Chapter 119: It’s Not a Couple’s Outfit, It’s a Classmate Uniform
At that moment, Jiang Zhou was on his way back to the dorm, completely unaware of the palace drama that had just unfolded under the girls’ dormitory.
He didn’t even know who had passed him that crumpled note.
When he pushed open the dorm door, all three of his goofy roommates were present.
Xu Haodong had just returned from the hospital, clutching a whole bag of medication and popping them like candy.
“The doctor said it’s a miracle I survived. Anyone else would’ve been done for!” he boasted. “Once I finish this treatment cycle, I’ll be back to being a rock-solid man!”
Zhang Guangfa gnawed on his instant noodles. “Yeah, yeah, keep blowing smoke. Not like they tax bragging.”
Gao Wenkai nodded, unimpressed. “You’re literally peeing blood and still calling yourself a tough guy?”
“So what if I’m peeing blood? It’s not a big deal! Girls have their days too, don’t they?” Xu Haodong said matter-of-factly, tossing back another handful of pills.
To him, as long as he wasn’t dead, nothing was a real problem. His “craftsman’s spirit” meant even blood in the urine wasn’t enough to stop the grind.
Jiang Zhou entered, changed into slippers, and said, “Everyone get some early sleep, we’re heading out early tomorrow.”
The moment he said that, Zhang Guangfa and Xu Haodong exchanged a look, then dropped to their knees in front of the balcony window.
They clasped their hands in a formation like they were casting a ritual and chanted something under their breath.
“…What the hell are those two doing?” Jiang Zhou asked.
Gao Wenkai scratched his head. “Weather said it would rain today but didn’t. Ever since they got back, they’ve been praying to the Dragon King for rain tomorrow. Good thing I didn’t waste money on a trench coat and rain boots.”
Jiang Zhou chuckled. “If only they put that effort into something more useful.”
Xu Haodong turned around. “I did put effort elsewhere. I even went to the hospital, didn’t I?”
“Not that! I meant studying!” Jiang Zhou grabbed his washbasin and squeezed past them to get ready for bed. Newest update provıded by 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡~𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚~𝙣𝙚𝙩
Just as he finished brushing his teeth, the phone he’d left by the bed started ringing.
He walked over and checked — Yuan Youqin.
A bad feeling struck him.
Don’t tell me, she found out about the night at the hotel with Chu Yuwei?
Sure enough, the moment he answered, a loud voice exploded through the phone.
“Jiang Zhou! You’ve gotten gutsy, huh? Took Yuwei out overnight?!”
“No, no! We just shared a blanket and had a good chat, that’s all!”
“If you dare lay a finger on Yuwei, I won’t forgive you!”
“Mom, I swear! Nothing happened between us.”
“A young girl staying in a hotel room with you, that’s already a problem!”
He gulped. “Th-Then what’s the solution?”
Yuan Youqin’s tone suddenly softened… almost cheerful. “How about we set your engagement when you come home for winter break?”
“Engagement?! No way, I’m not doing that!”
“Then why’d you take her out, huh? Even her mom came to confront me!”
“This is a huge misunderstanding! We had no choice but to share a room!”
“Are you really saying nothing happened between you two?”
“I swear! We’re just really close classmates!”
“Hmph. Then keep your nose clean, and don’t act like a punk outside!”
“I know, I know… oh, right, did you call Rourou?”
“Just did. She said you bought her a handbag?”
“Yeah, I had some errands in the city. Picked it up on the way back.”
“Hm… well, I’ll give you that. You’re not a bad big brother.”
“Of course! Everyone knows how much I spoil my sister.”
“…But I heard from Rourou that you’re dating at school?”
“Uh… yeah, there’s someone I really like.”
Yuan Youqin got excited. “What’s her name? What do her parents do?”
Jiang Zhou coughed. “That’s… confidential for now. You’ll know later.”
“Ha! You’re keeping secrets from your mom now?”
“I’m still pursuing her! Can’t rush these things.”
“Well then, keep your distance from Yuwei. Don’t hurt her feelings!”
“Yes, yes, got it.” Jiang Zhou hurriedly hung up.
He leaned against the door with a sigh of relief.
Don’t be fooled, his mom might’ve sounded chill on the phone, but once he got home, she’d interrogate him like a detective.
And Aunt Chen would never buy that “just chatting under the blanket” excuse.
As for Uncle Chu… please, let’s just hope he doesn’t blow his head off with a shotgun.
For now, though, crisis averted.
Sleep first, panic later.
Jiang Zhou climbed into bed and pulled up the covers. The room was silent, except for the occasional whispers from the balcony.
“If it rains tomorrow, I’m willing to trade three years of Guangfa’s life expectancy.”
“Screw you! Why don’t you offer yours?”
“Bro, I’m already peeing blood. Not even sure I have three years left.”
“Fine, fine. Makes sense. I’ll offer mine instead.”
The sun was still shining brightly.
Jiang Zhou got up and changed into the letter-sleeve couple’s outfit he bought yesterday. Then he went around slapping his roommates awake.
As they sat up and looked out the window, Zhang Guangfa and Xu Haodong were stunned.
It still isn’t raining?!
Is Guangfa’s three-year lifespan worth so little?!
Now how are we going to be romantic at the hot spring town?
Our rain gear, umbrellas, boots are all useless!
How are we supposed to carry girls across puddles now?
“I’m heading to breakfast. You guys coming?”
Xu Haodong glanced out the window. “We don’t leave till eight, right? I’ll pray for one more hour.”
Zhang Guangfa was moved. “I’ll stay with you. We’ll pray till the heavens answer!”
“Brothers united, let’s move the heavens!”
“Okay. Today we’ll trade your life expectancy.”
In the meantime, Jiang Zhou looked at Gao Wenkai. “You coming to the cafeteria?”
“You gonna join them in praying?”
Gao Wenkai crossed his legs. “Nah. I’m just waiting to laugh at them.”
Hearing this, Xu Haodong and Zhang Guangfa looked furious and banged their heads twice against the balcony floor.
Jiang Zhou didn’t bother with them and left for breakfast.