WWFILABR 41 to 50

Chapter 41: Truly Worthy of the Literature Club

TL: Etude

Some doors, once opened, cannot be easily closed again.

Su Nai, feeling utterly forlorn, lay sprawled across her desk. Her crimson cheeks pressed against the cold surface, yet unable to cool her racing heart.

She felt she had gone astray, ever since that unwarranted curiosity arose. She began to linger and marvel at the world’s splendor, even picking up a few phrases of a foreign language to express refusal.

Without a doubt, she had become a bad girl.

Jiang Qin coughed to change the subject nonchalantly, “There’s another thing, Su Nai, could you make me a small program for automatic replying to posts?”

“Automatic replies?” Su Nai lifted her head slightly.

“Like setting up some virtual ID bots to comment generic flattery under each post. ‘Wow, this is so well written, I’m moved,’ or ‘This is brilliant, such literary talent,’ just to give the poster a sense of achievement.”

Su Nai pushed her glasses up, “I could copy an existing one from the internet, modify the code a bit, and see if it works.”

Jiang Qin, sensing potential in her response, still advised earnestly, “Focus on work and watch less videos.”

“Ugh…”

Su Nai collapsed back on the desk, her sorrow flowing like a reversed river.

Jiang Qin didn’t tease her further, reminding himself of his resolve to be heartless. Provoking her anger wouldn’t end well.

“Junior, I’m leaving now.”

“Thank you, senior. Please go ahead…”

Jiang Qin pursed his lips. The young girl had seen all sorts of things and yet still acted shy. He pocketed his borrowed library card and left the library.

The website was up, but still a shell, like a freshly handed out blank essay paper. The structure was there, neat and orderly, but devoid of content.

To retain visitors, a website needed substantial, engaging content.

Jiang Qin decided to visit the Literature Club at Linchuan University, hoping they could write some original stories for him.

The Literature Club, under the Literature Department, was located in the East Campus. Without a car, Jiang Qin had to walk all the way there. Fortunately, it was the season of club recruitment, so he didn’t arrive in vain. Upon entering, he saw a group busy preparing their promotion boards.

“Bold and change the ‘Club Recruitment’ to red for more visibility,” he directed.

“Hey, you there, why are you just sitting around? Can’t you see everyone is busy?”

Jiang Qin, hands behind his back, casually directed the activities in the classroom. A sophomore, previously slacking off, unsure of Jiang Qin’s role, reluctantly put away his phone and got to work.

Eventually, someone couldn’t hold back and asked, “Who are you? Are you a new teaching assistant in the Literature Department? You look so young.”

Jiang Qin flashed a cheeky smile, “I’m just an ordinary freshman,” which earned him a high dose of friendly ridicule.

However, once he explained his purpose, someone called over the person in charge of the Literature Club.

The president, Yao Yanling, a third-year student in Chinese Language and Literature, and the vice president, Dong Wenhao, a second-year student in Broadcasting and Hosting, listened to his request.

“Life stories, a thousand words for five yuan, and any content is acceptable?”

Jiang Qin pondered, “I’m looking for first-person narrative stories, bizarre but not outrageous.”

Dong Wenhao was intrigued, “So, fabricated pseudo-documentary literature?”

Jiang Qin appreciated his summary, “Exactly that. Stories like efficiently managing time with three girlfriends, secrets never told even at the cost of perpetual agony, experiences with a campus beauty girlfriend, how handsome the guy in Finance Class 3 is, controversial topics like these.”

“Sounds like a men’s health magazine. ‘Separated for Three Years, Yet The Wife is Mysteriously Pregnant’ kind of stories?”

Jiang Qin was surprised, “Vice President Dong has read such literary masterpieces? I indeed came to the right person!”

Yao Yanling couldn’t help but interject, “Are you publishing a magazine?”

“No, I’m running a website.”

“Can your website serialize original novels?”

Jiang Qin was caught off guard by Yao Yanling’s question.

The idea of serializing novels was something he had never considered, but it could be a good way to retain a substantial user base through regular updates.

However, serializing novels posed a problem. Extensive word counts would definitely increase the cost of manuscript fees, and poorly written content would go unread.

“Serializing novels is possible, but they must pass my review first. I won’t pay for worthless content.”

Yao Yanling smiled confidently, “I have an original novel of my own. The writing is definitely top-notch, but I’m not satisfied with five yuan per thousand words. It should be at least ten.”

Jiang Qin shook his head, “I’m not looking for literary style, I want something engaging.”

“A well-written story is definitely engaging. If you agree to ten yuan per thousand words, I can arrange a part of it for you to review.”

“What about the collaboration?”

Dong Wenhao leaned forward slightly, “I’ll handle the collaboration. Our Literature Club has sixty-seven registered members. You’ll be satisfied with the volume of submissions, but I have a condition.”

Jiang Qin leaned back in his chair, “Let’s hear it.”

“Six yuan per thousand words. I’ll organize the writers and control the quality, while Senior Yao mainly handles the serialization. What do you think?”

Jiang Qin gave Dong Wenhao a second glance, sensing that he was more astute than Yao Yanling.

Serializing novels could indeed garner more fees through volume, but involving sixty-seven people would bring in more money than working alone. Dong Wenhao had immediately seized control of the submissions, clearly sensing a profitable opportunity.

It seemed not everyone at Linchuan University was just idly trying to make money.

In contrast, Yao Yanling was more engrossed in literature and less interested in money. Her insistence on ten yuan was more about validating her work.

“My words can sell for ten yuan, but yours only for five.”

Such a person could achieve great things if they truly had talent. But there’s a fear that they might be too ambitious and fragile, getting lost in their own world.

“Six yuan per thousand words is fine, but let’s calculate the manuscript fee at five yuan,” Jiang Qin said on his own.

Dong Wenhao’s eyes flickered with confusion, “If it’s six yuan per thousand words, why is the manuscript fee still five?”

Jiang Qin grinned, “I can’t let the senior help for free. The extra yuan can be your commission for strictly controlling the quality of the submissions.”

Dong Wenhao’s breath hitched, and his crossed leg involuntarily lowered.

He had wanted six yuan to take a commission from each manuscript, but Jiang Qin had bluntly exposed his plan. What was meant to be a private matter was now out in the open. The money he would receive was justified, but controlling quality had turned from a casual promise into a real task.

In simpler terms, he had gone from a middleman to a worker.

“I’m the vice president. It’s my duty to fight for the members’ interests. I shouldn’t take a commission. It’s not right.”

Jiang Qin glanced at Yao Yanling, “There’s no such thing as working for free in this world. What do you think, Senior Yao?”

Yao Yanling thought Jiang Qin’s allocation was fair, “Wenhao, since you’re reviewing content for the members, it’s only fair you get a commission.”

“Then… then I’ll accept it reluctantly,” Dong Wenhao agreed, looking troubled.

Jiang Qin inwardly mocked the situation. ‘Reluctantly accept,’ what a cultured way to accept money. Truly worthy of the Literature Club – even asking for money can be done so elegantly.Chapter 42: The Website Taking Shape

TL: Etude

On Saturday, a sudden rainstorm hit Linchuan University, washing away the sultriness that had lingered for many days.

The auto-reply system Su Nai had developed was already up and running on the website. The test results were quite satisfactory; the keyword triggers were very accurate, and the rate of flattery repetition wasn’t high, making it almost seem like real people were responding.

Jiang Qin specially shared the website link with Cao Guangyu but didn’t tell him about the bot. He just asked him to try posting to experience it. This damn fool became more and more convinced that he was the crème de la crème.

“Old Jiang, this website you gave me is so interesting, damn fun!”

At this moment, Cao Guangyu was sitting in front of his newly purchased computer, typing away on the keyboard with great pleasure.

Jiang Qin turned around nonchalantly, “What’s so interesting about it?”

“This is my first time showing off online, and the first time I’ve met so many people who agree with me. There’s even a girl who says she admires me. A true gem always shines, right? But they have no idea that I’m just putting on a light show, not even trying hard yet!”

“????”

Jiang Qin sneakily logged into the admin panel and saw that this guy had created a series of continuous posts titled “My Unpretentious Life as a Rich Second Generation,” boasting in various ways.

He posted about his Nokia 5230, commenting how trash it was and no wonder it was so cheap at 3000 yuan, not even comparable to the Vertu he had used before.

Then he posted a picture of a BMW 5 Series, saying that he was going to buy a car after military training, hesitating between BMW, Benz, and Cadillac. His family suggested he go all out and get a Porsche, but he thought that would be too high-profile and not very relatable.

These posts triggered a bunch of keywords, causing the reply bots to continually dish out flattery.

