C1 Tang Yanran Was Threatened!

The university library was a hub for young culture and art enthusiasts, with the notable exception of Hsiao Rann.

"Hello, how may I assist you?"

"Proceed to the third aisle and take a left. On the third shelf, you'll find the books you're looking for."

These were the phrases Hsiao Rann found himself repeating daily. His role was to guide his fellow students to the books they sought, making him, in essence, a tirelessly working librarian.

The senior year was the pinnacle of busyness in college life. Top scholars and those who had never before set foot in the library now flocked here, scouring for resources for their final theses.

After a full day's hustle, as dinner time approached and the library began to quiet down, Hsiao Rann finally got his chance to unwind.

Leaning his arm on the windowsill, bearing his weight, he exhaled deeply, squinting as he surveyed the library. A flicker of uncertainty crossed his gaze.

As a senior himself, the job hunt had been fruitless so far, stirring a sense of anxiety within him. Especially since, just days before, numerous companies had visited the campus to interview students. Despite sending out thirteen resumes, Hsiao Rann hadn't received a single affirmative response.

"Finding a job is just too hard!" he inwardly railed, his expression darkening.

But his mood softened as his eyes landed on the figure by the window across the library.

There sat an exceptionally beautiful girl.

Her slender legs hinted at her fine figure, even as she remained seated by a desk. Clad in simple attire, she shone like a beacon amidst the library's din.

A shaft of twilight sunlight bathed her, casting her in the ethereal glow of a goddess gracing the earth.

She was Tang Yanran, ranked the third most beautiful girl according to the Secret Book of Ten Campus Belles of Polytechnic University, a title bestowed by Northwest Polytechnic University.

"Tang Yanran, of unknown family background, prefers solitude and shies away from socializing. A voracious reader with striking looks," read her description in the long-standing Secret Book of Ten Campus Belles of the Polytechnic University.

In Hsiao Rann's view, Tang Yanran was anything but antisocial. When it came to turning down advances from strangers, she was in a league of her own.

Over his four years as a librarian, Hsiao Rann had witnessed scene after scene of Tang Yanran being hit on. Countless boys had tried every trick in the book to get her attention, but they all shared the same fate: rejection.

Not once had Hsiao Rann seen a stranger manage to exchange more than a few words with Tang Yanran.

Yet, it was Tang Yanran's elusive nature that only seemed to draw more people in. With graduation looming for the senior students at Northwest Polytechnic University, the number of hopefuls trying to strike up a conversation with her was on the rise. Just today, Hsiao Rann had observed over seven attempts to chat her up.

"She's really focused," Hsiao Rann mused, watching Tang Yanran for a long moment. She appeared oblivious to his gaze, her attention wholly absorbed by the book in her hands. Hsiao Rann couldn't help but shrug, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes.

Hsiao Rann harbored a quiet affection for Tang Yanran, a sentiment that had grown since the day she first entered the library and took a seat by the window. To his delight, she seemed to have grown fond of the library too, spending at least three days a week within its walls.

Despite his feelings, Hsiao Rann had never actively pursued her like the others. He was well aware of his own circumstances.

Tang Yanran's affluent background was an open secret, evident from her stylish attire and the smartphone she carried. In contrast, Hsiao Rann was just a librarian.

An orphan since childhood, Hsiao Rann had always been on his own. His luck, however, came in the form of a two-bedroom apartment in the city left by his unseen parents, providing him with a place to call home.

This very reason had led Hsiao Rann to enroll at the local Polytechnic University, sparing him the need to venture far from his roots in pursuit of an education.

For Hsiao Rann, life was more about survival than living. He had benefitted from compulsory education through his elementary and middle school years. But once he reached university, the weight of his responsibilities pressed heavily upon him.

Tuition, book fees, and various other expenses had drained Hsiao Rann's savings dry. It was only through securing a student loan that he was able to see his college education through to the end.

But now, as graduation loomed, Hsiao Rann could almost feel the looming hardship of the next two years—working and repaying his loan simultaneously.

Under such a heavy load, it was no wonder that chasing romance was the last thing on his mind.

