Translator:Â _Min_
After a long struggle, she finally suppressed the jealousy and discontent that had been brewing within her.
The following afternoon, Si Fuqing made her way to Great Xia University to meet with Yu Tang.
By late December, the city of Sijiu had plunged into the depths of winter.
Despite the biting cold, Si Fuqing, resilient as ever, was fully wrapped up to avoid being recognized, with only her eyes visible.
After meeting up with Yu Tang, they headed to a small grove behind East Lake.
At this hour, most were in class, leaving the grove sparsely populated.
Si Fuqing had brought some snacks given to her by Jiang Changning.
Just as Yu Tang picked up a piece, she caught something from the corner of her eye and suddenly jumped up, stuffing the snack into her mouth, âQingqing, quick, quick, we need to hide! Itâs too late!â
Si Fuqing looked up, alarmed. âWhatâs wrong? Is someone after you?â
âNo,â Yu Tang replied, her eyes dull with fear. âWeâve been spotted by Wicked Witch.â
Si Fuqing felt the nickname sounded familiar. Following Yu Tangâs gaze, she locked eyes with Zhu Ruowan.
âHey, Qingqing?â Zhu Ruowan was surprised to encounter Si Fuqing here and hastened her steps. âWhat brings you here? Remember, you promised to choose me as your mentor when the time comes.â
Zhu Ruowan, unyielding in the academic rivalry, regretted not advising Si Fuqing to tone down her brilliance during the joint exam, which had drawn her many rivals.
âProfessor Zhu, letâs talk after my college entrance exam,â Si Fuqing handed her a box of snacks. âBesides, my main focus is still acting. I wonât be a regular at school.â
âIâm just happy to know youâre considering Great Xia University,â Zhu Ruowan smiled. âGo on then, Iâm heading back to my office.â
After saying her goodbyes, Zhu Ruowan waved cheerfully at Yu Tang.
Yu Tang stammered, âQing-Qingqing, thatâs the Wicked Witch. She⦠she actually smiled at you!â
Zhu Ruowan was a renowned figure at Great Xia University, a young prodigy with a Ph.D. from Etno University and the youngest doctoral mentor.
With several papers published annually in international scientific journals, she was very accomplished and capable in academic.
âReally?â Si Fuqing raised an eyebrow. âI think Professor Zhu seems quite nice. Sheâs pretty and young. Why do you all call her âWicked Witchâ?â
âIâve never attended her classes, but Iâve heard her lectures,â Yu Tang explained with a grimace. âSheâs called that because sheâs so formidable.â
Si Fuqing pondered, âIf I end up under her guidance, will I be called âWicked Witchâ?â
âThen⦠then youâd practically be her direct disciple,â Yu Tang joked.
They continued chatting while snacking.
Mid-conversation, Yu Tang received a call, and Si Fuqing noticed her displeasure: âWhatâs wrong?â
âMy roommate, always bragging about attending voice actor gatherings, saying there will be veterans from Deity Voice,â Yu Tang complained. âIâve heard so much I could scream. I blocked her, and she still calls me using a public phone. Crazy.â
Just then, Si Fuqing received the final payment for the radio drama âRose and a Light Kiss.â
The drama, featuring voices of Homeward Deer and Serene Delight and marking Homeward Deerâs return with her first male voice role, had surpassed ten million plays in just a week.
Her contract with the production was based on revenue sharing; the more successful the drama, the higher her payout.
Another windfallâit truly was a splendid day.
As Si Fuqing placed Little Bai on the table, she discreetly fed it a gold bar where Yu Tang couldnât see.
Little Bai gobbled down in one go, burping contentedly and patting its belly.
âQingqing, itâs not really going to excrete through its mouth, right?â Yu Tang eyed Little Bai skeptically. âYouâve had it for over half a year now. How come it hasnât grown at all?â
Regarding this, Si Fuqing remained expressionless, âIts stomach might be a black hole.â
Hearing this, Little Bai gave her a mournful look, touched its belly, and sighed.
When would it regain its majestic form and carry its master around on shopping trips?
Yu Tang always felt this dog seemed almost human at times.
After finishing their snacks, Yu Tang had to head to class.
Reluctantly, she said, âQingqing, since youâre filming a variety show in Sijiu, this is Uncle Nineâs turf. Iâll make sure he takes good care of you. Heâs wealthy, so donât worry about saving money on his account. Heâs happy to spend it on you.â
Si Fuqing waved nonchalantly, âGot it, now off you go to class.â