Chapter 5 Finding My Own Direction
After returning to campus, I went to find my Advisor and cautiously asked if there were still any Ph.D. spots left.
She sounded displeased.
"Oh? Weren't you the one who said you weren't staying here for a Ph.D.? Changed your mind already?"
I didn't miss the flash of amusement in her eyes.
I explained,
"I didn't think it through before. But now I realize your research direction and our lab's platform are exactly where I want to dig deep."
The school Zhou Chaoqing wanted to apply to was top-tier for his field—but not for mine.
In the past I always thought one of us had to compromise.
His plans for the future were so meticulous. Giving in a little didn't seem like a big deal.
But after compromising for so long, I almost forgot what I actually wanted.
My Advisor snorted.
"You did perform well earlier, but you yourself said you didn't want a spot here. You think this is a market stall? Come when you want, leave when you want? The competition for these positions is fierce, you know."
"But—"
Her tone shifted.
"It's not impossible to discuss. I just finalized a collaboration project with Professor Chen from the neighboring lab. We're short on people who can actually do the work. If you're willing to join…"
I nodded almost immediately.
"I'm willing! Thank you, Advisor!"
I pulled an all-nighter in the library, seriously digging into project materials. I was determined to seize this chance.
The next day when I swiped into the lab, a Senior Sister grabbed me with a grin.
"Come quick! Someone rich and silly is treating the whole lab to breakfast."
Everyone had a portion.
The long table in the common area was still loaded with extras.
I was about to ask who was so generous when a hand reached over from the side, offering me a deluxe scallion pancake and a cup of hot milk.
Wen Ci smiled brightly.
"For you."
So he was the rich-and-silly one.
"I heard from Senior Sister that you often skip breakfast because you're rushing in the morning. I got up early today, so I bought extra."
He paused, then added,
"Looking forward to working with you from now on, Lu Siqing."
Senior Sister leaned in and whispered,
"Watch out for fire, thieves, and especially junior brothers. You're the only single one in our group right now—better keep your guard up."
I choked on the milk and coughed violently.
"What the hell?"
Wen Ci jumped, then dashed off to grab tissues.
Senior Sister nudged my waist with her elbow.
"Yesterday I overheard Advisor Chen and our Advisor talking. They said they're planning to let this kid use a beauty trap to mess with our side's morale."
Wen Ci came back just in time to hear that.
His ears turned bright red. He waved his hands frantically.
"Senior Sister, don't spread that around! The Advisor was just joking!"
She raised an eyebrow and dragged out her words on purpose.
"Oh? Then who was the one asking me yesterday what Lu Siqing likes to eat for breakfast? So hard to guess~"
The surrounding senior brothers and sisters burst into low laughter, teasing,
"Little Wen's got game. Preparations are thorough."
Wen Ci's whole face flushed now.
He cleared his throat, trying to act composed as he looked at me.
"So… what do you think? If I really went for the beauty trap, would it work?"
I paused.
I had to admit—Wen Ci was genuinely good-looking. Clean, refreshing, with that bright, youthful energy.
Right now he was pressing his lips together nervously, small dimples appearing on his cheeks. It made me want to tease him a little.
I smiled.
"You're very handsome, but…"
His eyes widened instantly.
I drew the words out on purpose.
"But wise people don't fall in love. My willpower is rock-solid, so it wouldn't work."
I turned the topic into a joke and let it slide.
My relationship with Zhou Chaoqing taught me one thing.
Love was never about one-sided compromise. And I didn't want to go through that tug-of-war over who should bend for whom ever again.
I believed someone as bright as Wen Ci wouldn't change his own path for anyone.
And now that I'd finally found my own rhythm again, I didn't want it disrupted.
Being alone and free felt like the best choice.
The air went quiet for two seconds.
Everyone froze.
Just as Senior Sister was about to smooth things over, Wen Ci laughed.
"I already knew Senior Sister's willpower was unbreakable. No way a little trick like that would shake you."
"The beauty trap failed, but there's still the comrade-in-arms strategy. Any chance I could become your most reliable partner from now on?"
The subtle awkwardness dissolved.
I curved my eyes.
"Depends on how you perform."