Volume 4: Hidden Struggles, Chapter 103: I’m in Love
Unnoticed, since Chu Tianyu left, it was already nearly the end of May. That’s why Bai Lei gathered a group of classmates—mainly the Five Heroes of Beifu and Li Rou’s female classmates—to meet in their dormitory and discuss where to go on vacation during the May Day holiday. But unfortunately, Bai Lei kept talking about outdoor adventures and remote, uninhabited places, which made Chu Tianyu, who had just escaped such hardships and returned to their company, feel dizzy upon hearing this!
Fortunately, though Bai Lei’s suggestions were tempting, they were extremely difficult to implement. Not only was the May Day holiday only seven days long, but the journey back from those remote areas would likely take several days. Moreover, during the Golden Week, where would they find tickets for so many people? Even if they could set off, returning on time was highly uncertain!
Faced with these practical problems, Bai Lei, the originator of the idea, had no choice but to fall silent. Eventually, pressured by the others, he gave up and simply sat next to Chu Tianyu, staring at him with a sly look, making Chu Tianyu feel goosebumps and chills!
With Bai Lei’s enthusiasm deflated, others began to suggest ideas, but all were mercilessly rejected. In the end, no clear plan was agreed upon as they dispersed in frustration.
It was almost evening by then, and only Da Ge, Bao Cai, Bai Lei, and Chu Tianyu remained in the room…
Li Rou obviously had many things to say to Chu Tianyu, but amidst her roommates’ teasing, she felt too embarrassed to express her feelings right away!
Her behavior stemmed from the fact that after Chu Tianyu suddenly disappeared, she had only received an urgent call from him before losing all contact. In her confusion, she mustered the courage to go see Ouyang Zi Yi and explained her purpose straightforwardly. Initially fearing ridicule or hostility from Ouyang Zi Yi, she was surprised when Ouyang Zi Yi immediately invited her into her room and stayed with her in her bedroom to talk about Chu Tianyu.
At first, Li Rou was too embarrassed to mention the awkward situation between her and Chu Tianyu in the car, only hinting at it. Unexpectedly, Ouyang Zi Yi seemed to have witnessed it herself, clarifying everything and explaining in detail Chu Tianyu’s “dragon energy” as well as the possible consequences and symptoms.
Finally, she added that this was also the reason why she didn’t object to Chu Tianyu’s relationship with her—something she hadn’t dared to mention last time! Upon hearing this, Li Rou felt shy at first, but the more she listened, the more alarmed she became. Especially after learning about Chu Tianyu’s peculiar condition, she burst into tears and blamed herself harshly. She thought that Chu Tianyu’s current situation was likely caused by his efforts to suppress his instincts while they were in the car… Ouyang Ziyi didn’t blame Li Rou; instead, she comforted her, trying to hide her own worry. On the surface, she claimed not to be concerned about Chu Tianyu’s safety, but rather worried that he might use the power of the Black Dragon to harm beautiful girls! Ouyang Ziyi’s sarcastic tone made Li Rou laugh, lifting her mood. Unexpectedly, Chu Tianyu indeed lived up to Ouyang Ziyi’s joke—he used the power of the Black Dragon to harm a beautiful girl, one who was even a superstar! This was beyond Ouyang Ziyi’s expectations when she said those words! That night, Li Rou stayed behind with Ouyang Ziyi, waiting for news of Chu Tianyu. The two spent time together, comforting each other during those anxious days of waiting. For Li Rou, her heart had long since been opened, but she still felt a bit embarrassed. When she saw Chu Tianyu again, she left in conflict, not seeking to stay. However, Chu Tianyu’s passionate gaze from time to time gave her a sense of hope, lifting her spirits. Especially when she wanted to leave but hesitated, Chu Tianyu secretly sent her a message: “I’ll contact you tonight…” … “Third brother, you’re really unfair! You’ve been gone for so long. If it weren’t for Bai Lei constantly asking for leave for you, you’d have been expelled by now!” Da Ge said earnestly. “Hmph~~hmph~~” Bai Lei, standing nearby, stayed silent but deliberately panted in agreement with Da Ge’s words. “That’s right! Do you know how worried Bao Cai was because you ran away from home? If you don’t treat me to something…” Bao Cai couldn’t finish his sentence before Bai Lei, who still wanted to act cool and put pressure on Chu Tianyu, kicked him out. At the same time, Bai Lei snapped, “Damn it, Bao Cai! Can’t you say something meaningful? We’re here to criticize someone for leaving the group alone to have fun—why are you talking about food and drinks? Go stay wherever it’s cooler!”
