Military training ended, and the formal school opening ceremony began. The early shift left at six, the next started at eight.
Qi Xu was woken up and lay in bed for a while before getting up. Li Yan and Feng Zhenjie were already done washing up.
He heard the door open and turned to look, but only saw a familiar back walking away.
Qi Xu was even more confused, his mind struggling to catch up.
Just a moment ago, Xie Huai’s voice had been in his ear, and the next, he had disappeared without a trace.
Li Yan teased, “Xu-ge, why do you look so upset about not seeing Huai-ge? Don’t cry. Huai-ge was called by the instructor to the auditorium to go through the process and represent the freshmen with a speech.”
Qi Xu climbed down from the bed, stepped into his slippers, and went to the balcony. “I just wasn’t fully awake, not that I was brainless.”
The three finished washing up and changed clothes. With half an hour left before the opening ceremony, there was plenty of time for breakfast.
Qi Xu bought a bowl of porridge and sat down to eat. He wasn’t sure if it was just his imagination, but it seemed like everyone who passed by took a glance at him.
When Qi Xu openly yawned, Li Yan quickly blocked his mouth. “Xu-ge, watch your image. Life is full of cameras.”
The yawn was cut short, leaving Qi Xu with an unsatisfied feeling as it got stifled. He pushed Li Yan’s hand away. “I’m not a celebrity. Where are all these cameras pointing at me?”
Li Yan handed him a phone. “Xu-ge, the news coverage about you attending that banquet has been reposted on the school forum. You’re officially the hottest topic at Q University.”
Qi Xu took the phone and saw the forum flooded with new posts—all about the banquet that Saturday night.
Every post had at least 100+ comments. The hottest one was titled: “Real Young Master vs. Fake Young Master — Who Comes Out on Top?”
What a clickbait headline. Qi Xu couldn’t help but click on it.
Since there was no live broadcast of the banquet, and the upper class wouldn’t give interviews or get involved in the Shen family’s mess—they didn’t want to offend the Shen family—only journalists’ candid photos were available.
There was a beautiful shot of Shen Zeyu playing the piano in the center of the hall, a black-and-white photo comparing Shen Zeyu and Qi Xu standing in the middle, clearly showing they were on different sides. There was also a photo of a waiter proudly holding up his “masterpiece.”
But all the photos were censored with pixelation.
The comments below were all begging for uncensored versions.
Qi Xu chuckled.
The Shen family’s PR team was fast, buying up all the photographers’ pictures that very night, bleeding money to protect their public image.
Their brazen attitude must have shown they didn’t care, which oddly seemed to stabilize the Shen family.
The Shen family knew his real bottom line wasn’t about the switching incident, but public provocation. Without Shen Zeyu’s provocations, none of this would’ve happened.
The “switched-at-birth” rumor had already circulated in the upper-class circles. The Shen family’s cover-up was nothing but self-deception. Without solid proof or photos, ordinary people wouldn’t get access to these elite rumors.
This PR move was from Shen Fengkai’s playbook. If it were Shen Zhuohai, those photos wouldn’t have been leaked at all.
The goal was to keep the public discussion alive, to fuel the mystery of who the real young master was, satisfy everyone’s curiosity, and at the same time hide the truth of the switching.
This was Shen Fengkai’s typical ruthless strategy to achieve his goals.
Still, someone probably had the uncensored originals.
The moment Qi Xu handed the phone back to Li Yan, he got a message from Xie Huai.
X: [I have the uncensored photos.]
Deadbeat: [That message should be posted on the forum, so many people would be begging you.]
X: [You didn’t explain this to the Shen family yesterday?]
Deadbeat: [My concern isn’t about the switching. If it really was true, I would’ve accepted interviews and exposed the truth right after being recognized.]
Qi Xu thought that if his goal was really that, it would be no different from his past life. Maybe he’d just fall back into the same trap. Better to just live day by day like a monk striking a bell.
For Qi Xu, the switching and being raised by the wrong family made no difference now. It would only bring pity and more digging into his past.
His actions had already thrown the Shen family into a panic—they all knew he was a little crazy.
