Chapter 23: Su Qingyan, 19 Years Old, Is Actually Dating Someone!
[Author’s Note: It’s been a while since I’ve said anything. Asking for some flowers and ratings—currently at 222 rating votes. If we reach 300 by tomorrow at midnight, I’ll do 6 chapters. 500? 8 chapters. 700? 10 chapters. 1000? 15 chapters. (Okay, that last one might be unrealistic.)
I want to write a slow-burn, long novel. Before official release, it’s hard to gauge performance, so early on, I just hope for your support with free engagement. Every rating vote is motivation for me!].
Ma Tengyun felt immensely honored.
Even if it came from Ding Xiaolei…
It wouldn’t mean much.
But Li Mo’s approval?
“We’re in the startup phase now.”
“So it’s our duty to promote QQ with everything we’ve got!”
“Our goal? Cover every internet café within a hundred miles in a week!”
Li Mo patted Ma Tengyun’s shoulder.
“Not bad, Xiao Ma. Keep it up.”
“I’ve got high hopes for you.”
Ma Tengyun was floored.
Then, fueled by adrenaline, he charged toward a middle-schooler to pitch QQ.
But his excitement made him look deranged.
The poor kid nearly cried.
“Brother, I downloaded QQ too! Add me!”
Su Qingyan changed her display name to “Qing Yan.”
Li Mo logged into his account—QQ #100—
Searched for #99, and sent a friend request.
“Now, even when I’m at school, I can chat with you!”
“I’ll leave you messages whenever!”
Seeing her full username—”Qing Yan QQ”—
Her heart swelled with sweetness.
Li Mo spoiled her rotten.
She started spamming him with emojis like a giddy teenager.
Li Mo, meanwhile, analyzed QQ’s interface.
“It’s got its own charm.”
“There’s still a lot to improve.”
Since it was just launched, he wasn’t in a rush.
Grab users first, refine later.
Sitting in the internet café,
Li Mo felt like he was back in college—
Sneaking out with dorm buddies for all-night gaming sessions.
“Yin Qiang works in the land auction department now, right?”
“I’ll call him soon.”
All four of his old roommates worked in Shenzhen.
But they rarely talked—
Only reuniting during holidays.
Su Qingyan lay in her luxurious new bedroom,
Surrounded by unfamiliarity,
Yet feeling completely at peace.
Her rabbit piggy bank sat beside her like a loyal guardian.
She couldn’t stop thinking about Li Mo and Su Xiaoxiao’s past.
All those years as husband and wife…
All those intimate moments.
The jealousy had been unbearable.
No trace of Su Xiaoxiao remained.
Just new memories—created slowly, with Li Mo.
She attempted breakfast again.
It was barely edible.
But Li Mo ate every bite.
Before heading to campus,
Su Qingyan raided her piggy bank,
Withdrew a stack of cash,
And marched to the school gate.
First stop—50 iced drinks.
Next—a print shop, where she ordered stacks of flyers with QQ’s URL, logo, and interface.
When she returned, arms full,
She enlisted the drink shop staff to help carry everything to the classroom.
The moment she stepped in—
“QINGYAN! Two days without you, and I was DYING!”
Her best friend, Liu Wei’er, pounced.
“As the campus belle, your absence left SO many hearts broken!”
Talent scouts had tried recruiting Su Qingyan as an idol.
Undisputed #1 at Shenzhen University.
And no one had ever come close.
“Everyone! Drinks on me—one per person!”
Store-bought iced tea cost 7 yuan a cup.
Most students lived on 500-600 yuan a month.
Even 1000 yuan was considered well-off.
“Qingyan, did you strike gold?!”
“Iced tea in this heat? YOU’RE A SAINT!”
“Did your rich sister slip you a few thousand?!”
Everyone knew about Su Qingyan’s wealthy sister.
The mention made her stiffen slightly.
“Today, I’m announcing—I HAVE A BOYFRIEND!”
Rumors had swirled about Su Qingyan walking intimately with a man on campus.
Everyone dismissed it as gossip.
A woman in her 30s, a teacher, froze mid-step.
Su Qingyan’s stomach dropped.
Wu Lulu, her sister’s best friend, taught here.
Su Xiaoxiao’s success?
Wu Lulu’s connections played a huge part.
(Thanks to her rich husband’s network.)
Her sister would find out.
Her relationship with Li Mo—exposed.
Wu Lulu didn’t know who the boyfriend was.
So Su Qingyan ignored her.
“Qingyan, YOU’RE DATING?! FOR REAL?!”
“Half the male student body will JUMP OFF A BUILDING!”
“Yes. We just got together… a few days ago.”
Liu Wei’er dragged her down, eyes sparkling.
“SPILL. How’d it happen?!”
“Is he from our department? Senior? Junior?!”
Su Qingyan shook her head.
“It… developed over time. I can’t say much!”
“The drinks are a bribe—I need a favor!”
Promote QQ for Li Mo!
Many classmates had computers.
And even those who didn’t frequented internet cafés.
Wu Lulu dialed Su Xiaoxiao.
*”Your 19-year-old sister is DATING SOMEONE!”*
This had to be reported.
Su Xiaoxiao had specifically ordered—
“If Qingyan starts dating, TELL ME. My baby sister cannot waste her youth on some broke loser!”