Kale, kicked out the door, limped back in and said plaintively, “I just wanted to suggest that he take us to that new fast-food restaurant next to the school supermarket to try their newly launched super fruit and vegetable combo—super nutritious…” Before he could finish his tongue-twisting explanation, a pillow and a stinky shoe were thrown at him at the same time, silencing his “sword-like” mouth once again! Finally, the big guy couldn’t hold back anymore! If Chu Tianyu hadn’t still been burdened by his “crime,” the cup of tea that Li Rou had poured for him would have long been thrown away… “Alright, everyone, stop talking. I’ll interrogate Chu Tianyu alone about his serious issues!” Without waiting for the big guy to object, he pulled Chu Tianyu outside. Just as they were leaving, Kale straightened up and, seeing them go, casually asked, “What, are you going to eat that nutritious combo?” Bai Lei didn’t say a word and kicked him hard again, silencing him once more! … On the way, Chu Tianyu asked curiously, “Where are you taking me?” “I’ll treat you today; we’ll talk when we get there!” Bai Lei said, acting unusually. After turning left and right, they finally arrived at a small eatery. Chu Tianyu took a look—it wasn’t very impressive, with even its sign just a few words written in red paint on a concrete door, vaguely reading “Feng Quan Eatery.” Chu Tianyu didn’t mind; even that wretched restaurant ten times worse than this had been in his experience! The inside was fairly clean, not very large, with a chubby chef stirring dishes at the stove at the entrance. As he stirred, the aroma of the food instantly filled their noses. Huh, this chef was quite skilled—seemed Bai Lei knew how to choose places. The two found a seat, and Bai Lei raised his hand and shouted at the chubby man, “Boss, give us some pickled vegetable and shredded meat, scallion and egg, vegetable and tofu soup, and finally, fried rice!” “Remember! More eggs, more rice!” Bai Lei added loudly. “So that’s two servings of fried rice?” The chubby boss, still with a cigarette in his mouth, asked rudely while cooking, seemingly unconcerned. Bai Lei was momentarily stuck, then shrugged helplessly and replied, “Then two servings it is!” Chu Tianyu became curious and asked quietly, “Why do you like to eat here? That boss seems even more domineering than you!”
Bai Lei rolled his eyes and said straight away, “Damn, I just appreciate his attitude—that’s what I call character! No matter who you are, if you eat here, you pay. It’s only fair! No fawning, no power plays, and we can eat in comfort…”
Bai Lei’s words left Chu Tianyu deeply impressed—truly thought-provoking! He couldn’t help but gaze at the chubby chef again; his plump figure, as he moved the ladle up and down, exuded a sense of calmness.
When the food arrived, it wasn’t exactly gourmet, but it was more than enough to go with rice…
“Alright, what do you want from me?” Chu Tianyu asked, looking at Bai Lei, who was buried in his food.
Bai Lei suddenly stopped picking up his rice with his chopsticks, raised his head, and, as if mustering great courage, said to Chu Tianyu in a low voice, “Brother San… uh, sorry, I… I’ve started dating!”
At these words, Chu Tianyu, who had just taken a sip of soup, almost spat it out! What surprised him most wasn’t that Bai Lei was in a relationship, but his nervous expression. Who would have thought that Bai Lei, who always talked about pretty girls, approached them whenever he saw one, and whistled at any attractive woman, would become so reserved just because of a relationship? It really took Chu Tianyu by surprise!
After recovering from his initial shock, Chu Tianyu realized something was off. What did this kid’s relationship have to do with him? Was it really necessary to bother him with this?
So he said, “Damn, you jerk! If you want to date, go ahead! What does it have to do with me? Do you have to be so nervous when telling me? Wait, that’s not right! Did you fancy some of Li Rou’s classmates and try to get close to me so I can use my connections with her to help you achieve your despicable goals? Let me tell you, I, Chu Tianyu, a master of my generation, will never stoop to your level just because of some cheap food! Unless you pay for a month’s worth of meals and drinks at your family’s restaurant!”
“I’ll strangle you, you heartless bastard!” Bai Lei, enraged by Chu Tianyu’s words, ignored everyone around them, rushed over, grabbed Chu Tianyu, and said fiercely. As he strangled him, he also angrily accused, “Great, you heartless guy! If it weren’t for me helping you take leave from time to time, could you still come back to school so carefree? If it weren’t for helping you, why would I have to endure Li Rou’s harassing calls at all times—whether in the middle of the night or while I’m in the bathroom? I have to tell her right away, and yet you still have no news…”
Chu Tianyu was so choked that he couldn’t speak. He simply dipped his chopsticks into some soup, rolled up the white napkin on the table, and weakly held it in front of Bai Lei, waving a “white flag”!