All sorts of praises like “Brother, you’re so cool,” “I envy your life,” “You have an extraordinary literary talent, must be a descendant of a literary giant.” Cao Guangyu was so taken by these compliments that he kept replying to the bots, triggering more keywords, and receiving another round of flattery.

In this loop, Cao Guangyu felt like he had found the meaning of life.

Ren Ziqiang, watching from behind, was envious. Unfortunately, the website only had a PC version, so he couldn’t join in, feeling a bit regretful.

“People here speak so nicely, Old Jiang, when will the WAP version be launched? I want to play too.”

“Soon, maybe the day after tomorrow.”

Jiang Qin looked at these two and sighed internally, thinking how this small dorm room happened to house two talents like Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong, able to have such fun with automated replies, unbeatable, truly fucking unbeatable.

However, this also proved that his approach was right. Automatic replies could indeed create a certain degree of false prosperity, producing excellent effects in the early stages when there were very few users.

At ten in the morning, the rain continued, and the temperature at Linchuan University dropped sharply, feeling refreshingly cool.

Jiang Qin was washing his socks when he suddenly received an email from Yao Yanling of the Literature Club. It was a novel titled “Lonely City,” about a girl with autism who gets into a key university with the encouragement of her entire class.

In the first ten thousand words, Yao Yanling, the senior sister, used an all-narrative writing style to delicately depict the girl’s loneliness, even writing a line about how her eyelashes seemed to exude a sense of solitude.

At ten yuan per thousand words, that meant a hundred yuan for ten thousand words.

Want to dig a hundred yuan from me?

Maybe I should just call the police?!

This is fucking fraud!

“Senior sister, the writing is indeed not bad, even an outsider like me can feel a sense of loneliness.”

“Thank you for the praise, junior brother. Let’s settle at ten yuan per thousand words then, I’m giving you a discount.”

“But, senior sister, mine is a vulgar and low-level website, not suitable for such high-end works.”

“What do you mean?”

“Could you switch to a different genre? Don’t write inspirational literature. Write some vulgar, melodramatic stuff, like love triangles, affairs, things we love to read.”

“Junior brother, you just don’t understand literature. I guess I misjudged you!”

Yao Yanling replied with that, then her avatar turned grey, obviously going offline.

Jiang Qin didn’t care much; his website, like Weibo, was focused on fragmentary reading. Having novels to read was just a bonus, not essential.

But he was a bit worried. After all, Yao Yanling was the president of the Literature Club. If this affected the contributions from the Literature Club, what would happen to the content of his website? It couldn’t just rely on Cao Guangyu’s boastful posts, could it?

Unexpectedly, half an hour later, Dong Wenhao called Jiang Qin, saying the first batch of manuscripts was ready for review. So, Jiang Qin changed his clothes and headed to the East Campus.

Among the submissions from the Literature Club were titles like:

– “Accidentally Crossed the Line with My Female Best Friend, What Should I Do?”

– “My Boyfriend Graduated Before Me, Documenting My Journey from Long-Distance Relationship to Breakup”

– “First Time Going to a Hotel with My Girlfriend, I Have Some Things I’m Unsure If I Should Say”

– “I Cared for My Ex-Boyfriend When He Caught a Cold, and Now My Current Boyfriend Wants to Break Up?”

– “What’s It Like Dating the Campus Belle? Absolutely Real!”

Out of the twenty manuscripts submitted by the Literature Club, only eight passed Jiang Qin’s careful review.

Dong Wenhao, feeling a bit embarrassed, explained that this was everyone’s first time taking on such a writing task and they were not yet familiar with it, promising that the pass rate would improve in the future.

Jiang Qin waved it off and took out one hundred and fifty yuan from his wallet to give to Dong Wenhao.

“Shouldn’t it just be forty-eight yuan for the eight qualified pieces at six yuan each?”

“The first submission, good or bad, I want all of them to motivate them. Seeing money at hand will make them think I’m a generous boss, and your influence in the club will grow stronger, making things easier in the future.”

Dong Wenhao accepted the money with a complex expression, “Brother, your family does business, right?”

Jiang Qin pocketed his wallet, “No, I’m just an extraordinarily handsome guy with a humble background.”

Dong Wenhao hesitated before asking, “Senior Yao has been looking gloomy today, saying you don’t understand literature. Is there a problem with the novels?”

“No big issue. The novels are written well, all beautiful Chinese characters, but when put together, they’re just not appealing. Strange, isn’t it?” Jiang Qin shrugged.

“Are you still accepting novels for your website?”

“I want to, but there are too few good ones. I’m in business, not charity.”

Dong Wenhao hesitated, then took out another manuscript, “Then what about this one, ‘You are the Color of Fireworks in the World’? Would you accept it?”

Jiang Qin skeptically took it and read a few lines, frowning slightly, “This is decent, engaging and compelling. Who wrote this? Why did you hide it?”

“A former club member, Shi Miaomiao.”

“Former?”

“She was criticized by Senior Yao and left the club. Yao said her writing lacked spirit and told her not to waste time here.”

“I’ll offer seven yuan per thousand words. If she agrees to update daily and the novel’s rights belong to me, I’ll take it.”

While they were speaking, the door of the Literature Club’s activity room suddenly opened, and Yao Yanling walked in. She paused briefly upon seeing Jiang Qin, then ignored him with a dark expression.

Her impression of Jiang Qin had been positive before, but not anymore. In her eyes, he was just a common man who didn’t understand literature.

Yao Yanling picked up a pair of colorful flags from the right side of the room and left without looking back.

“Don’t mind her; that’s just how the senior is. She never allows anyone to criticize her work,” Dong Wenhao couldn’t help but explain.

Jiang Qin waved it off, “People with dreams like the senior are admirable, unlike me, who only has a little bit of money.”

“…”Chapter 43: No Misunderstandings, No Need for Explanations

TL: Etude

After leaving the Literature Club activity room, Jiang Qin looked up at the clear sky following the rain and pondered whether he should fulfill his promise to treat someone to two meals.

After all, such cool weather was rare. Once the temperature rose back to its previous levels, even rewarding himself would result in sweating profusely, making dining out seem like a luxury.

Hong Yan, Feng Nanshu…

Jiang Qin hesitated between the two names in his contact list. Glancing at the time, he decided to invite Hong Yan for lunch and Feng Nanshu for dinner.

Perhaps it would be more convenient in the evening?

After all, doing this in broad daylight could easily become notorious.

Soon, the call connected, and Hong Yan’s delicate and sweet voice came through, tinged with a hint of surprise.

After arranging the time and place, Jiang Qin pocketed his phone and accepted the bottle of mineral water handed to him by Dong Wenhao, his gaze drifting towards the college girls with slender legs and waists by the lake.

“The beauties at your East Campus aren’t very impressive,” Jiang Qin commented with a click of his tongue, looking somewhat disappointed.

Dong Wenhao immediately disagreed, seeing it as a matter of East Campus’s pride: “Today’s a weekend, and the really pretty ones have already been asked out. You wouldn’t even get to see them.”

“Really?” Jiang Qin asked skeptically.

“Forget the rest; just the freshmen this year have two campus beauties, setting a new record for East Campus.”

After listening, Jiang Qin took a sip of water, already guessing who Dong Wenhao was referring to: “From the Law Department?”

Dong Wenhao’s eyes widened in surprise: “You’re well-informed. Interested?”

“Not even for a romance dog.”

“In fact, it’s useless to think about it. Beautiful girls are colder than others, and it’s a struggle even to add them on QQ. My dorm mate, a rich second generation, couldn’t even buy their contact for a thousand yuan online.”

Jiang Qin almost spat out his water laughing: “Such a big loser? Honestly, I’m old friends with them. I’ll sell it; have your dorm mate come to me.”

Dong Wenhao looked at him skeptically: “Nonsense.”

“Damn, these days no one believes the truth. What a messed-up world.”

Muttering under his breath, Jiang Qin walked forward with Dong Wenhao, passing through the vine corridors to the south shore of East Campus Lake.

Perhaps because Dong Wenhao felt guilty for having only submitted eight articles but receiving 150 yuan in payment, he insisted on being Jiang Qin’s tour guide.

As the vice president of the Literature Club, Dong Wenhao was well-liked. Along the way, many greeted him, and he introduced two friends to Jiang Qin: Pang Hai, a graphic design student, and Gao Dapeng, president of a part-time club.

Dong Wenhao thought Jiang Qin’s website promotion would inevitably involve campus publicity, which was about to start. These two would be just the people he needed.

Jiang Qin got along well with them, even tentatively settling on a plan for promotion and poster design, waiting for enough content to kick off the project.

But just as they were discussing the price, Dong Wenhao suddenly tugged at Jiang Qin, pointing towards a pavilion in the garden opposite.

