Chapter 22 An Unremarkable Special Admit

Chapter 22 An Unremarkable Special Admit

Shen Lingsi led the group toward Building 4, and someone beside him muttered, "What's going on between Master Pu Yu and Ning Song?"

"Again, they came back together."

"Didn't Ning Song's parents work for the Pu family? As drivers or something."

"The Pu family has many drivers. Have you seen other drivers' children around?"

"Because they're in the same school. Not every driver's child can get into our school. Have you seen Ning Song's file? His science scores are amazing. If not for his poor humanities, he could have knocked Pu Yu off the top spot!"

As they walked and chatted, Shen Lingsi's thoughts drifted far away.

For a moment just now, he almost thought Pu Yu and Ning Song were about to kiss.

The first time Shen Lingsi noticed Ning Song was when he saw Ning Song's file for the first time.

As the student council president, he wasn't directly responsible for special admissions, so the first time he saw Ning Song's photo, Ning Song had already passed the special admission exam and was confirmed to start in February. Zhou Lü and others were discussing the new special admit in the office, and he picked up his file to take a look.

Ning Song's photo was actually quite ordinary. He was too thin, and the photo made him appear slightly plumper than in person, but still very thin.

But he stared at it for a long time.

He didn't know how others felt, perhaps it was a personal preference, or maybe because he had been pursued by so many people that he became overly picky, setting very specific standards for those he liked.

Most people might find someone attractive if they look good, are excellent, or tall with fair skin, or have long or short hair—most people tend to favor a certain type.

His standards were different, more detailed, almost obsessively so.

They couldn't be too tall, needing to fit perfectly under his protection. Their skin should be smooth and soft everywhere.

Not too pretty; he disliked beautiful people, preferring those who were average, around six or seven out of ten. He liked boys who seemed fragile and needed his protection.

But the most important feature was their lips.

He preferred boys with a cupid's bow, an M-shaped upper lip, and a not-too-thin lower lip.

Ning Song perfectly matched his aesthetic!

So much so that even before Ning Song entered the school, he was eagerly anticipating his arrival.

Meeting Ning Song in person added a layer of vitality that no photo could capture.

In person, Ning Song suited him even better.

Sometimes, from a distance, he would watch Ning Song, feeling amazed. He had observed Ning Song during classes and while swimming, usually passing by coincidentally but deliberately seeking him out with his eyes. Silently and unobtrusively, he would walk past, finding it hard to believe there could be someone so perfect for him. Even Ning Song's seemingly unhealthy thinness stirred a secret excitement within him.

It was as if Ning Song was meant to meet him, evoking tumultuous feelings, sometimes making him feel a bit uneasy, thinking his affection was peculiar and not easily understood.

But this incomprehensible affection only excited him more.

No one knew that the charming president was actually extremely passionate.

Shen Lingsi didn't know if others truly found Ning Song unremarkable.

But in his eyes, Ning Song was rare.

Too weak and ordinary people often become introverted and timid, but Ning Song did not. He was a gem among the ordinary.

However, this gem was now noticed by too many, making him less prominent among them.

Originally, he thought he would be the most dazzling presence in Ning Song's life.

Shen Lingsi's face turned serious, his smiling expression becoming stern, the glasses reflecting the cool spring light as he moved.

He knew that hiding his true self in reality was somewhat abnormal, so he had to conceal it well. A carnivorous plant must be alluring and radiant to attract prey.

"President!" Someone called out ahead.

Shen Lingsi's smile spread across his face, and he nodded gently, saying warmly, "What is it?"

"Should we search from the top down or the bottom up?"

"Start from the first floor," Shen Lingsi said with a smile.

The public bathroom on the first floor of Building 4 was about to close, and many boys were rushing in, creating a lively scene.

In comparison, Dormitory Building 1 was much quieter.

Pu Yu's dorm was more than ten times larger than Ning Song's. The lights turned on from the entrance, the curtains closed automatically, and soothing music played softly.

He took off his coat and hung it neatly on a hanger, noticing two beautifully wrapped boxes on the coffee table. They were items he had asked his assistant to buy.

One box contained the record player of the Little Prince that he and Ning Song had seen in Ocean Square today, along with several elope band records.

The other box held a curly-haired doll.

Pu Yu was aware of his disadvantages.

