Chapter 96: Pursuer

Feng Yi has a positive mindset; when the professor asked him to self-study, he diligently started learning.

Lu Haijun, noticing the professor’s serious expression, felt a bit uneasy. However, when he turned around, he saw Feng Yi focused on memorising.

Alright, let’s learn from Feng Yi.

Lu Haijun opened his textbook, began to search for the unsolved problems, and silently memorised them.

As for their two Northeastern roommates and the two local Shanghai friends playing with Qiao Mingze, after estimating their scores, they relaxed, opened their textbooks, and looked for the answers to the unsolved problems.

Exams are over; worrying now won’t help. As for the possibility of performing poorly… Well, if it’s close to passing, that’s enough to get through.

Their mindsets are okay, but Qiao Mingze and Shao Chengdong are different.

Qiao Mingze disliked studying during high school; his parents always motivated him by saying that getting into college was enough. Just escaping parental control and teachers not paying much attention during the past week, Qiao Mingze didn’t even complete the assigned homework, let alone pay attention in class.

Shao Chengdong was no better; his focus was on indulging in food, drink, and leisure.

For today’s exam, they both feel uncertain about passing.

The professor sat at the podium, grading papers. He immediately picked out Feng Yi’s paper and found that every answer was correct from start to finish.

A smile formed on the professor’s lips; he was in a good mood.

This student studies very seriously!

The professor continued to grade papers in order. As he progressed, his expression became increasingly grim.

He had prepared himself for a few students failing, but he didn’t expect four of them to fail, and one even scored only twenty points!

This exam included easy questions worth thirty points, yet this person managed only twenty points!

With this score, the professor almost thought they hadn’t attended any classes!

After finishing grading all the papers, the professor stood up and said, “The scores are out, and some of you really disappoint me!”

Those who didn’t do well felt a pang of anxiety.

“This exam didn’t test the knowledge from your high school; it assessed your learning attitude since the beginning of the semester! Some of you have terrible learning attitudes!

The professor, with a stern face, continued: “Of course, there are students who work hard. I want to commend Feng Yi; he got a perfect score in this exam. If your study attitude were as diligent as Feng Yi’s, it would be impossible not to at least pass. Some even scored twenty points!

Who is Shao Chengdong?

Stand up and show me… Shao Chengdong, how did you manage your grades? “

Before the exam, the professor had intended to educate Feng Yi, but after grading the papers, Shao Chengdong became the focus of criticism.

Twenty points, a truly low score!

The professor went on at length, telling Shao Chengdong that he must correct his attitude and learn from Feng Yi.

Shao Chengdong felt his face being thoroughly disgraced as the professor criticised him in front of the whole class.

He knew he didn’t perform well, but was the teacher’s ruthless critique justified?

He wondered how his classmates would perceive him. Would they think he’s useless and incompetent?

Shao Chengdong remained silent, harbouring resentment towards the professor and even towards Feng Yi.

He felt he always had trouble dealing with Feng Yi!

Shao Chengdong wasn’t the only one who didn’t score above sixty; Qiao Mingze only scored in the fifties. He also faced the professor’s criticism.

Although Qiao Mingze was pampered at home, his parents occasionally scolded him, and he was particularly afraid of teachers.

After the professor’s critique, Qiao Mingze didn’t hold a grudge, but he did have some opinions about Feng Yi.

One thing made him grateful—hhe wasn’t the worst performer; there were two people who scored even lower than him!

Especially Shao Chengdong, who only scored twenty points!

Qiao Mingze felt immensely relieved.

In this exam, Feng Yi ranked first, and Lu Haijun came in second with a score of 91.

The professor praised Lu Haijun a bit, making him very happy. However, the rest of the class paid little attention to Lu Haijun; all eyes were focused on Feng Yi.

Who are these people? They studied such boring content in advance and still scored a perfect 100!

Of course, they also took note of Shao Chengdong.

Scoring 100 is difficult, but scoring 20 is not easy either.

The professor eventually had each student come up to collect their papers, offering a few words of advice and urging them to study hard.

While the students might not have deep reflections, these professors realised that a significant upheaval in the world was imminent.

They had to catch up quickly.

In the afternoon, the students were led to the computer lab.

The electronic computers were placed in an air-conditioned room and meticulously cleaned. To enter, they had to put on shoe covers.

The professor guided them in, and they saw neatly arranged computers.

Feng Yi and others sat in front of the computers, following the professor’s instructions to explore these magical machines. As for those who failed, they also came but could only bring a chair and sit behind their classmates, watching them use the computers.

Shao Chengdong sat behind Feng Yi.

Feng Yi followed the professor’s instructions to boot up the computer and tried using it. Behind him, Shao Chengdong watched his profile, various thoughts churning in his mind.

