This Friday's Open Class

At that very moment—

"Knock, knock, knock~"

A knocking sound came from outside the door.

"Come in."

After Ji Qingyi spoke, a woman in a sleek suit entered, bowing respectfully and saying, "Young Mistress, it's time for you to leave for class."

Ji Qingyi gave a slight nod. "Understood."

Then, Su Cheng and Ji Qingyi walked together toward the classroom.

Su Cheng glanced at the poised and graceful Ji Qingyi beside him.

He couldn’t help but sigh inwardly: Even with his system, he felt he could never measure up to a woman like her—so brilliant, with wisdom and insight beyond the ordinary, not to mention beauty and power that left everyone in awe.

And on top of that, she was the princess of the Ji family.

"President," he suddenly called out, struck by the thought.

Ji Qingyi turned her head slightly, signaling for him to continue.

Su Cheng hesitated for a moment before asking, "The answer you said you’d give me when we got back… could you tell me now?"

Ji Qingyi remained expressionless, her voice cool. "Are you afraid to face it?"

"No, just curious. It’s itching at me."

"You’ll find out when we return."

"Oh." Seeing her refusal, Su Cheng could only nod and drop the matter.

Walking side by side across campus, the two naturally drew many gazes.

Ahead of them, in a nearby courtyard, a disheveled girl carrying a chessboard suddenly emerged, catching Su Cheng’s attention.

It was Si Jing—the girl he’d made a prior arrangement with!

Su Cheng stole a glance at Ji Qingyi beside him, but her expression remained unreadable, showing no reaction whatsoever. He quickly averted his gaze.

However, Si Jing had already approached, seemingly spotting Su Cheng. Her right hand, holding the chessboard, trembled, nearly causing her to stumble. She hastily looked around before rushing over to block their path.

She completely ignored Ji Qingyi standing beside him.

Stopping in front of them, she pointed at the pavilion and addressed Su Cheng directly. "Su Cheng, how about a match next Monday at noon? Right there in the pavilion."

Su Cheng stared at her blankly.

Meanwhile, Ji Qingyi’s icy gaze swept over Si Jing, so cold and indifferent that passersby instinctively shivered and took a step back.

At the same time, two suited attendants materialized behind each of the girls, standing silently yet exuding an intimidating aura, as if a fight could break out at any second.

Su Cheng: "?"

Honestly, he was utterly baffled, but Ji Qingyi remained unfazed, not even raising an eyebrow. She merely signaled with her eyes, and the two attendants vanished back into the nearby woods.

Everything happened so fast that Su Cheng barely had time to react. By the time he regained his composure, Si Jing’s two suited men had also disappeared—as if they’d never been there. But he knew they hadn’t left; they were likely lurking somewhere in the shadows, watching.

This whole scene made him want to facepalm. These two girls could probably dismantle a mech with their bare hands—they were practically humanoid war machines!

What did they need bodyguards for in school?

What a waste of resources.

"It seems our little exchange has upset some people," Si Jing remarked, tilting her head slightly and looking at Su Cheng with a pout, as if she’d been wronged.

"The Si family’s etiquette education seems lacking. A crash course in manners is long overdue," Ji Qingyi said, her voice as emotionless as her expression, not even bothering with unnecessary words.

"I didn’t block your way. Why are you being so mean?"

Si Jing grumbled, her entire demeanor oozing resentment.

Su Cheng: "…"

He silently looked away.

Ji Qingyi ignored her complaints and walked past her without a word. Su Cheng hurried after her, pausing only to say to Si Jing, "Got it."

"You’re into chess now?"

Ji Qingyi glanced at him sideways, her face unreadable.

Su Cheng: "…Ahem."

Though embarrassed, he forced himself to explain. "Last time, I played a game with someone from class. I cheated and won, but somehow word got out that I’m some chess prodigy. Next thing I knew, she came looking for me."

He added at the end, "I’ll go next Monday, but I plan to lose. That should kill her interest in me."

"I see." Ji Qingyi nodded thoughtfully, then said, "Stay away from corporate heirs."

"Understood." Su Cheng nodded obediently, though he couldn’t help but think, You’re the biggest corporate heir of them all.

"Hm." Ji Qingyi gave a slight nod.

When they entered the lecture hall, the room fell silent for a split second before buzzing back to life.

Su Cheng scanned the room and froze when his eyes landed on a certain idiot clutching a sunflower—so much so that he nearly facepalmed right then and there.

It was none other than Cornelia.

She noticed him too but remained seated, staring down at the sunflower in her arms.

Why bring a sunflower to class?! Don’t you feel ridiculous?!

Su Cheng screamed internally, only to turn his head and see something even more absurd.

Ailiya had a cactus placed on her desk.

Talk about two peas in a pod.

Their bizarre behavior was truly on the same level!

Ji Qingyi glanced at Cornelia before heading to her usual seat.

Relieved that Ji Qingyi didn’t seem bothered, Su Cheng followed and sat beside her.

No sooner had he taken his seat than Xuan Ying and her two friends walked in. Their eyes immediately sought him out before they casually took nearby seats, pulling out tissues to wipe their chairs and desks—clearly preparing for a serious study session.

He sighed inwardly, but before he could fully relax, Gu Ruoxue strode in.

Without even glancing around, she walked straight over and sat right behind Su Cheng.

Two distinct fragrances wafted into his nose, making his body stiffen as memories of being pinched by both girls resurfaced.

"Su Cheng’s former club president and current club president!"

"Are they gonna start fighting?"

"Is this the legendary showdown?"

Whispers erupted around them. Despite their fear of Ji Qingyi, curiosity got the better of some, and they sneaked glances in their direction.

Soon, class began. The professor’s animated lecture did little to hold Su Cheng’s attention—his mind was too preoccupied with thoughts of returning home after class.

The idea of going back excited him, but it also stirred unease and worry about the past, leaving him in a terrible state.

"What’s wrong?"

Ji Qingyi’s voice pulled him back to reality.

Her tone was gentle, and Su Cheng blinked in surprise before replying, "It’s nothing."

"You’re avoiding something," Ji Qingyi stated firmly. "Or rather, you’re afraid of something."