After a moment of darkness, what Xia Yu saw was a utility knife.
The knife was in Wen Ziying’s hand, the cold blade reflecting her face.
Xia Yu was first startled, then noticed that Wen Ziying’s other hand was holding an unopened book, and he relaxed.
He used the utility knife to cut open the book’s plastic wrapping and took out the book.
This was Wen Ziying’s new book, titled “Bamboo Forest Lost,” telling the story of Wen Ziying and Xia Yu previously discussing how a group of people took a shortcut and arrived at a bamboo forest.
“This is a sample copy, not officially released yet,” Wen Ziying told Xia Yu.
Xia Yu nodded in understanding and then started reading the book.
He had previously read Wen Ziying’s first draft, but hadn’t finished it.
Compared to the first draft, the published version contained more horror scenes. The monsters in the bamboo forest had become demons born from the inner trauma of the five main characters, adding an effect of revealing the dark side of human nature.
What remained unchanged was the ending: two couples were lost inside, and only the single man escaped.
After spending three hours reading, Xia Yu exhaled.
“It’s pretty good, but can this kind of book really sell well?” Xia Yu was somewhat worried; horror novels were completely niche in District One, let alone having a tragic ending.
Maybe only the single people would happily buy it?
“We’ll see,” Wen Ziying’s reply was relatively relaxed.
Since the author herself wasn’t anxious, Xia Yu had no reason to be either. He had an intuition that this book might not do well.
This wasn’t based on market knowledge but on his own mission.
The mission was to observe and guide Wen Ziying’s life according to his own judgment.
Under normal circumstances, Xia Yu didn’t think he could guide the mature Wen Ziying.
Judging from previous missions, there wouldn’t be situations where the mission couldn’t be completed. Therefore, something was likely to go wrong with Wen Ziying’s life.
Regarding Wen Ziying, the area most prone to problems was probably her work as an author.
Of course, it might also be that Xia Yu was overthinking. The game might want Xia Yu to forcibly interfere, such as secretly tripping Wen Ziying, acquiring her publishing house to suppress her, or influencing her with love.
“Wanna try something new?” Xia Yu changed the subject. For the past few months, Wen Ziying hadn’t proposed any new experiences.
“No, let’s just play games,” Wen Ziying replied.
Xia Yu then opened the game and used his LV6 dexterity to show Wen Ziying what hand speed really meant.
Eight hours passed, and he returned to his own body.
In the next three days, he took exams while spending game time with other women.
Three days later, the final exam began. Xia Yu finished and submitted his paper in ten minutes and walked out of the examination room.
From now on, it was winter vacation.
On An Siyao’s side, her exams ended even earlier. Hu Lianglu skipped her exams directly through the Yu family connections, leaving only You Xue, who would finish her exam tomorrow.
According to the plan, next Monday they would directly fly to District 26 from Afang City.
Heard that it was summer all year round there, with beaches. Speaking of beaches, there would definitely be swimsuits.
He wondered what An Siyao would look like in a swimsuit.
Xia Yu was already impatient. He suddenly realized that You Xue’s travel suggestion was actually a gift for him.
What color would An Siyao wear? What color would suit her?
Xia Yu fell into thought.
At this moment, his phone rang. It was a call from Liu Manman.
“What’s up?” Xia Yu asked.
“I’m coming too this time!” Liu Manman said.
“This time? What?” Xia Yu momentarily didn’t understand.
“This trip, I want to go too!” Liu Manman explained.
“Didn’t you say you were going to practice piano at home?” Xia Yu asked.
Although he had previously suggested the path of playing wind instruments to Liu Manman, she didn’t listen and remained focused on the guzheng.
“I’m not practicing anymore. I want you.”
As Xia Yu was thinking about how to refuse, Liu Manman said the second half of her sentence: “Write me a song.”
Combined, it meant that Xia Yu had to compose a song for her.
Relieved, Xia Yu remembered that he indeed still owed Liu Manman a specially tailored song named after her.
“Finish the song while we’re on the trip!” Liu Manman’s voice carried a hint of anger.
“What’s wrong? Did someone bully you?” Xia Yu asked.
Although Liu Manman was a bit impulsive, she was generally self-disciplined and usually wouldn’t suddenly change plans.
“I was mocked by someone who’s just a little better than me.” Liu Manman’s voice softened.
This was a way of seeking Xia Yu’s comfort, probably meaning: “This cute me got bullied, come help me scold the other person.”
“Oh.” Xia Yu understood but didn’t want to get involved. Since Liu Manman could still seek comfort, it wasn’t a serious matter.
