A picture of Xie Jian in the mall, posing with two fingers up on each hand. There was a subtle smile on her face, almost invisible.
"That's... that really is Xie Jian!"
"No kidding. You're telling me, that Trash Xiang is telling the truth?"
"Shite, if it's true that Goddess Xie has a relationship with Trash Xiang...!"
The classroom was in an uproar. In his phone was solid proof, evidence that they were, in one way or another, involved with each other.
Ren Weiwei was in disbelief. All this time, Xiang was dating my idol?? And I was about to chase after her boyfriend?
Most of the class looked away; they refused to believe that this bottom of the barrel classmate of theirs really obtained the unobtainable.
In an obscure corner, a student pushed up his glasses. "Heh. We don't believe you, Trash Xiang!"
He took his phone out, and voila, the exact same picture appeared on his screen!
"Do not be fooled by him, fellow students! That picture is public domain. It's on her Weibo account!"
The students widened their eyes, then sighed in relief. "Ah, so it turns out it's like this. What a despicable little trash, you actually dared fool us?"
Lan Xiang was dumbstruck. He never meant to fool them, he just chose the picture that looked nice... In hindsight, he should have remembered that she posted that particular one online.
Lu Xifa nudged Ren Weiwei. "Looks like Lan Xiang is a liar. He probably doesn't even have a girlfriend."
Ren Weiwei didn't respond. Although she preferred if Lan Xiang's claims were untrue — that he actually didn't have a girlfriend and was available — when she caught sight of his expression, she couldn't help but believe in him instead.
Lan Xiang shook his head. He had nothing to prove to these people. "Believe what you want, I don't really care."
He ignored their sneers as he shrugged and went on with what he was doing earlier, sleeping.
"Ha, that was a relief. Goddess Xie is the daughter of the head of the Xie family, how could she have any connection to a classmate of ours, not to mention, Trash Xiang?"
"Yeah, even the most handsome guys ended up being rejected by her. There are rumors, she's actually a lesbian..." A female student couldn't prevent herself from dreaming.
"No, she can't be a lesbian. Be it man or woman, she always has a cold expression in front of anyone. I assume she's asexual then!"
Hearing the two girls' conversation, Lan Xiang couldn't help but recall Xie Jian's face in bed and giggled. Do I have the wrong understanding of asexual, or...?
The little farce ended, and no one paid attention to Lan Xiang once more.
.....
"Class dismissed."
As the students left one by one, Zhang Ying approached Lan Xiang. "So you're actually a liar, huh~"
Lan Xiang rolled his eyes.
"Hmph, why are you rolling your eyes at me?"
"The ignorant is blissful." With a smile, Lan Xiang grabbed his bag and stood up.
As he was about to leave, Ren Weiwei tapped on his shoulder. "Is, is it really true that you're dating Xie Jian?"
Finally, a proper question. "Yeah, why?"
"C- can I meet her?" Ren Weiwei suddenly turned frantic, her eyes sparkling.
Under her enthusiasm, Lan Xiang had no choice but to agree. "She's coming by on the weekend, you wanna meet her?"
"Yes! I so wanna meet her!" Ren Weiwei couldn't help but gush. "Kyaa! She's my idol, my inspiration!"
Zhang Ying and the other two perked up their ears. "Xie Jian? On the weekend?"
Lu Xifa was still skeptical. There was no way someone such as Xie Jian would go to the countryside.
On the other hand, both Ye Qingle and Zhang Ying also pleaded with Lan Xiang to let them come too.
"Hey, I thought you guys didn't believe me?"
"This is verification." Lu Xifa answered.
"...You wanna meet Jian'er, so you can satisfy your own curiosity? No thanks, I'm good."
In the end, Lan Xiang agreed only to Ren Weiwei.
"Wait, Weiwei, don't get too excited. I still have to ask her if she wants to meet anyone. I'll call you on Saturday if she agrees. If I don't call, just take it as a rejection."
"Mm, okay." Suddenly, Ren Weiwei's hopes were dashed. A cold, expressionless girl like her, would she agree to meet a random person like me? Not to mention, a female friend of her boyfriend?
Seeing Ren Weiwei's enthusiasm die in one stroke, Lan Xiang was elated. Even though she was his dear friend, there was no way he would let anyone get in between his and Xie Jian's alone time!
But he also couldn't do it insincerely, since Ren Weiwei looked like she was genuinely looking forward to meeting Xie Jian.
In the end, it all depended on Xie Jian. She should be able to get the hint, right?
.....
"Sure, why not."
Lan Xiang was dumbstruck.
It was Saturday morning. Xie Jian arrived at Friday night, and she slept the whole night, tired of traveling.
Lan Xiang regretted it. He shouldn't have asked this while she was still groggy from her sleep.
"A friend of yours is also mine. I trust in your trust."
Lan Xiang was touched. "Jian'er, I love you..."
"Not now! My breath kinda stinks..." Xie Jian yawned as she went to the bathroom after rejecting Lan Xiang's attempt. Even though she appeared nonchalant about it, Lan Xiang could see that her ears were red.
He sighed.
Seems like her attitude has returned to its usual before I got into an accident. Hai, but I like Jian'er better when she's fully showing her affection like last time!
A few hours later.
It was noon.
Lan Xiang was waiting for Ren Weiwei in the plaza, the scorching heat of the sun making him sweat profusely.
He wiped his forehead and back a dozen times before Ren Weiwei arrived. She wore a casual dress.
"Weiwei, why'd you take so long...?"
As she got closer, Lan Xiang also saw that she was all dolled-up and pretty.
Ren Weiwei felt his gaze on her. She screamed a little inside. Yes! Looks like it worked! Even if he already has someone, it's nice to have him notice my charm for even one second...
"You're really treating meeting Jian'er as a special occasion, huh?" Lan Xiang nodded in approval.
Ren Weiwei took back what she thought earlier. Dumbass, this is for you, not for her!
While feeling disappointed, a girl walked towards them, wearing more fashionable clothes than she was.
"Jian'er..." Lan Xiang looked entranced. "You're so pretty-- aiyo! What was that for?"
Xie Jian retracted the hand she used to pinch Lan Xiang. "So, where's this friend of yours?"
"She's right here." Lan Xiang dragged Ren Weiwei in front of Xie Jian.
"Ah... she?? A girl?" Xie Jian was speechless.
"Did I not mention it?" Lan Xiang couldn't see what the problem was.
Suddenly, Ren Weiwei spoke.
"That's not Xie Jian!"