Bianca Fang stared at Vivian Wen in disbelief.
In the past, no matter how much she mocked or insulted Vivian, the girl had always endured it in silence.
But today—she had actually talked back, even threatened her?
Still, Bianca had no real evidence to back her accusations.
Her confidence faltered, though she kept up her arrogant front.
“Vivian Wen,” she sneered, “this year’s Outstanding Graduate Representative will be me! You’ll see.”
Throwing out her parting shot, Bianca lifted her chin and strutted away on her heels.
Vivian’s eyes darkened as she watched her leave.
Ever since she’d entered university, her dream had been to join Huasheng Entertainment—the largest, most prestigious entertainment company in Haishi.
But their hiring standards were notoriously strict.
Without the title of “Outstanding Graduate Representative” as a stepping stone, her chances of getting in were slim.
Which meant—this time, she couldn’t lose to Bianca Fang.
Lost in thought, Vivian walked to the campus gate…
when a black Honda suddenly stopped in front of her, blocking her path.
The door opened, and Ryan Lu stepped out, that familiar, gentle—yet insincere—smile plastered across his face.
“What are you doing here?” Vivian asked sharply, her brows knitting together.
Since the night she escaped from the hotel, she hadn’t seen him once.
“I couldn’t reach you these past few days,” he said, stepping closer. “So I had no choice but to come to your school.”
Vivian recalled the dozens of missed calls she had ignored from him and replied casually,
“Oh, I’ve been busy lately. I barely checked my phone.”
Before she could take another step, Ryan suddenly reached for her arm.
Vivian instinctively flinched, dodging his touch as her body tensed.
“Vivian, are you mad at me?” Ryan’s brows furrowed in fake worry.
“You were drunk that night—I didn’t know your address, so I took you to a nearby hotel. Then something came up, and when I came back, you were gone! I looked for you all night. Do you know how worried I was?”
Worried about me? Vivian’s lips curled coldly. More like worried that your plan failed.
But she quickly masked her disgust, switching to the innocent, trusting expression she used to wear.
“I know. It’s fine. I wasn’t mad.”
Seeing her soften, Ryan’s smile returned. His gaze darkened as he said gently,
“Class is over, right? Let me take you to dinner.”
“I can’t,” Vivian said firmly. “I’m on a diet.”
“Dieting is bad for your health. You’re already so thin—you don’t need to lose more.”
Ryan reached out again, trying to pull her toward the car.
“Come on, let’s go.”

Just then, a group of people walked out of the main gate—the Dean, the Vice Dean, several professors, and administrative heads—escorting a man in a tailored casual suit.
The man’s gaze swept the entrance and immediately caught sight of the commotion—Vivian Wen, struggling as Ryan Lu tried to drag her toward his car.
Victor Wen’s eyes widened. He quickly pulled out his phone and dialed.
“Hello.”
The low, calm voice of Simon Min came from the other end.
“Bro, guess who I just saw at Z University?” Victor said excitedly.
“Speak directly. I’m busy.”
Victor swallowed. “I saw Vivian Wen. She’s being pulled toward a car by some guy—looks like she’s not exactly willing.”
Silence.
Then—click. The call ended.
Victor blinked, shrugged, and muttered to himself.
“Guess I was overreacting. Seems my brother’s not that interested after all.”
He pocketed his phone and followed the university officials in the opposite direction.

Vivian, meanwhile, was indeed not willing.
She wanted to resist—but she couldn’t risk arousing Ryan’s suspicion.
Just as she was thinking of an excuse, her phone rang.
“I need to take this,” she said quickly, seizing the opportunity like a lifeline.
When she saw the caller ID, her heart skipped.
“Hello, Mr. Min.” She covered the receiver with her hand, lowering her voice.
Simon’s tone on the other end was calm, almost casual.
“Yesterday you said you wanted to treat me to dinner. I happen to be free now.”
Vivian glanced up at Ryan, who was standing a few steps away, watching her closely.
She hesitated for a moment, then spoke into the phone louder on purpose.
“Does it have to be tonight?”
“If you’re busy, forget it,” came Simon’s indifferent reply.
“No problem!” Vivian suddenly raised her voice, startling Ryan, who was eavesdropping.
“I’ll be right there!”
She hung up, then looked back at Ryan with an apologetic smile.
“Sorry, Ryan. Something urgent just came up—I have to go.”
“What could be so important right now?” he asked, frowning.
“It’s about the Outstanding Graduate Representative selection. You know how much that means to me!”
Vivian lied smoothly, prying his hand off her arm as she spoke.
Then, without another glance, she turned and ran off toward the street.
Even one more second near Ryan Lu made her skin crawl.