Orchids and Artemisia Have Different Fragrances

Teacher Wang and Instructor Tan did not betray Su Yuan; instead, they were pondering how to help her regain her gender identity.

The place Instructor Tan chose to meet Ji Yehao was not in the School of Economics' Student Affairs Office, but in his own office, located in the Biochemistry Building.

Initially, Ji Yehao couldn't be 100% sure why Instructor Tan had called him over, only feeling it had something to do with Su Yuan. It wasn't until Instructor Tan mentioned Su Yuan that he confirmed it was indeed related to her.

This was understandable. After all, inappropriate items were found in her closet. If he were the instructor, he would definitely question someone close to her for clarification. Indulging a student's "**" without timely intervention or correction would completely destroy any semblance of exemplary conduct.

Knowing Instructor Tan's "intentions," Ji Yehao had a plan. Completely denying Su Yuan's "crimes" was obviously unrealistic, but he still intended to tell the truth and speak based on what he had seen, at least offering strong moral support.

However, he hadn't anticipated that due to Su Yuan's maneuvering, Instructor Tan's reason for meeting him had shifted entirely.

Instructor Tan first asked Ji Yehao if Su Yuan had any academic difficulties, mentioning that Su Yuan had even failed a course last semester and asking him to tutor her when he had time. He then inquired about Su Yuan's dormitory life, emphasizing the importance of unity and mutual help among roommates, and asking Ji Yehao to pay more attention to Su Yuan's life outside of academics.

In short, there was no hint of accusation; instead, there was a gentle, nurturing care like a trickling stream. The core of the conversation was to "care" for Su Yuan when he had time and not to bully her. Ji Yehao found it baffling. Why was Instructor Tan suddenly showing so much concern for Su Yuan after she had visited the Student Affairs Office?

It wasn't just Ji Yehao who was baffled; Instructor Tan himself found the situation somewhat comical. This was an unprecedented event, and Su Yuan had thrown him a major curveball!

As the conversation neared its end, Instructor Tan said, "Student Yehao, we've discussed academic and life matters. Please think carefully about this after you go back. Oh, right, you and Su Yuan are good friends. If you notice anything strange about her, please be understanding. This child hasn't had an easy time."

After leaving Instructor Tan's office, Ji Yehao kept replaying their conversation, feeling something was amiss. The key issue must be that women's bra found in her closet. Instructor Tan must have misunderstood her about something!

After Ji Yehao, Gao Jun was also called in for a talk by the instructor. The topic was largely the same as Ji Yehao's, but it wasn't as detailed. He was simply told to go easy on Su Yuan.

He figured that although Instructor Tan had rejected Teacher Wang's suggestion, he was still subconsciously influenced and wanted to use Ji Yehao to correct Su Yuan's gender identity confusion.

"Yehao, what did Instructor Tan talk to you about?" Su Yuan asked nervously as Ji Yehao returned.

Although she trusted Instructor Tan to keep his word, she was still a bit anxious.

Ji Yehao recounted the conversation and then shared his guess. Upon hearing this, Su Yuan immediately put her worries aside. No longer feeling guilty or anxious, she resumed her usual "dormitory overlord" demeanor, typing on her computer and chatting casually with friends.

She was chatting with Xia Linfei. Although they hadn't known each other long and had vastly different personalities, Xia Linfei was always able to grasp Su Yuan's topics, making Su Yuan very happy to chat with her.

Time flew by, and the memories turned the page to yesterday.

September 17th, Monday, sunny.

The temperature remained high, fiercely asserting its dominance.

In the evening, a general meeting of the new Student Union was being held in a large conference room at Binhe University of Science and Technology.

Su Yuan sat in the audience, quietly watching the familiar yet unfamiliar faces on stage—they were the members of this year's presidium. As she listened to them present the new semester's student work, she suddenly felt how unpredictable life could be.

Su Yuan hadn't received any news about the final outcome for the Underwear Thief, as if he had vanished into thin air after being handed over to the security department. Such is the sorrow of the world; he arrived silently and left without causing even a ripple. How tragic!

You'd think they'd at least tell everyone he had once been a formidable figure!

The Underwear Thief incident was quite an "epic achievement" even at Binhe University of Science and Technology.

Later, Su Yuan took her "self-criticism report" to Instructor Tan, further corroborating her story and receiving "special care" from him. She knew that behind the Underwear Thief incident was the shadow of Xiao Yun from the School of Economics, and Xiao Yun was actually Little Fatty's real name, though Su Yuan didn't know it yet.

At this moment, the newly elected Student Union president was giving an impassioned speech. Ling Chendong stood on stage, listening while scanning the crowd, and naturally spotted Su Yuan among them.

