When Deng Zhi and Gong Yiying reappeared, it was already time for the third class. Both looked as if they hadn't woken up. Initially, people were just curious and gossiping, but seeing them like this now, only an absolute fool wouldn't understand what had happened.

"Something definitely went down between them last night," Bai Ge and Li Xin murmured, occasionally sneaking glances their way.

Gong Yiying was thoroughly annoyed by the way her classmates kept glancing at her, then quickly turning to whisper to their neighbors. If they wanted to look, they should do it openly; this sneaking around was intolerable.

Just as Gong Yiying was about to explode in anger, someone loudly called out, "Gong Yiying, Deng Zhi, where did you two go off to have your wild fun yesterday? The professor called your names during the first period, and you got hit with an absence."

"Hit with an absence, so be it," Deng Zhi hadn't fully sobered up and didn't take the comment seriously. "Besides, missing one class occasionally is no big deal."

Gong Yiying nodded repeatedly by his side. Seeing this, Wang Qiqi couldn't help but think about how much effort the girl must have expended last night. Bai Ge and the others remained silent, judging that since someone seemed so happy yesterday, there was no need to spoil her mood now.

However, some people were displeased by Gong Yiying's smug look. "Oh, missing class occasionally is no big deal? The professor explicitly said if you don't get a perfect score on the final exam for this subject, you fail the course."

At these words, everyone felt a strange admiration for the speaker's sheer audacity. Still, it was better to prepare the two of them mentally—to study hard and aim for that perfect score. Though everyone knew achieving a perfect score in this course was quite difficult, preparation was necessary, right?

Deng Zhi was startled awake by this, shaking off a large portion of his stupor. He rubbed his eyes, trying hard to pull himself together. "What? No way, don't scare me. Is it that professor? He's so fierce, he might as well be the Devil Teacher." Deng Zhi calculated the possibilities, and it seemed only the Devil Teacher would pull a stunt like that.

Gong Yiying, who had been yawning, stopped mid-stretch upon hearing Deng Zhi’s comment. "Ah, I think our first class was the Devil Teacher’s class." As Gong Yiying said this, her entire face transformed. Everyone knew why no one dared skip the Devil Teacher’s lecture: if caught absent without permission, it was absolute doom, the consequences depending entirely on his current mood. Yet, unexpectedly, the professor’s mood seemed terrible today.

Gong Yiying froze after realizing this, then rushed over to Bai Ge and the others, erupting in a furious burst, "Why didn't you ask for leave for me?" As if the fault lay entirely with them.

Bai Ge and the others had momentarily regretted whether their actions had been overly harsh, but Gong Yiying's reaction instantly soured their mood. "How were we supposed to know you weren't coming?"

"Exactly! You didn't return to the dorm all night; who knew where you were? We assumed you’d come to class yourself. We saw you drinking so heartily at the restaurant last night; when we left, we asked if you wanted to come along, and you refused."

"Seriously, pushing the blame onto us now? Did you ever tell us you needed to request leave?"

"And who do you think you are, acting like we’re the ones in the wrong? If you didn't say you needed leave, would we dare ask for it on your behalf?" Bai Ge retorted sharply. "Why didn't you remember this when you were having such a wild time last night?"

Gong Yiying was silenced by their sharp retorts, unsure how to respond. If she had approached this differently, Bai Ge and the others might have felt guilty for acting so coldly this morning, but the words she actually spat out completely dissolved any lingering compassion they had. "Ahhhh, what am I going to do?" Gong Yiying had been counting on a good final exam score to secure a scholarship; now, how could she possibly qualify?

When Gong Yiying cried out, the people around ignored her. Her attitude just now had been too arrogant. If she hadn't informed her roommates she wasn't coming, how could they request leave? What would the professor think if Gong Yiying suddenly appeared while the leave slip was in his hands?

Deng Zhi's mind cleared completely, but he knew if he dared to shout, his roommates wouldn't give him a friendly look. Deng Zhi knew Ren Zhixuan liked Gong Yiying, and he himself had kept his feelings completely hidden, causing his roommates to be quite dissatisfied with him. Deng Zhi consoled himself that at least yesterday had been a success; perhaps academic loss was the price for romantic gain.

Everyone noticed the starkly different reactions from the two individuals facing the same risk of failing the course, leading to varied opinions. Of course, Deng Zhi’s reaction was seen by his roommates as sheer smugness, increasing their disdain for him. However, they felt considerable sympathy for Bai Ge and the others; given they all missed class, Gong Yiying’s reaction was excessive. And as for Ren Zhixuan, after last night and today's events, the tiny flame of love he held for Gong Yiying was utterly extinguished.

Gong Yiying found a seat and immediately grew angry seeing Deng Zhi still looking unconcerned. "Stop smiling! Focus on the class!" The thought of losing the scholarship made her furious. Han Meina’s grades were impeccable, and even Wang Qiqi’s were excellent; they had an 80% chance of getting the scholarship, but now she herself...