Feng Yi looked handsome, focusing on the computer screen with a charm in his serious demeanour.

No wonder he has such a beautiful girlfriend!

Today, Feng Yi really lost face.

If Feng Yi’s girlfriend had become Shao Chengdong’s, Feng Yi would have felt quite uncomfortable!

Thinking about the pretty waitress at the Charles Hamburger Shop, Shao Chengdong’s heart heated up.

Unaware of Shao Chengdong’s thoughts, Feng Yi found the electronic computer in front of him fascinating.

It was a completely new world for him, something he had never encountered before.

Feng Yi paid great attention during the lecture.

Since he couldn’t meet Jiang Liyun on regular days, he might as well focus on studying.

If he learned everything from Monday to Friday, he could spend weekends with Jiang Liyun without distractions!

The afternoon consisted of two consecutive computer classes. The professor taught many things, all relatively basic and could be learned just by observing.

Even if Shao Chengdong and others couldn’t use the computer, they could still absorb the knowledge taught.

After finishing the computer class at 3 PM, Feng Yi went to the library with Lu Haijun to do homework.

They studied until 5 p.m. and then went to the cafeteria for dinner.

Feng Yi didn’t like the “you treat today, I’ll treat tomorrow” kind of arrangement, so he suggested each person pay for their own meal to Lu Haijun.

Lu Haijun, with an average family background and a continuous focus on studies without much social exposure, welcomed this arrangement. They bought their own food separately.

Although Lu Haijun earned 20 yuan from a part-time job, he was still reluctant to spend money.

Primarily because he had indulged in good meals during the weekend, having four meals at the Charles Hamburger Shop, each with meat.

Before, he could only enjoy such meals during the Chinese New Year!

Having had four such meals, he was content with simpler meals on regular days.

Lu Haijun spent 20 cents to buy two portions of rice, then went to the kitchen area, where free leftover food was placed. He scooped up some leftover vegetables from lunch.

During lunchtime, H University would place unsold porridge and other food in a corner, free for students to eat.

In the evening, any unsold vegetarian dishes from lunch would also be placed in a corner, free for students.

Of course, there was no free meat. Meat dishes from lunch would continue to be sold in the evening. However, the variety of meat dishes in the evening was limited, and they would usually sell out.

The two portions of rice for 20 cents were substantial, forming a pile. Some girls with smaller appetites would actually share one portion of rice for 10 cents.

But Lu Haijun had a good appetite; he could finish all the rice with the leftover vegetables from lunch.

Feng Yi’s meal was relatively better; he still bought one meat and one vegetarian dish.

As they were eating, Qiao Mingze approached with his meal.

Like Feng Yi, Qiao Mingze also bought one meat and one vegetarian dish. Seeing Lu Haijun, he asked, “Lu Haijun, didn’t you work and earn money over the weekend? Why are you eating leftovers?”

Lu Haijun fell silent for a moment.

Qiao Mingze continued, “I bought quite a bit. Let’s eat together. This braised pork is especially delicious.”

The free dishes provided by the school were cold and not reheated. Moreover, various vegetables were mixed together, looking unappetising.

The cafeteria food wasn’t great to begin with, and the cold dishes made it even less appealing. Qiao Mingze felt sympathetic towards Lu Haijun.

However, Lu Haijun felt awkward and said, “No need; I like eating leftovers.”

He knew Qiao Mingze had good intentions, but if he ate Qiao Mingze’s braised pork, shouldn’t he repay the kindness? Should he invite Qiao Mingze to have braised pork next time?

He had a part-time job, so he could afford it, but he didn’t want to spend money like that.

Qiao Mingze’s expression changed upon hearing Lu Haijun’s words.

Like eating leftovers? How could anyone actually like eating leftovers in this world?

Was Lu Haijun making up stories to deceive him?

Qiao Mingze snorted coldly and went to find his own friends, saying, “Lu Haijun doesn’t know what’s going on; he just always follows Feng Yi, even though Feng Yi doesn’t care about him at all!”

Feng Yi enjoys his own life without paying attention to Lu Haijun!

“Feng Yi has good grades; he’s just trying to curry favour with him!” remarked Qiao Mingze’s friend.

Qiao Mingze rolled his eyes. “Feng Yi is only good at memorising and reciting things; science isn’t learned by rote. Sooner or later, he’ll fall behind!”

Others found his words reasonable.

After all, computer science isn’t learned by rote!

On the other side, Lu Haijun said to Feng Yi, “There are only three of them today. I wonder where Shao Chengdong went.”

Feng Yi glanced and noticed Shao Chengdong was absent, but he wasn’t curious about Shao Chengdong’s whereabouts, so he didn’t say anything.

