218: reject

Under the almost suffocatingly tense gazes of everyone, Lu Chen slowly stood up.

The air in the auditorium seemed to freeze instantly, and the spotlights focused on him were as blinding as searchlights.

Lu Chen stood tall and straight, like an ancient pine tree rooted to the spot; his every subtle movement was magnified, and everyone held their breath, afraid of missing any detail.

He quietly looked at Chen Mengyao, his deep eyes shimmering with an elusive light under the spotlight, a gaze like a bottomless lake that made Chen Mengyao’s heartbeat suddenly quicken.

The students below the stage instantly erupted, and the entire auditorium became a noisy marketplace.

Some of the girls who had previously been infatuated and longed for Lu Chen seemed to be under a paralysis spell, their eyes wide, mouths agape in an “O” shape, their Faces conveying an disbelief that spoke of their inner collapse, as if they couldn’t accept the fact that their perfect male god was about to be “claimed” by someone else.

Others tightly clutched the corners of their clothes, their fingertips white from exertion, nails digging deep into their palms, muttering softly with a tone full of unwillingness: “How is this possible? How could Lu Chen agree to her? What right does she have…?”

Still other girls huddled together, whispering, their eyes full of jealousy and resentment, occasionally glancing sideways at Chen Mengyao, their gazes like sharp thorns.

Most of the boys, however, were excited, like sharks smelling blood, as if anticipating the start of a spectacular show.

Their Faces were alight with smiles of people who enjoyed watching drama unfold, some rubbing their hands together, animatedly discussing with their companions, saliva flying: “Now there’s a good show to watch. Do you think Lu Chen will agree or not? I bet a meal he definitely won’t.”

Others shook their heads with a hint of mocking laughter: “Her? I doubt Lu Chen will agree. Their status and position are clear; the gap isn’t just a little bit.”

And those classmates who genuinely hoped Chen Mengyao and Lu Chen could be together were now craning their necks, wishing they could jump onto the stage to see what would happen.

Their hands unconsciously clenched, knuckles white from effort, silently cheering on Chen Mengyao in their hearts, muttering softly: “Say yes, hurry and say yes! Such a perfect match, don’t miss out.”

Chen Mengyao stood on the stage, her legs seemingly nailed to the ground, unable to move.

Watching Lu Chen slowly stand up, she was extremely nervous.

She clutched the microphone tightly, her knuckles white from excessive force and trembling slightly, a tremor that spread up her arm, almost making her unable to hold the “hope” in her hand.

Her breathing was rapid and heavy, her chest heaving violently as if she had just run a marathon, her eyes fixed on Lu Chen, full of tension and anticipation; fine beads of sweat also appeared on her forehead, sliding down her fair cheeks, sparkling with a crystal-like light under the stage lights, just like her fragile mood at that moment.

Just as the discussions of the crowd surged like a tide, Lu Chen slowly smiled.

In Chen Mengyao’s eyes, that smile was like a poisoned dagger, stabbing directly into her heart.

Lu Chen spoke, his voice low and clear, each word like a heavy lead ball, striking Chen Mengyao’s heart: “Back then, I just pitied you. Now that your mother has recovered, there’s no need for us to continue contact. Let’s leave it at that.”

As soon as he finished speaking, he turned to leave, his decisive back seeming to completely erase Chen Mengyao from his world.

The entire venue instantly erupted in an uproar, gasps and discussions instantly drowning the entire auditorium like a surging tide.

Some people’s eyes widened, their eyeballs seemingly about to pop out, their Faces filled with shock, as if they couldn’t believe what they had heard, their expressions like being suddenly struck by lightning.

Some people’s mouths hung open, unable to close for a long time, their expressions frozen in that moment, like statues.

Still others began to whisper, their voices growing louder and louder, the entire auditorium descended into chaos, the buzzing of discussions echoing in the air, seeming to want to break through the auditorium’s ceiling.

Chen Mengyao felt her head roaring; Lu Chen’s words were like a heavy hammer, fiercely smashing her heart, shattering all her beautiful illusions.

