Jiang Sui wasn’t interested in the power struggle among the trio, but to prevent his king from developing more blisters on her hands, he came to help right after class the next day.
Of course, nominally he was still here for Bai Xingyu.
“Hold it like this with your left hand, then use your right hand to plane it. Once it’s about this thickness, use the saw to cut it…”
“Like this?”
“Right.”
Bai Xingyu stood beside Jiang Sui, teaching him how to prepare materials.
Qiao Man sat across from Gu Hantian, watching him draw while holding up her two bandaged hands.
Gu Hantian’s pen gradually slowed until it stopped completely, forming a small black dot on the paper.
Qiao Man looked up, first at Gu Hantian, then followed his gaze to Bai Xingyu and Jiang Sui.
“Why did he have to come?” Gu Hantian asked with a frown.
Although Jiang Sui had rescued him from the wine cellar and he owed him a favor, that didn’t mean he could calmly watch Jiang Sui hovering around Bai Xingyu.
With his young master syndrome acting up, Gu Hantian waited for Qiao Man to give him an explanation after asking, but her response was delayed.
He displeasedly withdrew his gaze, only to meet Qiao Man’s cold eyes the next second.
Gu Hantian: “…”
“Why did he have to come?” The exact same words, when spoken by Qiao Man, sounded particularly sarcastic.
Gu Hantian straightened up: “What do you think of this color?”
Qiao Man ignored his question and finished what she needed to say: “If you hadn’t suddenly changed the project topic, causing us to be pressed for time, we wouldn’t need his help.”
“…I think red and green would be a better combination, more visually impactful.”
Qiao Man: “Now that someone is willing to share the workload, you’re still not happy?”
“…What about blue? Blue isn’t bad either.”
Qiao Man sneered: “Put away your young master temper and those useless teenage sentiments. Finish drawing all the patterns by today, okay?”
“…Okay.”
Gu Hantian completely settled down, his pen moving across the paper so fast it became a blur.
After lecturing Gu Hantian, Qiao Man walked over to Bai Xingyu and Jiang Sui.
Noticing her approach from the corner of his eye, Bai Xingyu immediately rushed into the restroom to brush miniature tiles.
Jiang Sui raised his hand to wipe his sweat but stopped when he saw wood shavings on his gloves, looking innocently at Qiao Man.
Qiao Man rolled her eyes at him but still took out a tissue to wipe his face.
Jiang Sui lazily squinted his eyes, waiting for her fingers to leave his face, then gestured for her to roll up his sleeves.
“Don’t push your luck,” Qiao Man sneered.
Jiang Sui smiled at her while straddling the wood, his long legs stretched out, intruding far beyond the normal social distance.
His smile was so cheeky, it felt like he was about to cause trouble for her any second.
Qiao Man gave him a warning look but ultimately stepped forward to roll up his sleeves.
It was already mid-October, and even the wind had turned completely cool, yet his body was steaming hot, emitting a simple scent of sweat.
It was sweat, but not unpleasant. Mixed with the various scents of shower gel, laundry detergent, and aftershave, it became a fragrance that was clearly pleasant yet strangely aggressive.
Gu Hantian, who was working busily at the desk, and Bai Xingyu, who was brushing busily in the restroom, both looked over simultaneously.
On that sunny afternoon, Jiang Sui was smiling, Qiao Man was frowning, and the two were whispering about something.
The light streaming through the window cast a soft halo around them, as if they occupied a small world of their own that no one else could enter.
Gu Hantian and Bai Xingyu simultaneously felt a subtle sensation, but before they could identify what it was, Qiao Man—the disciplinary director—already cast them a cold glance.
The two immediately averted their gaze and returned to their respective tasks with renewed focus.
“…How did you manage to get them like this?” Jiang Sui inquired humbly.
Qiao Man glanced at him. “Want to know?”
Jiang Sui nodded.
After locking eyes with him for three seconds, Qiao Man suddenly curled the corners of her lips.
Jiang Sui: “…” That ominous feeling surfaced again.