Lu Haijun continued, “I didn’t expect Shao Chengdong to score only twenty points. Isn’t that too low? Did he even pay attention in class?”

“Who knows? We don’t need to worry about others. Let’s focus on studying,” Feng Yi said. “University isn’t easy; we should cherish this opportunity.”

Although he didn’t have an obsession with studying, entering this university still made his heart surge.

He wanted to study well and achieve some results!

“That’s true; let’s just focus on studying,” Lu Haijun agreed.

After finishing their meal, they headed to the evening self-study session early.

Lu Haijun reviewed the upcoming content, while Feng Yi read a book borrowed from the library.

Before the age of nineteen, Feng Yi hadn’t read many books.

In the past three years, he had read a bit more, but due to being busy with studies, he hadn’t read many books outside of textbooks.

Now, with the opportunity, he could read more.

While Feng Yi was reading, Shao Chengdong was at the Charles Hamburger Shop.

After finishing two classes in the afternoon, Shao Chengdong had no more classes. So he left the school and took a bus to the Charles Hamburger Shop.

On weekdays, the shop had fewer people in the afternoon, with no queues. However, Jiang Liyun was not there.

Shao Chengdong asked a staff member and learned that Jiang Liyun would arrive at 5 p.m. He ordered a cup of coffee and waited.

Indeed, Jiang Liyun would only arrive at five.

Business at Charles Hamburger Shop was booming, and she was considering opening another branch. Currently, she is busy selecting a location and researching new dishes. Despite being busy, she made it a point to visit the shop every evening.

Without having cultivated enough helpers, she had to work a bit harder herself.

Of course, she was already training her own assistants.

Upon entering the shop, Jiang Liyun saw Shao Chengdong sitting next to the cashier.

“Why aren’t you at school today? Why did Feng Yi’s classmate come to the shop again?” wondered Jiang Liyun.

Although Charles Hamburger Shop was not far from H University, it was still a bit inconvenient to make the trip.

“Jiang Liyun!” Shao Chengdong waved and greeted her.

“Hello,” Jiang Liyun smiled and nodded.

She was curious about Shao Chengdong’s presence but didn’t ask further.

Shao Chengdong had nothing to do with her, and during the weekends, Feng Yi seemed a bit jealous.

“I like the food at your shop, so I came again,” Shao Chengdong said.

Jiang Liyun smiled and said, “I’m glad you like it.”

“I really like it! What do you think I should eat today?” Shao Chengdong asked.

Jiang Liyun handed him a menu, saying, “It depends on what you like. I have something to do; you can place your order at the front counter.”

After her words, Jiang Liyun went to the back resting area to change her clothes.

Shao Chengdong watched her leave, feeling even more excited.

The last time they met, Jiang Liyun was in a waitress uniform, and he already found her attractive. Today, in her casual clothes, he thought she looked even better.

When Jiang Liyun returned after changing, she noticed Shao Chengdong still looking at her earnestly.

She immediately realised that this person had come for her.

In her previous life, after her divorce, she worked as a vendor in the town. Back then, being young and divorced, some men would approach her with various intentions. Some were unmarried older bachelors or divorced men, and others were even married. They would buy things from her and make flirtatious remarks, and it was quite bothersome. However, for the sake of business, she often had to endure it.

Shao Chengdong wasn’t as annoying as those people, but the intention seemed to be similar.

Jiang Liyun felt his character wasn’t good.

Feng Yi had already mentioned she was his girlfriend, yet this person came specifically to find her. What did this mean?

However, since he didn’t explicitly say anything, she couldn’t say much either.

“Jiang Liyun, give me a spicy chicken leg burger, a small combo platter, and a cup of coffee,” Shao Chengdong said.

Jiang Liyun smiled and said, “Now I’m not at the cash register; you can go to the front counter to order.” At this point, more people had arrived, and there was a queue at the ordering counter.

Shao Chengdong felt a bit unhappy. After all, he arrived earlier than those in line.

But since Jiang Liyun said so, he had no choice.

Shao Chengdong stood in line to place his order. While ordering, he struck up another conversation with Jiang Liyun: “Jiang Liyun, what time do you finish work?”

Jiang Liyun flashed a formulaic smile. “I’m not sure.”

Shao Chengdong felt Jiang Liyun’s attitude towards him was becoming colder.

But the more she acted this way, the more excited he became.

It made the challenge even more thrilling!

Shao Chengdong believed that sooner or later, Jiang Liyun would be with him.

He was much wealthier than Feng Yi!

Shao Chengdong ordered quite a bit of food, sat not far from the cash register, and slowly ate while keeping an eye on Jiang Liyun.

