After the Online Romance with the Campus Beauty Roommate Went Wrong - Chapter 14

As Jian Chenyu left her office, she passed by the first-floor laboratory and spotted a familiar figure in the corridor.

Jian Zhiyan, noticing her pause, followed her gaze and saw a female student being stopped by a third-year male student from their college.

Jian Zhiyan didn’t recognize the girl but knew about the practice of senior students from other professors’ labs assigning tasks to newcomers. Since the girl wasn’t her student, she had no grounds to intervene.

Just as she was about to head toward the side parking lot, she saw her usually aloof niece, who rarely meddled in others’ affairs, turn and walk toward the pair.

Sang Shi’an had come to deliver a document to the Student Union teacher on behalf of Gu Yao. This semester’s organizational plans needed to be archived in hard copy according to regulations.

It was her first time in this laboratory building. Each lab required students to swipe their ID cards for entry after being registered.

The management science laboratory building was mostly filled with computer rooms equipped with various simulation software. This building, however, was entirely different. Even through the thick glass walls, one could sense the College of Chemistry’s immense wealth and resources.

As she gazed around curiously, a stranger from the opposite lab called out to her: “First-year? You look familiar. What’s your name?”

Sang Shi’an didn’t think much of it and shook her head in response. “Hello, Senior. I’m a sophomore. Professor Shen said he’d be in this lab building this afternoon, so I’m here to deliver a document to him.”

“Professor Shen is my advisor. He’s waiting for some experimental data right now. Come give me a hand first.” The man, clearly several years older, reached for the sealed document bag in Sang Shi’an’s hand. “You’ll need to start thinking about graduate studies after your sophomore year. Getting some practical experience now won’t hurt. How else are you going to publish your thesis later?”

Sang Shi’an had never encountered such a situation before. She froze for a couple of seconds before realizing she was being conscripted.

She hid the sealed bag behind her back. “Senior, I’m not…”

The man cut her off, his tone hardening. “Not what? Don’t all undergraduate students need to choose advisors? Who’s yours? Do you want to graduate smoothly or not?”

Sang Shi’an tried to explain, “Senior, I’m not a student in the College of Chemistry. I’m just here to deliver a document.”

The man scoffed. “That’s what everyone says when they don’t want to work. Don’t think you can get away with it just because I don’t know everyone’s faces yet. If you fail your exams at the end of the semester, don’t come begging me for help.”

Sang Shi’an: …

What a pompous attitude.

Too annoyed to waste any more words on this fool, she turned to find another staircase.

“What are you doing?” a voice called out from behind. Sang Shi’an turned to see Jian Chenyu blocking the male student’s hand as he reached for her. “She’s not a student from the Department of Chemistry.”

“Senior Jian?” The student paused, surprised. He was a graduate student under Professor Shen, now in his fourth year due to thesis delays. He had heard Professor Shen mention Jian Chenyu’s research papers several times and vaguely knew about the Jian Family’s connection to this experimental building.

When he first met Jian Chenyu at the start of the semester, he had eagerly approached her, hoping for some guidance. Unfortunately, his attempt fell flat; Jian Chenyu merely nodded coldly before walking away.

But that didn’t matter. In research, those with true talent often have eccentric temperaments.

He never imagined their paths would cross again, especially over a sophomore student. He immediately grew excited. “Senior Jian, do you two know each other?”

“She’s my junior sister,” Jian Chenyu replied. “This is her first time here. If she’s offended you in any way, I apologize on her behalf.”

The student waved his hands dismissively. “Senior, you’re too kind. Your junior sister is also my junior sister.”

Sang Shi’an, standing beside them, nearly cursed aloud.

Her initial shock at encountering Jian Chenyu had now transformed into an even deeper curiosity. The male student looked quite old; there was no apparent reason why Jian Chenyu would be addressed as “Senior Sister.”

Sang Shi’an couldn’t stand the senior’s two-faced behavior. Without a word, she tugged at Jian Chenyu’s sleeve, urging her to leave quickly.

The senior continued, “It’s been ages since I last saw you, Senior Sister. It’s about time for lunch—why don’t I treat you and your junior sister to a meal? I’ve read your graduation thesis and have been wanting to ask you some questions about it.”