“Look, one of the campus beauties, Chu Siqi.”

“?”

Jiang Qin looked over and indeed saw Chu Siqi in a white dress, looking like a literature novel’s heroine, with her fluffy long hair draped over her shoulders and her bare arms pale and delicate.

In front of her stood a boy in a black T-shirt, about 1.8 meters tall, wearing silver-rimmed glasses and Nike zk3 basketball shoes, the same model Kobe wore.

Gao Dapeng also looked over, his eyes widening in surprise: “Isn’t that Zheng Qinglong, the chairman of the Law Department’s student union? I heard he’s been pursuing Chu Siqi since the beginning of school. Has he finally asked her out?”

“Damn, it’s always the one closest to the pond who gets the moon. Such a beast,” Pang Hai said, clearly resentful.

“Let’s go over and see, hear what they’re talking about.”

Jiang Qin quickly waved his hands in refusal, eager to avoid any trouble: “You guys go ahead. I don’t want to. I know her; it might cause issues.”

“Nonsense, come on, don’t be shy. It’s also a chance for you to see the pinnacle of beauty at our East Campus,” Dong Wenhao insisted, pulling him along.

“I really don’t want to see!”

“You have to, otherwise you’ll keep saying our East Campus isn’t pretty!”

The four sneaked over, planning to catch them off guard. However, the target was too obvious, and they were not blind. How could they not see them approaching? A quick glance would reveal their presence.

However, being spotted wasn’t an issue. Pang Hai, Gao Dapeng, and Dong Wenhao didn’t bother to hide; they walked over openly.

“Zheng Qinglong, you’re quite something, hitting on a junior just after school starts, and the prettiest one at that!”

Zheng Qinglong, revealing his handsome face, pushed his glasses up on his nose and smiled, “Stop it, it’s just a chance to chat with the junior.”

Pang Hai couldn’t help but click his tongue, “Cut the bull. How come I never see you chatting with me?”

“Okay, I admit I do have feelings for Chu Siqi, but she hasn’t agreed yet, so don’t spread rumors.”

“Not yet? Pfft, junior, don’t agree to him. This guy is full of sweet talk; be careful not to be deceived!”

Zheng Qinglong gave a gentlemanly smile, “If she doesn’t agree to me, who else is worthy of Chu Siqi?”

Chu Siqi blushed at their words, about to say she didn’t plan to date in college, but upon lifting her head, her face turned pale, and she unconsciously clasped her hands together.

Jiang Qin…

At this moment, Jiang Qin was standing at the back of the group, motionless and expressionless.

“Hmm?”

Zheng Qinglong paused, noticing Chu Siqi suddenly walking towards a stranger in the back. Her eyelashes trembled, and her face even showed a hint of panic.

Pang Hai, Gao Dapeng, and Dong Wenhao’s gazes followed her, eventually settling on Jiang Qin.

Then, after three seconds, they witnessed a scene that left their jaws dropped.

“Jiang Qin, what brings you to the East Campus?”

Jiang Qin stepped back and nodded politely, “I’m here for some business.”

Chu Siqi looked dazed as he stepped back, “Don’t misunderstand, he’s a senior from our Law Department. He said there was an issue with my student record and wanted to talk.”

“It’s fine, you guys talk. Don’t mind me.”

“What kind of attitude is that? I’m telling the truth!”

Jiang Qin sighed in resignation, “I know, I heard. But I really don’t care. You’ve got things to do, go ahead.”

Chu Siqi stopped in her tracks, biting her soft lips tightly, her eyes welling up, “Why won’t you listen to me properly? Are you trying to make me angry?”

“What the hell did I do?”

“Pretending not to care about me, pretending not to like me. I admit it’s effective, you win, okay? I’m almost sick of it, just make up with me already!”

Jiang Qin took a deep breath, “How many times do I have to say it for you to understand? I really don’t like you; it’s not an act. Please don’t act like I’m your boyfriend. We have nothing to do with each other; it’s awkward for me.”

Chu Siqi suppressed her temper, softening her tone, “Let’s make up. I can forgive you for ignoring me all summer. Let’s go back to how we were before.”

“Damn it, Chu Siqi, do you even see others as human? How can your thirty-six-degree mouth say such cruel and cold words?”

Jiang Qin couldn’t comprehend, clueless about Chu Siqi’s thought process.

Go back to before?

I desperately pursued you, you rejected me, then turned around, hugging your new boyfriend, asking me if he was handsome?

It’s like being peed on by someone with jaundice; what’s the point of a rebirth?

Chu Siqi stared at him, suddenly feeling a surge of sorrow from deep within.

Tears swirled in her eyes, her nose turning red, suddenly realizing what it meant to see someone as a stranger.

Mountains and rivers should never meet again, never to see each other in this life. From now on, spring and autumn shall not mingle, nor shall wind and moon relate.Chapter 44: My Heart Sealed in Cement

TL: Etude

For Jiang Qin in his past life, the name Chu Siqi was a nightmare throughout his entire college era.

It took him many years to walk out of that nightmare, learning to let go, to not treat love as everything in life, and to stop blaming himself for all the mistakes.

Now, having been reborn, he truly feels nothing for Chu Siqi.

No, it’s more than just feeling nothing.

To maintain his inner peace and serenity, he even suppresses his disdain for Chu Siqi, displaying only the minimal courtesy towards her.

This is called cultivation.

Otherwise, right now, he would really be cursing up a storm.

But upon hearing Chu Siqi speak of going back to the past, Jiang Qin felt a shudder, as if getting goosebumps. Her words were too harsh; this woman should have been a minister of justice.

“Junior sister, is this your friend?”

Zheng Qinglong frowned slightly, tentatively asking.

He had inquired about Chu Siqi when he pursued her and knew she didn’t have a boyfriend. But he couldn’t understand who this sudden stranger was.

He hadn’t moved at all, yet the goddess junior sister he had taken so much effort to ask out had taken the initiative to approach this guy, who seemed annoyed and hastily backed away? Zheng Qinglong couldn’t understand; why was this disparity so strong?

“Jiang Qin was my high school classmate,” Chu Siqi bit her red lip lightly.

Jiang Qin didn’t want to get involved in this mess anymore. Looking up at Dong Wenhao, he said, “Old Dong, just call me if you need anything. If it’s really urgent, come find me at the main school. I won’t come to the East Campus anymore.”

“Ah? Oh, okay.”

Dong Wenhao, suddenly named, came out of his shock and subconsciously responded, then looked at Jiang Qin with a complicated expression, thinking to himself that the boss really wasn’t bragging; he indeed knew Chu Siqi! What was even more unbelievable was that a goddess junior sister like Chu Siqi was actually pestering Jiang Qin. That seemed too unreal, right?

But even more unbelievable was the sound of footsteps coming from the left side of the garden walkway.

Hong Yan approached with brisk steps, wearing a tight waist-short skirt paired with thin black stockings and black heeled leather shoes.

She stopped in the middle of the garden, pausing in surprise at the scene before her, then stopped her steps gracefully.

“Aren’t we going to eat? What are you doing?”

Jiang Qin coughed and then spoke, “It’s nothing, just a small misunderstanding. Let’s go have lunch.”

“Oh, okay.” Hong Yan instinctively glanced at Chu Siqi and followed.

“Jiang Qin, do you really like Hong Yan? I’m telling you, if you take her away, I will never bother with you again in this lifetime.”

Chu Siqi, seeing him so gentle with Hong Yan, was instantly furious, feeling as if several holes had been pierced in her heart.

Jiang Qin widened his eyes in surprise: “There’s such a good thing where I can kill two birds with one stone? Make sure you keep your word!”

“What did you say? Jiang Qin, you’re going too far!”

Watching this scene, the few who had just regained their senses fell into endless silence again.

Isn’t that Hong Yan, not one of the campus beauties?

There’s a campus heartthrob in the Literature Department named Wang Junyi who played guitar under her dorm for five days and couldn’t get her to agree to a date.

And Jiang Qin just called her softly, and she obediently followed him to lunch?

“Jiang Qin, come back here, I’m giving you one last chance, do you hear me?!”

“Blah blah blah.”

“??????”

Jiang Qin waved his hand, reining in his facial expression, and left the East Campus with Hong Yan, heading towards South Street’s Shiwei Tian for lunch.

It was the busy lunch hour, and South Street was bustling with people and noise, full of life and activity.

Throughout the journey, Jiang Qin and Hong Yan remained silent, eventually finding an open-air seat next to the main road.

It wasn’t until the dishes were served that Jiang Qin leisurely began to talk about the past.

He narrated everything: his acquaintance with Chu Siqi, his secret love for her over three years, and his passionate confession after the college entrance exam, using these memories to accompany his drink.

Hong Yan sat with her legs together, one hand propping up her cheek, quietly listening. She couldn’t help but immerse herself in the role of the female protagonist, feeling the affection of the boy in front of her.

But after hearing these stories, she felt somewhat puzzled, thinking that Jiang Qin hadn’t told her everything. In her eyes, Jiang Qin seemed mature and steady, as if he could see through the essence of everything. It seemed unlikely that someone like him would fall for a girl with Chu Siqi’s personality.

“Do you have someone you like now?”

Jiang Qin put down his empty wine glass. “I’ve sealed my heart in cement.”

“What does sealing your heart in cement mean?” Hong Yan asked, puzzled.

“It means I don’t believe in love. I think dating is nonsense. I only believe in interests and strive to make money to ensure a good life for myself and my loved ones.”

Hong Yan’s gaze dimmed slightly. “Then… have you ever met a girl who touched your heart? Other than Chu Siqi.”

Jiang Qin pursed his lips. “A guy only becomes love-struck once in his life, never a second time.”

“But you’ll have to get married eventually, right? You can’t stay single forever.”

“That won’t happen. So, I’m working hard, hoping some little rich lady will come and support me.”

Hong Yan thought he was joking, but she couldn’t help feeling a bit disappointed by his answer. “Jiang Qin, why are you telling me all this?”

Jiang Qin refilled his glass. “I don’t want to cause trouble for others, so I need to clear up those misunderstandings. I hope you and Chu Siqi can still get along well. You’ll spend your entire college life in the same dormitory. It’s not worth falling out over someone.”

Hong Yan pursed her lips, realizing he was referring to her. He didn’t want her to be troubled or to fall out with her roommate. He hoped she would have a harmonious and warm college experience.

See, even when he’s irritable, he still considers others. How could Hong Yan not be moved?

But he doesn’t like her.

But what does it matter if he doesn’t? She still wants to like him.

Hong Yan felt a sudden surge of courage, ready to confess her feelings.

However, just then, footsteps sounded behind her, and three striking figures approached along the noisy street.

One was Chu Siqi, who had changed her outfit from a long skirt to a short one and replaced her slippers with small leather shoes. She had put on light makeup, looking exquisitely beautiful.

Another was Wang Huiru, her expression conflicted, worry written in her eyes, one hand gripping Chu Siqi as if afraid she might rush out.

The last person, Jiang Qin hadn’t seen before. Her name was Si Huiying, another of Hong Yan’s roommates. Her face was cold, filled with hostility, staring straight at Jiang Qin.Chapter 45: Someone Looking in the Mirror

TL: Etude

“Hong Yan, Jiang Qin has liked me from the beginning. Why must you compete with me for him?” Chu Siqi was the first to speak, her eyes filled with resentment.

Hong Yan slowly raised her head. “He doesn’t like you, and even if he did, you’re not worthy of his affection.”

Wang Huiru’s mind went blank. She couldn’t believe the usually gentle Hong Yan could say such a thing. “Hong Yan, calm down.”

“Am I wrong? Chu Siqi, what do you want to do? Have him continue liking you, reject him again, and derive satisfaction from it?”

Chu Siqi’s breath hitched, her face turning pale in an instant. “You’re talking nonsense. I didn’t.”

Hong Yan looked at Wang Huiru. “Huiru, you know many things better than I do. Who do you think is spouting nonsense?”

Wang Huiru pursed her lips, silent for a long time. “I don’t know, I don’t understand anything.”

“Even you’re afraid to speak the truth. It means Chu Siqi is beyond help.”

“Hong Yan, don’t twist the facts. Jiang Qin has liked me since the first year of high school!” Chu Siqi gritted her teeth.

Hong Yan looked at her calmly. “So, what did that bring you? Do you like him?”

“I…”

“You just enjoy the feeling of being pursued, right? Selfish, vain, foolish.”

Hong Yan’s words were sharp like a knife, instantly draining the color from Chu Siqi’s face.

She couldn’t understand how she, having changed into her most beautiful and sexy clothes and applied attractive makeup, could not withstand a few words from the other party.

On this weekend, South Street was crowded with people dining out. The tables around Jiang Qin’s, and those further away, with about a dozen people, all stared at Jiang Qin’s table, wondering why so many beauties were surrounding a man who seemed quite ordinary.

“Hong Yan, you’ve only met Jiang Qin twice. You don’t really understand him.”

Hong Yan’s lips curved slightly. “Does that matter? I have plenty of time to understand him, since I won’t waste my time flirting with seniors.”

Chu Siqi’s eyes widened in shock. “How can you distort the truth? There was a problem with my student record. What was I supposed to do?”

“Really?”

Hong Yan reached into her purse, pulled out a BuBuGao phone, opened a message, and showed one of them.

“Junior sister, there’s an issue with your student record. Can we talk about it sometime?”

Chu Siqi’s eyes widened as she stared for a long time, then compared it with the message on her phone. It was exactly the same!

“I also received his message, but I didn’t go because I knew he was just looking for an excuse. Don’t you understand?”

“I…”

After putting her phone back in her bag, Hong Yan calmly looked at Chu Siqi. “You’re not dumb, you’re just pretending to be. You hoped for more people to pursue you, to feel proud. That’s why you pretended not to know Zheng Qinglong’s intentions, acting innocent.”

Chu Siqi felt extremely wronged. “I didn’t. I didn’t think about it at the time. I had issues with my student record in high school. You’re wrongly accusing me.”

“Stop acting innocent. It’s really annoying.”

Si Huiying couldn’t stand it anymore. “Hong Yan, we are sisters from the same dormitory. Just for a worthless man, is it worth it?”

Worthless man???

Jiang Qin’s brows furrowed. He thought to himself, from the beginning to the end, he had been trying hard to make money and not dating. How did he become a worthless man?

For two lifetimes, it was his first time receiving such a “honor.”

But Si Huiying, once she started, didn’t seem to plan on stopping, and directly turned her accusations towards Jiang Qin.

“Sitting here without a word, do you feel honored to see two women fighting over you? Do you enjoy this feeling?”

“Our dorm was harmonious, but because of you, it’s filled with mutual hostility. Do you still have the face to sit here and eat?”

“If you like Siqi, just keep liking her. She said she’d give you a chance. Why provoke Hong Yan and play two-timing games?”

Jiang Qin looked up at her, thinking, why should I explain myself to a stranger?

As Si Huiying noticed Jiang Qin’s silence, she became even more aggressive, her words sharper.

“Why don’t you say anything?”

“You’re right, I have nothing to say.”

Jiang Qin opened another bottle of beer, pouring it into four glasses. “If you’re tired of arguing, have something to eat. After this drink, let’s all forget each other and move on.”

Si Huiying scoffed disdainfully. “Forget just like that? Our dorm’s relationship is ruined because of you. Don’t you think you should take responsibility?”

“Four is too many. The law doesn’t allow me to be responsible for that.”

At that moment, a piercing scream rang out from the middle of South Street, making everyone tremble and turn their heads toward the sound.

A boy in a white T-shirt was kneeling on the road, wailing, surrounded by scattered roses, their stems broken and disheveled.

In front of the kneeling boy, a girl with flaxen hair looked at him in shock, her arm around another boy, panic in her eyes.

“Tang Xiaoyan, I’ve loved you for five whole years, five years!”

“From the first year of high school to the second year of college, I thought I would eventually win your heart. You always encouraged me, saying you’d be with me if you felt the same. I believed you!”

“I came here full of hope after a night on a long-distance bus, only to find you strolling with someone else?”

“I don’t blame you for not liking me, but why did you say last night you couldn’t resist being with me?”

“Is this how you repay my five years of youth?”

“Tang Xiaoyan, I’ve chased you for five years. Everyone knows I like you, even my mother!”

“Ah!!!”

In his agonized scream, the entire street fell into a profound silence.

The girl seemed to curse him as a lunatic, then slammed her bag into the boy’s face. He didn’t even try to dodge, only offering a bitter smile.

Jiang Qin, witnessing this scene, felt bewildered. “I came out just to eat, who’s holding up a mirror to me?”

Chu Siqi stared at the kneeling boy, feeling an unexpected tightness in her chest.

“Five years is quite dedicated, and the boy is not bad-looking. I wonder if the girl will regret it…”

“No, she won’t.”

Si Huiying looked up sharply at Jiang Qin, her expression turning cold. “Who asked you? A worthless man has no right to speak!”

