan.
Tang Lingyi recognized the name from the diary. Lin Wan was a wealthy heiress; her family's corporation had business ties with the Tian family, so the two girls had been close. In the diary, Lin Wan had once gifted Tian Suqing a handbag worth hundreds of thousands.
Tang Lingyi smiled gently. "How could I forget you? I still have that bag you gave me."
At that, Lin Wan's smile faltered for just a split second before she forced a light laugh. "Yeah... come on, let's go to class."
Guided by Lin Wan, Tang Lingyi finally located Senior English Class One on the fourth floor.
Though fourth-year courses were minimal, Qianlan University attracted top students from affluent families—nearly everyone aimed for graduate school, so the classroom was usually full of students quietly studying.
When Lin Wan and Tang Lingyi entered, no one initially noticed them—everyone was absorbed in their books.
But then Lin Wan suddenly called out loudly, "Guess who's back!"
That drew every eye in the room. When they saw Tang Lingyi, shock spread across their faces.
Holy crap—she actually has the nerve to show up again!?
That was the unspoken thought echoing through the classroom.
After all, the scandalous video of Tian Suqing had already gone viral across City S. Everyone in this class had likely seen "Miss Suqing" in all her compromising glory. To them, she might as well have walked in naked.
Moreover, Tian Suqing had always acted high and mighty, looking down on everyone with her elite status. Most secretly resented her—and now that her perfect image had shattered, any self-respecting person would've stayed far away.
Sensing their judgmental stares, Tang Lingyi knew exactly what they were thinking—but she didn't care.
Hah! You watched Tian Suqing's scandalous video—what's that got to do with me, Tang Lingyi?
She waved casually. "Hey everyone, I'm back."
Then she looked for a seat.
But her first real challenge arose immediately: no one wanted her sitting nearby.
"Sorry, this seat's taken."
"Excuse me, Miss Tian, I need this space for my stuff."
"What? You can't sit here."
One rejection after another—until she finally reached the last row. If even this spot refused her, she'd just have to sit down anyway.
The last row held a slightly chubby guy in a plain white T-shirt, his bangs nearly covering his eyebrows as he focused intently on his brand-new handheld gaming console.
"Sorry, I'm sitting here," Tang Lingyi announced, plopping down before he could object.
The boy's fingers froze mid-button-press. He turned, glanced at her briefly, then quickly looked back at his game.
Relieved, Tang Lingyi exhaled softly.
Finally—someone who doesn't mind me sitting here.
But peace never lasted long.
Just moments after she settled in, a loud thwack echoed through the room.
A thick stack of red bills slammed onto her desk, casting a shadow over her.
She looked up.
Perched on her desk was a stylishly dressed boy with a trendy foil perm—Yu Weilin. His family ran a moderately successful company, and he'd once pursued Tian Suqing—only to be publicly humiliated by her for being "too poor." Now that the Tian family had fallen from grace, he finally had his chance to kick her while she was down.
"Hey, long time no see! Heard you've changed careers—become a TV star now? Well, I should support you, right? After all, the girl who once rejected me no matter how hard I tried… now I can just pay to have her. How's this? Enough cash for you?"
Tang Lingyi glanced at the money—roughly 50,000 or 60,000 yuan—and couldn't help but marvel at how ridiculously rich these students were.
But then his words fully registered.
Her eyes widened in genuine surprise.
"You… want to fence with me?"