In terms of personality, he was far less suitable to be Ning Song's friend compared to Shen Lingsi, Qiao Qiao, and Sheng Yan.

Ning Song's affection for him was primarily due to his mother, or rather, the special relationship between their families.

He dressed the curly-haired doll in a sweater, pants, white socks, and sneakers, then placed it on the table and looked at it for a while.

His calves were not the same.

Ning Song's calves were very slender, and there was a mole on them.

When he was playing games with his hand resting on his leg, he had examined them closely.

So Pu Yu reached out and flicked the doll's head, turning it away.

Ning Song had just returned to the dormitory when he received a message from Qiao Qiao.

Qiao Qiao asked: "Are you back yet?"

Ning Song replied: "I'm in the dorm."

Qiao Qiao said: "I'll be there soon."

Ning Song smiled and replied: "You don't have to come back today, it's already late, and it seems like they've already done the room check."

Qiao Qiao sent an angry hammering emoji.

He chuckled, and Qiao Qiao typed: "I was bewitched!"

Ning Song sent a surprised emoji: "I thought you guys were looking up words!"

Qiao Qiao: "At first, we were indeed looking up my words. I had a bit of alcohol, and the more I looked at him, the angrier I got, so I pounced... (hammering hammering hammering)"

"Mm-hmm."

"Really!"

"I know," Ning Song said, "our Qiao Qiao hates Deng Xun the most."

There was a knock on the door. Ning Song went to open it and saw Shen Lingsi standing outside with a smile.

He always seemed to carry a faint smile, as if his life had no worries, making others feel refreshed.

Shen Lingsi said: "You're back so late, do you still have time to wash up?"

"Not tonight, I'll just brush my teeth and go to sleep."

"Did you drink?"

"No, someone else did." Ning Song sniffed his arm, "Is it that obvious?"

"A little." Shen Lingsi took a box of chocolates out of his pocket and said, "This is for you."

Ning Song took it and looked at the English on the box; it was a box of fresh chocolate.

"Someone left it in my office. I don't like this kind, so I'll give it to you. You're so skinny, try to gain some weight."

"Thank you, President."

There were other members of the student council waiting at the stairwell. Shen Lingsi handed him the chocolates and said, "Get some rest early, and don't forget to brush your teeth after eating."

"Isn't there a room check?" Ning Song asked.

Their room checks weren't just about checking if people were present; they also checked room cleanliness and for any prohibited electrical appliances.

Shen Lingsi smiled: "I know every detail of your room, no need to check. As long as you're here, that's fine."

He smiled warmly, his tone gentle, but with a hint of authority like a senior teacher.

He always found Shen Lingsi very approachable, reminding him of someone he deeply missed.

A warm light in his long yet short life.

Teacher Liu Zhaohui.

Both of Teacher Liu's parents worked at an orphanage. After graduating from a junior college, Teacher Liu returned to his hometown and became a math teacher at the elementary school in the orphanage.

Teacher Liu was his mentor and the best teacher he ever had. As his name suggested, he was very handsome and sunny, with a smile that showed his canines.

Meeting Teacher Liu was during the darkest moment of his life. He had lost the protection of the orphanage and often got beaten up at school because he refused to yield, leading to bullying by older boys. Life was tough. Once, they locked him in the toilet and covered him in urine. He felt furious and humiliated, deciding to run away from school.

But limping and barely walking far, he was found by Teacher Liu.

Teacher Liu rode his electric scooter back with him, and although he couldn't remember what was said along the way, he remembered that Teacher Liu bought him a box of chocolates.

Back then, he was both stubborn and amusing—a box of chocolates made him obediently return.

In the dim twilight, he sat behind Teacher Liu on the scooter, eating cheap round chocolates. They were delicious, and he even licked the wrappers.

A good teacher can change a person's fate. Teacher Liu taught math, and later, he always ranked first in math in the entire school.

The prize for being first was not just the fountain pen from the school but also the chocolates rewarded by Teacher Liu.

When he graduated from elementary school, Teacher Liu's blessing was, "May you make continuous progress."

Teacher Liu and Shen Lingsi were somewhat alike, both wearing glasses, neat and tidy, and always smiling.

Teacher Liu was the handsomest among all his teachers.