Qiao Man was definitely hiding something from him, and it was likely related to the current plot.
Jiang Sui knew that if she was determined not to talk, he wouldn’t be able to pry any useful information out of her. Out of courtesy, he’d worry for about three seconds and then let it go.
The Caisson Model Competition consisted of only two rounds: the preliminary and the final.
The preliminary round didn’t require physical attendance. Starting from the registration deadline, participants had ten days to submit 3D renderings of their models and an introduction of no more than five hundred words to the judging committee’s email.
Those who passed the preliminary round would receive an invitation to the final within three days. Only with the invitation could they bring their finished work to the competition venue.
Changing their topic midway meant their already tight schedule became even more strained.
After the semester began, the dormitory curfew was reinstated. To facilitate late-night work on her model, Qiao Man decided to temporarily move out.
“My place is nearby. You can pick one of the guest rooms,” Gu Hantian offered.
Jiang Sui shot him a look. “Isn’t it inappropriate for men and women to live together?”
Gu Hantian frowned. “It’s just a friend staying over. What’s inappropriate about that?”
Jiang Sui didn’t respond but instead glanced at Bai Xingyu.
Bai Xingyu had been working nonstop these past few days and was so exhausted she could barely keep her eyes open. Noticing Jiang Sui’s gaze, she looked bewildered.
“What?” she asked.
Jiang Sui: “Fine, I also think it’s more appropriate for Qiao Man to stay with you.”
Bai Xingyu: “…” Stay with her since when?
Qiao Man: “Then it’s settled.”
Bai Xingyu: “…” How was it settled just like that?
At eleven o’clock that night, the group left the studio, crossed the street, and headed toward the same residential complex.
Bai Xingyu quietly tugged at Jiang Sui’s sleeve, signaling him to slow down and create some distance between them and Gu Hantian and Qiao Man.
“Why did you arrange for her to stay at my place?” Bai Xingyu whispered.
Jiang Sui replied calmly, “What else? Let her stay with Gu Hantian? Aren’t you afraid they might cross moral boundaries as an unmarried man and woman alone together?”
“Oh, right.” Bai Xingyu smacked her forehead, realizing she’d forgotten about that.
Between attending classes and working nonstop, her mind had grown dull from exhaustion, and she hadn’t considered that earlier.
With that one sentence, Jiang Sui convinced Bai Xingyu and leisurely caught up with the others.
The four of them entered the complex together. Gu Hantian was the first to reach his building. The remaining three continued walking until they arrived at Bai Xingyu’s building.
As Bai Xingyu pressed the elevator button, Qiao Man slowly remarked, “I just realized something.”
Jiang Sui glanced sideways. “What?”
“Out of the four of us, I’m the only one without a place of my own,” Qiao Man said wistfully.
Jiang Sui chuckled and reached out to pat her head. “So poor, so pitiful.”
“You’re annoying.” Qiao Man swatted his hand away.
“Acting this arrogant as a guest?” Jiang Sui tried to pat her head again.
Qiao Man sneered, “It’s not like I’m staying at your place!”
Jiang Sui retorted irritably, “Would you be less arrogant if you stayed at my place?”
Qiao Man shot him a glare.
When Bai Xingyu turned around and saw them bickering, for some reason she suddenly remembered a dream she’d had long ago.
In that dream, Qiao Man and Jiang Sui first kissed, then performed “Thank You for Listening” together while singing and dancing directly at her.
Qiao Man glanced up at her: “Is the elevator here?”
“Ah…” Bai Xingyu snapped back to reality, “Yes, it’s here.”
Qiao Man headed toward the hallway.
“Good night.”
Jiang Sui waved at Bai Xingyu, then suddenly called out Qiao Man’s name after she turned away.
Qiao Man looked back.
Under the streetlight, Jiang Sui’s eyes showed traces of fatigue, yet still held a smile: “Hang in there.”
Hang in there with what? Qiao Man looked utterly confused.
Bai Xingyu’s apartment was a penthouse duplex. The lights automatically turned on when the door opened.
She glanced back at Qiao Man, suddenly feeling somewhat awkward.
