Chapter Eleven: The Arrival of the Phoenix

Seeing the beautiful senior once more, still with no response and staring intently at him, Liu Fan grew even more annoyed. He raised his voice, “Senior, could you hurry up and help me with my enrollment? There’s a whole crowd waiting behind me.”

“Oh, right, of course. Let me handle it for you.” Zhao Wanyi finally realized her lapse and responded in fluster, a blush blooming across her cheeks. Her heart raced wildly, unsettled by her own thoughts. “What’s wrong with me? How can there be such a handsome guy? His eyes are so deep... Oh, I must be losing my mind. If the girls find out, they’ll laugh me to death. No, I must keep calm.”

In truth, it wasn’t Zhao Wanyi’s fault for losing her composure. The ethereal aura Liu Fan unconsciously emanated was irresistibly attractive to women—a natural kind of allure. Of course, Liu Fan had yet to reach the stage where he could freely control this immortal energy.

Soon, Zhao Wanyi regained her usual poise, though her gaze still occasionally flitted to Liu Fan. Having finished the paperwork, she said to him, “All right, junior. I’ll have someone take you to collect your supplies and show you to your dorm. Hmm... On second thought, the boys are so clumsy, I’ll take you myself. Let’s go.”

Liu Fan immediately felt countless chills assailing him from behind. Turning, he saw a throng of male students glaring at him with razor-sharp eyes, making his skin crawl. If looks could kill, he’d be dead several times over. Seeing this, Liu Fan hastily declined, “Heh, senior, that’s not necessary. I can just ask someone for directions myself—no need to trouble you.”

“Why so much fuss? You’re new to college and don’t know your way. It’s a senior’s duty to look after a junior. Come along.” Without waiting for a reply, Zhao Wanyi grabbed Liu Fan by the hand and strode toward the boys’ dormitory.

Around them, the male students watched their goddess take another boy’s hand and walk away. In that instant, countless hearts shattered—including Huang Guangming’s. Huang Guangming, president of the student council and a third-year, was the son of the top official in Shanghai’s Pudong district and the CEO of a major conglomerate. With wealth in the tens of billions and a handsome appearance, he was the epitome of the campus “rich and handsome” archetype.

He had met Zhao Wanyi by chance and was instantly smitten, pursuing her relentlessly. Yet, she always remained cold and aloof. To win her affection, he feigned gentlemanly manners and sophistication. Seeing Zhao Wanyi take Liu Fan’s hand, jealousy burned within him, though he dared not show it, forced to watch helplessly as they walked away.

Meanwhile, being led away by Zhao Wanyi left Liu Fan thoroughly embarrassed and rather displeased with her behavior. He said, “Senior, could you let go of my hand now? Everyone’s watching us.”

“Oh...” Zhao Wanyi, momentarily carried away, realized she was still holding a boy’s hand. She quickly released it, her face turning as red as an apple—irresistibly inviting.

“I’m... I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to do that...” Zhao Wanyi stammered, her voice growing softer and softer, head bowed, not daring to meet Liu Fan’s eyes—a clear sign of a girl’s first stirrings of affection.

“Heh, I don’t mind, but it’s not so good for a girl’s reputation.” Liu Fan, unaware of her expression, looked ahead as he walked beside her.

“Your name is Liu Fan, right?” Seeing him nod, Zhao Wanyi continued, “I’m Zhao Wanyi, a sophomore in the management department. You can call me ‘senior’ or ‘Wanyi.’ If you need anything at school, just ask me.”

Upon hearing her introduction, Liu Fan finally looked at Zhao Wanyi properly. Her face was as lovely as a peach blossom, brows like willow leaves, bright eyes and white teeth, lips like cherries, features exquisitely carved, her skin snowy and smooth as jade. The white off-shoulder dress complemented her 1.68-meter height, making her shine like a goddess. The only slight flaw was her less-than-ideal bust. Yet to Liu Fan, all this beauty was merely dust. With his cultivation, he could live forever, while mortals faded within a century. Moreover, Liu Fan had little emotional intelligence and no romantic inclinations.

“Hmm, I’ll call you Senior Zhao then. If I need anything, I’ll be sure to trouble you. Let’s hurry up and get moving.” Though Liu Fan felt nothing for Zhao Wanyi, the people passing by clearly thought otherwise, their eyes filled with incredulity. This made Liu Fan uncomfortable and he urged her forward.

