Chapter 49: I Can Be Alone
TL: Etude
After dinner, the group of seven, shrouded in moonlight and the darkness of the night, made their way back to Linchuan University.
The little rich lady dawdled along the way, not saying much, but clearly not eager to return to the dormitory too early. Her little scheme was as clear as day. Thus, Jiang Qin decided to take her for a stroll around the campus, subtly hinting to the other five to head back first.
Fan Shuling was visibly concerned, reluctant to have Feng Nanshu and Jiang Qin together.
Ah, the scoundrel. One would normally steer clear of such a person, let alone approach them. As the dorm leader, she felt it her duty to remind her roommate to be cautious.
However, Gao Wenhui, a great wingwoman, didn’t hesitate to hold back Fan Shuling.
“Spring flowers, autumn moon, a beautiful scene. Those who force themselves to be a third wheel will remain single for life!”
Hearing Gao Wenhui’s vicious curse, Fan Shuling didn’t dare resist and watched helplessly as Feng Nanshu obediently followed Jiang Qin away.
Back at the dorm, Fan Shuling still wore a look of concern: “That Jiang Qin is a scoundrel. I’ve seen him entangled with four girls, all from the same dorm. I’ve never seen such outrageous behavior in my life!”
While soaking her feet, Gao Wenhui tried to comfort her: “Nanshu may be introverted and a bit naive, but she’s not stupid.”
“But she’s easily deceived.”
“Well, I don’t know about that, but she surely knows who makes her happy,” Gao Wenhui believed that happiness was important.
Fan Shuling decided to keep quiet, picked up a book to read, but soon couldn’t help herself: “Wenhui, something’s off with you. He even tricked you with ginger. He’s obviously no good!”
“Shuling.”
“Hmm?”
“Nanshu has been waiting for him for a long time.”
“…”
“Forget it, I’m done caring.”
The post-rain night sky was cool as water, stretching the shadows of the two figures walking on the campus road longer and longer.
But the figure in front didn’t know what came over him, suddenly stopping in his tracks, causing the slightly smaller figure behind to bump into him unexpectedly.
However, taking advantage of this situation didn’t feel entirely justifiable, at least that’s what Jiang Qin thought.
Feng Nanshu was naive and somewhat silly, her understanding of the world not entirely comprehensive. Most of what she knew came from fantasy s like “The Magic-Eyed Girl.”
Such juvenile fantasy s, while entertaining, certainly didn’t contain love stories.
Why?
Because what would it be fucking realistic if children’s s were all about love and romance?
Therefore, Feng Nanshu surely didn’t realize she was being taken advantage of.
Thinking this, Jiang Qin felt a bit uneasy. Here she was, funding his business, and he was taking advantage of her. What a monster.
This would be the last time.
The last time tonight.
Jiang Qin stopped, waiting for Feng Nanshu to catch up, then seriously asked, “I heard your roommate invited you to a movie. Why didn’t you go?”
Feng Nanshu tugged at her clothes near her chest, a hint of defiance in her eyes: “I don’t like watching movies.”
“You must have heard of Pinocchio, the puppet whose nose grows when he lies, just like you’re doing now.”
After hearing this, Feng Nanshu froze, then quietly touched her nose.
Hmph, trying to scare me again, lying doesn’t really make your nose grow.
“Have you ever wandered around at night?”
Feng Nanshu hurriedly caught up with a few steps: “No, the nights in Linchuan are a bit dark.”
Jiang Qin couldn’t help but stop and turn back to look at her: “Isn’t it dark now? Are you scared? Maybe I should take you back.”
“No need, I’m not afraid when I’m with friends.”
“Roommates are also friends. Why are you so scared to watch a movie with them?”
Feng Nanshu remained silent, her delicate lips pressed together, following Jiang Qin on her own.
“I don’t feel safe with just any friend…”
Actually, there wasn’t much to do at Linchuan University at night. The maple forest was filled with couples kissing every few steps – quite an unlucky sight. The front square was crowded, a setting Feng Nanshu obviously wouldn’t enjoy.
On the sports field, some were playing cards under lamp light, but it was messy there too, and some were kissing.
Jiang Qin, seeing all this, grew numb, thinking he should lend them money to get a room instead. Then, he quickly covered Feng Nanshu’s curious eyes and hurried her away.
Eventually, they wandered to the banks of Moonwatch Lake.
It was the largest artificial lake in the school, deliberately shaped like a natural lake, surrounded by rugged rocks and a large stone boat pavilion.
A waterfall was intentionally created at the eastern inlet, loudly splashing down, hardly distinguishable from a real wilderness waterfall.
Jiang Qin found this place quieter and so, led Feng Nanshu to sit down.
The sound of frogs, water, moonlight, and the evening breeze.
Feng Nanshu suddenly took off her little leather shoes and lace-edged white socks, revealing her tender, cute toes, then gently placed her feet in Jiang Qin’s lap.
“?!”
“During military training, I promised to let you play with my feet.” Feng Nanshu quietly looked at him.
Jiang Qin was somewhat angrily embarrassed: “What kind of joke is this? I am a gentleman. Are you testing me? I’ll tell you, I won’t even touch.”
Feng Nanshu suddenly frowned: “Ouch… gently, it hurts.”
“Damn, why do my hands have a mind of their own?”
“It’s a bit ticklish.” There was a shimmer of moisture in Feng Nanshu’s eyes.
“It’s okay, no big deal, bring the other one over too.”
Holding the soft and smooth feet in his hand, Jiang Qin’s gaze drifted across the lake: “Actually, I’ve been quite idle these days, but because of the daily training, I haven’t had time for anything else. And I might get even busier after training ends.”
After saying this, Jiang Qin paused, feeling a sense of déjà vu.
Oh right, during the last summer vacation, when he received the demolition compensation, he was learning to drive and wanted to understand the market of various industries. He seemed to have said something similar then.
At that time, the little rich lady said she wouldn’t be lonely, that she had always been alone. But then, in a couple of days, she became moody, unable even to enjoy her favorite books.
Jiang Qin turned to look at Feng Nanshu, noticing her pursing her lips, pretending to casually look into the distance.
“Feng Nanshu?”
“I can be alone,” Feng Nanshu said, still looking away.
Jiang Qin couldn’t help but lean in closer: “So strong, huh?”
“Mhm.”
“Then turn your face here, let me see.”
“No.”
“Alright, stop crying. When I’m busy, I’ll take you with me, but you can’t cause trouble.”
“I’m not crying.”
Feng Nanshu spoke softly, then quietly gazed at the lake, feeling her feet warmed comfortably, wanting to sit there forever.
TL: So cute… Give a follow/rating/recommendation for Nanshu jiejie (or meimei ig)
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