Shouldn’t staying over at someone’s place be something only close friends do?
But the hotels near campus were a ten-plus minute walk from the studio, making it rather inhumane to have her stay alone.
While Bai Xingyu was lost in thought, Qiao Man had already entered.
“Where are the guest slippers?” she asked.
Bai Xingyu: “Here, right here.”
She took out a pair.
Qiao Man gave them a brief glance—they were brand new—then bent down to put them on.
“And my room?” she asked again.
Bai Xingyu quickly pointed the way: “Over there, the room with wind chimes on the door.”
“Thank you, you should rest too.” Qiao Man gave a dignified nod, shouldered her bag, and went straight to her room.
The door clicked shut, and Bai Xingyu suddenly came to her senses.
“Wait… whose house is this anyway?”
Looking completely bewildered, Bai Xingyu returned to her room. Just as she undressed and was about to shower, her phone rang.
She answered the call, and Qiao Man’s voice came through the receiver: “I don’t know how to use this showerhead.”
“I’ll come over now…”
Bai Xingyu sighed wearily, wrapped a towel around herself, and went to find her.
“Like this, then like this, and it’s done.” She quickly demonstrated once.
Qiao Man: “Too fast, I didn’t see clearly.”
Bai Xingyu had to do it again.
Qiao Man: “Thank you.”
Three minutes later.
Qiao Man: “I don’t know how to use the washing machine either.”
Another three minutes.
Qiao Man: “Can the fresh air system be turned off? It’s too loud.”
Another three minutes.
Qiao Man: “I want water.”
Bai Xingyu took a deep breath: “There’s a refrigerator in your room.”
Qiao Man: “I don’t drink cold water.”
Bai Xingyu: “Then get it from the water dispenser!”
Qiao Man: “The water from the dispenser is half-raw.”
Bai Xingyu laughed.
Ten minutes later, Jiang Sui appeared at her doorstep, took Qiao Man’s backpack, and bid Bai Xingyu good night again.
“She’s all yours now.”
Bai Xingyu looked utterly exhausted. Meeting Qiao Man’s accusatory gaze outside the door, she slammed it shut instantly.
Jiang Sui turned back cheerfully: “Let’s go.”
Qiao Man, having been kicked out, lifted her chin and strode haughtily into the elevator.
Jiang Sui yawned and slowly followed.
The elevator descended, silence filling the somewhat cramped space.
Ding. The moment the elevator doors opened again, Qiao Man complained, “I’m not difficult at all.”
“Of course, you’re not difficult in the slightest,” Jiang Sui replied calmly.
Qiao Man: “She’s really rude.”
Jiang Sui nodded: “Absolutely, kicking someone out in the middle of the night—so rude.”
Qiao Man: “I wouldn’t come even if she begged me next time.”
Jiang Sui: “Diplomatic relations severed, never to interact again.”
After being teased three times, Qiao Man reluctantly glanced at him: “I thought Gu Hantian would be the one coming.”
Jiang Sui looked innocent: “I thought so too, but Bai Xingyu thinks if you went to Gu Hantian’s place, you’d easily get up to no good. So staying with me is most appropriate.”
“But you’re a complete scumbag,” Qiao Man snorted coldly.
Jiang Sui spread his hands: “Exactly. But Bai Xingyu doesn’t know that. To her, I’m quite reliable.”
Qiao Man fell silent.
Having left the studio late to begin with, and after all this hassle, it was already past midnight by the time Qiao Man entered Jiang Sui’s master bedroom.
“The fresh air system is off. There’s warm water by the bedside that just cooled down. Drink it before showering.”
Jiang Sui took all the clothes from her backpack and hung them in the closet, only leading her to the bathroom after she finished drinking.
“Want to take a bath?” he asked.
Qiao Man shook her head.
“Then just take a quick shower. This showerhead is a bit tricky to use – turn this way for hot water, this button adjusts water pressure…” Jiang Sui slowly demonstrated, then asked, “Got it?”
Qiao Man: “I’m not stupid.”