Jiang Qin wiped his mouth with a napkin, his gaze calmly settling on the flaxen-haired girl. “She’ll never regret it. She won’t even realize she had the chance for the best love. If that guy can be taken for granted like this, it shows the girl has no sense of truly beautiful things. Such a heavenly opportunity won’t come twice. But don’t worry, having encountered such a girl, that guy will never be hurt by love again.”

The four beauties from the law department stared at him, speechless for a moment.

Especially Si Huiying, who seemed stunned, unable to understand how a worthless man could speak so profoundly.

Wang Huiru, as an outsider, saw things more clearly. She felt Jiang Qin had matured to a point where he could see through everything, making discussions of love seem particularly naive in his presence.

What they didn’t know was that Jiang Qin saw his past self at that moment. He too had repeatedly questioned where he went wrong, never receiving an answer.

He felt a heaviness in his heart, perhaps only comforted by Feng Nanshu’s tender little feet.

“Love, it’s not even worth discussing.”Chapter 46: She is the Ideal of the Human World (Revised)

TL: Etude

In the end, the four golden flowers of the Law School left without uttering a word.

Before leaving, none of them said anything more, nor did they continue to argue. They simply looked at Jiang Qin with complicated expressions.

Especially Si Huiying, who several times wanted to speak but held back, her gaze becoming deep and melancholic.

She had come to berate Jiang Qin, expecting him to be ashamed of his two-timing behavior, either trying to justify himself desperately or revealing his despicable nature.

But she never expected Jiang Qin to be so calm.

Isn’t this a story of a scumbag deceiving two sisters in the same dormitory?

But why does he keep saying he won’t even talk about love?

“Huiying, actually… Jiang Qin is not Siqi’s boyfriend.”

“Ah?”

“He has liked Siqi for three years, gathered the courage to confess during college entrance exams, but was ultimately rejected by Siqi, so they have no relationship at all.”

Hearing Wang Huiru’s words, Si Huiying couldn’t help but be stunned, looking bewildered, her heart filled with confusion: “But Siqi didn’t tell me that.”

Wang Huiru paused slightly: “What did she tell you?”

“She said Jiang Qin has liked her since their first year of high school, and she also has feelings for him. Maybe in a little while, things will naturally progress. Now she is just testing him, but Hong Yan insisted on interfering and stealing his love, causing Jiang Qin to dislike her.”

“Maybe it’s a matter of perspective. Siqi is indeed a bit self-centered, but I think, in this world, no one has the right to say Jiang Qin is wrong,” Wang Huiru said softly.

Si Huiying was somewhat startled: “Did I scold the wrong person just now? Should I go back and apologize?”

Wang Huiru didn’t know what to say: “I think Jiang Qin doesn’t care. Didn’t you see how he couldn’t be bothered to explain to you?”

“…”

Si Huiying fell silent for a long time: “Won’t it be awkward in the future? What if Jiang Qin and Hong Yan get together? How will we all get along?”

Wang Huiru couldn’t help but chuckle: “He and Hong Yan are impossible because the girl standing beside him is the most perfect goddess of our Chengnan High School.”

“There’s another one? Even Chu Siqi isn’t the most beautiful in your high school?”

“Not at all, that person is truly the ideal of the human world.”

Meanwhile, at the entrance of Shi Weitian, Jiang Qin finished the rest of his half bottle of beer and then left the restaurant after settling the bill.

The flow of people on South Street was still quite large. With several milk tea shops opening across the street, it became bustling at meal times. Thinking of the upcoming website promotion, he planned to arrange for people to distribute flyers.

Jiang Qin took out his phone and called Feng Nanshu.

The phone was quickly connected, and in addition to a soft “Hello” from the receiver, the laughter and chatter of other girls could be heard clearly.

“Little rich lady, what are you doing?”

Feng Nanshu’s voice came out softly: “Listening to my roommates chat.”

At this moment, a strange girl’s voice suddenly appeared in the receiver: “Boyfriend, you promised to treat us to a meal, when will you invite us? Otherwise, we’ll have to bully Feng Nanshu.”

Jiang Qin stretched lazily on the roadside curb: “There’s no time like the present, let’s do it tonight. Everyone, dress up nicely, okay? I still have some clout on this street.”

“How should we dress to be called beautiful? No matter how beautiful we are, we can’t compare to your Feng Nanshu.”

Hearing the words “your Feng Nanshu,” Jiang Qin suddenly felt an inexplicable sensation in his heart. If this girl really were mine, then why would I bother starting a business? I’d just live off her.

“Jiang Qin, what time is tonight?” Feng Nanshu’s voice came through the phone.

“Let’s say five o’clock. I’ll come down to find you all. Don’t dress up too fancy.”

“?!”

As dusk fell, the sky gradually darkened, and the sun slowly sank to the west, leaving behind a splendid afterglow. The clouds were dyed golden, orange, and red, as if the entire sky had been scorched by a great fire.

Jiang Qin hadn’t returned to his dormitory lately but had been staying on the third floor of the Timei Building, across from the College Supermarket.

This was the dance department’s practice room, which was often left open for the convenience of the students. He sat by the window of the practice room, one arm draped over his knee, the other leaning on the bar, dumbfounded by the myriad of incredible poses he witnessed.

He wasn’t interested in romance, but it wasn’t excessive for a normal man to appreciate beautiful women.

Jiang Qin slowly withdrew his gaze and looked out the window, where he accidentally saw Feng Nanshu dashing out from the opposite girls’ dormitory.

She wore a pure cotton white short-sleeved shirt with a black low-neck suspender dress over it. Her soft long hair lifted with her steps, exuding a clear and lively youthful charm.

“What time is it?”

Jiang Qin pulled out his phone and saw that it was still twenty minutes until five o’clock. Why was she down so early waiting?

However, unexpectedly, Feng Nanshu didn’t stop but dashed towards the entrance of the supermarket across from the dormitory. Jiang Qin’s gaze followed her, and he saw the poster at the supermarket entrance.

[Rainbow Cotton Candy – New Arrival]

Sure enough, the next second, Feng Nanshu ran out, lifting a pink cotton candy in her tender hand.

Jiang Qin leaned forward slightly, resting his chin on his arms on the balcony, quietly watching Feng Nanshu lick the cotton candy clean.

After finishing, the little rich lady stood under the soapberry tree at the entrance for a full five seconds in silence. Then, she suddenly nodded firmly and turned back into the College Supermarket.

Jiang Qin pondered for a moment before standing up and going downstairs, just in time to see Feng Nanshu walking out of the supermarket with a blue cotton candy.

“Did you calculate the time to sneakily eat cotton candy before I arrived?”

Feng Nanshu was silent for a moment before suddenly sticking out her tender tongue for a lick: “I accidentally got caught by you. I’m doomed, fuck it!”

Jiang Qin was stunned, his expression instantly becoming stern: “Feng Nanshu, who taught you to swear? Was it your roommate? Which one, I’ll beat her up!”

“I, I learned it from you,” Feng Nanshu said pitifully.

“Me? Can’t you learn the good things from someone? (and not the bad)”

Jiang Qin put on a fierce face and walked over: “Give me a taste.”

“Okay.”

Feng Nanshu handed him a bite, then took another bite herself: “Actually, I don’t really like it either. I can’t finish even one, I won’t eat it again, it’s all yours.”

“Nonsense, this is clearly your second one!” Jiang Qin unceremoniously exposed her lie.

Feng Nanshu’s lips parted slightly, her eyes momentarily frozen: “How did you know?”

Jiang Qin blatantly ignored her question: “Finish it and don’t eat anymore. Go, call your roommates down, let’s go have dinner.”

“Okay, okay.”Chapter 47: Feng Nanshu’s Daily Life

TL: Etude

Beneath the girls’ dormitory at dusk, a lively scene unfolded, filled with entangled young lovers. They each claimed a spot, some behind the greenery, others in the carport, each minding their own business as if they had agreed on their territories earlier.

Jiang Qin watched Feng Nanshu ascend to her dormitory, then squatted by the roadside, observing with interest the couple before him.

In the span of several minutes, their conversation quickly escalated into a passionate exchange of kisses and caresses.

Soon enough, though, the couple noticed Jiang Qin’s gaze. The boy shifted positions to shield his actions, his back now turned towards Jiang. Casually, he reached down and adjusted his pants wedged uncomfortably between his buttocks.

Seeing this, Jiang Qin couldn’t resist spitting in frustration. These college students knew only how to hoard precious moments for themselves.

Just then, a short-haired girl bolted from the dormitory and headed directly towards him.

He recognized her – she was the one who first discovered him sneaking out of the back door of the classroom.

“You’re Feng Nanshu’s boyfriend, right? I’m Gao Wenhui.”

“My name is Jiang Qin. I’m looking for a little rich lady to support me,” he replied casually.

