Chapter 47: The Rumors Begin

It turned out that Shen Yu's moment of weakness had consequences.

The next morning, whispers followed him down the hallway like an ominous soundtrack. Students glanced at him with knowing smirks, hushed conversations breaking out as he passed. Some looked entertained, others outright scandalized.

Shen Yu frowned, adjusting his bag strap. "What's going on?"

Beside him, Bai Xue was scrolling through her phone. Suddenly, she let out a loud, undignified cackle.

Shen Yu snatched the phone from her hands. "What are you laughing at?"

His stomach dropped as he read the school forum post plastered across the screen:

Spotted: Zhao Rui and Lu Zhixuan getting very close outside the classroom. Are they rivals... or something more?

Shen Yu's face drained of color. "Who posted this?!"

Bai Xue wheezed, wiping tears from her eyes. "Honestly, I don't know, but bless them. This is hilarious."

Shen Yu clutched the phone like it was a live grenade. "No, this is disastrous."

Before he could think of a way to contain the damage, a smooth, all-too-familiar voice spoke from behind him.

"I don't see why you're so worked up about it."

Shen Yu stiffened. Slowly, he turned to see Lu Zhixuan standing there, completely unfazed.

"You knew about this?!" Shen Yu demanded.

Lu Zhixuan smirked. "Of course. I saw it this morning."

Shen Yu felt his soul leave his body. "And you didn't think to tell me?!"

Lu Zhixuan shrugged. "I was waiting to see how long it would take for you to find out."

Bai Xue doubled over, laughing so hard she nearly dropped her phone. "Oh my god, you two are so entertaining."

Before Shen Yu could yell at both of them, a new notification popped up on the forum. Bai Xue clicked it and gasped before shoving the screen in Shen Yu's face.

Update: Lu Zhixuan just smiled at Zhao Rui in the hallway. This is not a drill.

Shen Yu stared in horror. "What is wrong with these people?!"

Lu Zhixuan chuckled. "I think it's sweet."

Shen Yu groaned. This was officially his worst nightmare.