Jiang Sui raised an eyebrow: “Throw dirty clothes outside the bathroom. I’ll wash them while I’m at it.”
“Okay.”
After he left, Qiao Man slowly began undressing.
These past few days of working day and night had left everyone physically and mentally exhausted, and she was no exception.
After a quick shower, she yawned while drying her hair and doing skincare. By the time she finished, it was already 1 AM, and she collapsed onto the bed and fell asleep.
Jiang Sui washed her dirty clothes, put them in the dryer, then went to check on the master bedroom.
Qiao Man lay face down on the bed, half her face buried in the pillow, sleeping obediently and quietly.
Jiang Sui pulled the blanket over her and suddenly chuckled: “Not difficult to handle at all. Quite easy to take care of, actually.”
Qiao Man slept until daybreak. When she finished washing up and was about to leave, she noticed the guest room door was still closed.
To her knowledge, Jiang Sui had morning classes too.
Qiao Man directly pushed open the guest room door.
In the room half the size of the master bedroom, Jiang Sui was sleeping soundly.
A corner of the blanket casually draped over his waist, his well-defined abs and long legs exposed to Qiao Man’s view.
Qiao Man’s gaze swept indifferently over him and landed on the air conditioning unit and outdoor compressor in the corner.
…What’s wrong with Jiang Sui? Why is he covering the AC unit and outdoor compressor with blankets?
Just as she was speechless, Jiang Sui’s slightly hoarse voice sounded: “Since when did you pick up the hobby of peeping?”
Qiao Man pointed at the corner: “You were the one who bought my air conditioner?”
“Yep.” Jiang Sui stretched, the blanket slipping dangerously low on his hips.
Qiao Man snorted coldly: “Didn’t I tell someone to return it to me? Why did you buy it again?”
“We’ve developed feelings through our time together,” Jiang Sui finally remembered to protect his modesty, quietly pulling the blanket higher, “I wanted to make it completely mine through proper channels.”
Then, glancing at the two large objects covered with blankets, he corrected, “Oh, them.”
Qiao Man offered this evaluation of his behavior:
“Sick.”
Jiang Sui jumped out of bed, wrapped in the thin blanket, and walked to the air conditioner, theatrically placing his hand against it.
“Don’t say such things. They’ll get sad.”
Qiao Man: “…After this project is over, I’m definitely taking you to the hospital.”
After staying together for one night, they ended up sharing several more nights, working urgently to finally complete the model before the deadline.
When the 3D scan was successfully sent to the judging panel, everyone felt a sense of relief.
On the day the preliminary selection results were announced, Gu Hantian and Bai Xingyu had classes, so Qiao Man and Jiang Sui were responsible for packing the model at the studio.
“Thinking about how hard we worked on this, only to end up without even a ranking—it’s suddenly a bit discouraging.”
Although Jiang Sui was not an official team member, he still felt regret seeing such a nearly perfect piece of work.
Qiao Man, however, remained calm: “Most of the time, it’s enough to just do your best.”
Jiang Sui smiled, his perspective broadened by her words.
The final selection was held in another city, requiring all participants to be present.
After receiving the invitation for the final selection, Qiao Man requested leave. Just before departure, she returned to her dorm to pack some clothes and daily necessities.
Since she started working at the bar, she had rarely stayed in the dorm. After moving in with Jiang Sui, she hardly ever came back. Her sudden return made Yi Yuanyuan and Jia Xin exchange glances, but neither spoke.
Qiao Man had no desire for forced social interactions either, so mutual silence suited her just fine. She finished packing and left without another word.
As soon as she was gone, Jia Xin immediately remarked, “I heard she requested leave to go out with Gu Hantian.”
“I never thought she’d actually manage to latch onto Gu Hantian,” Yi Yuanyuan said with mixed emotions.
Jia Xin added, “She really is impressive. Just a few days ago, a professor asked if she wanted to pursue graduate studies without taking the entrance exam.”
“What’s so great about that?” Yi Yuanyuan snorted coldly.
