Chapter 18
1092 Words
In the original novel, the original host never left home before school started, and on the first day of term, she had a fight with Xu Lang.
Naturally, Xu Zhongya sided with his eldest daughter. Though both girls were admitted to the same university, he sent the family driver to drop off the original host while he personally accompanied Xu Lang.
The novel didn’t describe Xu Lang’s arrival at the university with so much pomp, but it did portray a touching father-daughter moment to the extreme.
That day, the original host was in a foul mood. She clashed with another supporting character and ended up in a fight.
Xu Lang, protective of her sister, stepped in and took a hit for her.
That was when Han Shu appeared — he protected Xu Lang, beat up the other student, and scolded the original host. It was a total show of dominance.
The incident spread like wildfire across the campus. Xu Lang, already a campus beauty, became even more of a focus. The original host, seen as the immature and reckless little sister, was instantly pushed into the shadows. Since then, she’d feel sick just seeing Xu Lang.
“You see her? She’s a freshman at the Film Academy too. Even rich kids come to this school. It’s definitely not a scam,” Xu Mei said casually to the middle-aged couple beside her, ready to sneak away before Xu Lang spotted her.
Even though some plotlines had already changed — Xu Zhongya, for example, hadn’t come personally due to his injury, and Han Shu and Xu Lang had already met — the essence remained: Xu Lang was still the center of attention on day one.
The female lead's aura was too powerful. Better to avoid it altogether.
But just as Xu Mei turned to leave, she heard a familiar voice.
“Well, well, Miss Xu. Quite the entrance. But you know, parking isn’t allowed here.”
It was Chu Yeyan.
Xu Mei turned around, pleasantly surprised. Chu Yeyan was casually twirling a bottle of soda in his hand, speaking lazily to Xu Lang.
The elegant, noble atmosphere Xu Lang had tried to create instantly popped like a bubble.
Her face turned red. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know. I’ll have someone move the car right away…”
But Chu Yeyan didn’t wait. He walked away, clearly not taking her seriously at all.
Xu Lang’s eyes turned red watching his back.
At school registration time, the gate was crowded. Xu Lang had already drawn plenty of attention when she showed up.
Now, people began to speak up on her behalf.
“What’s the big deal? It’s not like she’s been parked here for long.”
“Yeah, don’t mind him. He’s just jealous.”
“Maybe he just wanted to get the beauty’s attention.”
“I think so too. Beauty has special privileges. Park wherever you want!”
…
Xu Mei nearly cringed into the pavement. Afraid Chu Yeyan would turn back to argue, she quickly waved at him.
But he wasn’t so hot-headed. Spotting Xu Mei, his eyes lit up. He walked over and handed her the drink. “Haven’t opened it yet… So you got into the Film Academy too, huh?”
“Thanks, Brother Chu,” Xu Mei said happily. “What are you doing here?”
Chu Yeyan took her suitcase. “It’s ‘Senior’ Chu. Let’s go — I’ll take you to check in.”
“Senior? You’re in the Science & Tech department or Film Academy?” Xu Mei asked as she followed him, glancing around.
“Science & Tech,” Chu Yeyan snorted. “Looking for someone?”
Xu Mei rubbed her nose and didn’t bother pretending. “Brother Fu. He’s not with you?”
“We don’t live together,” Chu Yeyan said, grinning. “He’s not with you?”
“Don’t start rumors!” Xu Mei was slightly flustered. “I didn’t even know he went to this school. If I had, I would’ve called him. Maybe he’s coming tomorrow?”
“Doubt it,” Chu Yeyan replied. “Xiao Yang loves school. He’s always the first one on campus. Unless something happened…”
Xu Mei froze, a chill running down her spine.
In the novel, Fu Shuyang didn’t appear much in the early college chapters — more like background noise.
But the weird thing was: he wasn’t a student in those scenes.
Why?
He should’ve been, just like Chu Yeyan — a graduate student in the Science & Tech department.
What changed?
Yesterday, Fu Shuyang was clearly off. Why hadn’t she asked more?
Now Xu Mei was starting to worry.
Could he be sick?
But even then, why would he drop out?
“Yeyan-gege!” A sweet, sugary voice suddenly called out.
Xu Mei turned and saw a girl in a poofy pink dress with a round face glaring at Chu Yeyan’s hand on her suitcase, pouting.
Chu Yeyan looked genuinely troubled. He didn’t reply.
Xu Mei could practically smell the jealousy and had to suppress a laugh. She quickly stepped back. “Chu-ge, go on. I can manage. No need to walk me there.”
She grabbed her suitcase back. “Take your time.”
The girl immediately brightened. “Sorry, I need to talk to Yeyan-gege. Want me to find someone to take you?”
“No, no, I’m good.” Xu Mei waved her hand.
Just then, someone spoke up with a deliberately soft voice, “Don’t worry, Brother Yeyan. I’ll protect our new little junior.”
It was a guy — and Xu Mei got goosebumps all over. The pink-dress girl stomped her foot in anger.
Xu Mei looked up. A pudgy, pale-faced boy smiled at her.
“Hey, junior,” he said, a bit theatrically.
But then Chu Yeyan said, “Alright, I’m leaving her to you. If anything happens to her, you can explain to Xiao Yang.”
“s**t!” The guy jumped back three steps, instantly turning serious. “Wait — what’s your relationship with Master Fu?”
“I’m going to check the dorms. Maybe Xiao Yang is already here.” Chu Yeyan turned to Xu Mei. “He’s Meng Tao, our roommate. If you need help carrying stuff or anything, just ask him. As for the rest — don’t bother.”
Hearing that name, Xu Mei froze.
Meng Tao would become Fu Shuyang’s right-hand man, equally ruthless. Unlike Fu Shuyang, who had no interest in romance, Meng Tao fell for Xu Lang’s best friend.
- Writer
