Chapter 5, Breaking the Siege

Returning to the dormitory, Liu Nuo informed each dorm about the class meeting scheduled for tomorrow, which was met with a chorus of complaints, with everyone saying there was no need for such a meeting. Zhou had inquired beforehand: "Did the teacher mention any specific matters?" Liu Nuo shook her head: "What else could there be! It's just a routine class meeting to assign homework and conduct some ideological work, nothing much to discuss." She too was quite impatient.

Students from the performing arts department and international students, including those pursuing a doctor's degree, reside in the same building, with unrestricted access. Each room accommodates two individuals, equipped with air conditioning and heating, as well as a private small bathroom. The conditions are significantly better than those of other accommodations, and naturally, the price is considerably higher.

Zhou raised her eyebrows, untied the red silk ribbon, and slowly unfolded it, only to find that it was the essay "After the Red Cliffs" that she had written last time. She had originally intended to discard it, but unexpectedly, Wei Qing had taken it to frame. A glance revealed that the last line "Congratulations to Li Mingcheng on his birthday" was missing, leaving only "Poetry and Calligraphy in Beijing." It was unclear how it had been scraped off. In the dim light, it was hard to see clearly.

Wei Qing smiled: "You must have spent a long time writing this, right? Such a complete piece in regular script, if even a single stroke is written incorrectly, it has to be redone. It would be a waste to throw it away; it is better to mount it and keep it for collection."

Old man Xiao pounded on the podium and shouted: "Wake up, wake up! What did you do last night? It's early in the morning and you have no spirit at all, what is this! I don't even know what you young people are doing..." Old man Xiao is the counselor of their class, usually just doing some ideological work, solving some problems in study and life, dedicated and responsible, though a bit verbose. If it were a professional teacher from the Fine Arts Department, they would probably be even more individualistic, teaching the class and then leaving.

The man was slapped in the face by a woman, losing face greatly, and could not help but feel humiliated and angry, ready to retaliate. Zhou, sensing that the situation was not in her favor, turned and ran. She was not a fool, waiting to be hit. After running a few steps, she bumped into someone's embrace.

The dormitory suddenly fell silent, which felt quite unusual. Zhou, feeling dejected, flopped onto the bed, muttering, "Searching and seeking, cold and desolate, sorrowful and miserable. During the time when it is warm yet still chilly, it is the hardest to find rest..." It truly felt a bit desolate. So, he got up to watch "The Legend of the Condor Heroes." The numerous actors delivered outstanding performances, and the story was humorous and witty, making one burst into laughter, alleviating his sorrow and greatly improving his mood

On the car, Zhou recalled the diamond-studded necklace he had given her, which was still placed in the drawer. Afraid of losing it, she had deliberately gone outside to buy a lock. She thought to herself that she must find an opportunity to return it to him. Taking his belongings without reason was unreasonable, and she felt unworthy of receiving it. More importantly, it left her feeling uneasy.

Thus, Zhou was determined to improve her English grades. Naturally, she could not afford to enroll in any so-called "New Oriental" training classes. She had no choice but to wake up an hour earlier every morning to listen to more listening exercises and memorize vocabulary. If she persisted until the end of December, she should be able to pass Level 4. Just thinking about it made her feel embarrassed.

Wei Qing poured her a drink and comforted her, saying, "Don't be afraid, have a drink to calm your nerves." He was very attentive and caring. There was a prince charming-like figure, a hero saving the beauty, and at this moment, she felt grateful. Only after the fight did she realize the fear that followed; had it not been for Wei Qing's intervention, the situation could have escalated in unpredictable ways. Therefore, she raised her glass and sincerely said, "Thank you so much."

Zhou sighed and asked, "How much is the tuition for your chemistry department?" Bi Qiujing was puzzled and replied, "Why are you asking this? If it's just the tuition, it's probably less than 5000, which is acceptable. It's about the same as other universities"

Zhou felt that Old Man Xiao was indeed speaking with great earnestness; being a counselor is not an easy task. Looking at the students below, some were wearing headphones while others were dozing off. With a sigh, he listened attentively as Old Man Xiao went through a series of important reminders. In the end, Old Man Xiao said, "Is there anyone in our class who hasn't paid their tuition? Those who haven't should hurry up and pay. The school has issued a strict notice this time: if you don't pay your tuition, you won't receive your grades, so don't complain later. You people are so bold; don't hold onto your money while harboring other ulterior motives. Quickly transfer it to the school card and pay up!" The school has issued a strict notice this time: if you don't pay your tuition, you won't receive your grades, so don't complain later. You people are so bold; don't hold onto your money while harboring other ulterior motives. Quickly transfer it to the school card and pay up!

On the last day of the National Day holiday, she encountered Lin Feifei, who was dragging a suitcase, as she returned from the library. She hurriedly asked, "Did you come back from home? Did you bring any delicious food?" Most students who live relatively close to home usually take the opportunity to return home during the "Eleven" holiday.