Gao Wenhui did not fully catch his jest. She kept the conversation going, “It isn’t easy waiting for you to treat us. The flowers in our dorm are about to wilt.”

Jiang Qin stood up and dusted off the dirt clinging to his pant leg, “I’ve been very busy recently and had to delay our meeting for a few days. Feel free to order whatever you want tonight, no need to hold back.”

“You’re busy just after the start of school? I guess you probably didn’t know, Feng Nanshu thinks about you every day in the dorm.”

“About me?”

Jiang Qin was skeptical. How could that clueless young girl understand the notion of missing someone? “You’re young and prone to lying. Please don’t negatively influence Feng Nanshu.”

Challenged, Gao Wenhui asserted, “I’m telling the truth!”

“What nonsense. Did she whisper it in your ear?”

“When we chat, she always talks about how Jiang Qin took her to the hot springs, to the bar, to study. It’s always these same places, never anything new. We all notice that she’s genuinely waiting for you to take her out!”

“Really?” Jiang Qin was surprised. Such symmetrical lies were not usually feasible.

“Of course! I’ve never seen a boyfriend like you. School started a week ago and you’ve not visited her once. She doesn’t dare to look for you either. It’s just too much!”

“Wait, why doesn’t she dare to find me?”

Gao Wenhui shook her head after some thought, “I’m not sure. She won’t tell us. It’s surprising, but she’s not aloof; she has social anxiety!”

As Jiang Qin mulled over the prior issue, he responded subconsciously, “Yes, she never had any friends in high school, so please don’t bully her.”

“Who’s bullying her? We go to classes and eat together,” Gao Wenhui defended.

“Just classes and meals? Haven’t you taken her out for fun?”

Gao Wenhui immediately shook her head and quickly added, “It’s not that we don’t invite her, but she refuses to join. We planned to watch ‘Twilight’ in Wanxing City the night before last, but she didn’t go. She even claimed that you would take her.”

Jiang Qin looked at her, “You must be making this up, right?”

“I swear I’m not lying. I still have the movie ticket stub!”

Jiang Qin was taken aback. He envisioned the delicate little rich lady sitting alone in the dim dormitory, waving goodbye to her roommates heading to the movie, murmuring to herself, “Jiang Qin will take me there someday.”

He rubbed his lips, his expression somewhat bewitched.

His rebirth had caused many changes to the original timeline, and Feng Nanshu was the one most affected.

The old Feng Nanshu had no friends and enrolled in the capital’s university, not Linchuan University. Without Jiang Qin, she wouldn’t come here, she wouldn’t know these people, her life might be drastically different.

So, why did she choose to come to Linchuan University?

In fact, one didn’t need to think too hard to know that Feng Nanshu had followed Jiang Qin to Linchuan University.

Since he was her only friend, he took her to hot springs, rode the ferris wheel, indulged in junk food, visited bars; she even knew what loneliness felt like. It would have been unusual if she hadn’t clung to him.

However, perhaps his desire to earn money had been so strong recently that, apart from the military training, his mind was filled with thoughts of establishing a website. He had not taken Feng Nanshu out at all.

Why hadn’t he thought of taking her out?

After pondering, Jiang Qin realized that he believed Feng Nanshu now had good friends to hang out with, so he didn’t pay much attention.

However, it seemed that things weren’t as he had initially thought.

Jiang Qin scrolled through his phone contacts and QQ, only to realize that apart from the first day of school, he had never initiated contact with Feng Nanshu.

“Jiang Qin, why are you just standing there?”

“Nothing, I was just stunned by my own reflection on the phone screen. Where are the others? Why aren’t they here yet?” Jiang Qin replied after snapping back to reality.

Gao Wenhui looked up towards the fifth floor, “They probably went ahead to store water since hot water supply stops at 10 PM. They must have been worried about coming back too late and missing out.”

As she finished speaking, the sound of footsteps echoed from the stairwell. Feng Nanshu led the way, her long hair fluttering as she descended the steps followed by the gentle sway of her beautiful figure.

Following her were her other four roommates: Room leader Fan Shuling, southern-accented Yang Min, chubby Cai Fang, and petite Wang Haini.

Through brief introductions, Jiang Qin started to understand the dynamics among them.

It seems that Gao Wenhui and Feng Nanshu were the closest, followed by Fan Shuling. Yang Min and Cai Fang were quite good friends, while Wang Haini seemed somewhat solitary.

“Jiang Qin, we plan to have a big feast today at your expense, don’t feel bad!” Gao Wenhui said, taking Feng Nanshu’s arm.

Jiang Qin didn’t mind at all, “I have nothing but money. I can even treat you to eat rockets, let alone a meal.”

Feng Nanshu silently watched him, “Jiang Qin, I want to eat rockets.”

“…”

“In the heat of summer, who would want to eat rockets? Let’s have hot pot instead.”

“But hot pot is also hot. Let’s eat something cooler, I want seafood.”

“There’s no place to eat seafood near the school. Let’s just eat something simple, and make sure it’s the most expensive.”

The girls chattered and rustled, listing items from the menu as they headed towards the school’s exit.

When they reached the school gate, Gao Wenhui suddenly remembered something, “Nanshu, is the water in the restroom hot? Will we be able to wash our hair later?”

“I didn’t collect any water.” Feng Nanshu replied innocently.

“You didn’t? Then why did you take so long upstairs?”

“Shuling and the others went to collect water. I was washing my feet.”

Gao Wenhui paused after hearing this, “We will have to walk back after dinner, wouldn’t washing your feet now be useless?”

Feng Nanshu crinkled her nose, “It’s useful after washing.”

“?????”

Gao Wenhui’s mind spun in circles, trying to make sense of this simple four-word statement.Chapter 48: An Unprecedented Experience

TL: Etude

Restaurants near the school couldn’t be too upscale. After all, when setting up shop, businesses had to consider the spending power of college students. So, after much deliberation, the group of seven decided on Nanshan Restaurant, the most popular choice.

Jiang Qin entered the private dining room with six girls, urging them to order whatever they liked, before stepping out to use the restroom.

Upon returning, he received a friend request with the message, “Hello, boss, my name is Shi Miaomiao.”

It took Jiang Qin a while to remember her – she must be the girl who withdrew from the Literature Club due to Yao Yanling’s suppression.

Shi Miaomiao mentioned that she had spoken with Dong Wenhao and was willing to serialize “You are the Color of Fireworks in the World” on the website. She inquired about when she could start.

After some thought, Jiang Qin gave her Su Nai’s QQ number, suggesting she ask Su Nai for an internal account to start updating that evening.

Back in the dining room, Feng Nanshu’s roommate had already ordered the dishes.

A group of seventeen or eighteen-year-old girls had chosen a table full of meat dishes, which left Jiang Qin astounded. He thought to himself how great it was in 2008, with girls seemingly free from body image concerns.

“Nanshu, look at Jiang Qin, he seems shocked. Is he worried about the cost?” Gao Wenhui joked, nudging Feng Nanshu’s arm.

Feng Nanshu patted her chest confidently, “No worries, I have money.”

Jiang Qin took a seat beside Feng Nanshu with a flourish, “Even if you have money, you don’t need to spend it. Gao Wenhui, eat as much as you like today. I won’t bat an eye even if you eat like a pig.”

“Really?” Gao Wenhui paused, then realized, “Wait, it seems like you’re calling me a pig?”

“Remove the ‘seems like,’ you’re a university student, be confident!”

“Feng Nanshu, look at your boyfriend!” Gao Wenhui’s face reddened instantly.

After a moment of silence, Feng Nanshu suggested, “Jiang Qin, maybe we should add ‘seems like’ back?”

Laughter erupted in the room.

Cai Fang commented that they were perfectly in sync, teasing Gao Wenhui for trying to complain to Feng Nanshu, calling it hilariously misguided.

Hearing the laughter, Jiang Qin couldn’t help but glance at Feng Nanshu. Under the soft orange light, the ‘little rich lady’ appeared flawlessly fair, with delicate features, rosy lips, and a high nose bridge, as if naturally airbrushed.

He was curious about how the misunderstanding of him being her boyfriend started. Was it because of the funny faces he made with Feng Nanshu at the back door of the Finance Class 4?

Feng Nanshu probably wouldn’t explain, perhaps mixing up ‘boyfriend’ with ‘male friend.’

Jiang Qin thought to himself, deciding not to clarify either. Feng Nanshu was so charming, she would surely attract unwelcome attention during her university years. He could act as a shield for her, considering he had no plans for romance.

But being a shield wasn’t easy. A little benefit in return wouldn’t be excessive, right?

“Jiang Qin, I want a slice of lotus root.”

