Not long after the men in black left, in a low-profile yet luxurious estate in the Imperial City, a person lying on a rocking chair picked up a phone and casually swiped through a series of bloody photos. After tossing the phone lightly onto the coffee table, they closed their eyes, savoring the rare sight of blue skies and white clouds outside.
"Useless trash! Then be a complete waste!"
Under the clear blue sky, a private jet slowly landed on a private helipad, where a car had been waiting. After Leo and his companions disembarked, they immediately got into the car, which quickly drove away.
The car headed toward a famous university district in the Imperial City, passing by several universities along the way. Twenty minutes later, it stopped at the gate of one of them.
Because it was the start of the school year, the entrance was crowded with people, as parents with their children flooded in, carrying large bags and packages.
Unable to drive further, the car pulled over.
"Pull over here."
The car came to a smooth stop by the roadside. As the doors opened, Azura was the first to step out, followed by Zuri, with Leo bringing up the rear.
Azura turned to Leo and said, "Uncle, we're here now. You can go back to work. You don't need to accompany us. We can handle it."
She had her own plans to find some cute guys without her uncle around.
"There's nothing on my schedule today, so I'll take the chance to see the place where you two will be studying for the next four years," Leo said, his tone leaving no room for argument, crushing Azura's little scheme.
Azura pouted, wanting to protest, but then Zuri said, "Let's go."
Leo carried all the luggage as Zuri and Azura walked ahead. The three of them, with their striking appearances and demeanor, attracted many stares.
Several upperclassmen turned their attention to Zuri and Azura.
"Wow, that girl in the red dress is gorgeous. Could she be a new student in the art department?"
"The girl next to her is quite pretty too."
"Beautiful people do tend to hang out together."
…
The three first accompanied Azura to register in the archaeology department, and then they went to the fashion design department. Though they were in different departments, they were in the same university.
"This is your dorm number and room key," the senior at the registration desk said, handing the items to Zuri.
A shy male student nearby asked, "Do you have any luggage? I can help you carry it."
A friend nudged him and gave him a signal to look behind Zuri. That was when the guy noticed the impressive man standing behind her.
He immediately backed down.
Leo carried the luggage as he followed Zuri to the dormitory. Along the way, they drew the attention of several students, who couldn't help but glance at Leo.
When they opened the dormitory door, two other students had already arrived, and their parents were busy helping them arrange their beds.
Their arrival immediately caught the attention of the two families, and the two girls' eyes were drawn to the handsome, composed Leo.
"Another new roommate," said a slightly plump middle-aged woman with a smile.
Zuri nodded slightly to the two families and glanced at the beds. She soon found her name on the bed by the window, but it had already been taken by someone else.
Leo noticed it too. The bed that was supposed to belong to Zuri had been claimed by another girl.
He stepped forward, placed the luggage on the desk, and said to the middle-aged couple, "You've set up the wrong bed."
"Oh! So you're Zuri! My daughter Feifei isn't in the best health, so she needs to stay by the window. As a classmate, you should help each other out. You wouldn't mind switching beds, would you?" Feifei's mother said with a smile.
Her words placed Zuri on a moral high ground, forcing her to give up her bed. If she refused, she would be seen as lacking the spirit of mutual help among classmates.
Azura stepped forward and sneered, "Sorry, but Zuri also needs sunlight and has to stay by the window."
Feifei's mother was surprised by their refusal, feeling a bit displeased.
"Young lady, why are you so difficult? It's just a bed. Why make such a fuss?" Feifei's mother said, annoyed.
"Exactly! It's just a bed. Why insist on taking someone else's? Do you have some weird habit of snatching other people's things?" Azura shot back.
"Watch your mouth, young lady!"
"I was just echoing your own words," Azura responded with a smile.
Sensing the growing tension, the father of another family stepped in to mediate.
"Everyone, calm down! You're all classmates and will be living together for the next four years. Let's not start off on the wrong foot. How about a compromise?" the father of Shen Menglai suggested.
Feifei's mother turned to Azura, "You're not Zuri, so why are you butting in? Mind your own business."
Then she addressed Zuri, "You're Zuri, right? You seem like a reasonable person. My daughter Feifei isn't well, so why not let her have the bed by the window? Auntie will be very grateful, and Feifei will remember your kindness. So, will you let her have the bed?"
"No! I'm not willing!" Zuri calmly replied.
They had just stood up for themselves, so if she gave in now, it would be like slapping Azura in the face. She wasn't about to let a random person cause harm to her friend.
Whether the other person was happy or not was none of her concern.
Feifei was furious and pouted at Zuri. She then turned to her father and said, "Dad, just give them money! That's what they want, isn't it?"
Feifei's father pulled out a thick wad of cash from his wallet and slapped it on the table. "This money is for your bed. Are you satisfied now?"
The Shen family looked at the stack of cash on the table, then at Feifei's father's bulging wallet, their expressions changing slightly.
Azura almost burst out laughing at the sight of the money.
Did they look like beggars who needed money?
She glanced at Leo and Zuri. Her uncle was dressed in custom-made casual clothes, with no visible brand. Zuri wore a… well, a somewhat cheap dress, but still, they didn't look shabby.
Leo simply said one word, "Leave!"
"Hey, watch your mouth!" Feifei's mother snapped.
Zuri, feeling a headache coming on, said, "If your family is so wealthy, why not just buy her a villa nearby so she can commute from there? Villas outside the campus are much better. Whether she wants a sunroom or a rooftop, she can choose whatever she likes. Squeezing into this crowded dorm doesn't really suit a lady of her status."
Feifei, feeling mocked, stood up and said, "I like staying in the dormitory. What's it to you?"