Chapter 105: The Library

The next day, the group returned to school without mentioning anything about the previous night.

The events from last night had been recorded and uploaded online, causing a huge stir.

When Jiang Zheng intervened, everyone watching felt relieved and cheered him on enthusiastically.

However, some questioned whether Jiang Zheng had been too harsh in his response, but such criticisms were quickly shut down without mercy.

As for the person who had wielded the knife, their situation looked grim. Many remarked that it was fortunate they lived in a harmonious society; otherwise, they would have been beaten to death on the spot.

Of course, if such a person were to be killed, most people would applaud.

The knife-wielding assailant had aimed directly for vital areas. Had it been someone else, the victim might not have survived.

This individual would undoubtedly face legal punishment, and their accomplices would also be dealt with accordingly.

The video went viral, drawing widespread attention.

With time, the incident gradually faded from public memory.

There was no shortage of sensational, shocking, or bizarre content online. Usually, any single event would not stay in the spotlight for long.

Jiang Zheng and the others resumed their classes; the third year’s coursework was quite demanding.

Meanwhile, the freshmen were still undergoing military training—an important first step into university life designed to help everyone bond faster.

Of course, university was different from high school. With more free time, relationships within a class were not always close-knit.

Some students wouldn’t even learn all their classmates’ names after four years.

There were a few classes with especially strong bonds, but those were rare.

...

After tidying up, Yang Po looked at Jiang Zheng and said, “Fourth Brother, are you going to your part-time job?”

It was the weekend, and by habit, Jiang Zheng would typically head to work.

“I’m not going today. I have something to do,” Jiang Zheng declined.

“Alright, then I’ll head off first,” Yang Po said.

Jiang Zheng replied with a nod.

Once Yang Po left, Zhou Quanyi looked up and asked, “Fourth Brother, what’s the matter?”

“Oh, I plan to go to the library to read,” Jiang Zheng replied.

“To the library to read? Really?” Zhou Quanyi sounded surprised.

“Yes, graduation is approaching, so I need to study harder,” Jiang Zheng smiled.

Hearing this, Zhou Quanyi nodded. “Makes sense. It’s good to focus on studying as graduation nears.”

“Fourth Brother, if you’re going to the library, why don’t we go together?” Yu Qingkui offered.

“Sure, I was thinking the same thing,” Jiang Zheng agreed.

Yu Qingkui often went to the library to study when he had free time. He had been preparing for the postgraduate entrance exam for a long time. Now in the third year, with just one year left before senior year, the exam was looming, and he was working even harder.

After getting ready, the two set off for the library together.

Jiang Zheng hadn’t been to the school library many times before.

The atmosphere in the library was excellent—perfect for studying, but unsuitable for those not intending to study.

Previously, Jiang Zheng hadn’t been fond of studying, so he rarely came here.

Inside the library, Jiang Zheng began browsing the shelves for books that caught his interest.

He didn’t have a specific goal; he simply scanned the titles and glanced through tables of contents.

The library had a vast collection covering all kinds of subjects. After some searching, Jiang Zheng found a book that piqued his curiosity.

After taking it down and flipping through it, he decided this was the one.

Across from Yu Qingkui’s seat was already occupied, so Jiang Zheng found another spot to sit quietly.

The student opposite him was a boy, diligently working on homework. Jiang Zheng tiptoed around to avoid disturbing him.

Opening the book, Jiang Zheng slowly immersed himself in reading.

It was a programming book, focusing on the basics, which interested Jiang Zheng greatly.

Though hacker-related books involved some programming, their focus was different, so Jiang Zheng wasn’t very skilled at programming itself.

Since his last experience with programming, he had developed a strong interest in it.

Unfortunately, lacking the necessary ability, he learned programming slowly.

Still, he didn’t lose heart. With his focused mindset, he learned much faster than most people.

Lost in the sea of knowledge, time slipped away unnoticed.

After finishing the last page, Jiang Zheng closed the book, his mind still mulling over what he had learned.

Though it was just the basics, he had gained a great deal.

When Jiang Zheng looked up, he was startled.

“What’s that expression? Am I really that scary?” Jiang Qianyue asked softly.

Jiang Zheng replied, “I clearly remembered a boy opposite me, but when I looked up again, it was a girl. Anyone would be startled by that.”

“That’s your fault. The boy opposite left a while ago, and I’ve been sitting here for some time. You just didn’t notice because you were so focused on reading,” Jiang Qianyue said.

“Alright, my bad for not paying attention. But what a coincidence to run into you in the library,” Jiang Zheng said.

Jiang Qianyue rolled her eyes. “I come here often. What’s so strange about running into me in the library?”

“Uh… is that so?” Jiang Zheng felt a bit embarrassed.

“Yes,” Jiang Qianyue nodded.

Jiang Zheng fell silent, unsure how to ease the awkwardness.

“It’s noon. Want to have lunch together?” Jiang Qianyue asked.

“Huh?”

“I said, do you want to have lunch together?” she repeated.

“I heard you clearly—it’s just a bit surprising,” Jiang Zheng said.

“What’s so surprising about that?” Jiang Qianyue was puzzled.

“Girls like you usually get invited out by guys. It’s rare to see a pretty girl invite a guy to eat,” Jiang Zheng said with a smile.

Jiang Qianyue laughed. “How come I never realized you were so… articulate before?”

“I’m just stating facts,” Jiang Zheng smiled.

“Come on, I’m treating you today,” Jiang Qianyue said.

“Great! I’d be thrilled to tag along for a free meal,” Jiang Zheng grinned.

The two left the library together, drawing many curious glances.

Regular visitors to the library all knew Jiang Qianyue—a girl who stood out strikingly in any crowd.

But no one had ever seen her walking with a guy like this, chatting and laughing as if they were close.

After stepping outside, Jiang Zheng said, “Those stares just now almost pierced right through me. They must be thinking, ‘Where did this toad come from, hanging out with the goddess?’”

“Pfft!” Jiang Qianyue couldn’t help but laugh.

“No way. You’re probably overthinking,” she said.

“Sigh. Poor me, just for having lunch with you, I had to endure so many piercing looks,” Jiang Zheng shrugged.

“Well then, I’ll treat you to something nice this noon,” Jiang Qianyue said.

“You did promise. No backing out,” Jiang Zheng reminded her.