His nature was unpleasant, exposing this early, but also making subtle moves on purpose. He deliberately made life hard for the Shen family so everyone would know he was a ticking time bomb ready to explode anytime.
They couldn’t get rid of him, had no way to control him, and couldn’t do a thing about him.
Qi Xu thoroughly enjoyed this feeling—not being the good guy, but an existing threat.
The invincible big villain.
That seemed like a fitting description.
Qi Xu sent Xie Huai a bomb emoji and put his phone away. Xie Huai didn’t reply, probably understanding the message.
After breakfast, they ran into the neighbors from the next dorm, and everyone headed together to the auditorium.
Along the way, a group of boys somehow found an umbrella and held it over Qi Xu.
“Xu-ge, hiring us as bodyguards is urgent. Pay is one meal a day. Cheap, efficient, and you deserve it.”
Qi Xu: “…”
People hurried along the street, not like in the cafeteria where he had been the center of attention. Before he opened the umbrella, no one recognized Qi Xu, but the moment he did, all heads turned—100% return rate.
A large group gathered around him, as if he were some big celebrity.
Qi Xu stopped and pulled up his hoodie, feeling a little embarrassed.
“Bodyguards get paid based on fighting ability. Which one of you scrawny guys can actually fight anyone?”
He spoke while quickening his pace, trying to put some distance between himself and the crowd.
His long legs moved faster and faster, nearly sparking a chase.
At 7:50 AM, a strange scene unfolded on Q University’s campus.
A tall guy with a hoodie was walking briskly ahead, followed by several boys shouting “Bro,” one holding an umbrella that the wind soon flipped inside out.
It didn’t look like a fan chase; it looked more like a debt collection.
Luckily, Qi Xu knew the campus routes and took a shortcut to the auditorium entrance. Otherwise, being chased all the way would’ve made him famous for sure.
The whole morning’s pursuit was even more thrilling than the banquet that night. Qi Xu’s heart raced as adrenaline surged.
Nervously climbing the stairs, he kept glancing back, fearing another umbrella might appear.
But distracted by what was behind him, he didn’t notice the human wall right in front.
His chest slammed into it, and with the force, Qi Xu lost balance and stepped backward—right toward the tall staircase behind him.
Instinctively, he tried to steady himself, but his mind flashed with the last moment from his previous life—rolling down stairs, hitting his head hard, bloodied and broken.
His forehead twitched suddenly; his blood seemed to freeze in place.
His whole body stiffened, fear rising, eyes shut tight as he braced for the same fate.
A large hand steadied him from behind, firmly holding him close.
Xie Huai, as always, spoke up: “Why the panic? Don’t you know this is dangerous?”
When Qi Xu didn’t respond with his usual sharp retort, Xie Huai sensed something was wrong.
The person in his arms was too rigid, muscles tense, clearly on defense.
Xie Huai frowned: “Qi Xu?”
Li Yan and the others were nearby, at the auditorium, and had just witnessed the near accident on the stairs.
With Qi Xu’s agility, he shouldn’t have lost control like that. If Xie Huai hadn’t grabbed him, Qi Xu might’ve tumbled down.
They were shocked and hurried over.
“You okay?”
Someone else noticed Qi Xu’s odd state and asked worriedly.
“Damn, what’s wrong?”
Qi Xu gripped Xie Huai’s clothes tightly, eyes vacant, not responding to anyone.
Above them, the chandelier swayed wildly, a blood-red blur, about to crash down on him.
The hot blood rushed up his nerves to his brain; his mind went hazy. Urgent shouting reached his ears.
“Qi Xu.”
A familiar voice. He tried to open his eyes, but his eyelids felt heavy.
A crowd gathered around the two boys, attracting attention. Someone noticed something was off and kindly spoke up.
“Is it low blood sugar? I’ve got some sugar here.”
“Step back, don’t crowd. Let the person who fainted have plenty of oxygen.”
“Who is it? Who fainted? I’m a freshman med student—let me help.”
At the auditorium for the freshman opening ceremony, the stairs were crowded with people, the atmosphere thick and chaotic.
Xie Huai helped Qi Xu over to a corner. Meanwhile, the umbrella that had been chasing after Qi Xu proved extremely useful.
