Extra Story: Afterword—Resolving Internal Conflicts

Early morning, the student council office.

Su Cheng arrived at the office bright and early.

With the new semester just starting, everything needed to be rebuilt from the ground up. Many processes and systems weren't formally established yet, requiring him to perfect them one by one.

The sheer volume of work had completely exceeded his expectations.

"If only Senior Li Zhao hadn't graduated. Otherwise, I'd definitely hide a coin-operated rocking horse in the lounge for her to play on while doing odd jobs."

Su Cheng rubbed his sore temples, muttering to himself.

He set down his pen, intending to take a sip of hot tea to refresh himself, when he suddenly realized—he had come an hour early today specifically, and in this vast office, he was the only one guarding a desk piled high with documents.

He sighed helplessly and lowered his head to continue handling affairs.

But not long after, his hand holding the pen suddenly paused.

Because he caught the familiar scent of tea.

The next second,

a cup of hot tea was placed silently beside his hand.

Su Cheng looked up and saw Si Jing standing beside the desk. She had already straightened up and was quietly watching him.

"Thank you." Su Cheng smiled at her, picked up the teacup, but didn't drink. He just gently blew on it to cool it, then set it aside before speaking. "Why are you here so early today?"

"Not just today, but every day."

Si Jing's voice was very soft. Though her tone was mild, Su Cheng sensed a rare trace of seriousness in it.

She turned gracefully, her black-silk-clad jade-like feet carrying her to the side, arriving at her own desk. She pulled out a stack of documents from the desk and placed them directly in front of Su Cheng.

"You can take a short break." She lifted her gaze, looking deeply at Su Cheng. "I've already outlined some of the tedious tasks for you, arranged in order of priority and urgency."

Su Cheng was stunned.

"The framework for the new semester's preparations, I've already coordinated it."

Si Jing's eyes, calm as the sea, now seemed to shimmer with a soft light. "I had someone deliver it to each class monitor's home a while ago, and all the acknowledgments have been received."

"Uh..."

For a moment, Su Cheng didn't know what to say.

Because this was originally his own responsibility. He had never thought of having others do it for him. They had even offered to help proactively before. But in the end, he had sternly refused them all.

Now, Si Jing had taken matters into her own hands like this.

He truly didn't know whether to criticize or praise her.

"Well done." His expression blank, he lowered his head and swiftly scanned the various items. After confirming there were no oversights, he looked up and said solemnly, "Don't do this again next time."

"I just wanted to help you." Si Jing responded calmly, yet in a tone that carried an underlying meaning. "What's most important for you right now is to take a break and attend to more important matters."

Su Cheng was taken aback, suddenly understanding her meaning.

He hadn't expected that she had been aware of it all along.

That's right, one matter had been troubling him recently.

But because of a heavy and complex workload, he had been forced to set it aside for the time being.

Now, with her sharing the burden, he could indeed breathe a sigh of relief.

And this important matter concerned Li Guanqi.

After Li Guanqi unlocked her ability to show facial expressions, she would usually practice them and was willing to reveal a bit of her true emotions.

But this didn't last long. Because he had skipped a grade, she had completely reverted to that expressionless "sanwu" girl — the moe archetype of a quiet, emotionless girl. Moreover, whenever she looked his way he kept catching a fleeting glimpse of loneliness in her eyes.

Countless times, Su Cheng wanted to take the initiative to talk to her heart-to-heart.

But she seemed to anticipate his intentions every time, skillfully changing the subject and shutting out all concern with her silence.

He knew well the blow that skipping a grade was to Li Guanqi. They used to be in the same class, spending days together, but now he had jumped to Ji Qingyi's class.

This meant—

When he graduated, she wouldn't have graduated yet.

When everyone else graduated, she wouldn't have graduated yet.

In the end, she would be left alone, remaining in this campus.

As for why he skipped a grade?

Of course, for the sake of authority and legitimacy.

Alright, it was because Ji Qingyi demanded it.

It was a condition for assisting him.

It would have been fine if Li Guanqi skipped a grade with her.

But she had outright refused this matter.

He naturally understood that she was expressing her dissatisfaction.

