Chapter 3: The Library  

The next day was another clear and sunny one.  

“…I’m sorry, I deeply regret my actions and I… hope Professor Yu can forgive me…” Yin Siyu held her written apology and recited a fluent and clear passage in French.  

After finishing, she carefully handed the letter to Yu Feng.  

Yu Feng took it and glanced at her. “Did you write this yourself? Did you stay up late last night?” Not only was the French neatly written, but her recitation had almost no grammatical errors, and the format was impeccable.  

Yin Siyu paused, then replied, “I wrote it myself. I didn’t stay up late!” Knowing that Professor Yu was acquainted with her brother, she wondered—was he asking because her brother told him to? Suspecting she pulled an all-nighter? How petty of her brother.  

Clearly, Yin Siyu had completely misunderstood Yu Feng’s meaning.  

Hearing that she hadn’t stayed up late and had finished early, Yu Feng felt a flicker of surprise. So she was actually talented? For a sophomore to write and recite at this level was quite rare. She deserved proper nurturing. How had he not noticed her before?  

Yu Feng nodded. “Well done. You may go now.” He never gave special attention to anyone just because they were connected to an acquaintance. He knew Yin Baiyu’s sister was under his tutelage, but he only ever cared about ability and results.  

Once outside the office, Yin Siyu felt like she could breathe freely again. Though her brother knew Professor Yu, she always found the professor’s stern demeanor somewhat oppressive. But today, he seemed rather amiable at times.  

In the afternoon, Yin Siyu had no classes, so she went to the library to browse books on French proficiency exams. She had already passed B2 and was now preparing for C1, but flipping through the material, it didn’t seem too difficult.  

The September weather was neither too warm nor too dry—just refreshing.  

After picking out her books, Yin Siyu noticed that nearly every seat was occupied. Was the library always this popular? Something felt off, though she couldn’t pinpoint what.  

Just as she was about to give up and return to her dorm to study, she spotted an empty seat in an inconspicuous corner. After a moment’s thought, she decided the library’s atmosphere was still far better than her dorm.  

Without hesitation, she headed for the seat and politely addressed the person already sitting there. “Excuse me, may I sit here?”  

The person she disturbed seemed taken aback that anyone would willingly choose this spot. He looked up, his expression slightly displeased.  

Yin Siyu’s downward gaze collided with Nan Feng’s.  

The boy’s eyes were as vast as the ocean, shimmering like stars, pulling her in against her will. His straight nose, refined jawline—his face was so handsome that words failed her.  

She had always thought her older brother was good-looking, but this was on another level. Realizing she was staring, Yin Siyu quickly averted her eyes and sat down before Nan Feng could even respond.  

Nan Feng watched as the girl took her seat, arched a brow, but said nothing, returning to his book and notes.

After Yin Siyu sat down, the image of that handsome face kept lingering in her mind. She patted her head, trying to snap out of it: “Yin Siyu, it’s not like you’ve never seen a good-looking guy before. Calm down, yes—inhale, exhale… Relax, that’s it.”

Seated beside her, Nan Feng caught her movements from the corner of his eye and found it somewhat amusing. He watched Yin Siyu for a while, though she remained oblivious to his gaze.

Once Yin Siyu truly immersed herself in studying, she entered a world of complete absorption. It wasn’t until the librarian announced closing time that she realized how late it had gotten.

Flustered, she hurriedly gathered her materials. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the strikingly handsome boy still sitting in his original spot. Startled, Yin Siyu gasped and stood up abruptly. Nervously, she asked, “Why haven’t you left yet?”

Nan Feng didn’t answer. Instead, he simply glanced meaningfully. Following his gaze, Yin Siyu looked between her seat and his, then flushed crimson—she had been blocking his way out.

“Ah, I’m so sorry! I tend to get a little too absorbed when I’m deep into reading. But… why didn’t you call out to me?”

Nan Feng looked directly at her. “I did. You didn’t respond.” Seeing you so focused, I suddenly felt reluctant to disturb you—a strange feeling I’ve never had before.

Hearing this, Yin Siyu grew even more embarrassed. “Then let’s hurry and leave. The library is about to close.”

Without another word, Nan Feng followed her out.

Once outside, Yin Siyu couldn’t shake the odd sensation that people were whispering behind her back. Unconsciously, she tightened her grip on the books in her arms.

“Um, I really caused you trouble today. I’m very sorry,” Yin Siyu said, lowering her head in awkwardness. She felt that what she’d done today might be the silliest thing she’d done in her nineteen years of life—and the other party was so handsome, too.

“Nan Feng.”

“Ah?” Yin Siyu was momentarily confused.

“My name,” Nan Feng said, unusually patient.

“Oh!” His name… Wait, Nan Feng? That name sounds so familiar…

By the time Yin Siyu processed this, Nan Feng had already turned and walked away.

But she hadn’t even told him her name—Yin Siyu.

(End of Chapter)