Perhaps realizing her jealousy was too obvious, Yi Yuanyuan fell silent for three seconds before continuing, “Actually, if she were still like before, I would be happy for her.”
“I understand. She has changed a lot this semester,” Jia Xin said sympathetically.
Seeing that Jia Xin agreed, Yi Yuanyuan felt much better: “You’re still the best—you haven’t changed at all.”
Jia Xin comfortingly patted her hand.
The competition city wasn’t far from Jingbei—just a two-to-three-hour drive—so after discussing it, the trio decided to drive there themselves.
But the question was: if it was the trio who made the decision, why was Jiang Sui in the car?
When Qiao Man saw someone in the driver’s seat, she immediately voiced her confusion.
“Isn’t it good to have someone drive?” Jiang Sui retorted.
“Is that the issue?” Qiao Man replied.
In the original story, he had secretly followed them there.
Jiang Sui knew what she was thinking. Glancing at Gu Hantian and Bai Xingyu, who were loading things into the trunk, he said, “I secretly followed along when I drove the car over just now.”
Qiao Man: “…” Well, it seemed he had learned how to gloss over the plot too.
While they were talking, Gu Hantian and Bai Xingyu closed the trunk.
Qiao Man opened the passenger door and got right in.
Gu Hantian, who had been about to claim the passenger seat, and Bai Xingyu, who had been about to push Gu Hantian into it, both froze mid-action.
As everyone knows, when a group of people without hierarchical relationships go out together, the passenger seat usually goes to the person closest to the driver.
Gu Hantian knew this and had tried to secure the seat to avoid having Bai Xingyu sit in the same row as Jiang Sui.
Bai Xingyu also knew this and, afraid that Qiao Man might pretend to fall asleep and lean on Gu Hantian’s shoulder if they sat together in the back, had wanted Gu Hantian to take the passenger seat.
But now, Qiao Man had taken it.
Were they that close?
Even though they had lived together for a few days, at the studio, they hardly even spoke, right?
So why did Qiao Man take the passenger seat?
The two hesitated, still not getting in the car. Qiao Man rolled down the window: “Aren’t we leaving?”
“Let’s go.” Gu Hantian immediately got in the car.
Bai Xingyu leaned over instead: “Why are you sitting in the front passenger seat?”
“I get carsick.”
Bai Xingyu: “…” She never considered this reason.
All four got in the car, and Jiang Sui stepped on the gas to depart.
They set off the day before the competition. It was already evening when they left, and by the time they arrived and ate something, it was past 8 PM.
Gu Hantian had booked the hotel in advance. After arriving at the hotel, he and Jiang Sui went to park the car. When they returned, they heard Bai Xingyu arguing with the front desk.
“We booked four suites! Why did you change them to regular rooms?”
“I’m sorry, miss. Our online system had an issue, resulting in overbooking. This is our mistake. How about we give you a 20% discount?”
Bai Xingyu grew even more annoyed: “Who cares about your discount? Don’t think I didn’t see—you just gave the suites to someone else right after I confirmed my reservation!”
“I’m sorry, miss, truly sorry…”
Gu Hantian immediately stepped forward.
“Han Tian…” Qiao Man called out to him appropriately.
He ignored her and went straight to Bai Xingyu’s side.
Qiao Man covered her face, heartbroken.
“…Stop it, my lord.” Jiang Sui slowly shuffled over to her.
Qiao Man calmly withdrew her hand.
“What’s the plot?” Jiang Sui asked.
Qiao Man glanced at him: “You don’t have a prompt?”
Jiang Sui shrugged.
Qiao Man thought about it—this part really didn’t involve him.
“Gu Hantian was afraid his family would find out he’s participating in the competition, so he didn’t use his VIP card when booking. The front desk is being snobbish and gave the rooms to regular customers. Bai Xingyu is arguing.”
Qiao Man briefly summarized the current plot.
Jiang Sui tutted: “What’s the point of this plot?”
“Not sure. Maybe to show how much the female lead cares about the male lead.” Qiao Man continued watching the scene.
“Just for that? That’s too forced. Even if service staff want to flatter the rich and snub the poor, they wouldn’t be this blatant.” Jiang Sui commented.