She was dissatisfied that he had made the decision on his own (without authorization), without discussing it with her.

And at the same time, she had quite a few objections to Ji Qingyi's arrangement.

Otherwise, after the freshman ceremony concluded, she wouldn't have confronted Ji Qingyi head-on, reigniting yet another much-anticipated showdown (a love-triangle/rivalry conflict).

"It takes the one who tied the bell to untie it."

Si Jing walked over, refilled her teacup, and softly advised: "Just like how you worked so hard to guide me back then, perhaps try using the same approach to guide her."

Su Cheng sighed lightly, looked at her, and said sincerely: "Thank you."

Si Jing didn't respond, only smiled slightly, turned, and returned to her seat to begin handling her own affairs.

Su Cheng quietly gazed at her retreating figure until the tea fragrance once again wafted to his nose. Only then did he withdraw his gaze and take a sip of hot tea.

Coincidentally, the mahogany door was pushed open.

"Good morning, Junior." Liu Qingyue entered, full of energy. She first greeted Su Cheng, then seeing Si Jing beside him, followed with a somewhat reluctant, "Good morning, Secretary."

Si Jing nodded, returning a polite acknowledgment.

"I'm in the same grade as you now, you should change how you address me."

Su Cheng performed his daily correction.

But as soon as he finished speaking, he saw Ji Qingyi standing tall behind Liu Qingyue. She slightly lifted her delicate chin, her tone cool yet carrying a hint of teasing: "Good morning, President."

"Chairman, there's something I'd like to discuss with you privately."

Su Cheng stood up, his tone carrying seriousness and gravity.

Hearing the form of address "Chairman," Ji Qingyi's eyes flickered slightly, but she did not hesitate. She gave a slight nod and, with graceful steps, turned and walked toward the outside of the office.

Su Cheng followed closely behind.

"Looks like something interesting is about to happen." Liu Qingyue watched the two figures leaving, thoughtful, then leaned closer to Si Jing. "You took the initiative to complete the things on the President's desk, didn't you?"

"So what if I did?"

Si Jing remained focused on the work at hand.

"Then you wouldn't want Gu Ruoxue to find out about this, would you?"

…………………………

"Good morning, President. Good morning, Vice President."

"President, Vice President."

"..."

Su Cheng and Ji Qingyi walked side by side. The students they passed stepped aside to make way and greeted them respectfully. Even the greetings were brief and reserved, as if afraid of disturbing this solemn atmosphere.

One phrase could summarize Su Cheng's current status—

Three thousand nobles fill the academy, yet upon seeing Cheng, all must bow.

The two arrived at the lake at the end of the school path.

Ji Qingyi stopped and turned. Her beautiful eyes, still as stagnant water without a ripple, gazed deeply at Su Cheng, waiting for him to speak.

The morning breeze gently tousled her black hair and the hem of her skirt.

Her flawless features, combined with the beauty mark at the corner of her eye, inexplicably gave off an indescribable, captivating allure.

The superimposition of beauty, enchantment, and coldness leaves one utterly captivated at first sight.

"Finally, I can walk alongside you instead of looking up at you."

Su Cheng sighed with emotion. He stepped forward, stopping in front of Ji Qingyi. His deep eyes met hers as he spoke gravely: "Just as I said back then, one day I would stand by your side."

"Congratulations."

Ji Qing-Cat gracefully lifted her jade-like hand to tuck the wind-blown strands of hair behind her ear. Her voice was as calm as ever: "But I suppose you didn't come just to say these things to me?"

"Indeed, nothing can escape your notice."

Su Cheng gestured, inviting her into the pavilion. Ji Qing-Cat stepped inside, smoothing her skirt as she took a seat by the stone table near the lake. Su Cheng, however, did not sit. Instead, he stood behind her.

"President, now that the dust has settled." Su Cheng reached out and began gently kneading her shoulders, his tone peaceful yet earnest: "I owe my achievements today entirely to your help during this period."

