Chapter 3.2: The Senior
His words were simple, lacking the eloquence to offer a more elaborate compliment. Her reaction to his answer was unexpected. She tilted her head and asked, “I didn’t expect you to be like this.”
“Like what?” Shi Hai was confused.
Was she upset about being complimented?
Instead of clarifying, she steered the conversation back. “So, now you understand, right? I have complete freedom in this school.”
Though Shi Hai still didn’t know her identity, he sensed her privilege and asked, “So, this old dormitory building wasn’t demolished because of you?”
“That’s right. At least until I graduate, it won’t be torn down.”
“Then, since this is your territory, you allow those… couples downstairs?”
Shi Hai trailed off, but she knew he referred to the couples using the building for trysts. “I don’t need those simple dorm rooms. This open rooftop is enough for me. I just wanted a place to relax.”
She seemed like someone without friends. With such a distinct personality, it’s no wonder she stood out so much. She might claim to have complete freedom, but it likely came at the cost of social isolation.
Shi Hai thought about reminding her, “Though university professors don’t care about students’ personal lives, being too conspicuous could cause problems.”
She responded bitterly, “Yes, their looks make me uncomfortable. They probably think, ‘You’re only acting recklessly because of your wealthy mother. Without her, you’re nothing!’ or ‘A student’s duty is to study. What kind of student acts like this!’”
She knew exactly how others perceived her. Was she acting out on purpose?
“That’s why I improved my grades and became the top of the school, now those lousy teachers can’t do anything to me.”
So, she went from being rich and willful to being rich and competent. Shi Hai imagined the frustrated teachers and felt a bit satisfied himself.
With such high grades, they couldn’t find any faults.
She wasn’t just a pretty face; she had the brains to match.
If they weren’t attending the same university, Shi Hai might never have encountered such a high-achieving person.
Was she just trying to show off? How boring. Shi Hai felt his mood drop.
“What’s with that look? I’m a third-year, and you’re a second-year, right?”
She gave him a look that clearly said, “You understand what I mean, right?”
Shi Hai nodded and greeted her, “Oh… hello, senior.”
Seemingly satisfied, she smiled confidently, as if to say, “This feels good.”
Shi Hai felt a bit annoyed. He shouldn’t have come to this rooftop; it only brought him trouble. He wanted to leave but didn’t dare anger her. After all, she was influential, and crossing her could mean trouble.
He decided to wait until she was done showing off and then praise her appropriately to escape.