For a moment, she felt an overwhelming sense of shame; not receiving the national scholarship seemed to render her unable to hold her head high, unworthy to face the elders of Jiangdong. Ultimately, it was still English that caused her troubles. With her current English proficiency, how could she possibly take the graduate entrance exam! It seems that Tsinghua University Academy of Fine Arts is out of the question, and even for the graduate program at her own university, with only a Level 4 in English, it appears to be quite precarious. She felt overwhelmed.

She was somewhat shocked, and when she thought of Li Mingcheng, she was at a loss for words. Wei Qing's desire to treat others well is truly hard to refuse. He is adept at reading people's expressions and catering to their preferences, which is why he can hit the nail on the head and smile confidently in the realm of romance

Lin Feifei fiddled for a long time and finally found a light blue small box, which was tied with a sheer ribbon, very exquisite. She said, "Here, this is for you, see if you like it." Zhou opened it and saw a pair of very beautiful large earrings, sparkling and finely crafted, and judging by the texture, they should be made of platinum-plated silver. He said, "This must be quite expensive, right? It should be several hundred at least.

Zhou is very different from Lin Feifei and Bi Qiujing in terms of style, habits, and lifestyle, as well as in values and outlook on life. However, she is still able to get along well with them. The reason lies in her easygoing nature; she does not take many things too seriously. Yet, beyond this casualness, she maintains a firm bottom line that she will never cross. This applies to her attitude towards people, matters, and material wealth. It is not that she does not pursue these things; rather, she knows how to maintain a sense of proportion.

Lin Feifei said lightly, "It's nothing, it was a gift from someone else." Zhou immediately fell silent, understanding not to press further. It was obvious who could afford to give an LV suitcase. Changing the subject, he asked, "What are you going to Shanghai for? Just for fun?" Lin Feifei shook her head, "It's not that carefree. A company in China is holding a fashion show in Shanghai, and many students from our school are attending."

On the morning of the second day, all the homebodies of Class 804 had to get up early and reluctantly go to the main building for a class meeting. Many were accustomed to staying up until three or four in the morning, usually not getting out of bed before twelve. Now, before eight o'clock, they were already sitting in the classroom, feeling drowsy and lacking in energy.

He took a roll of something out of the trunk and handed it to her. Zhou did not accept it and asked, "What is it?" Wei Qing smiled and said, "Don't worry, it was originally your thing." It appeared to be a scroll or something similar.

Zhou asked him to stop far away. She was afraid that people she knew would see them, leading to gossip. In their school, such rumors were abundant, so it was better for her to keep her distance. Wei Qing understood her thoughts and said nothing, and indeed stopped the car.

Zhou glanced at Bai and said: "Is this library yours? Am I not allowed to come?" Bi Qiujing shrugged and replied, "Of course you can come, you are most welcome." She found a spot to sit beside her. Seeing her lost in thought while biting the pen, she asked, "Hey, have you encountered a difficult problem? Why do you look so troubled?"

Wei Qing raised an eyebrow, "Oh, then what do you say you thank me for?" He glanced at her sideways, already flirting.

Sheng Wen wiped the cold sweat from his brow and stepped forward to mediate, "Wei Shao, for my sake, let it go. Otherwise, there will be no business to be done today." Once the police are called, Wei Qing is not afraid, but Sheng Wen certainly cannot afford the consequences.

Wei Qing took out a handkerchief and said, "Here, wipe yourself, you're all wet." The remnants of the wine flowed down his chin into his collar, revealing a hint of his chest, a scene both alluring and suggestive. Zhou was still immersed in his previous thoughts, feeling a chill in his heart, completely unaware of his surroundings. Wei Qing was not a good person; seeing this situation, he couldn't help but feel dry-mouthed and restless. He quickly took a sip of wine to suppress his impulses. Even if he were a petty person, he would not stoop to taking advantage of someone in such a vulnerable moment. Wei Qing was not a good person; seeing this situation, he couldn't help but feel dry-mouthed and restless. He quickly took a sip of wine to suppress his impulses. Even if he were a petty person, he would not stoop to taking advantage of someone in such a vulnerable moment.

Even though she knew that Wei Qing had ulterior motives towards her, she still went to work at "Dynasty" on the weekend. She did not owe him any money, so what was there to fear? She remained calm and unafraid

Zhou rolled up again and said, "Mr. Wei, thank you very much."

Zhou was pondering in her heart, wondering if the person who gave her the LV was someone she met in Shanghai this time. She laughed, "He must have made a lot of money!" Lin Feifei shook her head, "Buying a piece of clothing isn't enough. The school collaborates with others, and we go to fill the scene, meaning to help out. Where is the money in that! It's exhausting to the point of death."

