The Sickly Beauty Gives Up Struggling [Rebirth] Chapter 176

It seemed they both realized that difficult times were ahead. That night, the two of them indulged until they were too spent to even lift a finger.

Yet, desire had a remarkable way of relieving stress. Li Rong no longer had the energy or mood to dwell on the High Tower Group.

He fell into a deep, dreamless sleep—a rare tranquility.

The next morning, Li Rong woke up early. While Cen Xiao was still asleep, Li Rong quietly went to the study and pulled out the detailed GT201 experiment protocols he had previously organized to review them.

An hour later, Cen Xiao woke up as well.

His first instinct was to reach out to the other side of the bed. Feeling the coldness of the sheets, he froze for a moment. It wasn’t until he heard movement in the study that he finally relaxed.

Cen Xiao, feeling unusually grumpy, rubbed his forehead.

If waking up to an empty bed already made him this anxious, how was he going to survive reverting to their previous-life dynamic?

“Knock, knock, knock!”

A knocking sound broke the morning stillness.

“I finally finished sorting through Zhu Yan’s papers. It was exhausting!” Jian Fu, sporting dark circles under his eyes, barged through Cen Xiao’s door. The moment he stepped in, his gaze landed on the neatly placed pair of shoes by the entrance. After a meaningful pause, he averted his eyes with some awkwardness.

Living together. Could it really be that comfortable?

It must be. Like two friends with perfectly aligned worldviews, cohabiting without conflicts and enjoying life to the fullest. It even saved them the hassle of finding romance.

Jian Fu thought he had once had the chance to try it, too.

That night, when he was forced to stay at Lin Zhen’s dorm, he could have shared a bed with Lin Zhen. But one of Lin Zhen’s roommates was out, and when he asked about it, the roommate readily offered his bed.

Jian Fu was utterly disappointed. Yet, Lin Zhen was overly thrilled to kick him to the other bed.

What’s wrong with good bros sharing a bed?

It’s not like he took up that much space!

“Come in and sit down.” Cen Xiao, still in his pajamas, kicked a pair of slippers toward Jian Fu.

“Huh…Oh!” Jian Fu snapped out of his thoughts, stuck out his tongue, and darted to the couch, clutching his notebook.

Hearing the noise, Li Rong emerged from the study. Adjusting his glasses with his slender, fair fingers, he asked, “What did you find?”

Jian Fu glanced at Li Rong, then frowned uncomfortably. “Why are you wearing glasses? It doesn’t feel like you.”

Li Rong blinked and pushed up his glasses. “They’re anti-glare. Don’t they make me look more mature and reliable?”

“Uh…” Jian Fu tilted his head and studied him for a moment, unsure how to respond.

Li Rong was undoubtedly handsome, with delicate and elegant features, a small, palm-sized face, and a beauty mark positioned just right.

But with glasses on, Li Rong exuded a cooler demeanor. His typically bright, warm peach blossom eyes gained an air of detachment through the thin lens, adding a layer of distance that made his gaze appear colder.

This aloofness didn’t necessarily make him look older. After all, Li Rong was only twenty, with flawless, youthful skin and a hint of boyishness in his face. Still, it seemed to create a magnetic field around him. The moment he spoke seriously, he exuded credibility.

Of course, Li Rong had always been convincing. But he used to approach them with a smile, half-joking and half-serious, occasionally teasing them with subtle humor—a stark contrast to his current demeanor.

Jian Fu truly felt that Li Rong had multiple personas he could switch between at will. For example, the Li Rong before and after his senior year of high school were entirely different people.

Li Rong removed his glasses with a sigh. “Forget it. This face is so youthful that pretending to be mature is pointless. I’ll have to rely on charm instead.”

Cen Xiao took the glasses from Li Rong’s hands, toying with them thoughtfully. “Who are you planning to charm?”

He probably already had a guess, but his focus was more on Li Rong’s new look.

With the glasses, Li Rong bore a striking resemblance to his previous-life self. And it was undeniably attractive.

Though, he couldn’t deny that Li Rong’s previous-life demeanor had occasionally made him lose control.

That proud, aloof cat who always looked at people with a raised chin didn’t need to do anything to provoke a desire to play with it—just to see its claws unsheathed, to glimpse the emotions hidden in its eyes, or to catch it off guard, exposing its soft underbelly.

“Of course, the gullible folks in the High Tower Group. Let’s not dwell on that now. Jian Fu, what have you found?” Li Rong casually draped an arm over Cen Xiao’s shoulder, leaning lazily against him.

