Chapter 32: The Ups and Downs of Life
TL: Etude
After replying to the message, Jiang Qin stretched lazily, only to notice his roommates gazing intently out the window.
Curious, he looked in the same direction and saw the girls from the finance class shopping at the stalls outside. Among them were Song Qingqing and Jiang Tian, laughing radiantly like blooming flowers.
Jiang, stop looking. Shes not for you, one of the roommates commented.
Jiang Qin snapped back to reality, feeling exasperated, I was just curious about what you guys were staring at!
Zhou Chao couldnt resist teasing Cao Guangyu, You cant get her, so why not let Jiang enjoy the view?
Cao Guangyu, although not ranking Song Qingqing as the top beauty, agreed with Zhou Chaos sentiment, Jiang, you should set your sights on someone else. I think Pan Xiu is not bad. She might not compare to Song Qingqing and Jiang Tian, but shes definitely a beauty among the average girls.
Ren Ziqiang, who had been silent, suddenly looked up, Pan Xiu is not an option. I just added her on QQ. Dont compete with me. If you do, I might actually lose.
Zhou Chao and Cao Guangyu were astonished, Man, you move fast!
One must be proactive in pursuing girls, or else its a sign of a problem, quipped Jiang Qin, disdain in his voice. If he truly wanted a relationship, he wouldnt need advice from these timid guys. He scoffed at the thought of being interested in Song Qingqing.
Muttering under his breath about the unnecessary drama, Jiang Qin saw the three roommates exchange glances.
Jiang, are you feeling challenged? teased Cao Guangyu. You might be somewhat handsome, but you dont stand much chance against a beauty like Song Qingqing, especially with no experience in dating.
I agree. Youre welcome to try, but youre bound to be rejected, added another.
Jiang Qin shook his head dismissively, Not interested in her, not my type.
Zhou Chao sneered, Yeah right!
Jiang Qin glanced at him, thinking about how to sober them up from their delusions. He hoped they wouldnt get too sweet a taste of victory.
Cao Guangyu observed Jiang Qin, a smirk forming on his lips. He thought Jiang was just being coy, probably planning to pursue her secretly. But chasing a beauty like that was tough, even for a rich second-generation like himself, let alone for Jiang. Cao entertained the thought of swooping in after Jiangs inevitable failure, winning over Song Qingqing, and putting Jiang in his place.
His thoughts were interrupted by Zhou Chaos exclamation, Look, a beauty!
As they were all lost in their thoughts, Zhou Chaos voice snapped them back to reality. They followed his pointing finger, and their gaze froze.
A girl, carrying a light grey bag with a lychee pattern, walked gracefully between the tables. She wore denim shorts that revealed her slender, fair legs and outlined her slim waist. Her upper body was clad in a black lettered T-shirt. Though not tight, her good figure made it seem so. Up close, they could see her standard oval face, moist cherry lips, and attractive eyes. Her earlobes adorned with clover-shaped silver earrings added to her charm.
In that brief moment, the enchantment Song Qingqing had cast on them vanished without a trace. All thoughts of Song Qingqing and Jiang Tian being the most beautiful faded away.
But soon, this enchantment turned into panic. They realized the girl was heading straight towards them, a shy smile on her exquisite face.
These timid guys, who couldnt even raise their heads in front of Song Qingqing, were now extremely nervous. They pretended to look elsewhere, subconsciously straightening their hair and clothes.
To their surprise, the girl actually sat down in front of them, flipping her hair casually, and then turned to Jiang Qin.
Im here, she said.
Jiang Qin raised an eyebrow, You arrived just in time. These guys needed a wake-up call.
Hong Yan blinked her beautiful eyes, a hint of confusion in her gaze, What do you mean?
Its nothing, theyre just really happy to see you, Jiang Qin responded.
Thank you, but wont I be intruding on your group gathering by joining for the meal?
Jiang Qin immediately shook his head, Dont worry, just sit down. They deserve to be disturbed.
Hong Yan chuckled softly, somewhat puzzled, then glanced at the empty table, Havent you ordered yet? Let me treat you.
Weve already ordered, but due to the busy start-of-term rush, the kitchen staff is overwhelmed and the service is a bit slow. Would you like some tea first?
Sure.
Jiang Qin passed his already cleaned utensils to her and casually poured her a cup of tea.
Hong Yan murmured a thank you with a smile in her eyes and placed her small bag on the chair next to her.
Ren Ziqiang and Zhou Chao were dumbfounded. They looked at Hong Yan and then at Jiang Qin, barely containing their astonishment.
Old Old Jiang, who is she?
A freshman from our batch, from the Law Department, Hong Yan, Jiang Qin replied.
He turned to Hong Yan, Let me introduce you. These three are my roommates: Zhou Chao, Ren Ziqiang, and Cao Guangyu.
Ren Ziqiang stared blankly at Jiang Qin, You actually managed to invite such a beautiful girl to dine with you?
Hong Yan suddenly coughed, You guys are mistaken. Actually, I was the one who asked Jiang Qin.
?????
Hong Yan laughed a bit sheepishly, I even added him on QQ first
Jiang Qin quickly gestured with his hand, Actually, you spoke too quickly, not giving me a chance to say it first.
But what I said is the truth.
Hong Yan blinked, not finding anything shameful about a girl taking the initiative.
In fact, she had come to meet Jiang Qin with an unspeakable sense of anticipation.
From their first meeting, she had found herself unusually drawn to and curious about Jiang Qin. She thought he was unconventional yet unusually steady. He could stay unobtrusive in someone elses party and surprise everyone when it came to settling the bill.
Simply put, Hong Yan found him to have the boldness of youth without being off-putting or arrogant, quite different from the immature boys who were all talk and no substance.
And this meeting reaffirmed her expectations.
He didnt take pride in her approaching him, nor did he use it to gain admiration from others. Instead, he was very considerate of her feelings.
He was truly nice, and that was enough for her.
Meanwhile, Ren Ziqiang and Zhou Chao were feeling overwhelmed.
Just moments ago, they were debating whether Song Qingqing or Jiang Tian was more beautiful and even thought Jiang Qin pursuing Song Qingqing was a joke. Now they realized how ludicrous their assumptions were. Jiang Qin was on a completely different level.
The irony of being approached by a goddess, being asked out, and them not even having stepped into society yet made them acutely feel the disparities of life.
They wondered if they were really attending the same university.
Old Cao, did you hear that? Its unbelievable!
Yeah
Cao Guangyus mouth twitched, as if he had something to say but after a long pause, he swallowed his words.
Actually, he knew Hong Yan. She was the school beauty in their high school and also his unrequited love. But seeing her attitude, she probably didnt remember him at all.
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