Lu Chenjun was often praised by his senior brothers and sisters in the laboratory as an incredibly stable person, like Mount Tai. Sometimes, when they were nervous, they would even ask this junior brother to step in to hold the fort.

It felt like everything stabilized when this junior brother stepped in!

But if they were to see the expression of this steady junior brother now, they’d probably wonder if the sun rose from the west today.

Lu Chenjun! He was Lu Chenjun!

His eyes widened, clearly falling into a state of daze.

Such an expression, if it were on anyone else, Lu Chenjun would probably rate it as—— stupid!

Of course, at this moment, Lu Chenjun had no extra thoughts to consider whether he seemed stupid or not.

“Xiao…… Lu?”

Was the surrounding noise too loud, causing him to mishear?

Xu Youyou tilted her head slightly, a hint of cunning flashing in her eyes. “Juanjuan, do you not want to?”

With as much grievance in her tone and expression as possible, Lu Chenjun even felt a twinge of conscience.

“I want to!” Without thinking or hesitation, these three words spilled out of his mouth.

“Pfft!” Xu Youyou couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “How strange! It feels like we’re at a wedding.”

She even heard a discreet chuckle from beside her.

Everyone around should have heard her confession.

Lu Chenjun: “……”

It seemed to have been like this since childhood. Every time he saw Xiao Lu looking so wronged, even though he knew it might not be real, his mind and actions betrayed him, making him do ‘strange’ things preemptively.

However, seeing Xu Youyou’s radiant smile at this moment, Lu Chenjun didn’t think there was anything wrong with it at all.

He smiled too, a rare, refreshing smile. At this moment, Lu Chenjun truly resembled an eighteen-year-old boy, feeling nervous in front of the girl he liked, and doing things he would never do otherwise.

The next second, he followed his heart and directly hugged Xu Youyou, his voice sounding cheerful in her ear, “Consider it a rehearsal then.”

Since this little deer had already leaped into his arms willingly, Lu Chenjun would look down on himself if he let her slip away.

“Hahaha.” Xu Youyou also hugged Lu Chenjun. “So, am I someone with a boyfriend now? Hello, boyfriend.”

At this moment, what was being sung on stage and whether people were watching them didn’t matter. In the eyes of this newly-minted couple, there was only each other.

“Girlfriend, please guide me.”

“Clap, clap, clap——”

Applause erupted around them, and some people even shouted for them to kiss.

Even if they didn’t know Xu Youyou and Lu Chenjun, it didn’t stop everyone from appreciating beautiful things. The handsome guy and the pretty girl in front of them were so well-matched. What a beautiful scene.

Sweet romance, who doesn’t like it?

But kissing was out of the question, and Xu Youyou still needed a period of adjustment for her identity change. However, making an official announcement would be a good idea.

She leaned against Lu Chenjun, and their two heads were next to each other, showing genuine smiles to the camera.

Thanks to their good looks, even the poor lighting couldn’t dampen the sweet atmosphere between the couple.

Xu Youyou directly posted this photo on her Moments with the caption, 【Mine!】

Simple as it was, that one word carried a lot of meaning.

That’s not all, Xu Youyou also directly sent the photo to their group of five. It should be around 9:00 AM where Liu Miaomiao and Qian Xin were. They should be awake by now, right?

【!!! Oh my goodness! Is this for real?】

The first reply was indeed from Liu Miaomiao. After saying that, she immediately sent three shocked emojis, indicating the impact of this news on her.

【Brother Juan, you finally made a move!】

Next was Qian Xin, it seemed he was genuinely anxious.

Since Xu Youyou entered university, there have been more outstanding men around her. If by some chance, she fell for someone else, Qian Xin would be even more anxious for Lu Chenjun!

Thankfully, Brother Juan, this childhood sweetheart, didn’t lose to some unknown newly arrived person.

Upon seeing this message, Xu Youyou smirked and nudged Lu Chenjun with her elbow. “How come they all know? When did you start liking me?”

