Supernatural Brokers Rampaging in the Human World - Chapter 168 - The Buzz
With Su Yang’s return and the resurgence of her legendary past, everyone at Laurel Academy had heard of this “number one genius.” So, when she went to class the next day, it was no surprise that people stared at her as she walked by. Fortunately, perhaps out of respect for her status or her abilities, they kept their distance and didn’t approach her.
Su Yang continued her studies in the ghost manipulation program. After skipping to the seventh year, her classmates were still the same ones from five years ago. They were all shocked to see her-after all, they thought she would have to start from the second year, given her five-year absence.
Soon enough, the news that Lin Zhaonuan had skipped five grades to catch up spread like wildfire on the forum.
“So, a genius is still a genius, beyond the imagination of us mere mortals.”
“I thought I could finally be Lin Zhaonuan’s senior, but in the blink of an eye, I’ve become her junior.”
“So, what level is Lin Zhaonuan’s supernatural ability now?”
“She was already Level 6 five years ago; she must be at least Level 8 or 9 by now, right?”
Hearing that Lin Zhaonuan had returned to Laurel Academy, many graduates were tempted to come back and see her. With Christmas in December, many planned to return and reconnect.
The planning for the Christmas party always fell on the student union, and Ilze was so busy she barely touched the ground, organizing the party and various activities. Meanwhile, Su Yang, with nothing to do, stood out like a sore thumb.
Vanessa, as Ilze’s vice chairperson, also had her hands full and could only occasionally log on to vent about Su Yang’s lack of empathy.
This time, not only were current students of Laurel Academy attending, but many distinguished alumni were returning. Everyone had speculated this might happen after hearing about Su Yang’s return, but no one expected so many to come-former student union chairperson of the Supernatural Ability School, Ferdinand Constantin, former chairperson of the Superbrain School student union, Zhao Chang’an, and their core members returned as outstanding graduates. Even Mu Baichuan sent an invitation to his alma mater.
These people weren’t just here for the party; in previous years, no one had thought of returning for the Christmas party. Now, dozens were coming in droves. Vanessa snorted as she looked at the list and then cheekily sent it to Su Yang.
“Take a look; this might be full of your old flames.”
Su Yang rolled her eyes when she saw the message. Her gaze paused on “Mu Baichuan,” surprised that the Mu Family hadn’t given up yet.
As for Zhao Chang’an and the others, they were probably just here for the fun. She had invited them to her wedding, and it hadn’t even been a month since they last met, so there was no need for a reunion.
Christmas soon arrived. The party that night was the grandest event, even more lively than the academy’s official celebrations, which were somewhat formal. The Christmas party, however, was pure fun and games.
The students didn’t know that Zhao Chang’an and the others were coming back to join the fun. Although there were rumors, nothing had been confirmed.
But on this day, many people saw them on campus. At first, they weren’t sure, but as more people spotted them, the forum buzzed with excitement.
“I must be seeing things, right? I think I saw the former chairperson of the Superbrain School, Zhao Chang’an, walking with Ferdinand from the Supernatural Ability School. Are they really together?”
The Zhao Chang’an and Ferdinand pairing had been a popular topic since a competition over five years ago. People speculated that their efforts to bridge the gap between the schools were just paving the way to announce their relationship. Of course, the onlookers never got their confirmation, even after graduation.
“OMG, as a fan of the double chairperson couple, I never thought I’d get more content after graduation. I’m dying happy! I’m just going to assume they’ve been together all these years!”
“You’re not alone! I thought our fandom graduated with them, but here we are with bonus content! This after-sales service is touching!”
“Can you all get a grip? It’s obvious they’re back for Lin Zhaonuan. Why not say they’re meeting as rivals?”
“You’re ruthless.”
“I refuse to believe it! Lin Zhaonuan is married! There’s no way they’re here to fight over her! It’s clearly a couple revisiting old haunts!”
“And what’s wrong with rivals turning into lovers?”
“Count me in for rivals-turned-lovers; it’s delicious! A real treat!”
These couple posts were just a small part of it. More were tallying posts, with everyone on the forum collecting sightings of “outstanding graduates” on campus.
“Report: Spotted senior Zheng Tao near the central auditorium!”
“Report: Spotted senior Harrison in the electronics classroom! Harrison even had a showdown with the current Hacker Club president!”
“3 PM, Music Building No. 3, Dance Room No. 10, spotted senior sister Gongye Miyoshi! She’s dancing! Absolutely stunning!”
“4 PM, Yuyin Bar! Seven Deadly Sins! All of them! Just ask if you’re jealous!”
Su Yang happily browsed the posts, counting the people who basically covered her entire social circle from five years ago.
Zhao Chang’an and the others were campus celebrities during their time, with plenty of fans. Those who liked the suave and beastly type were into Zhao Chang’an, the carefree ones liked Ferdinand, and others preferred the genius recluse like Harrison, or the violent and irritable like “Wrath” from the Seven Deadly Sins…
In short, this day was a celebration for the alternative star-chasers. Many had dressed up since the first “sighting” appeared, with some even traveling to other countries to buy clothes and rushing back.
As night fell, the Christmas dance at Laurel Academy began.
Outside the central auditorium stood a giant Christmas tree, adorned with gifts hung by students. This had become a tradition; everyone would buy and wrap gifts to hang on the tree. Those who came late and found no space could only place their gifts under the tree. Everyone could take a gift, and what you got or who took yours was all up to luck.
There were even couples who got together because of the gifts, so everyone looked forward to this part.
The number of gifts was based on the number of attendees, and receiving a gift required a number tag-one tag per gift. If the gifts on the tree weren’t enough, the student union would make up the difference. However, this had never happened since the founding of Laurel Academy.
Of course, it was possible to get a gift from someone you didn’t like, and this happened often.
Ilze and Vanessa, as the chairperson and vice chairperson of the student union, were naturally responsible for overseeing things, so Su Yang had to attend the dance alone. With no one by her side, she naturally attracted attention.
But just as the younger students were eager to invite her to dance, Ferdinand swooped in first, smoothly extending his hand and bowing: “May I have the honor of this dance, beautiful lady?”
Su Yang swirled her drink nonchalantly, smiling as she teased, “Aren’t you afraid Zhao Chang’an will get jealous if you ask me to dance?”
Ferdinand choked, rolling his eyes in exasperation. “Come on, you know we’re not really a thing.”
Su Yang grinned at him, then glanced at Zhao Chang’an, who was following her. “How can you say that? Look how closely Mr. Zhao is watching you, not leaving your side.”
“Ms. Lin, you jest,” Zhao Chang’an replied with his usual suave demeanor, “I’m actually here to ask you for a dance.”
Ferdinand cursed, frustrated. “I was here first, Zhao Chang’an. Can’t you respect the order of things?”
“But it seems Ms. Lin isn’t too keen on dancing with you,” Zhao Chang’an said with a smile, gesturing invitingly to Su Yang.
Ferdinand refused to back down, extending his hand in invitation as well.