Still Frame Chapter 37
byChapter 37: Distant Dreams of Pear Clouds (2)
Zhang Liuxin’s new life had settled into complete tranquility. The next time he found himself stuck at the library because of the rain, he stared at the continuous stream of raindrops and only then did he remember Wen Jin.
This, in fact, was supposed to be his original life. Without the club experience, he and Wen Jin would never have crossed paths. Perhaps they would have, if Wen Jin had married Zhang Qiannan.
He remained focused on his studies, working part-time during his free hours. He picked up Bernlin Language again. After one winter break, he even saved enough money to buy a new jigsaw puzzle set. This time, he was wiser and did not bring anything he cherished back home.
Zhang Jiming had closed several major deals and was riding a wave of success. He looked upon Zhang Liuxin with slightly more favor and transferred him a sum of money. Zhang Liuxin did not intend to touch it, deciding to pay it all back later.
Life proceeded smoothly and uneventfully until one day during the second semester, when Professor Li called him into the office.
“Liuxin,” Professor Li’s expression was troubled, and Zhang Liuxin had a faint bad feeling. “I called you here because I wanted to talk about the scholarship you applied for.”
“Yes, is something wrong?”
Huan City had a scholarship program aimed at university students. Zhang Liuxin’s grades were more than sufficient, so he had applied. At the time, Professor Li had looked at his application with a beaming smile, patting his shoulder and saying he was excellent.
“It’s just that…” The other professors in the office looked over, their gazes making Zhang Liuxin slightly uncomfortable.
“The original intention of this scholarship is to help university students who are facing difficulties. It should go to those who need it, right? But now, as I understand it, isn’t your father Mr. Zhang Jiming of Caliber? Logically speaking, you shouldn’t be short on funds.”
Zhang Liuxin was stunned. His file had always contained information about his father and stepmother. Professor Li should have seen it long ago.
“I checked the scholarship application requirements, and financial hardship isn’t listed as a condition,” Zhang Liuxin said. “I meet all the requirements for this scholarship I applied for. You looked over the materials when I submitted them.”
Professor Li looked embarrassed. “That was the case then, but Liuxin, you have to consider the college as well. If we approve you, and the public list is posted, how are the professors supposed to explain it to people when they ask?”
Zhang Liuxin was utterly confused, not understanding what he needed to explain to anyone. He frowned. “Professor, please be direct. What are the college’s concerns?”
Professor Li glanced around, about to say something, when the professor at the next desk—the one who had taught Zhang Liuxin in a previous class—stood up. “Professor Li, the consultation room next door is empty. Why don’t we talk there?”
“That works. Let’s go over there.”
The professor gave Zhang Liuxin a reassuring look, which slightly eased the unease in Zhang Liuxin’s heart.
“Liuxin, since there’s no one else here, I’ll be frank,” Professor Li tapped open his phone and showed it to him. “I don’t know if you’ve seen this post on the campus forum. Although I’ve already contacted the administrator to delete it, the heat hasn’t died down.”
Zhang Liuxin usually didn’t pay attention to the campus forum. He looked at the screen, bewildered, and saw an anonymous post claiming that a student in the School of Journalism, who appeared to be an excellent student in both character and academics, was actually the illegitimate son of a prominent family in Huan City.
The gossip about the wealthy family secrets greatly interested the students. Everyone liked and commented, guessing who it was. The comment with the highest engagement mentioned his name.
“Who posted this?” Zhang Liuxin frowned and pulled out his own phone, only to find that many people had sent him messages, some questioning, others expressing concern. Even Jiang You had called.
“The poster has already deleted the post,” Professor Li said earnestly. “This is technically a private family matter, and neither I as a professor nor the students should interfere. But since it’s stirred up at this critical juncture, it makes things very difficult for us, doesn’t it?”
“Professor Li, first, I need to clarify one thing: I am not an illegitimate son,” Zhang Liuxin said, his tone serious and calm. “This is indeed our private family matter. I don’t know what the student who exposed this was thinking, but deliberately naming me and guiding public opinion has already affected me.”
Zhang Liuxin rarely displayed such a firm attitude. He continued, “How the scholarship is evaluated is the college’s business, but I think it’s quite tragic if the School of Journalism doesn’t even adhere to the principle of seeking truth from facts.”
Professor Li furrowed his brow and raised a hand to dismiss him. “What does that have to do with the college? Zhang Liuxin, don’t talk nonsense. Forget it, forget it. Since the post has been deleted, you should just go back for now.”
Zhang Liuxin had no desire to argue further and turned to leave. As he walked downstairs, he ran into two people he had met once before: Zhang Sen and Peng Weiqin. The sudden encounter created a strange, indescribable atmosphere.
Peng Weiqin nodded slightly at him, while Zhang Sen looked at him with a subtle hint of contempt. Zhang Sen seemed about to say something, but Peng Weiqin quickly pulled his arm and hurried him away.
Zhang Liuxin answered the call from Jiang You. “Hello.”