Sang Shi’an tugged again, her impatience growing.

“Senior Sister…”

This was the first time Sang Shi’an had called Jian Chenyu “Senior Sister” since the start of the semester. Jian Chenyu finally turned to look at her, a hint of surprise in her eyes.

Sang Shi’an tugged at Jian Chenyu again.

Aren’t we leaving yet?

Just as she muttered this, Jian Chenyu’s hand closed over hers, stilling her restless fingers. A gentle tap of cool fingertips on the back of her hand seemed to say, Be patient.

Sang Shi’an’s gaze dropped to their clasped hands, the familiar comfort stirring memories deep within her.

Perhaps due to her Jian Clan heritage, Jian Chenyu had always excelled in math and science. Back in middle school, Sang Shi’an had often swooned over Jian Chenyu’s lightning-fast problem-solving skills. Once, when Jian Chenyu tried to take back her scratch paper, Sang Shi’an had grabbed her hand and exclaimed, “Oh my god, Older Sister, you’re amazing!”

Jian Chenyu used her other hand to move the draft paper with the solution steps aside. Her expression remained impassive as she said, “Write down what I just explained yourself.”

Sang Shi’an, still lost in admiration for Jian Chenyu, was focused on the competition problem and hadn’t been paying attention. She bit her pen, looking perplexed, as if she were seeing the problem for the first time.

Jian Chenyu was far more patient than Sang Shi’an’s brother. She didn’t rush Sang Shi’an, giving her ample time to think.

As Sang Shi’an’s stray hair gradually drooped and the equations on the draft paper grew increasingly similar to the correct solution, Jian Chenyu gently squeezed her hand, taking responsibility. “I think I used a formula that’s beyond the syllabus. Why didn’t you remind me?”

Sang Shi’an blinked. “Did you?”

“Yes. Remember to tell me next time.” Jian Chenyu tapped Sang Shi’an’s hand twice before leaning in to explain the problem again.

“How did I draw the auxiliary line earlier?”

Sang Shi’an caught a faint, warm scent from Jian Chenyu, like sunshine. She couldn’t resist leaning closer.

Jian Chenyu noticed the subtle movement. “Don’t want to go to the same school as your older sister anymore?”

Sang Shi’an’s wandering thoughts snapped back to reality. “I do! I dream about it!”

Jian Chenyu glanced at her. “Then pay attention and get into Yancheng No. 1 High School first.”

It wasn’t embarrassing to admire her older sister as a child, but Sang Shi’an never imagined that she, a humanities-focused student, could actually overcome her weaknesses in math and science and successfully enter the provincial key high school’s early admission competition training camp.

But back then, she was highly motivated. The thought of attending the same school as Jian Chenyu and spending every day with her filled her with energy.

She did wonder if Jian Chenyu’s promise was just a way to appease her parents. However, Jian Chenyu kept her word. Starting from the winter break of her second year of middle school, she tutored Sang Shi’an for an entire year, dedicating almost all her free time to her.

Even after Jian Chenyu entered her senior year of high school and her studies became demanding, she would still make time to come to Sang Shi’an’s house and work on homework together.

But fate had other plans. While Sang Shi’an was in the competition training camp undergoing intensive pre-exam tutoring, Jian Chenyu made the decision to study abroad.

The promise they had made dissolved into thin air, carried away by the plane taking Jian Chenyu across the ocean.

On the day Jian Chenyu boarded her flight, Sang Shi’an stubbornly refused to see her off. When her parents returned from the airport, they found her in the garden, burning Jian Chenyu’s old draft papers one by one.

“If you keep burning them, I’ll have to call the fire department,” Sang Shiyue said, finding her.

Furious, Sang Shi’an threw the remaining stack into the flames. “I’ll burn them! I’ll burn them all!”

Sang Shiyue raised his hands and took a step back. “Alright, alright, my dear ancestor. I’ll just watch you burn them, okay?”

Sang Shi’an squeezed her eyes shut, forcefully banishing the intrusive images from her mind.

