There were plenty of people who wanted to join Future. Ever since the team had taken first place in the recent college robotics competition, applications had only increased.
But Ren Yanjing had no intention of adding anyone.
For one, the seven of them already worked together seamlessly; bringing in someone new would disrupt that rhythm. For another, the current seven-member team was sufficient—they didn’t need more people.
So when Zhang Mian mentioned the request, Ren Yanjing didn’t even feel the need to ask who it was. He immediately made it clear: no new members.
Zhang Mian smiled. “I figured as much, so I’ve already turned her down.”
Ren Yanjing didn’t press further and quickly reiterated his stance: “No matter who it is, my answer is the same.”
Zhang Mian nodded. “Understood.”
The team’s atmosphere was good. Though the seven of them were of different ages, they got along perfectly. If possible, Ren Yanjing didn’t want to disturb that balance.
After leaving the lab, Tang Zhen asked about the robot Ren Yanjing had developed privately.
Her hands were clasped behind her back as she walked lightly. “Earlier, they said the robot you made is called Zhen-Guai.”
Unlike Robert or the puppy, Zhen-Guai was unique—developed entirely by Ren Yanjing for his personal use.
Functionally, Zhen-Guai didn’t match Robert or the puppy, but in significance, it was one of a kind.
Ren Yanjing feigned nonchalance. “Yes, that’s true.”
“Where is it?”
He tilted his head. “You want to see it?”
Truthfully, Tang Zhen did want to. “Is it convenient?” she asked.
Ren Yanjing replied, “It’s at my place. If you want to see it, I can take you there now.”
Ah… so that’s how it was.
Tang Zhen didn’t actually intend to go to his house.
In the original story, the second female lead spent three months with the male lead but never met his family or visited his home.
She thought for a moment and said, “Never mind, maybe next time.”
Ren Yanjing nodded. “Wait until winter break.”
Zhen-Guai was still a prototype, but by winter break, it would be nearly complete and ready for her to meet.
Tang Zhen didn’t reply.
By winter break, she would already be starting a new life.
By then, she wouldn’t even be his girlfriend anymore and wouldn’t have the right to visit the small robot he had developed just for her.
After dinner in the cafeteria, Ren Yanjing drove Tang Zhen back to school.
She still held the flowers he had given her earlier. Under the warm glow of the overhead lights, her delicate little face was a hundred times more enchanting than the carefully wrapped roses. Her glossy black eyes looked at him. “Ren Yanjing, goodbye.”
Ren Yanjing got out to open the car door. “See you tomorrow, baby.”
“Tomorrow?”
Tang Zhen blinked, surprised. “Sanquan, we just met today. How come I’m seeing the male lead again tomorrow?”
000 didn’t understand either.
In the original hit novel, the second female lead—being the male lead’s official girlfriend—never got to see him so easily. Every meeting required multiple requests. Seeing him every day? Impossible.
000 guessed, 【Maybe because during your mission just now, you mentioned that other couples stick together every day.】
Tang Zhen remained silent.
“So he listened?”
【Seems like it.】 000 reassured both herself and Tang Zhen. 【The male lead is, in a way, very serious. About feelings, about his studies… he takes everything seriously.】
It just so happens that he wasn’t serious about the second female lead because she wasn’t the right person.
Tang Zhen found this reasonable and didn’t dwell on it further.
“Alright. See you tomorrow.”
After returning to her dorm, taking a shower, and doing laundry, she received a message from Zhou Xusi. “Where are you?”
Why is my stepbrother texting me?
Tang Zhen replied, “I’m in the dorm.”
She had barely speculated about why Zhou Xusi was texting when his next message arrived: “Aunt twisted her waist.”
Tang Zhen: !!!
Even though it was her stepmother, as her current “mother” in this world, she couldn’t treat it lightly. She quickly messaged back, “How is she now?”
Zhou Xusi replied, “She’s okay. I happened to be passing by your school. It’s still early. I’ll pick you up so you can see her.”
“Okay. At the school gate?”
“Yes.”
After telling her roommates, Tang Zhen hurried downstairs.
Ren Yanjing’s car was, of course, gone. By the time she reached the school gate, she didn’t see the silver van she had previously hitched a ride in.
Only one car was parked there: a black Rolls-Royce.
High-end, classy. Its black body gleamed in the night.
Tang Zhen was about to look elsewhere for Zhou Xusi’s car when the driver rolled down the window and called her name. “Tang Zhen.”
It was Zhou Xusi’s car?
From what she remembered, this older brother had always been low-key. Despite his family wealth, he rarely drove luxury cars.
What changed today?
Tang Zhen didn’t think too much and ran to the passenger seat.
Her boarding was witnessed by Lu Yu, who had just returned to the school.
She immediately snapped several photos.
Though the driver didn’t get out, Lu Yu, from a distance, clearly saw his side profile.
A sharp jawline, striking profile—definitely a mature man’s face.
Not Ren Yanjing.
Realizing this, a mocking smile appeared in Lu Yu’s eyes.
She didn’t tell Li Ran. This small matter, she could handle herself.
She posted the photo on the school’s “All-Purpose Wall” of the Media Arts department.
In a private message, pretending to be a boy smitten with Tang Zhen’s back, she wrote:
“Admin, help me out. I want to get to know the girl in this photo. I’m too shy to ask for her contact info myself. Please!”
Accusing Tang Zhen of dating two people would be too crude.
No need.
For the sake of the school’s reputation, the wall’s admins might not even post a photo implying a scandal.
But a “help me out” message? That’s different.
The wall’s admins would definitely post it—after all, “help me out” was so common.
In Lu Yu’s view, this photo would spark discussion quickly.
After all, a Rolls-Royce naturally attracts attention. Not to mention, the passenger was the school’s famous first-year art beauty.
She could even use a few alternate accounts to stir the waters. She didn’t believe Ren Yanjing wouldn’t notice.
When Ren Yanjing sees this, handling it would be easy.
He already knew, better than anyone, that the driver was not him.
So the question remained:
It was nearly 8 PM. A lone female student got into a Rolls-Royce, and the driver looked like a successful, elite businessman. What could be the reason?
It couldn’t be just for a late-night snack.
Shortly after Tang Zhen got in, 000 filled her in on Lu Yu’s actions.
Her… emotions were complicated.
The female lead didn’t intervene, but her best friend—the one acting on her behalf—was running around making waves.
000 scoffed, 【She doesn’t think the male lead will get jealous over this, right?】
The male lead was naturally immune to jealousy.
In the original plot, Ren Yanjing and Zhou Xusi had a good relationship. One was the female lead’s official boyfriend; the other, an angel investor for the female lead. No conflicts, no fights.
Ren Yanjing and Zhou Xusi were rational first, emotional second.
Fights and rivalries? Never happened.
Jealousy? Even less likely.
The male lead hadn’t even gotten jealous over the female lead—let alone the second female lead.
So neither Tang Zhen nor 000 cared about Lu Yu’s small scheme.