Time passed quickly, and before they knew it, it was already 4 p.m.—the dismissal time at Guangya Academy.
It was also the start of club activities.
Gu Ximan, that girl, had completely forgotten about her brother the moment she made a close friend. Forget having lunch together, she didn’t even go home with him after school.
But this suited Gu Luo just fine.
At least he wouldn’t be called "big bro-in-law" anymore.
Gu Luo packed up the new textbooks on his desk.
As for the snacks in his drawer—well, he’d already finished them off during breaks out of sheer boredom.
Once done, he turned to Shen Yue beside him and said, "Let’s go. Show me what Guangya’s clubs are like."
"Mm."
The two stood up and walked out of the classroom.
Gu Luo noticed that Shen Yue deliberately slowed her pace to stay half a step behind him.
In response, he intentionally slowed down as well, and before they realized it, they were walking side by side.
After they left, some of the girls in the classroom couldn’t help but whisper among themselves.
"I’ve been observing Gu Luo all day, and it really seems like he likes Shen Yue."
"Yeah, I noticed that too. Do you think they might…?"
"No way, would Gu Luo really like Shen Yue? …Not that I mean anything by it! It’s just that Gu Luo’s personality is naturally super nice, so he’d probably act this way with anyone sitting next to him."
"That’s true. I can’t wait for the next seat shuffle—I want to sit next to the school heartthrob too."
"As if you’re the only one who wants that…"
"……"
Naturally, Gu Luo and Shen Yue had no idea about the gossip unfolding in the classroom.
Even if he knew, Gu Luo wouldn’t have cared.
As for Shen Yue…
As they walked, their unusual pairing drew countless sidelong glances.
One was an impossibly handsome transfer student—the school’s heartthrob—while the other was a heavyset girl.
This kind of combination was rare in a school where materialism hadn’t yet taken hold.
Of course, things might be different once they entered society.
With enough money, anything was possible.
Shen Yue was under immense pressure, her palms damp with sweat.
But the envy in people’s stares also gave her a secret thrill.
Uncomfortable yet secretly pleased—it was a contradiction.
The club recruitment fair was held on the sports field, where each club had set up tents with members handing out flyers.
[Still dreaming of traveling back to ancient times and wielding a sword like a hero? Worry no more! Join the Kendo Club—pick up a wooden sword, and you’ll be Guangya’s very own swordsman!]
[Heard the legend of Houyi shooting down the suns? Come to the Archery Club and experience being a divine marksman! Draw, aim, release!]
[Ever wondered what magic you can create with just a piece of paper or a lump of clay? The Crafts Club is your world of creative wonders! Turn trash into treasure, scraps into art—everything can be DIY!]
[Sneaking games in class? Why not join the Gaming Club and play openly…]
Freshmen who hadn’t chosen a club yet were dazzled by the options.
Among them was a certain sophomore transfer student.
Gu Luo read the slogans and soaked in the lively atmosphere, feeling something stir inside him.
This was what youth was all about.
The "Go-Home Club"? Yeah, no thanks.
"Shen Yue, by the way, what’s the biggest club at our school?" Gu Luo asked.
"There are three with the most members: the Gaming Club, Badminton Club, and Basketball Club," Shen Yue explained. "Every student can join two clubs, but some—like the Music Club, Archery Club, and Calligraphy Club—require some prior skill. Most people don’t want to start from scratch, so they usually pick one of those three for the credits."
Makes sense.
Without any foundation, joining those clubs would mean starting from zero.
And the other members were probably amateurs themselves—who had time to teach newcomers?
At its core, a club was just a gathering place for like-minded people.
Gu Luo then asked, "What clubs did you join, Shen Yue?"
"Just the Art Club," she replied.
Gu Luo nodded.
The Art Club—it suited her.
Shen Yue looked up and asked softly, "Do you… want to join the Art Club too, Gu Luo?"
"I’ll think about it. Let’s check out the other clubs first."
"Okay."
The two continued walking along the field.
Suddenly, Gu Luo stopped in front of a tent.
The sign read: Music Club.
And inside was a familiar face.
Luo Shuning sat primly, sorting through new member applications.
As if sensing something, she glanced up and spotted Gu Luo and Shen Yue.
"Shuning, how’s the new member recruitment going?" Shen Yue greeted.
"Pretty well! We’ve got three new members today," Luo Shuning replied with a smile.
Gu Luo was surprised—he hadn’t realized Shen Yue knew Luo Shuning.
"Oh… let me introduce you," Shen Yue said, suddenly a little flustered. "This is my new deskmate, Gu Luo. He just transferred to Guangya today, so I’m showing him around the clubs."
"I see. Nice to meet you, Gu Luo. I’m Luo Shuning."
She grinned, her eyes sparkling playfully.
"Ahem… nice to meet you too." Gu Luo felt awkward.
But they’d agreed with the sisters not to reveal their relationship at school.
So, for now, this was their first meeting.
Noticing Gu Luo's subtle expression, Luo Shuning barely suppressed a laugh and rested her chin on her hand. "So, Gu Luo, any interest in joining the Music Club?"
"No instrument experience? No problem. I can teach you personally."
The two freshmen who had just signed up, along with the other club members, froze.
Their eyes darted between Luo Shuning and Gu Luo.
The freshmen were speechless—Luo Shuning hadn’t been nearly this friendly with them.
Personal lessons?
What kind of privilege was this?
And that pose of hers was downright lethal!
"Thanks, but I’ll think about it," Gu Luo replied stiffly, declining as politely as possible.
"Ah, what a shame."
Luo Shuning didn’t push further, straightening up again without making it harder for him.
Just a little angel indulging in some mischief.
Just as Gu Luo relaxed, Luo Shuning turned to Shen Yue.
"Yue, it’s been ages since you last visited. Come over sometime, okay? Shuling bought a ton of snacks lately."
Her gaze flicked subtly toward Gu Luo.
Seeing his exasperated look made her want to laugh even more.
Big bro is just too adorable!
"Sure, I’ll drop by when I have time," Shen Yue replied with a guileless smile, completely oblivious to the unspoken exchange between Luo Shuning and Gu Luo.
"Ahem… let’s keep going…"
Gu Luo was barely holding it together.
He never expected Shen Yue to know the three Luo sisters.
He just hoped this wouldn’t turn into a social disaster.
Maybe he’d come clean once they got closer.
“Alright.” Hearing this, Shen Yue nodded and then turned to Luo Shuning.
“Shuning, we’ll head out first.”
“Bye, Yue. Bye, Gu Luo.” Luo Shuning waved at them with a smile.
Suppressing his awkwardness, Gu Luo had only taken two steps when the system panel suddenly popped up.
[Notification: Special Task Issued]
[Special Task—Help Younger Sister Luo Shuning Successfully Complete the School Festival Performance]
[Task Hint—Proceed to the Club Building in 30 Minutes and Purchase a Drink from the Vending Machine 15 Meters Left of the Music Department]
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