In the early summer afternoon, cicadas buzzed incessantly. A gentle breeze stirred the leaves of the Communication University's East Campus, dappling the grounds with patches of sunlight filtering through the canopy.
It was class time, yet students without lectures still roamed the campus. The atmosphere wasn't bustling, nor was it deserted. Some students were having late lunches at the cafeteria, while handsome youths selected snacks for their girlfriends at the supermarket. The clear, melodious laughter of young women occasionally echoed on the smaller streets, punctuated by the chiming of bicycle bells. Teachers, clutching lecture notes and laptops, headed towards their offices, and hushed whispers and the scratch of pens could be heard from the library.
In the main building's large conference room, capable of seating 300 people, a lecture organized by the Public Security Bureau was in progress.
The speaker was Chen Ziming, a postgraduate from the People's Public Security University of China. He had already been accepted by the Ministry of Public Security and was currently interning at the Yuluo Street Police Station in the Nanxiang District.
The lecture stemmed from the recent cracking of a serial murder case targeting female university students in City A. The government placed great importance on this matter, requiring public security bureaus across all districts to conduct safety education within their respective university jurisdictions. Chen Ziming was responsible for Communication University.
He had prepared thoroughly for the lecture, gathering all available information on the case and incorporating similar incidents into his educational plan. The university also took it seriously, posting the lecture details on its official website well in advance and requiring every department head to disseminate the information, ensuring all students, especially female students, attended.
Due to the large student population at Communication University, the lecture was scheduled over several days. This was Chen Ziming's second session.
He stood by the lectern, a presentation displayed on the large screen. Two assistants assigned to him were seated nearby, taking notes and providing support.
The 25-year-old police officer wore a long-sleeved blue police uniform shirt, tucked into his suit trousers, accentuating his slender legs and upright physique. His face was handsome, with a well-defined jawline, and his voice was steady and persuasive. The audience for the second lecture was noticeably larger than the first, with a portion clearly drawn by his presence.
Safety knowledge was important, but so was looking at handsome men, especially those in uniform.
The back door creaked open softly, and a girl peeked her head in. Her thick, dark hair cascaded down her chest. She nudged the door open cautiously. Seeing that no one was paying attention to her, she relaxed slightly. She crept into the third row from the back and sat in the empty seat her friend had saved for her.
"This is Dacheng's uncle. Isn't he handsome? I didn't lie to you, did I?" Li Niannian whispered to Su Yue, sitting beside her.
Su Yue remained noncommittal. Given her personality and busy schedule, she hadn't intended to attend this lecture. However, after the first session, campus forums and communication platforms were abuzz with talk about Officer Chen. Even her discerning roommates were discussing him. Having seen many attractive men, she found herself curious. Coincidentally, she learned that this Officer Chen was a distant uncle of her best friend Li Niannian's boyfriend, who was studying at the Public Security University. After discussing it with Li Niannian, they both came that afternoon.
Li Niannian had gotten a ticket for herself through Dacheng, and Su Yue, having missed the first session, already had a ticket.
She was slightly nearsighted and put on her glasses, instinctively propping up her cheek. Her clear, bright eyes were fixed on Chen Ziming on the stage.
He was truly handsome, a perfect blend of youthful and mature aura. One could perceive his earnest and responsible attitude, and in a fleeting moment, the passion he held for the police profession. His appearance was undeniably outstanding, and when combined with his identity, demeanor, and his clear, easily understandable presentation style, it lent him considerable charm.
As he navigated through the slides, his gaze inadvertently swept across the audience and landed on Su Yue.
Su Yue's face flushed instantly. She found it almost unbelievable that she, who had always been considered a campus beauty with countless admirers, would blush at an accidental glance from a man. She lowered her eyes, trying to calm herself. When she looked up again, Officer Chen had already moved on to his next explanation and did not look her way again.