“Just ‘oh’?” Liu Manman raised her voice, clearly dissatisfied.
Xia Yu thought for a moment. He realized that just answering with one word wasn’t very good, so he added, “Drink more hot water.”
“…You’re dead. I’m going shopping for swimsuits with Yaoyao right away, and I’m going to choose the most conservative and hard-to-take-off one for her!” After saying that, Liu Manman hung up.
Xia Yu’s expression didn’t change. He knew Liu Manman was only tough in words and wouldn’t actually do it.
By the way, he wondered if You Xue had bought her swimsuit yet.
The travel plan was at least a week, so they needed to prepare several sets.
He would ask her after she finished her exams.
As soon as Xia Yu put his phone back into his pocket, it rang again. This time, it was Shen Shengsheng calling.
Sighing helplessly, Xia Yu pressed the answer button.
“Xia Yu, there’s a performance in District Three during winter vacation. Are you coming?” Shen Shengsheng’s voice was cheerful.
Xia Yu had originally planned to push Liu Manman to learn the sheng, but unexpectedly, Liu Manman clung to the guzheng and refused to leave it. He could only figure out how to deal with Shen Shengsheng himself.
Xia Yu had plenty of ways to deal with those troublemakers, but when it came to Shen Shengsheng, whose attitude and actions were always upright, he had far fewer options.
Previously, he had casually composed a sheng piece and told Shen Shengsheng that he was focusing on creation. Sure enough, Shen Shengsheng had been quiet ever since.
Now, Xia Yu used the same trick again: “I’m working on a new piece. I don’t have time.”
“How about you come to my place during the winter vacation? I’ll introduce you to a few old guys. One of them has a granddaughter who is incredibly beautiful. How do you young people call it again? Oh right, mature woman, older sister type?” Shen Shengsheng spoke quickly.
“…” Xia Yu touched his chin. He understood the first half of what Shen said, that he wanted to introduce him to some seniors, but he didn’t get the second part.
What did the granddaughter of those seniors being beautiful have to do with him? Was he that kind of person? Besides, wouldn’t Shen be afraid of getting beaten by those seniors for doing that?
Determined not to flirt anymore, Xia Yu declined Shen Shengsheng’s invitation: “I’m going to District 26 for inspiration during the winter vacation. The plane tickets and hotel are already booked.”
“Oh, in that case, there’s nothing I can do.” Shen Shengsheng started talking about Xia Yu’s last piece again. After about ten minutes, the call ended.
At this time, Qin Youliang also came out of the exam room. Today’s exam was politics, which was very simple, depending entirely on who could write the fastest.
Qin Youliang quickly approached Xia Yu and asked, “The scores for the first exam are already out. Have you checked yours?”
“Let me see.” Xia Yu took out his phone, opened the class group, clicked on the query website, and entered his student number.
A glaring 100 appeared in Qin Youliang’s sight.
He opened his mouth wide in surprise, not expecting Xia Yu to have scored a perfect mark.
The first exam was a major subject!
He had been attending classes diligently and reviewing carefully every day, spending his spare time only on gaming, yet he had only scored 81.
Originally, he had half believed that Xia Yu might have bribed the teacher, but now, he fully believed it.
Otherwise, how could Xia Yu have scored a perfect mark with just half a morning of review and submitting the exam paper five minutes after the start?
Countless words gathered in Qin Youliang’s mouth, finally condensed into two words: “Awesome!”
What’s the point of scoring a perfect mark in the exam? A perfect mark obtained by bribing the teacher was truly awesome!
Then, he became somewhat worried: “During the first exam, those monitoring teachers looked at your paper, especially one who was our teacher. Won’t they report you?”
“No problem, I’ve bribed them too.” Xia Yu said.
“666.” Qin Youliang exclaimed in admiration.
Xia Yu thought for a moment, then turned to Qin Youliang and asked, “What if I tell you I didn’t bribe anyone and actually did it on my own? Would you believe me?”
“Hahaha, Brother Yu, you’re really joking. Think about your answer speed in every exam, which never takes more than ten minutes. Do you think I would believe that? Don’t worry, my mouth is tight, and I won’t say a word.” Qin Youliang patted his chest to guarantee.
Xia Yu sighed. The truth was always hard to believe.
“I’m leaving first. I need to catch the noon bus home.” Qin Youliang said goodbye to Xia Yu.
Waving his hand, Xia Yu also walked towards the school gate.
