046. The Self-Aware Wen Yang
Ever since Wen Yang stepped out the door, Ning Chu was a bundle of nerves, trying to distract herself with music and TV, hoping to immerse herself in the drama to survive this agonizing wait.
Meanwhile, Zhang Shaoqing cozied up next to Wang Jie, grinning like a cat that just swallowed the cream and whispered some slander into his ear.
“Hey, Wang Jie! Have you noticed? It seems like Ning Chu really likes Wen Yang.”
“Did you see how shy he was just now? His face is starting to look more girly by the minute.”
“And then there’s his chest. Sure, it’s pretty flat and not very noticeable, but there’s still a little bit… do you think he’s secretly taking some meds for Wen Yang?”
But in this plot, even though a woman had suddenly appeared in the dorm, and this woman was partying every night with the other two roommates without them realizing, Wang Jie was taken aback and promptly shook his head: “Don’t say that, Ning Chu would get mad.”
“Are you blind? Didn’t you notice how much Ning Chu cares about Wen Yang? He looked just like a little housewife!”
Wang Jie focused solely on his game, stealing a glance at this blonde weirdo, and muttered, “When you were feeling down last time, didn’t he take care of you too? He was all clumsy trying to comfort you, so does that mean he likes you?”
“Eh… well, um…”
Recalling how awkward Ning Chu had been while comforting and apologizing to him before, Zhang Shaoqing scratched the back of his head, coming up short for a comeback.
“I think Ning Chu is just that kind of person. He’s warm-hearted and used to taking care of his friends. Sure, being a bit nosy can be annoying, but it’s nice too~ Why are you always picking on him?”
“You’re making Ning Chu sound like some kind of saint.”
Zhang Shaoqing rolled his eyes disdainfully and turned back to glance at Ning Chu, only to see Ning Chu suddenly clutching his belly, his face paling dramatically.
“What’s wrong?!”
“Nothing, nothing, just a stomachache,” Ning Chu quickly waved his hand, although he couldn’t hide the smile at the corner of his mouth.
After a few experiences, he understood that whenever the plot was disrupted, his body reacted oddly—like stomach pain.
“Are you a masochist or something?”
“Who’s a masochist?!”
It worked! Two weeks of effort led Wen Yang to consciously preserve his virginity! This bellyache must mean Wen Yang had rejected some plot point!
Perhaps the words he had said to Wen Yang before leaving were crucial!
The magic had learned to defeat itself, huh?
But didn’t that mean he’d have to get all girly again?
Ning Chu’s smile vanished instantly, replaced by a deep-rooted sadness.
Who knew what part would turn feminine this time?
First, it was his chest, then his hips, and his face! Now he was stuck like some delicate little girl when it came to looks.
When he first crossed over, he never thought that his initial “cute boy” appearance would turn out to be the most manly he’d get.
But if he just lets the plot go unchecked, he’d be in for it…
The more he thought, the heavier his heart felt, and he slumped onto the table in defeat.
“Ning Chu, what’s for dinner?” Zhang Shaoqing came over, obliviously pushing his luck, “Want to join for a meal deal?”
“I’ll head to the cafeteria later.”
He had only a few bucks left, so Ning Chu was considering just buying two packs of instant noodles.
“What’s good at the cafeteria? I’ll treat you~”
“Forget it.”
Zhang Shaoqing didn’t get the answer he wanted and turned back to Wang Jie, “Wang Jie! Let’s pool up for a meal deal~”
After about an hour, the sky outside had completely darkened, and Ning Chu’s stomach was rumbling from hunger.
Finally, he sluggishly got up, worry etched on his face, and headed toward the dorm exit.
“Ning Chu! Bring me back a bottle of Coke!” Wang Jie’s voice rang out first, “I’ll transfer you the money!”
“Alright!”
“I want iced red tea, and throw in a scoop of ice cream! Oh, and a strawberry yogurt too.”
Ning Chu turned his head, spotting Zhang Shaoqing’s cheeky grin,
and chuckled, giving a nod, “Sure… but only if you call me ‘daddy’.”
He quickly seized the opportunity for a comeback.
“Wang Jie doesn’t have to call you that!”
“For just one Coke? You want drinks, ice cream, and yogurt! Who’s the real beggar here?”
Zhang Shaoqing’s face was etched with displeasure, staring at Ning Chu with a gaze so fierce it made Ning Chu a little nervous.
Uh oh, did he go too far?
“Daddy.”
The word barely whispered floated into Ning Chu’s ears.
“Hmm?”
“I’ve transferred the money, hurry up!”
“Got it!”
Wow, is the antagonist hiding an arrogant streak under that tough exterior?!
Ning Chu’s mood lifted as he excitedly bolted out of the dorm.
As the streetlights flickered to life, the dorm area was illuminated brightly; unlike before, red fairy lights hung from the trees lining the path.
He carefully navigated around the large flower garden in the center of the dorm, avoiding any couples that might be out on a wild adventure. His eyes wandered about the decorations, and he felt puzzled.
“What festival is it?”
After walking a few meters and taking a corner, he spotted a banner stretched across the street.
“Happy National Day? National Day?”
So this parallel world celebrates the same holidays…
And now for the crucial part!
Ning Chu quickly pulled out his phone to check the holiday dates, only to be shocked to find that starting tomorrow, October, there would be a seven-day holiday for National Day.
No way! Seven full days off with no makeup classes! Adding these weekend days, that’s a whopping nine days! What paradise is this?
How come no one told him?
Does this mean those sly foxes have plenty of chances to charm Wen Yang during the holiday?!
The blissful thoughts scattered instantly as Ning Chu’s expression froze, making him pause his steps towards the supermarket, turning instead toward the back gate of the school.
No, he couldn’t relax.
Unlike last time, when they had military training the next day, those flirtatious girls might not have held back; this long holiday gives them all the space they need to operate!
Thinking back on those longer main plot arcs:
Getting rented out while working away from home? The landlady asking for DNA samples repeatedly to cover his rent?
Being drugged and waking up locked in a basement, only to be squeezed dry by that fox lady for three whole days?
Surely, Wen Yang wouldn’t just nonchalantly find an apartment or get drugged in public, right?
Though it’s highly likely he was just overthinking it, that nagging anxiety didn’t fade.
“Let’s check out the off-campus supermarket, just to peek…”
Ning Chu muttered to himself, changing directions. His pace picked up from a leisurely stroll to a quick walk until he ultimately broke into a jog towards the school’s back gate and onto the street.
He glanced around, puzzled by the myriad of small restaurants dotting the street.
“Where are you guys eating? Which private room number?”
After sending a message to Wen Yang, he anxiously paced for a few minutes before finally receiving a reply.
“We’re at the barbecue place, right across from that Sichuan restaurant, just on the street.”
“What’s up? Are you coming too? You’d better hurry, the dishes are already on the table.”
Confirming the location, Ning Chu quickened his pace and even sent another message.
“I’m just going to the supermarket outside to grab some food.”