Lin Feifei displayed a proud expression and said, "Alright, I will lend it to you next time!" Zhou nodded eagerly, as she still did not know what an LV looked like! She leaned in closer and asked, "How much did this set of luggage cost?"

Zhou shook her head, saying, "If our department's tuition were the same as yours, how wonderful that would be." Then she wouldn't have to worry so much. Bi Qiu Jing shrugged and said, "The tuition for the art department is expensive. How much do you have to pay?" Zhou gritted her teeth and replied, "All together, it adds up to about three times what you pay."

He stood up and suggested, "I see you are startled; it would be better for you to go back and rest." Sheng Wen was also aware of her being splashed with wine, and generously allowed her to return to rest, assuring her that her salary would remain unaffected. It could be considered a blessing in disguise.

Last school year, an incident occurred in their class where a male student spent the tuition fees that were supposed to be paid. The school repeatedly urged him to pay, but he delayed until the end of the semester without submitting the payment. The school had no choice but to call the parents to urge them. Once the matter was exposed, the student received a severe reprimand.

The minister did not take further action, knowing when to stop. He bid good night and turned to leave

Wei Qing turned around and saw Zhou's face was pale, huddled in the corner, looking quite pitiful, evidently frightened. The fierce spirit of hitting someone just moments ago had completely vanished. He thought to himself, if she is this scared now, what would happen if a real fight broke out? She would be even more terrified. Therefore, he waved his hand and said, "Don't let me see you again." Those people felt as if they had been granted a reprieve, hurriedly avoiding him, and rushed out. In an instant, the place was cleared out completely. He thought to himself, if she is this scared now, what would happen if a real fight broke out? She would be even more terrified. Therefore, he waved his hand and said, "Don't let me see you again." Those people felt as if they had been granted a reprieve, hurriedly avoiding him, and rushed out. In an instant, the place was cleared out completely

Zhou glanced at her handbag, which matched her suitcase, and exclaimed: "LV! Lin Feifei, you are too extravagant! Spendthrift!"

She has less than 5,000 on her person, and even with the 5,000 yuan Yunma Scholarship that she does not know when she will receive, it is still a significant shortfall. Moreover, she still has to live; every item, from writing materials to paints and books, requires money, which is truly bothersome. If she had received the 8,000 yuan National Scholarship, things would be much easier. Who can she blame for her lack of competitiveness? During the evaluation, her English held her back.

Lin Feifei unceremoniously handed her handbag to her, wiping the sweat from her forehead and said: "No, I just flew back from Shanghai, it's scorching hot!"

Zhou said cheerfully, "Just consider it a trip, so you should hurry back and rest." He accompanied her to the entrance of another dormitory building. She waved, saying, "You should come up too; I have brought you something. It's in the box, take a look and see if you like it!" Upon hearing about the gift, Zhou's face lit up with joy as he followed her upstairs.

Lin Feifei looked left and right, smiling: "I still have good taste, this matches your skin tone. If you don't believe me, take a look in the mirror yourself." Zhou was very happy and said he would treat her to a meal. Lin Feifei lay on the bed, weakly saying: "Next time, I really need to sleep. Taking a plane is so tiring." Zhou helped her close the door as he left.

Wei Qing looked at her with a mischievous smile and said, "I arrived just in time to witness a good show." He shielded her behind him and exchanged a glance. The people who came with Wei Qing were not virtuous individuals either, and they all rushed forward together.

The opening remarks left everyone yawning. Old Xiao continued to speak: "Alright, you are all in your fourth year, and it is time to consider your personal future. Whether to pursue further studies or to find a job, you need to think it through quickly. If you plan to take the entrance exam for graduate school, you must hurry; time is running out. If you are looking for a job, you should start sending out resumes and preparing for interviews. Also, regarding the school's elective courses, if you haven't earned enough credits, you need to complete them quickly; otherwise, you might not graduate..." He went on and on, rambling and fussing, lecturing about a whole lot of things.

The anger of Wei Qing instantly dissipated, and in a gentle voice, she asked: "What happened? Did you have a quarrel with your little boyfriend or did you break up?" Mentioning Zhou struck a nerve.

Zhou returned to the dormitory, and it was rare to find it empty. Everyone had gone out to celebrate the festival, and a young couple was even shouting about going to Tiananmen Square to watch the flag-raising ceremony. To go watch the flag-raising at this time would be torturous, if not life-threatening. The crowd was immense, so packed that one could hardly touch the ground, floating in mid-air.

Just now, that group of people saw that Wei Qing and others were numerous and powerful, with considerable background. Halfway through their drunkenness, they hesitated and did not dare to approach. Who is Wei Qing? Always looking for trouble when there is none, especially when he is in the right, he is even less likely to let these drunken troublemakers off easily. With a wave of his hand, it was clear that both sides were about to fight.