Xu Youyou remembered a passage from her mother’s diary. Back then, she thought her mother had misunderstood, but now that everyone else seemed to know, was she the only one who didn’t?

Am I really this oblivious?

Lu Chenjun took the opportunity to hold Xu Youyou’s left hand. Looking at the chat history on her phone screen, he started to reminisce.

When did he start liking Xu Youyou?

He couldn’t quite pinpoint it. It seemed like at some moment when he saw Xu Youyou smiling at him, his heart started skipping a beat. All the noise around him disappeared, and there was only Xu Youyou in his eyes.

“A long, long time ago.”

Lu Chenjun finally gave that answer. Perhaps it was love at first sight, or maybe the seeds were planted long ago. Whenever it was, Lu Chenjun only knew that there would never be another person like Xu Youyou in the world, someone he liked so much.

Upon hearing his answer, Xu Youyou didn’t delve deeper. Did it really matter when they started liking each other? As long as they could be together now and in the future, that was all that mattered.

However……

Xu Youyou blinked and quickly typed out another string of words.

【What are you guys talking about? I confessed first, you know!】

Liu Miaomiao: “……”

Qian Xin: “……”

Liu Yanzhi, who just saw the message: “……”

Brother Juan! You’re too slow! The organization is very disappointed in you!

The next second, Lu Chenjun also sent a message.

【Mm, thanks for the opportunity, girlfriend.】

Now, not only were the three on the other side of the screen speechless, but even Xu Youyou was silent for three seconds.

“Juanjuan, you’re so naughty.”

Lu Chenjun asked, “Really?” He was just telling the truth.

Alright, as long as her boyfriend is happy!

Xu Youyou exited the chat interface. In just a short while, she found that she had received thirty-six notifications on Moments.

Clicking in, Xu Youyou’s eyes fell first on Lu Chenjun’s post.

He was the type who never posted on Moments, so Xu Youyou even suspected he didn’t know how to use it.

Now, in Lu Chenjun’s Moments, he used the same photo Xu Youyou had posted, with just a slight alteration in the caption, adding one more sentence, 【Mm, yours.】

With a suppressed smile, Xu Youyou liked the post. She had long noticed that Lu Chenjun was a bit reserved, seeming calm on the surface, but when it came to making official announcements, he was surprisingly quick.

However, since he was now her boyfriend, Xu Youyou was certainly willing to accommodate this little quirk of his.

Right after, Xu Youyou saw the situation under her own post.

Scrolling past Liu Miaomiao and the others’ congratulations, Wei Xinmiao and Li Xiaodie both offered blessings with a touch of teasing. Young people were diligent in checking Moments, so the news spread quickly.

Aunt Qin and the other elders might need a while.

Xu Youyou was bold when she confessed, but now that she thought about Aunt Qin and the other elders calling later to ask, she felt a bit shy.

“If Aunt Qin asks later, you’ll answer!”

“Okay.”

“Uncle Qin too!”

“Okay.”

“I feel like having a midnight snack later.” Taking advantage of Lu Chenjun’s easygoing attitude, Xu Youyou seized the opportunity to gain more benefits.

Lu Chenjun, at such a young age, already lives a retired life. Things like midnight snacks don’t even exist for him. But Xu Youyou is happy today, and she just wanted to eat something delicious!

“……Okay.”

What can he do when his girlfriend makes a request? Of course, it’s a resounding yes.

In the latter half, Xu Youyou and Lu Chenjun completely forgot about the concert. After it ended, they thought Gu Weiyi and his group members probably had other things to deal with and wouldn’t have time to entertain them. Therefore, they simply sent him a congratulatory message and then went back.

Gu Weiyi who received the message and saw Xu Youyou’s official announcement: “……”

One of his group members who was resting nearby called out, “Leader! Leader! What’s wrong? Looks like a dark cloud is hanging over your head!”

“Oh no! Leader’s gone stupid!”

