The Special Building
Located on the eastern side of the campus.
At this moment, the entire building was bustling with club activities. The voices of boys and girls echoed through the halls, mingling with the metallic beats of percussion and the embellishments of clarinets and trumpets. Against the backdrop of this lively BGM, everyone was enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of the afternoon.
However, one room stood out for its unusual quietness, even carrying a faint hint of tension.
Gu Ruoxue, as always.
She sat at her desk, her expression serious and focused as she meticulously handled paperwork. The stacks of documents piled on the desk only emphasized her busy demeanor.
Yet, her beauty remained undiminished. Her breathtakingly beautiful face seemed to radiate an irresistible charm, and even as she worked, her ethereal elegance remained untouched, as if she were a celestial maiden descended from the heavens.
Still, her captivating eyes occasionally flickered toward the door, betraying a hint of distraction. Occasionally, her delicate brows would furrow slightly.
Footsteps gradually approached.
"Knock, knock—"
A knock sounded at the door.
"Come in."
Gu Ruoxue slightly frowned and spoke in a composed tone.
The door creaked open, and Su Cheng stepped inside. His gaze first landed on Gu Ruoxue, who was buried in paperwork, then shifted to the stack of documents beside the computer desk.
With a tone full of self-reproach, he said, "You handle all the club affairs alone. You must be exhausted."
"You should be thanking your lucky stars if you don’t cause me more trouble."
Gu Ruoxue remained unperturbed, her voice as calm as ever.
"I’ll make tea. Take a break."
Su Cheng grinned and walked straight toward the tea cabinet in the corner.
He took out tea leaves and a teapot, then boiled water. As he worked, he asked, "Green tea or black tea?"
Gu Ruoxue, who had been observing him, withdrew her gaze and replied indifferently, "Black tea."
"Got it~"
Su Cheng turned his back to her and resumed his task.
Yet, Gu Ruoxue’s eyes lingered on his figure, as if scrutinizing his every move. However, after just a few seconds, she averted her gaze and lowered her head to continue her work.
After a while, as the kettle heated up, Gu Ruoxue glanced over again and noticed Su Cheng standing by the cabinet once more—this time holding her mug. But unlike before, he raised it up, examining it closely as if studying ceramic craftsmanship.
Gu Ruoxue caught this detail and couldn’t help but frown. The spot Su Cheng was inspecting was where he had once scratched it with a needle. Though she had repaired the mark with paint, a slight difference remained.
Sure enough, Su Cheng suddenly extended a finger and lightly scraped the spot—revealing the faint scar left by the needle.
Something was off.
This was Gu Ruoxue’s immediate thought. This behavior didn’t align with Su Cheng’s usual logic.
His intention was obvious—he hadn’t stumbled upon the flaw by accident. Instead, it seemed he had known the mug might bear such a mark and had deliberately picked it up to confirm his suspicion.
But this didn’t make sense. Su Cheng had never been one to notice such trivial details—otherwise, he would’ve discovered it the very next day. Why wait until now?
At this realization, Gu Ruoxue concluded that yesterday’s attribute points must have granted him some special ability. Yet, this brought her no joy, for she knew all too well that such abilities were never good news.
"Examining a mug for so long—what are you trying to say?"
Gu Ruoxue closed her notebook with a heavy thud, as if sealing her own heart shut. The natural aura of authority around her instantly dropped the temperature in the room.
Su Cheng, who had been absorbed in inspecting the mug, turned around at the sound of her questioning voice. Seeing her expression, he froze for a moment before breaking into a bright smile.
"Nothing much. I just didn’t expect Xiao Xue to be so sharp and meticulous—even noticing and fixing such a tiny scratch on this mug."
"Someone doesn’t take care of property, so I have to be extra careful."
Gu Ruoxue responded coolly, her gaze fixed on Su Cheng as she enunciated each word: "So, care to explain what you’re doing now?"
"Waiting for the water to boil."
Su Cheng pointed at the kettle just as its switch clicked, the boiling water inside producing a rhythmic clinking sound.
He picked up the teapot and began brewing tea.
Gu Ruoxue watched his process—simple and crude.
Toss in the tea leaves, pour hot water. No rinsing, no ceremony—just straight to the point.
