Leon Chen had always been an honest guy. He wasn't one to gossip or talk behind people's backs about their flaws or character issues. Simply put, he wasn't the type to spread rumors.
But after reading the journalism department's report, for the first time in his life, Leon felt an urge to rebel against the unfairness.
Looking through this week's school newspaper, there were plenty of major news items, like freshman enrollment, military training, and the campus-wide hacker battle that even stirred excitement in the Western Capital. According to his dorm mates, "Leon's shout would make even the principal take notice; surely it would be worth a big article in the school paper."
The news did make it in, but the gossipy journalists highlighted Leon as a "beast who wildly kissed a junior on the first day of school," instead of focusing on any inspirational aspects, because that wouldn't create the same buzz.
If it had been just that, Leon, being the honest guy he was, wouldn't have thought they were shameless. The important part was, the school paper devoted large sections to cover this year's beauties, with Lily Lin chosen as the number one freshman beauty for her pure and lovely demeanor.
Then, shockingly, right on the next page was the glaring headline.
"Number One Freshman Beauty Wildly Kissed by a Senior…"
It was definitely deliberate.
A pure girl, a wild kiss. Instantly, Leon's image as a beast was emblazoned in print.
Shameless, utterly shameless.
The person who wrote this deserved to be punished.
When Leon climbed out of his box, he glared at his three chuckling dorm mates: "You guys did this on purpose, didn't you?"
Daniel Zhang chuckled, "Little bro, don't blame us. Who told you to keep a low profile? The freshman beauty was marked by you right from the start. Every guy on campus now sees you as an enemy. It's safer to stay hidden here."
"I'm suffocating in here." Leon wiped his sweat. Although it was autumn in September, the Western Capital still felt like the blazing heat of summer.
John Wu handed him a tissue, concerned, "Little bro, did you really kiss the pure junior?"
"The least trustworthy thing in the world is a journalist's words," Leon scratched his head.
Michael Fang had a heartbroken expression, "Little bro, you must take good care of junior Lily Lin."
"Go away." Leon knew Michael enjoyed making confessions for fun.
"There's nothing wrong with it. I think Lily Lin is genuinely pure and would make a good wife."
"Yes, indeed. A perfect match for our little bro," Daniel Zhang agreed. "What do you think, Michael?"
"If you had told me sooner, I wouldn't have embarrassed myself by confessing," Michael grumbled. "Little bro, how are you going to make it up to my wounded heart?"
Leon sighed, "Guys, stop joking. Lily Lin is probably thinking about dropping out by now."
Hearing this, the other three stopped joking and became serious.
"I'll go check on her," Leon said.
"We'll handle those journalists for you," John patted Leon's shoulder. His dorm mates could be counted on.
Before Leon could express his gratitude, they revealed their true colors.
"Next meal, each of us gets two chicken legs."
"Shameless!"
In the information college's sports field, freshmen were practicing.
Even under the scorching sun, standing on a shaded path would make you sweat, let alone training under the blazing sun.
Leon quickly spotted Lily Lin, a shy girl who seemed out of place in the environment. Her introverted, soft-spoken demeanor created a sense of isolation.
Watching her persist despite the heat, Leon found himself captivated.
Half an hour later, practice ended, and they were given a break.
As soon as they were dismissed, Leon noticed a handsome classmate of Lily Lin eagerly approaching her, though she subtly distanced herself. Michael was right; Lily Lin was indeed very popular.
Leon had never expected to interact with such a popular beauty.
Lily Lin's dorm mates noticed Leon and waved. They whispered something to the handsome classmate, who looked surprised.
Lily Lin also saw Leon, her clear eyes lighting up.
"Leon, you finally came to see Lily?" one of her dorm mates said.
Leon didn't know how to explain, so he just smiled awkwardly.
"Take good care of her, okay? Don't bully her."
These girls seemed nice and explained things to her classmates.
"Your roommates are nice," Leon said awkwardly.
Lily Lin blushed, "I don't know how to do anything. They've been taking care of me."
Hearing this, Leon felt a pang of sadness. "If you ever need anything, just come to me. I'll definitely help you."
"Thank you, Senior Leon," Lily Lin said softly.
They sat on the steps, half a meter apart. Leon didn't know how to bring up the kiss.
Glancing at Lily Lin, wearing a green military uniform, she looked reserved and refined. Because of the heat, she was covered in sweat, with large droplets sliding down her forehead.
"Military training must be tough," Leon started, trying to ease into the topic.
Lily Lin nodded, "You must be hot after waiting so long. Want some water? It's warm, but I can get you a cold bottle."
Leon remembered something and smiled, "Lily Lin, let me show you a magic trick."
"Hmm?" Lily Lin looked up, blinking in confusion. "Senior, you can do magic?"
"Give me your water bottle," Leon asked for Lily Lin's water bottle.
After being exposed to the summer heat, the bottle was warm to the touch.
"Watch this," Leon said, holding the bottle.
Lily Lin stared intently at Leon's every move.
With a mischievous smile, Leon spun the bottle 360 degrees, and when he handed it back, the once warm bottle was now covered in a thin layer of ice, frost on the surface as if it had just come from the freezer.
The cold temperature was perfect!
Lily Lin examined it for a while, then tilted her head, thinking Leon had prepared it in advance.
Leon raised his hands to show he had nothing.
Lily Lin gasped, covering her mouth, "Senior, you're amazing. How did you do that?"
"Magicians don't reveal their secrets," Leon smiled. He couldn't tell her he used his power, NO.58—Control of Cold and Ice.
Remembering this, Leon adjusted the surrounding air, replacing the stifling heat with a cool breeze.
Lily Lin didn't question further, just feeling more comfortable around Leon, finding him fascinating.
As the magic trick eased the atmosphere, Leon casually asked, "Did you see today's school weekly?"
Lily Lin nodded while drinking the cold water, a blush spreading on her cheeks.
What does that mean?
Leon wondered, puzzled