"Did I hear that right? Did Liu Fengying just say she isn't attracted to men? Was she just saying that to dodge confessions, or is she for real?" was the first comment uttered by one of the onlookers after Liu Fengying finished speaking.
This remark was immediately followed by dozens of similar reactions; after all, this admission had come so out of the blue that everyone was in a state of total confusion, not knowing what to believe.
As for the fact that Liu Fengying had rejected Han Yu's confession, it had fallen into the background—or rather, some didn't give it any importance at all anymore. The reason was easy to understand: since Liu Fengying was extremely popular among the boys, everyone was aware that, whether she was sincere or not, the news that she had announced she wasn't attracted to men was going to shake the school to its core.
However, the more those around her analyzed Liu Fengying's announcement, the less clear things became. In fact, one could say the confusion only grew, as all sorts of questions began to surface in their minds. For example, the most common question, and the one that piqued their curiosity the most, was: if Liu Fengying wasn't attracted to boys, did it mean she wasn't attracted to anyone and intended to stay alone for the rest of her life—a moon that one can only dream of but never reach—or did it mean she was actually attracted to girls?
Initially, most leaned toward the first option, telling themselves it wasn't that strange for a girl who had reached such a degree of perfection as Liu Fengying to consider all men beneath her, thus seeing nothing but a compromise in being in a relationship with any of them. Many also concluded that Liu Fengying's situation was like that of idols: the more unreachable she seemed, the greater her popularity became. Why give up such a position as a goddess walking among mortals? Only something like that would bring someone more satisfaction than any relationship ever could.
As for the second option, it seemed improbable to them, especially because of the nonchalance with which Liu Fengying had spoken. Since a part of society—and especially influential circles—did not look kindly upon same-sex relationships, it didn't seem like a good idea at all to go public with being attracted to girls; it wasn't without reason that so many such relationships remained hidden forever.
Moreover, Liu Fengying didn't even have a serious reason to do so; if she already had a girlfriend and wanted to go public, she would have been forced to "come out of the closet." But since that didn't seem to be the case, it was as if she were getting into trouble for nothing.
Still, because of these thoughts, Professor Wei's presence in Liu Fengying's arms was becoming increasingly conspicuous; the students around couldn't help but wonder if Liu Fengying was holding her in a way that was a bit too affectionate. Also, remembering how Liu Fengying had managed to save the teacher, this impression grew even stronger; after all, it's not unusual for someone to be able to exceed their limits for the sake of the person they care about.
Regardless, everyone was aware that these were nothing but speculations for now; it wasn't as if Liu Fengying had been caught with Professor Wei in her arms for no reason. Yet, one clear conclusion could still be drawn from what was before them: Liu Fengying didn't seem to find such close contact with a woman bothersome at all.
Contributing to these doubts for some was the fact that they were aware Liu Fengying and her desk mate were now very close, having been caught in the last two days in all sorts of poses that, following Liu Fengying's confession, could be considered ambiguous. Furthermore, Hua Shu's reaction to Han Yu's confession had been downright aggressive—unjustifiably harsh even for someone in the position of "best friend." Remembering that moment, it now seemed to them more like a fit of jealousy. So, it was no wonder that several pairs of eyes immediately fixed on Hua Shu, hoping to find new clues in her reaction.
However, they were soon disappointed, as Hua Shu's reaction was just as surprised as everyone else's. Furthermore, she didn't seem happy about Liu Fengying's announcement—as one would expect if she harbored feelings for her—but was instead looking at Liu Fengying with an expression of worry. Thus, they told themselves they had simply been swept away by the moment, starting to see Yuri love stories everywhere around Liu Fengying.
But had they read Hua Shu correctly? Well, not exactly. Although she truly was worried at that moment, it wasn't because of Liu Fengying's announcement; after all, for someone like her, who had begun to entertain romantic thoughts about Liu Fengying, this could actually be considered a reason to rejoice.
So, what was the source of Hua Shu's inner turmoil? It was the fact that Liu Fengying was suddenly being so caring toward someone else. Since Liu Fengying had consistently prioritized her over the last two days, it felt strange to be pushed to the sidelines.
It wasn't that she didn't understand Liu Fengying—how could anyone not worry about someone who had gone through such a dangerous ordeal as falling down the stairs? She herself had witnessed the accident from the front row, so she had a very clear idea of how terrified Professor Wei must have been.
But when did feelings ever listen to reason? No matter how much Hua Shu told herself to be understanding, she couldn't look kindly upon the way Professor Wei remained nestled in Liu Fengying's arms. Moreover, the more she thought about how she had stood up to Han Yu and his gang to protect Liu Fengying, the more her resentment grew. It was as if someone dropped from the sky had stolen all her credit; if Liu Fengying was going to hold someone in her arms while putting Han Yu in his place, it was only fair that that person should have been her.
