Chapter 358: Lu Yan

After parting ways with Bian Suwen, Wang Haoran walked with Yu Shiqing toward the school. On the way, her mood remained light.

Bian Suwen might not have been able to remove the birthmark on her face completely, but she said most of it could be erased, and what remained would fade to a pale mark. If that was the case, with a little makeup, it would be nearly invisible.

Yu Shiqing knew deep down that without the birthmark, she was actually quite beautiful. Having to rely on cosmetics would be a small price to pay. As a girl, it wasn’t something she minded.

What mattered most was that she’d no longer have to lower her head in shame when walking among others.

Still, a faint melancholy lingered in her heart. She couldn’t help but wish she could be beautiful even without makeup, flawless and natural—only then could she feel worthy of walking beside someone like him.

Wang Haoran walked quietly at her side, fully aware of her shifting thoughts. But he didn’t say anything about knowing someone who could erase the birthmark completely. There was no need. Not yet.

Once they arrived at campus, the two went their separate ways for classes. There was still some time before the lecture started, so Wang Haoran used the opportunity to ask around in the sophomore department.

From a few of Lu Chen’s classmates, he quickly confirmed that Lu Chen had taken a long leave of absence and hadn’t shown up to school in days.

That was exactly as expected.

He didn’t stop there. He approached Lu Chen’s dormmates and casually asked about Lu Chen’s sister. It didn’t take long to gather the basic information he needed.

—

At the Qingling Academy of Arts, Lu Yan had just woken from her afternoon nap when her phone rang.

“Brother, so you do remember how to return a call?” she muttered into the receiver with light irritation. “I called you so many times ,and you didn’t pick up even once. I thought something happened.”

Her words hit Lu Chen like a stab. He didn’t want to worry her, so he lied with practiced ease. “Come on, your brother’s doing fine. What could possibly happen to me? I’ve just been drowning in assignments lately, that’s all.”

“Oh, okay.” Lu Yan didn’t think too much of it and let the topic go.

“Has any strange guy tried to talk to you recently?” Lu Chen’s tone turned serious.

“A strange guy? No,” she said, confused. “Why do you ask?”

“I’m just worried someone might try to scam you,” Lu Chen answered vaguely.

“I’m not a kid anymore! Who’s gonna scam me?” she said with a huff.

“Still, stay alert,” Lu Chen insisted. “Especially if someone named Wang Haoran tries to talk to you. Don’t engage him, no matter what.”

He remembered Wang Haoran had once mentioned something about his sister. That alone was enough to put Lu Chen on edge. He couldn’t let someone like that get near Lu Yan, so he made this call to warn her.

“Wang Haoran? What’s wrong with him?” Lu Yan asked, puzzled.

“That guy’s a scumbag rich second gen,” Lu Chen said bluntly. “He threatened one of our school’s goddess-tier professors and even made her get an abortion. And that’s not all—the campus belles didn’t escape him either. I have a grudge against him, and I think he might target you to get back at me. I’m telling you, don’t believe a single word that comes out of his mouth.”

“I got it,” Lu Yan replied seriously.

“I mean it. You have to remember,” he urged again. As good-looking as that bastard was, Lu Chen was genuinely afraid his sister might get swept up in his charm.

“Don’t worry, brother. If some Wang Haoran guy tries to hit on me, I’ll slap him across the face,” she said with mock fierceness.

“No, don’t do that!” Lu Chen panicked. “You’re a girl. You wouldn’t stand a chance against someone like him. Promise me you won’t hit anyone.”

“I was just joking,” Lu Yan laughed. “But really, even if I see this Wang Haoran guy, I won’t talk to him. He’s got nothing on me.”

Only then did Lu Chen relax. His sister had always been mature and obedient. She respected him deeply. If she said she’d stay away, she would.

—

“Lu Yan. Freshman. Qingling Academy of Arts.” That was all Wang Haoran needed to hear.

He didn’t bother going to class that afternoon. Instead, he hopped in his high-end Lamborghini and drove straight to her school. The drive between Qingling University and the Arts Academy was short—less than twenty minutes.

When he arrived, classes hadn’t started yet. Groups of young women lingered at the entrance, chatting and laughing, the breeze carrying their perfume like a drifting tide.

The moment the sleek, roaring sports car rolled up to the gates, dozens of eyes locked on it. And when Wang Haoran stepped out, their attention only deepened.

Rich. Handsome. The twin fantasies of nearly every girl on this campus.

He glanced casually at the crowd, then strode forward without sparing anyone a word. Still, a few bold and flirtatious girls trailed after him, whispering and giggling.

One of them, a particularly attractive girl, picked up her pace and caught up to him.

“Hey there, handsome,” she said brightly. “Can we get to know each other? I’m Zhuo Xiu, freshman in the dance department.”

Wang Haoran glanced her way without stopping.

“I’ve seen every good-looking guy on this campus,” Zhuo Xiu went on. “You’re not one of them, so I’m guessing you’re not from around here. Looking for someone? I know the campus inside and out—maybe I can help.”

Wang Haoran paused. “You have someone here named Lu Yan?”

“Lu Yan?” she echoed, thinking. “That’s a pretty common name. I’m sure there’s a dozen girls here with that name.”

“I’m looking for the most beautiful one,” he said.

Zhuo Xiu hesitated, then replied, “I know every standout girl in this school. There’s no Lu Yan among them.”

“Then never mind,” he said, already losing interest.

His disinterest showed clearly. Zhuo Xiu sensed it, but she still didn’t want to let this opportunity go. A guy who looked like this, with that kind of car, had to be a rich heir. Making friends with him would bring serious social capital.

She caught up again and changed tactics.

“Actually, I was being careful just now,” she admitted. “We do have a campus belle named Lu Yan. She’s my classmate. Same dorm too. Maybe she’s the one you’re looking for.”

“Where is she?” Wang Haoran smiled faintly.

That smile left Zhuo Xiu stunned for half a breath. She quickly recovered. “She has a dance class coming up. You’ll see her there soon.”

“Mind showing me the way? I’d like to sit in,” he said.

“Of course, no problem.” Zhuo Xiu readily agreed, then added with a wink, “But just so you know, Lu Yan isn’t the type to fall for money or looks. No offense, but chasing her might be a waste of your time.”