So It Turns Out You’re a Fox Spirit (GL) - Chapter 4
She wore a plain white qipao, adorned at the waist with a few ink-painted orchids. Her makeup was elegant yet understated, and her hair braided and pinned at the back of her head. She looked every bit the classical beauty stepped right out of a landscape painting.
Compared to the modern allure of the “Ginkgo Goddess,” Fu Jin now shone even more brightly.
The colleagues in the design department were all staring in awe. The female coworkers were secretly dismayed—they were utterly outclassed.
Fu Jin walked out, accompanied by the host’s introduction: “Senior Fu Jin, Class of ’06, Visual Communication, currently pursuing a PhD at the Royal College of Art in the UK, the youngest female professor in A University’s history…”
After listing countless accolades, the design department’s members were almost ready to become die-hard fans. Even the female colleagues couldn’t help but admire her: “Beautiful and highly educated—if I were a man, I’d definitely chase her~”
Usually brimming with confidence, Qin An quietly muttered, “A woman like that… how many men would dare pursue her?”
Indeed, who could have the courage to pursue someone like Fu Jin?
Finally, someone noticed that Le Xiaoyao and Fu Jin were classmates in the same major.
Fu Jin’s gaze landed on Le Xiaoyao, thinking: let’s see what you’ll say this time.
Le Xiaoyao met her eyes and felt as if Fu Jin was smiling. She bit her lower lip; a subtle curve lifted the corner of her mouth.
The host flipped through some materials and hastily explained to everyone, “Senior Le Xiaoyao and Senior Fu Jin were indeed classmates.”
Yes, classmates. And then? Le Xiaoyao froze. Fu Jin was indeed her nemesis; the moment she saw her, her mind went blank. Instead, a flood of odd and awkward thoughts surged:
Should she go up and shake her hand, and say, “Fu Jin, long time no see”? Ridiculous—she’d literally seen her just a few days ago…
Bow to her? Come on, it’s not a family courtesy…
Hug her? Too intimate, surely? They weren’t that close…
“What’s wrong, Xiaoyao-jie? Why aren’t you moving?” Xiao Yuan whispered to Qin An.
Qin An had no idea that ever since the first glance at the big shot today, Le Xiaoyao had been thrown off.
“It’s our Team Leader Le’s aura~”
Meanwhile, people from teams two and three snickered quietly.
Le Xiaoyao suddenly realized she was less than ten centimeters away from Fu Jin. She leaned slightly forward, embracing the warmth and fragrance.
“Le Xiaoyao, long time no see. You haven’t changed.” Fu Jin whispered close to her ear.
Why was her heart racing so fast! Le Xiaoyao desperately wanted to explain—she had changed, it was just that today had been unexpected.
The hug lasted only two seconds.
Click, click!
Qin An noticed Xiao Yuan had brought a DSLR. Was this really necessary?
“Wow~ Qin Ge, look! Two beauties hugging—it’s a feast for the eyes!” Xiao Yuan showed the photo to Qin An.
Le Xiaoyao and Fu Jin were about the same height, though today Le Xiaoyao wore flats while Fu Jin wore eight-centimeter heels, making the height difference obvious in the photo.
The photo only captured Le Xiaoyao’s profile, while Fu Jin’s face was partially blocked by her. Xiao Yuan studied the photo carefully: “Qin Ge… our Xiaoyao-jie is… so cute and innocent!”
Qin An: “Don’t let the boss hear that.”
One in traditional Chinese style, the other in hip-hop style—though completely different vibes, when they hugged, it was a collision of two eras… and the applause from the audience temporarily diverted attention.
Le Xiaoyao didn’t know how she returned to the VIP seats, hoping she hadn’t embarrassed herself. Qin An handed her a bottle of water. “Boss? Lost in thought?”
Qin An had been the leader for two and a half years, outspoken, and more like a friend than a superior to Le Xiaoyao.
She ignored him.
Fu Jin’s stage presence was graceful and natural, her faint smile hinting at a certain distance without creating aloofness.
Le Xiaoyao didn’t care much for theoretical art design; after working for so long, she valued practical skills more. But Fu Jin’s insights on “re-creating design” struck a chord with her, making her admire Fu Jin anew…
Few could express such complex theories so clearly. Fu Jin spoke with authority, her naturally melodious, gentle yet penetrating voice reaching straight to the heart. After two hours, Le Xiaoyao was unusually attentive—fully captivated.
During the Q&A, Fu Jin answered effortlessly.
“Is the teacher married?”
A bold student suddenly asked, and the atmosphere immediately brightened.
Every male in attendance wore an eager expression, thinking: what a good question!
For some reason, Le Xiaoyao also felt intrigued, watching Fu Jin’s response. Her gaze swept the room, finally resting on Le Xiaoyao—one second, two, three…
“No.”
