Chapter 23 An Unremarkable Special Admit

Chapter 23 An Unremarkable Special Admit

Li You went to see Zheng Xiaobo off.

Zheng Xiaobo said, "I climbed the wall to get in, and I'll climb it to get out. No need to see me off."

Li You replied, "With me here, why would you need to climb any walls?"

Anyone who didn't know better might think he owned the school.

Ning Song and Qiao Qiao stood where they were, watching them walk away. Qiao Qiao said, "My Xiaobo is quite loyal, isn't he?"

Ning Song asked, "Is your Xiaobo straight?"

Qiao Qiao widened his eyes. "Of course he is! He's been dating his girlfriend for four years!"

So that means it's just pure friendship.

How nice.

Ning Song felt that people like them were more suited for friendship than love. Love was too intimate; they wouldn't be comfortable with it. Friendship was just right—warm and safe, giving them personal space without the fear of losing it.

In the past, Li You seemed dangerous and brutish to him, but now he finally understood why his eyes always looked heavy and devoid of joy.

It was different from Pu Yu's melancholy.

Pu Yu's melancholy wasn't as heavy; it was more like solitude.

He felt that Li You had a soul that didn't match his strong exterior.

Perhaps like his former self, formidable yet learned to protect himself through long battles.

"I want to take back all the bad things I said about Li You before. Today, I suddenly feel sorry for him," Qiao Qiao said as they walked. "Think about it, he's only eighteen, and it's not easy for him."

Ning Song immediately responded, "He probably doesn't like being pitied. It would upset him. Don't show it in front of him."

"I know. He doesn't let anyone know he's from Lower Harbor. His self-esteem must be very strong."

Ning Song didn't continue analyzing Li You's psychology with Qiao Qiao. He knew that being analyzed could also be a form of hurt.

But he understood why Li You didn't want others to know he was from Lower Harbor.

It wasn't because he feared it would be used against him.

Nor was it simply the complex and sensitive self-esteem of an adolescent boy.

It was because people like them needed armor to shield their true selves.

But Ning Song recalled his own past, stubborn and rebellious. If it weren't for Teacher Liu guiding him onto the right path, he wouldn't know what he'd be like now.

Li You's feelings towards Ning Song had been a slight shift, akin to the instinctive mutual comfort between kindred spirits. But this week, Ning Song seemed less guarded around him.

Before, Ning Song would call him "Brother You" with a smile, but Li You could sense the distance and even resistance, just like everyone else.

He was used to this feeling—either loved or feared.

But the barrier between Ning Song and him seemed to melt away with the warming weather.

This week, the temperature in Shangdong Province rose rapidly, and spring was so short that summer's heat was almost palpable.

One day, while playing basketball with Liu Fang and others, he sat on the sidelines due to his injury. Suddenly, he saw Ning Song running towards him.

Ning Song ran up to him, panting, and asked, "Why aren't you participating in the program?"

Li You: "What?"

Ning Song laughed. "Do you know that participating in the Spring Festival earns points?"

Li You: "..."

Ning Song said, "Your class has a poetry recitation, right? It's easy to join. I joined our class's stage play. These group events are easy to blend into. Just stand there and earn points!"

Li You replied, "Wait, who told you I don't have enough points?"

"I saw it on the bulletin board. Didn't you know you're on it? You're at the bottom because of too few points!"

Li You felt a bit embarrassed and said, "That's because I don't want those points."

"I know, but what will you do during the joint exams?"

Li You didn't want to tell Ning Song about his poor grades.

He hadn't attended school properly for years, and passing the joint exams was impossible.

"Have you been idle lately?" he asked Ning Song.

Ning Song's tone wasn't particularly gentle. "If you don't want to, forget it. I just asked."

"Hey, Ning Song, you've been getting bolder lately," he said.

Before, Ning Song would cower when he saw him. Recently, because he had gotten close to some influential figures in school, others no longer dared to mock him, so he was starting to get cocky?

Li You gritted his teeth.

Ning Song was even worse, pretending to be obedient. "No, I just thought it was a pity that you're missing out on such an easy way to earn points. If Brother You doesn't care, it's my fault for asking."

After saying that, Ning Song walked away. Li You grabbed a basketball and threw it at him, not really aiming to hit him, but just to scare him. Seeing Ning Song jump, Li You smiled in satisfaction.