Her eyes instantly became hollow, losing focus, and the microphone in her hand fell to the ground with a “thud,” emitting a crisp sound that seemed particularly abrupt in the noisy auditorium, like the sound of her heart breaking.

Her body began to tremble slightly, her legs weakened, her knees bent, and she swayed precariously.

She opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but found her throat was blocked, too dry to make a sound.

Her lips trembled slightly, tears uncontrollably streamed from her eyes, flowing freely down her cheeks, dampening the collar of her light blue evening gown.

Her shoulders gently shook, her hands covered her Face, and she slowly crouched down, like a wounded fawn, curled up there, appearing incredibly fragile and helpless.

Finally, her vision went black, and she fainted on the stage; the stage lights were still bright, but they couldn’t illuminate her currently dark world.

Outside the auditorium, the night was deep, and a fierce wind howled, sweeping through, making the tree branches violently sway, emitting “creaking” sounds, as if lamenting Chen Mengyao’s plight.

The windows rattled in the wind, seemingly wanting to rush into the auditorium to break the suffocating awkwardness and sadness.

Inside the auditorium, the chaos continued, people’s gazes still focused on the fainted Chen Mengyao, but no one could anymore provide a warm sky for her.

Chen Mengyao didn’t even know how she got back to the dormitory.

Her consciousness seemed to be enveloped by a thick fog, everything in front of her became blurry, her steps floated as she moved, the surrounding clamor and noise like being separated by a frosted glass, vague yet impenetrable.

When she returned to the dormitory, she seemed to have completely lost all strength and consciousness, falling onto the bed dejectedly, staring blankly at the ceiling. Her eyes were hollow, as if her Soul had left her body, leaving only a numb shell.

Her roommates saw her like this and instantly gathered around her, their Faces full of concern and worry.

“Mengyao, what’s wrong with you? You look so pale!” Lin Yue was the first to speak. She quickly walked to the bedside, bent down, and reached out to touch Chen Mengyao’s forehead, her brows furrowed into a “ river” shape, her anxiety evident in her eyes.

Su Qing also leaned over, her eyes wide, full of distress: “Yes, Mengyao, what happened? Don’t scare us.” She said, gently patting Chen Mengyao’s shoulder, trying to offer some comfort.

Li Shihan quickly poured a cup of hot water, carefully brought it over, placed it by the bed, and softly said: “Drink some water first, calm down.” Her voice was gentle, with a hint of a choked sob, and her eyes looking at Chen Mengyao were full of pity.

Chen Mengyao opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but her throat seemed to be choked by something, dry and unable to make a sound, yet tears uncontrollably welled up again, sliding down her cheeks, soaking her pillow.

Seeing this, Lin Yue’s eyes also reddened. She bit her lip and said angrily: “Did someone bully you? Tell us, we’ll help you get even!” She clenched her fists, ready to rush out and settle scores.

Su Qing sat by the bed, gently holding Chen Mengyao’s hand, patting her hand, comforting her: “No matter what happens, we’re here. Don’t bear it alone.” Her palm was warm, conveying sincere friendship.

Li Shihan sat aside, silently offering tissues, her eyes full of worry, occasionally looking at Chen Mengyao, as if waiting for her to speak.

At this time, the school forum had already exploded. The entire forum was filled with posts discussing the scene at the freshman welcoming party, with titles more eye-catching than the last.

“Shocking! Lu Chen mercilessly rejects beautiful junior’s heartfelt confession, the scene was too awkward!”

“Junior bravely confesses, why is Lu Chen so heartless?”

The content of the posts was even more varied, with all sorts of speculations and discussions flooding in.

“Lu Chen is too much, isn’t he? That junior is so beautiful and so brave, how could he reject her so heartlessly?”

A netizen named “Campus Loudspeaker” commented, accompanied by a string of angry emojis.

“Exactly, at least give her some Face. To be so direct is too hurtful.” Netizen “Gossip Monger No. 1” echoed, her words full of sympathy for Chen Mengyao.

“Maybe Lu Chen simply doesn’t fancy that junior, after all, the gap in status and position is so huge.” Some netizens also voiced such sharp opinions, with a hint of mockery in their tone.

