Revenge from Afar

Around 9 a.m., Lin Yu finished washing up and bounded downstairs, ready to leave S University.

The day before, he’d discovered an incredibly delicious fast-food joint off-campus, especially their pumpkin drink—an absolute masterpiece!

Best of all, it was dirt cheap—just six bucks.

Lin Yu had already made up his mind: before graduating, he was going to drink that heavenly pumpkin beverage until he was sick of it. Otherwise, what would he do after graduation when he couldn’t get it anymore?

Arriving at the main gate of S University, he found the area bustling. At this hour, most students were already up, and since it was the holidays, the foot traffic in and out of campus was especially heavy.

People always said universities were where you’d find the most beautiful girls.

True—but also not quite.

In terms of sheer numbers, universities did outshine other places.

But when it came to the ratio? Not so much.

Most students were just ordinary-looking folks—not ugly by any means, and with a bit of effort, they could even edge into "decent-looking" territory.

For instance, as Lin Yu stood at the gate now, scanning the crowd, he couldn’t spot a single head-turning beauty...

...Wait.

In one direction outside the gate, the eyes of many male students kept darting toward something—or someone—before quickly snapping away, only to sneak another glance moments later.

Instinct told Lin Yu there must be a stunning girl over there. After all, this was exactly how most guys acted around a pretty face: unable to resist looking but too self-conscious to stare outright, afraid of coming off as presumptuous. So they settled for this peek-and-retreat routine.

As someone who’d been approached by enough beauties to grow somewhat jaded, Lin Yu wasn’t about to act like those inexperienced college boys.

If he was going to look, he’d look properly!

What was the point of glancing furtively? You wouldn’t even get a good view.

Oh-ho.

Nice legs—pale, slender, and perfectly straight.

Her figure wasn’t bad either. Though she wasn’t particularly busty, her naturally slim frame balanced things out nicely.

As for her face...

...Gu Yue?!

Lin Yu’s jaw dropped. He looked like he’d just seen a ghost.

Rubbing his eyes, he stared again at the girl who was the spitting image of Gu Yue, half-convinced he was hallucinating.

Over a thousand kilometers away!

Gu Yue’s university was in T City, right next to N City—both a solid thousand-plus kilometers from S City!

At that distance, even an overnight train wouldn’t cut it. And yesterday was Friday—she’d have had classes. How the hell had she made it here by Saturday morning?

By plane?

Was her allowance even that generous?

Still reeling, Lin Yu was snapped back to reality by the sudden ringtone from his pocket.

Watching the girl in the distance press a phone to her ear, he fished out his own device on reflex and glanced at the screen.

Caller ID: Gu Yue.

Even with the mounting coincidences, Lin Yu couldn’t quite believe the girl before him was really her.

It didn’t make sense.

Why would she go to such lengths to come to S City?

Even if she wanted to travel, there was no need to rush like this!

Curious, he answered the call and raised the phone to his ear.

"Long-ge, where are you right now?"

"S University."

"Heh."

"Then guess where I am?"

The girl in the distance flashed a mischievous grin, her tone on the phone playfully secretive—a perfect match.

Lin Yu swallowed hard.

"...At the main gate of S University?"

Silence on the line. The girl’s smile vanished, replaced by a slight frown as she glanced around, seemingly searching for him. After a quick scan, she gave up and turned back.

Then, a puzzled voice came through the speaker:

"How’d you know?"

"I’m watching you from your left."

Gu Yue’s expression shifted to surprise. She immediately lowered the phone and whipped her head to the left—this time spotting Lin Yu, who was roughly the color of charcoal.

No frown. No scowl. Not even a hint of distaste at his currently sun-baked, unflattering complexion. Her fair, delicate face held only the joy of reunion after so long apart.

She was so thrilled she even bounced on her toes, waving enthusiastically before jogging over.

As Gu Yue stopped beside him, Lin Yu stared, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"What are you doing here?"

Her pretty face instantly fell. She delivered a light punch to his shoulder, huffing,

"I’m here for revenge!"

"For lying to me!"

"Not my fault," Lin Yu attempted, defensive.

"You told me your college choices after applications closed. Even if I’d said something, you couldn’t have changed it."

Gu Yue thumped his shoulder again, pouting.

"Still your fault!"

"For not telling me sooner!"

"You got my hopes up for nothing!"

Lin Yu faltered. He had no comeback this time.

Raising his hands in surrender, he conceded,

"Okay, okay. My bad."

Victorious, Gu Yue crossed her arms and lifted her chin with a proud little hum.

Once her temper settled, Lin Yu lowered his hands. He still couldn’t believe she’d traveled a thousand kilometers just to punch him twice. Pressing further, he asked,

"Did you really come all this way just to hit me?"

"Obviously," Gu Yue declared, smug.

"I’ve been wanting to teach you a lesson forever."

To emphasize, she gave his shoulder another light whack, grumbling,

"For lying to me!"

"Alright, alright," Lin Yu surrendered again, hands up.

Satisfied, Gu Yue let out a soft hum and dropped her fist.

After a pause, her demeanor shifted abruptly—confidence waning, her entire posture turning sheepish.

Avoiding his gaze, she tilted her chin up slightly, eyes drifting toward the sky as her voice grew quieter.

"And... um... to celebrate your birthday too, I guess..."

Lin Yu’s eyebrows shot up. Now it made sense—why she’d gone to such lengths to come.

A flicker of relief crossed his mind.

Thank god she’d come today and not tomorrow, his actual birthday. Running into Sister Zhuzi then would’ve been a disaster.

How would he have had time to entertain her?

But today? Perfect. He could treat her properly.

And best of all—without spending a dime!

Qing Mo was footing the bill for lunch. He’d just bring Gu Yue along for a feast, and her presence would even help keep Qing Mo in check.

Flawless plan.

The thought made Lin Yu grin ear to ear.

Turning to Gu Yue, he asked casually,

"Had breakfast yet?"

She shook her head.

"Nope."

"Then let’s get you something good!"

With a grand wave, Lin Yu led the way, thoroughly pleased with how things had turned out.