Ning Song kicked the basketball back to him.

Ning Song was going to work part-time at the book café today.

The weather was getting warmer, and he ran all the way there, breaking into a sweat. When he arrived, he saw Shen Lingsi sitting inside.

"President?" He pushed the door open and went in.

Shen Lingsi was typing on his computer. Seeing him enter, he glanced at his watch and said, "You're late."

Ning Song smiled, took off his jacket, put on an apron, and said to the manager, "Sorry, Manager."

The manager laughed, "Don't listen to him scaring you; it's just one minute."

Shen Lingsi smiled and continued typing on his computer.

As the weather warmed up, the sea breeze made it pleasant, and the tennis courts started getting busy. Occasionally, couples would sit on the stands next to the courts, enjoying the breeze and dating.

With blue skies and clear seas, and plenty of handsome guys, this BL world looked quite delightful.

However, with more people coming around, the number of patrons at the book café had increased slightly compared to last week. Since another staff member was sick and on leave, Ning Song had a lot more work to do and was constantly busy. Seeing Shen Lingsi pack up his computer, he asked with a smile, "Leaving already?"

Shen Lingsi nodded. He had done enough for today and had too much work to handle in the office.

For the first time, he felt stretched thin.

Moreover, he was in his final year and would graduate in June. Ning Song, however, still had over a year left here.

His original plan to take things slowly had fallen through; he no longer had the luxury of time to simmer things slowly.

As if suddenly remembering something, he asked, "By the way, do you like a band called elope? I think I saw it on your admission application form."

Ning Song nodded.

The Upper East School application form had many sections, including interests and hobbies, favorite movies, and music genres. There was a question asking about their favorite singer and what kind of music they liked. At the time, he searched online and saw that everyone wrote about prestigious artists. Feeling that it would be pretentious for a student from the slums who didn't play any instruments to list such highbrow preferences, he filled in a few songs by elope.

Shen Lingsi then said, "That band is apparently going to appear on the Upper East Entertainment Show this week. They're looking for audience members. Are you interested?"

Ning Song asked in surprise, "When? How can I go?"

Shen Lingsi smiled, "If you want to go, I'll ask around. I'm not sure about the details. Wait for my call."

Ning Song said, "Then forget it, it's too much trouble."

"Not at all. The tickets are free, given out as promotional items. Huang Ying's father is the director of the Entertainment Show, and he gives us tickets every week. I'll ask for some."

Ning Song was thrilled, "Okay, thank you, President."

How nice of the President!

Shen Lingsi looked at him with a warm smile, "Wait for my call."

Watching Shen Lingsi leave, the manager praised, "Handsome, good-tempered, and so excellent. Which window did God close for him?"

He has the protagonist's script written all over him; we extras can only envy him.

But thinking about it, whether it's Pu Yu, Li You, or Sheng Yan, they all have their fair share of romantic bubbles around them. Shen Lingsi, however, doesn't seem to have any.

It's just that as the president of the student council, he's particularly busy, which adds to his mature and steady demeanor.

Before his shift ended, Shen Lingsi really did call, asking him to come to the office after work.

Qiao Qiao was waiting for Ning Song to finish class so they could eat together.

He called Qiao Qiao before heading to the office building.

Apart from the first day of school, this was the second time he entered the student council office building.

Last time, he went with Zhou Lü and only entered a large office full of student officials.

This time, he went to the president's office.

The student council of Upper East School has significant power, and the president's office is almost as impressive as the principal's. The mahogany desk displayed the school flag, the council flag, and various honors. The room was tidy and had a refreshing scent.

Most people had already left for the day, but Shen Lingsi was still working.

He was truly very busy.

When he entered, Shen Lingsi was still on the phone, gesturing for him to sit down while he talked by the window. It seemed he was securing sponsorship for the Spring Festival performance. He had taken off his uniform and was wearing only a white shirt, with his sleeves rolled up to his forearms. His voice was gentle and persuasive.

Listening to him, one might believe that sponsoring their school would instantly bring business success.

The conversation seemed to have gone well, and Shen Lingsi hung up the phone with a smile in his eyes.

He suited the white shirt perfectly, exuding the charm of a refined gentleman, like a gentle spring breeze. His appearance was already excellent, and his outstanding work ability added even more points.

