The Hero

Help Luo Shuning successfully complete the school anniversary performance?

Gu Luo wasn’t surprised by the refresh of the special mission. After all, as long as he stayed by his sister’s side, the chances of it refreshing were quite high.

In general, it was about solving various predicaments for his sister.

For example, Gu Ximan’s issues revolved around her studies and physical health.

Most of the special missions also centered on these two points.

Now the question was—would the music department Luo Shuning was in encounter problems on the day of the school anniversary performance?

Or had the problem already arisen?

The information available so far was still too limited.

Thinking of this, Gu Luo turned to Shen Yue, who was walking beside him, and asked, "Shen Yue, are you close with that girl from earlier?"

After a moment of thought, Shen Yue replied, "Not particularly. It’s just that my mom and her mom are friends, so we’ve met a few times before."

Gu Luo’s mind raced. Shen Yue’s mother and stepmother were friends?

The friends of someone as influential as a stepmother were surely no ordinary people.

Most likely—no, it was practically certain—Shen Yue was from a wealthy family.

But then another question arose: as a (presumably) rich heir, why would Shen Yue still unconsciously display such timid expressions and mannerisms?

After all, a person’s confidence was often proportional to their wealth.

To put it bluntly, in any society, money was a person’s backbone.

Could body image really affect someone to this extent?

It was hard to say. Perhaps there were other hidden circumstances he wasn’t aware of.

Gu Luo reined in his wandering thoughts and continued, "I heard the school anniversary is being held earlier this year, right? Some clubs are even putting on performances."

"Yes," Shen Yue nodded. "It was moved up because of the alumni reunion. Some alumni have tight schedules, so the event was rescheduled."

"Usually, every club gets to showcase their talents, but this time it’s different. Since it involves alumni donations, only key clubs are performing—like the music department, dance department, handicrafts club, kendo club, and so on..."

Gu Luo was taken aback. How did she know all this?

Normally, the school would only announce the date change, not the reasons behind it, let alone details about donations.

Was she some kind of intelligence prodigy?

With a raised eyebrow, Gu Luo asked, "Shen Yue, how do you know all this?"

"Ah..." Shen Yue immediately lowered her head, looking slightly embarrassed. "Because my parents are attending the alumni reunion."

"So... can any Guangya Academy graduate join?" Gu Luo pressed.

"Not exactly... only those invited can participate."

Well, mystery solved.

Shen Yue’s family was definitely influential.

Then again, no student at Guangya Academy was ordinary.

After all, the tuition for three years alone was a hefty sum.

Of course, if one’s grades were exceptional, scholarships could cover all expenses.

And with Caizhou being an international metropolis of over 20 million people, the number of wealthy families was staggering.

Add in students from other regions, and the academy had no shortage of elite applicants.

The two continued walking and soon arrived at the last tent.

The sign read "Public Service Club."

Inside sat a bespectacled girl with delicate features, busy sorting through documents.

Unlike the bustling crowds at other club booths, this one was nearly deserted.

"Public Service Club?" Gu Luo was puzzled.

"This club is... a bit special," Shen Yue explained.

"How so?"

After a brief pause, Shen Yue carefully replied, "The Public Service Club is like half of the student council. They’re involved in planning school events, but they also handle all kinds of issues between the school and students."

"Sometimes they even visit places like orphanages for club activities on weekends."

"So... not many students join."

Gu Luo nodded thoughtfully.

Orphanages... huh. That was where his so-called father had come from.

He hadn’t expected such a club to exist here.

Without further hesitation, he approached the busy girl and said, "Hello, excuse me—can I apply to join your club?"

The girl set down her documents, adjusted her glasses, and scrutinized Gu Luo’s impeccably dressed, strikingly handsome appearance. Her brows furrowed slightly. "Are you sure?"

"Our club deals with grunt work most of the time. If you’re just here to fool around, I’d advise against joining."

Her tone made it clear that many before him had lost interest quickly.

"Don’t worry, I’m serious," Gu Luo replied with a calm smile.

The girl narrowed her eyes, then after a moment, handed him an application form. "I’m Huang Anlu, your second-year senior and vice president of the Public Service Club. Welcome aboard."

Realizing he’d just been unofficially demoted, Gu Luo quickly clarified, "Sorry, I’m also a second-year. I just transferred to Guangya today."

"Ohhh~ So you're the legendary transfer student, the campus heartthrob." Huang Anlu suddenly realized, giving him another once-over before nodding in approval:

"Definitely handsome."

The legendary transfer student, the campus heartthrob...

Gu Luo wasn’t sure how to respond to that.

Just then, Shen Yue suddenly spoke up: "Um, could I also get an application form?"

Hearing this, both Gu Luo and Huang Anlu turned their attention to her.

"I... I’m only in one club right now..." Shen Yue explained softly.

Huang Anlu, however, frowned again and said bluntly, "Sorry, but the Public Service Club might not be the right fit for you."

"Huh? Why...?" Shen Yue was confused.

Why wasn’t she welcome?

Had she done something wrong?

Gu Luo was equally puzzled.

Huang Anlu cut straight to the point: "Let me guess—you only want to join because of this campus heartthrob, right?"

"As an upperclassman, you should know our club has kicked out plenty of people before. What we need are members who genuinely want to improve themselves and contribute, not just tag along for company."

"I’m the type to speak my mind, so don’t take it personally."

"I... I..."

Shen Yue’s face flushed as Huang Anlu mercilessly exposed her true intentions—she really had just wanted to stay close to Gu Luo.

"I’m sorry..."

"No worries." Huang Anlu waved it off calmly, her expression indifferent.

For a moment, the atmosphere turned awkward.

"Shen Yue, thanks for wanting to join me, but isn’t the Art Club keeping you busy enough?"

Gu Luo didn’t know what else to say, so he tried to lighten the mood and give them both an out.

After he finished filling out the application form, Huang Anlu took it and skimmed through it.

Then she stood up, retrieved a pin from a small box nearby, and handed it to Gu Luo.

The pin was exquisitely designed, featuring a panda holding a bamboo stalk.

Beneath it were two words:

—Hero.

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