Chapter 445: Chapter 218: Hidden Depths

Onstage at the Shanghai International Studies University auditorium.

A rotation of singing, dancing, comedy, and magic acts took the stage.

The performers were all freshmen, most of whom wanted to showcase their talents and make more like-minded friends.

Of course, there was another reason: to see if they could find someone to date.

After all, once students made the leap from the intense grind of high school to the relatively relaxed atmosphere of college, their hormones would inevitably kick in, making them want to fall in love.

Sun Jialin was no exception.

Growing up, she had been the school beauty at the best high school in her hometown.

Her family was also part of the county’s Pusoma Sect.

But the proud and ambitious Sun Jialin refused to settle for that.

She had studied hard to get into a university in Modu, this dazzling and extravagant city. Over the summer, she frantically studied fashion and makeup, transforming herself into a vision of refined beauty.

All of this was so she could meet her dream guy and have a picture-perfect campus romance.

But now, it seemed she had indeed met her dream guy.

’As for romance...’ Sun Jialin didn’t think Lin Shen was the faithful, devoted type.

’What kind of "pure love warrior" touches a girl’s thigh the moment they meet?’

Sun Jialin was ranting in her head. Though her eyes were fixed on the performance, her gaze kept darting downward.

A man’s button-up, heavy with his scent, was draped over her thighs, pinning down Lin Shen’s wicked hand.

He was unabashedly stroking her leg, and she could clearly feel his rough calluses against the smooth skin of her thigh.

’He’s way too bold!’

Sun Jialin’s cheeks flushed. She glanced to her left to make sure her roommate hadn’t noticed anything, then peeked to her right.

Lin Shen still looked perfectly serious, as if completely absorbed in the show.

’But his hand on her leg is getting bolder!’

’This guy!’

Sun Jialin bit her lip. Feigning stiffness, she stretched and recrossed her legs, trying to give him a hint.

That’s right.

Even now, Sun Jialin still thought Lin Shen wasn’t touching her on purpose—that he’d just rested his hand there and forgotten to move it.

But clearly, he was doing it on purpose.

Despite her conspicuous movements, Lin Shen showed no intention of moving his hand. He even gave her a squeeze!

’He actually squeezed me!’

!?

Sun Jialin couldn’t just let him get away with being so brazen.

She shot Lin Shen an embarrassed glare, but when he ignored her, she leaned in close and whispered in his ear.

"You’re going too far!"

"Sorry."

Lin Shen acted as if he’d just snapped out of a daze. He withdrew his hand and apologized at once, then chuckled and explained himself.

"Your leg felt cold, so I thought I’d warm it up for you. Friction creates heat, after all."

"Besides, your skin is so smooth and delicate. It feels nice."

"..."

Sun Jialin rolled her eyes at Lin Shen. She felt a strange flutter in her chest, as if she were talking to a playboy straight out of a TV drama.

’What is this guy’s deal?’

’Touching a girl’s leg the first time you meet, and even critiquing it?’

’Isn’t he afraid I’ll stand up and accuse him of sexual harassment?’

But despite her thoughts, she never actually considered blaming Lin Shen. She couldn’t even bring herself to dislike him.

His handsome face was just too compelling!

So compelling that she couldn’t get angry, and even began to feel she was being petty.

’Maybe Lin Shen didn’t do it on purpose?’

Sun Jialin mentally absolved Lin Shen of the "sexual harassment" charge. He didn’t try anything else, either, turning his full attention to the performance.

He didn’t even try to make conversation.

This left Sun Jialin feeling a bit flustered. ’I finally got a little closer to Lin Shen,’ she thought, ’and now I’ve gone and messed it up.’

’I should have just pretended not to notice!’

Feeling a pang of regret, Sun Jialin waited for the break between two acts, finally worked up the courage, and found an excuse to ask for his contact information.

"Can I add you on WeChat? That way, if anything comes up with Qingqing, I can let you know directly."

"Sure."

Lin Shen didn’t refuse. He took out his phone and pulled up his WeChat QR code.

DING—!

After adding him, Sun Jialin breathed an inward sigh of relief.

Just then, it was finally Gu Wanqing’s turn to perform.

"Please welcome our freshman representative from the Class of 2025, Gu Wanqing, with her solo performance of ’Little Lucky’!"

As the host finished the announcement, another round of enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience.

Amid the swelling waves of cheers, Gu Wanqing walked slowly onto the stage, wearing her signature sweet smile.

Having already spoken in front of such a large crowd once, she no longer felt nervous. She even waved and interacted with the audience.

Her heart settled even more, especially after seeing Jiang Wan’s gentle smile.

She took a deep breath. As the stage lights dimmed and a spotlight fell upon her, she clutched the microphone and began to sing.

♪~I hear raindrops falling on the green grass~♪

♪~I hear the school bell ringing in the distance~♪

"Wow—!"

The moment Gu Wanqing began to sing, a stunned murmur rippled through the crowd.

It wasn’t a sound of disapproval, but of pure astonishment.

They were astonished by how perfectly her ethereal, sweet voice blended with the song’s pure melody.

’This must be what they call a "showstopper."’

’I didn’t expect this girl could sing!’

’And sound this good, too!’

Lin Shen praised her inwardly. He crossed his arms, his right fingers tapping out the rhythm on his left bicep as he became completely engrossed in Gu Wanqing’s performance.

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