Feng Nanshu, wearing plastic gloves and busy with crayfish, couldn’t spare her hands, so she crisply made her request.

Jiang Qin picked up the chopsticks and fed her a vinegar-soaked lotus root slice.

The ‘little rich lady’ crunched through the dish quickly, finishing the lotus root in a few bites.

The whole room watched them, their eyes filled with teasing and suggestive looks.

“Jiang Qin, I want a slice of lotus root too~”

Gao Wenhui, seeking playful revenge, mimicked Feng Nanshu.

Jiang Qin obliged with a new pair of chopsticks, feeding her: “My little rich lady is somewhat socially anxious. Sister Gao’s care over the next four years will be invaluable, consider this my advance thanks.”

Gao Wenhui, initially joking, suddenly felt embarrassed, especially by the respectful address of ‘sister Gao,’ which made her feel awkwardly elevated. Hesitantly, she opened her mouth to accept the food.

In an instant, the spicy flavor spread from her mouth to her nose.

Gao Wenhui burst into tears.

“Ugh, it’s ginger! Jiang Qin, you bitch, you fed me ginger!”

“Damn, sorry about that. I wondered why the lotus root slice looked so weird. Yellow is one thing, but this is just ridiculous.”

Gao Wenhui quickly grabbed a glass of water to dilute the strong ginger taste. After calming down, she stood up, hands on hips, threatening a duel with Jiang Qin until he called her ‘sister Gao’ three times, which finally placated her.

After the commotion, Jiang Qin put his chopsticks on the plate in front of him, only to find that a small pile of peeled crayfish tails had appeared.

He looked at Feng Nanshu in slight surprise.

She was still busy peeling shrimp, her lips reddened from the spiciness, looking exceptionally adorable.

…

Jiang Qin remained silent for a moment, then picked up a crayfish tail and chewed it thoughtfully.

The taste was decent, but his heart and upper spine felt an unfamiliar tingling sensation.

He had never experienced this feeling before, neither in his past life nor since his rebirth.

After a while, as the gathering was nearing its end and the six girls were satiated, they stopped eating and started chatting.

Jiang Qin took this opportunity to show off his website, encouraging them to give it a try when they had time and provide feedback for improvements.

His website already had a substantial framework and content, but what it lacked was real user experience. As the owner, his perspective and touch were limited by vested interests, and his evaluations couldn’t be entirely accurate. Only real users could truly assess whether a website was good or not.

“Is this a college student forum?”

“Sort of. The original forum focused more on academics, while this one leans more towards entertainment.”

After explaining, Jiang Qin frowned, noticing that Fan Shuling, sitting opposite him, was looking at him with a cold, hostile expression: “Fan, what’s wrong? Didn’t you eat enough?”

“No, I ate well,” Fan Shuling replied, softening her expression and sipping some tea.

Jiang Qin was confused. This was his first encounter with Feng Nanshu’s roommate, and they had never met before. Why would his treat be met with annoyance?

Unbeknownst to him, Fan Shuling, the ‘big sister’ of Dorm 503, had witnessed the scene of four girls confronting Jiang Qin on South Street that afternoon.

However, she hadn’t known Jiang Qin at the time and hadn’t paid much attention.

It wasn’t until dinner that she suddenly made the connection, realizing that the man from South Street and the one before her were the same.

Wasn’t this the scoundrel who had troubled an entire dorm?

Such a man, how could he possibly be in a relationship with the innocent Feng Nanshu? Could it be that he was taking advantage of Feng Nanshu’s naivety?

With this mindset, Fan Shuling’s perception of Jiang Qin plummeted.

However, she hadn’t yet decided whether to speak up about her suspicions or how to approach the subject.Chapter 49: I Can Be Alone

TL: Etude

After dinner, the group of seven, shrouded in moonlight and the darkness of the night, made their way back to Linchuan University.

The little rich lady dawdled along the way, not saying much, but clearly not eager to return to the dormitory too early. Her little scheme was as clear as day. Thus, Jiang Qin decided to take her for a stroll around the campus, subtly hinting to the other five to head back first.

Fan Shuling was visibly concerned, reluctant to have Feng Nanshu and Jiang Qin together.

Ah, the scoundrel. One would normally steer clear of such a person, let alone approach them. As the dorm leader, she felt it her duty to remind her roommate to be cautious.

However, Gao Wenhui, a great wingwoman, didn’t hesitate to hold back Fan Shuling.

“Spring flowers, autumn moon, a beautiful scene. Those who force themselves to be a third wheel will remain single for life!”

Hearing Gao Wenhui’s vicious curse, Fan Shuling didn’t dare resist and watched helplessly as Feng Nanshu obediently followed Jiang Qin away.

Back at the dorm, Fan Shuling still wore a look of concern: “That Jiang Qin is a scoundrel. I’ve seen him entangled with four girls, all from the same dorm. I’ve never seen such outrageous behavior in my life!”

While soaking her feet, Gao Wenhui tried to comfort her: “Nanshu may be introverted and a bit naive, but she’s not stupid.”

“But she’s easily deceived.”

“Well, I don’t know about that, but she surely knows who makes her happy,” Gao Wenhui believed that happiness was important.

Fan Shuling decided to keep quiet, picked up a book to read, but soon couldn’t help herself: “Wenhui, something’s off with you. He even tricked you with ginger. He’s obviously no good!”

“Shuling.”

“Hmm?”

“Nanshu has been waiting for him for a long time.”

“…”

“Forget it, I’m done caring.”

The post-rain night sky was cool as water, stretching the shadows of the two figures walking on the campus road longer and longer.

But the figure in front didn’t know what came over him, suddenly stopping in his tracks, causing the slightly smaller figure behind to bump into him unexpectedly.

However, taking advantage of this situation didn’t feel entirely justifiable, at least that’s what Jiang Qin thought.

Feng Nanshu was naive and somewhat silly, her understanding of the world not entirely comprehensive. Most of what she knew came from fantasy novels like “The Magic-Eyed Girl.”

Such juvenile fantasy novels, while entertaining, certainly didn’t contain love stories.

Why?

Because what would it be fucking realistic if children’s novels were all about love and romance?

Therefore, Feng Nanshu surely didn’t realize she was being taken advantage of.

Thinking this, Jiang Qin felt a bit uneasy. Here she was, funding his business, and he was taking advantage of her. What a monster.

This would be the last time.

The last time tonight.

Jiang Qin stopped, waiting for Feng Nanshu to catch up, then seriously asked, “I heard your roommate invited you to a movie. Why didn’t you go?”

Feng Nanshu tugged at her clothes near her chest, a hint of defiance in her eyes: “I don’t like watching movies.”

“You must have heard of Pinocchio, the puppet whose nose grows when he lies, just like you’re doing now.”

After hearing this, Feng Nanshu froze, then quietly touched her nose.

Hmph, trying to scare me again, lying doesn’t really make your nose grow.

“Have you ever wandered around at night?”

Feng Nanshu hurriedly caught up with a few steps: “No, the nights in Linchuan are a bit dark.”

Jiang Qin couldn’t help but stop and turn back to look at her: “Isn’t it dark now? Are you scared? Maybe I should take you back.”

“No need, I’m not afraid when I’m with friends.”

“Roommates are also friends. Why are you so scared to watch a movie with them?”

Feng Nanshu remained silent, her delicate lips pressed together, following Jiang Qin on her own.

“I don’t feel safe with just any friend…”

Actually, there wasn’t much to do at Linchuan University at night. The maple forest was filled with couples kissing every few steps – quite an unlucky sight. The front square was crowded, a setting Feng Nanshu obviously wouldn’t enjoy.

On the sports field, some were playing cards under lamp light, but it was messy there too, and some were kissing.

Jiang Qin, seeing all this, grew numb, thinking he should lend them money to get a room instead. Then, he quickly covered Feng Nanshu’s curious eyes and hurried her away.

Eventually, they wandered to the banks of Moonwatch Lake.

It was the largest artificial lake in the school, deliberately shaped like a natural lake, surrounded by rugged rocks and a large stone boat pavilion.

A waterfall was intentionally created at the eastern inlet, loudly splashing down, hardly distinguishable from a real wilderness waterfall.

Jiang Qin found this place quieter and so, led Feng Nanshu to sit down.

The sound of frogs, water, moonlight, and the evening breeze.

Feng Nanshu suddenly took off her little leather shoes and lace-edged white socks, revealing her tender, cute toes, then gently placed her feet in Jiang Qin’s lap.

“?!”

“During military training, I promised to let you play with my feet.” Feng Nanshu quietly looked at him.

Jiang Qin was somewhat angrily embarrassed: “What kind of joke is this? I am a gentleman. Are you testing me? I’ll tell you, I won’t even touch.”