Jian Chenyu turned to the male student and asked, “Are you a graduate student in the Department of Chemistry?”

The student nodded repeatedly. “I’m Gao Lin, Professor Shen’s student. I’m a third-year graduate student.”

“I overheard your conversation when I arrived. Regardless of whether my junior sister is a student in the Department of Chemistry or not, undergraduate students have their own coursework and academic responsibilities. I’m curious whether your casual recruitment of students for labor is your own initiative or Professor Shen’s directive?”

Jian Chenyu’s voice suddenly deepened. “Furthermore, your threats regarding final grades against lower-year students—whether mere words or actual actions—will be reported to the university. Prepare for a formal investigation.”

Gao Lin’s face drained of color, turning ashen white.

Their research group had long been accustomed to exploiting junior students. Even if rumors spread, it rarely mattered; by the time students reached graduate level, such unspoken rules were generally accepted.

As for his threats about final grades, there was no concrete evidence to incriminate him, leaving him untouchable.

But the person making these accusations was backed by the Jian Clan, the very corporation that had sponsored the entire laboratory building and maintained close ties with the university.

Having already failed to graduate for a year, Jian Chenyu could easily make things difficult for him.

Cold sweat suddenly beaded on Gao Lin’s forehead.

He immediately bowed deeply toward Sang Shi’an. “Junior Sister… ah, I mean, Junior, this Junior, I apologize for my senior’s inappropriate behavior. Please don’t hold it against him. I’m truly sorry if I frightened you.”

Sang Shi’an was completely bewildered. She turned to Jian Chenyu, utterly unable to understand how things had escalated like this. Jian Chenyu remained silent, merely gesturing toward Gao Lin with her eyes, as if asking, Satisfied now?

Sang Shi’an grew even more confused, then belatedly realized Jian Chenyu was standing up for her.

“Junior, I…”

“That’s enough,” Sang Shi’an interrupted Gao Lin’s rambling. She had only come to deliver a document; all she wanted was for him to stop blocking her way. “You can leave now.”

Gao Lin glanced at Jian Chenyu for permission, then hurried away.

Seeing Sang Shi’an still dazed, Jian Chenyu reached out and flicked her forehead. “Weren’t you supposed to deliver a document to Professor Shen? Come with me.”

Sang Shi’an’s thoughts snapped back to reality, her confusion coalescing into annoyance. “Don’t touch me! I have questions for you.”

As if anticipating Sang Shi’an’s question, Jian Chenyu answered directly, “The experimental building. It’s sponsored by the Jian Family.”

Sang Shi’an followed her, pressing further, “How does he know you? And why did he call you ‘Senior Sister’?”

Though the “School Belle” and “School Beau” competitions were merely entertainment for some students, Gao Lin’s recognition of Jian Chenyu while failing to recognize Sang Shi’an clearly stemmed from another reason.

“You could always chase after him and ask,” Jian Chenyu said, ascending the stairs.

Jian Zhiyan, who had been waiting at the end of the corridor, initially planned to wait longer. But when she recognized Sang Shi’an and saw the two women heading upstairs, she immediately walked out.

Great, looks like we’re adding another person to dinner.

Since she’s from the Sang Family, this counts as vetting her for Jian Chenyu in advance.

Sang Shi’an blocked Jian Chenyu’s path. “You knew all along.”

“I genuinely didn’t,” Jian Chenyu said, pushing past her to continue leading the way. “But if you insist on guessing, it’s probably because he read my master’s thesis.”

Sang Shi’an’s mind froze for a moment. By the time she recovered, Jian Chenyu was already two meters ahead.

Sang Shi’an hurried after her, raising her voice, “What master’s?”

Jian Chenyu slowed her pace. “I completed a research project early during my undergraduate studies, so I didn’t need to extend my master’s program. I received my degree just before returning to China.”

Sang Shi’an struggled to understand. “Why didn’t you say so before? Wait, then why did you come to Yanjing University?”

“Would you have listened before?” Jian Chenyu stopped in front of an office and turned around. “The light’s still on. Professor Shen should be inside. Let’s go in.”

Jian Chenyu knocked lightly on the door. Sang Shi’an had no choice but to enter first to deliver Gu Yao’s documents.

