Seen him before?

Lin Xian was a little surprised.

Logically speaking, there was no way the trajectories of their lives could have ever intersected.

Even though they were both studying at the same university, Lin Xian had graduated in July, while Chu Anqing wouldn't be enrolling until September. It was a perfect near miss.

Before today, the closest they had been was probably the distance between the podium and the fence around the athletic field during the military training opening ceremony.

Lin Xian really couldn't think of anywhere else he could have seen her.

"Have we met before?" Lin Xian asked.

"Where was it?"

"Not in reality..." Chu Anqing smiled slightly.

"During our stage class, the teacher often showed us recordings of performances by previous female students, all recorded at various university anniversary galas in recent years. Before each performance, there was a host introducing the program, and one male host appeared frequently."

"The first time I saw you just now, I felt like you looked familiar, and your voice was also very familiar. Now I remember, that male host was you!"

"Senior Lin Xian, were you often the host of various school anniversary events when you were at the university? I have a good memory, and I usually don't make mistakes."

…

So that's what she meant by "met before."

"Yes, that should have been me."

Lin Xian explained with a smile.

"During those four years at Donghai University, I did often host various campus events. I am grateful to the teachers at the time for their deliberate cultivation of me, which gave me so many opportunities to practice."

"Senior, you're too modest!"

Once the topic was opened, the two began to chat.

About school, teachers, campus anecdotes, gossip... they could talk about it endlessly.

As they chatted, Lin Xian felt a little恍惚 (huanghu – distracted, in a trance).

It was as if he wasn't talking to Chu Anqing.

But to CC.

That day in the dream, the two of them leaned against the safe, chatting like old friends.

To CC, Lin Xian was perhaps just a temporarily assembled rabble.

But to Lin Xian, he had already spent many repeated times with CC, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call her an old friend.

And now, his chat with Chu Anqing, as senior and junior, was just as easy and without barriers.

This really made him feel a little incredulous.

Was this young lady from a wealthy family just naturally familiar with people? Or was he treating her as a shadow of CC?

He couldn't figure it out, but it was indeed quite natural to chat with her.

Until.

Lin Xian accidentally looked up...

And saw Zhao Yingjun looking at them with the eyes of a慈母 (cimu – kind and loving mother), with an auntie-like smile!

He quickly suppressed the corners of his mouth.

Looking left and right.

He spotted the Rhein Cat dolls displayed all around.

"There are many Rhein Cat dolls over there, Anqing. Would you like to pick some to take back?"

"Really? Is that okay?"

Chu Anqing looked at the surrounding Rhein Cats of all sizes with interest.

"I see there are many models that haven't been released yet."

"Of course."

Zhao Yingjun smiled.

"Anqing, see which ones you like, and I'll have someone deliver them to your car."

"Hehe, then I won't stand on ceremony!"

Chu Anqing took Zhao Yingjun's hand and walked towards the outer area.

"I've always liked this Rhein Cat, but among the seven models in the first release, there's one I haven't been able to collect…"

Watching the two walk away.

Lin Xian really breathed a sigh of relief and looked to the other side.

Professor Xu Yun and Chu Shanhe were still chatting enthusiastically.

"Looks like there's nothing for me to do."

Lin Xian stopped paying attention to what was happening here and went to find Gao Yang, who was indulging in eating and drinking.

…

Chu Shanhe and Chu Anqing didn't stay too long. Chu Anqing was invited by Zhao Yingjun to participate in the lucky draw and won a large Rhein Cat doll. Then, she left with Chu Shanhe.

After Chu Shanhe and his daughter left, the banquet entered the next stage. Everyone stopped moving around and sat down to eat and watch the program performances, waiting for the New Year's Eve countdown.

In the midnight chimes and everyone's countdown… 2022 came to an end.

"A new year, a new atmosphere."

Professor Xu Yun raised his glass.

"I wish everyone a happy and successful 2023!"

The people next to him raised their glasses and wished each other a Happy New Year.

After chatting for a while, Professor Xu Yun prepared to leave first.

"You young people have good energy. You guys continue to have fun. This old comrade won't keep you company anymore. I need to go back and rest."

He didn't want to disturb everyone's enjoyment.

So he didn't leave from the front hall but quietly walked out the back door of the clubhouse onto a small road with no traffic.

"Teacher Xu, we'll arrange for someone to take you. Don't rush to leave."

Lin Xian tried to stop him in every possible way, but Xu Yun insisted on not bothering them any further and wanted to take a taxi himself.

He pointed to a taxi parked next to the small road.

"Look, there's a taxi right there. I can just take a taxi. Sending me back and forth would be too much trouble for you. It's much more convenient for me to take a taxi."

Xu Yun patted Lin Xian on the shoulder, not wanting him to come out and get wet in the snow again.

"Go back, Lin Xian. Don't worry about me. I'm very happy tonight."

"I wish us all the best in the New Year!"

Lin Xian saw that he really couldn't be persuaded, so he gave up and smiled slightly.

"Thank you, Teacher Xu. I also wish you smooth sailing and that all your wishes come true."

"Please drive slowly on the road and pay attention to safety."

Xu Yun waved his hand and walked to the taxi on the side of the road.

The front door didn't open.

The back door didn't open either.

At this time, the passenger seat window rolled down, and the driver shouted.

"The right door is broken, please get in from the left side!"

Xu Yun didn't mind.

He walked around the back of the taxi and towards the road.

Da da da da da.

Behind him, Zhao Yingjun came running out with a few gifts in her hands. She had just gone to get the New Year's gifts she had prepared for Professor Xu Yun.

She looked at Lin Xian helplessly.

"Professor Xu Yun still insists on taking a taxi?"

Lin Xian sighed.

"Yes, it's already this late…"

As a conditioned reflex, he raised his left wrist to look at his watch.

【00:42】

Lin Xian was stunned for a moment.

BOOM!!!!!!!!!

A violent roar and the sound of a collision came from the front! A black car suddenly appeared in the darkness!

With insane speed, it struck Professor Xu Yun, sending him flying more than ten meters away!

Thump.

He crashed heavily to the ground, motionless.

"Teacher Xu!" "Professor Xu Yun!"

Lin Xian and Zhao Yingjun shouted in shock.

Zhao Yingjun ran towards Professor Xu Yun in her high heels!

Lin Xian looked at the driver in the taxi on the side of the road.

Mask!

Hat!

Sunglasses!

Covered up tightly!

It was the same driver who had brought Professor Xu Yun here!

"Get out of the car!"

Boom--Wroom!!!

Before Lin Xian could get close, both the black car and the taxi spun their tires and accelerated, kicking up mud and snow from the ground and quickly disappearing around the corner of the road.

Lin Xian ran quickly to Xu Yun.

"Teacher Xu!"

Sorrow rose from his heart, and his vision blurred.

A shocking gash stretched from Xu Yun's head to his abdomen… His cracked skull showed no sign of life, and large amounts of blood gushed out from all parts of his body…

"Teacher Xu…"

Lin Xian's voice was hoarse.

The overflowing blood dyed the white snow a patch of crimson.

Xu Yun's pupils dilated.

There was no breath…