The Sickly Beauty Gives Up Struggling [Rebirth] Chapter 193

Graduation season brought particularly sweltering weather. The phone displayed an outdoor temperature of 45°C, making even a short stint outside feel utterly exhausting.

A University scheduled its graduation ceremony for mid-June, and due to time and space constraints, the humanities and science/engineering ceremonies were held separately.

Li Rong, a biochemistry major, and Cen Xiao, a business management major, were assigned to different venues. Fortunately, the two venues were close to each other.

At the graduation ceremony, after speeches by school leaders, the president and vice president would perform the tassel-turning and confer diplomas, followed by outstanding graduates delivering speeches.

Li Rong, a research member at Hongsuo Research Institute, naturally earned his spot as an outstanding graduate. Similarly, Cen Xiao, as head of the Ghost Eye Group and the top student in the Business School, was also recognized as an outstanding graduate.

To keep things fair, the president attended the humanities ceremony, while the vice president presided over the science/engineering one.

“A University has endured a century of trials and growth, thriving step by step, precisely because of people like you—free-spirited and independent thinkers…”

The principal’s passionate speech concluded amidst enthusiastic applause. With a warm smile and a gentle tone, the female host said, “Thank you, Principal, for your earnest guidance to the students of A University. Now, let us welcome Cen Xiao, an outstanding graduate of the School of Economics and Management, to deliver a speech.”

Meanwhile, in the science and engineering venue not far away, the male host’s deep, magnetic voice resonated: “Next, please welcome Li Rong, project lead for GT201 at the Hongsuo Research Institute and an exceptional graduate of the Biochemistry Department, to the stage for his speech.”

The two venues mirrored each other, their voices cutting through the air, penetrating the venue roofs, and reverberating through the sweltering atmosphere.

“Wow, you can hear the other venue crystal clear. The mic volume is way too loud.”

“Typical. It’s like this every year. Who thought it was a good idea to build the two gyms so close? They even called it a design to ensure all leaders’ guidance could be heard.”

“Tch, looks like Cen Xiao from the ‘Ghost Eye’ group is taking the stage over there. What a coincidence—Li Rong is up here.”

“I heard they don’t get along.”

“Yep, they had a falling out before. Now they’re just keeping up appearances.”

“Well, this might turn into a bit of a competition. Graduation speeches are basically about hyping up the school and yourself anyway.”

…

Li Rong, wearing a graduation gown with bright yellow trim along the neckline, took the microphone from the host. Facing the sea of black-robed attendees in the venue, he gave a slight bow and smiled. “Thank you. I’m Li Rong.”

The applause was noticeably more enthusiastic than it had been for the vice principal.

It wasn’t his first time speaking in front of a large audience, so he was poised and natural, showing no sign of nerves.

Still, he remained modest: “As you all know, my time at A University wasn’t very long, and my expertise lies mainly in biochemistry. So, my remarks today may not be perfect. I hope you’ll bear with me.”

It wasn’t just “not very long.” Li Rong had spent the vast majority of his time at the Hongsuo Research Institute. Experiencing campus life? That was something from his previous life.

But even in that past life, his experience was vastly different from that of most ordinary students.

“Don’t worry about it!”

“Go for it! Aim to produce even greater research achievements than GT201!”

Li Rong took a deep breath and began to speak confidently: “We’re all students of the sciences, and while our paths may differ, they ultimately lead to the same destination. Though I have my own insights, there are many ways to reach success. A University students undoubtedly possess independent personalities, capable of taking responsibility for their lives and choices.”

He continued, “Someone helped me collect questions from the forums, so I’ll address one. First, I don’t recommend rushing into internships or work early. If you have the opportunity, try to join a lab for hands-on learning—it’s far more rewarding. I believe A University and some departments at the Hongsuo Research Institute have also opened up internship opportunities.”

As soon as his words ended, a calm and concise voice came from the other venue: “To address employment practically, using District Nine and District Three as examples, I personally dislike wasting time. I prefer young candidates with clear plans and substantial experience. I hope applicants bring a wealth of off-campus internship experience.”

“Pfft… The sound from next door is way too clear. My goodness.”

“One side says, ‘Don’t rush internships,’ and the other says, ‘Have abundant internship experience.’”

“Ha! You can tell they really don’t get along. They’re even clashing at the graduation ceremony.”

“This tension is practically dripping from the ceiling. The other side must be hearing this too!”

“Fight! Fight! Hongsuo Research Institute versus Ghost Eye Group—I’m here for the drama!”

“Help, is this enemies-to-lovers energy? The eternal feud between Hongsuo and Blue Pivot lives on!”

…

The venue descended into chaos—some were excited, others stifled laughter, many debated or watched the drama unfold. Each person’s chatter added to the buzz, threatening to blow the roof off the hall.

Li Rong: “…”

He hadn’t expected his and Cen Xiao’s speeches to conflict either.