Yet, despite his rough technique, Su Cheng mimicked Ji Qingyi’s graceful pouring style, attempting an air of aristocratic elegance that made Gu Ruoxue almost cringe.
Soon, the rich aroma of black tea filled the room. Su Cheng carefully carried the steaming cup over and presented it to Gu Ruoxue with exaggerated reverence.
"This is my painstakingly brewed black tea. Please, have a taste, Madam President."
"It seems you have a unique understanding of the word ‘painstakingly.’"
Gu Ruoxue accepted the cup, glanced at it, then set it aside without drinking. Her calm eyes met Su Cheng’s as she said, "I’d prefer tea that truly reflects effort and focus."
With that, she turned away, her expression neutral once more as she resumed her paperwork.
"I may not understand tea culture, but these pastries are absolutely painstaking."
As he spoke, Su Cheng conjured an array of pastries out of thin air. Neatly arranged, they came in vibrant colors—some round, others more geometrically shaped—all visually appealing. A sweet, enticing fragrance wafted through the air.
Hearing this, Gu Ruoxue glanced at the pastries and froze. Her pupils dilated slightly with shock and confusion as she took in the colorful display.
These were the local pastries from the specialty shop outside the hotel in Su Cheng’s hometown. Just looking at them evoked a flood of memories.
But questions lingered.
Why had he suddenly brought these out?
"A taste of home. Try one."
Su Cheng grinned and settled onto the sofa, leisurely sipping from his mug.
After a brief hesitation, Gu Ruoxue picked up a white pastry and took a bite. The familiar yet distant flavor washed over her as she chewed and swallowed. She lifted her eyes to Su Cheng and remarked coolly, "This time, the word ‘painstakingly’ isn’t wasted."
Her gaze lingered on him before shifting back to the plate of pastries. A vague realization tugged at her mind—he might be trying to convey something. But like a thin veil, the meaning eluded her grasp.
As Su Cheng would say, he had become what he hated most—a riddler.
Just as she continued to try to understand and fathom some deeper meaning, suddenly she noticed that Su Cheng was staring blankly at the bookshelf.
This made her follow his line of sight, and to her surprise, she found a very special book among the row of books.
Before she could open her mouth to ask, Su Cheng suddenly stood up, walked over, took the special book from the bookshelf, and then turned around and handed it to Gu Ruoxue.
"I didn't expect you to read this kind of book," Su Cheng said, looking at her with a rather surprised tone.
"Basic Laws of Web Novel Male Protagonists"
Looking at the title of the book, Gu Ruoxue inexplicably felt a strange sense and even had an illusion of horror after careful thought. She raised her head, tucked her hair behind her ears, and said softly, "I'm just researching the development trend of online literature and the general public's taste. After all, as the minister of the Practice Department, to help others, I need to have an in - depth understanding of various cultural phenomena, whether they are high - brow or popular. Of course, it doesn't mean that I agree with the content of the book. I'm just studying it with a critical eye. In short, I need to have a wide range of knowledge of various literary works to better guide and influence others."
"Really?"
Su Cheng shrugged, then sat on the sofa and said casually, "I thought Xiaoxue, just like Guanqi, regarded me as the male protagonist. She also has this book."
Hearing this, Gu Ruoxue casually opened the book and flipped through it absent - mindedly. Although her face was calm, she had a certain guess in her heart. She thought that the appearance of this book might not be an accidental event, but rather a deliberate move by Su Cheng.
It seemed that he was constantly trying to catch her attention.
"It seems that someone has confused it with real life. I have to admit that you do have certain characteristics, but unfortunately, more or less, everyone in this world has some special qualities," Gu Ruoxue said. At this point, she closed the book and placed it on the side table. She stared at Su Cheng for a while and then said, "Moreover, rummaging through others' private belongings without permission is not the behavior of a protagonist."
"Sorry, sorry."
Su Cheng scratched his head, showing a rather simple - looking smile. He held up a finger and proposed, "I'll punish myself by telling a story for my recklessness."
"Story?"