"Why stand on ceremony between us?" Ji Qing-Cat's delicate brows slightly furrowed. She reached up with her slender hand, grasped Su Cheng's wrist, and pulled him down to sit on the stone stool beside her. Her tone held a rare hint of reproach: "What kind of spectacle is this, carrying on like that in such a public place?"

"Others wish they could get a massage but can't."

Su Cheng's tone carried a note of pride. He took the opportunity to grasp Ji Qing-Cat's delicate hand, holding it in his palm, feeling its fine, slightly cool texture. Soft, fragrant, smooth.

Ji Qing-Cat simply let him hold it quietly.

Su Cheng's tone suddenly turned solemn: "Then I'll speak plainly. I finally have the energy to spare now to handle important matters close to me. So, there are some things I wish to discuss properly with you."

"It's about Li Guanqi, isn't it?"

Ji Qing-Cat's face remained placid. But her hand suddenly turned over, gripping his, their fingers interlacing with a slight, firm pressure, as if the strength conveyed a certain emotion.

Yes, it was dissatisfaction.

Su Cheng felt the pain but did not pull away.

Instead, he gripped back even tighter.

A secret contest of strength began between them.

"Yes, but not entirely."

Su Cheng's voice was calm, but his gaze met hers unflinchingly: "In the past, I was like an omnipotent Doraemon for all of you, always able to pull out a magical gadget to solve any problem. But now I am no longer that. There are no omnipotent tools, and I am no longer an all-capable Doraemon."

"So, what are you trying to say?"

"I need your help."

"And what if I refuse?" Ji Qing-Cat's expression remained unruffled, but the strength in her hand did not lessen.

Hearing this, Su Cheng seemed to lose all his tactics and strength.

Feeling Su Cheng's grip weaken, Ji Qing-Cat stopped applying force.

Her beautiful eyes gazed deeply at Su Cheng, her voice calm yet carrying a trace of questioning: "You think pretending to be pitiful will make me soften?"

"Hah."

Su Cheng stood up and released her hand.

Looking down at her, he enunciated each word clearly: "Vice President Ji, I think you've misunderstood one thing. This matter is not my personal affair, but official business that needs to be resolved within the student council."

Hearing this, Ji Qing-Cat also stood up, meeting his gaze.

"As student council president, I have the responsibility to bear and resolve all troubles related to this matter." Su Cheng's expression was serious, his tone resolute: "And you, as vice president, also have the responsibility to assist me in completing this task. Otherwise, don't blame me for exercising the president's authority."

"Then I'd like to see how you plan to exercise that authority." Ji Qing-Cat faced him with composure, not retreating in the slightest.

"You sit down first."

Su Cheng spoke in a calm, peaceful tone, asking Ji Qing-Cat to sit down first. Then he raised his hand, making a flicking gesture aimed at her smooth forehead, poised to flick.

"You still have the nerve?"

Ji Qing-Cat's gaze was calm, her face showing no fear.

"What a student council president needs most is daring — that's what you taught me. Now is precisely the time to use it," Su Cheng said with full determination. He curled his thumb and forefinger, aimed them directly at Ji Qing-Cat's smooth forehead, and flicked downward without hesitation!

"Thock~"

The sound was clean and crisp.

Proof enough of a good head.

His flick wasn't very hard.

But Ji Qing-Cat froze there, her beautiful eyes wide open, as if struck by some impact, her whole person petrified.

She didn't even raise a hand to cover her now slightly pink forehead.

She just remained in that posture, staring dumbfounded at Su Cheng.

Su Cheng withdrew his hand, looking down at her with a perfectly serious expression.

The atmosphere seemed to freeze for a few seconds.

Ji Qing-Cat finally snapped out of it. Her beautiful eyes were still calm, though for an instant, a flash of embarrassed annoyance and indignation crossed them. She stood up, pressed him back onto the stool with undeniable force, positioned herself behind him, and the moment her jade-like fingers landed, crisp cracking sounds from his joints followed in succession. It was less like a massage and more like precise pressure application.

Su Cheng didn't make a sound, but a vein throbbed at his temple, his face flushed a deep, nearly blood-red color. The resistance of his body was written plain as day, yet his mouth still refused to yield.

"Did you skip breakfast?"

