Chapter 92: Election day

The next morning, Jia Lan woke up without any alarm, blinking her eyes open to the soft light filtering through the courtyard window. She yawned gently, stretching under the fine cotton sheets. Her skin looked luminous, soft, and her limbs felt light as a feather. A lazy smile played on her lips.

"Another peaceful morning in the capital," she murmured to herself.

She sat up, combed her fingers through her long, silky hair, and shuffled off the bed. Her feet padded across the wooden floor as she headed to freshen up. After washing her face and brushing her teeth, she opened her closet and picked a beautiful pastel dress—modest, flattering, and perfect for a second day at college. She then sat before her vanity mirror, carefully applying the skincare provided by her system. Her skin glowed as if lit from within. After styling her hair into a soft half-up twist and putting on matching shoes, she looked effortlessly graceful.

She walked to the dining room, where Aunt Li had already laid out a steaming breakfast.

"Good morning, Aunt Li."

Aunt Li turned around and beamed. "Ah Lan, you look more radiant by the day. Is it the fresh air of the capital?" she joked.

Jia Lan giggled, sitting down. "Must be. Or your food."

They chatted while Jia Lan nibbled on her breakfast steamed buns, soft eggs, and warm soy milk. Before she left, Aunt Li stopped her and handed her a small lunchbox with fruit snacks.

"Good luck today, it's the election, right?"

"Yes, but I'm not running," Jia Lan said quickly. "Too much work. I want to enjoy college like a lazy beauty."

Aunt Li laughed heartily. "Just don't be too lazy. Now go."

She mounted her bicycle and began the pleasant morning ride through the bustling capital. The golden sunlight filtered through tree-lined avenues, and the breeze tickled her cheeks. A few students cycling the same route waved at her; she smiled and nodded politely.

She arrived at college and walked gracefully through the gates. Immediately, heads turned. Boys whispered and elbowed each other, and a few girls stared openly, their expressions mixed with envy and admiration. Jia Lan paid no attention and went straight to her department building.

Her classroom was already buzzing with early arrivals. She walked in and took her seat. Her deskmate, Lin Yu, looked up with a cheerful smile.

"Morning, Jia Lan! You look like you just walked out of a commercial."

Jia Lan laughed softly. "It's just a little skincare. How are you?"

Before Lin Yu could respond, Professor Chen walked in, wearing his usual scholarly yet kind expression.

"Good morning, class," he greeted. "Today, we'll begin with the election for class monitor and other committee positions."

The students quieted down.

"Anyone interested in participating, raise your hand and state your name. We'll vote after all names are collected," he instructed.

Several hands shot up—mostly boys, a few girls. When Bai Xue confidently raised her hand, heads turned. Her expression was proud, her back straight, clearly expecting to win something.

Lin Yu nudged Jia Lan. "You're not joining?"

Jia Lan shook her head quickly. "Absolutely not. I want to be the background beauty sipping milk tea during breaks."

Lin Yu laughed, covering her mouth. "You're too funny but true it's too much work ."

When the nominations were over, Professor Chen read out the names again.

"Now, raise your hand when I call the names. You only vote once per position."

The voting began. A friendly boy named Zhou Wen, who had been helping others since orientation, received the most votes for class monitor including Jia Lan's.

When Bai Xue's name was called, only two hands went up. Her expression froze.

Eventually, the committee positions were filled with enthusiastic, capable students. Professor Chen nodded in approval.

"Very good. Now that that's done, let's begin today's lesson."

He dove into a new topic basic speech analysis. He asked a few comprehension questions. When he turned to Jia Lan, his eyes sparkled with interest.

"Miss Jia, could you summarize the opening paragraph in your own words?"

Jia Lan stood and spoke clearly, her English fluid and articulate.

Professor Chen nodded, clearly impressed. "Excellent as always."

Class continued smoothly for the next hour. When the bell rang, students began to leave.

Bai Xue, still simmering, walked up to Jia Lan in frustration.

"Why didn't you vote for me?" she asked bluntly, trying to keep her tone light, but her eyes were sharp.

Jia Lan blinked slowly and tilted her head. "Why would I? I barely know you."

Bai Xue was momentarily stunned.

"I voted for someone I saw actually helping during orientation," Jia Lan added casually.

Then, without waiting for a response, she looped her arm with Lin Yu's and said, "Let's go before we're late."

Lin Yu gave Bai Xue an apologetic smile and followed Jia Lan.

The rest of the day passed smoothly. Jia Lan attended her next two lessons, took notes, and answered one more question in literature class. A few boys stopped her in the corridor with compliments or questions, clearly nervous.

"Your handwriting is so neat. Do you tutor?" one asked.

"I'm too lazy to tutor," she replied with a smile that wasn't unkind, just honest. "But thank you."

She had lunch with Lin Yub canteen, and they bonded over their shared distaste for complicated dorm girls and mutual love for fruit candies.

Later, as the sun dipped low, Jia Lan rode her bicycle back to the courtyard. Her figure in the sunset, riding effortlessly, was like a scene from a painting.

At home, Aunt Li greeted her cheerfully.

"How was it, monitor Jia?" she teased.

"I escaped the responsibility by a thread," Jia Lan said with exaggerated relief. "Today I want noodles. Something spicy."

While Aunt Li prepared dinner, Jia Lan took a quick shower, changed into soft loungewear, and applied her system-given skincare. Her skin shimmered with health, and her long hair framed her face like silk.

They ate together, chatting about silly things about neighbour . Apparently, one of their wealthy neighbors had a meltdown over a designer vase that turned out to be a fake. Jia Lan laughed so hard she almost choked.

After dinner, she cleaned up her study desk and revised a bit. Aunt Li brought her a glass of warm milk.

Jia Lan sipped it slowly, looking up at the moon through the window.

"Good night, moon," she whispered with a small smile.

She stepped outside into the garden, enjoying a quiet stroll under the moonlight. The courtyard glowed with a gentle charm.

Just then, her system pinged.

Ding!Dung! Daily Check-in Successful!

Reward: Nourishment cream

"Oh, this'll make my day even more good," she chuckled.

Aunt Li came outside with a light shawl. "You'll catch a chill!"

Jia Lan wrapped it around herself. "Aunt Li, you wouldn't believe the drama that unfolded today at college…"

The two stood under the moonlight, chatting and laughing, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the capital night.