Chapter 7: President Lu Jisu

Chapter 7: President Lu Jisu

The lecture hall experienced a wave of energy as students took their places. People busied themselves by flipping through their books and gently tapping their fingers on the desks along with scattered whispers filled the room. One figure stood out above all others without making any effort.

Lu Jisu took her position at the podium with perfect posture while projecting an aura of complete self-assurance. Her natural presence earned her automatic respect from everyone around her. Her black hair flowed gracefully down to her shoulders while her white blouse fit her body perfectly and her slightly tilted chin expressed quiet authority. Her simple gaze had the power to silence everyone in the room while her words enchanted every person in the audience.

People respected her beyond admiration. The perfect student. The vice president of the student council. The unreachable goddess.

Urek Han positioned himself at the back of the room while his keen eyes examined her from his relaxed position against the chair with one arm resting on the desk. His lips formed a faint upward curve that revealed his strategic thinking rather than any sign of amusement.

Every successful man needs such an exceptional woman to stand beside him.

The idea took root in his mind as an absolute fact. Status, power, influence. Lu Jisu had it all. His serious ambition to reach the top would be demonstrated by having Lu Jisu by his side.

His attention shifted to a different realization while he watched her. A shift in the room's energy.

The attention today extended beyond Lu Jisu to encompass other individuals.

The lecture hall filled with soft whispers as students exchanged hidden conversations while they giggled quietly. The girls seated in front exchanged brief glances while discreetly looking at him.

"Is that really Urek Han?" The girl whispered to her friends while she looked at him for a second time.

"He looks... different," another girl whispered, her eyes trailing over him with curiosity.

It was subtle, but he noticed it. the lingering stares, the slight blush on their cheeks, the way their eyes flickered toward him before quickly looking away.

Tch. Just changing my hairstyle and clothes makes this much of a difference?

Urek smirked faintly, though he hid it behind a casual tilt of his head. Truly, women are fickle.

Not far away, Rose and her friend had also taken notice.

Rose, who had always looked down on Urek, narrowed his eyes as she leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. "Hey... is that really Urek Han?" She asked, his voice tinged with skepticism.

Her friend snorted, shaking her head. "Yeah, Rose. Guy had a major glow-up. Looks like money really does change people."

Urek's phone vibrated softly in his pocket, and he casually pulled it out, glancing at the notification.

[Rose's favorability +30]

He scoffed under his breath. As expected. The world revolves around appearances.

Meanwhile, his friends, seated beside him, were growing more and more excited.

"Bro, this is your chance!" one of them urged, nudging him. "Go talk to her!"

"Yeah, man, let's see if you can actually pull this off," another added, barely containing his grin.

Urek stretched his arms, his movements slow and deliberate. A faint smirk tugged at his lips.

"Watch closely," he murmured, standing up. "I'll show you how it's done."

With effortless confidence, he stepped away from his desk, heading straight toward Lu Jisu.

A hush fell over the room. Eyes followed his every movement, the murmurs growing louder.

But just as he neared her.

A firm hand shot out, gripping his collar.

Urek barely had time to react before he was pulled to a sudden stop.

"Where do you think you're going?" a sharp voice cut through the tension.

Sen Minchi.

Lu Jisu's closest friend and the self-appointed gatekeeper of anyone who tried to approach her.

Her dark eyes bore into Urek's with unhidden suspicion, her grip firm and unyielding.

At that moment, the lecture hall erupted into quiet gasps and snickers.

Urek smirked. Well… this just got interesting.

Urek's sharp eyes met Sen Minchi's glare, but he remained completely unfazed. Instead of pulling away or reacting with irritation, he tilted his head slightly, as if studying her.

The pressure of her grip on his collar was firm—possessive, even. It was clear she wasn't just stopping him; she was testing him. Her perfectly styled brown hair framed her face, her brows slightly furrowed, and her lips pressed into a thin line. This wasn't just about protecting Lu Jisu. It was about control.

The silence in the room stretched.

Whispers buzzed at the edges of his hearing.

"Wow, did he really think he could just walk up to Lu Jisu like that?"

"Minchi's not letting anyone through. She's basically Jisu's personal bodyguard."

"He's about to get humiliated…"

Urek heard every word, but none of them mattered. His expression remained unreadable, his body relaxed despite the awkward position. The tension in the room was thick, but instead of backing down, he let out a quiet chuckle, low and amused.

"Relax," he said smoothly, his voice carrying just enough authority to make Minchi hesitate. "I'm not here to cause trouble."

Minchi narrowed her eyes. "Then what do you think you're doing, walking up to Jisu like this?"

Urek raised a brow, his smirk deepening. "What? Am I not allowed to talk to her?"

Minchi scoffed. "You? Talk to Jisu? What makes you think you're qualified?"

Urek didn't miss the flicker of surprise in her eyes. She hadn't expected him to remain so calm under pressure. Most guys would be stammering by now, making excuses or backing off entirely. But Urek? He just looked… amused.

Instead of answering her question directly, he shrugged. "I heard the student council was recruiting. Thought I'd give it a shot."

This time, it wasn't just Minchi who looked surprised. A few students nearby perked up in interest.

"The student council? He wants to join?"

"Since when was he interested in that kind of thing?"

Minchi, however, remained unconvinced. Her grip on his collar loosened slightly, but her eyes still held suspicion.

"You? On the student council?" she repeated, skepticism dripping from her tone.

Urek met her gaze evenly, then… smiled. A slow, confident smile that made her falter for just a second.

"That a problem?" he asked smoothly.

For a brief moment, Minchi seemed unsure. But before she could reply, another voice interrupted.

"Minchi, let him go."

The room fell silent.

Lu Jisu had spoken.

Minchi hesitated, but after a moment, she released Urek's collar, stepping back reluctantly.

All eyes turned toward Jisu, who was still standing at the podium. She wasn't looking at Minchi, though. she was looking directly at Urek.

And, unlike her friend, she wasn't glaring.

She was… curious.

Urek adjusted his collar casually, as if nothing had happened. Then, without missing a beat, he met Jisu's gaze and spoke.

"Jisu, I also want to be your friend."

Gasps echoed throughout the room.

Minchi's head snapped toward him in disbelief. "What did you just say?"

Urek didn't look at her. His attention remained entirely on Jisu, watching for her reaction.

The students around them erupted into murmurs.

"He seriously just said that?!"

"Is he crazy?"

"He's actually flirting with Jisu in front of everyone!"

Minchi looked like she wanted to strangle him, but before she could react, another unexpected development occurred.

Lu Jisu… didn't reject him outright.

She didn't scowl. She didn't scoff. She didn't dismiss him like she had so many others before him.

Instead, for the briefest moment, something flickered in her gaze.

Amusement.

Interest.

And just like that, the entire atmosphere in the lecture hall shifted.

Urek smiled. Looks like I just found my opening.