How could Wei Qing allow her to leave so brazenly right under his nose? He quickly pursued her. Zhou heard the footsteps, turned around, and retreated repeatedly, watching him warily, with tears still fresh on her face. In the lunar month of August, the cool breeze was reliable, and the autumn moon was boundless. The bright moonlight illuminated her face, resembling a pear blossom in spring with rain, particularly endearing.

There were an unusually large number of guests, leaving no time to catch a breath. A drunken guest, noticing her unique demeanor and youthful beauty, developed an inappropriate interest and clung to her waist, touching her inappropriately. Zhou was extremely angry and wanted to smash the tray in her hand over his head; after consuming a couple of drinks, he revealed his true beastly nature! Truly inhumane

Wei Qing stood in place, unable to help but laugh out loud. Zhou's words have a historical reference. The famous lyricist Feng Yansi from the Five Dynasties has a well-known line: "When the wind suddenly rises, it ripples a pool of spring water." Once, the ruler Li Jing of the Southern Tang playfully asked, "When the wind ripples a pool of spring water, what business is it of yours?" Zhou, being quick-witted, used this phrase to satirize Wei Qing, and coincidentally, Wei Qing's name contains the character "Qing." It is no coincidence that this is the case. Understanding the underlying meaning, he could not help but smile faintly.

Lin Feifei leaned against the headboard and lazily said: "It's not bad. The moment I saw this, I thought it looked good on you. Then a friend bought it, originally intending to give it to you. It doesn't look good on me." Zhou thought to himself that she was offering a gift through someone else's kindness, and that was already quite nice; it didn't matter who the original giver was. He eagerly put it on.

After the class meeting, Zhou sat in the library with a frown, calculating accounts. When Bi Qiu Jing entered the self-study room and saw her, she was taken aback and said: "Hey, the sun must be rising in the west today! You actually came to self-study, are you feeling alright?"

Zhou returned to the backstage to remove her makeup and change her clothes. She wore a Mickey Mouse T-shirt, faded jeans, canvas shoes, and carried a backpack, instantly regaining an air of innocence, looking just like a high school student. Just as she stepped out through the side door, Wei Qing was already waiting at the entrance, pulling her aside and saying, "It's too late; as a girl, it's not safe on the road. I'll take you back, let's go." After such a commotion that night, she found it difficult to refuse again.

With anger surging, a loud "slap" echoed as a resounding slap was delivered to that person, followed by a stern reprimand: "We are all here to have fun, is this how you behave?" This drew the attention of the crowd.

Zhou was afraid that he had ulterior motives, and also resented him for exposing others' scars. Angrily, he said, "What business is it of yours!" Fearing that he would pursue him again and attract attention, he quickly ran away.

On the evening of National Day, the Tiananmen Square was ablaze with flowers, and the stars fell like rain; meanwhile, Zhou spent the night alone in her dormitory watching "The Legend of the Condor Heroes," and the next day she overslept. When she finally dragged herself out of bed, she was disheveled and it was already late at night. The sounds of singing and music from the towers were faint, and the swings in the courtyard were enveloped in the deep night, making it difficult to fall asleep. She tossed and turned throughout the night, sighed, and tried to comfort herself like Hao Sijia, thinking that tomorrow would be a new day

On the surface, she was politely and perfunctorily dismissive, quietly wanting to leave, but unexpectedly, someone blocked her path. These individuals had been drinking to the point of inebriation, and it seemed rather troublesome. Thus, she signaled to the nearby waiter to call Sheng Wen out to handle these guests.

As the saying goes, one who knows oneself is enlightened, and one who knows others is wise. Although she may not be able to achieve this, she remains constantly vigilant of herself

Zhou Shi expressed her gratitude once again and was about to leave. Wei Qing said, "Zhou Shi, wait a moment." He did not call her Xi Xi, but referred to her as Zhou Shi, indicating a change in his attitude.

A person stood up trembling and insisted on making her drink a cup of wine. Zhou thought to herself, I am not a hostess, why should I drink? Thus, she declined, her tone becoming somewhat unpleasant. When the person saw that she refused to drink no matter what, their temper flared, and they splashed the wine onto her face. She quickly dodged, but still ended up splattered with quite a bit.

Zhou, although trained in painting and possessing an artistic temperament, is fundamentally a person of reason and logic, characterized by a scientific rigor. He approaches matters with clarity and is not easily swayed by emotions. This aspect of his character has been profoundly influenced by Li Mingcheng

Zhou said formally: "Thank you for helping me out today, and for bringing me back, of course—" he pointed to the scroll in his hand, "and this!" If he treated her with courtesy, she would naturally respond in kind. If he had ulterior motives, she would naturally be unreserved. There is a line in a song that goes, when friends come, there is fine wine; when wolves come, there are naturally hunting guns.