Chapter 21: They Drew Closer to Him

Holy Imperial High School, Grand Auditorium.

“Now, let us invite Yun Xuan, the first-year representative, to come on stage and offer his blessings to the graduates,” the host announced with a smile.

Backstage, Yun Xuan was nearly dozing off. He had waited through half an hour of graduation ceremony for this very moment.

He straightened his uniform, looking rather formal, and walked up the stage.

In the audience, Yun Xue and Lin Qingyu grew nervous. They knew full well that Yun Xuan hadn’t even bothered to memorize the speech.

Standing before everyone, Yun Xuan glanced over the crowd and pulled out his speech.

Just as everyone expected him to launch into a lengthy, tedious monologue, Yun Xuan crumpled the script into a ball and tossed it aside.

“Oh my!”

“What the—?”

“What is he doing?”

A wave of bewildered students and teachers stared, while Principal Qin Yun remained calm and unruffled.

“Yun Xuan, you really are something,” murmured Kaori Nagashima, dressed in a professional suit at the back of the hall, a faint smile on her lips.

“Yun Xuan, what are you doing?” Qin Zhihua, the third-year representative, demanded coldly from the stage.

“Zhihua, don’t get worked up. Ahem. Seniors, I’m sure you’ve all heard enough of lengthy speeches, so I’ll keep mine brief,” Yun Xuan said with a laugh after clearing his throat.

Every student in the hall perked up their ears, eyes wide with curiosity.

“After graduation, as you step into university, your world will change. But please, never forget that you are part of Holy Imperial High School. To the senior girls, I wish you happiness in university and harmony in your future families. To the senior boys, may you all find someone special, and may tonight be a joyful gathering for you all,” Yun Xuan said sincerely.

Many girls in the audience began to weep, reluctant to leave their friends behind.

“Lastly, I have a gift for all graduates. But first, I owe you an apology—I borrowed your photos without permission. Please look at the big screen,” Yun Xuan said, pressing a button on his phone.

A giant photograph appeared on the screen. Every senior class, every individual, was present in that image.

“It’s a composite photo!”

“Did Yun Xuan make this himself?”

“Is he a hacker? He seems to have access to the system.”

The graduating students stared in wonder at the images: photos from sports meets, group shots, all seamlessly merged together.

“This took me hours, but thanks to Principal Qin Yun for providing your photo albums, and after gathering your group pictures, I think it turned out well. If you’d like a copy, you can download it from the school forum with your real name. That’s all from me—thank you.” Yun Xuan bowed and retreated backstage.

The moment he left, thunderous applause erupted in the hall, and the graduates eagerly pulled out their phones to download the gift.

…

The graduation ceremony concluded smoothly. The afternoon was reserved for classroom clean-up, but just like last time, Yun Xuan had nothing to do.

He and Qin Yue made their way to the infirmary.

“Don’t worry. Think of something pleasant. Once your psychological evaluation is over, I’ll take you to Japan for a trip,” Yun Xuan whispered.

Qin Yue nodded.

Inside, Kaori Nagashima had two test papers ready and waiting.

Qin Yue sat down and began the test, while Kaori Nagashima and Yun Xuan stepped outside.

“You’re so good to that girl, Yun Xuan. Aren’t you afraid she might kill you?” Kaori Nagashima asked, shutting the door and lighting a cigarette.

“I’m not afraid. Her eyes are clear—she’s more innocent than most people,” Yun Xuan replied, shaking his head.

“You really do pay attention. She’ll probably come to like you deeply. But you understand what betrayal would mean, don’t you?” Kaori Nagashima took a long drag and reminded him.

“Yes. Even so, if I can save her, I’ll be happy,” Yun Xuan answered with a smile.

Inside the infirmary, Qin Yue leaned against the door, warmth blossoming in her heart and a gentle smile on her lips.

…

Half an hour later.

“This time, your psychological test results are good. You’re free to go. I’ll report your improvement to Principal Qin Yun. Qin Yue, remember to control yourself,” Kaori Nagashima said seriously, holding the test paper.

“I understand.” Qin Yue bowed her head, gave a respectful bow, and left.

“Miss Nagashima, I’ll be going, too. See you after the summer break,” Yun Xuan called from the doorway.

Kaori Nagashima watched the door close, glanced at the test paper, and chuckled softly.

…

Yun Xuan and Qin Yue returned to the classroom but were immediately pulled away by a small hand before they could sit.

“Nangong?” Yun Xuan looked at Nangong Xiaomeng, who was tugging at his sleeve.

“I have something to say to you,” she whispered, glancing back at him.

Nangong Xiaomeng didn’t let go until they reached the rooftop of the teaching building.

“Nangong, have you decided? If you come with me to Japan, it’ll definitely be lively,” Yun Xuan said, taking a seat.

“I can go with you, but… you have to fulfill my requests when I need you,” she said seriously, raising her head.

“Huh?” Yun Xuan’s mouth dropped open. Fulfill her requests? That sounded odd.

“I—I meant other things! Don’t get the wrong idea!” Realizing the ambiguity of her words, Nangong Xiaomeng blushed deeply.

“Oh, right, go on,” Yun Xuan scratched his head awkwardly.

“I might run into my sister, so you’ll need to help me with some things. Is that okay?” she asked hesitantly.

“As long as it’s within my abilities, I’ll help,” Yun Xuan agreed after a moment’s thought.

“Then I’ll go with you. When do we leave?” Nangong Xiaomeng breathed a sigh of relief.

“We leave at ten tomorrow morning. The flight goes straight to Tokyo. I’ve already bought your ticket,” Yun Xuan replied, handing her the ticket.

“How much was it?” she asked, accepting the ticket.

“No need to worry, it wasn’t much. Just be ready and come to my place tomorrow,” Yun Xuan said, giving her his address and smiling.

“All right.” Nangong Xiaomeng didn’t press the issue further. She decided to buy him a gift once they arrived.

…

That afternoon, Holy Imperial High School emptied out as summer vacation officially began. School wouldn’t reopen until September first—almost two months of unbridled freedom.

As for homework? None existed.

Exams at Holy Imperial High were rigorous enough that even without summer assignments, students would review seriously.

The only requirement was a short essay about their summer experiences—optional, but outstanding ones would be published in the school paper.

Standing at the school gate, Yun Xuan thought that high school wasn’t so bad after all.

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