Instead they were pondering how to help her regain a sense of gender identity.

Instructor Qin arranged to meet Ji Yehao not at the Student Affairs Office but in her own office inside the Biochemistry Laboratory Building.

At first Ji Yehao could not be completely sure why she had called him. He suspected it had something to do with Su Yuan. When Instructor Qin mentioned her name, he knew for certain.

This was understandable. After all, something improper had been found in her wardrobe. If he were the advisor, he too would want to ask those connected to her for clarity. To indulge a student’s desires without correction would be a failure of responsibility.

Knowing her intent, Ji Yehao prepared himself. Clearing Su Yuan of suspicion entirely was unrealistic, but he planned to speak honestly about what he had seen, offering strong moral support.

Yet he did not expect that Su Yuan’s maneuvering had already shifted the advisor’s focus.

Instructor Qin first asked about his studies, whether he had difficulties, and mentioned that Su Yuan had failed a course last term. She asked him to help tutor her when possible. Then she asked about Su Yuan’s dorm life, urging him to be supportive and caring beyond academics.

There was no criticism at all. Instead her words flowed like gentle water, full of concern. The core message was to care for Su Yuan and not bully her. Ji Yehao was baffled. How had one visit to the Student Affairs Office turned into such tender concern.

Not only Ji Yehao felt puzzled. Instructor Qin herself found the situation absurd. Su Yuan had handed her a thorny problem.

As the talk ended, Instructor Qin said, “Yehao, we have discussed study and life matters. Think carefully when you return. You are Su Yuan’s good friend. If you notice anything unusual about her, be tolerant. She has it hard.”

Leaving the office, Ji Yehao kept replaying the words. Something was off. The key must be the bra found in her wardrobe. Instructor Qin had misunderstood.

After Ji Yehao, Gao Jun was also called in. His talk was shorter, only telling him to be more accommodating toward Su Yuan.

It seemed Instructor Qin, though rejecting Teacher Wang’s earlier suggestion, was still influenced subconsciously. She hoped Ji Yehao might help correct Su Yuan’s supposed gender confusion.

“Yehao, what did Instructor Qin say to you.” Su Yuan asked nervously when he returned.

Though she trusted the advisor’s promise, she still felt uneasy.

Ji Yehao recounted the conversation and shared his guess. Hearing this, Su Yuan’s worries eased. She was no longer nervous. She returned to her usual domineering dorm style, tapping at her computer and chatting idly online.

She was chatting with Xia Linfei. Though they had not known each other long and their personalities were quite different, Xia Linfei always managed to catch her topics well. Su Yuan enjoyed the conversations.

Time passed quickly. Memory turned another page.

September 17, Monday, clear skies.

The heat still pressed down with relentless force.

By evening, in a large conference room at Binhe Polytechnic University, the new student council held its first meeting of the semester.

Su Yuan sat quietly among the audience, watching familiar yet unfamiliar faces on stage. They were the new presidium members. Listening to their plans for student work, she felt life was full of unpredictable turns.

She had heard nothing about the final handling of the underwear thief. It was as if once handed to security he had vanished. Such was the sorrow of life. He came quietly, left without a ripple.

At least he should have left a mark, some sign of his storm.

The underwear thief had been a notorious figure at Binhe Polytechnic.

Later Su Yuan brought her medical report to Instructor Qin, further supporting her story and gaining special care. She knew the thief’s shadow was tied to Xiao Chun of the Economics Department, whose nickname was Little Fatty. But she did not yet know this.

At that moment the new student council president spoke passionately. Ling Chendong stood on stage, scanning the crowd. His eyes naturally fell on Su Yuan.

This presidium had only taken over in June. Ling Chendong was fortunate to become vice president.

Su Yuan realized she had heard his name before. No wonder it sounded familiar.

Her mind recalled the dim light under which he had once called her “pretty.” She worried that future interactions might be troublesome.

The student council’s core was the presidium, consisting of one president, three vice presidents, and one secretary general. Beneath them was the secretariat, plus six departments: life, external relations, sports, arts, publicity, and academics.

Su Yuan had been nominated as deputy minister of external relations.

It was a position of some authority, but she knew the work was not easy. Seeking sponsorships and contacts meant swallowing pride. Without strong social skills and networks, it was hard to succeed.

Yet with the right conditions, the work could be smooth.

The minister was a third‑year student named Zuo Zhao. Her looks were ordinary, her height unremarkable, but her ability was strong. Su Yuan owed her nomination to Zuo Zhao.

“Su Yuan, congratulations on becoming deputy minister of external relations.” After the meeting, Ling Chendong approached with a smile that seemed full of pride. He was vice president, she only deputy minister. The difference was clear.

Su Yuan did not dislike him much, but the word “pretty” still echoed like a fishbone stuck in her throat. Seeing him brought irritation.

Before she spoke, Zuo Zhao looked surprised. “You two know each other.”

“Of course we know each other.” Ling Chendong grew more pleased. Su Yuan replied coolly, “Not well.”

Ling Chendong fell silent.

Zuo Zhao smiled knowingly. “Since you know each other, that is good. There will be much work needing communication. Su Yuan, you can coordinate with Vice President Ling. Vice President Ling, please guide the external relations department.”

“Of course. I will help where I can.” Ling Chendong answered with elegance.

Zuo Zhao felt relieved. She bore heavy pressure as new minister. Achievements were needed to silence doubters. Support was vital. Knowing Su Yuan and Ling Chendong were acquainted was a pleasant surprise.

Su Yuan knew she should support Zuo Zhao, but she also knew she was not close to Ling Chendong. She doubted she could influence him.

She felt his presence between her and Zuo Zhao was like a suitor waiting to be chosen. Her impression of him worsened. Why was he so focused on her. During the meeting his eyes had kept sweeping over, his smile directed at her.

Could it be—

She suddenly thought of a frightening possibility. Was Ling Chendong attracted to men. If so, then this handsome vice president was secretly homosexual. The thought filled her with disgust, as if standing near him might infect her.

Ling Chendong watched her expression shift from indifference to suspicion, then to frowning disdain. He wondered what that sour look meant.

He was speechless. But others around him were not. A faint fragrance drifted to Su Yuan’s nose. A graceful figure appeared before her.