After the program ended, students who were caught on cam of <A Day in the Life of a Star> were naturally overjoyed. It was just a pity that Gu Xi didn’t choose any actor, let alone a student after his speech ended.
Even if the first few rows were filled with good-looking men and women from different faculties and departments, Gu Xi was obviously not interested in adding an extra itinerary for today.
But then again, Gu Xi told them that the audition was open to everyone. Since it would be some time before the variety show gets released, they should just take advantage first of the fact that they knew that the audition was now open.
As Rong Jing went out with the crowd, the group of students who hadn’t seen each other since their graduation decided to have a get-together the following evening. However, because the plan was too sudden, they couldn’t make it work as some had an audition for today or had to go shoot.
In the end, Ji Leping checked everyone’s free time and picked a date from next week to eat at Xie Terrace, a three diamond restaurant listed on the Black Pearl1.
If Michelin stars were used to judge foreign restaurants, then the Black Pearl would surely be a feast for domestic gourmets.
“Rv’p byae vs xyjl y alplahyvksd yv y vball-ekyxsde alpvs, dsv vs xldvksd vbyv Dkl Mlaaynl kp sdl sq vbl clpv. Nlv’p vau vs xyjl y nyzz qkapv.”
Before he left, Xie Ling had his assistant, Zhou Xiang, prepare a list of all the businesses under his name, with a short summary behind each industry.
Hearing Rong Jing’s words, an Alpha, who had lost face after he saw Gu Xi thanked Rong Jing, finally found an opportunity to get back at him, and said disdainfully, “Have you lost your mind after being dumped by Qi Ying?”
“Lu Jin, don’t talk like that,” a female student said. She didn’t like Rong Jing, who tried to keep up appearances, but disliked Lu Jin more, who only knew how to brag and bully others.
Lu Jin shrugged. “I would like to stop talking like this too but some people who don’t even know what Black Pearl is even dares to open their mouth and say that they may have a way. You think we’re dumb? I just can’t stand it.”
Many Alphas agreed with what Lu Jin said.
Lu Jin didn’t mind insulting such a commoner like Rong Jing. He was bound to see all the big shots in the entertainment industry, so why would he care about a classmate that he would never meet again in the future?
Though they graduated from the same university, he and Rong Jing were worlds apart.
One of the students said, “Rong Jing, no need to keep up appearances. We all know your situation.”
This comment didn’t mean to look down on Rong Jing. In his four years in college, he lived so frugally that he even needed financial aid. They heard that he had a bad relationship with his family and was living on his own because his family didn’t care about him.
Lots of people had already seen him eat white rice in the cafeteria and work his ass off just so he could buy Qi Ying branded bags.
Everyone in the acting department knew he was poor.
If it was someone else who said what he said, there was a possibility that they were connected to some people, but not Rong Jing, a jobless person who couldn’t even get himself hired. Who would think that he could find a way?
Others also murmured a few words but soon stopped at some point.
They were grown adults. Even if they were pissed, it wasn’t good to tear each other’s faces.
However, the disdain in their eyes just grew. The original owner had the tendency to be depressed. He couldn’t stand the judging, silent eyes of people. Rong Jing was glad that he was the one here now instead.
He knew how to deal with these kinds of events. And so he simply smiled, and put back his phone in his pocket. He no longer mentioned helping again.
Ji Leping realized that Rong Jing had become the focus of attention again, just like it had always been for the past few years.
But this time, it was his fault. He felt a bit guilty. He immediately tried to make a reservation at a restaurant with a good reputation then said, “Okay, okay, let’s set it on the weekend. Inform those who aren’t here so they know. If you can’t come then tell me in advance! This is our first dinner together after graduation so at least try to come!”
Everyone gave face to Ji Leping not because he was smart and sociable. It was because someone learned that Ji Leping, who had been keeping a low profile for four years, was actually a member of the side branch of the renowned Ji family. Though it was only a side branch, it was still considered a connection.
“Where do you plan to go later?” Someone asked Ji Leping.
“I’ll go back to the dormitory to check the results of the postgrad exams.”