Professor Shen was one of the teachers they had met in the classroom cafeteria before. Sang Shi’an wasn’t as familiar with him as Gu Yao was, so she left after exchanging only a few words.

As she watched Jian Chenyu’s retreating figure, the truth she had just learned gradually furrowed her brow. It felt like a thin veil had been draped over the truth, its delicate, intricate patterns obscuring the answers she sought.

“Jian Chenyu,” Sang Shi’an called out as they reached the staircase.

Hearing her, Jian Chenyu turned halfway around, a strand of her long hair falling across her neck and swaying gently. “Hmm?”

Sang Shi’an stared at that strand of hair for a moment before meeting Jian Chenyu’s gaze. “If you already have a degree from England, why did you come to Yanjing University for graduate studies?”

Jian Chenyu replied, “I studied chemistry before, but since I’ll be taking over the family company, I need to learn about finance.”

Sang Shi’an stared into Jian Chenyu’s eyes, quickly ascending the stairs until she stood one step above her. “Just for that?”

Jian Chenyu met her gaze, her expression unwavering. “What else?”

Sang Shi’an opened her mouth, feeling like she’d been cursed today. First, she inexplicably recalled past events, and then, upon learning that Jian Chenyu already held a master’s degree, she inexplicably rushed to ask for the reason.

Why else would someone study Finance at Yanjing University? Naturally, to better manage the company in the future. She couldn’t let the finance department deceive her just because she couldn’t even read a financial report.

Just as Jian Chenyu had gone abroad to attend a university with a stronger academic reputation.

Sang Shi’an was rational about such matters. If she’d had a better option during the college entrance exams, she would have changed her mind too. But as the one who had been abandoned, pretending not to care would be a lie.

The only fault lay in her excessive reliance on Jian Chenyu back then, even closer to her than her own brother. She had never imagined they would grow apart.

“I thought you were forced out of the Jian Clan due to your lack of experience, and you used graduate studies as an excuse to avoid looking too humiliated.”

“Perhaps, it’s possible,” Jian Chenyu replied, her expression remaining calm and inscrutable, showing no sign of anger.

Sang Shi’an fell silent, brushing past Jian Chenyu to descend the stairs first.

She had heard whispers of the Jian Family’s messy affairs. While Jian Chenyu’s father currently headed the family, Old Master Jian had other children whose combined shares were substantial.

The old man believed he had divided the inheritance fairly, but his other children interpreted their shares as tacit permission to compete for control. During Jian Chenyu’s middle school years, she had often stayed at the Sang Family’s residence. Jian Chenyu’s mother, who suffered from poor health, frequently recuperated in Australia, leaving only a nanny to care for her at home. Sang Shi’an’s parents, unable to bear the situation, had simply taken her in.

Now, as the older generation’s power struggles drew to a close, a new round of competition had begun among Jian Chenyu’s generation.

Among them, several had already gained Old Master Jian’s approval and access to the inner circle, while Jian Chenyu remained the youngest and least favored.

As she rounded the corner, Jian Chenyu caught up with her, tilting her head slightly. “Are you interested in the Jian Family’s affairs?”

Sang Shi’an stumbled slightly. “It’s your PR department’s fault for not doing their job. The financial news outlets have been writing about it non-stop.”

“Ah, I see.” Jian Chenyu watched Sang Shi’an reach for the railing and suddenly chuckled.

Sang Shi’an frowned. “What’s so funny?”

“Just thinking about the past,” Jian Chenyu said softly. “When you were little, watching the evening news felt like it was going to kill you. Now you’re reading financial news.”

Sang Shi’an’s composure cracked under Jian Chenyu’s teasing. Her voice turned cold. “Bring up the past again, and we’re done.”

Jian Chenyu followed, her voice like a gentle breeze drifting through the morning forest, soft and unhurried. “That won’t do. I only just managed to become your friend.”

The word “friend” landed in Sang Shi’an’s ears with an undercurrent of indulgence.

Sang Shi’an pressed her lips together tightly, finally letting out a reluctant, breathy murmur: “…Mm.”