Afternoon, at the library.
Although the library only appeared in a short segment of the novel, Ning Chu still didn't have a good impression of it.
Mostly because in other similar novels, libraries had a tendency to be a hotspot for trouble.
He leaned on the desk with one hand supporting his chin, looking listless.
But while he appeared fatigued, his gaze was sharply focused, sweeping over all the women in the reading area, particularly lingering on Lily, who was sitting not too far away.
That succubus!
The next plot trigger was highly likely to involve that succubus, and Ning Chu was determined not to let anything happen that would lead to Wen Yang interacting with Lily.
If a plot event were triggered, even if Wen Yang stayed true to himself and didnât get involved with Lily, there was no guarantee that Ning Chu wouldnât end up turning into a girl!
He couldnât bear the thought of losing his manhood, even if it was already shrinking out of existence!
"Why do you keep staring at her?" Wen Yang asked, noticing Ning Chuâs intense focus.
Ning Chu shot Wen Yang an annoyed glance. "Donât forget, you promised not to talk to any girls. Youâre supposed to stay away from them."
"Uh..."
"Iâm keeping watch for you. If she tries to talk to you, just look at me, and Iâll signal you to get out of there."
Wen Yang thought Ning Chu was acting like a skittish birdâor more accurately, like a jealous boyfriend afraid that his significant other might be stolen away by another girl.
Ever since he had concluded that Ning Chu was a girl hiding in the boys' dormitory, Wen Yang had become increasingly convinced that Ning Chu had feelings for him.
It wasnât narcissismâthere was simply no other explanation for Ning Chuâs behavior towards him.
"How about we pick up a heating pad on the way back?" Wen Yang suggested, trying to change the subject since Ning Chu seemed bored. "It might help if you put it on your stomach."
"Yeah."
"This book is pretty interesting..."
Ning Chu responded with a non-committal hum, glanced at the book Wen Yang had pushed toward him, took a sip of warm water from his thermos, but soon his gaze drifted back to Lily.
Why was she here again? Could she already be targeting Wen Yang?
Or maybe this cold, introverted succubus, who was outwardly reserved but secretly passionate according to the book, was actually just a studious good girl?
Wen Yang was still a virgin, and his reserved nature meant he was easily flustered by a girl's advances. Meanwhile, Lily, as an ice-cold, introverted girl, didnât seem likely to trigger any plot events with Wen Yang at this stage.
Unless Wen Yang took a sudden interest in her and pursued her.
But she was a succubus!
Ning Chu remained on high alert, terrified that he might miss a moment when Wen Yang could end up alone with the succubus.
"Donât worry, Iâm really not interested in her." Wen Yang sighed, sounding resigned. "Stop staring at her. Youâre making her uncomfortable."
Lily had already noticed Ning Chuâs gaze, and she was shifting in her seat, clearly too uneasy to keep reading.
"I know." Ning Chu lowered his head, but inwardly scoffed at Wen Yangâs words.
What do you mean youâre not interested? Can you really decide that with just your words? Isnât it your lower brain and the plot that make that decision?
Ning Chu sneaked a glance at Wen Yangâs lower body, only to see him sitting with his legs wide apart, a book resting on his lap, clearly tilted upward.
"......"
Why is this guy always armed and ready when reading? Itâs terrifying!
And heâs even trying to cover it up with a book!
Clearly, his words donât match his actions!
Ning Chuâs gaze lingered a little too long, and Wen Yang noticed. He immediately felt uncomfortable, stammering as he tried to explain, awkwardly using his elbow to press the book down in an attempt to hide it.
"This... that..."
Ning Chu leaned in to look at the book in Wen Yangâs hand. It wasnât some racy novel or anything inappropriate.
"Hmm?"
Seeing Ning Chuâs half-closed eyes filled with suspicion, Wen Yang panicked even more, his face flushing a deep red.
"And you say youâre not interested in that succubus?"
"???"
Youâre reacting just from glancing at her from ten meters away! This protagonist really is a lecherous scoundrel!
Wen Yangâs expression suddenly relaxed a bit.
Ning Chu, now thoroughly annoyed, stood up. "Letâs go! Take the book with you if you want to keep reading."
"Oh, okay!"
The two of them headed to the checkout counter, with Ning Chu idly standing by the door, holding his thermos, occasionally glancing back at Wen Yang as he processed the book loan.
He really couldnât let his guard down for even a moment.
He sighed tiredly, but then heard the sound of leather shoes clicking in the hallway. Looking up, he saw Han Jingye walking out from around the corner.
"What a coincidence," Han Jingye said as he noticed Ning Chu, smiling as he greeted him. "Here to study at the library? You donât look too wellâmake sure youâre getting enough rest."
"I was just about to head back."
Ning Chu watched Han Jingye curiously, noticing the inquisitive look in his eyes. Han Jingye casually explained, "Iâm working on my dissertation. Came to gather some research materials."
"Dissertation?"
"Iâm still working on my PhD. If all goes well, Iâll transition to a teaching position after I graduate."@@novelbin@@
"Thatâs impressive..."
Ning Chu marveled. As someone who struggled academically, he couldnât even imagine becoming a university lecturer. Heâd be grateful just to pass his finals without failing.
While they exchanged a few more words, Wen Yang finished his checkout process.
Stepping out of the library, he immediately noticed Ning Chu and Han Jingye chatting happily by the door.
Look at Ning Chuâs little face, full of admiration...
When the semester first started, Wen Yang had a good impression of Han Jingye, but now, the counselorâs image in his mind was rapidly plummeting.
Wen Yang walked up behind Ning Chu without saying a word and, with a hint of irritation, urged, "Letâs go."
Maybe it was time to confront Ning Chu about her gender and then impose the same rules on Ning Chuâno talking to any men.
Otherwise, it just wasnât fair!
"Okay!" Ning Chu responded quickly. "Iâm heading out."
"Take care. Get some rest." Han Jingye smiled warmly and nodded.
As they left the top floor of the library, Ning Chu seemed a bit distracted.
Seeing someone who was working hard to better themselves made him want to think about his own future... But with all the current messes piling up in front of him, he barely had time to think about the future.
He sighed wearily, but Wen Yang couldnât hold back his question. "You seem to be getting along well with the counselor lately?"
"Not really," Ning Chu replied, shrugging it off.
"He doesnât seem like a good guy to me!"
"???"
Ning Chu froze, surprised as he looked up. "When I used to say that about him, you didnât agree with me."
"He looks like a wolf in sheepâs clothing, a total scumbag."
"......"
Ning Chu stared at Wen Yang for a moment, taking in his disdainful expression toward Han Jingye, before softly asking, "Are you jealous?"
"No. You donât let me interact with girls, so why should you get to interact with guys?"
That reasoning was somewhat acceptable! As long as it wasnât jealousy!
"But Iâm interacting with men!"
"But you look like a girl..."
Suddenly, the situation felt oddly familiar.
It was just like how Ning Chu always belittled the girls whenever he tried to convince Wen Yang not to go on dates or get into a relationship.