Chapter Sixteen: The Great Compassion of President Gu

Facing the sharp glances Gu Qing kept shooting his way, Jiang Changyuan plopped down right in the seat in front of Su Yingying.

“I can’t understand what they’re saying. Can you explain this problem to me?”

“Sure,” Su Yingying whispered, startled at first that Jiang Changyuan would approach her, but quickly agreeing.

Her soft, gentle manner made one want to pinch her little cheeks.

Su Yingying brushed her stray hair back and lowered her eyes to the test paper.

“Is it this question?”

“Ah, yes.”

Jiang Changyuan rubbed his itching fingertips, and a sudden thought snapped him back to reality.

She was the heroine’s lover, after all!

“This problem’s answer is correct, but the equation you used is wrong. You should use…”

Though shy and reserved, Su Yingying showed great potential as a teacher, even explaining things more clearly than Chen Xiang did.

Well, it made sense—she was destined to become a world-renowned research academician, adorned with countless honors.

As they discussed the problem, Gu Qing’s expression grew cold, as if a frigid breeze was wafting from a dark pool.

Did Jiang Changyuan, infamous as he was, find a new way to get close to Yingying?

But with one of them speaking seriously and the other listening intently, Gu Qing had no reason to interrupt.

Frustrating!

“Listening to you is better than ten years of study. After your explanation, I suddenly understand everything. Thanks a lot.”

“You’re welcome.”

Su Yingying shook her head slightly, then quickly looked up and down again, her voice barely above a whisper.

“If you don’t understand something, you can always come to me.”

“Okay.”

Jiang Changyuan nodded in agreement but turned away to smirk inwardly. He had learned his lesson—there was no way he was going to ask Su Yingying for help again...

Yet the next class came unexpectedly.

“Uh… I don’t understand these either.”

“Let me see… hmm? This is simple. I’ll teach you.”

Jiang Changyuan’s handsome face flushed; his earlier boast was premature and embarrassing.

The morning passed with the two of them engrossed in discussion. To thank Su Yingying, Jiang Changyuan specially arranged for a generous lunch to be delivered at noon.

Partly because Su Yingying came from a modest background, and partly because he wasn’t ungrateful after all her help.

Raising the heroine’s favor was also necessary—it might save his life in crucial moments.

As for the male lead?

Once the monthly exam was over, he definitely wouldn’t bother him again.

During lunch break, Jiang Changyuan walked into the classroom carrying a big bag of snacks.

“Thanks so much for today. Here, have some snacks.”

“Are these leftovers again?” Su Yingying asked softly, her voice even smaller than an ant’s.

Jiang Changyuan didn’t catch her and asked again. Su Yingying then snapped back to reality and hurriedly corrected herself.

“No need to be polite. Classmates help each other…”

“If you’re polite with me, I’ll feel bad asking you for help.”

This reason convinced Su Yingying. She wasn’t after the snacks; she just wanted to see if Jiang Changyuan had truly changed.

Thinking this, she took the bag and, upon seeing all her favorite treats, suddenly looked up and gave him a sweet smile of thanks.

After lunch, Gu Qing entered the room and saw that dazzling smile, so warm it lit up the heart—a warmth that once belonged only to him...

Damn!

Gu Qing’s face darkened as he bumped Jiang Changyuan with his shoulder.

“Oi, Chairman Gu, do you have a problem with me?”

“Jiang Changyuan, I’m watching you closely. If you ever harm a classmate, I won’t let you off.”

“Heh, then I’ll have to behave well.”

Damn it. Bumping into him for no reason—does being the male lead make you so special?

Jiang Changyuan snorted and, eyes twinkling, turned to Su Yingying with a grin.

“There are still some points I don’t understand. Su Yingying, could you kindly teach me today?”

“Yingying still needs her nap. Why should she sacrifice her own time for you?” Before Su Yingying could answer, Gu Qing objected.

There should be limits to asking for help. Just because Yingying has a kind heart doesn’t mean you can take advantage of her. What about your pride?

“Su Yingying hasn’t even said anything yet, Chairman Gu. You’re really worrying too much.”

“You!”

Calling him a eunuch? Gu Qing was about to argue when a voice as thunderous as a storm rang by his ear.

“Y-yes, I can.”

“No, you can’t!”

Su Yingying shrank back in her chair, clearly frightened.

Seeing this, Gu Qing inwardly regretted his harsh tone. It was Jiang Changyuan’s fault. If not for him, he wouldn’t have been so stern.

“Tsk, Chairman Gu sure is intimidating. Look how scared Su Yingying is.”

“Besides, I’m just asking a simple question. What’s your problem blocking me? Don’t let people gossip.”

Onlookers, as if equipped with radar, had their eager eyes fixed on the scene.

Gu Qing clenched his teeth, utterly losing his ground.

“You have a record. As student council president, I’m only worried you’ll harm others.”

“Thanks for the concern. From today on, I’ll be a model citizen.”

Jiang Changyuan rolled his eyes, smiling as he picked up his textbook and climbed onto the stool.

“Well, it’s understandable Chairman Gu is so vigilant, given my past reputation.”

“But since I’m no scholar like Chairman Gu, this academic loser can only rely on Su Yingying.”

“Everyone still needs their rest. Yingying, shall we go around the corner in the hallway?”

Upon hearing this, Gu Qing’s face turned ashen. Was Jiang Changyuan trying to sully his image in Yingying’s eyes?

“I’m coming too!”

“We’re going to study. Why are you tagging along?”

“Weren’t you just saying I’m a top student? With me and Yingying teaching you together, it’ll be twice as effective!”

Gu Qing snorted coldly; he firmly refused to give them any private time.

“Fine, then thanks in advance, Chairman Gu.”

Jiang Changyuan whistled cheerfully, feeling pleased.

Since Gu Qing wanted to see them mutually invested in studying, he’d give him that chance.

Making enemies? He had plenty of those already. Once the exams were over, everything would be clear—one and done.

Su Yingying glanced at Gu Qing curiously, sensing no hint of ulterior motives.

The chubby kid and others suddenly seemed energized, each carrying textbooks onto stools.

“Quick, call your friends. Let’s study too.”

“A free tutoring session? Why not take advantage?”

Soon, the stairwell corner was packed with no room to stand; dozens of students even stood, all for this free chance to absorb knowledge.

The crowd watched in awe. Was a struggling student’s effort really this terrifying?

Gu Qing didn’t want Jiang Changyuan and Su Yingying alone, but before he could say anything, the chubby kid dragged him aside.

“Merciful Chairman Gu, please teach me too!”

The pleading faces made it impossible for Gu Qing to refuse.

If he insisted on swapping places with Su Yingying, who knew what rumors might spread by tomorrow?

“All of you come over then.”

The triumphant chubby kid subtly shot Jiang Changyuan an encouraging look.

The enemy is distracted; Jiang Shao, rest easy and have fun!

Jiang Shao’s happiness is in their hands!