Chapter Seventy: Lessons with Mu Tingye

“Classmates, it’s time to wake up. No sleeping in class,” the professor’s voice rang out, aged with severity and a hint of resignation. He stood at the podium, his gaze sweeping over the students dozing below. His voice was loud and stern, but lacked real authority and presence. The students, though somewhat affected, straightened their backs, ceasing their slumber, yet their faces were etched with reluctance.

They were university students now, no longer high schoolers. What harm was there in a nap, especially in such a dull lecture?

The professor understood their thoughts well, but could only sigh inwardly. To recapture their attention, he decided to share something interesting.

“If you’re bored, perhaps I’ll tell you about Mr. Mu…”

He hadn’t finished before someone shot up eagerly, “Professor, are you talking about the legendary Mu Tingye?”

At the mention of Mu Tingye’s illustrious name, even those who had been asleep woke up, their faces bright with excitement and anticipation, eyes fixed on the professor, waiting for him to reveal the answer.

Beside them, just-awakened Yu Qian quietly asked the girl, “Jiujiu, is that your uncle?”

“Yes,” the girl replied with a soft smile, the dimples at her lips appearing distinctly.

She was surprised at how famous Mu Tingye was among the students.

Sitting nearby, Lin Yuexin gripped her pen irritably, a knot of emotion trapped in her chest with nowhere to vent.

Mu Tingye was known to everyone. As far as she knew, he was Mu Tian’s third uncle, and thus also Jiujiu’s uncle. It seemed he was particularly kind to Jiujiu, who, whenever she returned home, always stayed at Mu Tingye’s place.

Hmph, all the outstanding men end up belonging to you.

Luckily, I now have Mo Tingye.

The irritation and jealousy in her heart eased somewhat at the thought of Mo Ziyuan, and her clenched hand relaxed.

Seeing everyone’s eager expressions, the Professor of Marx’s Theorem sighed helplessly—such fascinating, interesting material from the books couldn’t lure them in, yet someone’s name alone sparked their interest?

Truly, he was growing old, unable to grasp the ways of the young...

Despite his wistfulness, he continued enthusiastically, recounting Mu Tingye’s feats in the business world, growing more animated as he spoke. The students below listened with shining eyes, as if experiencing the tales themselves, unable to express their exhilaration in mere words, every fiber of their being alive with excitement.

The girl, chin propped in her hand, drifted into a daydream, not listening at all. She knew far more from the system than they ever could, down to his preferences and quirks.

To think that the legendary figure in their eyes cared for her—her heart swelled with pride. To be loved by someone so exceptional, did it mean she was exceptional too, worthy of love?

Her heart sweet and warm, she suddenly remembered that Mu Tingye’s birthday was only half a year away. What gift should she prepare for him? Practical gifts like watches were unnecessary—Uncle Tingye wouldn’t need them, nor were they meaningful enough. She’d have to plan carefully, aiming for something that would truly delight him.

...

Thus ended the most engaging Marx’s Theorem class in history. The students, unsatisfied, wanted to keep the professor a while longer, but he was uninterested, gathering his books and leaving, dampening even their usual anticipation for the end of class.

Yu Qian hurried off after class to be with Wen Hao, her haste making the girl smile—love-struck Qian Qian was simply adorable.

She turned with a bright smile to Lin Yuexin, who was packing up her books, and spoke gently:

“Xin Xin, let’s walk together today. I have something to ask you.”

Lin Yuexin paused, guessing at the topic, and quickly adopted a natural demeanor, answering with a smile, “Sure.”

On the road, the two lovely girls—one in pink, the other in blue—walked side by side, a striking sight.

The girl glanced at her friend, hesitated, then spoke.

“Xin Xin, do you remember where I last put my necklace?”

“Ah, I don’t know. I wasn’t paying attention last time. What’s wrong?” Lin Yuexin, prepared for this, feigned confusion, her gaze open and innocent.

“I can’t find my necklace...” the girl said, clearly crestfallen.

“Weren’t you hoping to use that necklace to reconnect with your brother? What will you do now?” Lin Yuexin exclaimed, her eyes full of concern, as if genuinely worried for her friend.

“I don’t know. I doubt he’ll believe me, and…” Her head lowered as she spoke, her whole figure seeming fragile and helpless, inviting pity.

Hearing there was more, Lin Yuexin pressed urgently, “And what?” Afraid the girl was hiding something that might upset her carefully laid plans.

“And I’ve only run into him twice by chance. I don’t even know where he lives, so I doubt I’ll ever see him again.”

“Ah, is that so... Don’t worry, if it’s meant to be, you’ll meet again. You can explain to him then.”

Lin Yuexin offered her false comfort, but in her eyes flashed a hint of relief and malice.

“Let’s hope so...”

Noticing the girl seemed to believe her, Lin Yuexin let out a barely perceptible breath, then quickly said, “I’ll head off now, Jiujiu.”

But the girl wasn’t so easily shaken off. Her clear, water-bright eyes fixed on Lin Yuexin as she asked with confusion, “Xin Xin, why did you suddenly stop living in the dorm? And I feel like you’ve changed lately, changed…”

As the girl tilted her head in thought, Lin Yuexin’s heart raced, worried she might say something shocking.

“How have I changed?”

“Ah, I see—it’s that you’ve become more beautiful.” The girl smiled sweetly, and continued, refusing to be anything but honest,

“Look, your clothes are different now—sophisticated and stylish. Like the one you’re wearing now, a private custom piece from Chanel; it costs hundreds of thousands. So… I’m a little worried. You haven’t been tricked by some jerk, have you?”

Faced with the earnest, innocent beauty before her, Lin Yuexin instinctively defended herself:

“No, there’s a man pursuing me lately. He gave me these clothes, and he’s wonderful, very accomplished. I’m just not sure about my feelings yet.”

“Oh, I see. Then I was worried for nothing. Sorry,” the girl replied, her face full of innocence and apology, leaving Lin Yuexin feeling thoroughly vexed.