Jian Fu cleared his throat. “I went through every paper where Zhu Yan was the primary author and cross-referenced Zhang Zhaohe’s age, but I couldn’t find the name Zhang Zhaohe anywhere. So, I had to pull up all the secondary authors, narrowing them down one by one. There’s someone named Zhang Xihai who seems to fit. However, since the internet wasn’t well-developed back then and the school newspaper was destroyed in an accident, it’s hard to confirm whether Zhang Xihai and Zhang Zhaohe are the same person. Based on the available evidence, I think they are—he must have changed his name. Plus, he’s been deliberately keeping a low profile to avoid Zhu Yan recognizing him. Even after all these years, he’s just a lecturer.”

Li Rong murmured, “Regardless of whether he’s Zhang Xihai, his intentions toward Zhu Yan are definitely not good. Zhu Yan has clearly been gradually sidelined, and now it seems even Jiang Weide is following Zhang Zhaohe’s lead. I’m just curious—his academic achievements are nowhere near those of Hongsuo’s members. Even if his rhetoric is exceptional, how could he sway half the scientists to join the High Tower Group? How did Zhu Yan lose so completely?”

Jian Fu shrugged. “That I don’t know. This is all I’ve managed to uncover.”

Cen Xiao asked, “Will you stay for lunch?”

Jian Fu immediately shook his head, looking quite smug. “No, today a little celebrity is filming an ad. I’m going to watch—a proper commercial with a storyline, too.”

Li Rong nonchalantly added, “By the way, remember to tell Lin Zhen that I plan to join the High Tower Group. So, for a while, Cen Xiao and I will need to act estranged. If you see me, make sure you play along.”

“Huh?” Jian Fu gaped.

Li Rong frowned. “What are you surprised about? Don’t worry, you’ll do just fine.”

In the previous life, Jian Fu had been the ultimate ‘You’re blind if you can’t see how amazing my brother is’ enthusiast.

Jian Fu began pacing anxiously. “Aren’t you going to think this through more carefully? Will my brother even agree?”

Cen Xiao glanced at Jian Fu and said solemnly, “This is a serious matter. Do you think I’m that unreasonable?”

Jian Fu: “…”

Flustered, Jian Fu muttered, “If you and my brother are going to act estranged, obviously I’d take my brother’s side. But the little celebrity will definitely follow you. So, what am I supposed to do?”

Li Rong paused for a moment, clearly not having considered this complication. 

After a few seconds, he said matter-of-factly, “What’s there to worry about? Based on how Lin Zhen’s team guards him, neither paparazzi nor Zhang Zhaohe’s people can snap any photos of him. Just carry on as usual.”

Jian Fu puffed up with exaggerated indignation. “I wasn’t planning anything!”

Cen Xiao, however, turned to Li Rong and asked in a low voice, “Are you moving out?”

Li Rong thought for a moment, then shook his head slowly. “Not yet. If I abruptly cut ties with my previous allies, it would only make Zhang Zhaohe more suspicious.”

Cen Xiao’s voice grew heavier. “No matter what you do, Zhang Zhaohe may never fully trust you.”

Li Rong sneered lightly. “I’m not expecting him to fully trust me. I just need the other members of the High Tower Group to believe me.”

He still didn’t fully understand how Zhang Zhaohe had gained such trust. Once he figured it out, the battle for control would begin.

Since Zhang Zhaohe had managed to surpass Jiang Weide, it was clear this group didn’t prioritize academic excellence above all else.

Not long after this conversation, they were forced to begin their ‘performance.’

There was no time for careful planning or rehearsals; from the moment Zhang Zhaohe initiated a private conversation with Li Rong, every reaction of his had to align with the ruthless, cunning, and sharp persona Zhang Zhaohe believed him to be.

When Li Rong returned to A University, he was dragging a large suitcase behind him. The suitcase was heavy, so he asked the dorm manager for help moving it into his dorm room.

This scene alone was enough to make it known to his classmates that he’d moved back into the dorms.

Li Rong had become an unspoken celebrity at A University. Ever since the grievances of the Li and Gu families were redressed, everyone learned that Li Rong was the son of Li Qingli and Gu Nong.

Suddenly, his aloofness, isolation, and excellence all became understandable. He gained not only widespread sympathy but also a group of admirers.

However, due to the distant and difficult-to-approach impression he usually gave off, no one dared to bother him for now.

But the news of him hauling his suitcase back to the dorms quickly spread through the university’s student groups.

When Song He saw Li Rong entering with the suitcase, he almost dropped his bowl of instant noodles in shock. “Y-you… you’re moving back in?”