“Liuxin, did you, did you see that thing on the campus forum…”
“I saw it,” Zhang Liuxin said calmly. “Don’t worry, I’m fine.”
“That’s good,” Jiang You sighed in relief. “Why don’t you ask your professor? Who posted that? It’s so low-class. The campus forum is linked to student IDs. If the professor asks the administrator to check, they can definitely find out.”
Zhang Liuxin said helplessly, “It’s no use. I just came out of the college building.”
“Ah,” Jiang You said indignantly. “How can they be like that? Can you guess who posted it? Did you make an enemy of anyone since starting university?”
“Could it be your younger brother? Didn’t you say he’s always hated you?”
“No, Zhang Qiannan wouldn’t do something this stupid. There are many friends from their circle in this school. If this blows up, it damages Zhang Jiming’s reputation. Zhang Qiannan wouldn’t do that.”
Jiang You hadn’t expected him to be so certain and was momentarily speechless, unsure how to comfort him. “It’s a good thing I saw that the post was deleted. With so much information online these days, everyone will probably forget quickly. Don’t take it to heart.”
“Mhm.”
Zhang Liuxin had heard these words since childhood, especially during middle school. He had thought that this kind of situation would stop once he reached university.
Perhaps someone had also leaked his photo, because on the way to the cafeteria, Zhang Liuxin felt many scrutinizing gazes and occasionally heard the phrase, “His eyes really are green.” It made him feel profoundly helpless.
He didn’t want to fall into the trap of having to prove himself, so he could only hope that the public would quickly forget the matter.
However, upon returning to his dorm, he realized that people wouldn’t forget this unverified rumor anytime soon.
Tian Ke and the other two roommates were huddled together whispering. When they saw him return, they cast him an inquisitive look. Zhang Liuxin calmly averted his eyes and sat down at his desk.
“Hey, Zhang Liuxin, is your dad really the CEO of Caliber? The media industry leader, is that really your family’s company?”
When one of the roommates spoke, Zhang Liuxin closed his eyes, thinking, Here it comes.
Just as he was about to say something, Tian Ke cut in, “Don’t say that. It’s not really Liuxin’s, after all…”
The three of them laughed together briefly. Zhang Liuxin ignored them and focused on eating his dinner.
His phone chimed. It was a message from Zhang Qiannan: “Zhang Liuxin, who did you piss off? Several people are asking me about this mess now. Luckily, it hasn’t reached Zhang Jiming yet.”
“I don’t know.”
“It was already a family scandal, and now the whole school probably knows you’re an illegitimate son. How does that feel?”
Zhang Qiannan might genuinely have a problem with his brain. Zhang Liuxin suddenly felt it made sense that he could be friends with Lü Zixia. He just wondered if Zhang Qiannan spoke to Wen Jin this way, too.
“It’s not the first time,” Zhang Liuxin had lost his appetite. He leaned back in his chair and replied lazily, “It was like this before, all thanks to you.”
Zhang Qiannan choked for a moment, then replied, “Blame your mother then. Why did she have to be Zhang Jiming’s mistress?”
“My mother wasn’t.”
After sending that sentence, Zhang Liuxin blocked him. They had argued over this issue countless times since childhood. He had learned to progress from refuting to ignoring, as arguing with Zhang Qiannan was the most pointless thing, given the environment Zhang Qiannan had grown up in.
Zhang Liuxin initially thought the storm would pass quickly, but the situation escalated. Rumors started spreading from unknown sources, claiming that he was not only an illegitimate son but also actively ostracizing the legitimate young master, and that he was rarely on campus because he was out doing who knows what shady business…
The scholarship naturally fell through. Zhang Liuxin reached his limit. He sought out Professor Li, but the professor only offered verbal comfort and couldn’t do anything practical.
The feeling of being watched and gossiped about was unpleasant. Zhang Liuxin’s university life was thrown into chaos. The atmosphere in the dorm was oppressive. He stayed in the study room until very late every day to minimize time spent with his roommates.
He was also considering renting an apartment outside, but rental prices in Huan City were high. At his current financial level, he would probably move in one day and starve the next.
Jiang You had been very worried about him during this time, often asking if he wanted to go out and try new restaurants or something. Zhang Liuxin felt that given his current situation, getting too close to Jiang You wouldn’t be good for her, so he said he would wait a while.
That day, as he left the study room, he encountered someone unexpected.
“Xingzhou?”
The person was wearing a baseball cap that obscured the upper half of his face. Zhang Liuxin thought he might have been mistaken.
During the winter break, Li Xingzhou had participated in a university student variety show and gained a bit of popularity online. He had been busy this semester, and Zhang Liuxin couldn’t remember the last time he had seen him.
“Liuxin,” Li Xingzhou straightened up. “I knew you were here late every night during this time.”
Li Xingzhou clearly had something to say. Zhang Liuxin was puzzled and asked, “Yes, is something the matter?”
“Let’s talk as we walk.” Li Xingzhou’s emotions were hidden in the darkness of the night. Whether it was Zhang Liuxin’s imagination or not, the other person’s voice sounded much steadier.
“Alright.”