Chapter 20: Definitely the Most Eye-Catching Presence

"Alright, I'm leaving now, Master. Have fun," Gu Li said with a smirk before walking out.

Letian stared after her, muttering in confusion, "What on earth is Su Zheng up to?" Her actions never failed to bewilder him.

“The kitchen isn’t clean yet,” Mu Qinghan’s cool voice interrupted his musings, dismissing him with an air of finality.

With a pitiful expression, Letian dragged the vacuum cleaner into the kitchen, resigned to his endless chores.

Once alone, Mu Qinghan switched back to the previous screen. He watched the system that had been monitoring Gu Li’s computer disintegrate before his eyes.

“Hmph.”

A low chuckle escaped his lips as the corners of his mouth curved ever so slightly.

---

The next day.

The morning’s classes covered more foundational knowledge of art design. Nothing particularly engaging, but enough to keep everyone busy.

What Gu Li found more curious, however, was the persistent presence of Xiao Han. No matter where she sat, he always ended up right next to her.

She shot him a cold glance, her expression indifferent.

Xiao Han hesitated for a moment before cautiously asking, "Su Zheng, the Student Union is holding interviews for new members today. Want to join the fun?"

Gu Li didn’t even look up as she replied flatly, "No."

She could already picture it: a group of junior boys eager to interview freshmen, perhaps hoping to chat up a few pretty girls. It was a tiresome spectacle she had no interest in.

After all, she was a woman. What did any of that have to do with her?

Besides, who had the time to get involved in something as trivial as the Student Union?

“Please come with me!” Xiao Han pleaded, his tone turning unexpectedly whiny. He even managed to look pitiably cute.

Gu Li felt a shiver run down her spine.

Was this the same Xiao Han she’d met yesterday? At first glance, he seemed like a shy, timid boy. But now…

Now, he was something else entirely.

Although their interactions were limited to being classmates in the art design department, Xiao Han seemed inexplicably drawn to her, gravitating toward her as though it were second nature.

With a resigned sigh, Gu Li propped her chin on her hand and finally agreed.

---

After class, Xiao Han led Gu Li to the classroom where the Student Union was holding interviews.

As they approached, two girls stepped out, their conversation catching Gu Li’s attention.

The girl in the yellow dress spoke excitedly, “This time, the Student Union president is stepping down, and even Vice President Su Ying is giving up her position!”

The girl in the blue dress nodded, her expression a mix of surprise and awe. “Yeah, Senior Sister Su Ying just signed with Tianxing Entertainment. Between acting and school, I doubt she has time for the Student Union anymore.”

“But I heard she’s still in charge of planning the school anniversary next week!”

Their voices faded as they walked away, leaving Xiao Han and Gu Li standing there.

Xiao Han turned to her, his face lighting up with surprise. “Isn’t that your sister?”

Gu Li followed his gaze and spotted Su Ying walking toward them, a radiant presence among her entourage. Her makeup was flawless, her attire striking yet elegant. Every move she made seemed calculated to captivate.

There was no denying it—she was the most eye-catching person in the room.

Su Ying.

Gu Li’s lips curled into a bitter smile. *My dear stepsister.*

Her tone was sharp as a blade. “I don’t have a sister.”

Xiao Han picked up on the cold rejection in her voice. Awkwardly scratching his nose, he chose not to press the matter further.

“Senior Sister Su Ying is amazing,” someone whispered nearby, their voice tinged with envy. “She can act, sing, and her design work is top-notch.”

Xiao Han scoffed, rolling his eyes. He tugged Gu Li’s arm. “Let’s just go in for the interview.”

As they stepped inside, they came face-to-face with Su Ying.

Su Ying’s eyes widened slightly at the sight of Gu Li, a flicker of recognition flashing across her expression. But just as quickly, her face hardened into a mask of disdain. She looked at Gu Li as though she were invisible—or worse, unworthy of acknowledgment.

Her haughty demeanor didn’t escape Xiao Han, who frowned in irritation.

Su Ying, Vice President of the Student Union and a senior in the Art Department, took a seat at the interview table with all the poise of royalty. She crossed her legs elegantly, exuding an air of effortless superiority.

Her gaze briefly landed on Gu Li, her expression unreadable but unmistakably cold. She didn’t bother to hide her disdain as she turned her attention back to the applicants.

“Senior Su Ying, can I please get your autograph?” a soft, admiring voice called out.

(End of Chapter 20)

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