“Rong Jing, did you also take the exam?” In everyone’s opinion, only hopeful students with a bright future in the entertainment industry would take the post grad examination
“Yeah,” Rong Jing answered casually.
Rong Jing felt like someone had been watching him for a while now. It was such a unique gaze. It was cool and attentive, like an animal was watching him, observing him.
When Rong Jing was a kid, his parents wanted to make a Hollywood blockbuster. It was set in a tropical forest and the theme was a python. Of course, the python was introduced in the later stages but the rest of the film was all real.
After they discovered from the surveillance camera that the nanny taking care of Rong Jing had beaten and abused him, they worried about their son’s physical and mental health. So they took the then somewhat autistic Rong Jing with them.
However, they were both busy and couldn’t keep an eye on him all the time so they could only ask some of their staff to take care of him.
What they didn’t expect though was that shooting in a tropical forest would present several mishaps. They even had a shortage in manpower. The staff responsible for him even needed to go help so he had no choice but to tell the five-year-old Rong Jing to wait in place.
Though Rong Jing was young then, he was a good kid. He nodded obediently and waited for the staff to take him back.
However, the staff unexpectedly forgot about him. Rong Jing stood in place for several hours. Soon, the sky turned dark and there was truly no one around him anymore.
Since he couldn’t wait any longer, little Rong Jing could only take out the last piece of his chocolate while wiping his tears.
And then. Hiss—
When little Rong Jing heard this sound, he immediately looked around to search for its source in fear. Not far away from him was a big snake watching him intently for who knows how long.
Rong Jing had always been fond of small animals but he never once thought that snakes would be friendly to him.
Perhaps the memory of seeing a cold-blooded animal was so unforgettable that he never was able to forget the feeling of danger that he felt before, as if he would be bitten at any time.
The only difference now was its gaze. It was only attentive, not aggressive, and didn’t carry any malice.
But I don’t see anyone looking at me. What’s going on?
A few of the Alphas who wanted Rong Jing to end up as a joke told him to go to the library together, even going as far as telling him that they should celebrate later if he passed the exam.
They could still remember on the day of the exam, Rong Jing blocked Qi Ying, only to find out that Qi Ying had already found a new Alpha. Many people saw that scene and even made many posts on the school forum regarding this incident.
With such a situation happening before the exam, Rong Jing would never be able to pass.
As soon as Ji Leping saw this situation, he immediately wanted to drag Rong Jing to his dorm to check his result. Even if he didn’t pass, it would remain a private matter.
One girl also offered her laptop, saying that it was better to check the results in the dormitory. She was the girl who had unintentionally said too much about Rong Jing’s situation inside the auditorium. She felt embarrassed and wanted to make it up to him.
Rong Jing refused both of their offers, and looked at the Alphas who were waiting for him to make a fool of himself. He had to deal with them now, otherwise they would only continue to treat him like a wuss.
“It’s useless to get angry at those people. In our freshman year, Lu Jin made his aunt, who was at that time with the Stage Design Department, call a director to watch all our performances. What happened at that time all made us depressed. Besides, he also seemed to have liked Qi Ying then…”
Rong Jing smirked, and poked at Ji Leping’s attempt to make peace, “Yeah, I remember. Later, our class performance for the next few years came out good. But Lu Jin’s performance still didn’t stand out.”
Ji Leping nodded awkwardly, realizing that although Rong Jing was a quiet person, he wasn’t at all easy to fool.
He knew that his classmates just couldn’t accept their own failures so they put all the blame on Rong Jing and ignored him for years, naturally with someone urging them to do so.
Jing Leping stopped trying to be a peacemaker. “Yeah, our next few years made up for our grievances from the first bad one.”
Rong Jing looked at the exasperating Lu Jin, “They just want to look for a punching bag. I wonder if they had forgotten the saying that people who are truly brilliant will always have the opportunity to shine in the future. It’s futile to give opportunities to people who aren’t brilliant enough.”
That was what his parents from his previous life told him.
Lu Jin leaned over and heard the conversation of the two. He couldn’t help but contemplate. He could only get small supporting roles from some TV dramas now.
After working with more than 30 crews from his freshman year up to now, there was no hope of him becoming popular. Anger rising, he immediately felt like Rong Jing was criticizing him.
