HYSE - 7

Strictly speaking, this gathering wasn’t exactly a class reunion.

It was just a casual dinner with classmates who were close during high school—some from before the class split and some from neighboring classes. It was normal for Qin Yan to be there.

But Gu Congli’s presence was odd.

Back then, Gu Congli had been their teacher, albeit briefly, teaching art students. His striking good looks had caused quite a stir at Experimental High School No. 1, making him the dream lover of most female students and earning him significant fame.

Even those unruly half-grown boys who feared no one—not even the king of heaven—would obediently call out “Teacher Gu” when they saw him.

Ergou thought that he hadn’t noticed before, but Teacher Gu could actually be quite humorous.

He glanced at the embarrassed Qin Yan and tactfully stepped forward to ease the tension: “Teacher Gu, we’ve been out of school for so many years, and you’re still asking for homework? That’s harsh.”

Gu Congli didn’t respond.

Shi Yin quickly caught on, giving him a grateful look, her hand resting on his shoulder as she turned to walk inside: “Ergou is right. Teacher Gu has become more humorous, haha. Let’s go in, I’m so hungry…”

Her voice grew quieter, looking guilty with twitching lips.

Ergou glanced at her, then at the trembling hand on his shoulder, whispering: “What are you afraid of?”

Shi Yin flinched, glaring at him: “Who’s afraid?”

“If you’re not, why are you shaking? Why are you running so fast? Can Gu Congli eat you or something?”

The two walked quickly, leaving the others behind. Shi Yin couldn’t help but sneak a glance back, catching sight of Qin Yan walking beside Gu Congli behind them.

She sneered: “Just now you were calling him ‘Teacher Gu,’ and now it’s Gu Congli. Dog Class Monitor, you’re still so hypocritical.”

Ergou didn’t get angry; instead, he smiled. With his delicate features and baby face, his smile carried a natural mischievousness: “Isn’t this to avoid putting pressure on you?” He suddenly leaned closer, lowering his voice to almost a whisper: “So, do you still like him?”

Shi Yin paused, turning her head.

Her gaze was dark, carrying a warning.

Ergou grinned: “You take things too seriously. Back then, it wasn’t just you. How many girls in our class, in our school liked him? Every break they would crowd around the windows, staring dreamily and calling out to him. So what if you also fancy him? And it’s been so long since graduation. You can’t let past events dictate your life forever, can you? Once bitten by a snake, ten years afraid of wells? Aren’t you being too timid?”

Shi Yin was utterly annoyed, letting out a long sigh through gritted teeth: “Do you know why, after all these years, you’re still only 160 cm tall?”

“Hmm?”

“Because you talk too much nonsense and love meddling in others’ affairs.”

Ergou raised an eyebrow: “I hit the nail on the head, didn’t I?”

“Go away.”

The private room chosen was spacious, seating eight or nine people. Shi Yin sat inside, with Ergou on one side and Fang Shu on the other.

Gu Congli’s seat was diagonally across from her, next to Qin Yan, who was talking to him.

Gu Congli lounged in his chair, head slightly lowered, appearing somewhat lazy. His fingertip rested on the edge of his phone, neither speaking nor showing whether he was listening.

After entering the room, Qin Yan removed her oversized sunglasses, which had covered most of her face, hanging them on her chest. Her red V-neck dress slipped down slightly, revealing a full, inviting neckline.

As she spoke, her upper body gradually leaned toward Gu Congli. From his angle, a slight turn of his head would give him a perfect view of the scenery beyond her wide neckline.

Shi Yin inwardly sneered, averting her eyes.

She had never seen such a shameless man as Gu Congli.

On one hand, he asked if she had finished her homework, yet here he was gallivanting around, happily picking up women.

And his tastes were high. He went straight for a female star, a national goddess.

The atmosphere at the table was lively. Shi Yin herself had already drunk quite a bit, feeling a bit tipsy. She rolled her eyes, pushed her beer bottle aside, picked up a bottle of baijiu, filled a glass, and held it up solemnly in front of Gou Xuewei: “Class Monitor, didn’t you say you’re transferring to the capital?”