Before brushing his teeth, he ate one of the chocolates. The chocolates Shen Lingsi gave him were imported fresh chocolates, softer and more expensive, but not as delicious as the five-yuan box he had eaten that evening.

He found Shen Lingsi warm and helpful, a younger version of Teacher Liu.

He didn't have many people he missed, but occasionally he wanted to visit Teacher Liu, though he might not see him anymore, which is why he encountered Shen Lingsi.

The next day, he woke up early and reviewed his weakest subject, English. When the sky brightened, he messaged Qiao Qiao, asking if he wanted to eat breakfast together or if he should bring something for him.

Qiao Qiao replied, "Wait for me!"

He stepped out of the room, stretching his legs in the hallway while continuing to recite English words, waiting for Qiao Qiao to arrive.

Today, they were going to the 3rd cafeteria for Cantonese morning tea.

The 3rd cafeteria was located between Dormitory Building No. 1 and No. 4. Qiao Qiao was coming from Building No. 2, passing right by here.

Then, in the faint morning light, he saw Li You.

He was carrying a bag, hands in his pockets, walking under the white ash flowers.

Due to the recent rain, the white ash flowers were not as lush as before. He leaned on the railing and called out, "Brother You."

Li You looked up through the gaps in the flower branches.

The scar on the corner of his mouth seemed deeper, but his features were strikingly defined, with a high nose bridge and black, lively eyes. His white shirt collar was undone, revealing a bit of his collarbone. A few fallen petals landed on his face, which he blew away with a breath, looking nonchalant.

"Good morning," he called.

In the past, when he saw Li You, he would pretend to be well-behaved, aiming to avoid trouble and give vague responses.

But now, seeing Li You, he suddenly felt a sense of closeness.

Whether Li You had secretly helped him or not was beside the point. In this school full of wealthy young masters, knowing that someone else was also a poor student from Lower Harbor created an instinctive bond.

It felt like meeting a fellow countryman in another province or a Chinese person abroad!

Li You asked, "Did you get a haircut?"

He had gotten it cut on Friday. Li You must have seen him then, but they hadn't discussed it, making Li You's comment seem belated.

Ning Song nodded, then suddenly heard someone shout from the fourth floor, "Thought you were dead."

It was Zheng Xiaobo's voice.

Li You smirked and went upstairs.

He didn't stop at the third floor but went straight to the fourth. Ning Song heard Zheng Xiaobo say unhappily, "Your phone was off, couldn't find you. What were you doing?"

Li You replied, "Phone was dead."

"Where did you go yesterday? Sister Hong said you never showed up."

"Quiet down, I have a headache."

"I wouldn't ask if I didn't care."

"How did you get in here?"

After that, Ning Song couldn't hear clearly anymore, only the muffled sound of Zheng Xiaobo grumbling, followed by a door closing.

A little later, Qiao Qiao arrived, calling out from downstairs.

Ning Song responded and started walking down. He heard someone from the fourth floor call out, "Going to eat?"

It was Li You.

"Together," Li You said.

Ning Song went downstairs first and smiled upon seeing Qiao Qiao.

Qiao Qiao kicked him, "What are you smiling about?"

Ning Song asked, "Didn't sleep well last night?"

"Got back late." Qiao Qiao adjusted his collar.

"Deng Xun is such a jerk, you're not even eighteen yet."

"It was my initiative... just a kiss... I was dizzy yesterday, nothing happened!"

"Mm-hmm."

Ning Song was relieved. Apart from someone like Qin Yi, no one would dare to go too far before eighteen. Deng Xun had a sharp tongue but a soft heart; he believed Qiao Qiao when he said he initiated the kiss. If Deng Xun had any ulterior motives, naive Qiao Qiao would have been taken advantage of long ago instead of bickering like enemies.

Seeing Li You and Zheng Xiaobo come down, Ning Song dropped the topic.

Zheng Xiaobo wasn't from their school; he wore the uniform of New Bay High School, carrying a bag, with dark circles under his eyes, clearly not having slept well.

"What's Xiaobo doing here?" Qiao Qiao asked, surprised.

Zheng Xiaobo replied irritably, "Checking if Li You was dead."

Li You laughed, "I'll treat you to a big meal, cheer up."

Ning Song glanced at Li You.