Who was the happiest to learn that Xu Youyou and Lu Chenjun were dating?

Of course, it’s Qin Yiren!

That very evening, she excitedly called Lu Chenjun, emphasizing that he should treat Xu Youyou well, telling him about her favorite foods and hobbies. If someone didn’t know better, they might have thought Qin Yiren was Xu Youyou’s biological mother.

Upon learning that the two were together, Qin Yiren also sent Lu Chenjun a text message, which was roughly along the lines of, 【Youyou is still young, don’t mess around.】

Lu Chenjun: “……”

Was that how he was seen in his mother’s eyes? They just confirmed their relationship. They’ve only just started holding hands!

But it didn’t end there. Lu Chenjun received calls from his father, Lu Weizheng, his uncle, Qin Xiao, and even his grandparents. Needless to say, Qin Yiren must have informed them all.

All of them had more or less the same message, “Youyou is a good girl, you must cherish her.”

“Hahaha.” Xu Youyou listened happily on the side as if watching a play as she indulged in some delicious barbecue.

“Swallow before you laugh.” Lu Chenjun reminded her helplessly. “Don’t choke.”

“I know~” Xu Youyou drawled, “Juanjuan, worrying too much will make you age faster, you know.”

Hearing that, Lu Chenjun first put the peeled crayfish meat in the bowl in front of Xu Youyou, and then slowly said, “I only worry about you.”

As for others, he wouldn’t bother with them so much.

Xu Youyou: “……” Uh oh, her face seemed to be turning red.

Could drinking milk make one feel tipsy? Why does she feel so dizzy now? Juanjuan was such a good talker!

That evening, the two returned to Xu Youyou’s house near A University.

They arrived after midnight, so naturally, Lu Chenjun stayed over. He had his own room there, so there was no need to worry about anything.

“Good night, boyfriend.”

Xu Youyou stood in front of the door and waved to Lu Chenjun.

Lu Chenjun smiled. “Goodnight, girlfriend.”

Xu Youyou had initially thought that she wouldn’t be able to sleep after becoming a couple and sharing the same roof with him, but she clearly underestimated her resilience. Not only did she fall asleep quickly, but she slept soundly as well.

Just before drifting off to sleep, as was her habit, Xu Youyou had a conversation with her mother in her mind, and she also mentioned her and Lu Chenjun being in a relationship.

Her mother in heaven must be able to hear it, right?

———pr

This translation is by Pocketrobbin at S h a n g h a i f a n t a s y . c o m

The next day, when Xu Youyou returned to school after saying goodbye to Lu Chenjun, she was immediately surrounded as soon as she entered the classroom.

“Youyou! You and your boyfriend are such a perfect match!”

“Yeah, yeah, I heard you’re also childhood sweethearts. Oh my goodness, I’m so jealous! I want a handsome childhood sweetheart too!”

“Youyou, which school does your boyfriend go to? You guys aren’t in a long-distance relationship, are you?”

Xu Youyou: “……You guys are such gossip!”

She really underestimated everyone’s curiosity about relationships. Looking at all the curious eyes, Xu Youyou couldn’t help but wonder if one day Lu Chenjun appeared there, he would be instantly melted by their fiery gazes!

While Xu Youyou and Lu Chenjun were enjoying their sweet romance, on the other hand, Lu Haoyu and Hua Duo’er were in the midst of their love-hate relationship.

He, who should have quickly stabilized the hearts of the Lu Group’s employees, had long since completely forgotten about this matter.

The day after the two met, Lu Haoyu obtained all of Hua Duo’ers information.

An orphan, attending an ordinary second-tier university, with no connections whatsoever. The reason she was in that area late at night was because she was working at a convenience store nearby.

At that time, when Hua Duo’er mentioned being chased, it was probably because some thugs had seen a girl walking alone late at night and had bad intentions. When Hua Duo’er discovered them, she panicked and almost collided with his car in her haste.