Ergou didn’t catch on, nodding blankly: “Yes.”

Before the words had fully left his mouth, Shi Yin had already downed the glass: “Wish you a smooth journey.”

A full glass of baijiu, swallowed like water, burned her throat, making her furrow her brows.

She poured a second glass, still grinning: “Like the rising sun.”

Qin Yan’s attention had shifted at some point, no longer talking to Gu Congli, only watching Shi Yin stick out her tongue and giggle coyly: “Is this baijiu very spicy? Big sis is impressive. My alcohol tolerance is particularly poor.”

Shi Yin’s voice hadn’t been loud initially, with everyone chatting amongst themselves, drawing little attention. However, Qin Yan’s comment drew everyone’s eyes, sparking cheers.

Shi Yin shot her a glance, saying nothing, raising the glass and drinking it clean.

The girl drank with a liberating air, free and unrestrained, not the least bit coy. Her slender hand gripped the glass, head slightly tilted back, elongating her neck, her skin dazzlingly white under the indoor lights.

After finishing, she placed the glass on the table, lifting her eyes with a teasing smirk, glancing sidelong at Qin Yan: “Big sis can be even more impressive. Want to see or not?”

This move came without warning, startling Qin Yan.

Shi Yin leaned slightly toward Qin Yan, her clothes pressing against the edge of the table, her voice low and lazy, carrying a hint of mischief: “Call me something nice, make big sis happy, and I’ll show you? Hmm?”

Her tone was frivolous, showing no respect, like some dissolute young master.

Qin Yan realized what was happening, her face turning extremely sour.

In the sudden silence, Fang Shu burst out laughing, slapping Shi Yin’s head and pushing her back into her seat. Shi Yin fell back into her chair, batting away Fang Shu’s hand in dissatisfaction.

Fang Shu apologized with a smile: “Sorry, Qin Yan. Shi Yin has had a bit too much to drink. She’s especially happy today, and since everyone’s familiar, jokes got out of hand.”

Shi Yin pouted, muttering: “What did I say? What did I say? I just like to play with pretty girls. Didn’t I see her act like that on TV…?”

Qin Yan’s face, which had just begun to recover, turned even worse.

She had previously starred in a crime drama, playing a nightclub hostess.

Despite being called a national goddess and popular young actress, it was all just flattering talk. Forget about the big screen; even in TV dramas, she mostly got supporting roles to increase her visibility. Now, Shi Yin’s drunken muttering was blatantly slapping her in the face.

Fang Shu slapped Shi Yin’s forehead again, dragging her up, and insincerely apologized once more: “She’s too drunk to think clearly. Everyone, let’s eat first. I’ll take her to sober up.”

Shi Yin obediently nestled into Fang Shu’s arms, following her out.

Once they were outside the private room, Fang Shu closed the door and released her grip.

Shi Yin shook her head, dissatisfied: “Don’t let go. I really feel dizzy.”

Fang Shu crossed her arms, amused: “You’re going overboard. Qin Yan’s eyes are red with anger.”

Shi Yin rolled her eyes: “I was peacefully having fun with Ergou. Who told her to suddenly jump in and add drama?”

Fang Shu suddenly narrowed her eyes, leaning closer to look at her: “You have that big of a grudge against Qin Yan?”

Shi Yin shrugged: “No grudge.”

Fang Shu chuckled softly.

The two walked to the restroom entrance, and Shi Yin casually opened the nearest stall door: “Why ask such a stupid question? Don’t you already know what grudge I have against her?”

Fang Shu said “Oh”: “Because of Gu Congli.”

Shi Yin didn’t say anything.

Fang Shu took her silence as agreement: “Didn’t you say earlier that you don’t have any improper thoughts about Gu Congli anymore?”

“When did I say that?”

“You said it at lunch.”

“I said we have no past to continue. Are you not paying attention to me? Do you really care about me?”

Fang Shu shivered: “Shi Yin, have some decency. If you have improper thoughts, just think them. Why are you disgusting me?”

Shi Yin couldn’t help but laugh softly, pausing before lightly saying: “I guess I still have some improper thoughts. But what Class Monitor said makes sense—I am once bitten, twice shy.”

