In the days that followed, everything seemed to return to normal, but with some changes.
Xu Lin, who used to go to school alone, now had a companion. His homework was successfully exempted, but the teacher kept it discreet to avoid any potential issues with other students imitating the same behavior.
Despite going to school with Ji Yun every day, there wasn't much communication within the school premises. Ji Yun's favorability increased from 23 to 25 and remained stagnant. He wasn't in a hurry, as he never intended to rely solely on the system. Life is about the journey one walks through, making it a true human experience.
Finally, the time arrived for Saturday afternoon, and the atmosphere in the classroom became livelier. A short two-day break awaited, including Monday, as most teachers had a collective meeting. Students were fortunate to enjoy a rare two-day consecutive break.
Because many students who live on campus live far away from home, they left early during the second last class, turning the last class into a self-study session for day students. In essence, it was an opportunity to work on homework. With the homeroom teacher absent, attending a school meeting, the class monitor took charge.
Ji Yun sat at the podium, her pen continuously moving, occasionally glancing down at the students. Unnoticed by others, every time she looked down, her eyes would pass by Xu Lin.
Despite some students talking, she didn't intervene, knowing when to be lenient. If things got out of control or everyone started talking, she would step in.
Now, what was Xu Lin, the guy who refused to do homework, writing during this self-study time? Wasn't he supposed to avoid assignments?
Xu Lin wasn't suddenly inspired to do homework; instead, he was jotting down ideas in his mind, compiling them into a concise outline.
Yes, he plans to explore a new business—writing online novels. Not for the sole purpose of making big money, but to avoid troubling his family before the demolition in a few years. He aims to accumulate the university expenses in advance. However, merely copying the plot of future popular books is not feasible, as he can't remember all the details. Fortunately, during his university years, he worked part-time as a web novel writer, earning 2,000 to 3,000 yuan in royalties per month.
With this experience, he plans to create content based on popular genres in the future. Even if it doesn't become a huge success, it should be enough to earn a living. He lowered his head, entering a state of creativity until the end-of-class bell rang, prompting him to put down his pen.
"Xu Lin, let's go. You can't escape today. I'm waiting for you to boost me to gold."
As soon as the school ended, Ma Zhiyu and Li Bin blocked him from both sides, looking at him packing his bag.
"I..."
Xu Lin suddenly realised he couldn't come up with any excuses. Claiming to be busy with something else wouldn't work either; they knew he hadn't been doing homework recently.
"I'm okay with going, but I haven't played in a long time, and my skills might not be up to par."
"Aren't you Platinum 1?"
"Whether you believe it or not is up to you, but I can help you get to gold."
"Alright, if we get to Gold, I'll treat you to a meal."
Li Bin, known for being thrifty, offered to surprise Xu Lin and Ma Zhiyu.
"What can you treat us to? Max is just Malatang."
"Am I that stingy? Tonight, I'll treat you both to hot pot."
"Is that okay?"
"Sure!"
By the evening, relying on his instinct to reach Platinum 1, Xu Lin barely managed to get Li Bin's account to Gold. However, he wasn't sure how long he could maintain this rank.
Then they left the internet cafe and headed towards the hot pot restaurant. Finally arriving at their destination, they saw Li Bin take out three 70% off hot pot buffet vouchers, and both Xu Lin and Ma Zhiyu nodded helplessly.
Nothing changed; smart Li Bin was still thrifty and frugal!
However, after entering, Xu Lin and Ma Zhiyu found the experience quite enjoyable. Even though it was a buffet, the quality was good, the seafood wasn't limited, and since it had just opened, there were many customers.
Although the food was good, Xu Lin still couldn't eat much. He had a bad habit of enjoying beverages. While it was fine usually, during a buffet, drinking beverages almost equated to self-sabotage, resulting in a rapid decline in combat effectiveness.
"Xu Lin, how's it going with Ji Yun?"
"Not much. She really doesn't want to date, so I'm not pressuring her."
"Well, there are plenty of beautiful girls. Don't tie yourself down to one."
"By the way, when we entered, I noticed there's a pretty girl over there, but I haven't seen her face."
"Looking at her face might be disappointing."
"Just say whether you want to take a look or not."
"Where?"
Li Bin also put down his chopsticks, following Ma Zhiyu's gaze. About seven or eight metres away, they indeed saw a beautiful figure.
"Such a slim waist and long black hair! Unfortunately, she already has a boyfriend."
"Saying she has a boyfriend might be a disappointment. She might have her eyes on a silly little guy like you."
"Ma Zhiyu, you're going to pay for this meal later."