Feng Zhenjie held up the umbrella, blocking the prying eyes of the curious onlookers, while Li Yan explained: “It’s an old problem—low blood sugar. Nothing serious, nothing serious. Let’s get inside.”
Xie Huai pulled the hoodie off Qi Xu’s head. Thin sweat appeared on Qi Xu’s forehead. Xie Huai took a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to Feng Zhenjie. “Could you please wet this for me?”
Feng Zhenjie quickly took it and, nearby, someone opened a fresh bottle of water to moisten the handkerchief.
Xie Huai gently wiped Qi Xu’s face with the damp cloth and called his name again: “Qi Xu.”
Qi Xu’s eyes fluttered open, and he finally recognized the voice. He loosened his grip on Xie Huai’s shirt and raised a hand to hold the hand that was wiping his face.
After a while, he spoke, his voice hoarse: “Xie Huai?”
Xie Huai replied, “It’s me.”
Even he didn’t realize the sigh of relief and slight tremor that escaped him.
Qi Xu slowly regained control, straightening his body and leaning against the wall. His amber eyes deepened as he gazed quietly at Xie Huai.
In his mind, that voice was much deeper and more mature than the current Xie Huai.
Now that he was awake, he found it a little hard to distinguish reality from dreams.
Gao Wenjun walked out of the auditorium and saw a group of their classmates standing on the stairs at the main entrance, looking confused.
He approached and said, “Why are you just standing there? Let’s go inside. Our seats are up front. By the way, have you seen Xie Huai? The counselor is looking for him.”
Someone pointed to the corner. “Bro Qi Xu fainted from low blood sugar. Huai and the others are in the corner.”
Gao Wenjun asked the study committee member who came out with him if she had any candy.
She rummaged through her bag and actually found some mint candies from a hot pot restaurant over the weekend.
Gao Wenjun took two pieces of candy and went to find Qi Xu, but Feng Zhenjie stood guard like a bodyguard, not letting anyone come close.
“Feng Zhenjie, what are you doing? I’m here to give Qi Xu some candy.”
Feng Zhenjie, standing close, could tell that Qi Xu’s condition wasn’t really low blood sugar. Not knowing what was wrong, he guessed Qi Xu didn’t want others to see him like this.
“No worries, class leader. Huai already gave him candy.”
Feng Zhenjie guarded Qi Xu like a thief protector. Gao Wenjun’s tone turned harsh as he pushed Feng aside. “Move.”
Feng Zhenjie’s shoulder was stopped by someone. Qi Xu stepped out from behind the umbrella and said, “Thanks, brother. You protected my reputation for life. Good thing no one saw me faceplant.”
Qi Xu’s expression was the same as usual, just with a hint of weariness around his eyes.
“With Huai here, you won’t be faceplanting,” Feng Zhenjie joked as he closed the umbrella, smiling. “I’m a pretty good bodyguard, huh?”
Qi Xu gave him a thumbs-up. “You’re hired. From now on, you’re my official top bodyguard.”
Li Yan and the other guys from their class swarmed around, chatting excitedly.
“You okay, Bro Xu? You scared me to death.”
“Man, I’m never chasing after you again. No wonder you have to take Chinese medicine with a body like that.”
“Bro Xu’s officially earned the title ‘Sickly Beauty’ now.”
Seeing Qi Xu was fine, they started joking around, which made him scold them a bit.
Gao Wenjun reminded them, “The opening ceremony is about to start. Let’s get inside. Xie Huai, the counselor’s looking for you.”
Xie Huai stepped forward. Everyone noticed his white shirt was rumpled and obviously roughed up.
“Huai, your shirt…” Li Yan glanced at Qi Xu, “Bro Xu’s grip was pretty strong.”
Qi Xu looked down at his hand. At that moment, he’d grabbed onto whatever he could like a lifeline, no matter who was around.
Probably not meant personally.
Xie Huai smoothed the shirt, but it didn’t help much. “It’s fine, I’m wearing a jacket.”
He glanced once at Qi Xu, who avoided eye contact, then went ahead into the auditorium.
Gao Wenjun handed the two mint candies to Qi Xu. “Not sure if mint helps, but if you still don’t feel well, I’ll take you to the clinic.”