He walked to the desk and took out a few tickets from the drawer.

"I only need one," Ning Song said.

"Ask your classmates if anyone wants to go with you," Shen Lingsi said.

"President, aren't you going?"

Shen Lingsi replied, "I'll be recording a show at the Entertainment Channel that day. We'll see if I have time."

Every step was planned, of course, without the need to meticulously arrange everything. Like a peacock knowing when to spread its feathers, these things were ingrained in him.

He knew exactly what clothes suited him best and how to appropriately showcase his abilities, naturally bringing out the qualities he wanted others to know.

A carnivorous plant needs to open wide, be as eye-catching and attention-grabbing as possible.

Ning Song immediately asked upon hearing this: "You're going to record a show? What kind of show?"

"It's an educational competition show called 'One Step to Fame.' Have you seen it?"

No.

He doesn't watch much variety TV.

Seeing Ning Song shake his head, Shen Lingsi was slightly surprised.

Usually, when people hear about it, they say things like, "Wow, I know that. It's so hard. President Ning, you're amazing!"

He smiled and said, "Then you can see how I perform."

Ning Song nodded, and Shen Lingsi shone even brighter in his heart.

Just like he himself does.

He felt that both Shen Lingsi and Sheng Yan had a certain light around them. The light around Sheng Yan was more dazzling, while the light around Shen Lingsi was gentler.

"Have you eaten dinner yet?" Shen Lingsi asked.

"Not yet." Ning Song, holding the ticket, asked, "When do you get off work?"

"I'll be done once I move these boxes over there."

He needed to move several cardboard boxes from the table to the next office. Ning Song put the ticket in his chest pocket and helped him move them.

"You're being too kind," Shen Lingsi said, picking up his coat. "Let's go. I'll treat you to dinner. How about we go to the food street for a big meal?"

Everything happened naturally, without any pretense.

Ning Song said, "No need. Qiao Qiao is still waiting for me in the cafeteria."

"Then let's all go together." Shen Lingsi smiled, his gaze flickering over Ning Song's lips.

Qiao Qiao was indeed a bit of a third wheel; he seemed to be around Ning Song all the time.

But fortunately, he was just a third wheel, not a real threat.

When they arrived at the restaurant, he realized there was more than one third wheel present.

There was also a rival.

Ning Song greeted him with a smile: "Brother Yu."

This time, their meeting had a completely different atmosphere. But Shen Lingsi was good at handling situations and greeted Pu Yu with a warm smile: "Pu Yu is here too."

Pu Yu sensed some emotion behind those words.

Unlike Shen Lingsi, who could hide his emotions well, Pu Yu was naturally gloomy. He simply called him "Senior."

Their school had a clear hierarchy; second-year students usually respectfully addressed third-year students as "senior." However, Pu Yu rarely did so. For one, the seniors didn't dare to trouble him, and two, he seldom interacted with third-year students. Both Pu Yu and Shen Lingsi were well-known young masters in Shangdong Province. They were familiar with each other, but Pu Yu rarely addressed him this way.

At least today, he sensed a slight distance in Pu Yu's tone.

Qiao Qiao said, "I invited him along. He always eats alone."

They were all in the same class. Since Pu Yu didn't object, Qiao Qiao was happy to include him.

A good-looking and quiet top student naturally drew affection. He used to be afraid of Pu Yu, but now he wasn't. Instead, he followed Ning Song's example and wanted to take care of the young master.

Shen Lingsi smiled and turned to Ning Song: "Come on, let's see what you want to eat. My treat."

"It should be me treating you," Ning Song said.

Shen Lingsi put his hand on Ning Song's shoulder and led him away.

Qiao Qiao said, "President Ning is really nice."

Pu Yu watched the two of them leave, close and intimate, but said nothing.

There's no such thing as a free lunch or kindness without reason. Even though Shen Lingsi was usually friendly to others, it couldn't be attributed solely to his good character. Shen Lingsi, who loved power, certainly knew more than just doing good deeds.

But there was no need to tell Qiao Qiao this.

He never spoke ill of others.

Soon, Shen Lingsi returned with a tray, accompanied by Ning Song.

Pu Yu had just picked up his coffee when Shen Lingsi sat down beside him.

Ning Song sat across from Shen Lingsi.

When Ning Song mentioned the tickets later, Pu Yu understood what Qiao Qiao meant by "good."