Li Rong had no choice but to add, “I was specifically referring to STEM students who plan to pursue research careers. Others are encouraged to start internships early to better adapt to society.”

Soon after, Cen Xiao’s voice came through again: “I was referring to Districts Nine and Three. If you have substantial lab experience, head to Blue Pivot’s District Four. Chairman Hu would love it.”

“Hahaha, what even is this?”

“They’re both backpedaling so gracefully.”

“To be fair, neither of them is wrong. One caters to humanities, the other to STEM. The real issue is that their voices carry too well.”

“Spot on—they’re keeping up the ‘surface-level friends’ act perfectly.”

“A University truly lives up to its reputation. It managed to tame both the leader of the Ghost Eye Group and the High Tower Group. Our school is unbeatable!”

“I hereby declare this the Century Reconciliation.”

….

Li Rong found the back-and-forth unbearably awkward. Luckily, his speech was short. After quickly delivering his closing blessings, he took the diploma from the vice president and hurriedly stepped off the stage.

Almost as soon as Li Rong finished, Cen Xiao also wrapped up his speech.

Backstage, Li Rong immediately texted Cen Xiao:

 [Li Rong: What a coincidence. Honestly, if I’d known, I wouldn’t have answered that question.]

 [Cen Xiao: Thirsty after talking? Drink some water.]

 [Li Rong: I’m fine. You still busy?]

 [Cen Xiao: Gotta give Cen Qing some face and stick with the president until it’s over.]

 [Li Rong: Got it. I’ll head out to take photos with some professors.]

 [Cen Xiao: Kiss.]

 [Li Rong: Mua~]

After replying, Li Rong tucked his phone into his pocket, his smile fading as he composed himself.

An older professor teased, “Smiling so brightly—texting your girlfriend, huh?”

Li Rong didn’t explain much. “Something like that.”

The professor grinned. “Ah, young love. College is the best time for it.”

A University had several iconic landmarks where every graduate would take photos. Li Rong left early, hoping to avoid the crowds and finish quickly in the blistering heat.

The old campus history museum was just outside the venue. Its architecture retained a hundred-year-old style, with weathered brick walls bearing marks of time.

Standing on the steps outside the history museum, Li Rong politely made room for his biochemistry professors as they arranged their positions for the photo.

Since he was keeping an eye on the camera’s direction, Li Rong absentmindedly walked backward the entire time.

The bottom hem of his graduation gown was long and cumbersome, blocking his view of the steps beneath him. When he stepped back again, his right foot suddenly missed the edge of a step, and he nearly tumbled down.

“Hiss—”

A sharp intake of breath escaped him as Li Rong immediately crouched down, clutching his right ankle.

A piercing pain radiated from his ankle, and it visibly began to swell beneath the bone.

Li Rong gritted his teeth, breaking into a cold sweat.

With experience, he quickly tested the ankle despite the pain and confirmed it wasn’t a fracture—just a bad sprain. Still, walking was out of the question.

“Li Rong, are you okay? Did you twist your ankle?”

“Oh no, quick, someone get him to the campus clinic! It might be serious!”

“But the campus clinic is so far. Which professor parked nearby?”

“Sit down, don’t move around too much for now.”

Li Rong stood up, leaning against a pillar for support, his lips slightly pale. Balancing on his right leg while bending the left, he still reassured everyone, “It’s fine. I’ve had experience with this. Nothing’s broken—let’s just take the photo first.”

In truth, the pain was sharp enough that he wanted to go to the hospital for pain relief. He considered calling Cen Xiao to pick him up, but he remembered Cen Xiao mentioning earlier that he needed to accompany the president out of courtesy to Cen Qing.

It wasn’t that serious anyway. Just a sprained ankle—he had dealt with worse pain before.

“That won’t do! Don’t downplay this,” said a female teacher anxiously. She stared at Li Rong’s swollen ankle and quickly called her husband. “My husband’s in the venue—let me get him to take a look at you.”

Her husband happened to be the head of the campus clinic, attending the graduation ceremony with the president in the adjacent venue.

On the phone, the teacher succinctly explained the situation and added, “Li Rong can’t walk right now—bring a car if possible.”

The clinic head immediately excused himself. “President, a student sprained their ankle pretty badly outside the campus history museum. My wife asked me to check on them.”

The president asked, “One of Teacher Tang’s students?”

“Li Rong from Hongsuo,” the clinic head replied. “My car’s parked near the third building. I’ll drive over.”

Cen Xiao frowned and immediately stood up, briskly walking toward the exit. “I’ll go, too.”

The president grabbed him. “The council chairs will be arriving soon—what are you leaving for?”

Cen Xiao replied simply, “My car is nearby.”

The clinic head didn’t think much of it and urged him on, “Fine, come with me then. The campus clinic is pretty far.”

Cen Xiao didn’t need urging—he walked faster than the clinic head, nearly leaving him behind.

