It was still early for dinner, but Lin Xiaojiao ultimately couldn’t resist Lin Xiangyang’s persistence. He dragged her to the mall near the school for a shopping spree.
Jiangcheng was currently in a semi-planned economy era—purchases with ration coupons were cheaper, but you could still buy what you wanted even without them.
At the very least, Lin Xiangyang had the means to get Lin Xiaojiao a Phoenix-brand bicycle, and it was even pink.
“Brother, how did you manage to get someone to sell it?”
In the time it took Lin Xiaojiao to try on a few pieces of clothing, Lin Xiangyang had already sealed the deal.
“Do you think your brother wasted his time down south? People here aren’t as sharp as those in the south.” Lin Xiangyang put on his smug face again.
“Oh, come on!” Lin Xiaojiao playfully punched him.
“Seriously, the campus is huge. Wouldn’t walking everywhere be exhausting? Right? Your brother said, when we have more money, I’ll buy you a four-wheeled one. For now, let’s make do with two wheels.”
…
Lin Xiangyang rode the bicycle, carrying his sister back to school.
Two large bags of newly purchased items hung from the handlebars.
Lin Xiangyang rang the bell as the bicycle nimbly weaved through the dense crowd of students leaving class.
His speed never slowed.
“Lin Xiangyang! Slow down! Watch the road!”
Lin Xiaojiao clung tightly to her brother’s waist, burying her face in his back, wishing she could disappear on the spot.
Riding a little Phoenix bicycle as if he were driving a tank—wasn’t she already drawing enough attention lately?!
“What’s there to be afraid of? Your brother’s skills are top-notch!”
With a sharp turn, Lin Xiangyang rang the bell loudly, attracting countless curious glances.
He even whistled triumphantly: “A brother spoiling his sister is only natural! Let the jealous ones talk!”
Lin Xiaojiao: …
Help! This brother is beyond saving!
Lin Xiangyang swerved around a large tree, hit the brakes, and planted his feet on the ground.
“Is that your dorm up ahead? I’ll wait for you downstairs. Go invite your classmates!”
Lin Xiaojiao carried her bags upstairs. Zhou Yunyun and the others hadn’t returned yet.
She wasn’t necessarily set on inviting classmates along—her second brother’s flamboyant demeanor would only earn her more resentment.
But if Zhou Yunyun and Jiang Wendi were willing, she’d be more than happy to have them join.
Everyone wants friends.
Especially friends who genuinely care for you.
…
Older universities tend to have prime locations, and Jiangcheng Normal University was no exception.
It wasn’t far from the Jiangcheng Grand Hotel.
Zhou Yunyun and Jiang Wendi readily accepted the invitation when asked.
As for Sun Yizhi, he tagged along on his own.
He was on his way to the cafeteria for dinner when he happened to run into the group heading out.
And so, the hospitable Second Brother Lin brought him along.
The group arrived at the opulent Jiangcheng Grand Hotel. As soon as they mentioned Gu Tingzheng’s name, a waiter escorted them to a private room.
“Xiaojiao, are you still not going to tell us what your relationship with Instructor Gu is? He even arranged dinner for you!”
Zhou Yunyun clung to Lin Xiaojiao’s arm, whispering her interrogation.
Jiang Wendi was too busy staring, wide-eyed, at the extravagantly luxurious hotel and the palace-like private room.
Sun Yizhi, meanwhile, remained calm as Lin Xiangyang “grilled” him along the way.
“I already told you, he’s a family elder. Knowing my brother is here, he arranged a meal.”
Lin Xiaojiao used the most plausible excuse, one no one could find fault with.
Everyone took their seats.
Gazing at the table full of exquisite dishes, Jiang Wendi sighed from the bottom of her heart:
“Lin Xiaojiao, you’re so lucky! Having an officer uncle backing you up, and a wealthy brother doting on you! You must have been a good person in your past life!”
Even though she was used to Jiang Wendi’s directness, Lin Xiaojiao was still left speechless.
She nearly spat out her soda.
Lin Xiangyang, however, burst into hearty laughter, thoroughly pleased. “This classmate has good taste! Here, have more to eat! Take good care of my sister at school from now on!”
“Second Brother Lin, my name is Jiang Wendi.”
“Then I’ll trouble Classmate Jiang Wendi to look after Xiaojiao.”
Sun Yizhi, meanwhile, maintained a polite smile throughout, as if he were truly just there for the meal. When Second Brother Lin asked about Xiaojiao’s situation at school, he only mentioned the good points.
Not a word was said about the rumors.
He only paused for a few seconds upon hearing the phrase “officer uncle.”
After the meal—well, no alcohol, as Lin Xiaojiao hadn’t allowed it—Lin Xiangyang called for the waiter to settle the bill.
“Comrade, the cost for this private room has already been prepaid by Comrade Gu. You may leave directly after finishing your meal.”
“Truly worthy of my Uncle Gu!”
Even Lin Xiangyang couldn’t help but marvel at how flawlessly everything had been handled.
He had traveled all this way to see his sister, yet he was the one receiving favors.
Who was the host and who was the guest here?!
…
Lin Xiangyang left, but he left behind a pile of messes for Lin Xiaojiao.
The eye-catching pink Phoenix bicycle was one of them.
