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Chapter 1

What song is this?

Two people, both full of thorns, stubbornly embrace each other, piercing through each other’s flesh, and then love and blood intertwine.

— 2024/10/29

“Xingyang, don’t be nervous, tonight is just an ordinary gathering.”

The lighting in the private room was dim, and the colorful neon lights dazzled, making it difficult to focus.

Zhou Xingyang looked at the girl who had spoken and felt a bit strange about Song Weilan’s sudden kindness.

“Soon, the student union president, Qiao Jin, will also be here. You two can get to know each other.” Song Weilan smiled and said again.

Zhou Xingyang furrowed her delicate brows. “I’d rather not, I don’t think it’s necessary.”

Her life had always been routine: attending classes, working part-time, eating, sleeping—everything followed a strict pattern and hadn’t changed since she started university.

Until a few days ago, when Song Weilan suddenly told her that Qiao Jin wanted her contact information, her peaceful life was disrupted. Today, she was told she had to attend an event organized by the college.

Zhou Xingyang didn’t understand why the event had to be held in a place like this. She didn’t want to be here, but she didn’t want to be seen as unsociable either, as it might affect her scholarship evaluation.

A girl next to Song Weilan scoffed and looked over with a hint of sarcasm.

Zhou Xingyang ignored it and shifted her gaze, just in time to see Xia Shu arriving late.

“Yangyang, I’m late.” Xia Shu sat down beside her. “What made you suddenly decide to come?”

Zhou Xingyang had never participated in such activities before, but after failing to get the scholarship last time, she realized that good grades weren’t enough.

“Song Weilan said that if I didn’t come, the classmates would think I’m unsociable.”

Xia Shu found it somewhat funny when she heard Zhou Xingyang say this so seriously.

Zhou Xingyang was beautiful, and in her freshman year, many boys had pursued her, but none succeeded.

Because Zhou Xingyang was simply too slow in these matters. When someone gave her breakfast, she’d say she hadn’t ordered takeout. When someone asked to borrow her notes, she’d advise them to listen attentively in class.

There were countless similar incidents, and Xia Shu couldn’t help but laugh every time she thought about it.

She had the appearance of someone who seemed very smart, yet her reactions were always a step behind.

“It’s okay, Yangyang, if you don’t get the scholarship, you can still get financial aid,” Xia Shu comforted her, knowing she wasn’t used to such occasions.

Zhou Xingyang nodded, but in her heart, she felt reluctant. The scholarship was worth much more than the financial aid…

“Can you drink?” Xia Shu asked.

Zhou Xingyang immediately shook her head repeatedly, her eyes widening in surprise. Her unadorned face appeared particularly delicate.

Xia Shu couldn’t help but laugh at her expression, the sound was covered by the music.

“Then just don’t drink later.”

“Okay.”

Zhou Xingyang obediently nodded, sipping the orange juice Xia Shu handed her.

“I won’t stay long, I might leave later. Don’t drink anything randomly, and if you want to leave, just go.” Xia Shu reminded her.

She had plans with her boyfriend, and the notice for the gathering had come suddenly. She could only come over for a while to deal with things.

Zhou Xingyang nodded, keeping it in mind.

More people gradually entered the private room, but no one paid attention to their corner, so Zhou Xingyang relaxed a bit.

Before long, the door of the private room was pushed open. The noisy music was turned off, and the lighting softened.

A boy walked in from the door. He carried an air of scholarly elegance, and his voice was warm, “Today, there’s no special agenda, just eat and have fun, feel free.”

Zhou Xingyang looked up at him, then turned to Xia Shu. “Who is he?”

“That’s our college’s next student president, Qiao Jin,” Xia Shu said, taking a sip of beer. “He’ll take office next semester, so he invited everyone to come out and have fun.”

Zhou Xingyang nodded, understanding, but she wasn’t interested in any of this, only wondering when she could leave.

She stayed close to Xia Shu, trying to minimize her presence. Xia Shu noticed her actions and chuckled lightly. “Xingyang, be braver.”

Zhou Xingyang smiled shyly, her dimples showing as she spoke softly with Xia Shu.

“Is that girl over there, is it her first time here?”

Qiao Jin’s voice wasn’t loud, but upon hearing his question, everyone who had been singing immediately stopped.

The room fell silent except for the music accompaniment, and many curious eyes turned toward Zhou Xingyang. She glanced at Qiao Jin and nodded in acknowledgment.

“I haven’t seen you before. Would you like to go up and sing a song to let everyone get to know you?” Qiao Jin asked again, a gentle smile on his face.

The people sitting on the high stools in front had already vacated a spot. Zhou Xingyang glanced at Qiao Jin, a bit stiff, and slowly lifted the corners of her lips, nodding. She stood up and walked toward the front.

At this moment, outside the Yuehui Mansion, a pure black Bentley was parked at the entrance. The manager approached and opened the driver’s door.

“Second Master, what will you drink tonight?”

The man casually tossed the car keys to the person behind him. “Don’t call me Second Master. If my elder brother hears it, he’ll scold me.”

“Chuanzi, drive the car back. This car feels off. Call me later to pick me up.”

“Got it, Boss.”

The man walked quickly, his long legs moving with ease. A smile of arrogance appeared on his face, and his strikingly handsome features drew the attention of people around him.

The manager jogged behind him. “Don’t worry, this time no one will report it. Young Master Jiang has just arrived, and the drinks are all ready.”

“They’re all imported, so you should be able to handle it.”

The man didn’t respond, but suddenly stopped. He slightly lowered his head and glanced at the private room next door.

“What song is that?”

The soft, melodious song drifted through the glass doors, and a girl sitting on a high stool held the microphone. The colorful lights shone on her.

Even in the dim light, her skin looked fair, and the exposed part of her neck was slender and white.

As his gaze moved upward, the door blocked his view, and he could see nothing more.

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