As a supporting character with plenty of screen time despite not being the protagonist, Shen Fangli naturally had to return for the opening ceremony as well.
Most importantly—
Shen Fangli wrapped both arms around Yan Xianjue's waist and buried herself in his embrace, saying in a muffled voice, "The important thing is, I missed you."
Yan Xianjue chuckled softly, clearly delighted by her straightforwardness.
He whispered by her ear, "Me too. Honestly, I regret every day that we didn't choose universities in the same city."
"Before, I thought that if you wanted to continue on to a master's or doctorate someday, I'd definitely support you."
Shen Fangli looked up. "You don't want to support me anymore?"
Yan Xianjue drew out his words. "Mm—well—"
"I'd still support you, but I'd probably go with you as your study companion." Yan Xianjue was utterly honest.
Shen Fangli snorted with laughter at that, and the ambiguous atmosphere between them was immediately broken, replaced by the familiarity of an old married couple.
After all, they were practically half-living together now, Shen Fangli thought.
But she hadn't expected that, just when she assumed they would return to the villa together this time as well, Yan Xianjue would take her straight to a hotel near the film studio.
"Huh? We're not going home this time?"
Yan Xianjue shook his head. Worried that she would misunderstand, he explained, "The villa's being disinfected recently. The smell isn't pleasant."
That was true, but the actual purpose was to clear away the traces of Lin Shi's blood.
"Oh, the smell isn't pleasant." Shen Fangli repeated it in a teasing tone.
Yan Xianjue looked slightly bewildered by her repetition.
Shen Fangli did not continue teasing him about it.
It would be bad if she went too far and revealed the matter of