Chapter Forty-Four Wen Hao

These words made Yu Qian question, “With a beauty by my side, how could I worry about not having someone to carry things? Just look around, I bet plenty of boys are waiting for a chance to serve a pretty girl.” She gave the girl’s hand a tug and, with a haughty tilt of her head, let out a playful huff.

Her little expression amused the girl, who pretended to be upset. “So you’re using me on purpose, Qianqian!”

Yu Qian’s eyes widened in alarm and she quickly waved her hands in denial, “How could I? Jiujou, I truly think of you as my best friend.”

The girl knew Yu Qian was sincere and genuinely wanted to be friends. Maybe in her past life, she had felt the same, warning her to stay away from Lin Yuexin. Unfortunately, she hadn’t listened, and as she grew closer to Lin Yuexin, she lost her way completely...

This time, she would never repeat the same mistake. Those who treated her kindly would receive her true friendship, and those who didn’t... she’d make sure they’d never recover from it.

Stars danced in her eyes as she smiled, “Alright, silly Qianqian, I was teasing you.”

“Oh, you naughty Jiujou, you little liar, don’t you run…” Yu Qian called as she chased after the girl who had darted away.

The two of them shopped for necessities, laughing and playing, their friendship deepening with every step.

Yu Qian watched Jiujou, who was quietly smiling and choosing daily items, and thought, “How could someone be like this? So beautiful, so wealthy, yet without the arrogance typical of rich kids—only gentle refinement and a friendly smile for everyone. Being with her feels so easy.”

Yes, she was claiming the best friend spot early, and it felt like Jiujou liked her too. Being liked by a beauty felt a bit overwhelming...

“What are you staring at me for? Hurry up and pick out what you need,” the girl said, turning to see Yu Qian gazing at her, wide-eyed and lost in thought.

She’d figured it out—this girl, though she seemed clever, was actually adorably clueless. If she ever found out she’d been called a silly goose, she’d surely jump in protest.

Thinking this, the girl covered her mouth and laughed.

Yu Qian’s heart fluttered at that stunning smile, and she quickly raised her hand to shield herself. “Jiujou, stop smiling like that. Even as a girl I can barely take it, let alone those boys over there.” She glanced around.

Look at these men, drooling like they’d never seen a beauty before—pathetic.

She took the girl’s hand and gave it a showy shake, sweeping her gaze over the onlookers with pride.

See this delicate, fair hand? Only I get to hold it. You can only envy me.

When the girl looked at her in confusion, Yu Qian smiled awkwardly, “Nothing, nothing. Come on, Jiujou, let’s pick out our things,” and tugged her along.

When it came time to check out, they realized there was no way two weak girls could carry all this.

Yu Qian had boasted that someone would surely come to help, but it was just talk. Besides, she was all talk and no action. The girl frowned slightly, wondering how they’d get everything back.

“Hello, little freshmen, need some help?” a playful voice called out.

They both turned to see a tall boy. He wasn’t as strikingly handsome as Cheng Yanran, but he was clean-cut and radiated warmth.

Yu Qian, who’d been worrying, lit up at the arrival of free labor. “We do, we do!”

The girl felt a bit embarrassed to trouble him, and quietly tugged Yu Qian’s sleeve.

Yu Qian, knowing her friend was reserved, shot her a look: “We can’t carry it ourselves, why refuse help?”

Wen Hao folded his arms, quietly watching as one girl gave the other a meaningful glance right in front of him—how adorable.

Yu Qian, noticing his playful look, unconsciously met his eyes, then quickly looked away, blushing. Even with her bold personality, being watched by such a tall, handsome upperclassman left her flustered.

Oh, just one look and she’s shy—how interesting.

Wen Hao shifted his gaze to the two large bags on the ground. “Are these the ones you need help with?”

The girl had been too distracted to notice him before, but now, looking closely, she felt he looked familiar. Her eyes brightened—he was Wen Hao, Cheng Yanran’s roommate and close friend. Back then, Lin Yuexin had used him to get close to Cheng Yanran, and she’d run into him a few times herself.

How convenient.

Judging by his glances, he seemed interested in Yu Qian. She looked at Yu Qian, who was blushing and fidgeting, and a plan formed—she would matchmake Yu Qian and Wen Hao, then use Wen Hao to approach Cheng Yanran!

If the opportunity was there, why not take advantage?

Not wanting to disturb their budding chemistry, she immediately played the part of the shy, quiet girl and stood off to the side in silence.

Seeing the girl go quiet, Yu Qian had to step up, stammering, “Y-yes, that’s right, senior.”

Wen Hao smiled. Was this little wildcat getting nervous and tongue-tied? He still remembered her earlier haughty expression.

He easily picked up the bags and asked, “Dear freshmen, could you lead the way?”

“Y-yes, thank you, senior,” Yu Qian replied, grateful.

Wen Hao smiled without a word and led the way, carrying their things.

Yu Qian and the girl trailed behind, whispering as they walked. “Jiujou, why did you stay quiet just now? You left me so embarrassed.”

She shot a glare at Jiujou, who was smiling, and felt the urge to pinch her cheeks.

“He likes you, so why would I butt in?” the girl teased, watching Yu Qian’s face turn redder.

“No way, he’s just being helpful,” Yu Qian quickly protested, unsure if she was convincing the girl or herself.

“Oh, just helping? Then why did he keep glancing at you? Maybe I’m mistaken then?”

“Oh, stop it, if you keep talking I’ll…” Yu Qian was growing more and more flustered, sneaking a glance at the tall figure ahead and biting her lip in silence.

Seeing her like this, the girl stopped teasing and glanced at Wen Hao’s back, plotting her next move.

Wen Hao, well aware the girls were talking about him, kept up his best posture. When the conversation behind him faded, he slowed down and turned to smile, “I don’t know your names yet.”

Yu Qian, still blushing, leapt at the chance to introduce them. “Her name is Wei Jiujou, and I’m Yu Qian.”

He’d carried their bags all this way, yet they didn’t even know his name. Remembering the saying about returning kindness tenfold, she quickly asked, “Senior, what’s your name?”

With a gentle smile, he replied, “I’m Wen Hao—Wen as in ‘literature,’ Hao as in ‘vast.’”

A handsome senior with an elegant name—her heart fluttered, and her cheeks took on a rosy glow.