There Are Many People on the Rooftop

"Defendant?" Ye Shuang couldn't help but twitch his lips upon hearing the details of the incident. He had no idea what Xu Huan's parents were thinking.

Their son had already hacked two people with a knife, and yet they were still trying to sue the victims. Sure, they technically could file a lawsuit, but Ye Shuang doubted he’d even need to show up in court—unless the other party had some exceptional talent for making baseless claims.

Ye Shuang had always believed that if someone was rotten to the core, their parents probably weren’t far off. Unless Xu Huan was outright mentally ill, his extreme actions likely had something to do with his upbringing.

So when he learned that Xu Huan’s parents were suing him, Ye Shuang just shrugged. "Birds of a feather, truly a family affair."

"Should we get a lawyer? I happen to know a few good ones," Ye Shuang asked. Having run a business before, he had connections to some formidable legal minds.

"No need. Let them sue. They won’t win anyway—that guy already committed murder," An Shiyu replied, completely unfazed. The only thing bothering her was the nuisance of being dragged into this mess.

Besides, she had already informed her grandfather about the situation. She was confident things would be resolved soon.

Realizing he didn’t need to worry too much about it, Ye Shuang put the matter out of his mind.

The entire morning passed without a single student coming in for medical attention. Even the usual troublemakers who frequented the infirmary seemed to be busy preparing for the upcoming school festival.

Ye Shuang enjoyed the peace, even spending the morning slacking off with An Shiyu.

As lunchtime approached, his phone buzzed.

Chen Qin: I’m up.

Chen Qin: stretching.jpg

Chen Qin: So hungry~

Chen Qin: puppy eyes.jpg

Four messages in a row. Before Ye Shuang could respond, An Shiyu, who was gaming beside him, asked without looking up, "What, is Bai Yuyou looking for you?"

"Not her." Ye Shuang picked up his phone. He knew Chen Qin was a light sleeper—with so much on her plate, she only managed fragmented naps.

After telling her that her takeout should be at the door, Chen Qin quickly sent a photo in response—

Chen Qin: Since I have no way to repay you, I can only offer myself!

It was a selfie, deliberately showing off a generous curve of pale skin alongside the food delivery.

Ye Shuang coughed reflexively before replying: Eat and rest a bit before heading to the office. Also, about what I mentioned this morning… you can call me in for the next management meeting.

Chen Qin: Sure thing!

The conversation ended there.

Ye Shuang set his phone aside and got up to head to the cafeteria.

"Grab me a takeout, thanks," An Shiyu said without looking up from her game.

"By the time I get back, your food will be cold." Ye Shuang reached over and plucked off her headphones. "Haven’t you played enough for one morning? Come with me."

An Shiyu had practically turned his infirmary into a gaming lounge. Sometimes, Ye Shuang wondered if letting her stay had been a mistake.

"You’re paying," An Shiyu declared.

"You’re not broke," Ye Shuang retorted. This girl had bought a motorcycle just because she thought Chen Hai’s looked cool—there was no way she couldn’t afford a meal.

An Shiyu wagged a finger lazily.

"Free stuff always tastes better. Get it?"

"Fine, let’s go." Ye Shuang gave up arguing. Any further and she’d just leave him speechless with some offhand remark.

With the freeloading fish in tow, Ye Shuang locked up the infirmary and headed to the cafeteria to meet up with Bai Yuyou and the others.

The moment they stepped inside, the familiar aroma of food filled the air.

"Wow, it’s packed." Ye Shuang glanced around—the cafeteria was unusually crowded today.

An Shiyu, hands in her pockets and chewing gum, looked utterly unbothered. "During festival prep, the cafeteria gives out free drinks and snacks. Who doesn’t love freebies?"

"You’re still chewing gum right before eating?" Ye Shuang asked.

"I like having something in my mouth when I’m bored." An Shiyu motioned for him to hold out his hand. "Old man, gimme your hand."

Ye Shuang frowned but complied. "What for?"

An Shiyu tilted her head and spat the gum into his palm.

"What the—?!"

"No trash can nearby," she said with a straight face.

"I’m not your trash can!" Ye Shuang grumbled, wrapping the gum in a tissue before knocking on An Shiyu’s head like a wooden fish. She didn’t even flinch, just blinked blankly and kept her hands in her pockets.

Just then, Bai Yuyou and the others spotted them from a distance.

"Brother!"

"Ye Shuang!"

Before he could even wave, Bai Yuyou, as usual, threw herself into his arms without a care for the surrounding stares.

"Yo, Miss Big Chest," An Shiyu greeted Tang Keke.

"It’s Keke!"

With no seats available inside, the four of them took their food to the rooftop—only to find it surprisingly crowded as well, mostly with couples.

"Teacher Ye, Yuyou…" A voice called out. Ye Shuang turned to see Zhixia and Linlin from the Light Music Club.

And…

A folding table?

"Why is there a folding table up here?" Ye Shuang asked, puzzled.

"We brought it up," Zhixia explained, gesturing for them to join. "Teacher Ye, are you coming to the club room this afternoon?"

"Today?"

"Yeah. The supervising teacher is supposed to check in occasionally." She quickly added, "But if you’re busy, it’s totally fine to come another day!"

Ye Shuang didn’t mind. "No problem. Though you can just call me ‘Ye the school doctor.’ No need for ‘teacher’—I haven’t taught you anything."

"‘Teacher’ sounds friendlier. Supervising teachers are still teachers," Zhixia said with a smile, then pulled out a lunchbox filled with homemade cookies neatly arranged on white parchment. "Teacher Ye, want to try one?"

Though he’d rather eat his meal first, Ye Shuang took a bite out of politeness.

"Not bad," he said, glancing at the remaining half in his hand—and then at Bai Yuyou, who was staring intently. "Want some?"

"Mm." The girl nodded softly.

Ye Shuang was about to ask Zhixia for another piece when Bai Yuyou, taking his nod as permission, leaned in and ate the rest straight from his fingers.

Ye Shuang: "…"