Li Rong replied calmly, “Not permanently. Maybe later.”

Song He swallowed his mouthful of noodles with difficulty and mumbled, “Oh.”

He didn’t know what else to say. They weren’t close, and after finding out about Li Rong’s background, he felt even more awkward.

As a family member of someone suffering from bacterial progeria syndrome, Song He had once blamed Li Qingli.

After all, Li Qingli had given them hope, only to take it away.

But now that he knew Li Qingli and Gu Nong had been framed, that Luyinxu might have actually been effective, and that this was all a conspiracy by Suhe Biotechnology, he understood that the Li family had been the real victims.

He also realized why Jiang Weide had been protecting Li Rong.

Anyone who had gone through what he had and managed to survive deserved protection.

Still, he didn’t dare ask Li Rong where he’d been living before or why he was now returning to the dorms.

All he could think was that Li Rong’s expression seemed colder than usual—so cold it was impossible to strike up a conversation.

Li Rong dropped off his luggage and left without a backward glance, leaving Song He clutching his bowl of noodles, full of mixed emotions.

Li Rong went straight to Zhang Zhaohe’s office. Upon entering, he sat down on the small, neatly arranged sofa without any pleasantries and got straight to the point: “Yesterday, I reviewed the membership additions for District 1 and 3 from two years ago.”

His face was expressionless, and his gaze was calm as he leaned back on the sofa, staring at the empty desk in front of him.

Zhang Zhaohe wasn’t surprised. He stood, walked to the water dispenser, and poured a cup of warm water for Li Rong.

“It’s good to see you facing reality so quickly. Honestly, there’s nothing surprising about it. Blue Pivot is an organization built on mutual interests. Its very foundation is to make money. The trust you placed in them? It wasn’t worth it.”

Li Rong didn’t take the paper cup from Zhang Zhaohe, but hearing his words, a faint smile curled his lips. However, his eyes held no trace of amusement. “Nothing is wasted. Right now, Blue Pivot’s District 1 and 3 are my tools.”

Zhang Zhaohe narrowed his eyes slightly and withdrew the cup. “Li Rong, you should realize that they’ve already served their purpose. From now on, they’re your enemies. Can you truly drink and laugh with those who thrived on your parents’ suffering?”

Li Rong looked up and scoffed. “Do you underestimate me? Do you think I can’t toast and laugh with my enemies?”

Zhang Zhaohe was momentarily stunned, pausing for a few seconds before helplessly shaking his head. “You’ve endured hardships these past two years. Now that Suhe Biotech is facing retribution and you have the High Tower Group backing you, I imagine your parents wouldn’t want you to suffer anymore.”

Hearing his parents mentioned, Li Rong’s brows furrowed in displeasure. He lowered his gaze, staying silent for a moment before coldly replying, “I have my plans.”

Zhang Zhaohe pressed further, “Are you planning to use District 1 to find out who destroyed the Luyinxu formula?”

Li Rong didn’t deny it.

Zhang Zhaohe sighed. “Even if you find out, what can you do? Luyinxu is gone. Right now, your priority should be to connect with those who supported your parents. They’re confused about why you’re so close to Blue Pivot, and I’ve had to reassure them that it’s purely a tactical alliance.”

Li Rong sneered. “Supporters of my parents? Where were they when it mattered? Why didn’t they speak up back then?”

Twenty thousand people—it would’ve been a resounding force. If they had come forward to speak the truth from the beginning, perhaps things wouldn’t have reached the point of no return.

Zhang Zhaohe said calmly, “What happened back then was complicated. Everyone was caught off guard and didn’t know what to do. Judging them now with hindsight is hardly fair.”

After a pause, he added, “I know you resent me for not speaking up for your parents, but trust me, everything I’ve done has been in line with your father’s wishes. One day, you’ll understand.”

Li Rong’s expression shifted subtly, his eyelids twitching slightly. He turned his face away, closing his eyes briefly before saying, “I want to meet these people and hear their explanations in person.”

Zhang Zhaohe smiled faintly. “Alright.”

The fact that Li Rong was willing to meet them was a sign of progress, an indication of his growing acceptance.

Li Rong stood up, leaving wrinkles on the pristine sofa that Zhang Zhaohe cherished so much. “I’m leaving now.”

Without waiting for a response, he walked toward the door.

Watching him leave, Zhang Zhaohe suddenly said, “I heard you were seen carrying a suitcase back to the dormitory today.”

Li Rong’s steps paused. “You know about that?”