His voice was pressed very low, unclear whether it was questioning or sarcasm, yet it carried an undeniable forcefulness.

This was daring — mere mortal wounds.

"Actually, there's one more thing I plan to discuss with you."

Su Cheng let out a soft exhale, as if alleviating discomfort: "Your birthday is in a few days. Let me handle the arrangements, okay?"

The strength in Ji Qing-Cat's hands relaxed slightly.

"Do you have any requests regarding it?"

Su Cheng spoke again.

Hearing this, Ji Qing-Cat released her hands.

"If not, then I have a surprise prepared for you."

"To actually use such methods, you've truly learned it all." Her tone held no more anger, returning to its usual calmness, seeming like compromise, yet also like resignation: "You arrange it."

Having received a definite reply.

A smile bloomed on Su Cheng's face, but the next second he slumped onto the stone table like limp mud, though the curve of his mouth remained Nike-like — a persistent smirk.

"Tell me, what do you need me to do?"

Ji Qing-Cat realigned his bones for him, producing a 'crack' sound.

Su Cheng's face contorted in pain.

"It's simple. You and I work together to make her smile."

…………………………

Noon.

Lunch break.

Su Cheng walked out of the classroom. He didn't head to the cafeteria or the student council room, but instead made his way towards the area belonging to the second-year classrooms.

Along the way, many student council members greeted him. Su Cheng nodded in response, arriving all the way at Class 2-2.

"President, good afternoon!!!!"

"Greetings!!!"

"Good noon!!"

He ran headlong into the trio of Wang Guancong and his friends. Each of them greeted him in an extremely exaggerated, loud voice, attracting many surrounding glances.

"Alright, alright."

Su Cheng raised his hand helplessly, signaling them to stop fooling around.

"The president is here?!"

Just then, several graceful figures emerged from the classroom. Among them, Xuan Ying, sharp-eyed, spotted Su Cheng and immediately waved in delighted surprise: "President!"

Instantly, four graceful figures clustered around.

Zhao Yan, Xu Tianyi, and Class Monitor Li Wen.

Seeing this, Wang Guancong and his trio tactfully began to disperse.

"Did you come back to Class 2 for something today?" Xuan Ying's baby-faced cheeks were brimming with joy as she stared at Su Cheng with great expectation.

"Nothing much. I have some business with the vice president." Su Cheng's gaze swept over the girls as he spoke with a smile: "Is she in the classroom?"

Xuan Ying and Zhao Yan's faces visibly fell. Zhao Yan stepped aside, pointing into the classroom: "She's inside."

"Go about your business. I need to discuss something with the vice president."

Su Cheng nodded in acknowledgment and stepped into Class 2.

Several pairs of eyes followed his retreating figure.

Inside the classroom, it was very quiet.

Only the sound of a book being closed.

Li Guanqi rose from her seat, her gaze meeting Su Cheng's.

"Come with me."

Su Cheng's eyes were calm, her tone even.

Hearing this, Li Guanqi followed behind Su Cheng without a word.

One after the other, they walked out of the teaching building.

"To the usual spot."

Su Cheng's pace didn't slow as she tossed out the phrase.

Li Guanqi gave a slight tremble but followed in silence.

A moment later, the two arrived at the usual spot.

Lawn No. 14.

This was the place where they had first met.

Li Guanqi remained silent, her head slightly bowed.

Su Cheng turned to look at her.

"What is it?"

Li Guanqi looked up, her gaze calm as it met his.

"We came here for a snack, to eat." Su Cheng took out a prepared food box from behind a tree and opened it, revealing an exquisite cake.

She took a blanket from her satchel, spread it out smoothly on the ground, then straightened her skirt and sat down gracefully.

Her legs, lightly sheathed in black stockings, were straight and slender. The breeze brushed past, the warm sun spilled down, fully conveying the quiet gentleness unique to a young girl.

Su Cheng sat down beside her, took out the cake, and pushed it towards her.

"Recent promotion, buy one get one free." Su Cheng finished speaking and pulled out a sandwich: "The cake came free with the sandwich."

