Young Devious Wife of Mr. Qin

Stepping out of the principal's office, Lin Yuxi exhaled softly. The formalities were complete, and now the real game was beginning. Without wasting time, she made her way to her first class—Business Management.

Her chosen major was Computer Science, but she had strategically paired it with Business Studies for her first year. If she wanted to gain more information, it was better to stay close to those who had it.

As she entered the classroom, all eyes turned toward her. The whispers had already begun.

Lin Yuxi ignored the murmurs, keeping her face composed. The professor, a middle-aged man with an air of strict professionalism, glanced up from his attendance sheet and adjusted his glasses.

"Ah, our new student," he said, clearing his throat. "Class, this is Lin Yuxi, a first-year student who has joined us through special admission. I expect you all to be cooperative as she adjusts to the curriculum."

A few students exchanged glances. Cooperative? That wasn't a word often used in Royal Crest.

"You may take your seat," the professor continued, scanning the room. "Ah, it seems the only available seat is at the back, beside—"

Before he could finish, a sharp gasp spread through the room.

Lin Yuxi followed his gaze and found the only empty seat—at the very last row, beside a boy who was completely asleep.

His head rested on his folded arms, obscuring most of his face. But what caught Lin Yuxi's attention was his hair—a striking mix of black and silver.

Unbothered, she walked to the seat and quietly sat down.

The moment she settled, the entire classroom fell into pin-drop silence.

Lin Yuxi raised an eyebrow. Why did everyone suddenly go quiet?

Her sharp eyes scanned the room. The students were staring at her with varying expressions—some in shock, others in anticipation, and a few as if they were holding their breath.

Before she could dwell on it, the professor resumed his lecture, breaking the tension.

Lin Yuxi shook off the strange reaction and focused on the lesson.

Meanwhile, the boy beside her didn't stir once.

By the time class ended, it was already lunch break.

Lin Yuxi stood up to leave when she spotted Su Ruoyan waiting for her outside the lecture hall.

The moment Ruoyan saw her, she beamed. "Finally! Come, let's get lunch together!" She grabbed Lin Yuxi's hand enthusiastically and led her toward the cafeteria.

As they walked, Ruoyan started chatting, filling her in on important figures within Royal Crest.

"There are some people you really shouldn't cross here," Ruoyan said in a low voice. "Royal Crest isn't just a university—it's a battleground for the rich and powerful. A lot of these students come from dangerous families. Some of them control entire industries, others… well, let's just say they have connections in places you don't want to be involved with."

Lin Yuxi nodded slightly, her expression one of curiosity.

'Who could know this better than me' 

"But don't worry," Ruoyan added with a wink. "I'll look after you. Think of me as your big sister."

Lin Yuxi smiled brightly, her large brown eyes shining with gratitude. "You're so kind! I was a little nervous about fitting in, but it's a relief to have you here."

Ruoyan patted her hand reassuringly. "Of course! You're adorable. I can't let anyone bully you."

Lin Yuxi lowered her gaze, feigning a hesitant tone. "But… you said some families are dangerous. Do you mean there are students here who are… involved in things like that?"

Ruoyan hesitated, then sighed. "You really are new to this part of the world, huh?"

Lin Yuxi nodded innocently.

Ruoyan leaned in slightly. "Okay, listen carefully. There are five families that basically control Royal Crest. Cross any of them, and you won't have a peaceful life here. Even the professors don't interfere with them."

Lin Yuxi tilted her head, as if absorbing every word with naive curiosity. "That sounds… intense."

Ruoyan smiled, as if enjoying the role of mentor. "It is. But just stick with me, and you'll be fine."

As they entered the luxurious campus café, Lin Yuxi immediately noticed how extravagant it was.

The café had crystal chandeliers, private booths, and even a barista station serving gourmet coffee. Only in Royal Crest would a "student cafeteria" resemble a five-star restaurant.

The two of them found a table near the glass windows. Ruoyan was still talking about her family's real estate business when Lin Yuxi suddenly felt a gaze on her.

Her instincts sharpened.

She discreetly looked around, her eyes scanning the room—until they landed on him.

A few tables away sat the same boy with dark silver hair, casually leaning back in his chair. His posture was relaxed yet noble, as if nothing in the world could bother him.

And for a fraction of a second—just a fraction—his metallic silver eyes met hers.

Then he looked away, as if she wasn't worth his attention.

Lin Yuxi narrowed her eyes slightly.

Ruoyan followed her gaze, and the moment she saw the silver-haired boy, she tensed. She immediately turned back to Lin Yuxi, her expression serious.

"You see that table?" Ruoyan whispered. "The guy with silver eyes—that's Qin Lei."

Lin Yuxi remained quiet, listening.

"He's twenty years old and… let's just say he's not to be crossed. Last year, something major happened, and because of that, he's repeating his first year. But no one knows exactly what went down."

Ruoyan glanced back cautiously before continuing, "The two guys with him—Jiang Cheng and Lu Bei—they're just as mysterious. They rarely talk to anyone, but when they do, it's usually bad news."

Her voice lowered even further. "My advice? Stay away from them."

Lin Yuxi's lips curled slightly.

Stay away?

She never stayed away from anything interesting.

But she appreciated Ruoyan's warning. The last thing she needed was to draw unnecessary attention from people who could jeopardize her plan. For now, it was best to remain unnoticed, just another quiet student blending into the background.

At least, until it was time to strike.

Meanwhile, at the table across the café, Qin Lei sat silently, stirring his coffee absentmindedly while his two companions chatted.

"Did you hear?" Jiang Cheng smirked, nudging Lu Bei. "That new girl, Lin Yuxi, is quite the sensation."

Lu Bei chuckled. "She's cute. Like a little doll my sister has."

Jiang Cheng raised an eyebrow. "You mean the one with the pink ribbons?"

Lu Bei scowled. "No! The limited edition one from Italy!"

Jiang Cheng snorted. "Right, right. Because that's so much better."

Before Lu Bei could retort, he suddenly nudged Jiang Cheng. "Hey, look. Su Ruoyan just looked over here."

Jiang Cheng's lips curved into a mischievous grin. "She always does that."

Lu Bei tilted his head. "She looks at us like we're some bad people."

Jiang Cheng leaned back in his chair dramatically. "Aren't we?"

Lu Bei pretended to think. "I mean, I did take the last croissant from the café this morning. That has to count for something."

Jiang Cheng sighed. "Truly villainous behavior. I'm honored to be your associate."

Qin Lei, who had been staring out the window with a bored expression, finally moved.

For the first time in their conversation, he turned his head—just slightly—and glanced in Lin Yuxi's direction.

His silver eyes held no emotion, just the same unreadable blankness.

But for those who knew him well, there was something almost imperceptible in his gaze.

A flicker of recognition.

Then, as quickly as he looked, he turned away.

Jiang Cheng, noticing his subtle reaction, smirked. "Huh. Even you looked at her?"

Qin Lei took a slow sip of his coffee, his face utterly unreadable.

"...She's nothing special."

But no one noticed the slight squint in his eyes, as if trying to recall something long forgotten.