Chapter 19: Unfathomable

“Sister Qing, I heard you’re heading to Liyang Academy tomorrow. I came especially to give you a gift!”

Xianyu Qing had no intention of accepting Nangong Lu’s overtures. “Thank you, but I already have everything I need. You don’t have to trouble yourself.”

But Nangong Lu spoke with a hint of mystery, “Sister Qing, my gift isn’t just some clothes or jewelry—it’s your pass to Liyang Academy!”

A pass? Xianyu Qing was puzzled.

Seeing the confusion flicker across her face, Nangong Lu’s dark eyes sparkled under the moonlight, gleaming like stars.

He drew closer, lips curling into a gentle smile. “In Liyang Academy, even among the nobility, there’s a hierarchy. You may be from the Nangong family, but you’re not of the main line. Without a pass, you’ll face lots of difficulties.”

Sister Bai had already warned Xianyu Qing that the “elite circle” wasn’t easy to break into. But she hadn’t realized there was even such a thing as a “pass!”

“What kind of pass is it?” she asked.

Nangong Lu burst into laughter. “Sister Qing, you’re so adorable!”

Xianyu Qing: “…”

After a moment, Nangong Lu finally explained, “The ‘pass’ is just an expression. In Liyang Academy, the school authorities hold the highest power, but they’re busy with endless affairs and pay little attention to student matters. The teachers are only responsible for daily classes. Only the ‘Student Council’ directly manages you students!”

Xianyu Qing had known nothing of this. So, the Student Council wielded such influence in Liyang Academy.

Nangong Lu paused, then went on, “The pass I speak of is a Student Council pass—an entry ticket into the Student Council itself, making you one of the student administrators. Surely you know the advantages, Sister Qing?”

Of course, Xianyu Qing understood. She fell silent, pondering.

After a moment, she asked Nangong Lu, “What is it you want in return?”

She had never believed in windfalls—Nangong Lu’s gift was bound to have its price.

Nangong Lu spread his hands with polished grace. “How can a brother ask for something in return when giving a gift to his sister?”

“Honesty is a virtue,” Xianyu Qing replied, unmoved by the peacock’s honeyed words.

Nangong Lu could only manage a weak smile. This clever girl was not so easily fooled!

“I was genuinely offering you a gift, but if it makes you uneasy, then… how about accompanying me to a ball next weekend?”

He spoke with sincerity, but Xianyu Qing turned to leave. “Not interested.”

“Hm?”

Nangong Lu hadn’t expected that even the temptation of a “pass” wouldn’t lure Xianyu Qing.

He hurried to block her way. “Sister Qing, it’s just a charity ball—just show your face, no need for socializing.”

“No dancing?” Xianyu Qing asked.

Nangong Lu couldn’t help but laugh. So she was afraid of dancing!

“No, no dancing,” he assured her with a nod. “You don’t have to dance, and no one will force you. Besides, who says a ball is just for dancing?”

Xianyu Qing knew Nangong Lu had his reasons for inviting her, but as long as she didn’t have to dance, she could handle the rest.

“All right,” she agreed.

Nangong Lu was delighted and extended his hand. “It’s a deal—”

Before he could finish, a tall figure swiftly stepped between them, blocking him from Xianyu Qing.

Nangong Lu’s handsome face darkened. “Why is it you again? This has nothing to do with you. Step aside!”

Jiang Mohe replied impassively, “Second Young Master, please show some respect.”

“You!” Nangong Lu was indignant. “I’m only shaking hands with Sister Qing. How is that disrespectful? I’m not some scoundrel—would I take advantage of her?”

Though he was famous for his charm, Nangong Lu had always relied on his allure. The ladies who approached him did so willingly; he had never forced anyone.

But clearly, Jiang Mohe wasn’t buying any of it. His gaze remained fixed, as if warning that any further pestering would have consequences.

Nangong Lu had never been intimidated by a bodyguard before—it was intolerable!

He was about to protest when Su Cha arrived.

“Miss, your things are packed. Would you like to rest now?”

Xianyu Qing nodded. “Yes, I’ll head up.”

She turned to Nangong Lu. “Let’s leave it at that. It’s late—any other matters can wait until we meet next weekend.”

Her purpose achieved, Nangong Lu saw no reason to linger.

“All right, we’ll talk then.” He smiled and bid farewell to Xianyu Qing, shot a glare at Jiang Mohe, and left reluctantly.

“Thank you,” Xianyu Qing said sincerely to Jiang Mohe. His act of protection had warmed her heart.

Jiang Mohe’s expression remained unchanged. “It’s my duty.”

With that, he too turned and left, his tall silhouette gradually fading into the night.

Once again, Xianyu Qing was left puzzled. The distance between them, sometimes near and sometimes far, was truly hard to grasp.

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Liyang Academy was located in the eastern part of the city, two streets away from the wealthy district—a short bike ride of just over ten minutes.

However, most of the students at Liyang Academy were the scions of affluent families, all chauffeured everywhere. Who would ride a bicycle?

As a result, the parking lot at the academy’s main gate was exceptionally spacious, filled with every kind of luxury car.

The car Nangong Ao provided her was not particularly ostentatious. As Su Cha drove into the lot, a flashy sports car suddenly darted in from behind and snatched the spot Su Cha had been aiming for.

Luckily, Su Cha braked just in time, narrowly avoiding a collision.

When the driver emerged from the sports car, Xianyu Qing understood the reason for the ostentation.

Lolia and Lu Hankai both hailed from renowned aristocratic families in the imperial city. Though not in the top ten, their backgrounds were impressive enough.

In recent years, Lolia had grown especially close to the third Miss Nangong, growing ever more bold and flamboyant.

Seeing that Su Cha’s car was nothing special, Lolia assumed it belonged to an ordinary wealthy student and dismissed it without a thought.

Xianyu Qing watched Lolia stride into the academy before getting out of the car herself.

Lolia and Lu Hankai were friends of Nangong Xin, and from now on, they would certainly see her as a rival at Liyang Academy—an unavoidable reality.

But today was the first day of term; she had no wish to be entangled in trouble right away.

Unlike most elite schools, Liyang Academy processed all registration procedures online before the term began. Even the student cards were prepared and delivered to each student in advance. On registration day, students simply presented their cards to their respective departments.

Approaching the academy, Xianyu Qing once again sensed its unique atmosphere.

Everywhere, stylish young men and women, all dressed in high-end designer labels. The campus bristled with advanced technology.

As soon as she passed through the facial recognition gate, she was greeted by two three-meter-tall holographic projections—one of a striking young man, the other of a graceful woman—eloquently narrating Liyang Academy’s history and features of each department.

All along the main avenues, campus vehicles shuttled back and forth. On closer inspection, they proved to be driverless, solar-powered shuttles, automatically stopping at designated points and circulating around the entire campus.

Liyang Academy was truly worthy of its reputation as a noble school—even walking was optional! Xianyu Qing marveled inwardly.

Just then, a blur of white flashed past from behind, darting ahead.