Chapter Thirty-Two: The Rite of Thunder

Among the crowd was an elderly woman, her hair completely white, dressed in a cheongsam and draped in a silk scarf. She was being supported by someone who seemed to be her assistant and was speaking with Principal Xia.

Carrying my things, I jogged to the auditorium. Xia Qi and Li Wanqiu were already there, and the moment they saw me, they scolded me for having no sense of time.

Actually, our performance was the fifth on the schedule. The principal and several representatives still had opening speeches to deliver, so it would be at least two hours before our turn. There was really no need to hurry.

Li Wanqiu was rubbing her hands, so nervous that she was nothing like the daughter of the finance bureau's director. Wen Yuan was beside her, comforting her by rubbing her hands as well. Meanwhile, Xia Qi's boyfriend, Jiang Chenghuan, was dutifully accompanying his girlfriend, not realizing that his own father was also on the guest list for the anniversary celebration.

I felt no anxiety; I would simply perform as planned. But Xia Qi's words unsettled me: "Among the alumni representatives giving speeches today, one of them is Luo Ange's grandmother, the renowned architect Mo Yinghuai. The library at Kang University was both designed and fully funded by her."

That piece of information was overwhelming, and I stood rooted to the spot, stunned as if struck by a sudden bolt of lightning.

Qilin appeared out of nowhere, his expression grave. "Bad news. Prepare yourselves mentally."

My swallow was so loud that Xia Qi and Li Wanqiu glanced at him nervously, thinking our performance had been canceled.

"The original female host has a stomach upset, so the backup, Lei Zhiyi, will take her place. Lanshan, you need to be prepared."

Xia Qi and Li Wanqiu both sighed with relief, as if Lei Zhiyi's feud with me had nothing to do with them.

Everyone at Kang University knew about my enmity with Lei Zhiyi. Back when Du Fanchuan hadn't abandoned me, he was president of the student council, and Lei Zhiyi was one of his many admirers.

Lei Zhiyi, a wealthy heiress, once threw money at me in the cafeteria. The only disciplinary action I ever received as a student was for fighting with her.

Normally, it wouldn't matter—our paths rarely crossed, each minding our own business. But today, of all days, at such an important event, would she use this opportunity to make things difficult for me?

In the end, Qilin comforted me, assuring me that with him around, Lei Zhiyi would not dare to act recklessly.

The anniversary started at nine o’clock. As the hour approached, every department was already in place, awaiting Principal Xia to lead the guests inside. The opening music played again and again as we sat backstage. Qilin stayed close by my side, which felt both intimate and oddly suffocating, so I tried to persuade him to leave.

After all, everyone needed to change clothes, and it was awkward for a man to linger there.

He didn't even lift his head, his expression saying, "If Lei Zhiyi bullies you, can you handle it?"

I nodded, pushing him toward the door. "Don’t worry, worst case, I’ll just fight her again. You forget, I’ve learned close combat."

Speak of the devil, and she appears. Lei Zhiyi entered just as we reached the door. Upon seeing us, she sneered, "Oh, Prince Rui playing the knight in shining armor?"

Qilin shot her a glance. "Do you have a problem with that?"

"Of course not," she replied. "Everyone knows Yi Lanshan is your sister. The bond between you two moves heaven and earth—I wouldn’t dare object."

Qilin snorted. "You’d better not, and keep your tricks to yourself."

Lei Zhiyi glanced at me, a spark flickering in her eyes, and sashayed away with her serpentine grace.

She wore a royal blue evening gown today, her hair coiled up like a princess. Despite our animosity, I had to admit she was born a beauty.

As I entered, a few girls were complimenting her dress. Lei Zhiyi sat there like a proud peacock. "Yes, my uncle gave it to me—an exclusive piece from a foreign couture brand, limited edition."

"Your uncle treats you so well, I'm so envious," one of them replied.

Xia Qi and Li Wanqiu walked arm in arm past them, clearly unable to stand those girls who always talked about money. The three of us exchanged smiles and stepped outside for some air.

Outside, the hallways were filled with hostesses guiding the guests toward the auditorium. Each visitor shone with distinction; I imagined that, in their university days, they too had sweated and toiled here as we did.

Suddenly, I remembered that day when Luo Ange threatened to drive me out of Kangcheng. I wondered whether, when I grew old, I would ever have the chance to attend Kang University’s anniversary as an honored guest.

We stood by the pond watching the goldfish. Li Wanqiu, nervous as ever, began to smoke. She always carried a pack of ESSE menthol cigarettes specially for women in her purse, their aroma pleasantly fresh.

She lit one, handed another to Xia Qi, and then lit one for herself, as usual never asking if I wanted one.