Feng Nanshu suddenly frowned: “Ouch… gently, it hurts.”

“Damn, why do my hands have a mind of their own?”

“It’s a bit ticklish.” There was a shimmer of moisture in Feng Nanshu’s eyes.

“It’s okay, no big deal, bring the other one over too.”

Holding the soft and smooth feet in his hand, Jiang Qin’s gaze drifted across the lake: “Actually, I’ve been quite idle these days, but because of the daily training, I haven’t had time for anything else. And I might get even busier after training ends.”

After saying this, Jiang Qin paused, feeling a sense of déjà vu.

Oh right, during the last summer vacation, when he received the demolition compensation, he was learning to drive and wanted to understand the market of various industries. He seemed to have said something similar then.

At that time, the little rich lady said she wouldn’t be lonely, that she had always been alone. But then, in a couple of days, she became moody, unable even to enjoy her favorite books.

Jiang Qin turned to look at Feng Nanshu, noticing her pursing her lips, pretending to casually look into the distance.

“Feng Nanshu?”

“I can be alone,” Feng Nanshu said, still looking away.

Jiang Qin couldn’t help but lean in closer: “So strong, huh?”

“Mhm.”

“Then turn your face here, let me see.”

“No.”

“Alright, stop crying. When I’m busy, I’ll take you with me, but you can’t cause trouble.”

“I’m not crying.”

Feng Nanshu spoke softly, then quietly gazed at the lake, feeling her feet warmed comfortably, wanting to sit there forever.Chapter 50: The Cement is Loosening (Revised)

TL: Etude

After walking Feng Nanshu, Jiang Qin returned to the dormitory under the cover of night. As soon as he opened the door, he was greeted by a thick cloud of smoke, causing him to immediately step back.

“What, you set the dorm on fire while I was gone?” Jiang Qin’s eyebrows shot up in alarm.

Zhou Chao grinned sheepishly, “Brother Jiang, why did you come back so late?”

“Just had some things to do, went out for dinner.”

Jiang Qin stepped inside, fanning away the smoke and observed closely. He noticed Zhou Chao engrossed in his phone, Cao Guangyu furiously posting online, and the source of the smoke: Ren Ziqiang. Ren was sitting on a chair, looking numbly out the window into the night, a half-smoked cigarette in hand. His left foot, dangling a slipper, was propped up as cigarette butts littered the floor around him. His eyes lacked their usual sparkle, and he appeared thoroughly dejected.

The scene seemed vaguely familiar to Jiang Qin. Something like Fire Cloud Evil God?

Jiang Qin looked curiously at Zhou Chao, “What’s up with Old Ren? Practicing asceticism?”

“He wanted to ask Pan Xiu out today, but found out she was getting cozy with a senior from our department. It was pretty intimate and…”

“Stop, stop, stop,” Jiang Qin immediately cut him off, a stern look on his face. “Old Ren must be feeling awful right now, and you want to remind him of it? That’s really unethical!”

Zhou Chao promptly shut his mouth, while Ren Ziqiang sent a grateful look his way.

Liking someone is not shameful, but watching your crush with another man and being teased by roommates can be distressing for anyone.

Jiang Qin changed his clothes and began checking the website. Shi Miaomiao had already received her account and started serializing her original novel, releasing the first 30,000 words. However, due to the lack of real users on the platform, it hadn’t received much feedback.

Additionally, Dong Wenhao and his Literature Club had activated their account and were uploading their manuscripts.

The most impressive was Cao Guangyu. Despite not being paid, his “My Unpretentious Life as a Rich Second Generation” series had already reached its 35th post.

Jiang Qin skimmed through it.

Cao Guangyu, the rascal, wasn’t satisfied with just showing off reality; he had started posting stolen pictures online.

In the ‘Wine Tasting’ episode, Cao claimed that Lafite was child’s play to him. He preferred drinking directly from the bottle, stating that real men drink Romanée-Conti, the peak red wine from France’s oldest winery.

In the ‘Luxury Watch’ episode, he claimed Rolex was for nouveau riche, preferring Patek Philippe, especially their slogan: “You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.”

In the ‘School Beauty Girlfriend’ episode, he lamented being pursued by the high school beauty, troubled because he liked someone else, a celestial beauty. The school beauty, however, was relentless, and he sought online advice on what to do.

Jiang Qin was stunned, thinking, “Am I looking in a mirror?”

“Old Jiang, when can we upload videos on the site? I want to post a fitness video showing off my abs,” Cao Guangyu suddenly turned around and asked.

Jiang Qin was taken aback, “You have abs?”

“I have hands; I can ‘download’.” (AHAHA LOL)

“Ha, mixing Chinese and English, truly showy. Wait for the video feature; it’s still under development.”

Cao Guangyu pouted, a hint of regret in his expression. Without video, the full extent of his showiness couldn’t be achieved.

Jiang Qin ignored him and turned to check the backend data. As he browsed, he suddenly noticed a genuine account registered just a minute ago — “Magic Eyed Girl Feng Nanshu.”

“?”

Oh right, he had asked her dorm to help test the site during dinner. Feng Nanshu must have taken it to heart and immediately registered upon returning.

Jiang Qin lounged with his legs crossed, sipping cola while intently watching the screen, curious about what the little rich lady Feng Nanshu would post.

This is the nature of the internet; for those with access rights, privacy for online users is non-existent. All privacy settings, such as hidden posts or visibility restrictions, are mere illusions to administrators.

Feng Nanshu, the “Magic Eyed Girl,” posted: “What should I do if I’m a bit scared of people?”

Triggered by the keyword “what should I do,” the automatic reply system kicked in.

Reply 1: “Don’t worry, you’re amazing! You can do it! Keep it up!”

Reply 2: “Believe in yourself, don’t hesitate!”

Feng Nanshu continued: “What should I do if I’m not good at talking to people?”

The replies were identical to the previous ones. Seeing this, Jiang Qin almost sprayed his cola out of his nose.

He realized a glaring flaw in these auto-replies: triggering the same keyword consecutively resulted in nearly identical responses. This needed fixing before the site’s wider rollout.

Meanwhile, Feng Nanshu kept posting, seemingly oblivious to the oddness of the replies or perhaps not having seen them due to system delay.

“Magic Eyed Girl Feng Nanshu: What should I do if I want to hang out with a boy every day?”

“Magic Eyed Girl Feng Nanshu: Why do I feel ticklish inside when I hang out with a boy?”

Reading these posts, Jiang Qin’s relaxed demeanor faltered, and he felt an inexplicable unease, causing him mild discomfort.

“Magic Eyed Girl Feng Nanshu: Can best friends live together for a lifetime?”

“Magic Eyed Girl Feng Nanshu: Do you think the name Jiang Qin sounds nice?”

After these last two questions, Feng Nanshu seemed to realize something was off with the website’s replies and stopped posting new queries.

Jiang Qin chuckled softly at the questions, then felt a moment of wistfulness before quickly dismissing any emerging emotions.

Love affairs were not his concern; making money was the true path. He decided not to dwell on these distractions.

He opened QQ to report the issue with the auto-replies to Su Nai, asking her to modify the system to prevent repetitive responses to the same keywords.

After chatting with Su Nai, Jiang Qin was about to shut down his computer and go to sleep when he noticed Feng Nanshu’s account active again.

“Magic Eyed Girl Feng Nanshu: Can someone tell me what it feels like to be in love?”

Jiang Qin’s breath hitched, and he quickly shut down his computer.

The seal over his heart seemed to be loosening.

No, he thought, he needed to fortify his heart again.

“Old Zhou, tell me again what happened to Ren Ziqiang today, in detail and as painfully as possible!”

Ren Ziqiang looked up, his face turning green, “I’m already heartbroken, and you have the nerve to do this, Jiang? Isn’t that unethical?”

Jiang Qin retorted, “Did you think about ethics when you told Pan Xiu I had been chasing someone for three years? Hurry up, Old Zhou!”

Zhou Chao, excited, began to recount the story in his heavy southern accent, which surprisingly added to the narrative.

According to him, Ren Ziqiang had used a half-pound of hair gel that morning, mustering the courage to ask Pan Xiu out. But just as he arrived at the girls’ dorm, he saw Pan Xiu playfully interacting with a senior, almost revealing her shoulder straps.

Ren Ziqiang was instantly disheartened and returned to the dorm to smoke relentlessly, filling the room with smoke.

“Pan Xiu’s really something, getting close to a senior before military training even ended?”

Hearing the story, Jiang Qin felt his heart solidify again. Love was indeed a fantasy; pursuing wealth was the real deal.

Exciting indeed! He planned to have Zhou Chao retell the story the next morning for a spirited start to the day.