A Cold and Aloof Top Student Is Relied Upon - Chapter 13

Chapter 13: Straight Shooter

◎Little Cat◎

The young lady who showed her power by ordering food was indeed a pro. She arranged everything perfectly, from the cold appetizers and snacks to the drinks and main dishes.

When the hot water was served, she unwrapped the packaged bowls and chopsticks on the table, and then smoothly did the same for Gu Zhu. She rinsed them with the hot water, poured it into a plastic basin, and when everyone was done, she motioned for a server to take it away. She turned around to find everyone’s eyes on her.

“Hmm? Am I growing flowers on my face?” She blinked and rested her chin in her hand. “I know I’m very pretty, but you don’t have to look at me like you’re going to eat me!”

Seeing her vanity, the atmosphere livened up again. The others couldn’t help but roll their eyes. “We just think the way you ordered food looks like some big boss.”

It did look a bit like that. Gu Zhu nodded. The young lady didn’t have the usual awkwardness of a student. She clearly was used to—or even frequented—more high-end places. So her demeanor was very commanding, at least enough to make the owner not dare to be casual with them.

The new restaurant didn’t disappoint. The signature boneless chicken, the sweet fig and papaya broth, and the vegetable platter were all perfect for southerners like them who weren’t good with spicy food.

The meal was lively. Bai Tan was very good at taking care of people. She would fish out the chicken as soon as it was cooked, portioning it out to everyone. The tender meat, coated in a sauce she mixed herself, was incredibly fresh and delicious.

In Bai Tan’s words, the chicken “tasted like chicken,” so it passed.

It was the first time Gu Zhu realized that eating could be so lively. The group seemed to have an endless stream of things to talk about and topics to be curious about. Even the snacks she brought were gone in an instant.

Because there weren’t many snacks, they had to share. Everyone praised Gu Zhu’s mom’s cooking, wishing they could become sisters with Gu Zhu on the spot just to have access to the same food.

Gu Zhu was taken aback by their exaggerated words and actions. She wiped the sweat from her forehead caused by the steam from the hotpot and took off her fogged-up glasses, placing them in her backpack. Because of their happiness, her eyes curved in a slight smile. “Next time, if I get the chance, I’ll bring some more for you.”

The atmosphere suddenly quieted for a moment. Only the chicken broth in the clay pot was still boiling. Gu Zhu looked at them, confused, and finally turned to Bai Tan. “What’s wrong?”

“They’re probably stunned by how good you look,” Bai Tan said, looking at Gu Zhu’s face, now completely revealed. With the thick glasses gone, her eyes were bright and clear, as if they had been washed clean. They stood out even more with their distinct whites and blacks. The steam had also created a light pink blush on her fair skin, making her look even more delicate and beautiful. She picked up a tissue, leaned in naturally, and wiped the sweat from her forehead. “How bad is your eyesight?” she asked, curious, since Gu Zhu’s eyes didn’t look like she needed such large glasses.

Gu Zhu was momentarily speechless by her actions. The gentle touch on her forehead was like a feather tickling her heart. She lowered her gaze and put a hand on the tissue on her forehead. “I can do it myself.” She was still a little unaccustomed to overly intimate gestures, but perhaps Luo Minmin was right: hugs and closeness were normal between good friends.

Gu Zhu had already agreed to be good friends with her. So, she thought, she could try to do the things a good friend should do.

“I’m not nearsighted,” she replied, fanning the heat away. “It’s just a personal habit.”

Bai Tan didn’t understand this “habit,” but she respected it. She laughed softly, thinking of some plotlines from novels she had read. “This ‘appearance-sealing spell’ isn’t very effective.”

Even without seeing her face, her unique aura would still make her stand out in a crowd.

The restaurant gradually filled up. It was probably a new store promotion, so there were many students like them coming to eat. Blue and white school uniforms took up a large area. The automated bell kept ringing, calling out:

“Welcome—welcome—”

“Oh, it’s the school’s girls’ basketball team!” Luo Minmin’s seat faced the door, and she spotted a group of people walking in. Their height and build were easily distinguishable from other students. They were all wearing red and white sports uniforms with the Sanhai High School logo and different numbers.

“They’re back from the provincial competition. The girls’ basketball team did really well this time and got second place!” Gu Xiaoxi and Gu Xiaojuan were twin sisters, only a minute apart. They had a neighbor on the girls’ basketball team, so they were familiar with them.

Just then, the basketball team members looked over, and the twins waved to them. “Gu Tong!”

Gu Tong and another girl were standing at the front. Gu Tong waved back. The girl next to her raised her eyebrows and said, “Since you know them, let’s go say hello.” She handed her jacket to the person next to her and walked over before Gu Tong could react.

Gu Tong was surprised. She had never seen her captain be so enthusiastic with anyone. She didn’t have time to think and followed her, taking the lead in greeting them. “Xiaoxi, Xiaojuan, long time no see. It’s nice to meet you all…” Before she could introduce everyone, she was interrupted.

“Little cousin, it’s been a while. Do you still remember me?”

Everyone was surprised by the greeting. They followed her gaze and saw Bai Tan put down her chopsticks, wipe her mouth, and look up. “Cousin, what a coincidence. Want to sit down and eat with us?”

Lin Ye shrugged, knowing that she was just being polite. Not only had they already eaten half their meal, but she also had a whole group of people with her, so they couldn’t possibly sit together. But since she was being polite, she had to return the courtesy. “Maybe next time, little cousin. It’s not convenient with so many people. When I have time, I’ll invite you out on your own. But tonight’s meal is on the house.” She then motioned and called the manager over. “This is a valued guest of our restaurant. In the future, when she comes, make sure you take good care of her.”

After the manager agreed, she said goodbye to Bai Tan. “Little cousin, I won’t disturb your meal with your classmates anymore. Let’s get together again soon.” She waved and then looked at the seat next to Bai Tan, “Oh, and student Gu Zhu, fate brings us together!”

Gu Tong gave them an awkward but polite smile and followed Lin Ye back to their table.

After they left, Luo Minmin and the others looked at each other. “So this restaurant is owned by her family?!”

Bai Tan said “Mhm” and put a cooked vegetable into Gu Zhu’s bowl. “I guess so. I never asked, but I remember her family does have a big timber business.”

“So from now on, if we come here and use your name, we get a discount?”

“Probably,” the young lady glanced back at the group and secretly motioned for them to lean in. “Actually, I’m not that close to her. I almost didn’t recognize her just now. It was so awkward!”

“Pfft!” The others burst into laughter. The thought of someone acting like a big shot and signing for the bill, only to have the person they were trying to impress not even remember them, was just too funny.

“So, you don’t even know her name?”

Gu Zhu saw her rub her nose and nod. Remembering the smooth “little cousin” from earlier, she had a new appreciation for the girl’s ability to put on a show.

The others gave her a thumbs-up. Luo Minmin, being the top gossip, immediately gave her the full rundown. “Her name is Lin Ye, with the character for ‘woods’ and the one for ‘fire.’ She’s in our year and is a jock. Since she became the captain, the girls’ basketball team’s performance has been getting better and better. She’s a big deal.”

“But I heard she has a bad temper. Because her family is rich, a lot of the team’s expenses are paid for by her personally, so she can be a bit of a dictator. People are half-and-half on whether she’s a good person or a bad one.”

“Now that you mention it, I do have a vague impression. Thank you all for the info. Come on, let’s have another toast.” Bai Tan said, lifting her glass full of orange juice. “To a smooth exam and to being happy every day!”

“Cheers~”

Seven or eight glasses clinked together, and they all chugged their drinks. They didn’t make a point of saying goodbye to the other group when they left; they just nodded as they passed.

Gu Tong watched them leave, puzzled. “Who was that ‘little cousin’ of yours? I’ve never heard of her.”

Lin Ye sat across from her and glanced at the two figures of Bai Tan and Gu Zhu walking side-by-side outside the glass window. A hint of a mocking smile played on her lips. “You know my maternal grandfather’s last name is Bai, right? Well, she’s from the main family. A genuine Cantonese heiress.”

Gu Tong was surprised. She was close to Lin Ye and had heard a few things about her family. Lin Ye’s family had money and power in their town, and many people would visit their house, but most were trying to connect with her mother’s side of the family, a truly prominent, wealthy clan. “So, this VIP can stay in a small temple like our school?”

Lin Ye took a sip of beer and chuckled. “What else can she do? Her dad personally brought her here. Apparently, she got into big trouble and was sent back to avoid a scandal. But her methods are good. She even became friends with the top student.”

Gu Tong didn’t understand her special interest in Gu Zhu. “I’m surprised, though. It’s rare to see the top student walking with a group of people. She’s usually a loner and seems really unapproachable.”

“Tsk, a fake snob.”

…

Gu Zhu didn’t know about the comments being made behind her. And even if she did, she probably wouldn’t care too much. She pushed her newly donned glasses up and felt helpless at the person next to her who kept bumping into her as they walked. “Walk properly,” she had to remind her.

“I am, I am,” Bai Tan replied halfheartedly, her eyes still scanning Gu Zhu as if they were spotlights. “I think I said one thing wrong just now.”

“Huh? What?” Gu Zhu asked, confused, turning her head slightly to look at her. But she was suddenly pulled to a stop by the person next to her, and her glasses were taken off her face.

Gu Zhu pursed her lips, resisting the urge to snatch them back. Her eyes grew more and more confused. “What exactly…” she started to say.

Before she could finish, her face was cupped in Bai Tan’s hands. Bai Tan stared intently at her, meeting her gaze, her phoenix eyes strangely invasive. “Student Gu Zhu’s glasses do have a certain ‘appearance-sealing spell’ effect.”

“When they’re off, your eyes are so pretty, and you look even more beautiful—so beautiful it’s hard to look away.”

That’s probably why she unconsciously attracts so many people’s attention.

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