The thought alone was enough to bring a wave of sadness over him, but he shook it off, knowing self-pity wouldn't help. With a wry smile and a hint of self-deprecation, he mused, "A beauty may be delightful, but she's not meant for me."

Turning his gaze from Tang Yanran, radiant in the sunlight, Hsiao Rann surveyed the library once more. He straightened up, ready to face the rest of his day.

He was well aware of the gulf between them: he, a commoner, and she, a lady of high birth. A relationship was out of the question unless fate had a miracle in store. "Miracles are scarce in this world," he thought.

With a final, lingering look at Tang Yanran, engrossed in her book, Hsiao Rann headed to the library's staff lounge.

Though dusk had settled, the day was far from over for the students of Northwest Polytechnic University.

Night belonged to the scholars, transforming the library into their sanctuary for evening study. Hsiao Rann's duty was to tidy up the space while they took their dinner breaks.

Entering the staff lounge, he grabbed a broom and mop and returned to the main hall, ready to start cleaning.

A pampered daughter of privilege and a boy from humble beginnings would, under normal circumstances, never cross paths.

But today was not a normal day.

As Hsiao Rann bent to sweep, a cacophony of footsteps echoed from the heavy wooden doors of the library, a jarring intrusion in the silence.

"Who lacks such manners?" Hsiao Rann thought, annoyance creasing his brow. He was about to rise and confront the source when the doors were abruptly kicked open.

Four or five burly men brushed past Hsiao Rann, who hastily dodged to the side. Without pausing, they headed straight for the depths of the library.

Such arrogance!

Hsiao Rann was seething with anger. He rose to confront them, but upon recognizing the group, a mix of shock and fear washed over his face, and he froze.

It was them!

These individuals were notorious at Northwest Polytechnic University. They had started the same year as Hsiao Rann and were known as the school's infamous bullies, preying on the vulnerable and engaging in all manner of wrongdoing.

Lyu Bin, the ringleader, was notorious for his misdeeds. Rumors abounded of his arrogance at the academy and the numerous female students he had harassed. Some had even been forced to drop out and flee the city.

What were they doing here?

Judging by their demeanor, Hsiao Rann was certain they weren't here to hit the books or prepare for their thesis.

Gripping the mop handle, Hsiao Rann moved to the window, eyes locked on the group. His heart skipped a beat as he realized their intended target: Tang Yanran, who sat diligently reading by the opposite window.

As expected, they marched straight to Tang Yanran's table and halted. Lyu Bin, leading the pack, narrowed his eyes and, with a sudden motion, slammed his fist onto the table with a resounding thud!

The sharp noise echoed through the silent library. Hsiao Rann, who had witnessed it all and braced himself, still shuddered at the sound.

The noise jolted Tang Yanran from her book.

She furrowed her brow and looked up to meet Lyu Bin's menacing glare, a flicker of fear crossing her face.

"Can I help you with something?" Tang Yanran asked, her voice steady but her anxiety peaking.

"You don't know why I'm here?" Lyu Bin sneered maliciously, his tone threatening. "My boss has sent me to invite you three times now! I can't believe you're still playing dumb. Do you really think you can get away with anything just because my boss has taken a liking to you?"

It became clear that these five individuals were intimidating Tang Yanran.

Hsiao Rann's understanding deepened, yet his gaze grew icier. He had never personally witnessed such incidents, but he had certainly heard tales of them.

Their pretext for cornering Tang Yanran was a dinner invitation, but their true intentions were far more sinister.

Tang Yanran was their mark.

Renowned as one of the top three beauties at Northwest Polytechnic University, Tang Yanran was no stranger to admirers. But Hsiao Rann had never before encountered someone as extreme as Lyu Bin.

Unable to contain his fury, Hsiao Rann stepped forward, intent on intervening. But Lyu Bin wheeled around, confronting the visibly incensed Hsiao Rann with an icy sneer.

"Scumbag, you think you can just stand up to me?" Lyu Bin snarled menacingly. And there, Hsiao Rann noticed a glint of metal flash from Lyu Bin's right sleeve.

A sharp dagger lay concealed there!

Confronted with Lyu Bin's brazen intimidation, Hsiao Rann halted in his tracks. Yet his demeanor only grew more resolute, his grip on the mop handle tightening.