Although it was a bit of a coincidence, Lu Haoyu didn’t mind.

Hua Duo’ers face was enough for him to spend more time on her.

However, he didn’t expect to encounter difficulties with Xu Youyou and then encounter similar challenges with this woman who had no background.

Upon hearing Lu Haoyu’s offer to ‘support’ her with a hundred thousand a month, Hua Duo’er firmly refused the impolite request. She even expressed that she could support herself and didn’t need to sell her body or soul.

“Huh, woman, do you really think I’m negotiating with you?” Lu Haoyu sneered. “If you don’t agree, I guarantee you won’t find any more jobs in the future!”

As Lu Haoyu had said, Hua Duo’er not only lost her job at the convenience store, but she also couldn’t find work at the milk tea shop or even the most ordinary flyer distribution job. Being someone who relied on odd jobs to make a living, she had no savings to fall back on. Soon, she was struggling to make ends meet, barely affording two steamed buns a day.

Even in this situation, when she saw Lu Haoyu appear in front of her again, Hua Duo’er still showed no intention of compromising.

Lu Haoyu was very angry, but at the same time, he couldn’t help but admire her spirit.

Even if she was just a substitute, he didn’t want a woman who would easily succumb to temptation.

That’s what makes conquering her so interesting!

So Lu Haoyu changed his approach. It was difficult to make a move on this stubborn woman, but what about her close friend?

A few days later, Hua Duo’ers close friend tearfully confessed to her that she owed two hundred thousand in high-interest loans. If she couldn’t pay it back within a week, she would be taken away to settle the debt with her body!

But her friend, like her, was an orphan. How could she possibly gather two hundred thousand within a week?!

In the end, on the final day of the deadline, Hua Duo’er found Lu Haoyu and agreed to his request.

And Lu Haoyu also kept his promise very well, directly transferring five hundred thousand into her account, and indicating that if Hua Duo’er behaved, money and jewelry would not be a problem.

In response, Hua Duo’er remained as cold as frost, showing not a hint of wavering.

“I only want that two hundred thousand. Once the two months are up, we’ll have no relations whatsoever!”

Upon hearing that, Lu Haoyu chuckled lightly. He came in front of Hua Duo’er and examined her faded clothes. “Is that so? Then let’s see. Will you still be willing to leave after two months?”

Going from frugality to luxury is easy, but going from luxury to frugality is difficult. He refused to believe that this woman would be willing to leave after experiencing a luxurious life!

“Uncle Qin, that Hua Duo’er?”

Today, the Qin family was bustling with activity. Not only were Xu Youyou, Lu Chenjun, and the others present, but even Lu Weizheng flew to the capital to reunite for a day.

Otherwise, he truly feared that his wife would be so enamored with the capital that she would forget about him altogether.

It wasn’t mealtime yet, so they all sat on the sofa, listening to Qin Yiren jokingly recounting Lu Haoyu’s recent actions. Xu Youyou couldn’t help but glance at Qin Xiao.

“She came to us on her own initiative.” Qin Xiao smirked slightly. “I just helped her tidy up her background a bit.”

Otherwise, Lu Haoyu wouldn’t have gotten such clean and simple information.

This girl named Hua Duo’er wasn’t simple at all. She’s ruthless to others and even more ruthless to herself.

Qin Xiao was initially concerned that her past experiences might lead her to resent Xu Youyou. However, he didn’t expect Hua Duo’er to openly express, “I only want money now. As long as I have money, I can be even more beautiful than Xu Youyou. Why would I envy someone uglier than me?”

Of course, Qin Xiao didn’t immediately believe Hua Duo’ers words. After all, both sides were using each other now, it was just a matter of who was more skilled.

However, the only certainty was that with Lu Haoyu’s level, he might end up taking a big fall with Hua Duo’er.

If the system was conscious at this moment, it would surely be astonished to find that the task progress had already reached 95%!

It’s surprising how far along it had gone considering that, in the novel’s timeline, the story had only just begun!