Li You looked pale, his lips dry, seeming less wild and more vulnerable. Perhaps knowing they were both from Lower Harbor made Ning Song subconsciously see Li You as less threatening.

He even thought Li You's gaze towards him was a bit softer.

Together, they went to the 3rd cafeteria. It was still early, so there weren't many people around. The cafeteria was smaller than the first two, creating a serene atmosphere.

Li You stared at Ning Song's plate, saying, "You skinny guy, eating so much?"

Ning Song glanced at Li You's plate, "You're tall and strong, eating so little?"

Li You laughed, the smile pulling at the sore spot on his mouth, causing his facial muscles to twitch. "I've got a wound in my mouth, can't eat much."

"I need to grow, so I have to eat more."

Ning Song found an empty spot and sat down.

Li You stepped over the long bench and sat across from him. "That's true. You should eat more. Every time I touch you, I'm scared."

Qiao Qiao ran over with a tray. "Aning, you have to try this, boat noodle soup."

Ning Song took it and glanced at Li You.

Li You said, "Don't push yourself."

Just as he finished speaking, Zheng Xiaobo sat down beside them with an even more intimidating amount of food.

"What are you looking at? I barely ate anything last night. It's not often I get to pig out at your school, so I have to take advantage."

Shrimp dumplings, egg tarts, custard buns, siu mai, double-layer milk, Zheng Xiaobo had piled his plate high.

Qiao Qiao also asked Li You, "Why are you eating so little?"

Li You replied, "I'm dieting."

Ning Song let out a light laugh.

Hearing his laughter, Li You looked up at him and nudged his leg under the table.

Ning Song's knee jolted, and he settled down.

Li You felt satisfied, a faint tremor stirring within him.

It wasn't just because they were all ordinary people from Lower Harbor.

It was like last night when Ning Song suddenly called him over and said, "Be careful."

Strange, there were many who cared about him, some more enthusiastically, more sincerely.

But it was Ning Song, who seemed fragile and needed protection, who stirred something in him with his concern.

A stray dog without a home being pitied by a lamb struggling to survive.

It was too unreasonable, which made him ponder briefly while lying alone on the clinic bed last night.

They had only taken a few bites when Sheng Yan and Li Qingyuan entered.

Their relationship was truly close; they were inseparable wherever they went.

Qiao Qiao spotted Sheng Yan first and quickly waved. "Brother Yan."

Ning Song and the others turned to look. Sheng Yan smiled at them, and Li Qingyuan waved back.

A few minutes later, they both sat down with their trays.

"The boat noodle soup today is pretty good," Ning Song said to Sheng Yan.

He noticed that Sheng Yan was also having the same soup.

"Really good?" Li You asked.

Ning Song nodded.

Li You got up and fetched a bowl for himself.

"Do you usually eat here?" Ning Song asked Sheng Yan.

Sheng Yan replied, "I usually have breakfast here."

"This is my first time," Ning Song said.

As he spoke, he saw Shen Lingsi enter, accompanied by a few others, all wearing black badges.

It seemed the young masters from Building One liked to eat here.

Wonder if Pu Yu eats here too.

A few minutes later, Shen Lingsi and his group sat down nearby.

Their table was full, and because so many big shots were gathered, even the cafeteria aunties were looking their way, not to mention the other students.

"Breaking news! Not sure if it's allowed, but today's Third Canteen is bustling!"

In the picture, several big shots who rarely interacted—Sheng Yan, Li You, and Shen Lingsi—were sitting together for breakfast.

Not only were the forum users surprised, but even Qin Yi, who entered leisurely, was stunned.

He came alone today, still sleepy, and seeing Li You and Sheng Yan instantly woke him up.

He stood at the entrance for a moment, scanning the crowd, noticing two shorter figures among the tall boys: the chatty Qiao Qiao and the curly-haired Ning Song.

The famous Ning Song.

This scene was rare.

It was also rare for Li You to be eating with Sheng Yan and the other black-badge young masters.

Could it be that the new transfer student, Ning Song, brought them all together?

His eyebrows twitched, suspecting he was still hungover.

Shen Lingsi, while eating breakfast, kept observing the others at the table.

Although he had seen many exposés on the forum and some scattered photos, today's meal still left him feeling uneasy.

