Noble Academy's Mob Character: Reborn as the Campus Heartthrob - Chapter 10

Chapter 10: The Fall

The first major lecture combined two classes, and Qi Yuan found a quiet corner to sit with his textbook.

“Qi Yuan!”

Yao Yu approached, noticing the well-thumbed book in his lap—evidence that he, like her, had studied in advance.

Weilika Academy had a significant number of impoverished students, all united by a common goal: scholarships.

Under intense competition, these students had to study relentlessly.

In his previous life, Qi Yuan had been one of them. But this time around, things would be much easier. He was confident he’d secure a scholarship without breaking a sweat.

Yao Yu settled naturally beside him. Her roommate wasn’t in the same class, and after several days at the academy, she’d only gotten to know her roommate and Qi Yuan. She was immensely relieved to have a familiar face in her first lecture.

“Have you been studying, Qi Yuan?”

Her eyes widened as she spotted his notebook on the table, a hint of astonishment in her gaze.

Yao Yu had merely skimmed the material for the first lecture, jotting down key points. She never imagined Qi Yuan would have already taken detailed notes. He’s really going all out!

“Yeah, I took some notes. Want to take a look?”

Sensing her interest, Qi Yuan pushed the notebook toward her. Investing in a reliable friend early on was a smart move. A single notebook was nothing; as long as the knowledge remained in his mind, he could create countless more.

Yao Yu nodded excitedly. “Great! Thank you, Qi Yuan!”

Back in high school, she’d reviewed Qi Yuan’s notes for almost every subject, and they’d proven invaluable. She had high expectations for this notebook as well.

She opened it and quickly flipped through the pages. The contents didn’t disappoint. What astonished her most was that Qi Yuan had already taught himself half the material for this specialized course—a truly remarkable feat, earning her sincere admiration.

“Qi Yuan, you’re amazing!” Yao Yu returned the notebook, showering him with praise.

“Once I finish self-studying, I can lend you my notes. Would you want them?” Qi Yuan smiled shyly, accepting the compliment with modest grace.

“Yes, please! Thank you so much, Qi Yuan!”

Yao Yu’s genuine joy radiated. She felt certain that with Qi Yuan’s notes, she’d make significant progress, and for her, any improvement meant getting one step closer to securing a scholarship.

Just then, Yang Huaiyuan entered the room.

Over the course of the afternoon, the wealthy and influential classmates had already thoroughly investigated each other’s family backgrounds.

They now knew that Yang Huaiyuan was the Young Master of the Yang Family. Unlike the messy affairs of other elite clans, his family maintained a far cleaner reputation, rooted in scholarly traditions. Even their wealthiest members remained devoted to their spouses, generally avoiding extramarital affairs, practicing self-restraint, and having no illegitimate children.

Yang Huaiyuan, the sole heir of the Yang Family’s main lineage, was undeniably destined to become the next Patriarch.

As expected, he drew the attention of many. Some stirred, eager to approach him, but a cold glance from Yang Huaiyuan swiftly quelled their intentions, sending them back to their seats.

During his midday nap, Yang Huaiyuan had a dream he forgot upon waking, leaving him with an inexplicable unease. He couldn’t shake the feeling that this dream held some significance, leaving him with a lingering sense of emptiness.

Scanning the classroom, he noticed someone already seated beside Qi Yuan, the classmate he had found agreeable that morning. The two were chatting idly.

Because Qi Yuan’s section of the classroom was predominantly filled with students from impoverished backgrounds, the wealthy elite disdained sitting among them, as if an invisible line separated the two groups, each keeping to their own.

Yet, against all expectations, Yang Huaiyuan, a representative of the elite, sat directly behind Qi Yuan, causing a stir in the classroom.

The wealthy students whispered among themselves.

“What… why is he sitting with the underprivileged students?”

“No idea…”

“Young Master Yang probably doesn’t realize they’re all underprivileged students.”

“Should we tell him?”

“Better not. If Young Master Yang chose that seat himself, interfering with his decision could backfire badly…”

“True… that makes sense…”

Qi Yuan: “………”

He could feel the gaze lingering on him from behind, sending goosebumps prickling across his skin.

Ever since Yang Huaiyuan had settled in the seat behind them, both Qi Yuan and Yao Yu had fallen silent.

Why is he sitting here? Yao Yu wondered, equally perplexed. His clothes look expensive—he’s definitely not a scholarship student. There are plenty of empty seats on the other side, with the rich kids. Why sit here, staring at me (at Qi Yuan)?

Qi Yuan propped his forehead in his hand, a mix of exasperation and anxiety warring within him. Should he turn around and greet Yang Huaiyuan? But what if that made the guy think he was trying to curry favor with someone of higher status?

Yet if he ignored him, Yang Huaiyuan might think he was being ungrateful, even rude.

Sigh… this is so awkward.

Just then, the class bell rang, and the professional studies professor entered the room, launching straight into the lesson.

Qi Yuan no longer had time to dwell on his dilemma. He focused on the lecture, listening intently. Yang Huaiyuan was the least of his concerns—he decided to pretend he didn’t notice anything and just let it go.

Their professional studies professor was a middle-aged woman with remarkably elegant manners, speech, and demeanor.

She looked like she came from a privileged background, but Qi Yuan knew she had also been a scholarship student. After graduating from Weilika, she had pursued further studies abroad for several years. When she learned that Weilika Academy was hiring, she returned to interview and became a professor.

She was an exceptional mentor.

Securing a faculty position at Weilika Academy was an extraordinary opportunity, rare and coveted. If given the chance, Qi Yuan would have loved to become a professor there himself. The salary was excellent, and the paid summer and winter breaks were the envy of many.

The bell rang, signaling the end of class.

Yao Yu bolted out of the classroom first, her steps hurried. Better my Fellow Daoist dies than me, she thought. This is definitely Qi Yuan’s fault.

The impoverished students scrambled out as quickly as possible, leaving behind a few privileged classmates who casually gathered their belongings, their peripheral vision fixed on Yang Huaiyuan.

Qi Yuan, clutching his books, was about to flee as well.

No one stopped him. He reached the classroom door and glanced back.

To his surprise, Yang Huaiyuan was right behind him, like a ghost—silent and unnervingly close.

Qi Yuan nearly jumped out of his skin.

He immediately turned and quickened his pace.

His nerves frayed, he hurried out of the classroom, not paying attention to where he was going. He tripped over something, crashing to his knees with a loud thud.

“Sss…”

What rotten luck!

Qi Yuan stared at his scraped hand, pausing to gather himself before getting up to retrieve his scattered books.

Suddenly, a shadow fell over him as someone crouched down in front of him.

“Can you get up?” Yang Huaiyuan asked, his brow furrowed.

Not wanting to trouble him, Qi Yuan replied, “I’m fine.”

He carefully avoided his wound as he brushed the dust off his hands and prepared to rise. Just then, he heard the sound of something being unwrapped.

Yang Huaiyuan had pulled out a packet of wet wipes from his pocket. With natural ease, he extracted a few, took Qi Yuan’s hand, and, just like in his dream, meticulously wiped each finger clean, avoiding the scrape.