"I can afford it when I'm eating a buffet."
"Alright, you two, your mouths can't be stopped even with meat."
Helplessly looking at them, Xu Lin glanced curiously behind him, suddenly freezing.
At this moment, the guy sitting across from the pretty girl stood up and walked towards the restroom. Xu Lin also stood up, leaving Li Bin and Ma Zhiyu stunned.
"Where are you going?"
"Going to chat with the pretty girl we were talking about."
"Xu Lin, I see you haven't learned anything else lately, but your conversational skills have greatly improved."
"If you don't believe me, I'll go." Saying this, he walked over in that direction.
Ma Zhiyu and Li Bin watched Xu Lin go over, not believing him at all.
He must have gone to check out her appearance and take advantage of the restroom break to alleviate the awkwardness.
However, when they were ready to mock Xu Lin upon his return from the restroom adventure, they saw Xu Lin sitting directly next to the girl.
Both of their pupils immediately entered earthquake mode.
"When her boyfriend comes back later, should we intervene and help?"
"Uh... maybe we should just run away."
The reality was that Xu Lin had recognised the person when he glanced over and wanted to confirm. Upon reaching her side, he sat down directly.
Yes, this familiar person was none other than Ms. Su, with whom he had secretly shared ice cream.
Su Qingwan turned her head to the side and exclaimed after seeing Xu Lin,You surprised me! Are you here to eat with your parents?"
"No, I came here with my classmates."
"Did you tell your family? It's already past 8."
Even outside the campus, Ms. Su Qingwan was still a very responsible teacher.
"I did. I went home first to drop off my backpack and change clothes."
"Well, let them come over and join us. It'll be lively."
"How can that be? You're having dinner with your boyfriend, right?"
"He's not my boyfriend, just someone I'm meeting for a blind date." She lowered her voice and added, "I didn't really want to come. There are issues at home."
Just as she was about to complain, Su Qingwan suddenly realised that the other person was her own student, a child. Why was she discussing such matters with him?
"Sorry, go ahead and enjoy your meal."
"No problem. By the way, it's quite interesting to go on a blind date and choose a buffet. Your blind date partner is quite amusing."
Although, as a male, he didn't mind, as an old-fashioned straight guy, he knew that blind dates usually didn't involve going to a buffet.
"I don't care. Extravagance and waste are not good."
"This is not a matter of money. After all, blind dates are a private matter, and there are still requirements for the environment."
"You know quite a bit. It looks like the teacher needs to change the evaluation of you as an honest kid."
Su Qingwan couldn't help but laugh, feeling a bit of relief from the continuous pressure of being urged to get married. These consecutive encounters with matchmaking were starting to wear her down.
"By the way, teacher, you're only 23 years old. Why would your family arrange blind dates for you?"
Seeing her silence, he didn't press further. Instead, he directly extended his hand, placing it on the back of her hand.
Su Qingwan shivered, looking at him incredulously. She wanted to withdraw her hand, but seeing Xu Lin's slightly mischievous smile, she hesitated.
Then, a man with a square face and glasses on the opposite side awkwardly appeared beside them, taking a deep breath. "Is this Miss Su's younger brother?"
"No, I'm her boyfriend."
Xu Lin casually said, waving to the waiter, "Bring a case of beer, brother; we'll have some."
The man on the opposite side was silent.
"Xu Lin!" Although Su Qingwan didn't shout out loud, under the table, her nails pinched his flesh vigorously.
But Xu Lin seemed oblivious to it, still smiling at the other guy. The man squinted his eyes, and behind the black-framed glasses, there was a hint of displeasure.
"Qingwan, what do you mean? Your parents said you don't have a boyfriend."
"Hey, buddy, you're here for a blind date, not to claim that Qingwan is your girlfriend. Watch how you talk."
"Be honest, are you really her boyfriend?" The other person expressed some doubt.
"Yeah, but her parents don't know."
"Alright, I won't disturb you then!" After saying this, the person stood up directly, pretended to adjust his collar, and then briskly left!
However, as he watched the other person disappear at the doorway, a slap came towards him. He quickly dodged it, and Su Qingwan, at this moment, stared at him with an icy expression.
"Xu Lin, I don't need you to make decisions for me, right?"
"I just wanted to help you."
"I don't need this kind of help. I'm leaving."
She closed her eyes, her lips trembled slightly, picked up her bag, and walked past him.
As people around looked over, Xu Lin stood up without any nervousness, went to the counter, and said, "Cancel the beer."
"Alright, but they haven't paid yet; what should we do?"
"..."