Chapter Seventy-Four: An Unexpected Encounter in the Library

With the help of the system, those recent scares left no shadow on the girl’s heart. She had no intention of letting Mutingye discover Mo Ziyuan’s existence just yet, so after arriving at school, she ate, slept, and went home as usual, betraying not a hint of abnormality.

At this moment, she was studying in the library. Although her grades only needed to be good enough to avoid failing, now that the trajectory of this lifetime was moving in a better direction, she wanted to maintain her top-student status, to become even better. Even with the advantage of a past life’s memories, she could not afford complacency.

On the topmost shelf, a book titled “Empty Spaces” caught her eye. The book was positioned so high that, even on tiptoe, she could not quite reach it. As she pondered what to do, the system’s prompt sounded.

“Jiujou, Cheng Yanran is coming this way.”

“Oh—what a coincidence.”

She kept her composure, stretching further for the book, her forehead soon covered with a sheen of sweat. Suddenly, she felt a gentle warmth at her back, and the next instant, she watched as a slender hand pulled the book from the shelf.

Curious, she turned—and was met with a face magnified at such close range, it was startling!

She blinked her dewy, fawn-like eyes in surprise, realizing how close they stood. Embarrassed, she took a step back to put some distance between them, only to bump into the bookshelf and nearly lose her balance.

“Ah!” A soft cry escaped her lips.

At that moment, a strong arm caught her in time. She had no chance to react; she could only look up at him in a daze.

Cheng Yanran gazed down at her—her beautiful eyes full of innocent confusion, her pink lips slightly parted—and felt his heart stir.

The girl herself was caught off guard, her cheeks tinged with red. “Thank you, senior.”

Today, Cheng Yanran wore casual clothes; his tall, elegant figure and sculpted features made him appear even more striking.

They found a double desk and sat together. The girl sat quietly, feigning calm as she looked at her book, while Cheng Yanran lounged with an air of nonchalance, chin propped on one hand as he gazed out the window, lost in thought.

She sneaked a glance at him, his flawless profile so handsome it forced a blush to her cheeks. Hastily, she withdrew her gaze, but couldn’t help noticing the soft murmurs around them.

Turning her head, she saw a few girls whispering nearby. She couldn’t catch their words, but the occasional envious glances they cast her way made the topic clear—it was her and Cheng Yanran.

If they knew he’d be with me one day, would they tear me apart on the spot?

At the thought, a faint smile played across her lips.

Cheng Yanran turned and caught her gentle smile, his dark eyes meeting hers. “What’s so funny?”

Her eyes were deep and bright, pure and radiant—so clear they betrayed a heart untouched by guile, a soul one couldn’t bear to deceive or harm.

“Senior… there are so many people watching us,” she answered softly.

Cheng Yanran nodded without even looking around. “Yes, because you’re very beautiful.” He was already a campus celebrity—anyone seen with him would spark a storm of gossip, let alone when both school prince and school beauty sat together. He was long used to it, but she clearly wasn’t—she was so easily flustered.

Sure enough, he’d guessed right. The girl across from him blushed and pouted, “Senior, you’re exaggerating. They’re obviously looking at you, and now you’re teasing me. Hmph.”

Her words sounded petulant, but her sweet, delicate voice and charming manner only made her seem all the more endearing.

For a moment, Cheng Yanran was at a loss for words, then a smile crept onto his lips. “They’re looking at both of us. But don’t let it get to you—focus on your studies.” His last sentence carried a surprising note of sternness, almost like a teacher’s.

She pouted, nodding almost imperceptibly, then lowered her head and immersed herself in her studies.

Cheng Yanran closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose as he prepared to rest a moment.

“Senior, are you very tired?” Her gentle voice was full of concern, softening his heart.

“It’s nothing, just been busy lately.” Though he’d sounded strict before, he didn’t mind her looking up at him again, and answered her gently.

“Senior, you must take care. Don’t wear yourself out.”

Bathed in warm sunlight, Cheng Yanran looked at her delicate, gentle face and broke into a smile. She probably didn’t even realize how much care and tenderness shone in her eyes just now. Seeing himself reflected there, his heart brimmed with satisfaction.

He stood, moved to sit beside her, and asked, “Is there anything you need help with?”

Suddenly enveloped in his clean, crisp scent, the girl’s cheeks grew even redder—like a blushing child. Though her heart was in turmoil, she forced herself to appear calm. “Ah, n-no need, senior. I can manage on my own, you should rest.”

Cheng Yanran saw her blush deepen, noticing her reddened earlobes and chuckling softly. Finally, he relented. “Alright, study on your own for now. If you need help, just ask me.”

Without even looking up, the girl uttered a perfunctory “Mm.”