"Open up." Li Guanqi cut a piece of the cake with a fork. She lifted her hand, bringing it to his mouth, her tone carrying a scrutinizing carefulness: "After all, it's a freebie. It's hard not to suspect it might be past its prime."

Su Cheng cooperatively opened his mouth, eating and nodding in appraisal: "Tastes great, probably made fresh at noon."

"Really?" Li Guanqi, with utmost seriousness, extended her fair hand, gently wiping a bit of residual cream from the corner of his mouth, then placed it in her own mouth to taste, nodding in approval: "Indeed... light and fluffy."

"Let's eat together. I have a sandwich too."

"Okay, I'd like some sandwich as well."

"Open up."

And so, the two began feeding each other.

Under the afternoon sun, they sat side by side.

Once satiated, it was time for a nap.

The considerate little snuggle-bug had prepared a small pillow for him.

Su Cheng lay down, pillowing his head, and closed his eyes contentedly.

Li Guanqi took out a book, sitting beside him and shading him from the sun.

"Do you remember the gift I gave you?"

Su Cheng's eyes were lightly closed, his voice steady.

"Mhm."

Li Guanqi responded softly.

"Back then, you said you liked Doraemon..." Su Cheng paused, then continued: "Because he has lots of magical gadgets."

Hearing this, Li Guanqi closed her book and turned her gaze to look at him.

Su Cheng also opened his eyes, meeting her gaze.

Each other's reflections shone in their pupils.

"Now, Doraemon doesn't have his fourth-dimensional pocket." Su Cheng sighed: "Do you still like him?"

"The fourth-dimensional pocket is just the start of the story. Trust is never built on gadgets. Tenderness, favoritism, and patience have nothing to do with gadgets either." Li Guanqi gazed very seriously at Su Cheng, enunciating each word clearly: "I still like him very much."

"Good then."

Su Cheng sat up from beside her: "Come with me."

Li Guanqi also stood up.

The two tidied up a bit and headed straight for the Archery Club.

"What are we going to the Archery Club for?"

Li Guanqi's voice held a trace of confusion.

"Didn't you say you still like Doraemon?"

Su Cheng left her with that sentence and offered no further explanation.

They arrived at the Archery Club.

Su Cheng walked straight in, heading directly to the club president's area.

Li Guanqi followed closely behind.

But the moment the door opened, Li Guanqi froze on the spot.

Her beautiful eyes widened with a hint of disbelief and astonishment.

In the spacious room, a tea set was placed in the center, and Ji Qingyi sat there quietly and elegantly sipping tea. But that wasn't the main point. The point was, on her head, she wore an adorable cat-ear accessory.

New limited-edition skin — Ji Qing-Cat.

"Here, the Ji Qing-Cat you like."

Initially, Li Guanqi was merely surprised, but as Su Cheng's words fell, her delicate frame began to tremble. Her fair hand covered her lips, and she turned her head aside, seemingly suppressing some rare emotion.

That's right, she was about to lose her composure!

Ji Qingyi, expression unchanged, removed the accessory and gestured for the two to take a seat. Unexpectedly, a familiar laugh came from the window. The three looked towards the source; it was the other three members of the Student Council.

"Playing on homophones?" Liu Qingyue leaned on the railing, laughing happily: "And... how did you convince the young lady to cooperate?"

Gu Ruoxue stood quietly to the side, her demeanor serene, not showing a hint of a smile. Only her gaze was tightly fixed on Ji Qingyi, her expression exactly like that of a seasoned cat lover encountering their favorite feline. No restraint, only the desire to give it a good petting.

Si Jing was much more normal, though her expression was also quite vivid.

"Alright, all the fish are hooked now!"

Su Cheng announced loudly: "In my capacity as Student Council President, I hereby declare the First Cat-Ear Conference officially open! Today, everyone is required to wear cat ears for the meeting!!"

……………………

The next day, at dawn.

The first ray of morning light pierced through the mist, slanting into the Student Council office, landing precisely on a document in the center of the president's desk.

It was an 'Application for Grade-Skipping'. The light outlined its clear contours, and the name signed at the bottom shone distinctly in the morning sun.

— Li Guanqi