When Cen Xiao arrived at the campus history museum, Li Rong was sitting on the steps, his academic gown pulled up, and his pants rolled up to reveal a swollen, red ankle.

Under the scorching sun, Li Rong’s face was pale with pain, his brows furrowed as he squinted against the light. Seeing Cen Xiao, he looked surprised and grumbled, “Why are you here?”

Cen Xiao glanced at his visibly swollen ankle and sighed helplessly. Though irritated that Li Rong had let himself get hurt, he couldn’t say much after hearing his soft, petulant tone.

The clinic head took charge. “Alright, help me get him to the car. Cen Xiao’s car is nearby.”

Instead of helping him stand, Li Rong extended an arm toward Cen Xiao and blinked at him. “It hurts. Help me up.”

Cen Xiao took his hand and rubbed it lightly to soothe him, but instead of pulling him up, he slid an arm behind Li Rong’s back and lifted him into a bridal carry by supporting his knees.

The loose academic gown fluttered in the warm breeze. Startled, Li Rong quickly wrapped his arms around Cen Xiao’s neck. His sleeves slipped down, revealing his fair forearms. Turning his face away, he buried it against Cen Xiao’s shoulder to avoid being seen.

As he did, a necklace slipped out of his collar—a snowflake-shaped ring catching the sunlight and sparkling brightly. It bore a striking resemblance to the one on Cen Xiao’s hand.

The clinic head, with years of experience, was momentarily stunned by the scene. After all, it wasn’t every day that you saw the Team Leader of the Ghost Eye Group and the High Tower Group Leader acting so… affectionate.

Adjusting his glasses, the clinic head hesitated. Should he say that a sprained ankle shouldn’t require being carried like this? Or that piggybacking would be more practical than bridal style?

Cen Xiao glanced sideways at the embarrassed man clinging to him. “Still hiding? Now that Team Leader Li has injured himself, I’ll just have to pick you up personally from now on.”

Li Rong: “…”

Li Rong lifted his gaze slightly and caught sight of a few teachers gawking, mouths agape. Grumbling, he said, “You just wanted to make this public, didn’t you? I only sprained one foot, not both.”

Cen Xiao tightened his hold and said matter-of-factly, “That’s right. I want everyone to know that Team Leader Li is my wife, and no one else should even think about it.”

Though there were no graduates nearby, there were still other students lingering around the history museum.

Cen Xiao and Li Rong were both campus legends—so recognizable that even the first-year students knew them.

“Holy cr*p! Look at those two! Cen Xiao and Li Rong—still in their graduation gowns!”

“What are they even doing? Why is he carrying him like that? Is this some kind of performance art for graduation photos?”

“Are you stupid? Can’t you see Li Rong’s pants are rolled up? He’s clearly injured. The campus clinic director is right there, too.”

“Does getting injured require being carried like that? I broke my leg and still hopped to the clinic myself.”

“I thought they didn’t get along? Fake friends? Who spread that nonsense?”

“Exactly! And tell me—don’t Cen Xiao’s ring and the necklace Li Rong is wearing look eerily similar?”

“Guys, I just remembered an unsolved mystery…”

“…Not gonna lie—I thought of the same thing.”

“Haha, stop overthinking! Isn’t Cen Xiao’s fiancée supposed to be a jealous beauty?”

The next second, they watched Cen Xiao gently place Li Rong in the passenger seat of his car. Li Rong tilted his head to look up at him, and Cen Xiao bent down to kiss the corner of his lips.

The motion was natural—almost as if they had done it countless times before.

The car’s license plate caught everyone’s attention: R1117.

Staring blankly at the car as it drove off, one student muttered, “Guys… remember that messy rumor a while ago? I distinctly recall that Li Rong’s birthday is 11/17… Same as mine.”

Seconds later, comprehension struck like lightning. The students trembled with excitement.

“AAAAHHHH THEY KISSED! THEY ACTUALLY KISSED!”

“Holy sh— My world has collapsed. My biochemistry senior sister’s world has collapsed, too! WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME?!”

“I finally get why no one could successfully chase Li Rong or Cen Xiao.”

“Am I seeing things, or is Cen Xiao’s fiancée actually just Li Rong?!”

“Why didn’t I take a photo? I could’ve posted this on the forums!”

“You think the District Nine people would let you post it?”

“Hongsuo Research Institute and the Blue Pivot are supposed to be at odds, right? If this gets out, I don’t even dare imagine the chaos!”

“Maybe they weren’t at odds after all—just afraid that going public would collapse Hongsuo and Blue Pivot entirely.”

“And the license plate is a birthday? Did they have to be this showy?”

Li Rong leaned against the car window, watching the road behind them. Turning back to Cen Xiao, he teased, “So what now, Team Leader Cen? District Nine is going to explode.”

Cen Xiao raised an eyebrow and countered, “Let them. Hasn’t Team Leader Li realized yet? I’ve always been weak to your charms.”