There were many hot-tempered Alphas and violent conflicts among them often occurred. Lu Jin realized that he was actually hot-tempered.
Hearing Rong Jing’s words made him want to give him a lesson of a lifetime, so he would never forget to not mess with an Alpha easily.
“Rong Jing, since we’re in the same department, I’m not going to bully you. How about making a bet?” His surging anger was obvious as he almost pounced on Rong Jing.
“Bet on what?” But Rong Jing didn’t seem to feel anything.
Ji Leping’s head almost exploded after seeing Rong Jing’s reaction.
He was so level-headed just a while ago, how can he change in just a blink of an eye?! Rong Jing, aren’t you good-tempered?! Just treat him like air!
Rong Jing slowly looked back at him and blinked, as if to say, ‘We Alphas are not good-tempered’.
Ji Leping couldn’t help but have a facepalm moment.
Aaah, I’m mad, why did I feel comfortable with this Alpha?!
“Well, if you don’t pass the first exam, then you’ll run around the park naked. If you pass, then I will. You have to run. Naked. Buck. Naked.”
Lu Jin specifically explained what he meant about running naked, so that Rong Jing wouldn’t have any leeway.
Ji Leping was mad, “Lu Jin, are you a kid?!”
“Oh, leave me alone. Rong Jing’s going to agree, right? Don’t you dare run away.”
Lu Jin glared at the Alpha who dared to provoke him. For years, he had laughed at Rong Jing but this coward never once responded. Why was he acting tough today?
He would never let Rong Jing provoke him the second time.
Did this coward want to lose some face?
“No, I won’t,” Rong Jing simply agreed, took out his phone and opened the camera. “To prevent both sides from denying the bet, a video will serve as proof. Say it again.”
In order to get these former classmates of his to stop messing up with him, he didn’t back down.
It was mainly because he was too lazy. If he can solve this matter now at once, then he’d gladly do it rather than fighting separately with a lot of them later.
This was the original’s owner’s problem. Since he got his body, then he should also deal with his problems.
Lu Jin stared wide-eyed at Rong Jing.
He wants a video as proof? He doesn’t believe me?
He suddenly felt like he was being mocked. The way Rong Jing was looking at him also seemed like he was mocking him, as if he knew he was going to win.
So, so mad! Let’s see later who has the last laugh!
Lu Jin said to Ji Leping, “You’re going to be the arbitrator! Send the video to the group chat so everyone would know!”
Rong Jing stopped, “Forget about sending it to the group.”
Lu Jin: “Heh, scared?”
Rong Jing: “Yeaaah, I’m scared.”
His voice actually sounded indifferent.
Lu Jin: “…” Ugggh, so angry!!
When Ji Leping and the other students noticed Rong Jing’s indifferent tone and saw Lu Jin’s face turn purple with anger, they really wanted to laugh but could only hold it back.
It was obvious that Rong Jing was messing with him.
However, as Ji Leping looked at Rong Jing’s face that looked so calm, his eyes seemingly empty, he wondered how a guy such as him could be so sly.
Aah, Ji Leping. You shouldn’t think badly of your classmates, ah.
With the bet going on, the group of people couldn’t help but quicken their pace. They were originally just nervous about their own results but now they felt so excited to see the exam’s results.
***
Gu Xi was staring down intently by the window.
His eyes were serious and cold. When he stared at people, his eyes seemed like they were covered in frost. He was like a cold-blooded animal, giving people the illusion that his pupils were vertical, but it also made him look soft and coquettish with a touch of evil.
Rong Jing and his classmates were downstairs. Since they were far from him, he wasn’t able to hear what they were talking about. However, he could feel that most of his classmates weren’t friendly to Rong Jing.
If only a few of them were annoyed at him then it wouldn’t matter. However, if almost all of them hated him, there must be something wrong with his character. Gu Xi also remembered there was another instance where the guy was treated badly too when he was onstage.
He wondered if it was just the guy’s keen observation that he was able to remind him to eat or whether he was really sincere.
He just wanted to take the opportunity to listen to his voice so he called him out even though he didn’t raise his hand but he didn’t expect that the guy would be so attentive, so much so that he realized he was hungry. How could such a person attract the student’s hate?
