Chapter 314: Whispers of University Secrets

The Three Little Ones turned their curious gazes in unison toward Jiang Qian and Fang Meng sitting in the back row.

Sherlock Jiang—the Great Detective Cory—covered her mouth with her hand and whispered in Han Wenwen’s ear:

“Hey Fox, Jiang Qian must be totally into Zheng Ran. She’s not even pretending anymore—ended up in our class and sitting so close. Didn’t you hear she changed her major choice on purpose?”

Han Wenwen gave a soft hum and replied in a voice only the two could hear:

“As if we couldn’t tell. Jiang Qian might look all cool and aloof, but around Brother Zheng Ran, that facade crumbles. She’s clearly here for him.”

Little Heqing joined in with a sneaky whisper: “After all, Jiang Qian was Zheng Ran’s desk mate for three years in high school, and they went through some stuff together. Bound to leave some feelings behind.”

Lily rolled her eyes but didn’t argue:

“I’m done with this. Zheng Ran acts like a walking charm magnet, attracting trouble everywhere. Do you two really think he’d fall for Jiang Qian?”

Little Heqing said innocently: “Zheng Ran said he doesn’t like her, right? He wouldn’t lie to us. It’s just that she likes him.”

Han Wenwen raised a finger in reminder:

“Xiao Qingqing, even if Brother Zheng Ran won’t lie to us, not liking her now doesn’t mean he won’t later. And since Jiang Qian likes him, who knows—they might end up together.”

Lily added: “Plus, there are still two spots open that we haven’t filled.”

Little Heqing exclaimed in surprise: “Wait, what? Does that mean we’re adding more sisters?”

Lily clicked her tongue: “Silly Heqing! We’re not adding anyone. Four is plenty. Zheng Ran mentioned up to six, but that doesn’t mean we have to hit that number. We should keep the group as small as possible.”

Lin Zheng Ran glanced at the three of them: “What are you three talking about?”

The trio froze, straightening up in sync: “Nothing at all! The sun’s just shining bright today.”

Lin Zheng Ran: “.”

On the podium, Jiang Jingshi scanned the room and saw most everyone was there:

“Alright, everyone should be here by now. I know you’re all excited about starting university, but let’s settle down. I’ll take attendance first to check who’s missing. Lily!”

Lily stood up: “Here!”

“No need to stand—just say ‘here’ and sit back down.”

“Oh, okay.”

“Next, Zhang Xin.”

After sitting down, Lily felt the teacher looked oddly familiar, but she couldn’t place where she’d seen her before.

She went through the names of all the students one by one.

Though Jiang Jingshi was always gentle with a certain someone, as Pan Lin had mentioned, Boss Jiang’s default was strict and commanding—which explained her high position:

“Now that we’re all here, let me introduce myself. I’m your future counselor, Jiang Qing. If you run into any problems you can’t handle, feel free to reach out. I want to help you all through your university years.”

Lin Zheng Ran had wondered how she’d handle her name, since Jiang Jingshi was still a hot topic. Saying it out loud would cause trouble, but she went with a fake name instead…

Jiang Qing—half of the character for ‘Jing,’ basically.

Jiang Jingshi continued: “This is our first meeting, so I’ll go through the names again. Give a quick self-introduction—one sentence each—so we can all get to know one another.”

Like any normal university start, the counselor was helping everyone blend into the new environment and the class group while covering some basic school rules.

Everything seemed just like a typical school opening.

Of course, any normalcy was only on the surface—three women make a drama, let alone six.

After a brief talk, Jiang Jingshi checked the time:

“Sit tight for a bit, everyone. Lunchtime’s in about ten minutes. You can chat here in the classroom for now, then we’ll head to the cafeteria together. Our school’s food will surprise you—way better than what you had in high school.”

She picked up her materials: “Lin Zheng Ran.”

Lin Zheng Ran responded.

Jiang Jingshi said seriously: “Step outside with me for a moment—I need to talk to you.”

“Alright.”

The classroom buzzed with lively discussions.

Lin Zheng Ran followed Jiang Jingshi out.

The Three Little Ones wondered why the teacher wanted Lin Zheng Ran, while Lily frowned so hard it could squash a mosquito.

She was still puzzling over where she’d seen the teacher before.

In the back, Jiang Qian clenched her fists and gritted her teeth.

“Sister, just because you’re a teacher now doesn’t mean you can use your authority to keep Lin Zheng Ran by your side. Not a chance—this is university, not high school.”

A mere counselor doesn’t have that much control over students here.

I’ll still get what I want!

“Ah!” Lily’s sudden shout startled everyone around.

Han Wenwen and Heqing jumped in surprise.

Little Heqing clutched her chest, confused: “What happened, Lily? Why the big yell?”

Han Wenwen smoothed her hair: “You scared me half to death.”

Sweat beaded on Lily’s forehead as she turned to her friends:

“Heqing, Han Wenwen! I finally figured out who our counselor is! Doesn’t she look familiar? That presence, that voice, that face! Even with the glasses, new style, and haircut, it’s obvious!”

Heqing and Han Wenwen both shook their heads.

In unison: “Not at all.”

After all, one had only seen her a few times three years ago, and the other never at all.

Lily glanced around and whispered: “Our counselor’s Zheng Shi Company’s vice general manager, Jiang Jingshi—Zheng Ran’s girlfriend! Didn’t you two notice?”

In an instant, not just Heqing but even the ever-vigilant Han Wenwen was stunned, never imagining such a twist:

“Lily, what did you say?”

Outside the large classroom, Jiang Jingshi held the documents she’d used to explain school rules, her high heels clicking as she walked ahead.

Her skirt swayed with each step, carrying a faint scent.

Lin Zheng Ran followed silently behind.

Until Jiang Jingshi glanced back at him, her face flushing with shyness.

She adjusted her half-frame glasses with her ring finger, scanned the area, and found a spot away from cameras to duck into with him.

In the hallway corner, Jiang Jingshi looked at Lin Zheng Ran.

Lin Zheng Ran met her gaze and said casually: “Teacher, what’s up? You needed to talk?”

Jiang Jingshi pouted cutely, looking annoyed.

Her peach-blossom eyes scrutinized him as she said softly: “Don’t call me teacher. Are you seriously pretending you don’t recognize me?”

Lin Zheng Ran feigned confusion: “What do you mean, teacher?”

Jiang Jingshi blushed: “Zheng, stop teasing me.”

Finally, Lin Zheng Ran chuckled: “Alright, Jingshi, you look good in this outfit. First time I’ve seen you with glasses.”