Gu Ruoxue raised her eyebrows. She glanced at Su Cheng, then picked up a pastry with her delicate finger, put it into her cherry - like small lips, slowly bit into it, and sipped a mouthful of black tea. Then she asked with great interest, "Let's hear it."
"Um... How about a story of a princess and a prince?"
Su Cheng pretended to be in deep thought, and then without further ado, he started to tell the story slowly. His face became kind, and his tone became gentle. It was as if he were an old man specialized in telling stories. His voice was melodious and low, making people get lost in it as soon as they listened.
Gu Ruoxue quietly listened to the story he was telling.
There was an extremely serious look on her focused face.
After more than ten minutes.
The story came to an end.
"And so, the prince and the princess lived happily ever after!"
When Su Cheng read this paragraph, he suddenly stood up, opened his arms, and his voice became much louder. It was as if he were venting all the pent - up emotions deep in his heart, or as if he were happy that the princess and the prince had found happiness. In short, his tone became very excited.
This startled Gu Ruoxue. Before she could scold him, a sudden inspiration flashed through her mind. It was as if she had grasped something. She felt that she was getting closer and closer to the answer.
Su Cheng's emotional change was definitely not for no reason.
This meaningful change, combined with his previous suspicious behaviors, must contain some kind of message.
Although she could directly ask Su Cheng, her pride prevented her from opening her mouth to seek confirmation. She would rather search for the answer slowly.
Because she vaguely felt that these answers could bring her a great shock.
"Someone's coming,"
Just then, the sound of footsteps came from outside the door. Su Cheng gave a reminder and then picked up his teacup to drink tea.
Gu Ruoxue immediately gathered her thoughts and regained her usual aloof and cold appearance. She sat gracefully on the chair, waiting for the knock on the door.
"Knock, knock, knock!"
The door was knocked.
"Come in,"
Gu Ruoxue issued a cold, slightly hoarse and charming voice.
Then, a male student in school uniform came into view as he pushed the door open.
Gu Ruoxue glanced at him briefly. She noticed that the person who came in first looked at Su Cheng beside her. This made her realize that the student was probably here to see Su Cheng. Therefore, she focused her attention on the student and waited for him to speak.
Sure enough, she heard him say, "Minister Gu, sorry to bother you. I hope you don't mind."
"It doesn't matter. What can I do for you?"
Gu Ruoxue asked politely. Her gaze stayed on this boy. She knew his name was Hoshino Yikui.
"This..."
Hoshino Yikui looked at Su Cheng sitting calmly beside him with a somewhat embarrassed look and hesitated to speak.
Seeing this, Su Cheng stood up and said in surprise, "Senior, are you here to see me? Could it be about the...?"
However, before Su Cheng could finish speaking, Hoshino Yikui rushed up and covered his mouth. Then he quickly pulled Su Cheng to the corner of the room. He smiled at Gu Ruoxue and then whispered to Su Cheng, "Junior Su Cheng, please shut up first! Don't tell anyone about this."
"Mm - mm! Mm - mm - mm - mm!"
Su Cheng shook his head desperately, indicating that he understood and promised not to say a word.
Then Hoshino Yikui let go of his hand. He tidied up his clothes, looked at Gu Ruoxue politely, and apologized, "Sorry, I need to talk to Junior Su Cheng about something."
"It's okay. Minister Gu knows about this,"
Suddenly, Su Cheng beside him said something astonishing, which almost made Hoshino Yikui jump up. He stared at Su Cheng in shock and said in disbelief, "What did you say?"
"I mean, our minister knows about the Penguin Prince incident," Su Cheng then added, "Not only does she know, but she also knows about the entanglement between the Penguin Prince and you guys."
"How is that possible!?"
Hoshino Yikui was completely dumbfounded. He looked at Su Cheng and couldn't help but question, "I told you not to tell anyone about this, and you promised me at that time."
"I'm a man of my word," Su Cheng quickly waved his hand, showing an extremely wronged expression as if he had been wrongly accused.
"Then..."
Hoshino Yikui looked at the cold and beautiful Gu Ruoxue in a state of confusion. After seeing her nod slightly, he looked at Su Cheng beside him again and asked, "Then how does Minister Gu know about this?"
"Of course, I told her,"
Su Cheng folded his arms across his chest, nodded, and spoke again.
