"Your dean asked about me?" Shen Shi was taken aback.
"It's all because of that night. You made such a big scene, now everyone at the school knows. Luckily, it hasn't spread much beyond the campus or online." Ai Xin'Er didn't seem too concerned.
However, Shen Shi narrowed his eyes slightly.
That day, driven by impulses, he vented his emotions and what he did was actually full of loopholes.
Even if patched up, it would lead to even bigger gaps.
After all, these were a dozen luxury cars whose real origins couldn't be traced, and dozens of bodyguards with unknown backgrounds. Yet, coincidentally, the license plate information of the cars was recorded in the traffic system.
He even deliberately controlled the spread of this matter on the internet.
To put it bluntly, if someone capable and interested focused on it, finding the gaps was inevitable.
Simulated metamaterial can invade networks but hasn't reached the point of distorting memory cognition.
So...
Numerous nanometer-level detectors, imperceptible to the naked eye, spread out as the metamaterial transformed, combined with immense personal terminal computation, and soon, Shen Shi understood everything.
Indeed, he was being watched.
Which was entirely expected, considering he threatened bankruptcy for an entire family and created such a commotion, it was inevitable he'd be investigated.
However, it's not a big deal.
Things were indeed done roughly that day, but from start to finish, Shen Shi never thought about hiding his prowess or posing as a fool.
And now, having made plans and determined what he wanted to do, there was even less to worry about.
Currently, the official investigators couldn't fathom the reasons behind his actions, merely investigating, not daring to act, and couldn't keep constant tabs on him. In time, whatever they want to do won't be feasible.
"What's wrong?" Ai Xin'Er noticed Shen Shi suddenly dazing off and couldn't help but ask.
"It's nothing." Shen Shi didn't intend to burden her with worries, he simply asked with a smile, "Are you practicing piano tonight?"
"Why, feeling lonely?" Ai Xin'Er playfully returned Shen Shi's words.
"Yes, yes." Shen Shi answered unabashedly, extending his hand towards her, "Walk around with me, you know, hand in hand."
This made Ai Xin'Er somewhat bashful.
After a long while, she finally reached out her hand, blushing.
"Shopping is fine, but don't get me any expensive gifts. I haven't prepared what you wanted yet."
"Alright, you can pick for me, surely that's okay?" Shen Shi laughed.
"Sure, I won't even complain about your clothes' sense of style, leave it to me, and I guarantee you'll look brand new!"
"Who are you calling your elder sister? I've already said I'm older, want to see my ID?"
"It's just a tone of expression, why are you always fixated on this? Typical guy!"
"..."
Honestly, Shen Shi really enjoyed the process of interacting with Ai Xin'Er.
During his schooldays, his attention was only on her pretty face, her striking figure, her piano skills, and her academic performance—all these were enough to evoke a romantic stir in any teenage boy's heart.
But entering college, trying to run his own shop, and interacting with various people made him realize how rare such a girl truly was.
Capability, poise, personality, appeal...
Like a stream between mountain forests, lively and agile, clear and enchanting.
Encountering such a girl in his first love, Shen Shi always felt it was a kind of blessing.
...
Meanwhile, not far from where they had left after dinner, inside a black car with obscured windows, two individuals were observing them.
The person in the passenger seat picked up a walkie-talkie.
"Captain Cheng, the target has left, they're not driving, seems like they're taking a walk after dinner."
"Understood, continue watching, be careful not to be discovered."
"Understood." After turning off the walkie-talkie, he couldn't help but complain to his partner, "We've seen plenty of couples, but this pair really stands out. One practices piano ten hours a day, the other spends all day reading in hotels. When they're together, it's both warm and restrained. If all young people in our country were like these two, our country would surely be strong."
"That's their quality, not to mention, how many pretty girls can you find like her?" The partner remained motionless, eyes still closely monitoring Shen Shi slowly walking down the street. "Moreover, your judgment needs improvement. This guy is anything but simple."
"Well, simple wouldn't need us watching over him, right? Those ten luxury cars and the bodyguards, haven't found them yet."
"It's not just about that." The partner squinted, his tone seemed slightly amazed, "According to the files, eleven days ago he was just an ordinary college student, started a small shop—using loans—but look at him now, there's no hint of a nouveau riche about him."
"He's really something." The other person realized too.
They were actually seeing Shen Shi for the first time, given that Shen Shi spent most of his time reading in hotels.
But upon comparing to information and even past photos and videos, differences are evidently noticeable.
Especially when a little over ten days ago, this person exuded obvious flamboyance.
But now...
His gaze is steady, expression calm, posture composed, even while holding such a stunning beauty, his focus remains mostly unaffected.
To maintain steady gaze seems simple in words, but really isn't easy, even seasoned celebrities would have wandering eyes occasionally, more so in relaxed settings, yet this young man in his early twenties managed it.
Not to mention, just this presence alone isn't so simple to cultivate.
"Maybe he's inherently high-quality." The person in the passenger seat whispered finally.
"Possibly." The driver nodded.
But in that instant, both froze for a moment.
Because not far away, Shen Shi suddenly turned and glanced at them.
Smilingly, with a calm demeanor.
Yet in that moment, they felt as if they made direct eye contact with Shen Shi.
Shen Shi quickly turned back to continue lightheartedly jesting with Ai Xin'Er, as if nothing had occurred.
Leaving the pair staring at each other, questioning their judgment.
Actually, Shen Shi clearly noticed them, and that glance was intentional.
Overhearing their conversation was one point, for another, since he was already being watched, he didn't mind adding a bit more mystique before his plan initiated.
Of course, it shall be timely.
He had no ill feelings towards these people, and held some respect, as the stability enjoyed in the past as a regular person depended on their protection.
However... heroes, this term to him wasn't fondly nostalgic.
Shen Shi sighed inwardly, letting go of distracting thoughts, and wholeheartedly enjoyed the date.