Chapter 31 Chapter 31: The Turmoil of the Mortal World
The next morning the sky was overcast. It was said that the outer bands of a typhoon had reached Binhe City, bringing cooler weather.
A light drizzle had fallen at dawn. Along the roadside, tall magnolia trees stood like sturdy warriors holding up the sky. Their broad oval leaves carried shining droplets, and the cool air felt unusually fresh.
Jiangnan Teahouse stood at the southeast corner of the university district’s pedestrian street. A two‑story building with winding corridors and carved eaves, its antique style made it unique among the shops.
Visitors came to taste tea with leisurely airs. Even those who knew nothing of tea pretended to be refined and successful.
Ascending the stairs to the second floor, one heard the gentle strains of guzheng, elegant and soothing, sometimes joined by flute or xiao. The cultivated atmosphere was impressive.
Here sat Ling Chendong and another young man, sipping tea and playing chess. “Zhifeng, your teahouse is becoming more impressive,” Ling Chendong said.
Bai Zhifeng placed a white stone on the board and sneered. “Of course. That is what it means to surpass the old. Do you think your Myosotis Café has depth. Imported luxury, dim lights, piano music to feign elegance, but in truth only a hollow shell.”
Ling Chendong coughed lightly. “It is not so bad. Mode dern urban life is fast and stressful. A café is the perfect place to ease frustration and cultivate mood.”
Bai Zhifeng shook his head. “Your place looks like a vampire’s castle. People will have nightmares after visiting. They will need psychological counseling. Oh right, your café already offers that service. Thoughtful indeed.”
“And those baskets of forget‑me‑nots hanging in the air. Such pretty purple flowers, yet in your eerie setting they look like severed heads. Terrifying.”
Ling Chendong sipped tea dreamily. “I prefer to call them star flowers.”
“Call them what you like. They are frightening. Unlike my Jiangnan Teahouse, warm and elegant, steeped in Chinese culture. Yours cannot compare.”
“Enough, I will not argue.”
“So why did you invite me today.”
Ling Chendong smiled and drew a photo from his pocket. If Su Yuan had been present, she would have cried out, for the photo was of her.
Bai Zhifeng took it curiously. “Is this person male or female.”
“Male.”
Bai Zhifeng smirked. “Chendong, after half a year, have your tastes changed. Still, such a cute boy is appealing.”
“Ridiculous. Do you think I am that sort of person.” Ling Chendong slammed his teacup down, rattling the chess pieces.
“Then why show me his photo.”
“He shares a dorm with Ji Yehao, Gao Jun, and Yang Xiaowei.”
Bai Zhifeng was startled. “How did he end up with those three.”
“I do not know. I met Su Yuan recently and found him interesting. Later I learned he lived with them.”
“What is his background.”
“Ordinary. His father died in a car accident when he was young. He has only his mother. There was a twin sister who went missing. The family once ran a stationery factory, but it was bought out years ago. That is all.”
“Ordinary indeed. Strange.”
Meanwhile Su Yuan was unaware of being discussed. She was walking back to the dorm. The path from the student council office crossed a river lined with willows. Their long branches swayed in the breeze.
Ahead a crowd had gathered. A boy was confessing to a girl, holding flowers, while students looked on.
The girl was a campus celebrity, so the crowd kept respectful.
Xiao Yiyan frowned, unable to escape. The boy had pursued her for long, and she was weary of it. Now he had staged a public confession, leaving her trapped.
Public confessions are romantic only when feelings are mutual. For her, it was awkward and unwelcome.
Su Yuan, curious, walked closer. She still had not shed her habit of joining crowds. Seeing Xiao Yiyan’s pleading eyes, she turned instinctively to leave.
Too late.
“Su Yuan, wait.”
The girl’s voice called out. Su Yuan froze, realizing she could not avoid trouble. She turned stiffly as Xiao Yiyan hurried toward her.
Before the astonished crowd, Xiao Yiyan clasped Su Yuan’s hand and leaned close.
Gasps erupted. Su Yuan felt the burning stares. Such intimacy was reserved for lovers. To outsiders it looked rehearsed.
“Did I see right. The goddess is close to a boy. Is he her boyfriend.”
“No way. Xiao Yiyan has a boyfriend. That is big news.”
She was famous for rejecting suitors, claiming to focus on studies. Her cold demeanor had become expected. Many had confessed, all were refused.
Now suddenly a boy appeared to have won her heart. The balance was broken. Everyone was curious.
But disappointment followed. Su Yuan was only a little over one meter sixty, not tall or strong. His eyes were evasive. He seemed unreliable.
Why would the goddess choose him.
“Lin Jun, I already have someone I like. Do not bother me again.” Xiao Yiyan declared firmly.
The words stunned the crowd. All eyes turned to Lin Jun, the boy who had confessed.
Few things sting more than rejection before an audience. Worse, the woman he desired had chosen a delicate boy. His humiliation multiplied.
“Yiyan, you must be joking.” Lin Jun’s eyes burned with anger as he glared at Su Yuan.
“Not joking.”
“Xiao Yiyan.” Su Yuan blurted.
“Wait.”
Before everyone, Xiao Yiyan turned Su Yuan’s face and kissed her.
Su Yuan’s mind went blank. Her eyes widened. Xiao Yiyan had stolen her first kiss.
Her skin was soft, her lashes long, her lips gentle.
“No, this is not the time to think of that.”
Su Yuan realized the scandal would cause trouble. She tried to pull away, but Xiao Yiyan held tighter.
The crowd erupted in shouts and laughter.
The goddess kissing a mysterious boyfriend. The news was explosive.
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