Descendants of the False Gods

Chapter 031: Life in the Imperial Capital (9)

When Bai Zhi returned to the dormitory, Lin Qian was still asleep. She didn’t know what time the girl had come back the previous night.

Zhao Yuan and Qian Fei weren’t around either, so Bai Zhi took her time getting ready and headed to the classroom.

She ran into Ye Sang on the way and exchanged a few words with him. After they arrived at the classroom, Bai Zhi went to her seat and settled in.

Class hadn’t started yet. The group of girls in the front row were chatting about something—something to do with their families. Occasionally, phrases like “Uncle Chen,” “Imperial Capital’s Li family,” and “Second Young Master of the Ji family” drifted over.

Bai Zhi glanced at them but paid no attention.

There were quite a few students in the class whose families had ties to the political and military circles. Those who didn’t have backgrounds like that usually stuck to their own small groups. It was only natural.

She turned around and saw that Ye Sang was quietly reading a book. The warm sunlight filtered through the window and onto his side profile. His dark hair gleamed softly under the light, and his slender fingers turned the pages with a calm elegance.

Bai Zhi rested her chin in her hand and tilted her head slightly, studying him.

She wasn’t intentionally staring; it was more like a casual gaze. Yet Ye Sang happened to look up just then and met her eyes.

Their eyes locked for a second.

Then Bai Zhi blinked, sat up straight, and looked away.

Ye Sang smiled slightly and looked down again at his book, pretending nothing had happened.

After class, the instructor in charge came in with a sheet of paper.

“We’ve received notice that the school will be selecting a representative to attend a winter academic exchange camp. There are only a few spots open, and the requirements are pretty strict.”

He looked around the room and continued, “Those who are interested can submit an application form by Friday. We’ll select candidates based on academic performance and comprehensive evaluation.”

As soon as he finished speaking, a quiet buzz spread through the room.

This kind of exchange camp was always a rare opportunity. If one did well, it could earn recommendation letters or even awards. It was definitely worth striving for.

Someone turned around and asked Bai Zhi, “Bai Zhi, you’ll definitely apply, right?”

Bai Zhi paused, then nodded. “Yeah.”

Her grades were stable, and her performance had always been solid. It would be strange if she didn’t apply.

The person who asked her looked relieved. “Great. Then I won’t feel so bad losing to someone like you.”

Bai Zhi laughed. “You might not lose.”

After class ended, Bai Zhi returned to the dorm. Lin Qian was gone. Zhao Yuan and Qian Fei were back and talking about the exchange camp.

“Qian Fei, you’ve got great grades. You should go for it,” Zhao Yuan said.

Qian Fei hesitated. “But I heard only two students per class will be selected. That’s tight.”

Zhao Yuan leaned on the table. “Let’s both apply. If neither of us gets in, we can at least sulk together.”

Bai Zhi entered just as she finished speaking. Qian Fei immediately asked, “Bai Zhi, you’re applying too?”

“Mm,” Bai Zhi replied. “It’s a good opportunity.”

Zhao Yuan sighed. “This school is brutal. Too many top students.”

While they chatted, Lin Qian came back. She looked a bit tired, but still smiled and asked, “What are you all talking about?”

“The exchange camp,” Qian Fei answered. “Are you applying?”

Lin Qian didn’t answer right away. After a moment, she said, “Probably not. I’ve got other things going on lately.”

She looked calm, but Bai Zhi noticed that her smile didn’t reach her eyes.