Journalism

Lina got into Bo Qiang's car, instinctively heading toward the back seat. Before she could settle in, Bo Qiang glanced in the rearview mirror and quickly said, "Lina, sit in the front."

Lina didn't think much of his request and moved to the passenger seat without hesitation. To her, it seemed like a simple, natural request. However, if Bo Qiang's secretary or anyone from his professional circle had seen him acting so casual and familiar, they would've been completely shocked. Bo Qiang wasn't known for his warmth or informality, but with Lina, things felt different.

The car ride started in comfortable silence as Bo Qiang navigated through the city streets, heading toward Lina's college. After a few minutes of quiet, he decided to break the silence. "So, what are you studying?"

Lina, still scrolling through her phone, answered, "Journalism."

Bo Qiang couldn't help but glance at her in surprise, a small chuckle escaping him.

Lina noticed and raised an eyebrow, slightly amused. "What's so funny?"

He shrugged, grinning slightly. "I just didn't expect you to be a journalism student."

"Why not?" Lina asked, her lips curving into a teasing smile. "Because I'm too pretty?"

Bo Qiang turned a bit red at her boldness, embarrassed that she'd hit the nail on the head. He nodded slightly, his grin fading into a sheepish smile.

Lina laughed out loud, her voice light and carefree. "Well, I don't love journalism that much, if I'm being honest. I was always a really shy person, and when I got to a point in my life where I felt like I needed to break out of that, I figured journalism would help me step out of my comfort zone."

What Lina didn't share, though, was the other reason behind her choice—one much more personal. She had deliberately picked journalism to distance herself from Xiao Han, the villainous figure from the book. At the same time, it was a career that gave her the perfect platform to dig up future dirt on her. Choosing journalism wasn't just a strategic move; it was a chance to forge a path entirely different from the original Lina's predictable choices. The other Lina would have gone with something safe, Lina thought to herself. But I wanted something unexpected, something that would help me become someone new.

Bo Qiang nodded thoughtfully, his expression softening. He could sense there was more to her decision than she was letting on, but he didn't push. Instead, he offered simply, "If you ever need help, with anything at all, just ask. I'm here."

Lina smiled, genuinely appreciating his kindness. "Thanks, Bo Qiang. I'll keep that in mind."

As they neared the college, she spotted the familiar building up ahead and began unbuckling her seatbelt. "Thanks for the ride," she said as she opened the door. "I've got to head in now."

Bo Qiang gave her a quick wave as she stepped out, his gaze lingering on her as she walked away. Lina noticed and couldn't help but laugh a little, waving back before disappearing into the campus building. There was something endearing about the moment, and for a reason he couldn't fully explain, Bo Qiang's heart skipped a beat. His chest tightened with an unfamiliar feeling that left him sitting in silence, watching the entrance long after she had gone inside.

What's happening to me? he thought, trying to shake off the strange feeling.

Meanwhile, Lina walked into her classroom, only to be greeted by the excited chatter of her classmates. The room buzzed with energy, and she quickly realized that something big had happened.

"Did you see the news?" someone whispered loudly.

"What news?" another student asked, eyes wide with curiosity.

"A reporter caught Xiao Han and James kissing today!" a third person exclaimed, clearly thrilled by the gossip.

Everyone around Lina reacted in shock, whispering among themselves. After all, Xiao Hua and Zhi Hao were the biggest celebrities of the moment, the couple everyone was talking about.

Lina let out a deep sigh, feeling a familiar wave of frustration wash over her. Of course, she thought bitterly. The 'Destruction Couple' shows up again. That was the nickname she had given Xiao Hua and Zhi Hao, the protagonists of the book who had brought so much chaos into her life.

As her classmates continued to chatter excitedly about the scandal, Lina found herself fighting the irritation that bubbled up inside her. It was hard to escape thoughts of them—these two figures who had such a massive impact on her future. 

With a frustrated sigh, she muttered under her breath, "They just had to make an appearance today, didn't they?"

Shaking her head, Lina took a deep breath and walked over to her seat, determined to focus on her studies and leave the mess of behind her. But even as she sat down and opened her notebook, thoughts of Xiao Hua and Zhi Hao lingered, a constant reminder of the chaos yet to come.