Chapter 19: Clearly, it was all for his benefit

“Shen Ci, although I don't know the specifics of what happened, I believe in my heart that you are a good student.”

“But if the contents of the report are true, the school will stop issuing your financial aid.”

Hearing this, Shen Ci nodded understandingly and said to Li Jianguo, “Thank you for your trust, Director Li.”

Then, with a serious expression, Shen Ci looked at Li Jianguo again and said, “The contents of the report are indeed true, but I want to correct one point: the subsidy I receive from the school is neither a poverty alleviation subsidy nor a scholarship.”

“Director Li, you should be aware that the school recruited me to UST because of my excellent Gaokao scores; the admissions office went to my hometown in Shenzhen-Hong Kong to offer me special admission. At that time, the school gave me 20...”

The word "ten thousand" almost slipped out, but Shen Ci braked mid-sentence and corrected herself: “...gave me 20 yuan as a special admission bonus, and promised a monthly living subsidy of 15 cents after enrollment. This subsidy was part of my admission conditions as a special recruit, promised to me by the UST admissions office.”

“Although my family is not wealthy, we are not at the level of needing poverty alleviation subsidies. My subsidy and the poverty alleviation subsidy are two different things.”

Director Li nodded; he was naturally aware of these matters.

However...

“Shen Ci, as your teacher, I certainly understand what you're saying. But right now, someone has reported you, and as you said, the contents are true. Think about it—you are using luxury goods while receiving school subsidies. If this gets out, it will definitely trigger a backlash from those students in poverty, especially with the voices on the internet. People online won't bother investigating the details; they will only launch baseless attacks against you and the school. Don't you think this is an unprovoked disaster?”

He sighed again, saying, “I am only considering your well-being. There are many students in extreme poverty at UST, and the quota for poverty subsidies is limited. Many people are waiting in line and still can't get one. If you continue to receive a subsidy at a time like this, you will become a target of public criticism at school.”

Director Li spoke earnestly, and Shen Ci could tell he was looking out for her.

Moreover, the Academic Affairs Office had certainly given Director Li orders; even if he were unwilling, this matter was likely already a done deal.

“Director Li, I can give up the subsidy, but it must be that I voluntarily waive it, rather than having it canceled by the school. That is the point I want to make.”

Shen Ci didn't actually care about the subsidy. In the past, receiving a monthly living allowance of 1,500 yuan had indeed made her college life much easier.

But things were different now. To her, 15 cents a month was meaningless, but for students from impoverished families, it could significantly alleviate their living pressure.

Therefore, she was willing to waive the subsidy voluntarily, but she had to make the principle of the matter clear.

As soon as Director Li heard that Shen Ci agreed to forgo the subsidy, he no longer cared whether it was a voluntary waiver or a school cancellation; it was merely a matter of procedure. He nodded quickly, “Alright, I will handle it. It's just, Shen Ci, you...”

He looked at Shen Ci, hesitating as if he wanted to ask something but feared his wording might be inappropriate and cause a misunderstanding.

She had just said her family wasn't exactly wealthy, and she had admitted to the report's claim that she wore luxury goods.

She was beautiful, and as a counselor, Li Jianguo was afraid she might succumb to the temptations of society and go astray.

At this moment, he truly didn't know how to bring it up.

Being as intelligent as she was, Shen Ci naturally understood Director Li's concerns. She smiled slightly and said with a calm expression, “Don't overthink it, Director Li. I won't degrade myself for money.”

Li Jianguo laughed somewhat awkwardly, but he inexplicably believed her: “Alright, I won't ask any more. I'll say it again: if anything happens, you must tell me immediately.”

Shen Ci nodded, said goodbye to Li Jianguo, and left.

She didn't need to think twice to know that Yu Xinxin was behind the report, but she truly didn't care much about it.

Thinking about it carefully, with her current net worth, receiving a monthly 15-cent subsidy from the school would indeed look bad if it got out. It was only because she had just returned and hadn't thought of this that she hadn't acted; otherwise, she would have proactively waived the subsidy to let it go to someone who needed it more.

At noon, the school canteen was packed.

Shen Ci searched with her umbrella and finally spotted Qu Yang in the innermost section.

As she saw Shen Ci walking over, the surrounding boys immediately erupted into a chorus of teasing, causing nearby students to look over in confusion.

“Thank you. Here is your umbrella.”

Approaching him, Shen Ci reached out to hand the umbrella to Qu Yang, a tranquil smile on her face.

“It's fine, no need to be polite.” Qu Yang continued to feign composure, taking the umbrella and casually tossing it to Shao Yu.

“Woo——!”

Another round of meaningful teasing broke out. Qu Yang's cheeks burned from his companions' antics, and his heart raced wildly. If it weren't for his naturally wheat-colored skin, his face would surely be beet red by now.

He frowned, feigning annoyance: “Stop making that noise, she's a girl...”

As a result, the teasing grew even louder.

If it were any other girl, she would likely have run away blushing from such teasing, but Shen Ci did not; instead, she joined in the laughter.

She was the "Top Donor" on his stream; she had nothing to be embarrassed about.

This scene was witnessed by many, but since UST had countless students and not everyone knew them, most people just took a curious glance.

Only one person had a dark expression, a chill radiating from him as if he were about to freeze everything within three feet.

She had sent him "Carnival" gifts on his stream, and now she was chatting and laughing with his roommate—this was clearly done intentionally to show him.

She was deliberately provoking him!

Li Xiao exhaled slowly, trying to calm himself down. Lin Xing was right; he couldn't be impulsive anymore.

Besides, the reason Shen Ci wanted to provoke him like this must be because she still had feelings for him and still cared about him!

Just as he had composed himself and was about to step forward to apologize to Shen Ci for his behavior last night, a figure suddenly lunged at him, roughly and intimately hooking her arm around his thick bicep.

An excited voice, laced with a feminine coo, followed immediately.

“Brother Li Xiao!”

Li Xiao instinctively took half a step back, but he froze when he saw the person. He then spoke in surprise, “Qi... Qi Qi?”

Lin Biqi had an excited smile on her face. Holding Li Xiao's arm, she hopped up and down, saying, “Surprise!”

“You... why did you come to UST?” Li Xiao was somewhat startled.

Lin Biqi was the granddaughter of his grandfather's old friend. He used to visit his grandfather's house frequently during winter and summer breaks, so he had known Lin Biqi since childhood.

But his grandfather and the Lin family were both in Shenzhen-Hong Kong; how could she appear at UST?

“Hehe, I passed the entrance exam!” Lin Biqi said proudly. “I've been in school for a few days already. I didn't tell you because I wanted to give you a surprise, but UST is too big and I couldn't find you. I didn't expect to run into you today.”

“I'm also in the Astronomy Department. From now on, you're my senior!”

(End of Chapter)