I better observe him for now.
Gu Xi stood by the window, his figure bathed in golden streaks of sunlight. His eyes looked as clear as glass. Xun Jiarui saw this scene when he came over. His heart was quickly moved by this glass-like beauty who could not be moved.
“Gu Xi, you were looking for me, right…” Xun Jiarui said as he watched Gu Xi in fascination.
Gu Xi returned to his senses, his soft-looking persona dedicated to the public coming back. Feeling Xun Jiarui’s sticky gaze, a frown appeared on his face before it disappeared without a trace.
It really isn’t just my illusion. He really looks creepy! Oh Gu Xi, you shouldn’t judge a person through colored lenses.
“Did you take the subway when you came here today?”
“How did you know my car broke down today? I took the subway with my staff today,” And I almost got recognized. Fortunately, I rode the subway during rush hour, Xun Jiarui thought sullenly to himself.
Gu Xi told himself that he didn’t have to hurry. Such a thoughtful person was worthy of his diligence.
Xun Jiarui seemed to have been enlightened. By the way that Gu Xi was looking at him, he became certain that Gu Xi was interested in him. He had already found a paparazzi to take ambiguous photos of the two of them. There were already so many people that were rumored to be dating Gu Xi. What was wrong with adding another one? He wouldn’t let go of an opportunity as great as this.
So why was Gu Xi asking him that question?
In fact, from the first time they saw each other, and with Gu Xi’s sudden shock, he realized that Gu Xi was looking for someone and had mistaken him for that person.
If that was the case, it was important that he answer his questions correctly.
Xun Jiarui was a man who knew how to use his cards. He had even taken a shortcut to be where he was now.
He took two steps towards Gu Xi. Before Gu Xi could retreat, he made sure that the paparazzi was able to get photos of them before he backed away with a smile. “I was at Maya Shopping Mall last night. I actually saw your new product launch.”
Actually, he was with his lover that night but he remembered that Gu Xi’s post were trending for a few hours then. There were also some comments about his itinerary so he was able to quickly come up with an answer.
Gu Xi noticed that Xun Jiarui’s eyes flitted for a moment. He realized that something was up.
“I see.”
He smiled warmly.
Xun Jiarui couldn’t help asking him out, “After your shooting is over, why don’t we go out for a drink?”
Gu Xi refused without much thought, “Maybe next time. I have something to do this evening.”
Xun Jiarui felt disappointed when he saw Gu Xi was about to leave. Did he just come to me to ask that?
He stepped forward and grabbed Gu Xi’s wrist. The feeling under his palm was delicate and smooth, and as beautiful as jade. However, before he could even feel more of it, Gu Xi already turned around without a word, clasping his wrist and his arm. Gu Xi twisted his wrist in reverse and pushed him down to the ground.
Xun Jiarui groaned in pain. He saw his arm was twisted at a strange angle. He couldn’t move at all. He could feel that Gu Xi was much stronger than a normal Omega.
He turned pale as he uttered, “Le-let go.”
Gu Xi’s cold eyes receded. He quickly apologized after he loosened his hold. “Sorry, Senior Xun. I reacted by reflex.”
Xun Jiarui stretched out his aching joints. Thinking of the staff around them, he couldn’t react badly to Gu Xi. He whispered, “No, it’s fine. I shouldn’t have touched you all of a sudden. But what was that? A martial art?”
That moment when Gu Xi subdued him, he became unable to move his body. However, now that he was free, he could feel that his body didn’t get any injury. When Gu Xi attacked, he used a complex joint lock technique that could make the other person feel pain without actually causing any injury. In other words, it was kind of like a warning.
However, his eyes were clear, as if he didn’t know what he had just done.
“Xing Yi Quan’s joint lock technique. Didn’t your martial arts teacher teach you that for acting?” It was an ancient Chinese martial art that has long been in decline. Gu Xi wondered if he had only studied a little.
Xun Jiarui stared at him wide eyed. Movie actors really did study these kinds of martial arts so that it would really look good on camera.
He felt so angry and miserable but seeing Gu Xi’s expression that seemed that he was about to cry, he couldn’t even scold him. He could only keep his calm demeanor even though an Omega just subdued him. He didn’t even want to speak further.
When his figure disappeared, Gu Xi’s pitiful expression disappeared as well.
Xun Jiarui’s timing, location, voice, and figure were all in line with what he was looking for.
Gu Xi pulled out the small notebook that he always carried with him. Sometimes, he preferred to take notes rather than just putting it on his mobile phone. He scribbled a few words.
I have to look for that person using factual data.
Xun Jiarui:
Voice:
Location:
Timing:
Figure: 50% (not sure)
Facial features: ?
Personality: ? (a bit creepy)
My intuition: Not him
Overall probability: 40%
Mysterious student from Film Academy:
Name: ?
Voice:
Location: ?
Timing: ?
Figure: 50% (not sure)
Facial features: ?
Personality: ? (Considerate?)
My intuition: similar, he looks similar to him at first glance
Gu Xi paused on the overall probability before writing 79.99999%. Why did he get a high score like that even though he had so many question marks? Don’t ask, it’s based on his intuition.
Did a person’s recognition need some kind of instrument to be considered correct and accurate? There was no need for that. Gu Xi thought this was okay.
Gu Xi put away his notebook, forgetting that he just told himself that he had to use a scientific method to find that person.
When he looked down again, the mysterious student was no longer there. A staff member called him now that his break time was over. They needed to take pictures, and then continue with their itinerary.
***
A group of people came to the library. Since they were good-looking Alphas, it attracted the attention of many younger students.
When Rong Jing swiped his library card and went in, he saw a row of students either sleeping or reading. The whole library was quiet. The librarian at the front desk saw him and greeted him.
“You’ve already finished the exam, haven’t you? Are you still here to read? You’re so hardworking.”
Rong Jing smiled and nodded. The library was open 24/7 and many students spent the night here. The original owner often stayed overnight in the library when he was studying for the post grad exam. That was why the librarian knew him.
The librarian was naturally kind to good students like Rong Jing. However, when he saw Lu Jin, his expression immediately dimmed.
It was because he saw Lu Jin grab a girl from an Alpha once, causing a fight to break out. They damaged many public facilities, not to mention, injuring him as well who came to stop the fight.
Lu Jin thought that he would never go back to the library again so he didn’t bother to think about his admonition. However, the librarian let him realize a point: It wasn’t that he let him get away, it was just that the time had not yet come.
“Wait a minute. This student, did you come here to read?” The librarian asked.
Of course he didn’t come to the library to read but to see Rong Jing turn into a joke.
Since Lu Jin didn’t answer, the librarian quickly added, “This is a temple of knowledge. If you’re not here to study then please leave.”
“I’m a student here. I can come whenever I want. Don’t I just have to read a book?!” Lu Jin was filled with anger but recalled the medical expenses he had paid before so he endured.
“Student. Have you forgotten that you have already graduated? Who told you that you can come here whenever you want?”
Lu Jin still had his minions behind him. Wouldn’t it be too humiliating if he couldn’t get in?
To Rong Jing, the librarian was as kind as the KFC grandpa, but to me he’s giving out a bucket of reproach?
We’re both Alphas! He’s more annoying than me! Is he any better than me?!
The conversation was turning into a fight, attracting the attention of many. Rong Jing saw that the sleeping students were about to wake up because of the noise and lied through his teeth.
“He came here with me to see the results of the post grad exam because I’m scared.”
Lu Jin couldn’t even bear to look at him directly. He’s afraid to see his grades? Who would believe that bullshit?!
But perhaps Rong Jing’s face was too deceiving, the librarian actually let Lu Jin in because of that reason.
Lu Jin: “…”
Do librarians only look at the face now?
Lu Jin stared at the back of Rong Jing’s head in disbelief. He felt like there was something different about him but he couldn’t tell what was.
It was like he was a new person.
Rong Jing suddenly turned around, still looking very indifferent. “How about a thank you?”
Oh damn it.
***
The author has something to say:
A little bit of the campus life ~
Lu Jin: Does anyone want to team up with me to beat him up?