“I think Lu Chen did it on purpose, trying to use this to promote himself, he’s too calculating.” Some more extreme netizens began to maliciously speculate, their words full of aggression.

Chen Mengyao felt like the sky had fallen. She had finally mustered the courage to confess, expecting a beautiful ending, but never imagined such a cruel response.

The scenes of her past interactions with Lu Chen now flashed through her mind like a revolving lantern, each scene like a sharp knife, cutting into her heart.

Her breathing was rapid and heavy, her chest heaving violently, tears flowing incessantly.

Her fingers tightly gripped the bedsheet, knuckles white from exertion, and her body also trembled slightly, as if she had fallen into an endless ice cellar, bone-chillingly cold.

Suddenly, she struggled to sit up from the bed, a trace of determination flashing in her eyes. “I need to go ask him in person.” Her voice was hoarse, with a crying tone, yet it conveyed a sense of firmness.

Her roommates were stunned by her words. Lin Yue was the first to react, she quickly advised: “Mengyao, don’t be impulsive. He has already said that. If you go ask again, won’t you be even more hurt?” Her eyes were full of worry, and she held Chen Mengyao’s arms, trying to stop her.

Su Qing also quickly said: “Yes, your current state is so bad. Rest well first, and we can talk after you recover.” Her brows were tightly furrowed, her Face full of concern.

Li Shihan gently said: “Mengyao, we know you’re hurting inside, but if you go like this, what if you get hurt again?” Her voice was soft, yet full of worry.

Chen Mengyao shook her head, tears welling up again: “I’m not resigned. I must get a clear answer, why he treated me like this.” Her lips trembled slightly, her eyes full of pain and stubbornness.

Saying that, she disregarded her roommates’ attempts to stop her and struggled to stand up. Her legs were weak, and she almost fell as soon as she stood up; Su Qing, quick-witted, quickly supported her.

“I’ll go with you.” Su Qing said firmly, her eyes showing a sense of loyalty.

Lin Yue and Li Shihan exchanged glances and also expressed their desire to go together. “We’ll go together, whatever happens, we’ll Face it together.” Lin Yue patted her chest, her Face resolute.

Chen Mengyao looked at them, her eyes full of gratitude, tears blurring her vision again. Supported by her roommates, she walked out of the dormitory step by step.

The corridor lights were dim, and their long shadows were cast on the walls, appearing particularly lonely. Chen Mengyao’s steps were heavy, each one like stepping on cotton, soft and weak, yet with a hint of resolve.

They walked out of the dormitory building, and the cool night wind hit them, making Chen Mengyao shiver. The campus was silent, only the occasional chirping of insects, which sounded particularly clear in the quiet night.

The moonlight shone on them, stretching their figures long. Chen Mengyao looked up at the bright moon, tears streaming from her eyes again. Once, she and Lu Chen had also walked under such moonlight; those beautiful memories now became the sharpest wounds.

“Mengyao, if you’re hurting, let’s go back.” Lin Yue said with concern, her eyes full of pity for Chen Mengyao.

Chen Mengyao shook her head, biting her lip: “No, I must get a clear explanation.” Although her voice was weak, it conveyed an undeniable firmness.

They walked towards the office building where Lu Chen often frequented, and along the way, Chen Mengyao’s mood grew heavier.

Lu Chen’s decisive back and cold words kept replaying in her mind, and the pain in her heart surged like a tide.

Finally, they arrived in front of the office building. Chen Mengyao took a deep breath, mustered her courage, and walked in.

The hallway lights were dim, and it was eerily quiet, with only their footsteps echoing in the empty corridor.

They arrived at Lu Chen’s office door. Chen Mengyao’s hand trembled as she slowly raised it, wanting to knock, but then hesitated.

Her heart rate rapidly quickened, and her breathing became hurried, various possible scenarios flashing through her mind.

“Don’t be afraid, we’re all here.” Su Qing said softly, patting Chen Mengyao’s shoulder, giving her strength.

Chen Mengyao nodded, gritted her teeth, and finally knocked on the door. “Come in.” Lu Chen’s familiar voice came from inside the room, and Chen Mengyao’s body trembled violently, tears blurring her vision again…