Qiao Man: “The author is a minor who’s never worked.”
“Then that makes sense,” said the adult Jiang Sui, very tolerant. “What’s the follow-up plot?”
Follow-up plot?
Qiao Man glanced at him, walked forward, and pulled Bai Xingyu aside: “Xing Yu, why don’t we let it go? The regular rooms are fine too.”
Jiang Sui: “…”
Bai Xingyu was shocked: “Are you crazy? I’m fighting on the front lines, and you’re holding me back?”
“I just don’t want a small issue to affect everyone’s mood. Han Tian has to give the main presentation tomorrow—he needs rest now.” Qiao Man calmly delivered her lines.
Bai Xingyu took a deep breath, gritting her teeth: “So you think I’m being unreasonable?”
“That’s not what I meant.” Qiao Man looked at Gu Hantian.
Gu Hantian pulled Bai Xingyu back and directly asked the front desk: “Why did you give our reserved rooms to someone else?”Hearing Gu Hantian take her side, Bai Xingyu shot Qiao Man a provocative look.”
Qiao Man ignored her, making Bai Xingyu even angrier.
“I’m truly sorry, sir. There really are no rooms available.” The front desk clerk looked apologetic.
Gu Hantian’s expression cooled: “Then cancel the reservation. We’ll stay somewhere else.”
“No!” Before the front desk could respond, Bai Xingyu immediately objected. “We have to get up at 6 AM tomorrow. You need to rest early.”
“That’s right, Han Tian. Finding a hotel last minute could take who knows how long. This is the closest and most suitable one near the competition venue. We’d better not change,” Qiao Man chimed in.
The front desk staff quickly added, “Everyone, the housekeeping department just sent a message saying there’s still one suite available. Would it be alright if I assign you three standard rooms and one suite?”
Hearing that a suite was available—perfect for Gu Hantian—Bai Xingyu promptly said, “Let’s go with that then.”
The mission was over.
Since Bai Xingyu had agreed, the others naturally had no objections either. The front desk quickly proceeded with the formalities.
“Wait.”
Qiao Man calmly called for a halt, and everyone turned to look at her.
Jiang Sui suddenly curled the corner of his lips.
“What do you want now?” Bai Xingyu asked irritably.
Qiao Man glanced at her and walked straight to the front desk.
The receptionist knew she was the most reasonable among the group and immediately smiled. “Is there anything else, miss?”
“Bai Xingyu.” Qiao Man called her name.
Bai Xingyu had grown accustomed to being ordered around by her recently. Though still annoyed by Qiao Man’s earlier interference, she instinctively straightened up upon hearing her name.
“Here!”
Qiao Man looked expressionlessly at the receptionist. “You said earlier that after you confirmed the information, they still insisted on giving the suite to someone else?”
“…Why are you asking about this now? You were holding me back when I was arguing with them earlier, and now that everything’s settled?” Bai Xingyu frowned as she walked over and whispered to her.
Qiao Man shot her a sidelong glance.
Bai Xingyu immediately bared her teeth at the receptionist. “Yeah, I saw it with my own eyes just now.”
Qiao Man and the receptionist locked eyes for a long moment until the receptionist’s gaze began to waver. Then Qiao Man suddenly curved her lips. “Four suites, thank you.”
The receptionist: “…”
Bai Xingyu: “…”
Gu Hantian: “…”
Jiang Sui: “Uh oh.”
The receptionist forced a smile. “Sorry, miss, we really don’t have four suites available, and we already reached an agreement earlier…”
“Who reached an agreement with you?” Qiao Man lifted her chin. “Four suites. If you don’t have them, then make the people who booked them earlier leave.”
The receptionist: “But…”
“You have ten minutes to resolve this.”
Qiao Man instinctively raised her hand to check her watch, then remembered she was currently a poor person without one and lowered it. Jiang Sui promptly offered his wrist, showing the time: 9:40 PM.
Qiao Man elegantly checked the time.
