Thirteen, thirteen.

To maintain balance, Xia Songbai placed one hand on Shen Tingzong’s arm and the other on his chest. Realizing it, he quickly withdrew his hand from Shen Tingzong’s arm.

“Mr. Shen, sorry about that.”

What was subtle, though, was that when Xia Songbai was with Wang Zhi, whom he didn’t know well, he felt tense because of Wang’s overly serious demeanor. But strangely, facing Shen Tingzong, who was older and held a higher status, he didn’t feel scared.

—Except for those awkward moments like just now.

Shen Tingzong said, “It’s alright.”

Probably because Shen Tingzong had never lost his temper with him.

Xia Songbai smiled at Shen Tingzong, eyes curving with a cute little fang showing.

Though his first impression of Shen Tingzong had been cold when he fainted into his arms, as they spent more time together, Xia Songbai found Shen to be gentle—a cold-faced but warm-hearted elder who even poured him hot milk with care.

Anyone who could be the main villain in the original story surely wasn’t just superficially kind.

But Xia Songbai had no plans to delve into Shen Tingzong’s inner world.

What if he uncovered some explosive secret? Would Xia Songbai then play judge and jury?

Mastering the act of the innocent and well-behaved junior so naturally, Xia Songbai immediately gave Shen Tingzong a sweet smile. “What brings you here?”

Shen Tingzong replied, “Some business.”

A light bulb went off in Xia Songbai’s mind. “The motorcade just now at the school gate…”

Shen Tingzong nodded. “I saw you at the gate. Lian Sheng was giving you a ride?”

“Sheng came to school on business and gave me a lift,” Xia said. “The security said there was an important guest today—turns out it was you.”

No wonder Lian Sheng was stopped outside.

In the harbor, only Lian Runwen might be on the same level as Shen Tingzong.

But Lian Runwen is in his fifties, while Shen Tingzong is just in his early thirties. Despite the age gap, their standing in the underworld was similar. No wonder the villain boss carried such authority.

Shen Tingzong asked, “Who was that just now?”

He really had heard.

Xia Songbai felt embarrassed. “A classmate. He’s good at studying—I used to rely on him to pass finals.”

“Just a classmate?”

Xia Songbai inwardly winced and stressed, “Really just a classmate! I’m not into campus romances.”

Shen Tingzong said, “Classmates tend to have more shared topics, don’t they?”

Xia Songbai quickly flattered, “I think we have plenty in common too. Whether you click isn’t just about age or status.”

As long as you hate Lian Sheng too, we’re friends.

With starry eyes, Xia Songbai looked at Shen Tingzong, imagining how in a few years Shen would drive Lian Sheng nearly to bankruptcy. It made Shen seem almost saintly.

Shen probably didn’t expect such words and remained silent for a moment.

Right then, Xia Songbai decided not to skip the assembly in front of him and put on the good student act. “The ceremony is about to start; I have to go.”

A faint smile curved Shen’s lips. “Go ahead.”

Today, Xia Songbai wore a loose matcha-green T-shirt, its hem falling just below his waist, almost covering his pale cream shorts. His legs were slender and straight, calves sleek like a newly beached mermaid’s tail split into two long legs, milky-skinned with a subtle pink blush on his knees.

His whole being was delectable, skin glowing with a sweet sheen. In good spirits, he bounced lightly with each step, the breeze lifting his shirt to reveal a slender, supple waist. From the side, he looked delicate and fragile, as if he could be pierced through effortlessly.

He was so young—so stunningly beautiful without a care—unaware of how such beauty would draw gazes.

Shen Tingzong gazed at that splash of brightness for a long while before slowly turning away.

—

Xia Songbai nonchalantly returned to the gathering spot, blending into the crowd as they headed to the auditorium.

Wang Zhi, who used to always sit with him, kept his distance this time. Xia Songbai pretended not to notice and picked a random seat.

Next to him sat a lively freshman. A group of girls chattered nearby; one glanced at Xia, lowered her voice, then burst into laughter.

Xia was looking down at his phone when someone poked him. Turning, he saw one of the underclassmen asking, “What year are you?”

“Senior,” Xia answered kindly.

“Can I add you on WeChat?”

Xia smiled, raising his right hand to show the ring on his middle finger. “Sorry, I’m taken.”

The girl let out a disappointed “Ah.”

The classmate next to Xia, having witnessed it all, leaned over and whispered to the girl, “Sis, don’t be disappointed. You two have the same orientation—both guys. I’m also a senior. Want my WeChat instead?”

“Ah!”

This time the girl wasn’t disappointed but quickly turned to her friends and said, “I knew he looked gay! And you encouraged me to ask for his WeChat!”

Her voice had risen in excitement, forgetting to lower it.

Xia Songbai: …

Does he really look that gay?

Well, the original story was a BL novel. It made sense that he might be attracted to men.

But if he had a choice, he definitely wouldn’t choose Lian Sheng. Even without knowing the story, Lian Sheng’s looks and personality were totally outside his taste.

As for what he actually liked…

His phone vibrated. Xia looked down and saw a new friend request on WeChat.

Huh?

He accepted the request.

【Xia Ci Yiding】: "(?Д｀。) Mr. Shen?"

The big boss used his real name on WeChat, no aliases.

Checking the friend request, it had just come in.

Xia was puzzled, wondering what Shen Tingzong wanted.

Unexpectedly, Shen replied instantly.

【Shen Tingzong】: “Yes.”

【Xia Ci Yiding】: “How did you get my WeChat?”

【Shen Tingzong】: “Your director gave it to me.”

【Shen Tingzong】: “Sun Zhe.”

Ah, Director Sun.

Though Xia didn’t know how Director Sun got his contact, it was a rare chance to get close to a big shot.

Xia immediately started boosting goodwill.

【Xia Ci Yiding】: “I’ve been afraid to add you, didn’t want to disturb you >”