The reward for first place: a spacious full-floor apartment

After they returned to the apartment, Shen Yannian asked Su Cimu how he planned to deal with the matter involving Han Yi.

"I'll let the fight go. I hit him first, so I don't really have the moral high ground. But I won't let him get away with accusing me of cheating."

"Understood. I'll put pressure on the university to deal with it as soon as possible."

Shen Yannian stood firmly on Su Cimu's side. Whatever Su Cimu decided, he would support him.

Besides, Shen Yannian wasn't going to let Han Yi get away with hitting him, either!

"No need. The teacher said today that the college would investigate. We just have to wait for the results. I trust the university to handle this fairly."

Su Cimu declined Shen Yannian's kind offer. It was an option, but there was no need.

Shen Yannian offered no opinion on that and instead asked:

"So our sweetheart is such a good student. You even came first this time. Well done. You deserve a reward."

Su Cimu's eyes immediately lit up as he looked at Shen Yannian.

"What reward?"

Shen Yannian smiled indulgently, then took a small, gift-wrapped box he had prepared long ago from his pocket and placed it in Su Cimu's palm.

Su Cimu gently shook the gift box. There seemed to be a small object inside, and he eagerly began unwrapping it.

A key tied with a bow lay quietly inside the box.

"A key? What's this key for?"

"The spacious full-floor apartment in that building across from your university, on the eighteenth floor. I bought it. Your name is on the deed."

Su Cimu's eyes widened at those words, filled with shock!

"The apartments in that building across from campus are really expensive! Even Old Su couldn't bear to buy me one back then!"

"Expensive? Not really. It didn't cost much. The main thing is that it's close to your university. Just go downstairs and cross the road, and you're there. You'll be able to sleep in for another ten or fifteen minutes every morning."

Shen Yannian was very considerate of Su Cimu. Even if it was only ten or fifteen minutes, it would let Su Cimu get better sleep.

"Shen Yannian! You're the best! Thank you!"

Su Cimu threw his arms around Shen Yannian in excitement, nearly knocking him onto the sofa.

Seeing Su Cimu so happy, Shen Yannian felt it was worth it.

"As long as you like it. How about we move in together this weekend?"

"Sure! Can I invite Liang Tian and Jing Yiheng over to our place for a meal then?" Su Cimu asked Shen Yannian.

"Of course, sweetheart. It's your home. You can invite anyone you like."

Su Cimu's eyes curved with his smile. He absolutely loved Shen Yannian's gift!

"Oh, I still have class this afternoon! I have to hurry! You should get to work too. Once I'm done with classes, let's go out to eat and celebrate me coming first on the exam!"

Suddenly remembering his afternoon classes, Su Cimu abruptly pushed Shen Yannian away and rushed out.

Shen Yannian watched helplessly as his young boyfriend, who had been lying in his arms just a second ago, ran off like that. His eyes were full of helplessness and affection.

Jing Yiheng was rather surprised to see Su Cimu still coming to class with injuries all over his face.

"Why didn't you go home and get some proper rest? You're injured." Jing Yiheng looked distressed.

"The injuries on my face are all minor. There's no need to miss class. I'm a good student who loves studying!"

"Yes, yes, you are. But looking like that, you're definitely going to get a lot of attention from the lecturers."

Su Cimu shrugged, indicating that there was nothing he could do about it.

Just as Jing Yiheng had said, during both afternoon classes, each lecturer asked with concern about the injuries on Su Cimu's face. Su Cimu answered that he was fine and thanked them for their concern.

After class, his classmates gathered around to ask about his injuries too.

"How could Han Yi from the next class do that? You don't hit someone in the face. That's the code of the jianghu. Doesn't he know that?"

"Exactly! Su Cimu is the face of our department. What if he ends up disfigured? Han Yi went way too far!"

"Han Yi only accused you of cheating because he's jealous. We've been classmates for a year. We absolutely believe in your actual ability. Don't take it to heart."

Hearing his classmates' concern and comfort, Su Cimu smiled. "Don't worry. I haven't taken what Han Yi said to heart. The college will investigate and clear my name."

"That's good. Once the results come out, they have to discipline Han Yi! His grades might be good, but his character isn't."

"All right, stop crowding around Su Cimu. Break it up, break it up-"

Jing Yiheng quickly dispersed the crowd so they wouldn't squash their group's darling. He was already injured. What if he got bumped or knocked into something again?

The college's investigation results were soon released and posted on its official website.

[University A College of Chemistry]: In response to recent allegations of cheating concerning the examination results of our second-year student Su Cimu, the college hereby publishes the following findings:

1. After reviewing surveillance footage, questioning the examination setters, and conducting other investigative procedures, the college has determined that Su Cimu did not cheat and that his examination results are genuine and valid;

2. Han Yi, a second-year student of our college, is issued one warning for baselessly questioning a fellow student's results and even impugning the impartiality of the college's teachers;

3. We hope all students of our college will exercise their right to question reasonably, conduct themselves properly, and take this as a cautionary lesson.

University A Department of Chemistry

XX/XX/20XX

When Han Yi saw the announcement, it struck him like a bolt from the blue!

He didn't believe it! How could Su Cimu's exam results possibly be genuine? Shen Yannian must have pressured the university on his behalf! That was how this fake announcement had come about!

That had to be it!

Why were Su Cimu's results genuine and valid, while he had received a serious warning?! He refused to accept it!

What shocked Han Yi even more was that Shen Yannian's men actually "invited" him over.

"Y-you... what are you going to do to me?!"

Han Yi stared at Shen Yannian in terror, afraid that he might do something to him.

Seeing him so guarded and frightened, Shen Yannian merely found it amusing.

"Do you think I brought you here to beat you up?"

"What else? You must want to get revenge on me for Su Cimu, don't you!"

"You're right. But hitting you would only dirty my hands. I have plenty of ways to make it impossible for you to stay in the Capital, or even make you withdraw from university of your own accord. Do you believe me?"

Shen Yannian curled his lips, taking in every bit of Han Yi's panic.

Of course Han Yi believed that Shen Yannian had the power to make it impossible for him to gain a foothold in the Capital!

"Second Master Shen, what will it take for you to let me off?"

"It's simple. However many injuries my sweetheart has on his face, repay twice as many on your own body. That's all."

After saying this, Shen Yannian watched Han Yi coldly. When he still hadn't moved after a long while, Shen Yannian spoke again.

"Are you sure you won't do it yourself? If my men do it, it won't be as simple as injuries to your face."

Han Yi stared resentfully at the smug expression on Shen Yannian's face as he forced him into this, realizing that he had no power to resist at all!

Han Yi squeezed his eyes shut, gritted his teeth, and struck his own face hard!

"Su Cimu! Have you heard? Apparently someone beat Han Yi up. His face is swollen like a pig's head! He looks hideous!"

Jing Yiheng had run into Han Yi in the restroom that day. Shocked by his injury-covered face, he had hurried over to tell Su Cimu.

Su Cimu froze slightly at his words.

Could Shen Yannian have sent someone to beat Han Yi up?