Extra: Perhaps, The Ending Holds Another Meaning

The southwest corner of the banquet hall was like a tranquil island, standing in stark contrast to the surrounding clamor and opulence.

This sense of incongruity stemmed from the presence of a young woman—Gu Ruoxue.

Her beauty was not ostentatious or flamboyant like that of ordinary women; instead, it carried an aura of cool detachment, like the perpetual snow atop an icy mountain, inspiring both awe and an irresistible urge to understand her.

Even amidst the clinking glasses and lively chatter of the banquet, she maintained a dignified and elegant posture, holding a book in one hand and gracefully turning pages with the other, her focus entirely on her reading.

From time to time, glances were cast her way, only to be quickly withdrawn—these usually haughty young masters couldn't help but show a hint of timidity in her presence.

It wasn't entirely due to her beauty, but more so the innate air of authority she carried.

In such an atmosphere, there was one strikingly incongruous presence. That was Su Cheng, who walked over and sat down beside Gu Ruoxue with great ease, as if completely oblivious to the astonished looks from those around them. Strangely, no one found this scene abrupt; on the contrary, they felt the two sitting side by side looked rather well-matched.

Perhaps it was precisely because they formed such a vivid contrast: one cool as frost, the other warm as sunshine.

"I recall reminding you not to disturb me again." Gu Ruoxue did not look up, her voice calm yet carrying a hint of warning. She turned a page, her movements graceful and composed, as if the person before her was of no consequence.

"You certainly did remind me," Su Cheng admitted with a smile, utterly unfazed. "But this time, I've come to repay a past favor." As he spoke, he placed an exquisite black box and two tickets on the table.

Gu Ruoxue finally looked up. Her gaze first fell on the two tickets printed with the word "Zoo," then shifted to the black box, and finally settled on Su Cheng. "It seems you've come prepared."

"A visit to your home in the morning, then we go to the zoo together in the afternoon to see the new arrival 'Xiangxiang,' and by the way, take a look at the golden and silver tabbies," Su Cheng said, as if he had it all planned out, speaking in a continuous stream. "After that, we'll head to the ocean park for a stroll, to put a perfect end to this date."

"Su Cheng."

Gu Ruoxue interrupted him, her tone still calm but carrying an undeniable firmness. "I'm afraid I must disappoint you. You should understand that I cannot accept such an invitation, nor do I have the luxury of time to spend on such places."

Her eyes fell on the black box, her gaze slightly complex. "As for this gift, you'd better keep it yourself. When you've truly figured out your own feelings and made a decision, then it won't be too late to give it."

Her words were measured, clearly stating her position while offering a tactful refusal. Su Cheng looked at her profile, feeling a sense of speechless defeat for the first time.

"Don't be like that," Su Cheng said, his earlier expression fading, replaced by a rare urgency. "I know your concerns, but this time I really just want to thank you."

"Stop." Gu Ruoxue gently set down the book in her hand, her gaze clear and resolute. "I understand your intentions perfectly well, but it's best not to waste such efforts. Given your current situation, what you need most isn't to stir up trouble everywhere, but to seriously consider whether you are truly committed to doing a certain thing."

Su Cheng was momentarily at a loss for words and could only sigh helplessly. "You're always like this, as if you understand everything. Why won't you be a little more patient and listen to what I have to say?"

"Then go ahead and say it."

Gu Ruoxue reopened her book, her tone flat. "I'd like to hear what profound insight you have this time."

"Actually... I wanted to ask for your help." Su Cheng chose his words carefully. "Regarding the student council."

"The student council?" Gu Ruoxue frowned slightly.

"Yes." Su Cheng nodded, moving the black box solemnly in front of her on the table. "Despite saying I want to become student council president, I know I'm indecisive, always doing things in fits and starts. But this time, I'm serious."

Gu Ruoxue looked at the plain black box and remained silent for a long while. The banquet hall lights cast faint shadows on her face, making her expression appear even more profound.

Finally, she slowly opened the box. Inside was a peachwood hairpin, made of common material but with exquisite craftsmanship. At its end was carved a lively, hollowed-out cat pattern.

"The allusion to King Xuan of Zhou and Queen Jiang—are you trying to persuade me with this?" Gu Ruoxue gave a light laugh and closed the box. "I appreciate the sentiment. But some things cannot be resolved with just a hairpin."

There is a famous anecdote about King Xuan of Zhou and Queen Jiang concerning "returning the hairpin to urge governance": it tells of the king neglecting state affairs, and the queen, to admonish him, removed her hairpin and knelt for a long time, signifying she was at fault. King Xuan of Zhou was deeply ashamed and thereafter dedicated himself to diligent governance.

"I just hope..."

"Su Cheng." Gu Ruoxue interrupted him. "You are not a king, and I am not a queen, nor do I wish to become one. If I encounter a problem, I will find a way to solve it myself, not just hope to persuade someone else to help."

Just then, Cornelia came bouncing over, her golden twin-tails swaying lightly with her movements. "That game is no fun at all, there's only one monster."

