Let us rewind time a few hours earlier.
Near the campus, there was a small, newly opened café. Rumors had it that this café was the pet project of a certain board member of the school. As a result, both teachers and students were eager to visit, savoring a cup of rich coffee and enjoying a moment of tranquility amidst their busy schedules.
However, today the café welcomed a special guest. Her aura was transcendent, standing out even among the students of this elite academy. She was like a snow lotus from the Tianshan Mountains—pure and sacred, inspiring admiration yet deterring any thought of disrespect.
Even the café’s specially invited piano prodigy was captivated by her unique presence, and a faint sense of admiration stirred in his heart.
Unconsciously, his gaze lingered on her, causing him to strike a wrong note. Fortunately, he snapped back to attention in time, masking the mistake with his melody.
He let out a quiet sigh of relief, but the aristocratic students in the café still noticed his momentary slip. For a brief moment, the entire café fell into silence.
Even those who had been sipping coffee or whispering sweet nothings turned their heads toward him.
Yet, none of them criticized him. Instead, they simply resumed their activities, allowing him to exhale in relief. He swore to himself that he wouldn’t make such a mistake again—otherwise, he might lose this job.
However, before he could uphold this resolution, the café’s glass door swung open.
He instinctively glanced over, and that single glance led him to commit the biggest mistake of his life.
A black-haired young woman with an overwhelmingly oppressive aura stepped inside. Her entire being exuded a chilling presence, as if freezing the air around her, making it hard for anyone to breathe.
The aristocratic students, whom he usually had to treat with utmost care, actually stepped aside for her, clearing a path as if afraid to meet her gaze. They lowered their heads as she passed, not daring to look at her directly.
This imposing black-haired young woman walked slowly and gracefully into the café, heading straight for the ethereal girl sitting in the corner.
At that moment, the pianist’s fingers faltered again. His heartbeat pounded in his ears, loud enough to leap out of his throat.
Realizing his blunder, he hurriedly closed the piano lid and wiped the sweat from his face.
He stepped down from the piano platform and bowed deeply to the café’s patrons, his voice rushed and slightly trembling as he apologized for his nervousness and mistake.
"Don’t worry about it," the barista, who was preparing coffee, said gently. "Just make sure it doesn’t happen again."
"Th-thank you!" The pianist bowed deeply in gratitude, then hesitantly lifted his head, his gaze drifting back toward the corner.
There, the noble and intimidating young woman had already taken a seat across from the poised and aloof girl.
"Stop staring. You wouldn’t want to upset them," the barista noticed his lingering gaze and kindly warned him. "After all, they’re not ordinary people."
"Right," the pianist shuddered at her words and immediately lowered his head, resisting the urge to steal another glance at the two young women.
………………………………
On the table between the two girls sat a cup of clear tea, its steam curling gently in the air, filling the café with a soothing fragrance that created a serene atmosphere.
"I didn’t think you’d come," Gu Ruoxue lifted the teacup, her fingers lightly brushing its rim. She took a small sip before setting it down, her tone calm and composed.
Meanwhile, the barista from the counter brought over a fresh cup of tea and placed it in front of Ji Qingyi, smiling warmly as she said, "Please enjoy."
"Thank you," Ji Qingyi nodded politely at her former senior, now the café owner, expressing her gratitude.
She then picked up the tea and took a delicate sip, her tongue dancing with the tea’s aroma. "Not bad. It’s quite delicious," she remarked in appreciation.
"I’m glad you like it," the café owner replied cheerfully. "You two are honored guests here, after all. Well, I won’t disturb your reunion. Take your time."
"Mm," Ji Qingyi gave a slight nod, her voice soft as she watched the owner walk away, her figure disappearing into the other corners of the café.
"Speak. Tell me everything you know."
Ji Qingyi cut straight to the point, her voice icy and unwavering, leaving no room for hesitation or evasion.
"That tone of yours doesn’t sound like someone asking for information."
Gu Ruoxue chuckled lightly, entirely unbothered. She maintained her graceful, almost ethereal demeanor. "I was hoping this conversation could be more direct, more honest. Can you manage that?"
"Honest? I must say, I’m surprised to hear such words from you."
Ji Qingyi’s gaze swept over Gu Ruoxue with a hint of amusement. "This straightforward side of you is rare. When did you become so candid?"
"Truthfully, I’d rather not be. But if we can both be more open, wouldn’t that make things simpler and faster?"
Gu Ruoxue replied calmly, "Every minute we waste could mean missing something important. Do you understand what I’m saying?"
"Important?"
At that word, Ji Qingyi let out a disdainful laugh. "Hmph. Are you referring to matters concerning Su Cheng?"
"If you already know, why bother asking?"
Gu Ruoxue frowned, her patience thinning.
"Ha. What’s important to you may not hold the same weight for me. To me, he’s merely an outstanding junior—nothing more. Why are you so certain he matters to me in the same way?"
Ji Qingyi smirked, shaking her head with a mix of exasperation and mockery.
"It seems you really can’t be honest about your feelings."
Gu Ruoxue massaged her temples in mild frustration. She understood Ji Qingyi’s reaction all too well—this was nothing but textbook tsundere behavior.
By feigning indifference, Ji Qingyi was forcing her to lower her guard and take the role of the one seeking help.
It was a tactic that left Gu Ruoxue feeling somewhat helpless.
She knew she couldn’t resort to threats.
For example: "You wouldn’t want Su Cheng to hear what you just said, would you?"
But she couldn’t. Right now, she needed to use more rational and carefully chosen words to persuade the other party.
"His recent behavior has been erratic, even daring to disrespect me. What about him is still worth my concern?"
Ji Qingyi let out a cold laugh. "If you're willing to set aside your pride and ask me for help, I might—for the sake of our past friendship—lend you a hand. And while I’m at it, I’d gladly teach him a lesson."
Gu Ruoxue fell silent for a long moment, as if time itself had frozen. Her gaze fixed on some distant point, lost in deep contemplation.
Finally, she sighed softly and countered, "Do you really think I should do this? Do you honestly believe I could bring myself to think that way?"
"We’re still concerned about his future, yet he doesn’t spare a thought for ours."
Ji Qingyi picked up her porcelain teacup again, every movement exuding an air of grace and nobility. She took a delicate sip, letting the tea’s faint bitterness linger on her tongue before remarking offhandedly, "Is a man like him truly worth your unwavering attachment? My advice? Cut your losses early, just as I did. Abandon that foolish hope of holding onto him."
Gu Ruoxue’s expression stiffened, as if struck by a surge of emotion.
Ji Qingyi had even gone so far as to say such things just to make her yield.
Speaking those words must have pained Ji Qingyi too, yet she delivered them with resolute determination.
Gu Ruoxue drew a slow, deep breath. She lifted her teacup and took a small sip, perhaps masking the fleeting complexity in her eyes. Then, raising her head, she met Ji Qingyi’s gaze with rare solemnity.
"His disregard for our future is precisely what secures his own. Our concern for him, however, defines ours."
Her voice was firm, almost like a vow. "In the end, we must find our path between these two. How can we simply drift with the tide?"