Fang Shu froze.

Inside the stall, the sound of flushing water roared, then returned to silence.

Fang Shu snapped back, about to speak, when the stall door clicked open. Shi Yin emerged, calmly walking to the sink: “I’ve always had them, but I dare not anymore.”

When Shi Yin returned, the atmosphere was still lively, though some people were missing.

Gu Congli was gone.

Qin Yan was still there, seemingly cheered up, though she cast a cold glance their way when they entered.

Men tend to start rambling trains of thought when they get drunk. The seating arrangements at the table had changed entirely. A group of men were gathered together, boasting wildly about various topics. Beside Shi Yin now sat a petite girl.

This small-statured girl had a baby face, good skin, and a youthful voice. She used to be the English class representative, named Li Sixuan.

Years later, she hadn’t changed much, smiling warmly as she greeted them, moving the nearby liquor bottle aside and replacing it with juice.

Shi Yin felt touched, thinking how much better girls were—fragrant, soft, and considerate.

She thanked her and took a few sips.

Li Sixuan rested her head on her hand, tilting it to the side, winking mischievously: “Feeling better? Don’t drink too much; otherwise, it’ll be uncomfortable. Baijiu packs a punch.”

Women understand women better.

Shi Yin looked innocently wronged: “You’re right.”

Li Sixuan leaned closer, whispering conspiratorially: “Actually, I understood back in the lobby. Qin Yan only mentioned bringing someone—I never expected it.”

“...”

You understand again.

Shi Yin didn’t know what to say and remained silent.

Fortunately, Li Sixuan quickly changed the topic. Women always had endless topics to discuss. The three of them chatted animatedly. Not long after, Gu Congli returned.

Qin Yan leaned closer again.

Shi Yin felt this meal was utterly unsatisfying, frustration lingering around her like a ghost. Irritated, she stole a glance, meeting the man’s indifferent gaze.

She was momentarily stunned.

Gu Congli lounged in his chair, gazing at her across half the table. His pupils appeared light brown under the lighting, a transparent, calm color, yet inexplicably oppressive and sharp.

Shi Yin felt like a student caught red-handed by a teacher, quickly averting her gaze, raising her juice glass, half her face hidden behind it.

Just then, the rowdy drinkers began shouting about moving to a karaoke bar, with Ergou enthusiastically yelling for her: “Gugu! Gugu! Are you coming? Don’t miss out!”

Shi Yin quickly raised her arm, exuberantly responding: “I’m going! Don’t miss out! Don’t miss out!”

Satisfied, Ergou turned his head: “Qin Yan, are you going?”

Qin Yan didn’t answer immediately, turning to look at Gu Congli beside her.

He still maintained his previous posture, leaning back in his chair, appearing nonchalant—a laziness that strangely contrasted with his overall aloof demeanor.

Contradictory, yet oddly harmonious.

Qin Yan waited for his response, so everyone’s eyes were on him, adding fuel to the fire by teasing: “Teacher Gu, Miss Qin is seeking your permission. Should we let her go?”

Qin Yan smiled shyly.

Shi Yin didn’t even bother looking, lowering her head and poking at the uneaten oil-poured fish slices on her plate with a small fork.

Is this woman Qin Yan problematic?

Fine, you two are close, you know each other, your relationship is good, and he can decide things for you. Is he your dad?

If he tells you to go, you go; if he tells you not to go, you don’t go?

Are you that obedient?

As an adult woman, can you not have your own ideas?!

Can you not?!

While secretly muttering in her heart, Shi Yin still couldn’t resist eavesdropping on Gu Congli’s side.

After waiting two or three seconds, she finally heard him say: “Shi Yin isn’t going.”

Qin Yan’s smile froze.

Shi Yin, who had been named, lifted her head in confusion.

Everyone wore a stunned expression. Ergou didn’t catch on: “Huh? She said she’s going.”

Gu Congli turned to look at him, calmly and patiently stating: “She needs to go home and do her homework.”

Everyone: “…”

Shi Yin: “...”

Shi Yin: “?”