“If this isn’t resolved in ten minutes, I’ll call the media to hold a press conference and discuss tonight’s incident in detail. Of course, tonight’s matter is minor, but if the media doesn’t listen and ends up filming other things around here, that won’t be our responsibility.”
The receptionist smiled awkwardly. “We operate legally, what could you possibly film…”
Qiao Man smiled faintly. “At a hotel of your caliber, the guests are quite distinguished, aren’t they? What the media films depends entirely on what those guests are doing.”
The receptionist: “…”
Five minutes later, the hotel manager appeared, bowing and scraping as he escorted Qiao Man upstairs.
Bai Xingyu quietly fell behind, whispering to Gu Hantian, “Wasn’t she trying to smooth things over earlier? How did she suddenly become more aggressive than me?”
Gu Hantian remained silent for three seconds before saying, “You should avoid provoking her in the future.”
Bai Xingyu’s rebellious spirit flared up, but before she could retort, Gu Hantian added wearily, “It’s for your own good.”
Bai Xingyu: “…”
All four suites were on the same floor. After distributing the key cards, everyone returned to their rooms.
After showering, Qiao Man studied some niche knowledge and polished the draft Gu Hantian needed for tomorrow. By the time she finished, it was past ten o’clock, so she turned off the lights and prepared to sleep.
[Before going to bed, Qiao Man checked her WeChat steps. Seeing that Gu Hantian’s step count had increased significantly compared to before, she checked Bai Xingyu’s as well.
Bai Xingyu’s had also increased.
She immediately realized that the two of them might be together and went straight to knock on Gu Hantian’s door.]
Five minutes later, she turned on the light with a dark expression, opened WeChat steps, and sure enough saw Gu Hantian’s step count increasing.
She took a deep breath, grabbed a bottle of mineral water, and went to knock on Gu Hantian’s door.
“Han Tian, are you asleep?” Qiao Man recited the lines expressionlessly.
No response.
“Gu Hantian!”
She knocked twice more and called Gu Hantian as per the plot.
No one answered.
Qiao Man stood outside Gu Hantian’s door for a long time. As soon as the system prompted the plot was over, she immediately turned and headed back to her room.
As she passed the emergency exit, Jiang Sui pulled her inside.
Great, a new plot was starting.
Qiao Man took a deep breath, broke free from his grip, and asked, “What do you want?”
“Gu Hantian isn’t in his room either?” Jiang Sui asked.
Qiao Man glanced at him. “None of your business.”
“Why can’t you keep Gu Hantian under control?” Jiang Sui retorted.
Qiao Man, whose sleep had been interrupted, was in a bad mood and her tone was sharp. “Before telling me to control Gu Hantian, shouldn’t you keep Bai Xingyu in check? Han Tian has a competition tomorrow. If it weren’t for her whispering behind his back, he wouldn’t have gone out at a time like this.”
Jiang Sui sneered, “What Xingyu does is none of your concern.”
Qiao Man yawned. “What Han Tian does is none of your concern either.”
Jiang Sui let out a cold laugh. “You’re quite bold. Seems like you haven’t learned your lesson from last time.”
Qiao Man stared back at him. “This is a hotel. There are cameras everywhere. Think carefully before you try anything.”
“You think I’m afraid?”
“Aren’t you? If Bai Xingyu saw your true nature, do you think she’d still pay any attention to you?”
Jiang Sui fell silent.
After three seconds of silence, he left with a final remark, “You just wait,” and walked out of the emergency exit.
Qiao Man remained where she was.
[Qiao Man stood still, suddenly realizing that if it weren’t for the surveillance cameras, Jiang Sui would have tormented her again tonight.
She had to come up with a way to teach him a harsh lesson, to show him she wasn’t someone to be trifled with, so he would never dare to mess with her again.Qiao Man leaned against the wall, feigning sleep to casually end this part of the plot.
Three seconds later, Jiang Sui poked his head back through the emergency exit door. “Want to go out?”
Qiao Man opened her eyes and looked at him thoughtfully.
Jiang Sui felt an inexplicable chill run down the back of his neck.