It had almost become Lin Xiaojiao’s personal tracking device.
Wherever she parked the bike, people would know she was there.
After all, it wasn’t that there were no bicycles at the school, but they were usually plain black “28-inch” models.
A brand-new pink women’s bicycle like hers really stood out.
In the end, with no other choice, Lin Xiaojiao could only temporarily lock the bike downstairs in her dormitory.
Treating it like a prized possession.
Then came the overwhelming rumors.
In the end, they even spread the absurd rumor that she was being kept by a Hong Kong businessman.
Director Huang, the freshman year director, personally intervened.
“Student Lin, I believe these are just rumors, but there’s no smoke without fire…” Director Huang hesitated, leaving his words unfinished.
“Director Huang, he really is my brother,” Lin Xiaojiao replied, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
“I know, but you still need to be mindful of your influence.”
That other one even said he was your uncle!
Seeing Director Huang’s clearly skeptical expression that screamed “I don’t believe a word of it,” Lin Xiaojiao could only force a smile.
“We are in a teacher training program. In the future, we will be role models for others, so conduct is especially important. As school faculty, we must be responsible for our students.”
Director Huang cleared his throat. “Of course, as a friend of Regimental Commander Gu, I also need to give an explanation to your ‘uncle.'”
Lin Xiaojiao twitched the corner of her mouth. So, you’re Uncle Gu’s informant?!
Then why even talk to me?!
Does he not know me, or does he not know that scoundrel Lin Xiangyang?!
After the school’s “official talk,” which confirmed the rumors were baseless, Lin Xiaojiao finally stepped down from the center of attention.
Was she here to study? It felt more like she was here to endure trials!
…
On Friday afternoon in the college auditorium, the English host selection officially began.
Nine students had signed up in total.
Lin Xiaojiao was a bit particular, but she wasn’t the type to shy away from challenges.
Since her counselor had signed her up, she had no reason to back down.
So, she arrived early at the auditorium with Sun Yizhi to prepare.
The assessment teachers hadn’t prepared the topics in advance.
The assessment rules were simple, divided into three parts: self-introduction, passage reading, and free conversation.
The order was determined by drawing lots. Lin Xiaojiao drew number 5, and Sun Yizhi drew number 7—neither too early nor too late.
The first few students took the stage one after another.
Some had clearly overprepared, their self-introductions sounding like recitations from a textbook; others were overly nervous, their voices trembling during the reading.
During the free conversation segment, when faced with random questions from the teachers like “What are your thoughts on learning English?”, they stumbled and struggled to express themselves clearly.
Lin Xiaojiao watched quietly, and the little bit of nervousness she felt gradually subsided.
In her past life as the eldest daughter of the Lin family, what kind of grand occasion hadn’t she experienced?
Company annual meetings and charity banquets were routine for her, so this situation in front of her was hardly anything significant.
Soon, it was contestant number 4’s turn—a junior-year senior.
He had clearly come prepared, delivering his self-introduction with confidence and reading the passage steadily and smoothly.
During the free conversation segment, the teacher asked, “What do you think is the most important quality for an outstanding host?”
The senior adjusted his glasses and answered confidently, “I believe it’s a sense of responsibility. A host represents the image of the department and even the entire university. Every word and action must be precise and proper, setting an example for others.”
The teachers below nodded in approval.
“Number 5, Lin Xiaojiao, Class 1, Grade 81, English Department.”
Hearing her name, Lin Xiaojiao took a deep breath, exchanged a glance with Sun Yizhi, and calmly walked onto the stage.
She stood still and bowed.
Today, she wore a simple white dress with her hair tied in a high ponytail, looking fresh and sharp.
“Good afternoon…”
Lin Xiaojiao’s self-introduction was concise and clear, without flowery language, but her pronunciation was precise, her tone natural and fluent, instantly capturing everyone’s attention.
Her confident and composed aura was completely different from the previous students.
During the reading segment, she drew a critical essay about Shakespeare, which contained several uncommon words.
Lin Xiaojiao only paused slightly before smoothly navigating through them based on the context. The entire reading process flowed effortlessly, as if she weren’t reading an unfamiliar passage at all.
Finally came the free conversation.
Lin Xiaojiao could communicate in English without any barriers, and by the end, the main examiner could hardly keep up with her pace.
She had taken the lead.
When the assessment ended, the main examiner led the applause.
Lin Xiaojiao bowed and left the stage.
Sun Yizhi gave her a thumbs-up and mouthed, “Impressive.”
When it was Sun Yizhi’s turn to take the stage, he performed equally well—graceful, humorous, and witty. His style differed from Lin Xiaojiao’s, but he was just as dazzling.
After the selection ended, the results would be announced later following discussions.
But almost everyone had a feeling that these two freshmen were likely to become the biggest dark horses of this selection.
Lin Xiaojiao walked out of the auditorium and let out a soft sigh.
Regardless of the outcome, she had done her best.
And it felt… pretty good.
…
The weekend arrived again, and Zhou Yunyun had already learned not to make plans with Lin Xiaojiao anymore, at least not on Sundays.
“You wait for your elder’s summons. I’m heading to the library,” she said, waving goodbye to Lin Xiaojiao with a rather “knowing” look.
Lin Xiaojiao: …
It had been a week since she last saw him. Would he come today…