Taking out his anger felt good for a moment, but Bai Yang knew that Song Chi wouldn’t let him off easily. For the next few days, he tried his best to avoid being alone and to stay away from secluded areas. After learning the whole story, Ji Xiaoqian was impressed by him and volunteered to accompany him, but he couldn’t let her, a girl, get involved. He lied and said he had someone else to accompany him to reassure Ji Xiaoqian.
In reality, he didn’t have any friends close enough to trouble for such a thing. After thinking it over, he ended up calling Shao Cheng.
The phone rang many times before it was answered, and Bai Yang was close to giving up.
“What do you want?” came the response without any greeting. Shao Cheng’s voice, cold and distant, came through.
Perhaps only Bai Yang would find warmth in that cold tone. His lips curled slightly, his gentle tone masking overflowing longing. “Shao Cheng, can you do me a favor?”
He felt a bit ashamed saying this. He hadn’t been able to do much for Shao Cheng, and yet he was turning to him for help. But this time, if he was caught by Song Chi, he might really end up in the hospital or subjected to even worse humiliation. Then, there would be no one to take care of his sister. If it weren’t for necessity, he wouldn’t have made this call.
Shao Cheng responded indifferently, “Do you need money? Send me your bank account.”
“No!” Bai Yang hurriedly explained, “I’m not asking you for money. I offended Song Chi a few days ago, and these past couple of days, I almost got caught by him. It’s not a sustainable solution to keep hiding. Do you know anything that could be used against him? I don’t know what to do to stop him from retaliating.”
There was silence on the other end of the phone for a few seconds. Shao Cheng’s voice sounded notably grim as he asked, “Did you go look for him again?”
Bai Yang quickly said, “No, he provoked me first.”
Shao Cheng didn’t dwell on that topic. He said, “Where are you? I’ll come find you.”
Bai Yang was a bit taken aback by the level of assistance he was receiving. He immediately told Shao Cheng he was in the library, and about fifteen minutes later, he saw a tall and stately figure entering the library and walking toward him.
Shao Cheng wore a long dark gray wool coat and a plain black turtleneck sweater, giving off an air of sophistication and refinement. His lips were devoid of any curvature, and his gaze was as cold as winter frost.
The students studying around curiously stole glances at Shao Cheng. S University boasted a collection of outstanding scholars, but true handsome and wealthy men were a rare sight. Shao Cheng’s prominent height and well-known affluent background drew attention to him.
Shao Cheng approached Bai Yang, and with a casual sweep of his gaze at the inquisitive eyes around them, those onlookers dared not look any longer. It was as if their ears had perked up.
“Finished reading?” he pointed at the books on Bai Yang’s desk.
“Yeah.”
“Let’s go.” Shao Cheng didn’t give the surrounding gossip any opportunity. He turned and headed towards the exit, as brisk and agile as when he had arrived.
Bai Yang arranged his books and realized that Shao Cheng was already several steps away. He hurriedly caught up. After they left the library’s entrance, Bai Yang followed behind Shao Cheng, walking in sync. When they reached the parking lot, Bai Yang couldn’t help but ask, “Where are we going?”
Shao Cheng unlocked his car and replied, “I’ll drive you back.”
Bai Yang was surprised by this gesture, feeling a mix of confusion and gratitude. He immediately waved his hands and said, “No need, really, I can go back on my own.”
“Weren’t you saying that Song Chi was harassing you?”
“Yeah… that’s right.” Bai Yang scratched his head, troubled. “But I just wanted to ask you about any leverage he might have. Then I could…”
“Then you could threaten him?” Shao Cheng interrupted, laughing disdainfully. “Bai Yang, are you any match for him?”
Bai Yang froze, not because of Shao Cheng’s mocking tone, but because it was the first time Shao Cheng had called him by his name.
He didn’t argue further and once again took the passenger seat he thought he would never have a chance to sit in again. His expression was dreamy.
Shao Cheng started the car and shot him a sidelong glance, his brows slightly furrowed. “If you try to threaten him, the consequences will be worse so don’t try it.”
Bai Yang’s voice was barely audible as he mumbled something. Shao Cheng couldn’t catch it, so he leaned in slightly and asked, “What did you say?”
Bai Yang looked up at him, his expression a bit nervous and shy, but his eyes were warm and sincere.
“Can you call my name again?”
Shao Cheng was momentarily taken aback, looking at Bai Yang’s dark and clear eyes that reflected his own figure. Somehow, he went along with the request:
“…Bai Yang.”
Bai Yang’s lips curved further, revealing charming dimples that hadn’t been seen for a while. His smile was brilliant and handsome, captivating enough to hold one’s gaze.
“I thought you had forgotten my name. It’s great, turns out you remember.”
Shao Cheng’s Adam’s apple moved as he forced himself to turn his gaze forward. He calmly started the car and didn’t respond further.