“Do you... dislike me?” Hearing his urging, Zhao Wanyi felt hurt, her eyes reddening as she spoke. She didn’t know why she kept losing her composure before Liu Fan today.

“No, not at all. Actually, I like you very much, senior, it’s just...” Seeing Zhao Wanyi on the verge of tears, Liu Fan panicked, wiping sweat from his brow and gesturing to the passersby.

“Then why do you still call me ‘senior’?” Though aware of the strange looks from others, Zhao Wanyi was used to attention and didn’t care, reproaching him.

“Well, what else should I call you? Didn’t you just say to call you that?” Liu Fan was at a loss; he’d never encountered such a situation, and his voice grew smaller and more uncertain.

“You... can call me Wanyi. My friends do. Aren’t we friends now?” Zhao Wanyi felt like stomping her foot—how could someone have such low EQ? Yet, she found it rather cute.

“Oh, oh, then... Wanyi, we’d better hurry. These people are scary. If we stay here much longer, I might get eaten alive.” Liu Fan thought, “A woman’s heart is as deep as the sea—how can I fathom it? One moment east, the next west, it’s exhausting. Better finish my business and leave quickly.” He urged again.

“All right, let’s go.” Zhao Wanyi walked alongside him, explaining the campus sights as they went. Liu Fan gradually opened up and chatted with her. Along the way, he collected his supplies.

Soon, they arrived at the boys’ dormitory. Liu Fan said, “All right, Senior Wanyi, I’ll leave you here. This is the boys’ dorm, not very convenient for you.”

“Fine, just go up yourself. Give me your phone.” Zhao Wanyi knew the school forbade boys and girls from entering each other’s dorms. Hearing Liu Fan call her ‘senior’ again, she glared at him in annoyance.

Without much thought, Liu Fan pulled a black iPo-4S phone from his pocket and handed it to Zhao Wanyi.

“Oh! Didn’t expect you to be well-off. You’ll have to help out poor folks like me in the future.” She joked upon seeing the phone.

Liu Fan’s heart dimmed at her words. He took a deep breath and said slowly, “Actually, I’m an orphan. I’ve never had parents, not even a memory of what they looked like. My grandfather raised me, but he passed away a year ago. I earn my living expenses through part-time jobs. This phone was bought with my first earnings. But now, everything is better.” He didn’t know why he revealed his background to someone he’d just met.

“I’m sorry, Xiaofan. I didn’t know about your family and... my words brought up painful memories. I truly didn’t mean it.” Hearing his story, Zhao Wanyi realized she’d misspoken. Seeing Liu Fan’s sorrowful expression, her heart ached and tears welled up as she apologized.

“It’s nothing, I’ve gotten used to it over the years. Besides, I’m doing well now. Don’t cry, or people might think I did something to you—then I’d never clear my name.” Seeing Zhao Wanyi cry for his story, Liu Fan was touched and joked gently, reaching out unconsciously to wipe her tears.

Zhao Wanyi felt immense happiness as Liu Fan tenderly brushed her tears away, gazing at him with newfound affection.

Unbeknownst to Liu Fan, this scene was captured by a student upstairs, though only his back was visible. Soon, an article titled “For Whom Does the Goddess Weep?” appeared on the campus BBS, complete with pictures and a lengthy story. With Zhao Wanyi ranked among the top three campus beauties, a goddess figure who was usually icy toward boys, now seen tearfully heartbroken for one, the whole school buzzed. Many boys lost sleep that night, though that is another tale.

As the two were absorbed in their moment, a voice interrupted, “Young people, if you want to flirt, find somewhere else. Standing at the entrance and blocking the way, what’s that supposed to mean?”

Both finally came to their senses and saw an old man nearby, grumbling impatiently.

Though Zhao Wanyi was annoyed to have their touching moment disrupted, she quickly remembered their current situation. Embarrassed, she stuck out her tongue playfully and said, “Xiaofan, I’ll go now. I’ve left my number in your phone. Remember to message me sometime. Bye!” Without another word, she fled, face flushed.

Liu Fan watched Zhao Wanyi, alternately crying and adorable, and could only shake his head helplessly before heading upstairs to look for his dorm.