While Sheng Yan usually appears lazy, his personality is generally fine. It's surprising that Li You can join them as well.

The only reason they can sit together for a meal is Ning Song.

This was a simple breakfast, and after eating, they all left the restaurant together.

At this moment, none of them were rivals in love. Li You was just slightly different, showing more empathy and support towards Ning Song, while Sheng Yan still regarded Ning Song as a friend.

But this would be their last peaceful and simple gathering.

The most anxious one was Shen Lingsi. One Pu Yu was already enough to give him a headache; he dared not imagine what would happen if someone else joined the fray.

Zheng Xiaobo was about to leave after finishing his meal.

"You should go to the infirmary to treat your wound. Once it's taken care of, I'll feel better leaving." Zheng Xiaobo said.

Ning Song and Qiao Qiao agreed.

Surprisingly, Li You listened this time and said, "Alright."

As they approached the skyway, Ning Song saw Pu Yu walking over with his hands in his pockets.

What a coincidence. He had just thought of him during breakfast.

The morning light was golden, and the white ash trees on both sides of the skyway hung low, covered in blossoms. Pu Yu walked across, tall and long-legged, a pleasant sight indeed.

Ning Song waved and greeted, "Brother Yu, good morning!"

Pu Yu came closer and replied, "Good morning."

"Did you just wake up?"

"Yeah, I went to bed late last night."

Pu Yu's voice was still a bit hoarse.

The dream Ning Song and the real Ning Song overlapped, making the real Ning Song's face turn slightly red.

"Have you eaten breakfast?" he asked Ning Song.

Ning Song replied, "We just finished."

Pu Yu responded with an "Oh."

Ning Song urged him, "You should hurry and eat."

Pu Yu nodded and headed towards the restaurant.

Zheng Xiaobo commented, "Young Master Pu seems more human now."

Pu Yu didn't look back but wondered if they always ate breakfast together.

At this point, Pu Yu hadn't considered Sheng Yan and Li You as rivals. His lack of enthusiasm towards Li You stemmed from Li You's notorious reputation, and his jealousy towards Sheng Yan was mainly because he worried they might get along better with Ning Song.

Just Qiao Qiao alone already occupied most of Ning Song's time.

When you start liking someone who isn't your partner yet, you don't just feel hostility towards rivals; you also experience a subtle emotion towards those close to them.

Because they are closer than you.

But it's okay.

These feelings are temporary.

A scion of a wealthy family, no matter how introverted, isn't someone who wallows in self-pity and jealousy.

One day, he would be the one occupying most of Ning Song's time.

Since the infirmary was nearby, Ning Song and Qiao Qiao accompanied Li You there.

While waiting outside, they watched the school doctor bandage Li You's wounds: "You keep getting hurt every few days."

Zheng Xiaobo patted him, "The doctor has seen enough of you!"

With that pat, Li You drew a sharp breath. Zheng Xiaobo paused, reaching to lift Li You's T-shirt, but Li You pushed his hand away.

Their eyes met, and Zheng Xiaobo understood, anger rising. He stood there for a moment, then left.

Seeing him about to smoke, Ning Song followed and whispered, "You can't smoke here."

Zheng Xiaobo put the cigarette back in his pocket.

"Does Brother You often get hurt?"

Zheng Xiaobo grunted, "More often than he eats."

"Doesn't his family care?"

"What family does he have?"

Here it comes.

Weak mother, abusive father, poor school bully protagonist, a common trope.

Then Ning Song heard Zheng Xiaobo say, "Just a parasitic uncle and aunt."

Ning Song was stunned, his heart suddenly racing: "What about his parents?"

Zheng Xiaobo said, "He's long dead."

His tone was rather irritable, yet Ning Song's heart was suddenly stunned.

When Li You came out, he tapped Ning Song on the back of the head: "Let's go."

"Okay." Ning Song followed in a daze, his eyes fixed on the white gauze wrapped around Li You's hand, covering his black tattoo.

It seemed as if he had suddenly formed a closer bond with Li You.

An orphan.

Author's Note:

Li You: Forcefully cutting in to the front row.

Shen Lingsi: One by one, they're making me angry!

Next chapter: The first love triangle drama!

One day, when Ning Song entered Pu Daxi's dormitory: This doll looks so familiar.