Perhaps he should speak up.

"President Ning gave me several tickets. Does anyone want to go?" Ning Song mainly asked Qiao Qiao, assuming Pu Yu wouldn't be interested in such fan behavior.

Qiao Qiao asked, "Who is elope?"

He only loved girl groups!

"It's a band, quite popular," Ning Song said.

Qiao Qiao said, "But there's an IJ concert this Sunday. I wanted you to come with me."

This time it was Ning Song who asked, "Who is IJ?"

"IJ is so popular. Cai Ying shouldn't be too perfect, okay!" Qiao Qiao said.

Qiao Qiao's fandom obsession was much crazier than his. Not only did he buy every album, but he would occasionally help his idol top the charts and defend against haters. When his idol came to Dong for a concert, he not only went himself but also bought a bunch of tickets to give to his family and friends. First, to support his idol, and second, hoping that his idol's charm would captivate those around him, creating a more vibrant atmosphere for him to indulge in discussions.

Now Fan Duoduo and Feng Xiang were both fans of IJ.

Seeing that Qiao Qiao wasn't very interested, he looked at Pu Yu.

Pu Yu, however, asked, "How does Senior know that Ning Song likes elope?"

Ning Song countered Pu Yu, "How do you know I like elope?"

Qiao Qiao interrupted, "Duh, if you didn't like them, would you go see them?"

Pu Yu: "You told me."

Ning Song: "When?"

Pu Yu: "The first time you came to my house."

Shen Lingsi smiled and asked Ning Song, "You've been to Pu Yu's place?"

Out of the loop, Qiao Qiao chimed in, "Yeah, he's been there several times."

Ning Song asked Pu Yu, "Do you want to go? Do you like elope?"

Pu Yu replied, "‘A Thousand Times’ and ‘Meteor’ are pretty good."

Ning Song was surprised, "Right? The songs are great, and the lyrics are even better!!"

Rarely had he found a kindred spirit!

Shen Lingsi remarked, "Pu Yu listens to rock too."

"Occasionally," Pu Yu said, taking a ticket from Ning Song's hand. "Thanks, Senior."

Shen Lingsi's lips drooped as he leaned back into his chair.

If before it was just his sixth sense, tonight it was laid bare.

He couldn't help but feel a bit grim, thinking Pu Yu had many inherent advantages.

His actions seemed to have inadvertently set things up for Pu Yu, leaving him feeling stifled.

Ning Song was delighted and turned to Qiao Qiao, "Are you going? I still have one ticket. If you don't want to go, I'll ask Fan Duoduo."

Qiao Qiao pulled back, "Then I'll go with you, but you have to accompany me to the concert tonight."

Ning Song said, "Tonight? It's a dorm check night. What time will we get back after the concert?"

Qiao Qiao looked at Shen Lingsi, "Isn't the president here?"

Shen Lingsi said, "I'm fair and impartial."

"The concert ends at ten-thirty; we'll definitely be back by midnight," Qiao Qiao said.

In reality, he just wanted to ensure everything was stable. There weren't too many overnight absences; it would just mean a few demerit points.

Sheng Yan often came home late from work.

Shen Lingsi said, "For Xiao Song's sake, I'll give you a chance. I'll talk to Zhao An later."

Hearing him call Ning Song "Xiao Song," Pu Yu felt Shen Lingsi's intentions were clear.

"I knew the president takes special care of Aning. Come on, Aning, let's toast the president."

Ning Song raised his porridge with a smile, "Let's substitute this porridge for wine. Thanks, President."

"Don't be cheeky," Shen Lingsi laughed. "And stop calling me President all the time."

"Thanks, Senior," Ning Song said.

Shen Lingsi, however, said, "I hear you call Pu Yu 'Brother.' Call me that too. Zhou Lü and the others call me that privately."

Ning Song smiled, "Okay, thanks, Brother Shen."

Shen Lingsi smiled, not bothering to look at Pu Yu's expression. He could guess it wouldn't be pleasant.

Whatever.

It was time Pu Yu knew that while he usually smiled, he wasn't a pushover. No one dared to make him do something for someone else's benefit; he only did things for himself.

**Author's Note**

Shen Lingsi: At least I won this round.

Qiao Qiao: Though out of the loop, I got involved in the drama.