Back then, Nathaniel Fu hadn't wanted anyone else to see her face.He wanted to keep her hidden—like a caged songbird that belonged only to him.
But in the end, he was the one who pushed her away.
After their separation, she seemed to live even better than before. The scar on her face was gone, her world brighter and freer.
Nathaniel's lips curved faintly as he stepped onto the campus of Tsinghua University.
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Class 28's third period was a large joint lecture, and all students were required to attend in the multimedia hall.
Li Yuting tugged Celia's hand, nearly bouncing with excitement."Cici, let's sit in the front row! I heard today's lecture is by a legendary professor—we can't miss this chance!"
Celia allowed herself to be dragged along.
"Do you know about him?" Li Yuting asked breathlessly as they hurried down the corridor. "He and that genius girl who supposedly stood someone up years ago—they're both legends at Tsinghua! I can't believe we'll finally meet one of them today!"
Celia's steps faltered slightly, her lips tightening.I didn't stand anyone up… I've been here all along.
Li Yuting continued excitedly, "Professor Jiang had to go abroad for an academic conference, so the president invited these prodigies as guest lecturers. We probably won't meet the female genius, but at least we'll see the professor himself!"
In truth, Celia had no idea who this so-called genius girl was. They were several years apart, and she had only recently entered Tsinghua. She never had the chance to learn about these old stories.
Soon, they entered the crowded multimedia hall.
"Cici, look!" Li Yuting pointed toward the stage, her eyes wide."That's him—the genius professor!"
Celia followed her gaze—and froze.
Standing on the podium, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, was Nathaniel Fu.
Her heart lurched violently. Why is it him?
Before she could react, a smug voice came from behind.
"Excuse me, make way."
Yara Lu swept forward, surrounded by a group of admirers. Ning Xiner and several Rocketry classmates trailed after her, laughing loudly.
Because this was a joint lecture, Class 28 had been paired with the Rocketry program.
Yara's gaze landed squarely on Celia. Without the scar, Celia's beauty was striking—so much so that it immediately drew murmurs from nearby students.
Yara's lips curved in mockery."Celia, step aside. My fiancé is lecturing today."
Ning Xiner tilted her chin proudly. "Let me introduce you—this is Professor Fu, Yaoyao's fiancé. Isn't he incredible?"
Another Rocketry girl giggled. "Pretty faces don't matter much. If you really have talent, then find a fiancé like Professor Fu. Too bad there's only one."
"Exactly. Professor Fu doesn't fall for shallow beauty. He admires women with true ability—like our Yaoyao."
Their voices dripped with disdain.
A few students nearby snickered, their glances toward Celia filled with mockery.
Li Yuting's cheeks flushed red, and she was about to retort when Celia quietly caught her hand."Forget it," she said softly, leading her friend aside.
Yara and her group arrogantly took over the front row as if it belonged to them.
Li Yuting muttered angrily, "Cici, we came first! Why should we give up our seats?"
Celia shook her head gently. "It doesn't matter. She's his fiancée. There's no point in arguing." She steered Li Yuting toward the back row.
Li Yuting pouted, still fuming. "Honestly, Cici, you could definitely do better than him."
Celia lowered her eyes, saying nothing.
The hall quickly filled, buzzing with anticipation. Everyone was here to see Nathaniel Fu's lecture, the excitement nearly palpable.
On stage, Nathaniel adjusted the microphone, his sharp gaze sweeping across the hall. The moment his eyes lifted, he found her—sitting quietly in the last row.
For a brief instant, their gazes met.
Celia's expression remained calm, but her fingers curled tightly around the strap of her bag.
Nathaniel's lips curved almost imperceptibly.
So… we meet again.
But deep inside, Celia's chest ached with a sharp, unspoken pain.She had told herself countless times that his world no longer had anything to do with hers, that she could accept seeing him by another woman's side. Yet now, facing the reality of him standing there—brilliant, untouchable, and introduced as Yara's fiancé—her heart still twisted uncontrollably.
It felt as if the past three years had been nothing more than a cruel joke.Her reason told her to look away, to keep her distance.But her heart… it refused to let go.