215: Welcome Party

Time flew by, and in a blink, it had been a while since the university semester began. The campus was abuzz with youthful energy and a fresh atmosphere.

The campus broadcast frequently aired various announcements. Students hurried between teaching buildings and dormitories, busy with their studies and preparing for the diverse and colorful campus activities.

The school was about to welcome its eagerly anticipated annual Freshmen Welcome Gala. This was not only a stage for new students to showcase their talents but also a joyous event for all faculty and students to gather and celebrate the new semester.

Lu Chen, as the Student Union President, was exceptionally busy during this period. He not only had to coordinate all aspects of the gala but also needed to synchronize the work of various departments. From stage construction to program arrangement, from lighting and sound to logistical support, every detail required his personal oversight.

On this day, after Lu Chen finished his work, he found Chen Mengyao taking a stroll on a campus path. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the branches, casting patches of light on the ground. Lu Chen approached with steady steps, a gentle smile on his face.

"Chen Mengyao," Lu Chen called softly, his voice exceptionally clear on the quiet path.

Chen Mengyao turned her head at the sound, and a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes when she saw it was Lu Chen. She quickly walked towards him: "President Lu."

Lu Chen tilted his head slightly, his gaze falling on Chen Mengyao's face, a faint smile playing on his lips: "I specifically came to find you about the Freshmen Welcome Gala."

Chen Mengyao blinked, a curious expression on her face: "Freshmen Welcome Gala? Can I help with anything?"

Lu Chen stood with his hands in his pockets, looking relaxed, and slowly said: "The school's Freshmen Welcome Gala is about to begin, and all the colleges are preparing performances. I thought, you should prepare a performance too."

Upon hearing this, a hint of nervousness immediately flashed across Chen Mengyao's face. She frowned slightly, unconsciously bit her lower lip, and her eyes were full of unease: "I... can I do it? I've never performed in front of so many people."

Lu Chen couldn't help but chuckle at Chen Mengyao's flustered appearance, his laughter echoing on the path. He waved his hand gently and said in a soft tone: "Don't be nervous, you can definitely do it. Haven't you always wanted to help me? This is a great opportunity."

Chen Mengyao's heart warmed at Lu Chen's words. She looked up, her gaze fixed on Lu Chen with determination: "Really? But what should I perform? I don't have any special talents..."

Lu Chen pondered for a moment, then looked at Chen Mengyao with gentle eyes: "How about singing? I remember once, I heard you humming softly in the garden, and your voice was very pleasant."

Chen Mengyao's face instantly turned red. She lowered her head, unconsciously tugging at the corner of her clothes, her voice as faint as a mosquito: "You... you heard that? I was just singing casually, not very well..."

Lu Chen shook his head slightly, an encouraging smile on his face: "Don't underestimate yourself, your singing voice is very infectious. I think singing is very suitable for you; just prepare a song you're good at."

Chen Mengyao hesitated for a moment, then slowly looked up, a hint of hesitation and determination in her eyes: "But, I'm still a little scared. What if I make a fool of myself on stage?"

Lu Chen took a step forward, looking at Chen Mengyao with a serious expression, his eyes full of encouragement: "Don't worry, everyone has a first time. As long as you prepare diligently, there will be no problem. Besides, I'll be there, and I'll help you rehearse."

As Chen Mengyao listened to Lu Chen's words, her nervousness gradually dissipated, replaced by a deep sense of gratitude. She nodded vigorously, a bright smile on her face: "Okay, then I'll try. I trust you."

Lu Chen looked at Chen Mengyao's confident smile and felt a hint of relief in his heart. He nodded slightly and said: "Then it's settled. Choose a song these next few days, and if you have any questions, come find me anytime."

Chen Mengyao looked at Lu Chen, her eyes sparkling. She playfully saluted: "Understood, President Lu! I will prepare well."

Lu Chen was amused by Chen Mengyao's gesture. He shook his head gently, his eyes full of indulgence: "Alright, go prepare. I look forward to your wonderful performance."

Chen Mengyao smiled and turned, leaving with light steps, already dreaming of her performance at the Freshmen Welcome Gala. Lu Chen watched her retreating figure, a faint smile still on his lips.

Lu Chen watched Chen Mengyao's retreating figure and sighed softly.

The sigh was extremely light, yet it carried complex emotions, a sense of relief from being unburdened, and a hint of ineffable melancholy.

His gaze followed Chen Mengyao until her figure disappeared around the corner. Only then did he slowly withdraw his gaze, turn around, and return to his study. He sat in his chair, fingers lightly tapping the desk, lost in thought.

