Chapter 27 Chapter 27: The Jade Mystery
Xiao Yiyan was the celebrated beauty of Binhe Polytechnic University. With her long black hair, graceful figure, and gentle demeanor, she was the goddess in the hearts of countless male students.
Once, Su Yuan had been captivated by her too, wondering whose arms such a stunning woman would eventually fall into. She had even imagined that if she entered the core of the student council, she might cross paths with her. But those thoughts had faded like yesterday’s flowers, quickly withering away.
“Hello, Su Yuan, shall we get to know each other.” Xiao Yiyan smiled faintly, her tone lofty, as if standing atop a mountain looking down on all below.
Her manner suggested that everyone in the world ought to know her already.
Su Yuan only nodded. She suddenly realized that reality was different from her fantasy. Xiao Yiyan was not quite as she had imagined. She had thought she would be thrilled to speak with her, but in truth she felt no such joy.
It was as if an invisible barrier stood between them, making Su Yuan want to retreat.
Though Xiao Yiyan’s background and appearance were flawless, something felt wrong.
Yes, it was her attitude. That cold arrogance was hard to accept. Su Yuan felt stung. What kind of upbringing had shaped such disdain for others.
Those born humble often carry a hidden insecurity. No matter how they disguise it, until they achieve success and break free from their bonds, that insecurity lingers, ready to surface at the slightest touch.
Because of this, Su Yuan felt reluctant to engage further with Xiao Yiyan.
Seeing Su Yuan’s indifference, Xiao Yiyan did not press. She would not demean herself by forcing conversation. She had only spoken because Ling Chendong knew Su Yuan and she wanted to avoid awkward silence.
But Su Yuan’s wooden response made the atmosphere colder still.
After Ling Chendong and Xiao Yiyan left, Zuo Zhao nudged Su Yuan with her elbow, laughing. “Well now, Su Yuan, you know Ling Chendong and Xiao Yiyan. You really keep things hidden.”
Su Yuan wanted to say she knew nothing about them beyond their names and faces. But clearly Zuo Zhao would not believe that.
Back in the dorm, she opened a book to review her lessons. Gao Jun approached mysteriously, saying he had something good to show her.
“What is it.”
“A piece of software. A buddy of mine wrote it. It can flash your phone system into Apple iOS, and when you log into QQ it even shows the Apple logo.”
Su Yuan was surprised. “Such software exists. You are not tricking me.”
“Why would I trick you. I have tested it myself. It works.”
Apple’s system. Su Yuan was intrigued, not because she loved Apple, but because she liked small applications. She pulled out her cheap knockoff phone. “Can this one work.”
“We need to check. If the hardware meets the standard, it can be flashed.”
Su Yuan did not understand the details. “I leave it to you. Just do not turn it into a useless brick.”
“Relax. It will be safe.”
Gao Jun promised confidently. Su Yuan trusted him. He checked the hardware, confirmed it was suitable, and began flashing the phone.
Soon her knockoff phone had transformed into an “Apple.”
She tapped the screen, amazed. “This software is incredible. It really looks like Apple.” It ran smoothly. She logged into QQ and saw the Apple icon appear.
“Hm.” Returning to her desk, she noticed her green jade was missing.
She turned and saw it in Ji Yehao’s hand.
“Su Yuan, is this the jade that the Taoist sold you.” Ji Yehao had long noticed her habit of playing with the jade whenever idle, as if it brought her comfort.
“Yes. Not bad quality, right. Clear and smooth, glowing softly. It feels wonderful in the hand.”
Ji Yehao nodded. “Indeed. The size and weight are perfect. It feels warm when held.”
“Exactly. That is how I feel too.” Su Yuan said proudly.
For some reason, holding the jade always calmed her. Perhaps that was its magic.
Ji Yehao felt the warmth, surprised that a stone usually cold could feel so gentle after being held by Su Yuan. He tossed it back.
Su Yuan scrambled to catch it, scolding. “Careful. What if it breaks.”
...
The night passed quietly. Outside, the sky was dark without stars, heavy clouds rolling. Inside, the room was peaceful.
Rain fell softly.
Around three in the morning, Su Yuan was startled awake by thunder. Her right hand felt hot. Pulling it from under the blanket, she saw the green jade glowing faintly like phosphorescence.
Her mouth fell open. This jade was strange.
She squeezed it. The heat grew stronger. A warm current flowed from her hand into her body, natural and soothing. Her whole body flushed as if fevered. Her lower abdomen warmed, her chest swelled and tingled.
Sweat beaded on her skin.
She gasped, trembling. A sudden urge pressed on her bladder. Her legs squeezed together involuntarily.
She threw the jade aside and rushed to the bathroom.
“What is happening.” Sitting there, she realized her senses had sharpened. Her body signals were stronger.
The heat in her abdomen faded, but her chest remained swollen, as if overfilled. In the mirror, her hair had grown longer.
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts!