Chapter 9: Does he want to chase me again ?

All eyes shifted to Lin Lu.

Zhuang Yan Yue’s enchanting smile told him she was picking a fight, clearly noticing his earlier inattention.

Lin Lu propped his chin with crossed hands, thinking hard before speaking earnestly.
“I think everyone’s ideas have merit.
We can discard the impractical parts and value the sensible ones.
Overall, each has points to praise and improve.
By finding common ground, we can blend them, achieving mutual benefit, even multi-way wins…”

“Lin Lu, well said!”

Zhuang Yan Yue stood, clapping abruptly.
Others, seeing the counselor lead, followed with confused claps.

What the heck? He’d just spouted vague nonsense.

Next, Zhuang Yan Yue approached, grasping his hand as if relieved.
“The anniversary gala’s coordinator role is yours.
I trust you’ll excel.
Right, everyone?”

“No, I can’t…”

“Teacher’s right!”

Lin Lu’s feeble protest drowned in the crowd’s agreement.
They weren’t sincere—they all wanted the coordinator spot to boost resumes or curry favor.
But challenging the counselor was awkward, and the “planning coordinator” role was still up for grabs.

A Cruel Twist

Yet, Zhuang Yan Yue nodded.
“Since everyone loves Lin Lu’s plan, he can handle the program alone.
No need for a planning coordinator.”

Before anyone could object, Lin Lu blurted, “We still need one—many hands make light work…”

He nearly shot himself in the foot.
Her sly smile confirmed she was overpraising him to sabotage his earlier half-heartedness.

Zhuang Yan Yue handed out pens and sticky notes.
“Vote by number, no self-votes, one vote only.
Highest vote wins planning coordinator.”

Everyone eyed each other, hoping for votes.
Even if they lost, they’d back a solid plan.

Lin Lu felt guilty—he hadn’t tracked anyone’s ideas.
But he’d avoid voting for Yi Dian Dian.

No way he’d work daily with an ex.

Zhuang Yan Yue tallied the votes aloud.
“Highest is number 3… Yi Dian Dian.”

She announced it reluctantly.
She’d picked freshmen to avoid relying on the student council, specifically Yi Dian Dian.
But Yi Dian Dian volunteered, so no favors owed.

Lin Lu sighed inwardly.
No f*cking way.

Yi Dian Dian, however, seemed relieved, her lips curving up.

A Logical Choice

Her win made sense.
Her plan was the most practical: voluntary program participation with extra credit for awards.
This ensured sign-ups without forcing anyone.

Plus, as student council president, she could influence evaluations and rally resources.

Lin Lu accepted his fate, consoling himself with upsides.
First, Yi Dian Dian wasn’t here to cozy up to Zhuang Yan Yue—her earlier outburst proved that.

Thus, her focus was purely on the gala.
If she enjoyed it, Lin Lu could slack off, focus on job-hunting, and still list this major event on his resume.
Win-win.

An Awkward Collision

Finally escaping the counselor’s office, Lin Lu took two steps before a soft voice called.
“Wait, Lin Lu…”

He paused, turning, only to feel a strong push from behind.

“Oof… ouch…”

Yi Dian Dian had crashed into him.

“Something up?”

“I just bumped into you—think I’m fine?”
She clutched her forehead, tears welling.

“I meant, why’d you call me?”

“Don’t rush off. Blow on it—it hurts…”

Her suggestive words stunned him, almost like they were still dating.

Roughly, he pressed one hand behind her head, the other rubbing her forehead vigorously, generating heat to ease the pain.

“Hey! Stop! You’re messing up my bangs!”

Yi Dian Dian glared, pulling a mirror from her cat-shaped pouch to fix her hair.

See? The heat worked—she wasn’t hurting anymore.

“If that’s it, I’m out.”

Lin Lu didn’t want to linger with Yi Dian Dian.
Exes were too risky; any moment could spark old grudges.

A Persistent Partner

She grabbed his sleeve.
“Let’s find a place to plan the gala.
It’s right after military training.
We should finalize programs before training, then rehearse during evening breaks.”

“I need to find a job…”

Yi Dian Dian blinked, then remembered his family’s bankruptcy years ago.
Now parentless, he fended for himself.

“Can’t you job-hunting later?”

“If I don’t find one soon, I’ll be eating air.
I’ll starve before the gala…”

Like Su Keke and Zhuang Yan Yue, Yi Dian Dian struggled to picture the once-extravagant Lin Lu scraping by.

“I’ll treat you to dinner.”

“It’s not just dinner…”

“Fine, I’ll cover your dinners until the gala.”

“Well, the 130th anniversary is a big deal.
We should plan the programs carefully…”

Old grudges be damned—high risk, high reward.
Free dinners for weeks? A sweet deal.

Yi Dian Dian’s offer felt empowering, like she finally held the reins—unlike before, when Lin Lu controlled her.

Yet, deep down, she ached for him.
A few meals could sway him now?

No pity! Remember how this jerk hurt you!

He knew her social anxiety but still harassed her, forcing her into humiliating public acts for his amusement.
He even coerced her into being his girlfriend.

Normal guys ignored her childlike frame, but he obsessed over it—a total loli creep!

Worse, he cheated, juggling multiple girls.
Just now, he was sneaking around with that Zhuang woman!

Buried Resentments

Yi Dian Dian couldn’t hold back years of pent-up emotions.
“After all this time, don’t you have anything to say to me?”