Cherishing You As Always - Chapter 10

Before I could say a word, someone behind me spoke up:
“Master Zhu, she’s new here and doesn’t understand the rules yet. Please don’t take it to heart.”

I turned my head and saw the academician rushing in from outside. He shot me a reproachful glance. I snorted and ignored him, still standing there without moving, wanting to see how he was going to solve this housing issue for me.

The master didn’t press the issue further after hearing the academician speak up for me. It seemed like when she looked at the academician, she had no room in her eyes for anyone else. He stepped forward and addressed everyone,
“This is Song Lanlou, a new student. From now on, you’ll all be classmates, so let’s get along well.”

A bunch of female students responded like mindless dolls, fluttering, “No problem~”

Meanwhile, the male students had no reaction whatsoever.

The academician hurried over to me and whispered,
“Hey, at least show some manners. Smile a little.”

I wanted to shoot him dead with my gaze.
The housing issue! That’s what matters!

I quickly turned around and forced a more sociable smile.
“Hello everyone, I’m Song Lanlou. Please take care of me from now on.”

This time, it was the male students’ turn to enthusiastically respond, all talking over each other to welcome me. Meanwhile, the female students said nothing.

Then came the official matter. The academician assumed his formal posture and prepared for a lengthy speech.
“I believe you all know the girls’ dormitories are currently full. The masters’ quarters are off-limits to students, and male and female students can’t live together. So today I want to talk to you all—Miss Song currently has no place to stay. She needs to find someone to share a room with. Is there anyone willing?”

Ding ding ding—several timely bell chimes sounded.
Obviously the end-of-class bell.

In a flash, everyone vanished before my eyes, not even bothering to pack up their things.

Only one girl remained seated in her place. Actually, she had seemed invisible from beginning to end—no words, no reaction, nothing.

I glared at the academician. He returned an awkward smile. Useless. Completely useless.

Even though he couldn’t find me a room, I had already chosen my roommate.

I walked over to the girl. She was still engrossed in her book. I crouched down and knocked on her desk. It took quite a while for her to react. When she noticed how close I was, she jumped in surprise and stepped back, nearly bumping into another desk.

I smiled kindly, just like before.
“You’re… Yin… Yin Yunchi, right?”

She nodded blankly but showed no intention of responding. She sat up straight and continued reading. I shamelessly sat down across from her, separated by a small desk, and stared at her face. She kept reading; I stayed put and waited for her reaction.

About the time it takes to burn an incense stick later, she finally spoke slowly,
“Miss, why are you staring at me?”

I quickly put on a pitiful expression and said,
“Actually, I have something to ask of you.”

It’s rare for me to act pitiful—Yin Yunchi, you’re lucky. Ha! But I had no choice. I needed a favor.

She gestured politely with her hand, indicating I should speak, but shifted herself farther away from me.
“Please, go ahead.”

I said slowly,
“I’m new here. I don’t know anyone. And now I don’t even have a place to stay. I know this is a big ask, and it might trouble you, but I promise—once there’s a spare room, I’ll move out immediately.”

She looked like she didn’t understand a word I said. She took another step back.
“Miss, what did you say? I didn’t catch that.”

I glanced at the academician. He was still chatting with the female master. Seriously? The students have to solve their own housing? Does he really know my father? Or is my father behind this mess, trying to “temper” me?

I had to grit my teeth and say it plainly,
“I want to room with you. Would that be alright? The academician said there are no empty rooms right now.”

The moment she heard that, her expression changed drastically. She quickly packed her things and grabbed her book case, ready to leave. I jumped up and blocked her path.

“Yin Yunchi, I did save you once, didn’t I? Can’t you help me this one time? After this, we’ll be even.”

She bit her lip.
“Miss, if it’s anything else you need help with, I’ll do what I can. But sharing a room—I really can’t. I’m sorry, I have to go.”

She tried to hurry past me again. I blocked her once more, careful not to touch her. She clearly disliked being touched.

We reached a standstill—until the academician walked over.

He turned on his signature charm. He really was quite handsome. I saw two faint blushes rise on Yin Yunchi’s cheeks. His gentle smile seemed to seep right into her heart.

“Yunchi, Lanlou doesn’t have a place to stay. You’re classmates now—if you can help, please do. Don’t make things hard for me. The other students here mostly come from wealthy, powerful families. It’s difficult for me to ask anyone else. Can you do this for me?”

His soft tone sounded like honey—melting straight into her.

Meanwhile, I stood there completely annoyed.

Forget it. I won’t share a room with her.

I turned to leave when suddenly Yin Yunchi said,
“Since the academician is asking… if I refuse again, he’ll dislike me, right? If Miss Song doesn’t mind, then we can share a room.”

What the heck? I froze mid-step. This academician was too much—just a few words and she agreed? I talk to her and she runs away. What kind of world is this?

But having a place to stay is better than not having one at all.
If my father really is trying to mess with me, he’s underestimated me. You think this will break me? No way. Sharing a room isn’t the end of the world. I’ve never done it before, but I’m sure we can figure it out.

I immediately put on a bright smile.
“Thank you, Miss Yin. I really appreciate it. Please take care of me. And academician, thank you as well. You really found me a place to stay. I was just about to go to your quarters and toss all your things out so I could move in myself. But now, I guess I won’t have to~”

I emphasized those last words through gritted teeth.
I really had been planning to throw out all his stuff and move in myself. Me, Song Lanlou—used to riding carriages, sleeping in embroidered chambers, dining in fancy restaurants—and now I’m stuck in this rundown academy getting bullied?

And I actually have to share a room with someone?

This is really something else.

And this girl… she doesn’t seem quite normal, does she? Why did I even think of rooming with her? Maybe I’m the crazy one?

The world has truly gone mad.

Ugh. Whatever. I’ll just stop thinking about it.
Sharing a room? Fine. I don’t believe she’s going to eat me or anything.