As Cornelia was about to continue her complaint, she suddenly noticed the black box and zoo tickets on the table and asked curiously, "What's this?"

Gu Ruoxue glanced at Cornelia, who was eager to pick up the black box, and said gently, "Cornelia, some things aren't suitable for you to know just yet."

"Huh? Why not?"

Cornelia tilted her head, a puzzled expression on her face.

"Because some things need to be approached step by step."

Gu Ruoxue stood up, smoothing her skirt. "Just like the games you play, some levels can't be passed by brute force alone. Sometimes you need to pause, think carefully—perhaps it's not a problem you need to face right now."

"Oh, I see!" Cornelia exclaimed in sudden understanding.

"What monster, what's its name?"

Su Cheng quickly seized on the topic to divert attention.

"It seems to be called... Niu Huyuan (Ox Guard)."

Cornelia recalled earnestly.

"Alright, never mind the game for now," Su Cheng frowned slightly. "Big Huang is here. He's waiting for you in the garden outside right now. Go keep him company."

"Big Huang is here? Really? That's great!" Hearing that her old friend had arrived, Cornelia immediately turned and ran outside.

Gu Ruoxue watched Cornelia, who had appeared and disappeared so suddenly, a thoughtful glint flashing in her eyes. She gently closed the book in her hand. "Su Cheng, here's a suggestion from me. You should first figure out what you have the ability to hold onto. Not everyone can maintain a carefree, innocent attitude like Cornelia forever."

"I..." Su Cheng began to speak, but was interrupted.

"As someone associated with public authority, I must lead by example." Gu Ruoxue's voice remained calm, yet carried an undeniable firmness. "My stance is still the same as before. Once you have truly sorted out your thoughts and made a decision, then come find me. That will be soon enough."

Just then, Cornelia came running back through the banquet hall's main entrance.

She first looked at the two of them curiously, then scanned the table, noticing everything was gone. Finally, she said in a voice tinged with worry, "Big Huang seems sick. He looks really unhappy."

"Why do you think he's unhappy?" Su Cheng asked.

Cornelia furrowed her little brow, explaining seriously, "I went to play with him just now, but he kept his head drooped down and didn't even wag his tail. I'm so worried. Is he sick with something?" Her voice took on a hint of grievance as she spoke. "This place is so boring anyway. How about we take him to see a doctor?"

"And in your opinion, what illness does he have?"

Su Cheng asked with keen interest. Gu Ruoxue, though looking down at her book, was clearly listening to their conversation, and the frequency of her page-turning slowed noticeably.

"Hmm..." Cornelia tilted her head in thought for a moment, then her eyes suddenly lit up. "Maybe he has the jade jade sickness!"

"The jade jade sickness?" Su Cheng couldn't help but chuckle, instinctively glancing at Gu Ruoxue. Gu Ruoxue merely curved the corner of her lips slightly and continued focusing on her book.

Su Cheng cleared his throat lightly. "How about this, I'll give you a task. If you can make Big Huang happy again, I have a special reward prepared for you."

"Really?" Cornelia's eyes sparkled as she eagerly pressed, "What is it?"

"Well..." Su Cheng smiled mysteriously. Seeing she couldn't get an answer, Cornelia turned to Gu Ruoxue. "Senior, do you know what to do?"

Gu Ruoxue closed her book elegantly and said mildly, "He said you have to figure it out yourself. If I help by giving ideas, that would be cheating."

Cornelia pouted slightly in disappointment, but soon began thinking seriously again. "Then... how about we find Big Huang a companion? Someone to play with him every day and cheer him up!"

"You're such a little genius."

Su Cheng laughed and took out an exquisite black box from his bag. "This is your reward."

Overjoyed, Cornelia took the box and eagerly opened it, her face instantly registering shock. Inside lay a mutton-fat jade bracelet, pure white and flawless, emitting a warm, gentle luster under the light. The bracelet's design was unique, crafted in the style of bamboo joints, both elegant and lively.

Gu Ruoxue was also drawn to this exquisite gift. In her recollection, regarding gifts for them, Su Cheng almost never chose items of significant monetary value, instead focusing on the sentiment behind them. This move was truly unexpected.

"This is... for me?" Cornelia carefully stroked the jade bracelet, her eyes glistening with surprised tears.

Su Cheng smiled and said, "Try it on."

"Yes!"

Cornelia hurriedly slipped the bracelet onto her right wrist.

"I bought this with the play fees and food money you gave me before," Su Cheng explained. "After deducting the grocery expenses, there was still a lot left, so I specially picked out a piece of jade and had a master craftsman carve it into this bamboo joint style. It symbolizes my wish for you to rise higher with each step in the future."

"But why choose white?"

Cornelia asked curiously.

"Because you are as pure as this jade bracelet."

A blush spread across Cornelia's face, and she shot him a shy, playful glare. Before leaving, she even cast a triumphant glance at Gu Ruoxue, then skipped away happily.

"Can you accept my commission again?"