Chapter 22 I could let you rot to death in here

The invitation for Shen Fang to perform at the 30th-anniversary celebration of Modu University proceeded very smoothly. Perhaps it was because Shen Fang felt an affinity toward Qin Luo, or perhaps she truly needed more opportunities to appear in the public eye; regardless, the contract offered on her side was incredibly sincere, with a fee comparable to that of a current quasi-first-tier pop star.

Given her past achievements, this fee was likely less than a fraction of what she once commanded for a single performance. Even though she had been out of the spotlight for years, her legend persisted in the industry. Moreover, her comeback was bound to be a major talking point, making this deal feel somewhat like an act of charity on her part. Even so, the amount still exceeded the budget allocated by the university.

However, Tang Yu proved to be highly effective. She took the contract directly to the school leadership. Qin Luo never found out exactly what she said in that office, but when she emerged, the contract was signed and stamped. The school leaders appeared delighted, showering Tang Yu with praise and appreciation.

"Although it slightly exceeds the budget, the amount is within an acceptable range. Especially for a powerhouse singer like Shen Fang, being able to secure her for this price is actually a bargain for us," a school leader remarked with a sigh, before adding earnestly, "Tang Yu, you will be a junior after the summer break. When the student union holds its elections, as long as this anniversary celebration is a success—and your role as the event planner is undeniable—I will personally recommend you for the position of president."

Tang Yu did not feel particularly elated by this news, as she had always considered the presidency to be hers eventually; Qin Luo’s appearance had merely accelerated the timeline. She smiled with reserved grace and replied, "This isn't my achievement alone. The school's budget was limited, and although Ms. Shen Fang has kept a low profile for a long time, I wouldn't have dared to approach her."

The school leader was surprised, having assumed Tang Yu had orchestrated the entire thing. He asked, "Then how did you reach an agreement with her side?"

"Through... a friend of mine," Tang Yu explained, carefully choosing her words. "His name is Qin Luo. He is a student at our university, in the same year as me."

"Qin Luo? The name sounds familiar... Ah, the student who is very popular on the campus forum?"

"Yes, that's him. Ms. Shen Fang seems to have taken a liking to a song he sang, which is how they connected. He used this connection to help us secure the collaboration with her. You could say his contribution was pivotal. Don't you agree, sir?"

The school leader pondered for a moment before nodding. "Indeed, he deserves great credit. Tell you what, ask him later if he has any interest in joining the student union. A student with such talent shouldn't just be preoccupied with romantic entanglements. If he’s willing, I can pull strings to appoint him as the deputy minister of the Arts Department. Although he would have to wait until next year's elections to officially take office, it would be a reward from the university."

Tang Yu nodded with a smile. "I will be sure to tell him. I’ll take my leave now."

As she turned to go, the school leader suddenly remembered something and couldn't help but ask, "That Qin Luo—after he stopped pursuing Xu Ke, has he turned his attention to you?"

Tang Yu paused, a look of helplessness and slight embarrassment crossing her face. "Sir, why are you so interested in such things? We are just ordinary friends; it’s not what you think."

The school leader chuckled. "I’m not interested in the romances of young people, but since that student is so famous on campus, I occasionally browse the forum. I’ve heard quite a bit about him, even though I haven't met him personally... However, Tang Yu, I don't think he treats you like an ordinary friend."

Tang Yu arched an eyebrow, suppressing the urge to press for more, and watched him quietly.

The leader explained, "Shen Fang made significant concessions for this collaboration—it’s essentially charity. If Qin Luo was the one who facilitated this, he might owe her a favor. You know, favors are the most difficult debts to settle in this world. Would an ordinary friend go that far for you?"

Hearing this, Tang Yu frowned. Her expression was one of confusion, and her mood became complicated. In truth, with her intelligence, she had already considered these possibilities, but she hadn't dared to confirm them, or perhaps she simply didn't want to overthink it. She didn't believe Qin Luo would go to such lengths for someone he had only officially met for the first time today—especially since their meeting had been an interrogation of sorts, creating an inherently tense atmosphere. Furthermore, Qin Luo had acted so relaxed, as if he had a close relationship with Shen Fang and could handle the matter with ease, leading her to believe it was just a small favor.

Still, her gratitude toward him remained unchanged.

Now, however, the leader's words left her feeling uncertain. Even if they had known each other for some time, today was their first real interaction. If he had helped her so significantly without a word, what was his motive? Was he just naturally kind-hearted? Or...