The room erupted. Le Xiaoyao thought: of course she’s not married. A “big free spirit” like herself hadn’t married or had children; a female PhD constantly publishing and winning awards would have no time for that!
The host, fearing more off-topic questions, wrapped up the session. Everyone dispersed with some disappointment…
“Please leave safely~”
“Bye, Xiaoyao-jie~”
“Bye, Team Leader Le~”
“…Bye…”
After farewells, everyone scattered.
Le Xiaoyao sat alone in the familiar lecture hall, reminiscing about her college days. If only she had persistently confronted Fu Jin back then, demanded an explanation—what would have happened? She had always been fearless… so why had she chickened out?
She buried her face in her knees, overwhelmed: Le Xiaoyao, snap out of these chaotic thoughts. Maybe Huang Chenchen was right—it was just a misunderstanding! Why dwell on such a small thing?
In the restroom, she looked in the mirror, left and right, silently bleeding inside: today’s outfit had been a disaster.
She bent over, splashed cold water on her face, dabbed it dry with some tissues, and turned toward the door…
Suddenly, the sound of high heels. She spun around and saw Fu Jin standing in front of her.
“What a coincidence…” Le Xiaoyao felt she should say something.
“Mm.” Fu Jin seemed calm, naturally bending over to wash her hands. Le Xiaoyao, standing behind her, couldn’t help noticing her figure—slim waist, perfect proportions, curves… wait, curves? What am I thinking!
Fu Jin looked up and saw Le Xiaoyao staring at her in the mirror. She pointed to her forehead.
Le Xiaoyao, puzzled, didn’t understand. Fu Jin then slowly turned and walked toward her. Le Xiaoyao stepped back two paces, her back pressing against the cool restroom wall.
Fu Jin seemed to smile—yet not.
“Today… the lecture was good.” Le Xiaoyao felt sweat running down her spine.
Step by step, they closed the gap—less than ten centimeters.
“Really? Thank you.” Fu Jin’s voice was low, but Le Xiaoyao heard it clearly. She saw Fu Jin slowly lift her hand toward her face…
Le Xiaoyao swore, the movement was so slow… or was it just her nerves?
Fu Jin’s fingertip brushed her forehead, removing a small scrap of paper.
Just a scrap of paper—Le Xiaoyao felt defeated by her own imagination! She muttered a modest, “Thank you.”
Side by side, they walked out of the lecture hall, hardly speaking.
The temperature had dropped sharply these days, winter-like. In the hall, it had been warm, but outside, the cold wind bit through the high-slit qipao.
Fu Jin’s car had a minor problem, so Gu Jiejun drove her here, leaving her coat, bag, and phone in the car. But he had disappeared. Fu Jin guessed he had urgent matters—he hadn’t been seen at the lecture.
Le Xiaoyao noticed the “cold” beauty next to her and secretly glanced: Fu Jin’s arms were crossed, goosebumps forming on her skin. Even in the cold, she was enduring it stoically.
“You… didn’t bring a coat?”
Fu Jin nodded, shivering, then added, “Someone’s coming to pick me up.”
Le Xiaoyao considered asking who, but decided it was private.
They waited outside a while—still no one. Seeing Fu Jin trembling, Le Xiaoyao’s protective instincts kicked in.
“When will they come? I mean, your friend…” Le Xiaoyao kept her hands in her pockets, glancing around.
Fu Jin smiled helplessly, leaning slightly toward Le Xiaoyao, their arms nearly touching.
“If you have things to do, you can leave first.”
Leave? So if she didn’t leave, she’d stay with her? Le Xiaoyao thought she had no plans and, seeing her so cold, took off her baseball jacket and draped it over Fu Jin’s shoulders.
“Here, wear this… it’s freezing~”
The warmth enveloped Fu Jin, but she noticed Le Xiaoyao only wore a thin hoodie underneath.
“Isn’t it cold for you?”
“Not really… not with you ‘freezing’ me~”
Le Xiaoyao didn’t expect Fu Jin to be amused by that cold joke. Who knew her sense of humor was so low!
After another five minutes, the cold became unbearable. Le Xiaoyao realized: why not go sit in the car?
“Want to sit in my car for a bit?”
“You drove?” Fu Jin’s tone implied, why didn’t you say so earlier…
“Mm…”
“Then let’s sit in your car~”
Worried about Le Xiaoyao being cold, Fu Jin naturally linked her arm with hers. Two together were warmer than one.
Le Xiaoyao stiffened as they walked toward the car.
Inside, it was instantly warm. The enclosed space was filled with Fu Jin’s “presence,” and Le Xiaoyao almost blurted out: Back then, did you kiss me because you were drunk?
“Fu Jin…”
“Le Xiaoyao…”
They spoke almost simultaneously, and after a polite exchange, decided to let Fu Jin speak first…