Chapter 9: Rain – I Came to This World Waiting for You  

The sky was overcast, with occasional rumbles of thunder echoing above.  

Streaks of lightning illuminated the dim morning, casting the entire university campus in an unusually solemn and quiet light. A light drizzle had begun to fall, dampening the ground imperceptibly.  

The classroom was filled with students, and faint sighs could be heard from time to time.  

Lin Yu twirled his pen lazily in his seat in the lecture hall. 001 had already automatically displayed the exam answers on the small screen in front of him.  

He kept his scores at a level that wouldn’t arouse suspicion, leaning back in his chair as he waited for time to pass.  

The final exam questions weren’t particularly difficult, and Lin Yu had already finished early.  

As the clock’s hands pointed to “6,” Lin Yu slowly stood up and made his way toward the podium.  

His hands tucked in his pockets, he glanced back at Chen Shuhua, who had nearly submitted his paper at the same time and was now following behind him. Listening to Chen Shuhua’s cautious tone, Lin Yu gave a slight nod.  

Outside, a light rain was falling.  

Raindrops splattered onto the asphalt road, where puddles of varying sizes had already formed.  

The puddles reflected the lights from the teaching buildings, revealing a colder, more indifferent side of the school.  

Chen Shuhua held an umbrella over Lin Yu as the two walked side by side.  

Lin Yu kept his hands in his pockets, gazing at the faint mist ahead and taking a quiet breath.  

The air was so damp.  

They entered the cafeteria, where Lin Yu picked up two dishes and sat down to eat in small bites.  

It was still early—only 11 o’clock—so having lunch now put them ahead of most people.  

The cafeteria was quiet, with only a few scattered students eating. The cafeteria staff bustled about, preparing for the lunch rush.  

Lin Yu had never developed the habit of using his phone while eating. He kept his head down, not speaking to Chen Shuhua, and ate in silence.  

Then, he felt a shadow fall over him.  

“Lin Yu…”  

He looked up to see Yan Huaqing staring at him with misty eyes, his hands gripping the edge of Lin Yu’s table as he leaned forward, as if trying to close the distance between them.  

Lin Yu set down his chopsticks and raised his head indifferently. “What is it?”  

Yan Huaqing’s voice was frantic, tinged with pleading. “Lin Yu, please just read my messages…”  

He reached out, attempting to grab Lin Yu’s wrist across the table—  

But before he could make contact, Chen Shuhua slapped his arm away forcefully, and Lin Yu swiftly leaned back.  

Chen Shuhua stood up, glaring at Yan Huaqing, his voice laced with restrained anger. “That’s unnecessary, Yan.”  

“Couldn’t win him over by simping, so now you’re resorting to harassment?”  

A loud clap of thunder reached Lin Yu’s ears. His gaze shifted away from the two, settling on the rain-streaked window, where a distant flash of lightning momentarily lit up the sky.  

His expression remained calm as he turned his attention back to Yan Huaqing, whose face was now flushed with anger.  

Yan Huaqing shook his head. “And who the hell are you to talk? How shameless can you be?”  

“What makes you worthy? Oh, right—you’re just better at licking boots, aren’t you?” Yan Huaqing snapped, no longer caring about his image as he lashed out.  

Chen Shuhua wiped his brow, relieved. “Heh, at least I know where to direct my efforts—unlike some people who can’t even lick the right spot.”

“Pah.” Yan Huaqing slammed the table hard.

“Damn bastard.” He walked toward the other side of the table, slowly advancing on Chen Shuhua.

Chen Shuhua was startled and quickly dodged behind Lin Yu, standing protectively at his back. “Lin Lin, good thing you rejected this guy…” he said nervously. “He’s terrifying—looks like he wants to hit someone.”

Lin Yu frowned, feeling extremely uncomfortable with Yan Huaqing in front and Chen Shuhua behind him.

Yan Huaqing stepped forward but didn’t dare get too close, his voice pleading. “Lin Yu, give me another chance, please. I’ll never—”

Lin Yu shook his head.

Yan Huaqing felt like he was about to cry. He inched closer and closer, seemingly oblivious to Lin Yu’s cold expression.

Chen Shuhua, frightened, tugged lightly at Lin Yu’s sleeve, careful not to pull too hard.

“You two—” A sudden male voice cut through the tension, startling both of them. They turned toward the source.

Lin Yu remained expressionless but followed their gaze.

Li Yide, barely containing his anger, glared at Yan Huaqing and Chen Shuhua before glancing at Lin Yu and swallowing hard. “Do you two understand the concept of personal space?” he snapped. Then, softening slightly, he added, “Lin Yu, are you okay?”

He positioned himself between Yan Huaqing and Lin Yu, then roughly shoved Chen Shuhua over Lin Yu’s shoulder—far too forcefully.

Chen Shuhua winced, stumbling back as he clutched his shoulder. “Lin Lin, that really hurt…”

001 was dumbfounded. “Is… is this the legendary Battle Royale of Admirers?”

It didn’t dare breathe. “Host, this is terrifying! What should you even say?”

“Host, Host, have you ever dated before? Do you know what to do in this situation?” 001’s blue light flickered wildly, reflecting its chaotic emotions.

