Chapter 132: The Greatest Divide

When the meeting finally adjourned, a good number of the male students were on the verge of tears.

The fact that Dongfang Qingwan, the most beautiful girl in the class, would not be joining the autumn excursion was a massive disappointment. However, the knowledge that the "Goddess Su" would be attending helped balance things out for most of them.

Yet, in their eyes, Su Muqing was an unreachable figure, someone they could only dream of from afar. Dongfang Qingwan, on the other hand, was their age; while the odds were slim, there was at least a glimmer of hope if they put in the effort. Thus, many of the boys felt deeply let down.

Zhou Xiaoyu felt much the same. Although he had no particular designs on Dongfang Qingwan, the fact that Qin Xuan wouldn't be attending the trip made him feel as though much of the fun had evaporated.

"Qin Xuan, come with me for a moment."

As the meeting broke up, Su Muqing led Qin Xuan out of the room.

The rest of the class watched with intense envy, but Zhou Xiaoyu, acting in his new capacity as class monitor, quickly took control of the situation. "Everyone, quiet down, quiet down. Don't leave just yet. My election as class monitor wouldn't have been possible without your support. If you need anything in the future, feel free to come to me. How about I treat everyone to lunch today?"

Since someone was offering a free meal, there was no reason to refuse.

Both boys and girls alike followed Zhou Xiaoyu out of the classroom. Dongfang Qingwan followed as well; with everyone else going, she could hardly be the only one to stay behind. Besides, there were classes in the afternoon, and they could all return together after lunch.

As for Qin Xuan, Dongfang Qingwan knew he was off to meet Su Muqing’s brother.

"My brother is already waiting at the school gate. Let's go." Su Muqing led Qin Xuan toward the exit.

Qin Xuan checked the time; it was ten-thirty in the morning. Considering he had class at two, an early lunch sounded good. Besides, his meeting with Su Mubai was primarily for business; the meal was secondary.

"Qin Xuan, are you and Qingwan really unable to make it to the autumn excursion?" Su Muqing asked with a frown.

She could tell that Dongfang Qingwan actually wanted to go, but when Qin Xuan had asked how long the trip would last and learned it was two days, her expression had dimmed. Su Muqing couldn't fathom why. With Dongfang Qingwan absent, the spirit of the entire class seemed to have deflated.

"Yes, I’m very sorry, we won't be able to make it." Qin Xuan felt a bit awkward.

"If you have your reasons, then I won't press you," Su Muqing said with a bright smile. "But I can see that Qingwan really wants to go. Why not try to make it work? If you change your mind, let me know. The trip is set for next Saturday."

"Understood, thank you."

Qin Xuan nodded. At the same time, recalling the dejected look in Dongfang Qingwan’s eyes, he felt his resolve waver. Was it really possible to try? He quickly shook his head; safety was the priority right now, and he must not be impulsive.

Soon, Qin Xuan and Su Muqing reached the school gate, where they spotted Su Mubai waiting. He was dressed quite casually, like any ordinary teacher, but his handsome face still drew the attention of many passing female students. If Su Mubai were at Jinling University, he would likely be a prominent figure on par with Li Shihao. Given how beautiful Su Muqing was, it was no surprise her twin brother was equally striking.

"Qin Xuan, you're here." Su Mubai smiled and extended his hand. Qin Xuan shook it naturally.

Su Muqing smiled from the side. "I’ll leave you two to talk; I have things to take care of."

Qin Xuan was a bit surprised. "Aren't you joining us for lunch, Ms. Su?"

"No, there’s a lot to do at the start of the semester," she said, waving as she walked away. Her elegant silhouette drew the lingering gazes of many male students on campus.

Qin Xuan followed Su Mubai to a restaurant outside the school and requested a private room for two. They were obviously going to discuss matters involving the Li family, so a public dining hall wouldn't do. Su Mubai had originally suggested a nicer place in the city center, but Qin Xuan mentioned his afternoon class, so they settled for convenience.

"Qin Xuan, I’ve been observing your school forum lately," Su Mubai said once they had ordered.

Qin Xuan was surprised. He couldn't imagine why Su Mubai would care about that. "Oh? Brother Su, you’re interested in our school forum?"

"Not the forum itself," Su Mubai said with a chuckle. "I’m interested in you and Xiao Qing."

"Uh... interested in me and Ms. Su?" Qin Xuan was bewildered.

"Don't you ever check the forum? There’s quite a buzz about you and Xiao Qing. Are you two having a secret romance?" Su Mubai looked at him with keen interest.

"That’s just their wild speculation," Qin Xuan groaned.

"Don't be so quick to deny it. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. Honestly, Qin Xuan," Su Mubai said, his tone turning serious, "from my professional perspective, she definitely has feelings for you. After all, you’ve saved her three times—no, four times..."

"Professional perspective?" Qin Xuan was left speechless.

"Indeed. Besides, I’m her brother; do you think I don't know what goes on in her head? Tell me, Qin Xuan, what do you think of Xiao Qing? It’s just the two of us here, so be honest. I won't repeat a word of this."

Su Mubai’s grinning expression made Qin Xuan uneasy. Could this guy actually be trying to set his own sister up with him? That seemed unlikely.

Qin Xuan cleared his throat and finally replied, "If I have to be honest, Ms. Su is, of course, beloved by everyone—the kind of beauty that stops traffic..."

"Haha, I see. So you like her too?" Su Mubai laughed heartily. "That makes sense. Xiao Qing’s qualities are truly impeccable. If she weren't my sister, I would have made a move myself."

"Pfft." Qin Xuan nearly spat out his tea.

"What are you laughing at? I’m serious," Su Mubai said with a casual grin. "Since you like her, things become much easier..."

*What? Like her?* Qin Xuan was stunned by the label being slapped onto him, and he felt like weeping.

"However, there is a major divide between the two of you that won't be easy to bridge." As he spoke, Su Mubai’s brow furrowed.

Although Qin Xuan didn't have any grand ideas about Su Muqing, he couldn't help but be curious. "A major divide? What is it?"

Qin Xuan wondered if it was their age gap; Su Muqing was four years older than him. It wasn't that she was old—she was only twenty-three—but Qin Xuan felt quite young by comparison.

"The biggest divide is..."

Just as Su Mubai was about to explain, the door to the private room opened. A waiter arrived with their food.

"Haha, let's talk about it later. Let’s eat first," Su Mubai said with a smile.

Qin Xuan felt a bit frustrated. He thought, *It’s not like this is top-secret information; why be so cautious about it leaking?*