As a certain possibility crossed her mind, her mood shifted, and a faint blush appeared on her delicate, oval face. She shook her head, casting aside these distracting thoughts, and said absent-mindedly, "I'm not quite sure. I'll be going now, goodbye."

She hurried away. The school leader watched her retreating figure, sighed, and touched his thinning hair. "Youth is truly wonderful..."

...

Meanwhile, Qin Luo and Liu Ming were also having a friendly conversation.

"Teacher Qin, are you sure you won't reconsider? In my opinion, your musical ability is quite exceptional, and your physical appearance is excellent. With Ms. Shen Fang's endorsement, I can guarantee that if you sign with our company, you will be the artist we focus on promoting in the second half of the year. Becoming a big star is just around the corner!"

"No thank you, Brother Liu. I appreciate the offer, but I really have no interest in entering the entertainment industry."

Liu Ming looked disappointed. He had been very persuasive, but after Qin Luo refused again, he could only sigh. Before arriving at the university, Liu Ming had learned the basics about Qin Luo from Shen Fang, and upon meeting him, he recognized the potential, which was why he had been so eager to sign him. Unfortunately, Qin Luo’s heart was not in it.

Realizing he couldn't change Qin Luo's mind, Liu Ming gave up. "Fine. If you change your mind, you can contact me at any time. By the way, don't forget what you promised Ms. Shen. She attaches great importance to it."

Qin Luo replied casually, "Don't worry, I'll send it to her in a couple of days."

Liu Ming nodded. Just then, Tang Yu arrived. After the contract was handed over, Liu Ming took his leave, leaving only Qin Luo and Tang Yu.

The elegant beauty stood before him with a serene, reserved smile, her tone light. "Let's go. I'm treating you to a meal."

The contract signing had gone smoothly but had taken some time; it was now eleven o'clock, perfect for lunch. Qin Luo didn't stand on ceremony. "Then I'm going to make you pay for a big one."

Tang Yu smiled. "You’ve helped me a lot, so go ahead—don't be shy. I have plenty of living expenses."

*Oh?* So the young lady was a wealthy girl after all? Qin Luo looked at her with interest and led her toward the dining location.

Tang Yu’s smile faltered. She stared at the campus cafeteria in front of her, stunned for three seconds, before asking in a complex tone, "This is what you meant by making me pay for a big one?"

Qin Luo nodded. "Yeah. Some dishes in the cafeteria are actually quite expensive. Take the red-braised pork at window number 8; last time I bought it, sixteen yuan only got me eight pieces. That’s two yuan a piece, and each piece is only half the size of my finger. Isn't that expensive?"

"You... I..."

Tang Yu was speechless, her good manners preventing her from using any vulgar language. She had to swallow her retort, feeling somewhat deflated.

Watching the usually composed and elegant beauty lose her composure was quite amusing. Qin Luo’s mischief was satisfied, and he teased, "What? Does the 'young lady with plenty of living expenses' not have enough to treat me to a meal in the cafeteria?"

No matter how refined Tang Yu was, she couldn't help but glare at him. "I could eat you into bankruptcy here!"

"Then let's go."

"How about... we go somewhere else? I know a great Cantonese restaurant off-campus."

"No, I'm in the mood for the cafeteria today."

"But..."

Tang Yu hesitated. She hadn't wanted to enter because she feared rumors appearing on the campus forum. Given Qin Luo's fame and unique status, any woman seen with him other than Xu Ke could be photographed and uploaded. She already knew photos of Yao Yanyan and Qin Luo were circulating, and while everyone knew it was mostly a joke, she didn't want to get involved in such gossip. She disliked rumors, and she feared causing misunderstandings that would worsen the already strained harmony in her dormitory.

Seeing her silence, Qin Luo suddenly stopped smiling and said calmly, "Never mind. I'm not that hungry anymore. I'm going back to the dorm."

He turned to leave, but Tang Yu grew anxious and grabbed his wrist. "Wait!"

Qin Luo paused and looked down at her slender, white hand holding his wrist. Tang Yu noticed his gaze, looked momentarily uncomfortable, and quickly pulled her hand back. Trying to remain calm, she said, "I just feel this isn't enough to express my gratitude... Fine, if that's your decision, then the cafeteria it is."

*If I get photographed, so be it. It’s just a meal in a public place. Even if Xu Ke misunderstands, I have a legitimate reason. It’s not a big deal!*

Tang Yu took a deep breath and headed toward the cafeteria. Her silhouette, usually elegant, now carried a hint of determination. Qin Luo followed silently, his eyes scanning her, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.