Chapter 5: Su Mu, I Like You!
Dressed in a sleek black casual outfit, Su Mu stepped gracefully out of the luxury car, instantly drawing the attention of many students. After all, in District 13, it was rare to see someone arriving at school in such an extravagant vehicle.
"Whoa, that's the latest Thunder X600! Who owns that ride? So luxurious!"
"Who else could it be? It's Su Mu from Class 2, Year 3," someone sneered, their tone laced with jealousy.
"Su Mu? The guy with narcolepsy? I heard he takes sick leave every other day. Someone even saw him pass out in class before. What's he doing at school today?"
"Shh! Keep your voice down if you value your life. Some say he's closely tied to the Viper Gang. Rumor has it he's their heir."
At the mention of the "Viper Gang," the murmuring students instantly fell silent, their curiosity replaced by fear. No one dared to utter another word, let alone glance twice at Su Mu.
Walking slowly with a snake-patterned wooden cane, Su Mu entered the school gate. The cane's golden handle, encrusted with dazzling diamonds, housed a small clock at its center, where a mysterious ouroboros symbol was engraved.
Su Mu's movements were deliberate, almost regal, as if he were surveying his domain. His handsome face, slender and tall frame, pale complexion, and enigmatic eyes hidden behind tea-colored glasses exuded an air of mystique.
Some admirers among the girls whispered rumors that his family were once nobles who had fallen from grace and ended up in the Lower City. He was even nicknamed the "Lost Noble."
However, only Su Mu himself knew the truth: his reliance on the cane wasn't for show. Given his current physical condition, he would need it for the rest of his life.
As he approached the teaching building, a petite girl with short ear-length hair, clad in a dark blue school uniform, ran toward him. She skidded to a halt awkwardly in front of him, her delicate face flushed red, clutching a pink envelope tightly in her hands.
"S-Su Mu," she stammered, her wide eyes darting nervously, unable to meet his gaze.
The girl seemed well-known among the students, as their attention immediately focused on her.
"Isn't that Jiang Yue, the class beauty from Class 2? Is she holding a love letter? Is she about to confess to Su Mu?"
"Another girl confessing to Su Mu? Life isn't fair!" a boy lamented.
"Well, if you were chauffeured in a luxury car every day and had good looks, girls would confess to you too."
The murmurs around her made Jiang Yue's face turn even redder, almost steaming with embarrassment.
"S-Su Mu, are you feeling better?" Jiang Yue mustered her courage to ask.
Su Mu smiled gently, his warm and magnetic voice resonating. "Much better. Thank you for your concern."
Jiang Yue's face flushed even deeper, and she couldn't bring herself to look up, her gaze fixed on her toes.
"Is that for me?" Su Mu asked, pointing to the letter.
Startled, Jiang Yue glanced up at him, catching a glimpse of his soft smile. Her courage wavered again, and she quickly lowered her head. But she finally managed to gather her strength and held out the letter with trembling hands.
"Su Mu, I... I like you!" she exclaimed.
However, as she spoke, her eyes fell on the snake-patterned cane by his side. The golden clock at the top shimmered in the sunlight, and the ouroboros design seemed to come alive, slithering into her mind.
In an instant, the shyness on her face disappeared, replaced by a blank, emotionless expression.
Then, in a cold, robotic voice, she whispered, "Boss, Yang Dongqing arrived at school ten minutes ago."
The trance broke as quickly as it came. Jiang Yue blinked, her timid and flustered demeanor returning.
Su Mu's smile deepened, and a subtle gleam appeared behind his glasses. "Noted."
Jiang Yue looked up nervously. "You... you know? Then, Su Mu, will you..."
"Thank you for telling me, Jiang Yue," Su Mu interjected. "But as students, I think it's better to focus on our studies. Don't you agree?"
Jiang Yue trembled, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. She bit her lip, trembling as she looked up.
Beneath his tea-colored glasses, Su Mu's dark, inscrutable eyes seemed to pierce through her soul. Under his gaze, her tears dried, replaced by a dazed expression. She nodded subconsciously. "You're right."
"Then what are you waiting for? Go study."
"Okay," she replied softly.
Jiang Yue turned and left, seemingly unfazed. Her group of friends quickly surrounded her, bombarding her with questions.
"So? Did you succeed? Did he say yes?"
"I knew it! Su Mu must've fallen for you. Who wouldn't? You're the class beauty!"
Jiang Yue smiled at her friends. "No, I failed."
Her friends froze, staring at her in shock.
"Are you joking? How can you smile like that after failing? You've been crushing on Su Mu for ages!"
Jiang Yue laughed lightly. "Am I that fragile in your eyes? I'm serious; Su Mu rejected me."
Her friends were even more confused.
"Really?"
"Did something happen to you?" one friend asked, reaching out to feel Jiang Yue's forehead, only to be dodged with a laugh.
"Stop it! I'm fine. Su Mu told me something that made sense."
"What did he say?"
Jiang Yue tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her makeup-free face serene. "To prioritize our studies."
---
Su Mu entered the teaching building. The class hadn't started yet, and the hallway buzzed with youthful energy.
Boys hung on each other's shoulders, chatting about after-school plans. Some showed off their new photo collections, while others teased girls, sparking playful chases.
One boy sprinted past Su Mu, nearly crashing into him in his haste.
"Boss, Yang Dongqing is in the restroom," came a hurried whisper as the boy passed.
Moments later, a girl chasing after him froze briefly near Su Mu. Her vibrant demeanor faded into a blank expression.
"Boss, Cui Hao and his group are extorting Yang Dongqing in the restroom," she stated mechanically before resuming her chase.
Su Mu's calm expression didn't change. He adjusted his cane and walked forward with the elegance of a nobleman—straight to the restroom.