"Chu Qingning, you can't even take a joke! Stop chasing me~"
Miao Youxi, the baby-faced bombshell with an ample bosom, ran ahead with her hands cupped over her chest—her signature running stance.
Well… it was mainly to reduce seismic activity, preventing any excessive jiggling.
"Stop right there!"
Today, Chu Qingning was dressed in a Tang-style hanfu—a white embroidered long bralette underneath, tied with two green ribbons that draped down her chest, paired with a sheer crimson outer robe. The ensemble was breathtaking, inspired by Li Bai's poem describing Yang Yuhuan: "Clouds yearn for her robes, flowers envy her beauty; the spring breeze caresses the railing, dew-laden blossoms glow."
On the basketball court, Chu Qingning lifted her skirt with one hand and snatched a broom from a bystander with the other, charging forward.
Chu Qingning was the school's renowned hanfu queen.
"Born peerless, she could not hide her grace; chosen by the emperor's side. A glance, a smile—a hundred charms bloom; the six palaces' powdered faces pale in gloom."
At the rear, Qiao Meina lugged their luggage, watching Chu Qingning with admiration. "Tell me… if Chu Qingning lived in ancient times, wouldn't she be one of those disaster-level femme fatales?"
"Pfft—her?" Ayi Re sat atop her suitcase, scooting along with her legs. "Chu Qingning's just a big ol' airhead. Forget ancient times—even now, Lin Can could wrap her around his finger."
"What do you mean?"
"Love-addled."
Qiao Meina snorted. "Never noticed before, but ever since meeting Lin Can this summer, she's gone full boy-crazy. Every other word out of her mouth is 'Can Can'—zero independence now."
"I've decided!" Ayi Re raised her hand dramatically. "This semester, I'm getting a boyfriend! Yay~"
Ah—
Hearing this, several boys on the court abandoned their basketball and swarmed over.
"Ayi Re, pick me! I can ball and sing!"
"Me! I've liked you since freshman year!"
"Choose me! I'll dump my girlfriend right now!"
Ayi Re ignored them, munching on her yogurt curds as she scooted away on her suitcase.
Truth be told, Ayi Re was the most popular among the boys—a stunning Western beauty, cheerful, lively, and talented. What guy wouldn't fall for that?
Conversely, she topped the girls' least-liked list.
Too much male attention? Instant female disdain.
Once they were farther away, Qiao Meina teased, "Hahaha… our Ayi Re's quite the heartthrob. One shout, and they come running. Bet the campus forum's already trending [Ayi Re Announces Plans to Date This Semester]. So… what's your type? As your bestie, I'll hook you up."
"I like guys like Lin Can—rich, handsome, and sweet. But I don't like him."
"What kind of contradiction is that?"
"Because he lied about liking my yogurt curds! Said they tasted like Michelin tires and spat them out when I wasn't looking. So annoying, hmph!"
Ayi Re crossed her arms, puffing her cheeks in outrage.
Qiao Meina chuckled, towing her suitcase along. "What if he did like them?"
"If Lin Can genuinely liked my yogurt curds—no lies—I'd snatch him from Chu Qingning in a heartbeat. Post kissy videos with him daily to spite her."
"Ohoho… since when did Ayi Re declare war on Chu Qingning?"
"Since forever! That woman's evil. Taught me Sichuan mahjong in Chengdu, then kept winning all my money. Nearly left me broke for the trip home! Worst part? She flaunted the dress she bought with my cash on Chunxi Road. I cried and flew back to Xinjiang that same day."
Pfft—
HAHAHA!
The epitome of frenemies.
"You're killing me."
They reached the dorm.
Qiao Meina yelled up, "Hey! Dumbasses in Room 404, get your butts down here and haul your crap!"
"Bring it up yourself! I'm busy disciplining Miao Youxi."
"Do it yourself."
Thump thump thump—
Soon, Chu Qingning and Miao Youxi stormed downstairs, fuming.
"Zero loyalty. Can't even help with luggage. Next time you're on your period, don't ask me to buy pads."
Chu Qingning grumbled, dragging her heavy suitcase toward the dorm.
"Like I'd ask you." Qiao Meina turned to Miao Youxi. "Why're you just standing there? Grab your stuff."
The four marched inside, their anger melting into sweet smiles as they showered the dorm auntie with compliments.
Essential tactic—if they stayed out too late, she'd let them in.
The auntie watched the four beauties fondly. With looks like theirs, they'd already won at life—destined to date or marry wealthy heirs.
Then again, the prettier the flower, the bitter its fate.
She hoped these sweet girls wouldn't fall into that tired trope.
If Lin Can were here, he'd pat her shoulder and say: I disagree. Pretty privilege is real.
Because Lin Can lived by one undeniable truth: The handsome never toil; the beautiful never suffer.
...
Back in Room 404, the quartet cleaned with military precision.
"Whew—so hot. I'm showering."
"Wait for me!"
Ayi Re and Miao Youxi grabbed their clothes and headed for the bathroom.
Chu Qingning plopped onto the center table, set a mini fan on the floor, and dramatically propped her legs on a chair, letting the fan blast upward.
Ahhh~
She exhaled in bliss.
"Dude—are you insane? Using my fan to dry that? No wonder it smells funky now."
"Shh! I'm video-calling Can Can."
Qiao Meina rolled her eyes, spotting the panties strewn on the bed. Chu Qingning, you shameless hussy.
...
Yun Chuan
Lin Can had just toured the golf villa. Nice property, but unfurnished—a dealbreaker.
Villa renovations weren't simple; they were marathon projects, often taking a year or more.
Lin Can had no patience for that. He wanted a move-in-ready mansion.
So, the hunt continued.
Exiting the sales office, he cranked the Bentley's AC just as Chu Qingning's video call popped up.
"Hi, Can Can~"
"Whoa. Qingning-jie, you look regal today. Fit for an empress."
Pfft—
Qiao Meina side-eyed: Sure, 'regal' up top, but down below? A full-on exhibitionist airing out her 'shellfish' with my fan.
"Can Can, your jiejie almost got heatstroke today." Chu Qingning rested her chin on her hands, fishing for sympathy.
"Late-summer heat's brutal. My shirt's soaked too. If it's too hot, just stay in your dorm."
"Mhm."
Behind Chu Qingning, Qiao Meina peeled an orange.
"Oho—if it isn't my beloved Meina-jie! Peeling oranges? Such dexterous hands."
Clink—
Qiao Meina shot him a death glare.
Oh, she knew he was mocking her Mr. Ji incident.
Damn it. Should've never helped that day.
Now this brat had leverage, even taunting her in front of his girlfriend?
"Ohhh~ Can Can~" Qiao Meina leaned into the frame, waving sweetly. "Long time no see~"
Lin Can grinned. "Likewise. You've gotten even prettier."
"Xie xie~ You two chat. I'll make my bed."
She flounced off, done with him.
Soon, Ayi Re emerged from the shower in a towel.
"Hi, Can Can~"
She waved, then strategically tossed her towel across the camera's view.
Lin Can chuckled. This little minx and her artful teasing.
One of these days, she'll push me too far—and regret it.
Then—
"Ugh, Ayi Re never brings spare towels!"
Miao Youxi stepped out, completely nude, towel-drying her hair.
Chu Qingning waved at the screen. "Hello? Can Can… hello? Frozen?"
How could he NOT freeze?
Lin Can's eyes nearly bulged at the full-frontal view of Miao Youxi's generous assets.
Damn.
So big!!!
Next second—
"Eek—"
Qiao Meina gasped. "Miao Youxi! Clothes, now! Chu Qingning's on video with Lin Can!"
"AHHH—"
Miao Youxi panicked, unsure whether to cover top or bottom.
Chu Qingning glanced back. "Relax, the video froze."
"Oh, whew." Miao Youxi planted her hands on her hips, taking a deep, relieved breath.
Lin Can's eyes widened further with each rise and fall.
Then—
Pfft—
He finally lost it, spraying water all over his phone.
"AH! Lin Can wasn't frozen—he was ogling! Perv!"
Miao Youxi dove onto the bed, burying herself under blankets—only her plump backside peeking out.
Sigh.
Qiao Meina kicked the offending curves undercover.
Chu Qingning took a deep calming breath.
"Don't rage. Wrinkles. Don't. Rage."
But she snapped.
"Miao Youxi! Could you maybe PUT ON CLOTHES before leaving the bathroom? Hmm?"
From under the blankets: "My fault? Ayi Re took all the towels! How was I supposed to know you'd be video-calling your boyfriend? Also—this dorm isn't yours! No more calls in here, or it's a 50-yuan fine!"
"HAHAHA—you two are priceless…" Ayi Re cackled before plopping down by the camera, munching grapes. "So, Lin Can, when are you treating us in Shanghai? School starts soon—gotta meet before军训 (military training)."
They'd agreed to reunite before term began.
"Tomorrow?"
"Not tomorrow. Come in two days."
"Why?"
"Aunt Flo's visiting. You coming now would be… inconvenient."
Pfft—
"Define 'inconvenient'. Is this adult inconvenient?"
Pat pat pat!
Ayi Re tapped the screen. "Get your mind outta the gutter! We'll be crampy and cranky—no fun for you."
"Oh… that kind. Fine, I'll come after Auntie leaves. Wait… all of you at once?"
"Yep. Girls living together sync cycles. Basic biology."
Lin Can: "!!!"
Qiao Meina: "Ayi Re! Why tell him that? Now he'll track our safe periods!!!"
Miao Youxi: "HAHA—look at Chu Qingning's face! You're dead."
Chu Qingning: "Can Can, gotta go. Housecleaning time. Bye—"
...
Call ended.
Lin Can filed that info away.
Sync cycles = sync safe windows.
Heh.
Glancing at the clock—4 PM. Too hot for more house-hunting.
Remembering Dr. Gao's referral, he dialed Yun Chuan's richest man.
Beep… beep…
"Hello, who's this?"
A weathered, authoritative voice answered.
"Mr. Wang, I'm Lin Can—the photographer Dr. Gao recommended."
"Ah, yes. When can you come?"
Huh? That urgent?
"Actually… I'm free now."
"Then come to my ancestral home."
"Where?"
"Daji Dam."
"…Are you cursing me?"
"No. It's a place. See you soon."
"Uh… okay."