Chapter 3: Can We Skip the Drinking?
Listening to the sound of running water from the bathroom, Lin Tian let out a sigh of relief while sitting on the sofa.
Who would have thought that the first strategic goal would be achieved so easily?
However, Lin Tian remembered that the old man’s house was nearby.
Why not just go home to wash up?
With no time to ponder this, Lin Tian recalled the strange behavior of the girl today and pulled out his phone.
He called the old man.
Lin Tian had saved the old man’s number a long time ago, but this was the first time he was actually dialing it.
He needed to confirm if Gan Yan Yu was indeed the old man’s granddaughter and what kind of creature she was.
After a few rings, no one picked up.
Looks like something’s up; otherwise, the shop wouldn’t be closed today.
“Bang—”
Before long, the bathroom door swung open.
Gan Yan Yu emerged, wiping her wet hair.
Lin Tian instantly perked up.
With her ponytail down, her long black hair cascaded down her back like a dark waterfall.
The girl had changed into a black spaghetti strap dress that showcased her pretty collarbone. The simple yet fitted design highlighted her curvy figure.
And those long, fair legs? Absolute anime material.
This ponytail was like some sort of seal; once undone, it banished the “lost schoolgirl” vibe and transformed her into the leading lady from a youth drama.
“What do I do with the clothes I just changed out of?”
Gan Yan Yu held her old school uniform, wringing it in her hands.
“The washing machine’s on the balcony; hand it over,” Lin Tian replied.
He took the slightly dirty clothes from Gan Yan Yu and walked out to the balcony.
Just as he was about to toss the clothes into the washing machine, he hesitated a bit at the damp texture.
Body fluids, including sweat, right?
Tonight was quite muggy, so there had to be some evidence of it.
Lin Tian squatted beside the washing machine, gently cradling the uniform.
Even though they were both students from the same school, Lin Tian couldn’t recall ever seeing Gan Yan Yu before—maybe she, like him, was an energy-saving student.
How was he supposed to gather information like this? The system never specified.
He placed his hand on the collar of the now slightly damp uniform and took a sniff.
A faint pleasant fragrance mingled with the smell of damp cement on the floor.
“What are you doing?”
Lin Tian whipped his head up.
At the balcony door, Gan Yan Yu stood there, staring at him, completely taken aback.
The air suddenly got thick.
“I’m helping you pour laundry detergent,” he said, trying to keep it cool.
“Oh.”
Whether she believed him or not, Gan Yan Yu nodded thoughtfully,
“I wanted to ask if I could sit on your sofa?”
“Sure, go ahead. You don’t have to ask me for that,” he replied.
“Great.”
With that, the girl turned and headed back to the living room, leaving Lin Tian’s brain momentarily short-circuited.
Here he was, a guy who’s never even held a girl’s hand in his life, almost misunderstood as a pervert!
Just as he was about to unleash a torrent of curses at the system for this twist, a notification popped up—
【Body fluids extracted. System analyzing…】
【Analysis complete. Medical report generated.】
【Name: Gan Yan Yu】
【Occupation: High School Student; Professional Cellist】
【Age: 18 years, 8 months, 24 days】
【Height: 166.9 cm】【Weight: 41.3 kg】
【bl**d Type: O】
【Health Status:
Noticeable symptoms of depression, loss of interest, and fatigue. Reduced appetite, sleep disturbances, and significant weight loss.
Has attempted two types of antidepressants with poor results and noticeable side effects.
Overall health status is okay, but severe weight loss and fatigue affect daily life and functionality.
Impact on attention, memory, and thinking speed is currently unclear.】
Seeing that DNF-level terrifying status bar, Lin Tian took a deep breath.
This body? It’s like raising a cursed child.
Even time travelers would shake their heads.
Lin Tian suddenly felt that his earlier judgment had been spot-on.
This girl definitely had thoughts of ending it all.
But she had been interrupted not once, but twice by his sudden appearance on the sixth floor and then crashing onto the rooftop.
To avoid dragging herself into the muck, she tried to shoo him away.
Yet he, showing a rare persistence, rendered her unable to do so.
Reluctantly, she brought him home with the aim of letting her guard down.
If Lin Tian’s hunch was correct,
Then the next step?
Gan Yan Yu’s plan was to find an excuse to leave.
Lin Tian returned to the living room.
At this point, Gan Yan Yu was sprawled on the couch, captivated by the computer’s screen.
The computer was showing a video from an up-and-coming creator called “Dead Rat,” featuring a series titled “Hardcore Tough Guy.”
Although the history and entertainment of this world differed slightly from his previous life, a lot of things were strikingly similar; there were always alternatives to be found.
This episode narrated the story of a classical musician from medieval Europe who was imprisoned by the church for composing “treasonous” music and was burned at the stake after completing his last performance.
Gan Yan Yu was watching intently; it was the first time Lin Tian noticed her eyes widen in such astonishment.
“Wow, are you identifying with this?” Lin Tian asked.
After discovering Gan Yan Yu’s situation from the system, Lin Tian set aside his playful attitude and focused on her attentively.
Seven Middle School wasn’t exactly a high-pressure environment, so he didn’t understand how a high school student could be struggling with such severe psychological issues.
She was so pretty; surely her worries were minimal.
If nothing else, she could always go into foot spa therapy.
“How did you know I also play classical music?” Gan Yan Yu seemed a bit pleased at Lin Tian’s question.
“Uh, I sort of guessed from the piece you played earlier,” he shrugged.
Technically, he was referring to the fact that she was into music, not thinking too deeply about it.
But he was shocked that a high school student liked classical music; he thought it was something only old folks enjoyed.
“Impressive,” she said, looking at him with a bit of admiration.
“Most people don’t have that gift.”
“I’m just learning, really.”
Lin Tian wasn’t completely making things up.
After all, if he really became a producer,
His first direction would be in the music field; being a wordsmith is most satisfying when it comes to music.
Writing novels or manga requires a lot of effort, while writing songs is the easiest way to gain fame.
“What high school do you go to?”
This was the first time Gan Yan Yu took the initiative to ask about Lin Tian.
Lin Tian had a youthful aura, and it wasn’t hard to guess he was a high school student.
“Same as you, Seven Middle,” Lin Tian replied, “But I don’t think I’ve seen you at school.”
“I took a year off, went abroad, and just came back recently.”
“Oh, I see.”
No wonder! With a beauty like her, how could he have missed her if they were classmates?
Just then, Lin Tian suddenly stood up.
“Do you want something to drink?”
Since he was hosting a guest, it wouldn’t do to have nothing, right?
“Anything’s fine.”
Lin Tian quickly walked to the fridge and pulled out a convenience store bag.
He placed it on the table, opened it, revealing a few bottles of beer.
“Want a drink?”
Gan Yan Yu’s face showed a hint of discomfort.
She hadn’t expected her casual remark of “anything” would lead to Lin Tian bringing out the alcohol.
“I didn’t buy any water, only this—though it’s really good; a little helps with sleep.”
If she got drunk, that would complicate things—she might end up staying over.
Once the night passed, she’d belong to him.
However, just then,
Gan Yan Yu lowered her head, fell silent for a moment.
Then she slowly raised her head.
Lin Tian noticed a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks.
She stretched out her delicate hand and grabbed Lin Tian’s arm.
In a soft murmur, she asked:
“Can we skip the drinking—please?”
(The End of Chapter)
