Chapter 30: What a Coincidence

The next day, the group returned to the northern city. Fu Jixing was admitted to the hospital, staying for a week as advised by the doctor. Lin Wanbai, along with Aunt Rong, brought him meals every day. The situation with the New Haibay resort was handled smoothly, with the media turning the negative into a positive, crafting an image of Fu Jixing as a commendable entrepreneur. The marketing for the resort online was also spot on, capturing the most beautiful scenes with just a few photos. Additionally, the events that occurred on the opening day became one of the hot topics, leading to unprecedented attention for New Haibay. The first day's earnings and visitor numbers exceeded expectations, marking a considerable success. As for the fiasco, Lin Zhouye concluded to Lin Wanbai that it was unrelated to Jiang Shuzhi, indicating that it was spontaneous.

Lin Wanbai asked, “You’re not trying to downplay this and hide something, are you?” Lin Zhouye poured red tea into her cup and said with a smile, “Why not look at how this incident has benefited New Haibay?”

“So you’re suggesting that Fu Jixing orchestrated this himself?”

“I didn’t say that. I’ve already given you my conclusion, haven’t I? It was just an accident that allowed them to take advantage. Fu Jixing faced an unjust disaster, but it turned into a blessing, increasing the buzz around New Haibay. Regardless, higher exposure is a good thing. On the other hand, once this matter is clarified, it can enhance his business image, which is nearly a win-win situation. The saying ‘a blessing in disguise’ fits perfectly here.”

Lin Wanbai lay back, feeling that his words were laced with sarcasm. His disdain for Fu Jixing wasn’t new; he always seized the opportunity to make a jab.

“My sister went to Ning City.”

Lin Wanbai paused her movements, glanced at him, and replied, “Yes, with Dad.”

“Does Fu Jixing know?”

“He does. Why?”

“Just asking.”

He smiled and took a sip of tea. However, this casual inquiry made Lin Wanbai quite irritated; she stopped drinking her tea, grabbed her bag, and left.

Lin Zhouye didn’t stop her, allowing her to go. After all, he had said what he needed to say; if she could absorb it, fine. If not, there was no point in saying more.

Once outside the tea house, Lin Wanbai realized she had nowhere to go. Her phone buzzed; she checked it, then took a taxi to S University.

Arriving at the entrance, she called Yang Ruyue to inquire about Han Chen’s schedule. He had classes today, and Yang Ruyue sent her his timetable.

Lin Wanbai looked at it; his class was in Building 2. Not being very familiar with the university, she asked several people before finding the room. It was a large lecture in an auditorium. Lin Wanbai observed from outside for a while and then slipped in quickly while the teacher faced the board.

In one swift motion, she sat down right next to Han Chen. Fortunately, he was seated towards the back, and with her quiet entrance, only a few students in the back noticed her.

Han Chen was startled when he saw her. “You…” He stammered, unable to form a complete sentence. He never expected to see her here; it felt unreal. But the fragrance she carried confirmed that it was all real. Lin Wanbai placed her bag on the chair beside her, adjusted her hair, and said softly, “I should still be able to pretend to be a student, right? What do you think?” She turned to him with a beaming smile.

He pressed his lips together, quickly averted his gaze, expressionless, shifting to the side to maintain a distance, pretending not to recognize her.

Lin Wanbai scooted closer and asked, “What are you doing? Don’t you recognize me anymore?”

He moved further away, until he was at the edge, backed against the wall, leaving no escape.

Lin Wanbai leaned to one side, resting her head on her hand, and asked, “Do you have anything else to do after class?”

“Yes.”

“What is it?”

“Work.”

“Forget that, accompany me for a meal.”

“No time.”

Lin Wanbai noticed others were watching them, so she held back her words. When someone kept staring at them, she met their gaze, making them quickly look away.

At that moment, the old professor, who was teaching, suddenly called on her.

Lin Wanbai froze for a moment, stood up, and the professor squinted at her for a while before asking her to answer a question projected on the screen. Since it was related to finance, she, being in the same major as Han Chen, answered confidently.

The old professor smiled and nodded, “I don’t think I’ve seen you before.”

Someone from the class remarked, “She’s here because she’s Han Chen’s girlfriend.”

Han Chen, known for his excellent academic performance and good looks, along with his position in the student council, was somewhat well-known in the department and the entire college.

With that comment, many heads turned to look. Han Chen bowed his head, his face flushing with embarrassment, and after a long pause, he replied, “No, that’s not true.”

Those who knew Han Chen were aware his girlfriend was the most beautiful girl in the department, but this girl was unfamiliar to them.

The atmosphere turned gossipy! Two friends of his girlfriend in the class immediately snapped photos upon seeing this situation.

Soon, whispers filled the classroom, and discipline seemed to vanish. The old professor tapped the desk to restore silence.

Lin Wanbai clarified the situation and then sat back down, but people still turned to look at her, curiosity in their eyes.

Han Chen ignored her, not even glancing her way. Finally, when class ended, he packed his things and jumped off the desk, walking out quickly.

Han Chen’s roommate immediately caught up to him, slinging an arm around his shoulder, saying, “Where did you find her? She’s gorgeous! Is she from the media department next door?”

He frowned and shook off the arm, not wanting to engage.

“If you don’t want her, you can introduce her to me. She’s exactly my type!”

“Get lost.”

Lin Wanbai didn’t chase after him; she stood at the classroom door, sure he would return since she was his sponsor, after all.

As people filed out of the classroom, only two girls lingered outside, stealing glances at her while whispering and taking photos.

Lin Wanbai ignored them and found a seat. Aunt Rong called to ask when she would return, mentioning she had prepared food to take to the hospital.

“I’m not going today; I have other matters. Just let Fu Jixing know.”

“Alright, but make sure to come back early.”

“Got it.”

After hanging up, she noticed the two girls still outside, so she approached them, “Do you need something from me?”

The two jumped in surprise and ran off.

Lin Wanbai found it amusing; did she really look like a monster? So frightening?

As the teaching building emptied, Han Chen finally appeared at the back door of the classroom around five o’clock.

Lin Wanbai sat in the middle of the classroom, facing the blackboard, lost in thought. The sun set, casting the warm glow of dusk into the classroom.

She sat alone, looking somewhat lonely, a stark contrast to her sparkling, radiant self at the birthday banquet.

Lin Wanbai glanced down at her phone; Du Qi had sent her a complete dossier on that woman, detailing everything from her childhood to present, demonstrating an impressive thoroughness.

According to the profile, she seemed like a very clean-cut girl, also a university student. Coincidentally, she was from S University as well.