Driving home, Xia Yu received another call from Kong Hanyue.
Pressing the answer button, Xia Yu was puzzled about what Kong Hanyue wanted this time.
Kong Hanyue’s voice came from the phone: “You heartless man!”
“Let’s talk properly!” Xia Yu replied.
“Don’t you want Xinxin anymore?” Kong Hanyue continued.
“What’s wrong with Xinxin?” Xia Yu thought something had happened to Zhong Yunxin and prepared to ask Hu Lianglu about it.
“Who is that woman named Hu Lianglu?” Kong Hanyue’s voice became sharp.
Mind reading? Xia Yu was startled. He hadn’t told Kong Hanyue anything about Hu Lianglu.
“How do you know about Hu Lianglu?” he asked.
“Their parents came to me for information,” Kong Hanyue resumed her usual lazy tone.
So it was about Hu Lianglu’s parents seeking information. Xia Yu relaxed.
“What did you say?” he asked.
“I didn’t say anything. They were asking my friend, who hasn’t even met you,” Kong Hanyue replied. “Did you get involved with another girl named Hu Lianglu? I heard she’s quite fierce?”
“That girl is with An Siyao. I just accidentally met her parents when I was out with her and Liu Manman,” Xia Yu answered.
“I see,” Kong Hanyue paused, then said, “When are you going to marry Zhong Yunxin?”
“Maybe in the next life.” Xia Yu went to the kitchen, took out a bottle of cola, and drank.
“Zhong Yunxin has thirty percent of the Zhong family company’s shares,” Kong Hanyue said. “Once you marry her, our mother and son will never have to worry again.”
“Haven’t I already told you? I’m with An Siyao.” Xia Yu put down the cola and rubbed his forehead, not understanding what was wrong with Kong Hanyue this time.
“Do you think I believe that?” Kong Hanyue replied with a laugh.
Xia Yu opened the photo album, wanting to send a photo of himself and An Siyao, but after flipping through all of them, he couldn’t find one. He only had various private photos of An Siyao, not a single group photo.
“Don’t try to fool me with photos!” Kong Hanyue said again. “I’ve watched nearly a hundred love movies and know that you will pretend to be a couple to put on an act!”
Hearing this, Xia Yu frowned. He felt that Kong Hanyue had ulterior motives.
He cautiously asked, “So what do you want to do?”
“I heard you are going on a trip. Take me with you, I’ll personally investigate!” Kong Hanyue deliberately emphasized, but Xia Yu still detected a hint of joy in her voice.
This girl actually used a detour strategy!
“You don’t need to come. We’re pretending, I admit,” Xia Yu replied.
“What?” Kong Hanyue was very surprised. How could the plot development be completely different from what she imagined?
Wasn’t it supposed to be “You don’t believe me, I’ll take you to see,” then she happily goes on the trip together?
“That’s it. I’m hanging up,” Xia Yu pretended to hang up the phone.
Sure enough, the next second, Kong Hanyue spoke out to stop him: “No!”
“You’ve already figured out the situation, right?” Xia Yu teased her.
After hesitating for a while, Kong Hanyue gave up on the detour and directly said, “Take me with you! I want to go on the trip too!”
“How about your passport and visa?” Xia Yu asked.
Kong Hanyue immediately replied, “They’re all ready. Take me with you, don’t let me be lonely forever!”
“We’re only going for a week…” Xia Yu sighed. “Alright then, we’re leaving next Monday, three days from now.”
“Really?” Kong Hanyue couldn’t believe it. She had originally thought that Xia Yu, being with An Siyao, wouldn’t let her come along, so she used the detour strategy. She hadn’t expected Xia Yu to agree so readily.
“You’d better start packing. I’m hanging up now.” Xia Yu put the phone back in his pocket and thought about whether Kong Hanyue’s coming would cause any negative changes.
The answer was no. If it were his private trip with An Siyao, having another person would be very troublesome, but since it was originally a group trip, adding a few more people wouldn’t be a problem.
At that time, it would be just right for the three of them to play together.
Moreover, Kong Hanyue was still a very good partner. The two of them had often teamed up before to deceive Xia Dongyang for living expenses. Taking her along might even be useful for tricking An Siyao.
After thinking this through and confirming there were no mistakes, Xia Yu lay on the sofa, drinking cola and looking at his phone.
At eleven o’clock, he drove to pick up You Xue. While waiting for You Xue to finish class, Kong Hanyue called again.
“I’m about to board the plane. Remember to come and pick me up later,” Kong Hanyue said.
“???”
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage