"Very well. Regarding the lake-filling project, our school shall convene a dedicated meeting tomorrow to deliberate on the matter. However, once the work is completed, we must trouble Miss Gu to conduct the requisite rites. Your assistance has been invaluable, Miss Gu, and the school extends its deepest gratitude. This token is but a small gesture of our appreciation; please do not decline it."
Gu Lili declined the red envelope extended by the principal. "I come merely at the behest of Director Ma; remuneration is unnecessary. It is but a modest favor. When the time for the ritual arrives, please contact me—Director Ma has my details. Since the matter is resolved, I shall take my leave."
"Safe travels."
She turned to depart but was promptly called back.
"Wait!"
Glancing over, Gu Lili saw the foreign student she had intercepted at the male dormitory entrance advancing toward her. In full view of all, he brazenly tugged off the short wig atop her head, letting her long hair cascade freely over her shoulders.
Antonio stared at Gu Lili, utterly stunned.
"Antonio! What are you doing?!" The principal and Director Ma hurried over to admonish him. "Such insolence is unacceptable!"
Gu Lili, however, was taken aback yet amused by his boldness. "Since you fancy this wig so much, it's yours."
"Miss Gu, please don't take his childish antics seriously."
"It's quite alright."
With that, she gracefully withdrew.
The police departed soon after, leaving only the school officials and a few male students behind.
"Antonio, this is not your home. How many times must I tell you, this is a school—you're here to study, not to cause trouble!" The principal glared furiously. "Don't think that wealth and influence grant you impunity. Do you even know who she is?"
"Who?" Antonio toyed with the wig in his hands, head bowed.
"She is the wife of Long Yubei. You know Long Yubei, don't you?"
Antonio's eyes snapped up. "Long Yubei's wife?"
"Indeed. She has done a great service to the school, yet you had the audacity to pull off her wig—such disrespect is inexcusable."
"I merely wished to see her with her natural hair."
"Enough. Return to your dormitory and sleep."
Antonio pocketed the wig and returned to his room, lying on his bed deep in thought. Tonight's events had shifted his impression of the woman—who knew she was married?
He sat up, opened his laptop, and searched for Long Yubei online.
Sure enough, his profile listed a spouse—Gu Lili.
He then viewed Gu Lili's page, followed by their wedding photographs.
The striking couple appeared radiant, and unexpectedly, a twinge of jealousy stirred within him toward Long Yubei.
Gu Lili paid little heed to the schoolyard affairs; convinced that once resolved, they no longer concerned her, she took quiet satisfaction in having employed her innate abilities to aid others.
Upon returning home, she found Long Yubei seated in the living room, engrossed in a book.
She crept softly behind him and covered his eyes with her hands.
"In this house, no one but you dares cover my eyes."
She withdrew her hands, leapt onto the sofa, and nestled close beside him. "Would you like to hear about tonight's events?"
"By all means, do tell."
"Wait a moment—I'm hungry. I'll fetch something from the kitchen."
"What would you like to eat? I'll ask Chang Tai to prepare it for you."