Chapter 19: Graduation

June arrived, ushering in Qinghai University’s season of thesis defenses.

After confirming the time, a pang of sorrow hit Bi Qiao’an. This was her last “exam” before everyone embarked on their separate paths.

Taking a deep breath, she mounted the podium and confidently presented her thesis. The professors followed up with questions, which she answered adeptly. When they finally nodded in approval, a wave of relief washed over her. She had written the thesis before rebirth, and her memory of it had long faded from her mind, so she had diligently reviewed it these past days to ensure a smooth defense. 

Just like in her previous life, Song Wennuan earned praise for an outstanding thesis, while Chen Jin and Jiang Shanshan, like Bi Qiao’an, received passing grades. Though slightly disappointed with missing an “excellent” rating, Chen Jin ultimately accepted it.

Soon after, Bi Qiao’an received a call from her class monitor, Niu Jun, who informed her about their graduation photoshoot. One by one, Song Wennuan, Chen Jin, and Jiang Shanshan also received their notifications.

Bi Qiao’an, “Looks like everyone’s been notified. I’m scheduled for 6:30 am tomorrow. How about you guys?”

Chen Jin, “Tomorrow at six o’clock.”  

Jiang Shanshan, “Six o’clock the day after tomorrow for me.”

Song Wennuan, “Tomorrow at 5:50 am.”

“What?! This is discrimination! Why am I the only one scheduled for the day after tomorrow?” Jiang Shanshan’s face fell. Staying up late studying had already messed with her sleep schedule, and now she had to wake up extra early for her graduation photos on the day after tomorrow.

Song Wennuan patted her head sympathetically and said, “The early morning is the only time for a photo shoot due to the harsh summer sun. I can accompany you the day after tomorrow if you’d like.”

On the day of her photo shoot, Bi Qiao’an donned a light blue chiffon dress and ivory heels with a touch of makeup adorning her face. Looking around at her vibrant classmates, she sighed inwardly, wondering what everyone would be like the next time they met and whether they could survive what was to come. 

The Dragon Boat Festival marked the day of the distribution of certificates and graduation photos. Bi Qiao’an, holding her photograph, gently traced the smiling face that mirrored a blooming flower. In her mind, a quiet thought blossomed, ‘This life is different, so things are bound to be different as well.’

Next came the final farewell party. Bi Qiao’an’s law department set theirs for the second day of the festival at Anning Hotel, located less than 20 km away from the school. Coincidentally, Chen Jin and Xiao Fei’s departments, Chinese Language and Computer Science, also chose the same day and hotel, albeit on different floors.  

Everything transpired identically, mirroring the events of her previous life. However, Bi Qiao’an was determined to uncover the truth this time.

The gathering swelled to impressive proportions, boasting over a hundred students in attendance. The event was originally planned as individual class dinners, but the class representatives decided to combine them, which helped foster nascent professional connections among future colleagues.

The atmosphere was lively yet respectful. Teachers offered blessings, students delivered speeches, talents were showcased, and even two people confessed their feelings and cemented their relationship.

While barely touching alcohol, Bi Qiao’an pretended to be tipsy and discreetly observed everyone around her. 

Dinner ended without incident. 

They then went to the KTV next to the hotel. This time, the activities were separated by class. Over thirty people squeezed into one large room. The girls queued up songs they liked while the boys played games, occasionally stirring up or singing choruses together.

Bi Qiao’an raised her glass for a light sip, feeling a little dizzy in the head.  

What exactly happened in her past life that made her lose the ring? Did it fall out accidentally, or was it stolen? 

She instinctively reached for her chest, where a comforting weight confirmed the ring’s presence. It’s still here, she sighed inwardly.

“Qiao’an, your phone is ringing!” Bi Qiao’an was still deep in thought when the person beside her woke her up.

Everyone had dumped their bags together. The loud music drowned out the ringtone, so only those sitting closest could vaguely hear a phone ringing. After some searching to locate the buzzing bag, mutual inquiries identified the owner.  

No one opened the bag to take out the phone to hand over. They simply passed the whole bag over. Bi Qiao’an revised her opinion of her classmates. It seemed unlikely that the missing ring from her past life had been taken by them.

However, a sliver of doubt lingered. Could her excessive drinking in the past have led to her misplacing the ring? Perhaps it fell in a private room, a bathroom, or she might have lost it on the street.

“Qiao’an, where are you? Why is it so noisy?” It turned out to be Shen Yanming’s call. This was something that didn’t happen in her previous life. It seems that events in this life are going to change, and she probably won’t find the answer.

“It’s the graduation dinner tonight. We’re hanging out at Huayuan KTV now.”

“Have you been drinking? Stay put, I’m coming to get you. Should be there in 15 minutes.” 

“You’re back?” Her voice brimmed with delight to hear from the person she had missed for almost two months.

“Mm, just got back this afternoon. I freshened up and called you right away. See you soon.” He hung up and started the car towards Huayuan KTV.

“Qiao’an, who was it? You sound so happy.” The young woman who helped pass the bag asked ambiguously. 

“Hehe, it’s my fiancé. He’s coming to pick me up.” Bi Qiao’an chuckled sillily, a little bit drunk.

“Bi Qiao’an, you actually have a fiancé!” A certain young woman’s shocked cry instantly silenced the private room, leaving only the accompaniment music still playing.

Lin Yueyue quickly apologized, “Sorry, sorry, didn’t mean to disturb everyone. I was just too surprised. Qiao’an’s the baby of our class, but here I am, already twenty-four this year, without even a boyfriend, yet she’s already talking about marriage!”

“Hey, quick, confess whoever you are. Sister Yueyue’s eager to marry herself off.” Hearing this, a male student cracked a joke. Who would’ve thought someone actually stood up to confess!

Lin Yueyue didn’t expect such a surprise gain either. That male classmate was also exceptionally talented; he’s usually quiet but competent. Lin Yueyue accepted and embraced Bi Qiao’an, hailing her as a lucky charm.

Bi Qiao’an was genuinely happy for them; it was another deviation from her previous life. She wondered if the two actually got together back then. 

It’s all about fate!

Taking advantage of everyone’s distraction, she slipped away to bid farewell to Niu Jun. Unexpectedly, the class monitor was quite drunk and stubbornly clung to her bag, refusing to let her leave.

Seeing no other choice, Bi Qiao’an attempted to go outside to the entrance and wait for Shen Yanming’s arrival to explain the situation. Just as she started to move, Niu Jun tightened his grip on her arm, clinging even more tenaciously. 

Upon arrival, Shen Yanming witnessed a scene unfolding before him: Bi Qiao’an stood beside a young man, gently consoling him as he clung to her arm with a helpless expression while two men nearby earnestly attempted to persuade and coax the young man.

He immediately grasped the situation and walked up to Bi Qiao’an, but before he could speak, a drunken Niu Jun grabbed his arm. “So you’re the one marrying our class’ baby sister. You can’t leave. If you don’t pass our tests, I’ll, I’ll make you two break up!”

The other two male students quickly apologized for Niu Jun’s behavior. Shen Yanming simply smiled in understanding and helped support Niu Jun back into the room.

This was his first appearance before her classmates and cheers erupted the moment he walked in. He greeted everyone gracefully, introducing himself and inviting them to his and Bi Qiao’an’s upcoming wedding.

Shen Yanming took a seat beside Bi Qiao’an, and engaged her in hushed conversation. While the music veiled their words from the room, the intimate whispers exchanged between them were clear to anyone observing.