Deng Zhi glanced at the brooding Gong Yiying, pouted slightly, and drawled, "How much is a scholarship worth anyway? Is the sky falling because you miss one?" Deng Zhi genuinely had zero interest in studying. He had struggled hard for a whole year just to get into C University; he felt all his passion for academics was burned out in his final high school year. As for his sudden interest in postgraduate studies, it was only a means to study abroad and see if he could secure residency there. "By the way, does your body still hurt?" Deng Zhi asked in a low voice.

Deng Zhi's sudden tenderness slightly soothed Gong Yiying's mood. "Much better." Gong Yiying pondered the fact that she had essentially let Deng Zhi have his way yesterday, feeling conflicted about her own thoughts. But then she recalled his performance, and decided Deng Zhi wasn't bad at all; he was presentable enough, a man capable of satisfying her needs.

Deng Zhi looked at Gong Yiying, who was showing a rare flash of womanliness, and felt another surge of impulse. However, he knew the time wasn't right yet. "I'm planning to rent an apartment next semester and move out," Deng Zhi blurted out on impulse, leaving the second part of his thought unspoken.

Gong Yiying was startled by his words and looked up at him, her eyes wide. Although she knew Wang Qiqi was highly likely to move out of the dorm next semester, she would be moving in with her friends. Deng Zhi, however, meant he would be living alone. The naive Gong Yiying immediately understood what kinds of situations might arise.

Gong Yiying considered it internally; moving out sounded quite good. Many things would be more convenient—not least, showering would be easier. But the problem was, "The expenses would be much higher." The entire semester's dorm fees might not even cover one month's rent.

"I'll pay," Deng Zhi said, sensing an opening. His eyebrows lifted. Since the lady didn't object, what was a little money? He had enough for that.

While the two discussed renting, Bai Ge turned and saw the pair looking sweetly at each other. "I think next semester, our dorm might have quite a few empty spots," she commented. Han Meina occasionally stayed over, and Qiqi would be doing the same next semester. Now, seeing Gong Yiying's demeanor, it was expected she would move in with Deng Zhi, settling down as a pair.

"Wouldn't that be for the best?" Li Xin was actually happy about having only five permanent residents in the dorm, especially if the three contentious members left; the atmosphere would vastly improve. As for Zhang Yan, whether she was present or not exerted zero pressure on her.

Duan Xiaomin nudged their legs from below. Really, Wang Qiqi was right there; their comments made it sound like they were explicitly dismissing her.

Wang Qiqi had always known Bai Ge treated her slightly better, but the attitude of the other three was truly ambiguous. Some things still needed to be said. She hummed in agreement and added, "Next semester, I will also only stay in the dorm occasionally, just like Han Meina."

Bai Ge and Li Xin realized they had spoken carelessly. "Oh, Qiqi, can we come visit you when that happens?" Bai Ge had long wanted to see where Wang Qiqi lived, and they also wondered if Wang Qiqi would be cohabiting.

"No problem." By next semester, Dai Lijun and Han Tao would both be moving out, so Bai Ge and the others wouldn't see much if they visited. "But wait until we've settled in properly. Right now, when we visit occasionally, it’s just a quick tidying up." However, once the semester started, Wang Qiqi and the others were seriously considering hiring a cleaning lady to come every other day, as Wang Qiqi and Shi Man were terrible at housework. Moreover, Shi Man had recently taken a strong interest in studying French, even contemplating auditing classes in the French department. With everyone having their own commitments, Wang Qiqi wouldn't mention these plans to them, as it would likely stir up more trouble.

"I heard someone lost her virginity yesterday?" Shi Man said, delivering a line guaranteed to shock while eating with Wang Qiqi.

Wang Qiqi nearly spat out her lunch at Shi Man’s remark. "Yes, news travels fast. Did anyone tell you that she's guaranteed to fail one course this semester?"

"That's not the main point." Shi Man never cared for trivial matters. "You should stay far away from that 'Zhi' character in the future. You know, once a woman gives her purity to someone, even if she doesn't like him later, her feelings can shift slowly. You must remember that you..."

Wang Qiqi found Shi Man's words rather unbelievable. "Does this count as being shot while lying down?" But Shi Man's advice was sound; she needed to distance herself from that troublesome pair. "Forget it, they’re probably swimming in honey right now and won't pay attention to an imaginary ex like me."

Wang Qiqi guessed correctly that Gong Yiying currently wouldn't bother dealing with her, but the reason was different from what Wang Qiqi imagined.

Bu Bu suddenly noticed she was getting praise in the female frequency section. Although receiving praise meant more income for Bu Bu, seeing readers support the genuine work made her incredibly happy.

And thank you to wdid007, Yue Zhi Xiao, An Ye Yue Wu, mableip, Mo Nu Xi Yao Jing, zy951005, fennd, Nan Gong Xiu Chen, Zhu Lao Mi, Zhu Yi Yin, Xiao Yi Jiu Jiu, Ji Shui Bu Yao, Feng Zheng 1985, saiXdd, Long Xiang Feng Luan v8996, Yun Fan, JESSIE WU~, Huan Yue Shui Yu~, Jia Fei 81, Kai Ling, Kai Xin Luo Ba E Jiu, machan15, Duanmu Jing Chen ☆, Liu Li Zui Wuづ for their tips.

Also, thank you to everyone who voted Pink RS for Bu Bu this month.