Hoshino Yikui: …
"Okay, have you finished talking?"
Gu Ruoxue broke the tense atmosphere between the two and said indifferently, "Everything he does at school needs to be reported to the club. This is the club's rule."
"Ah?"
Hoshino Yikui was momentarily stunned, but then grew even more bewildered. He turned to give Su Cheng a strange look, only for Su Cheng to suddenly lean in and whisper in his ear, "Actually... my relationship with her is complicated. Plus, she’s super controlling—I have to report everything I do to her."
"Huh?"
Hearing this, Hoshino Yikui froze again, his gaze darting blankly between Gu Ruoxue and Su Cheng, unable to snap out of it. Clearly, the revelation had left him deeply shaken.
Meanwhile, Gu Ruoxue, who had overheard Su Cheng’s hushed words, stiffened for a split second as she poured tea into a disposable cup. But she quickly regained her composure, acting as though she hadn’t heard a thing.
"Please, have a seat."
Gu Ruoxue set the cup on the table and gestured for them to sit.
The two complied, each taking their place.
"Senpai, if there’s anything you need, you can submit a request to the club. Anything at all," Su Cheng chimed in first, grinning as he made the suggestion.
Gu Ruoxue lifted her head, her cool eyes locking onto Su Cheng, as if realizing he had somehow anticipated Hoshino Yikui’s visit.
It almost seemed like he had planned everything in advance.
"Um..."
Hoshino Yikui hesitated, staring at the cup of black tea in front of him. He wasn’t sure whether to take a sip first to soothe his throat or finish speaking before touching the cup.
After all, what he was about to ask of Su Cheng was no small favor. And given the strange dynamic between Su Cheng and Gu Ruoxue, involving Su Cheng in this matter felt particularly inappropriate.
"Senpai, just say what’s on your mind. No matter what it is, it’s not a problem," Su Cheng said encouragingly, as if reading Hoshino Yikui’s hesitation.
Gu Ruoxue remained silent, her sharp gaze fixed on Hoshino Yikui, trying to decipher his expression. But to her disappointment, all she saw was awkwardness and discomfort—nothing more.
Finally, Hoshino Yikui steeled himself and blurted out, "President Gu, I’m in a bit of trouble and need Su Cheng’s help. And it has to be him."
"Oh?"
Gu Ruoxue had already guessed where this was going, but she feigned ignorance. "What is it?"
"Ahem."
Hoshino Yikui cleared his throat, visibly embarrassed, but he pressed on, recounting everything that had happened at the rooftop earlier that afternoon.
As he spoke, Gu Ruoxue’s expression grew increasingly peculiar. She turned to Su Cheng, suspicion flashing in her eyes—clearly, the woman who had gone to the rooftop at noon was none other than Li Guanqi.
And he had actually sent Li Guanqi to handle this?!
And what was this about a "Crown Princess"?!
"So," Hoshino Yikui stood up abruptly, then performed a deep, traditional bow—kneeling on the floor in front of Gu Ruoxue. "President Gu, please help me. Help my sister. Her condition is really bad right now!"
The words spilled out of him in a rush.
"Stand up first."
"Yes."
"Then, what exactly do you need Su Cheng to do?"
Gu Ruoxue pondered for a moment before asking slowly.
Hoshino Yikui brightened and answered earnestly, "I just need Su Cheng to pretend he’s possessed by the Penguin Prince and visit my sister. I’ll tell him exactly what to do!"
Gu Ruoxue sighed, rubbing her temples as if nursing a headache. "I can’t give you a definite answer right now. But go back for now. I’ll discuss it with him and let you know later."
Hearing this, Hoshino Yikui glanced at Su Cheng, who gave him a firm nod in response.
"Thank you, President Gu! Thank you, Su Cheng!" Overwhelmed with gratitude, Hoshino Yikui bowed repeatedly as he backed toward the door, where Su Cheng saw him out.
After escorting him out, Su Cheng returned to the sofa, picked up his teacup, and smiled faintly. He looked up, his tone somewhere between amusement and curiosity.
"Feels strangely dramatic, doesn’t it? Quite the twist of fate, wouldn’t you say?"