Zhang Zhaohe replied warmly, “It was mentioned in the class group chat. I saw it by chance.”

Li Rong countered, “Are you suddenly interested in my comings and goings?”

Unbothered by the sharp tone, Zhang Zhaohe remained patient. “For someone you’re destined to break ties with, there’s no need to cut too cleanly. But ultimately, it depends on your strategy.”

Li Rong said nothing further and left directly.

Stepping out of the office, he realized his palms were damp with sweat.

Conversations with Zhang Zhaohe were always mentally taxing. Even a few exchanges felt exhausting. Li Rong couldn’t be sure whether Zhang Zhaohe bought into his performance, but it didn’t matter. His objective was achieved.

His next step was to bypass Zhang Zhaohe and connect with other members of the High Tower Group, gradually turning them to his side. Once they were his allies, Zhang Zhaohe’s trust—or lack thereof—would become irrelevant.

For now, however, the act must continue.

Conveniently, the first class that afternoon was P.E.

At 2:00 p.m., under the blazing sun, the plastic running track radiated heat, leaving the entire class sluggish and lethargic. Despite their complaints, the P.E. teacher insisted on a warm-up: three laps around the track.

Groans filled the air as students reluctantly shuffled onto the track, dragging their feet.

Li Rong, as always, stayed apart from the group. He ran silently, his expression tense. The other students dared not approach him.

After three laps, even someone as well-trained as Li Rong felt the strain. 

His face flushed, and he panted heavily, sweat trickling down to dampen his hair and sticking stray strands to his temples. The disheveled look gave him an air of rugged beauty.

The P.E. teacher gave the class a five-minute break. Li Rong opened his water bottle, tilting his head back to drink. His lashes fluttered, and his Adam’s apple bobbed with each gulp.

Before he could finish, someone suddenly grabbed his wrist, yanking him hard.

Water splashed from the bottle, drenching his shirt. The thin fabric clung to his skin, dripping steadily.

Cen Xiao stared at Li Rong’s disheveled appearance, his voice low and forceful. “What are you trying to pull today?”

Li Rong struggled but couldn’t break free. Cen Xiao’s grip tightened, reddening his wrist. Weakened from the run, Li Rong couldn’t fight back. He shot Cen Xiao a cold look and said flatly, “Nothing. I have class.”

His lips, reddened from the water, parted slightly as his icy tone sent chills down those nearby.

Cen Xiao gritted his teeth, his knuckles turning white as his grip hardened, causing Li Rong to wince slightly in pain.

“I said, I have class.” Li Rong repeated, his voice frosty.

Around them, classmates paused their chatter, all eyes turning toward the confrontation.

“Who’s that?” someone whispered.

“Cen Xiao, from the business school. His dad’s the head of Blue Pivot District 3, and he’s in District 9 himself. Definitely not someone you mess with.”

“Ah….Blue Pivot? I thought Li Rong’s parents were with Hongsuo?”

“But isn’t his parents… does he still have ties to Hongsuo after everything?”

“Not sure. I don’t really know either of them.”

“They’re definitely at odds. Li Rong looks ready to snap.”

“Why’s Cen Xiao picking on Li Rong? Hasn’t the guy been through enough? I feel bad for him.”

…..

The murmurs continued, but Cen Xiao was oblivious. Without sparing the teacher a glance, he dragged Li Rong toward the edge of the field, ignoring the growing stares.

Li Rong naturally struggled, but with so many people watching, he didn’t want to make it too obvious. In the end, he had no choice but to be dragged away by Cen Xiao.

Cen Xiao, embodying the demeanor of a carefree playboy, kicked open the iron gate of the sports field with one swift motion. Watching this, Li Rong turned his head away, his lips pressed so tightly together that they turned pale.

Only when they reached a place where no one could see or hear them did Cen Xiao glance at Li Rong’s damp T-shirt and softly ask, “The water wasn’t too hot, was it?”

Feeling the grip on his wrist loosen, and dry, warm fingers gently massaging his wrist bone, Li Rong chuckled faintly. “Didn’t you test the water yourself when you fetched it for me?”

Cen Xiao resisted the urge to drape his jacket over Li Rong and instead watched as he shivered slightly in the breeze. “Do you think your classmates will pass the news to Zhang Zhaohe?”

Li Rong lowered his head and lifted the hem of his T-shirt, wringing it out forcefully, inadvertently revealing a sliver of his toned waistline.

He replied nonchalantly, “Not just them. Everyone who’s been monitoring my every move—including the people from Hongsuo Research Institute.”