Chapter 953: One Standing, While the other Sitting....
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Jiang Yu’s lips twitched at Liu Qiang’s antics. He nudged his friend playfully. “You’re shameless. It’s a good thing she didn’t sign it. Otherwise, you’d be convinced she likes you!” Jiang Yu couldn’t help but feel embarrassed as he thought of Liu Qiang’s audacity. Perhaps he should have been a bit more shameless himself.
“It’s just a casual inscription, so what?” Liu Qiang retorted though he knew deep down what it meant. He hadn’t pressed Su Wen to explain why she didn’t sign her name.
“By the way, did you notice?” Liu Qiang suddenly lowered his voice, covering his mouth as he glanced towards Song Zishan and Lu Jianan, still in line. “Song Zishan looks like she’s so embarrassed. Even more embarrassing than yesterday.”
“What do you mean? What’s Song Zishan got to do with this?” Jiang Yu asked, puzzled.
“I remember. Two days ago, when Xu Xiaoxiao took us out to dinner, you were busy and didn’t come. But I noticed something others didn’t. After all, they were far away at the time,” Liu Qiang said, a smug grin spreading across his face. “Thankfully, I have keen eyes. I recognized it instantly.”
“Su Wen, the author, is Professor Su’s daughter. It’s both her pen name and real name,” Liu Qiang revealed, having kept this tidbit to himself until now, relishing the moment when Song Zishan would be caught off guard.
He believed he was the only one who had pieced it together.
Though they all hailed from the capital and were acquainted, that didn’t mean they lacked individual pride. No one liked being taken advantage of, especially considering some were former students of Professor Su. They naturally sided with him.
Jiang Yu was momentarily stunned. He turned, attempting to catch a glimpse of Su Wen through the mall’s glass partition where she was signing autographs. Yet, the crowd obstructed his view. Even so, he remained fixated for a moment before regaining his composure.
“Is that why you’re so thrilled?” Jiang Yu asked.
“Haha…” Liu Qiang chuckled gleefully. “Song Zishan’s up next. Let’s go in and watch.”
“Don’t,” Jiang Yu intervened, pulling Liu Qiang back. “Even if you don’t go you already know what will happen. Once you go in, everyone will realize you knew and deliberately kept quiet.” What Jiang Yu didn’t mention was his belief that Song Zishan wasn’t as gentle and kind as she appeared. She was skilled and vengeful.
“Alright then,” Liu Qiang relented, feeling a twinge of disappointment.
Soon, it was Song Zishan and Lu Jianan’s turn. Song Zishan led the way, exuding confidence and grace. As the last person ahead of them left, Song Zishan stood before Su Wen.
One stood, the other sat.
One was self-assured, radiant, and in control of the situation.
Despite his quick reflexes, Jiang Yu couldn’t help but notice the fleeting embarrassment on Song Zishan’s face. She was caught off guard, but she swiftly regained her composure.
Su Wen had anticipated Song Zishan’s arrival.
When Zhou Yan had informed her the night before, they had strategized. Su Wen had meticulously prepared herself for this encounter. This was her battlefield, where attire and makeup weren’t stained with blood.
Playing with the pen in her hand, Su Wen’s lips curled into a captivating smile. Her cherry-red lipstick complemented her porcelain complexion and ebony hair. Her enchanting grin seemed to convey to everyone that she was indeed different from the rest.