Drama Queen Reborn as a Top Student!-Chapter 777 - 336 So You’re the Real Master (Second Update)_2

Chapter 777: 336 So You’re the Real Master (Second Update)_2

The words did manage to comfort the few people there.

The morning passed quickly.

During lunch, Shen You’an got Coach Hong Cuiting’s phone number from Meng Junzhu and called her directly.

"Hello, I’m Hong Cuiting. May I ask who’s calling?"

"Coach Hong, it’s Shen You’an."

Hong Cuiting was instantly familiar with the name: "Ah, so it’s Shen. How can I help you?"

"Do you remember the Youth Swimming Qualification Competition held in Qingzhou last July?"

"Of course I do. That competition led me to discover a promising talent. Unfortunately, I’ve been searching for her ever since but haven’t found her yet."

"Coach Hong, I am the person you’ve been looking for."

There was a brief silence on the other end of the phone, followed by Hong Cuiting’s incredulous voice: "What? It’s you?!"

She had even taken up a teaching position at Lanya High School in order to find this person. Along the way, she did discover a few promising swimmers, but she had always been preoccupied with thoughts of the girl from the competition last year.

Her overall abilities were outstanding—she was practically born to be a swimmer. With proper training, she could easily make the national team.

No wonder she couldn’t find this girl; Shen You’an always skipped swimming classes at Lanya High School by taking leave. She had even speculated that Shen might have a fear of water. Turns out, Shen was deliberately avoiding her.

Hong Cuiting felt more joy than frustration upon hearing the news.

What was there to be mad about? She was a good student, after all. Naturally, academics would be her priority. A top-tier university wouldn’t just drop everything for swimming.

"I’m really sorry for keeping it from you for so long."

"No need to apologize. If Principal Lan had known, he would have opposed it too, worried it might distract you from your studies. I completely understand. But now that you’ve suddenly come clean, is there a reason why?"

"There’s a Youth Swimming Championship in Chunzhou this weekend, Coach Hong, and I want to participate."

Hong Cuiting paused for a moment, "Are you sure you want to join?"

"I’m sure." The phone transmitted the determined voice of the girl.

"And for any future swimming competitions that don’t interfere with my academics, I’ll participate as well."

Within these six months of the MT International Mathematics Challenge, she needed to earn a lot of points, which required her to compete in more events to maintain them.

Hong Cuiting’s delight was overwhelming: "It’s great that you think this way, but... you haven’t been training much, right? If you jump straight into a competition..."

"Saturday night, eight o’clock, see you in Chunzhou."

After hanging up, Hong Cuiting was in disbelief, as though dreaming. She had really found her—Lanya High School’s cherished Shen You’an.

This girl excelled academically and dominated the rankings, but who would’ve thought she was also a swimming prodigy? No wonder President Lan cherished her so much.

She almost forgot: the registration deadline was approaching, and she needed to quickly sign Shen You’an up.

"Teacher Hong, something good happened? You look so happy."

A familiar teacher in the office teased.

Hong Cuiting replied cheerfully, "Just discovered another budding talent."

——

After finishing the call, Shen You’an walked back to the table where Liu Runxi and Gu Bichen were sitting across from each other in silence.

As soon as Shen You’an sat down, Liu Runxi said, "My uncle gave me a few tickets to a concert. Let’s go together this weekend."

Upon hearing the word "concert," Gu Bichen’s pupils slightly contracted. He lowered his gaze without betraying his feelings.

Earlier this morning, he received a delivery at his door.

Inside the package were tickets for a concert this weekend.

Remembering the phone call, Gu Bichen’s grip on the chopsticks tightened unconsciously, his knuckles faintly pale.

Shen You’an shook her head: "I’ve got plans this weekend, so I can’t go. You two go together."

Liu Runxi arched a brow, turning to Gu Bichen, "How about you?"

"I also have plans..."

Gu Bichen picked up his tray and stood: "I’m full. You two enjoy the meal."

With those words, he left hastily.

Liu Runxi watched Gu Bichen’s departing figure, his brows furrowing slightly.

Shen You’an withdrew her gaze: "Have you learned how to play Go?"

Liu Runxi smiled lightly: "Amateur seventh dan."

Shen You’an froze for a moment; she understood Go rankings. To reach amateur seventh dan, one must be a national champion or place in the top three in international competitions—just a step away from going professional.

"You..."

"When I was young, I had a secluded personality. I fell in love with Go and participated in quite a few competitions. Later, my focus shifted to academics, and I couldn’t spare much time for it, so I gradually gave it up."

In truth, Helian Yu felt pursuing a professional path was too niche and actively encouraged him to give it up.

Shen You’an asked, "Do you have any other skills I don’t know about?"

Liu Runxi seriously counted on his fingers: "I can paint—I once won a gold medal in a national painting competition. I can play the piano, though far from your level, just at a basic performance standard. I can play the violin, and I can..."

Shen You’an felt her head buzzing; she clasped her hands together: "So, you’re the true genius here."

Liu Runxi chuckled helplessly: "Anything I learn, I only dabble in it. Broad but not deep—nothing to boast about."

"You’re too modest and way too low-key. You’re so talented, yet hardly anyone knows."

Even those fangirl admirers of his never used these tidbits to promote him, proving how discreet he was.

"I know a little about Go as well. I signed up for a Go competition this Saturday. Could you be my practice partner? I won’t let you help for free—I’ll treat you to a meal, how about that?"

The sunlight scattered gently into the boy’s eyes, making them warm and captivating.

He rarely smiled, often appearing aloof and distant, like a flower on a high cliff, stunning but out of reach.

But when Shen You’an was around, his smile seemed to bloom most often.

Shen You’an couldn’t help but think, when he smiled, it was truly charming.

"Okay."

The single word seemed to be imbued with infinite affection.

Since their talk yesterday, having shared a mutual secret, the distance between them had subtly lessened.

Shen You’an beamed: "Let’s eat quickly then. Afterward, you can come with me to the library for practice."