Jiang Liyun ignored Shao Chengdong and focused on her work.

She was busy, and she wouldn’t change her pace for an inexplicable pursuer.

Most likely, Shao Chengdong will have to go back to school soon. He couldn’t stay in her shop for too long.

Jiang Liyun was correct in her assumption. Shao Chengdong had to return to school.

Their school had regulations requiring students to live on campus. If a student wanted to stay off-campus, they needed to apply in advance.

Feng Yi didn’t live on campus during the weekends because he had applied in advance.

Weekends were usually approved, but weekdays were different. Without a valid reason, students were not allowed to stay off-campus.

As for staying off-campus without approval… The school sometimes conducted room checks. If caught, there would be consequences, and other dormitory members might even report the violator.

Feng Yi and Lu Haijun might even report him!

Shao Chengdong pretended to be unwell, asked Qiao Mingze to help him request leave for the evening self-study, and managed to return to the dormitory before the lights went out.

Seeing Feng Yi, who had finished washing up and laid on the bed reading, Shao Chengdong felt an inexplicable satisfaction.

That night, he lay in bed thinking about Jiang Liyun. Imagining how miserable and uncomfortable Feng Yi would be after losing his girlfriend to him brought Shao Chengdong immense joy, making it impossible for him to sleep.

Unknowingly, it was already 5 a.m., and Feng Yi, who slept across from him, had even gotten up and was reading with a flashlight.

Only then did Shao Chengdong fall into a drowsy sleep.

The next day, after having a restless night, Shao Chengdong felt a bit lacking in energy during the morning classes. Nevertheless, after finishing the morning classes, he rushed to Chelse’s Hamburger Store.

Their afternoon classes were scheduled to start at 3 p.m., giving him some time to go out.

However, when he arrived, Jiang Liyun was not there. Shao Chengdong asked the staff at Chelse’s, “When does Jiang Liyun usually work?”

The employee replied, “She’s our store manager, so her working hours are not fixed.”

Learning that Jiang Liyun was the store manager surprised Shao Chengdong. He began to enquire more about Jiang Liyun’s situation, but the staff member was unwilling to share more.

With Jiang Liyun’s instructions, the staff refrained from revealing much when customers inquired about the store.

Shao Chengdong, like others, believed this store was owned by foreigners. As for Jiang Liyun, they assumed she was someone brought in by foreigners to help run the shop.

Jiang Liyun’s being a store manager made her even more outstanding in his imagination. She seemed quite impressive!

Such a woman was truly beyond what Feng Yi deserved.

On Thursday, Shao Chengdong received criticism from a professor again.

He fell asleep during class, and the professor noticed, prompting him to stand up and answer questions. Predictably, he couldn’t answer correctly.

The professor scolded him, “Shao Chengdong, do you even want to study? If you don’t, go back home now!”

Shao Chengdong remained silent.

The professor, not wanting to waste more class time, continued with the lecture. However, when back in the office, he couldn’t help but complain to colleagues, “Shao Chengdong isn’t taking his studies seriously! Finally, he managed to get into college, and he doesn’t cherish this opportunity!”

Other professors who didn’t know Shao Chengdong well just made a few comments in response.

The young English teacher mentioned, “I don’t know Shao Chengdong, but there’s a handsome guy in the computer software major who’s good at English. I even saw him early in the morning, jogging on the playground while reciting English.”

“Which guy is that?” someone asked.

“His name is Feng Yi,” said the English teacher.

The computer science professor added, “Feng Yi is quite diligent. I gave them a test paper earlier, and he scored a hundred.”

Feng Yi’s excellent attitude towards studying and his handsome appearance left a strong impression on the professors, and they praised him.

As they continued discussing, someone brought up Lu Haijun: “There seems to be someone who always studies with Feng Yi. What’s his name?”

“I think there is such a person, but I don’t remember his name.”

“Me neither.”

The computer science professor said, “That guy is doing well too. His name is Haijun or Lujun, I think?”

Lu Haijun was completely forgotten by the professors. Meanwhile, he was gossiping with Feng Yi: “I don’t know what’s wrong with Shao Chengdong; he always looks half asleep and keeps going out. They say he might have a girlfriend.”

“That’s not our concern. Shall we go to the library?” Feng Yi asked.

Lu Haijun immediately forgot about Shao Chengdong’s matters. “Let’s go to the library!”

Feng Yi thought Shao Chengdong’s actions were unrelated to him. However, he could never have anticipated that when he rushed to Chelse’s Hamburger Store on Friday, he would be told that Shao Chengdong had visited the store multiple times that week.

Feng Yi: “Shao Chengdong is trying to steal my girlfriend!”