Chapter Thirty-One: The School Anniversary

Seeing Luo Ange smiling so calmly, it seemed Mu Ying was out of danger. I prayed silently for more beautiful women to come along, hoping they'd distract Young Master Luo. Even if he wanted to settle accounts with me, let it be after the anniversary celebrations.

While helping to set up the auditorium, my mind wandered. Xia Qi had to call me several times before I snapped back to reality. She pointed to the stage, “The name placards are wrong.” I hurriedly arranged them according to the list, only to stare blankly at the two placards in the center with no names.

Li Wanqiu was fussing with the lush, colorful potted plants, muttering, “I heard this year’s Kang University anniversary is unprecedented, with hundreds of alumni attending—many bringing donations. Looks like the hazardous old school buildings will finally be demolished.”

Xia Qi nodded, “My dad said it too. Everything rides on today. The three of us need to perform well and not embarrass him.”

Qilin leaned in the doorway playing on his phone. Hearing us, he looked up at me briefly before dropping his gaze again.

That evening, we rehearsed until late. At last, our movements flowed smoothly, some details were settled, and we each went our separate ways.

Qilin drove me home. He was unusually silent, which unsettled me; among our group, he was always closest to me, never like this. Clearly, he had something on his mind—something he couldn't share with me.

I still asked what was wrong, though it seemed unnecessary. He shook his head, “Nothing. The school anniversary is tomorrow; I’m a bit worried about you all.”

I laughed. “If trouble comes, I’ll handle it. You should trust my abilities.”

At the courtyard gate, I said goodbye. He got out of the car, walked over, and hugged me gently. It had become a habit, especially during my illness—he often embraced me like this.

I wrapped my arms around his waist. “You’re acting strange tonight.”

He was silent for a few seconds. “If something happens tomorrow you can’t handle, just look for me. I’ll be sitting behind my father. Whatever happens, don’t panic or be afraid, alright?”

I found him nagging and pushed him away, telling him to leave quickly.

Exhausted, I fell asleep soon after bathing. In my dreams, Du Fanchuan crawled toward me, covered in blood, trying to climb into my bed. Terrified, I kicked him, but he grabbed my ankle. “Lan Shan, I’m in so much pain. Save me…”

I jolted awake, drenched in sweat, then lay back staring at the ceiling until dawn. Fatigue and insomnia made my stomach ache again. After taking medicine, my shepherd dog, whom I’d raised for years, rubbed affectionately against my feet.

I crouched down and hugged him. During my illness, Grandpa had cared for the little fellow—otherwise, staying with me would have been miserable.

“Ajou, do you think Luo Ange will come back to kill me?” Ajou didn’t understand; he only pressed close and licked my face, leaving it wet with slobber.

Despite being mentally prepared, I was still startled when I arrived at school. The honor guard was entirely composed of fair-skinned, long-legged beauties, all in cheongsams, flashing eight-tooth smiles and bowing to everyone: “Welcome.”

Under the ginkgo trees flanking the campus, luxury cars lined up as impressively as at a car show. The whole campus was festive. Several elderly alumni, their hair white as snow, gathered beneath the ginkgo trees reminiscing about their glorious youth; I saw two women in tears.

From afar, I spotted Principal Xia leading a group forward. Qilin’s father was among them—Chairman of the Kang University Parents’ Committee and founder of the Rui Scholarship, more qualified than anyone to stand beside the principal.

A silver-haired lady in a cheongsam and silk scarf was supported by an aide, quietly conversing with Principal Xia.