Chapter 3:What If the Eyes Are Flirting?

Qin Ju took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling with the effort. The sudden encounter with Shen Yi had stirred a tempest of emotions inside her—fear, anger, and a hint of nostalgia from their previous life. Despite the disdain she felt for him, she couldn't ignore the familiarity of his presence. It was as if fate was toying with her, pushing her into uncomfortable intersections.

Shen Yi, sensing her struggle, observed her with a calm, almost detached expression. The dim light from the single bulb above cast faint shadows on his face, making his usually sharp features seem softer, almost contemplative.

After a long moment of silence, Shen Yi leaned back slightly, a faint chuckle escaping his lips. "Don't you think it's odd, the way we've ended up here, together?"

Qin Ju's heart skipped a beat. It was strange, indeed, to find herself sharing such a close space with someone she had fought so bitterly against in their past life. Her mind raced, connecting the dots between this uncomfortable encounter and Lin Nian's scheming.

"What's wrong?" Shen Yi's voice cut through her thoughts. His gaze, usually so intense, was now tempered with genuine curiosity.

Qin Ju forced herself to meet his eyes, though her voice betrayed a hint of her inner turmoil. "Nothing. I'm just surprised."

She had expected Shen Yi to react with his usual fiery temper, but he remained unnervingly calm. It was as if he was playing a game with her, and she wasn't sure if she knew the rules.

Swallowing her frustration, Qin Ju decided to end the interaction. "It's nothing. I'm leaving now."

But before she could turn away, Shen Yi's hand reached out and pressed something warm into her palm. The contact sent a shiver through her. "Take a look at this," he said, his voice smooth and untroubled.

Qin Ju stared at the object in her hand—a student ID card, its faded photograph belonging to Lin Nian. Her eyes widened as realization dawned. This was a crucial piece of evidence, a key to unraveling the mystery of last night's events.

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The van rolled into the parking lot of the provincial guesthouse just as the first light of dawn began to seep through the heavy clouds. The air was thick with humidity, and the faint scent of rain lingered, hinting at the storm that had passed through earlier.

Li Mei, a stern woman with an air of authority, led the group of students to the van. It was old and cramped, its leather seats worn from years of use. The only luxury in this humble vehicle was the air conditioning, barely functional and struggling to keep up with the heat.

Qin Ju was the first to board, choosing a seat by the window in the last row, hoping for some semblance of privacy. The view outside was a blur of motion as the van rattled and jolted along the uneven road. Her thoughts were a whirlwind as she tried to process the events of the previous night.

Shen Yi soon boarded the van, and to Qin Ju's dismay, he settled into the seat next to her. The limited space forced their bodies to press against each other, an uncomfortable reminder of their earlier encounter.

Annoyance flared within Qin Ju, and she whispered, "Can you move over?"

Shen Yi's response was calm, almost indifferent. "I'm afraid not. There's only space for eight in the back, and we have fifteen people. We'll all have to squeeze in."

Qin Ju sighed inwardly, feeling the heat of the cramped space and the proximity of Shen Yi. His nonchalance only added to her frustration, but she kept her comments to herself. Shen Yi crossed his arms and closed his eyes, the hum of the engine a soothing backdrop to his slumber.

As the van bumped along the road, whispers began to circulate among the students. Li Mei, sitting in the front, turned and caught sight of Qin Ju and Shen Yi together. Her eyes widened with a mixture of disbelief and irritation. "Qin Ju! Why are you sitting next to Shen Yi again? Move over here and sit on the engine cover!"

The engine cover was a notorious spot—hot and uncomfortable, it was considered the last resort. With the engine beneath it, the air was stifling, making it a less-than-ideal place to sit.

Qin Ju's smile turned icy. "Teacher, didn't you notice that I'm by the window? It's not practical to move now, especially with everyone already seated."

Li Mei's glare was sharp, but she couldn't argue the practicality of Qin Ju's position. With a resigned huff, she allowed the matter to drop.

Three hours into the journey, the van pulled into a rest area. The smell of fast food and gasoline mingled in the air as students disembarked, stretching their cramped limbs. Li Mei, seizing the opportunity, decided to confront Qin Ju and insist she move to the front.

However, when Li Mei looked around, Qin Ju was nowhere to be seen.

Frowning, Li Mei asked one of the other students, "Where's Qin Ju?"

"She probably went to the bathroom," came the reply.

Li Mei, feeling a pang of frustration, decided to wait for Qin Ju to return. When Qin Ju reappeared, Li Mei claimed she had a sudden stomachache and hurried to the restroom herself.

Qin Ju seized the opportunity and slid into the empty front passenger seat. The leather was cool against her skin, a welcome contrast to the heat of the back row. The driver, an elderly man with a kind, weathered face, glanced at her but remained silent.

As Li Mei came back and saw Qin Ju in the front seat, her face turned red with anger. "Why are you sitting here? Get up, now!"

Unfazed, Qin Ju maintained her composure. "Teacher Li, I agree with your earlier point. We need to focus on our studies, especially with the college entrance exams next year. This seat is the safest from distractions. If I sit on the engine cover, I might accidentally make eye contact with Shen Yi."

Li Mei was left speechless, unable to counter Qin Ju's logic.

Qin Ju leaned back, closing her eyes and allowing herself to relax. The seat was comfortable, and the cool air from the barely functioning air conditioning was a relief.

Shen Yi, having overheard the exchange, couldn't suppress a smirk. The dynamic between him and Qin Ju was shifting in ways he hadn't anticipated.

With no other option, Li Mei took a seat in the back, squeezed tightly among the students. The atmosphere was a mix of curiosity and discomfort as the group adjusted to the cramped conditions.

In the rear of the van, Lin Nian was pressed close to Chen Feng, her usual blush replaced by a distracted frown. Her thoughts were consumed by the events of the previous night and Qin Ju's suspicious behavior.

The van rumbled on, the hours stretching as the journey continued. Lin Nian's gaze frequently darted toward the front, where Qin Ju sat, a cool, composed figure amid the chaos.

As the van finally reached the gates of Ping'an Middle School, the relief was palpable. The math competition had ended, and with final exams complete, the students were eager to return to their routines.

Li Mei, however, had not forgotten Qin Ju's earlier defiance. She addressed her coldly, "Qin Ju, don't leave just yet. Call your parents and then come with me to the principal's office."

Curious glances followed Qin Ju as she moved to make the call. Lin Nian's guilty expression did not escape her notice, adding another layer to the complex web of relationships.

Qin Ju turned to Li Mei with a half-smile. "Teacher, it's already late. My parents won't be able to get here quickly. Are you planning to treat them to dinner and provide accommodation?"

As the words left her mouth, the air around them seemed to crackle with tension, leaving the chapter poised on the edge of resolution.

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