The current presidium had taken over from the previous one in June of the last semester. Ling Chendong was fortunate enough to be part of the presidium, serving as a vice president of the Student Union.

Su Yuan had a feeling she had heard the name Ling Chendong before and realized he was indeed someone significant. A vice president of the Student Union—no wonder the name sounded familiar.

The scene of him complimenting her as "beautiful" under the dim light flashed in her mind, and she worried that future interactions might be troublesome.

The core of the Student Union was the presidium, consisting of one president, three vice presidents, and one secretary-general, totaling five people. A secretariat (office) was established as the daily operational body of the Student Union, along with six departments: the Logistics Department, External Relations Department, Sports Department, Arts Department, Publicity Department, and Academic Department.

On the previous roster, Su Yuan had been officially nominated as the Deputy Minister of the External Relations Department.

Deputy Minister of the External Relations Department—she held a minor official position. However, Su Yuan knew that the work of the External Relations Department was not easy. Dealing with external contacts and seeking sponsorships often meant bowing and scraping, requiring one to be prepared to be a scapegoat. Without certain interpersonal skills, connections, and social background, it would be difficult to succeed.

Conversely, if all conditions were met, the work of the External Relations Department would be smooth sailing.

The Minister of the External Relations Department was a third-year female student named Zuo Zhao. She was of average appearance and not particularly tall, but she was highly capable. Su Yuan was able to secure the position of deputy minister thanks to Zuo Zhao's nomination.

"Su Yuan, congratulations on becoming the Deputy Minister of the External Relations Department." After the meeting, Ling Chendong walked over to Su Yuan with a seemingly friendly smile, but it looked full of smugness. Indeed, he was a vice president while she was merely a deputy minister; the difference in status was clear.

Su Yuan didn't particularly dislike Ling Chendong; it was that word "beautiful" that lingered in her ears, like a fishbone stuck in her throat. Seeing Ling Chendong made her feel uneasy. If this President Ling knew that this was the root of the problem, he would likely have a belly full of grievances with nowhere to vent them.

Before Su Yuan could speak, Zuo Zhao's expression shifted to surprise, and she interjected, "You two know each other?"

"Yes, of course, we know each other," Su Yuan said nonchalantly, seeing Ling Chendong become even more smug. "But we're not close."

Ling Chendong fell silent.

Zuo Zhao then smiled as if she understood, "Since you know each other, that's great. We'll need to communicate a lot in our future work. Su Yuan, you can communicate with President Ling from now on. President Ling, I hope you won't hesitate to offer guidance on the work of the External Relations Department."

"Naturally, I won't refuse where I can help," Ling Chendong replied with a faint smile, his demeanor elegant.

Hearing this, Zuo Zhao felt somewhat relieved. As the newly appointed Minister of the External Relations Department, she was under immense pressure. It was only through practical experience that one could truly gauge someone's abilities. She had gone through a rigorous elimination process to become the minister. As the saying goes, beauty and ugliness are just skin deep, and good or bad is just talk; without concrete actions, how could those who were eliminated be convinced?

Even with good results, gossip couldn't be silenced. At such times, she desperately needed support. The fact that Su Yuan and Ling Chendong knew each other was a pleasant surprise for her.

Su Yuan had been nominated by Zuo Zhao for the deputy minister position, so she should logically help her. However, Su Yuan knew herself well and didn't feel she was actually close to Ling Chendong, nor did she have any confidence in influencing President Ling to "care" about the External Relations Department.

Moreover, Su Yuan felt that Ling Chendong standing between her and Zuo Zhao at this moment was somewhat like a valuable item being displayed for selection. Shaking her head, her impression of Ling Chendong worsened. She secretly wondered why this Ling Chendong was paying so much attention to her—his gaze kept sweeping over her during the meeting, and he even smiled at her.

Could it be—

She suddenly thought of a terrifying possibility: did this Ling Chendong like men? Oh my, did that mean the handsome and well-featured President Ling was actually gay? A wave of disgust washed over her, as if standing next to him would be contagious.

Ling Chendong stared in bewilderment at Su Yuan's changing expression, from initial indifference to thoughtful consideration, then to a heavy frown, and now to a look as if she wanted to discard him like worn-out shoes. What was that hint of displeasure on her face?

Ling Chendong was briefly speechless, but those around him were not necessarily silent. A faint fragrance wafted to Su Yuan's nose, a figure flickered before her eyes, and then a graceful silhouette appeared in front of Su Yuan.

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Thank you to "Drifting Dandelion" for the 10,000 Qidian coins reward. As a token of Dandelion's generosity, an extra chapter will be added today.