Furthermore, comparing herself to Professor Wei, Hua Shu couldn't help but be overcome by a sense of inferiority. Blessed with the face of a fairy and the body of a succubus, it was hard for any onlooker, regardless of gender or preference, not to be fascinated by her. And that was just the tip of the iceberg: her aura of academic genius and flawless temperament made her stand out entirely, transforming her into something intangible—like the immortals descended from the heavens who walked barefoot through the primordial mud from which the world was created, without ever getting soiled. She was a true treasure that many desired, even while knowing they could never have her; after Liu Fengying, Professor Wei was the most perfect person Hua Shu knew.
Because of this, Hua Shu began to worry; she thought that if Liu Fengying had to choose who to be closer to between her and Professor Wei, she would likely be the one at a disadvantage.
However, Hua Shu didn't have much time to let such pessimistic thoughts eat away at her, because as soon as the exclamations of the crowd died down, Liu Fengying turned to address her.
"Shushu, since Professor Wei is still looking quite pale, I'm going to take her to her office to make sure she's alright. It'll probably take me about fifteen minutes to get back, so please save a seat for me at the cafeteria. In the meantime, think about what reward you'd like from me for helping me out with the Han Yu situation, okay?"
To her disappointment in her lack of resolve, even though Liu Fengying was in such an intimate position with another person, Hua Shu felt genuinely happy simply because Liu Fengying hadn't forgotten about her.
But how could she resist? Seeing Liu Fengying's icy expression melt the moment she turned toward her, and hearing the coquettish tone in her voice, Hua Shu felt she could probably forgive her for anything.
'I really need to learn to keep my guard up around her...' Hua Shu told herself, irritated by how easily Liu Fengying could manipulate her emotions.
However, this complaint was mostly to protect her own pride, as what she thought and what she did were two very different things.
"Alright. Be careful on the way..." Hua Shu replied with a shy smile on her lips, looking for all the world like an obedient little wife.
This sudden transformation made many of the onlookers rub their eyes in disbelief. Who was this sweet, gentle creature, and where had the manticore from before vanished to? If she was the same person who had just torn Han Yu and his friends to shreds, then it was highly possible she had been possessed by a vengeful spirit until just a moment ago.
Since Liu Fengying didn't feel the need to offer explanations to anyone but Hua Shu, she set off toward the faculty office wing as soon as she heard the reply, completely ignoring the inquisitive gazes of those around her. The only people she exchanged a few words with were those who offered to help carry Professor Wei; naturally, she turned them all down firmly.
Among those who offered to help was one of the hall guards, who, even after being rejected, continued to persist, citing his job duties.
"Your job duties? Maybe you should have remembered them while those idiots were cluttering the stairs with trash; after all, that's why Professor Wei tripped..." Liu Fengying finally snapped, irritated by the aura of authority the guard was trying to project. Even though she had no way of knowing if the guard was trying to take advantage of the situation to get close to Professor Wei—after all, she couldn't read minds—how could Liu Fengying trust someone who didn't do their job properly?
Besides, she was sure it was obvious to everyone that her carrying technique was far superior to anyone else's; Professor Wei couldn't even tell when she took a step, as she was being kept at a constant height by the steady movement of her arms. And could the contact of a sweaty male guard even compare to that of a fragrant girl, brimming with freshness? So, if he couldn't do a better job than her, why did the guard feel the need to interfere?
"..." The guard froze, partly intimidated and partly because there was no way to contradict her. Even if his superiors had told him not to stop Han Yu, it was ultimately his duty to ensure the hallways were safe; it was written in his contract in black and white.
Thinking about this, he began to sweat even more than before: if Professor Wei decided to hold those responsible for her accident accountable, wouldn't he be among the accused? Surely the school administration wouldn't step up to take the blame; they would most likely decide to throw him and his older colleague under the bus. Well, it seemed uncertain whether they would even keep their jobs.
With Liu Fengying and Professor Wei's disappearance from the hallway, the crowd finally remembered the main "protagonist"—or rather, the instigator of the spectacle that had just unfolded: Han Yu.
It wasn't as if they immediately started making jokes at his expense. Seeing how crushed he looked, even his rivals felt a spark of compassion; after all, could his confession have gone any worse? Perhaps only if the school had caught fire too. Regardless, everyone was aware that what had happened was already more than enough to completely shatter his image.
Was Han Yu moved by the sympathetic looks directed his way? Not in the least; it was as if they were driving daggers straight into his heart. If only the people around him would start laughing at him! Then he could at least try to laugh it off, perhaps managing to save some face. But like this, treated like a stray dog breathing its last on the side of the road—whom one is too pitying even to kick out of the way—what else could he do? He had no choice but to vanish into obscurity.
If he could console himself with anything, it was only the thought that he had failed simply because Liu Fengying wasn't attracted to men—maybe she was even "bent." Still, he was aware that this logic only worked for himself; he wouldn't be surprised if, in the future, rumors said Liu Fengying had changed her sexual orientation solely because she had been so utterly disgusted by his confession.