Only a few days remained until Chen Mengyao's hundred-day deadline.

Once the Freshmen Welcome Gala was over, he would have to let Chen Mengyao leave.

Their time together during this period felt like a meticulously choreographed play destined to end, and it was time for the curtain to fall.

Lu Chen knew in his heart that Chen Mengyao was merely a "temporary companion" he kept by his side for certain purposes; he never intended for it to be long-term from the very beginning.

But when it truly came time to end, his fingertips still unconsciously tapped the desk, and a fleeting moment of distraction flickered in his eyes.

He recalled the countless small moments they shared, the time they spent together, and a hint of reluctance welled up in his heart. But he quickly suppressed this emotion, telling himself it was just a transaction.

Meanwhile, Chen Mengyao's smile slowly faded.

In fact, these past few days, Chen Mengyao had been plagued by nightmares.

In the dead of night, surrounded by darkness, she suddenly found herself in Lu Chen's luxurious estate, but the atmosphere was exceptionally cold and oppressive.

Lu Chen stood before her, his expression indifferent and distant, speaking without a trace of warmth: "The hundred days are up. You can leave now."

She shook her head desperately, her eyes red, and pleaded with a choked voice: "Don't drive me away, I don't want to leave you."

But Lu Chen merely turned coldly, leaving her with a resolute back. No matter how much she called out, Lu Chen did not look back.

She suddenly woke from the dream, drenched in sweat, her heart still pounding violently in her chest. It took a long time for her to realize it was just a dream.

But the dream was too real, and the fear and sense of loss still tightly enveloped her, making it difficult for her to fall back asleep for a long time.

She curled up in her quilt, gazing at the moonlight outside the window, tears silently streaming down, soaking her pillow.

Once, waking up in the middle of the night, she was so scared that she instinctively wanted to go to Chen Xuening's room.

Gently pushing open the door, she saw her little sister's small figure lying peacefully on the bed, breathing evenly. Her heart then settled a little.

She sat by her sister's bed, gently stroking her sister's hair, wondering what her sister would do if she really had to leave here.

Chen Mengyao hummed a light tune, feigning composure as she bounced back to the girls' dormitory.

Inside the dormitory, the lights were warm yellow, the beds were neatly made, the desks were piled with books and snacks, and a few celebrity posters adorned the walls, exuding a vibrant and youthful atmosphere.

As soon as she pushed open the door, Lin Yue, with her lively personality and neat short hair, spotted her and immediately came over.

She was petite, with two deep dimples when she smiled, and was the life of the dormitory. She and Chen Mengyao were extremely close, always inseparable.

At this moment, she gently nudged Chen Mengyao's shoulder with her elbow, teasing with a playful smile: "Oh, Mengyao, did you go to see your President Lu again?" She winked as she spoke, her smile growing even brighter.

Chen Mengyao's already flushed cheeks instantly turned even redder, like a ripe apple. She lowered her head, lightly scuffing her toe on the ground, and mumbled softly: "No way, don't talk nonsense." She nervously fiddled with the corner of her clothes, her gaze darting away.

Just then, Su Ran, wearing black-rimmed glasses and with her hair tied in a high ponytail, also came closer.

Su Ran was tall and had a calm, introverted personality, usually appearing like a top student. But when it came to gossip, she was no different from any other girl.

She pushed up her glasses, her eyes sparkling, full of envy: "Still not admitting it, huh? I heard Lu Chen is the eldest young master of the Lu family, that's a wealthy family! You're really something to be with him. Quick, tell us, what kind of person is he really?" She looked at Chen Mengyao expectantly, leaning slightly forward.

Chen Mengyao, surrounded, scratched her head a little shyly, but couldn't help the corners of her mouth turning up in a happy smile: "He... he's actually not quite what everyone thinks. He looks cold and doesn't talk much usually, but he's incredibly thoughtful and really considers my feelings."

As she spoke, images of Lu Chen draping his jacket over her and silently making her porridge when she was sick flashed through her mind, and the smile on her face deepened.

Her eyes became tender and dreamy, as if she had returned to those warm moments.

Lin Yue pulled Chen Mengyao to sit on the bed, her eyes wide with curiosity: "Quick, tell us, how is he thoughtful? Is he the kind of domineering CEO who spends a fortune, showering you with designer bags and jewelry?" She shook Chen Mengyao's arm as she spoke, her face full of anticipation.

Her eyes sparkled with excitement, full of curiosity about Chen Mengyao's story.