Qi Xu didn’t take the candies. “I’m feeling better. Thanks, but no need.”
Li Yan called from ahead, “Bro Xu, five minutes left.”
Qi Xu stepped forward, hands in his hoodie pockets, and found two pieces of preserved fruit tucked inside along with the damp handkerchief.
Xie Huai really was a sneaky one—quietly slipping things in when Qi Xu wasn’t paying attention.
Just as Qi Xu sat down, Li Yan handed him a bottle of water. “Huai just gave this to me. Must be from backstage.”
Qi Xu took it, twisted open the cap, and took a sip. His dry throat felt soothed, and his voice wasn’t as hoarse anymore.
The opening ceremony began. Leaders spoke on stage, while students stared blankly—Qi Xu included.
He was lost in thoughts about his past life. Was Xie Huai really there at his death scene?
Highly likely. That day was Shen Zhuohai’s birthday, and since Xie Huai and Shen Zeyu were close, it made sense they’d be invited.
But there was still time before the party started. Would busy Mr. Xie really show up so early at the host’s place?
Qi Xu’s head ached from thinking. Making a living person replay a death experience from a past life was like dying all over again. No one deserved that.
His thoughts began to drift until a familiar but distorted voice from the speakers pulled him back.
The big screen showed Xie Huai, no longer in the wrinkled white shirt but wearing the school uniform.
Clean-cut, handsome, youthful but with a hint of emerging maturity, his wristwatch-hand adjusted the microphone on stage.
He bent slightly toward the mic: “Respected leaders, fellow students, and teachers, good morning. I am Xie Huai, a freshman from the School of Economics and Finance. It is an honor to represent—”
Xie Huai spoke almost completely off-script. As he finished each part, he’d glance at the camera and smile softly.
Unaware that the giant screen was showing close-ups of his face, causing the audience to quietly whisper and gasp.
Qi Xu sat in the aisle, clearly overhearing the discussion from the neighboring class.
“So handsome. That face holds up on the big screen.”
“What’s his name? I forgot because I was staring at his face.”
“Is that a real person? Or some character in a game?”
“Mom, I’m in love.”
Qi Xu looked thoughtfully at the screen. Handsome?
Not really all that handsome.
What he wanted to say was, Xie Huai would be even more handsome ten years from now—he just looked a bit immature at this stage.
The student representative’s speech was the most energetic part of the entire opening ceremony. When Xie Huai finished speaking, the auditorium erupted with thunderous applause, so much so that when the next leader took the stage, the sparse clapping that followed felt like a stark contrast.
It was perfunctory, with a hint of impatience.
Soon, Qi Xu heard murmurs again. He thought maybe Xie Huai was back on stage, so he looked up toward the podium.
But a shadow fell beside him. Qi Xu raised his eyes—Xie Huai stood above him. “Move your long legs to the side.”
Qi Xu shifted his legs aside to make room.
Xie Huai sat down next to him, and the murmurs shifted from one person to two.
Qi Xu caught a nearby comment: “Isn’t that the real young master? My first time seeing the real thing up close. He’s pretty good-looking too.”
Qi Xu: “…”
Thanks a lot for that.
Xie Huai tilted his head. “Young master, you doing okay?”
The young master silently thought, “Could take down a whole cow.”
Xie Huai glanced sideways. “Planning to take it down after bragging?”
Qi Xu moved suddenly; the water bottle resting between his legs slipped and fell.
Since they were in a tiered lecture hall, the bottle would roll all the way down the steps.
Without a word, they both bent down together.
As the bottle teetered on the edge of the stairs, one grabbed the neck while the other caught the base—only a tenth of a centimeter between their hands.
Their shoulders bumped again. The auditorium was stuffy, and even through their clothes, they could feel each other’s body heat.
Xie Huai quietly asked, just loud enough for them both to hear, “You okay?”
Qi Xu responded with a simple “Yeah,” but didn’t say more.
Xie Huai let go, and Qi Xu picked up the water bottle.
Nearby, Li Yan excitedly said, “Huai, Xu, the big screen just showed you two bowing to each other!”