Lin Yu replied mentally, “Never dated. No idea.”

“Then what do we do? Just leave? Wait—Host!” 001 watched in shock as Lin Yu shoved his hands in his pockets and walked away without a backward glance, its programming practically short-circuiting.

Lin Yu strode out of the cafeteria, completely indifferent to the three left frozen behind him.

“No, Senior!” Yan Huaqing panicked, breaking into a jog to chase after him.

Li Yide viciously yanked him back by his hoodie, nearly making the usually athletic Yan Huaqing lose his balance. Yan Huaqing turned, glaring daggers at Li Yide.

Li Yide stared him down with a dangerous glint in his eyes. “You little bastard. Don’t recognize me?”

Yan Huaqing bit his lip, humiliation thick in his voice. “I do… Young Master Li…”

Li Yide looked down at him coldly. “From now on, stay out of Lin Yu’s sight. Understand human words?”

Yan Huaqing clenched his jaw and turned his head away, refusing to answer.

Li Yide’s voice dropped to a threatening whisper. “I’ve looked into you. If you ever want to make a living in City A after graduation, think carefully about crossing me.”

After speaking, he turned his gaze to Chen Shuhua, who stood frozen nearby, not daring to chase after them. A trace of disdain flashed in his eyes. “Chen Shuhua, you were standing so close to him today. Did you forget our agreement?”

Chen Shuhua lowered his head and whispered, “I won’t do it again, Young Master Li. Can we go back to how things were before?”

Only then did Li Yide seem satisfied. He released Yan Huaqing’s arm and shot both of them a hostile glance before turning to look in Lin Yu’s direction, running after him.

Lin Yu walked briskly, as if fleeing from some monstrous beast.

Li Yide panted heavily, taking advantage of the empty path before the school gate where few pedestrians passed. He shouted loudly, “Lin Yu! Lin Lin! Wait for me!”

Lin Yu pretended not to hear, walking straight ahead and even quickening his pace.

As he approached the flower bed—the parking lot nearest to the teaching building—Lin Yu realized his car wasn’t parked there.

“Lin Yu—”

Lin Yu looked up and saw the door of a Maybach slowly opening in the distance. A tall, long-legged figure stepped out from the driver’s seat, someone who looked vaguely familiar.

Zhang Modu stood in front of the half-opened car door, smiling as he extended a hand toward Lin Yu. “We meet again, Mr. Lin.”

Zhang Modu pulled open the rear door. “Are you leaving campus? Let me give you a ride.”

Lin Yu nodded quickly and stepped into the car without hesitation.

Zhang Modu obediently took a seat beside Lin Yu and instructed the driver to start the car.

Once the engine roared to life, Zhang Modu turned his head, resting a hand on Lin Yu’s shoulder as he asked softly, “Ayu, earlier… was that Li family’s second son?” He blinked at Lin Yu. “I didn’t get a clear look.”

Leaning slightly closer, he brought his lips near Lin Yu’s ear. “Ayu, it must be unpleasant being harassed by suitors like that, isn’t it?”

Zhang Modu stared intently into Lin Yu’s eyes.

Lin Yu nodded again.

Zhang Modu glanced out the window, his tone tinged with emotion. “With such a large campus, there must be even more people pursuing you now.”

“Mr. Lin, make sure to protect your privacy. Don’t let anyone with ulterior motives take advantage of you,” Zhang Modu said earnestly.

Lin Yu lifted his gaze, meeting Zhang Modu’s eyes directly.

Their eyes locked, and Zhang Modu involuntarily tilted his head slightly, while Lin Yu continued staring at him blankly before finally nodding slowly.

“Alright.”

Having said that, Lin Yu averted his gaze, staring straight ahead with his hands resting on his knees, his eyes fixed on the front passenger seat.

Zhang Modu withdrew his hand from Lin Yu’s shoulder, lowering his eyes to glance at his own slightly warm palm. “Ayu, where would you like to go?”

Lin Yu thought for a moment. “To the company.”

Zhang Modu asked, “Have you eaten?”

Lin Yu lowered his eyes. “Yes.”

Zhang Modu nodded and politely relayed the address to the driver.

The two sat in silence for the entire ride. Only as they neared their destination did Zhang Modu turn his head slightly and ask, “Mr. Lin, among those pursuing you… is there anyone you like?”

Lin Yu shook his head.

Zhang Modu sighed. “If you don’t like any of them, then their pursuit must be nothing but a heavy burden on your life.”

“Ayu, do you need help? I understand your situation perfectly.”

He smiled at Lin Yu. “No rush, Ayu. I’m glad to have made your acquaintance. Let me know if you ever need anything.”

“Back in my school days, I was quite the expert in ‘Counter-courting.'”

Lin Yu’s eyes lit up. This was probably the most valuable thing he had heard in the past few days.  

It was his first time visiting an emotional Small World, and he was truly out of his depth. Apart from consulting the administrator Shen Qian, he really didn’t have any other friends to turn to—001 was even more unreliable.  

He raised his head, met Zhang Modu’s gaze, and nodded as he said, “Alright.”  

The rain had stopped.  

The sky was clear, and the warm sun began to shine.