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墨書 Inktalez
As the day of the final defense approached, we dedicated nearly all our spare time to the project. The laboratory, library, and design studio became our three fixed bases.
However, the closer we got to the crucial moment, the more subtle moves Qiao Weiwei made. She not only hinted at various occasions that our project had technical flaws but also anonymously spread rumors within the academy, claiming that I had stolen her previous design ideas.
Although these accusations were baseless and purely slanderous, they still caused me considerable distress. Faculty members sought me out to discuss the situation, and my classmates began to look at me differently.
During that time, I felt immense pressure and was physically and mentally exhausted. I often found myself hiding in the studio, staring blankly at the design drawings late into the night.
Shen Yizhou noticed my weariness.
“Don’t pay attention to those rumors,” he said when he found me, his tone unusually serious. “The innocent will clear themselves. Your designs are the result of countless nights of hard work; no one can deny that.”
“I know…” I lowered my head, my voice slightly choked. “But it just hurts so much. Why do they have to be like this?”
He paused for a moment, then reached out his hand, hesitating briefly before gently resting it on my head as if comforting a dejected little animal. “Because you are exceptional, exceptional enough to make them feel threatened.”
His palm was warm and dry, radiating a reassuring strength. I almost couldn’t hold back my tears.
“We will win,” he said with conviction in his voice. “We will prove everything with our strength.”
I looked up at him and fell into his deep gaze. There was no trace of doubt in his eyes, only complete trust and encouragement. In that moment, all my grievances and anxieties seemed to dissipate under his gaze.
“Mm!” I nodded vigorously.
With Shen Yizhou’s “boost,” I regained my spirits and threw myself wholeheartedly into the final sprint.
On the eve of the finals, we finally completed the final adjustments to the project prototype and made the last modifications to our defense PPT. As we stepped out of the lab, it was already one in the morning. Outside, it had started to rain heavily without us noticing; large raindrops pounded against the ground, splashing everywhere.
“Oh no, I didn’t bring an umbrella,” Li Wei said with a frown.
“My umbrella is in my dorm,” Shen Yizhou replied as he took off his coat. “Senior Sister, you can wear this and rush back; don’t catch a cold.”
“What about you?” Li Wei hesitated.
“I’m fine,” Shen Yizhou looked at me. “Lin Xi, wait for me; I’ll go back to get my umbrella for you.”
“No need, Senior,” I quickly waved my hand. “I can run back by myself; it’s not far from the dorm.” This little rain was nothing compared to the anxiety in my heart.
“No way,” he said firmly. “The rain is too heavy; you’ll get soaked. Wait here for me; it won’t take long.”
With that, he turned and dashed into the curtain of rain. Watching his tall figure disappear into the night made my heart race irregularly again.
Li Wei shot me a knowing smile: “Lin Xi, Shen Yizhou really cares about you.” After saying that, she wrapped up in Shen Yizhou’s coat and ran into the rain as well.
The empty corridor left only me behind, accompanied by the sound of rain pouring outside. I leaned against the cold wall, feeling a whirlwind of emotions inside me.
About ten minutes later, Shen Yizhou returned. He held a black long-handled umbrella, and the damp strands of hair on his forehead clung to his skin. His deep blue sweatshirt was also soaked.
“Let’s go,” he said, opening the umbrella and holding it over my head.
We walked side by side into the rain. The umbrella was large, nearly enveloping me entirely. The raindrops pelted against the canopy, creating a dull sound, while the space beneath it was surprisingly quiet.
I could distinctly smell his clean and fresh scent mixed with the dampness of the rain. His arm was right beside me, and I could even feel his warm body heat.
Silence spread between us, and the atmosphere felt somewhat delicate. I was so nervous that my palms began to sweat, unsure of what to say to break the stillness.
When we reached the dormitory building, the rain showed no signs of letting up.
“We're here,” he stopped and said, “Go on up. Get some rest; you have your defense tomorrow.”
“Okay,” I replied as I took the umbrella he offered. “Thank you, senior. And… thank you for supporting me during this time.”
He looked at me, his gaze particularly deep under the dim streetlights. The rain had wet his eyelashes, making him appear less cold than usual and more imbued with an indescribable tenderness.
“Lin Xi,” he suddenly spoke, his voice slightly hushed by the sound of rain, “Did you misunderstand something when you saw me with Qiao Weiwei at the café?”
I was taken aback; I hadn’t expected him to bring this up so suddenly. I lowered my head, flustered. “No… not at all…”
“She approached me for a collaboration, wanting my technical team to join her project. I turned her down,” he explained calmly but with undeniable sincerity.
I quickly raised my head in surprise, looking at him.
“As for those rumors,” he continued, “I’ve already asked the student council’s disciplinary department to investigate. There will be results soon.”
“Senior, you…” I didn’t know what to say. It turned out he had always known and had quietly done so much for me.
“Lin Xi,” he stepped forward, almost completely bringing me into the shadow of the umbrella. The distance between us was so close that I could see my reflection in his dark pupils. “I’m helping you not because we are teammates or out of guilt.”
My heart raced suddenly, as if it were about to leap out of my chest.
He slightly lowered his head, focusing intently on me as he clearly stated each word: “It’s because I like you.”
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