Chen Mengyao gently patted Lin Yue's hand, chiding her: "No, it's not like that at all. Once, I casually mentioned wanting to eat street food, and he actually went with me to queue up and buy it, not even afraid of being recognized. Also, he remembers all my preferences, and always arranges activities I like before every date."

As she recalled, her face glowed with a happy smile, as if those beautiful moments were reappearing before her eyes.

Su Ran rested her chin on her hands, looking infatuated: "Wow, that's so romantic. But, are you under any pressure being with him? After all, his family background is so good." As she spoke, she frowned slightly, her eyes full of concern.

Her gaze was fixed on Chen Mengyao, as if she wanted to find the answer in her expression.

Chen Mengyao frowned slightly, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes as she gently bit her lower lip: "It's false to say there's no pressure. Sometimes I feel that there's a huge gap between us, and I'm not worthy of him. But he always comforts me, telling me not to overthink things."

Her voice gradually dropped, and a hint of inferiority appeared on her face.

Lin Yue patted Chen Mengyao's shoulder, encouraging her: "Don't think too much, you're so wonderful, it's his good fortune to be with you. But, is this a formal relationship? Or is it just a casual thing?" She tilted her head, looking at Chen Mengyao seriously.

Her eyes were full of doubt and concern, waiting for Chen Mengyao's answer.

At these words, Chen Mengyao's smile instantly froze, a hint of melancholy flashing in her eyes. She lowered her head, remained silent for a moment, then whispered: "Actually... I don't know either. There seems to be a deadline between us. When the time comes, it might just end."

Her voice was slightly choked, and her hands tightly clutched the corner of her clothes, as if trying to hold onto something.

The dormitory instantly fell silent, with only the gentle sound of the wind outside the window.

After a while, Su Ran finally spoke: "What deadline? What's going on? Don't scare us." She leaned forward, closer to Chen Mengyao, her face filled with worry.

Her hand gently rested on Chen Mengyao's shoulder, trying to offer some comfort.

Chen Mengyao took a deep breath and slowly said: "From the beginning, he told me that he would only accompany me for a hundred days. During these hundred days, he would fulfill all my requests, but once the time was up, we would part ways. Now, there are only a few days left."

Her voice grew softer and softer, tears welling up in her eyes.

The dormitory fell silent again, the three girls looking at each other, unsure how to comfort Chen Mengyao.

After a long time, Lin Yue finally broke the silence: "Then... do you like him? Were you serious about these hundred days?" She took Chen Mengyao's hand, holding it tightly, as if that could give her strength.

Her eyes were full of concern and expectation, waiting for Chen Mengyao's answer.

Chen Mengyao looked up, her eyes shimmering with tears, her voice choked: "I don't know when I fell for him. At first, I just found him mysterious and charming. But the longer we spent together, the more I realized I couldn't do without him. I know it's silly, but I can't control my feelings."

As she spoke, tears streamed down her face.

Su Ran hugged Chen Mengyao tenderly, comforting her: "Don't be sad. Maybe he has feelings for you too? Maybe when the time comes, he'll change his mind." She gently patted Chen Mengyao's back, trying to calm her down.

Her voice was soft and soothing, hoping to offer Chen Mengyao some comfort.

Chen Mengyao smiled bitterly and shook her head: "I don't dare to hope too much, I'm afraid the disappointment will be even greater then. Now I can only cherish these remaining few days. As for what happens next, I'll just let nature take its course."

Her eyes revealed a hint of helplessness and despair. Leaning against Su Ran, her tears flowed continuously.

Just then, Lin Yue suddenly remembered something and asked: "Oh, right, you said it expires after the Freshmen Welcome Gala, will you be performing at the gala?" She sat up straight, looking at Chen Mengyao expectantly.

Her eyes sparkled with hope, wishing to make Chen Mengyao temporarily forget her troubles.

Chen Mengyao wiped away her tears and nodded: "Yes, I signed up to sing. I want to perform well at the gala, and consider it a kind of closure for my feelings over these hundred days."

Her voice carried a hint of determination, and her eyes revealed a touch of resolve.

Lin Yue and Su Ran both cheered Chen Mengyao on, and the atmosphere in the dormitory regained some liveliness.

But in Chen Mengyao's heart, a heavy stone remained, weighing her down.

She knew that this upcoming Freshmen Welcome Gala was both her moment to shine on stage and a countdown to her relationship with Lu Chen. She didn't know what awaited her after the gala, and could only wait for that day with a sense of apprehension.