Chapter 428: Climbing a Real Mountain

Noon, four people walking along the road after school.

Warm sunlight poured down, landing on their shoulders, especially comfortable.

Jiang Nian squinted his eyes, chatting idly.

"When I was little, I saw my dad smoking, got curious and stole one. Lit it, took a puff, my mind went completely blank, and I passed out on the spot."

Hearing this, Xu Qianqian's gaze grew slightly solemn.

"That scary?"

"Yeah, when I came to, my mom was holding me crying. Kept cursing my dad—why'd he have to hit so hard, pfft!"

Xu Qianqian couldn't hold it in and laughed out loud.

"Knocked out from a beating?"

Jiang Nian didn't reply, strolling forward lazily. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a line of sight, felt a bit puzzled, and turned his head to look.

"Hmm?"

He saw Xie Zhihao turning his head to look over this way every now and then, his gaze somewhat sharp. A hint of displeasure, plain on his face.

Jiang Nian examined himself, thinking he hadn't done anything.

Weird.

He hadn't even wanted Xu Qianqian's WeChat—just walking the same way. He was genuinely bored, looking for a normal person to chat with.

Xu Qianqian, seeing Jiang Nian say nothing, followed his gaze.

Just then, in the gap between chatting with Xu Yuanshan, Xie Zhihao habitually turned his head, pulled a long face and looked over—only to meet two gazes.

Neatly, both pairs collided.

Jiang Nian's expression was normal; he was just chatting casually. There was nothing to hide, and he had no ulterior motive.

Xu Qianqian's face was also expressionless—she only worried that her stupid little brother wouldn't get the real card and would cry at home for three days and nights.

Crying was fine, getting scammed out of money didn't matter either.

From childhood on, Xu Yuanshan had suffered countless losses. Fortunately, the family didn't care about those things, just afraid the idiot would annoy her.

Once he got the card, they'd head home.

She had no feelings toward Jiang Nian, nor toward her brother's playmate Xie Zhihao—just treating them as grey NPCs one by one.

But Xie Zhihao suddenly got so embarrassed his face turned red.

"Ahem......"

""

Kid, if you're sick, go get it treated.

"Haha, you all seem to be chatting pretty happily." Xie Zhihao put on a sunny smile. "What were you just talking about?"

Xu Yuanshan was unhappy—chatting while keeping two boats.

Jiang Nian withdrew his gaze, saying nothing. Telling a joke a second time makes you look like an idiot in someone's eyes—so the question was pushed to the next person.

Xu Qianqian clearly didn't want to repeat the joke a second time, and besides, she felt her version wasn't as funny as Jiang Nian's, so she said flatly:

"Nothing."

Unexpectedly rebuffed, Xie Zhihao grew even more awkward.

"O... okay."

Jiang Nian felt nothing—he was just the heartless card-pulling "hand of god," and no one had said anything about him providing company-chat service before coming.

Nohara Shinji-kun, we're just walking the same way, that's all.

The awkward atmosphere lasted all the way to the front of a boutique shop. The shop sold some small trinkets and also cards.

"Welcome, take a look around if you need anything~"

A young female clerk stood to one side, smiling broadly as she cleared the path. At the same time, her gaze swept over the three boys and one girl before her.

In the end, her gaze settled on Xu Qianqian and Jiang Nian.

For no other reason than feeling pleased.

"How do we do this?" Xu Yuanshan was already getting worked up, breathing fast, eyes wide. "About how long do we have to wait?"

The female clerk was thoroughly confused—what the heck?

The next second, seeing the group head toward the section displaying cards, she thought to herself: oh, a bunch of card nerds, never mind then.

Those who don't pull a hit, sit tight and wait to pay.

"Begin your performance." Xie Zhihao said this on purpose, as if he were the one in charge. "I'll be watching with great anticipation."

Jiang Nian couldn't even be bothered to listen—finish this job and go eat.

With 【Winning】 turned on, his eyes swept over a pile of cards. Relying on his sixth sense, he spotted a pack that caught his eye and grabbed it directly.

With a slap, he turned and tossed it to Xu Yuanshan.

"Go pay."

"Huh?" Xu Yuanshan was stunned.

That's it?!

"Um, is there anything else I need to do?" He scratched his head, conflicted. "Should I buy a few more packs? Single packs are cheaper."

"No need, trust the guy." Xie Zhihao smiled, backing him up. "He said just paying is enough, so it must be fine."

Jiang Nian: "...... are you two doing a Guo Degang bit?"

Xu Qianqian watched the whole time, expression unchanged. Recalling his card-picking movements, it didn't seem like he'd made any marks either.

Maybe this was insider info?

Yeah, probably.

With a beep, the payment was done.

Xu Yuanshan suddenly reacted, whipping his head around.

"Wait, why am I the one paying?"

"Then I'll scan you." Jiang Nian made a show of pulling out his phone.

"No no, that's not necessary." Xu Yuanshan didn't care about that little bit of money either, cutting in, "I was just asking casually."

"Fine." Jiang Nian pushed his phone back into his pocket, "I wasn't really planning to pay either, just casually pulling out my phone."

Xu Yuanshan: ".

This guy is truly cheap to the bone.

Xie Zhihao, on the other hand, was seized by an unexpected burst of joy—Jiang Nian had committed a major taboo: first, being stingy and penny-pinching; second, loving to take small advantages.

As everyone knows, this kind of behavior really tanks your value in a girl's eyes.

The shop entrance.

"Open it and take a look, I'm in a rush to go eat." Jiang Nian urged, his eyes fixed on that bag of cards.

"Oh oh, okay."

Xu Shuang paid no attention to the cards the entire time, mostly looking elsewhere. Her peripheral vision occasionally swept over Jiang Nian, then slowly drifted away.

She was hooked by Jiang Nian's little trick, faintly curious.

The shop assistant clearly didn't know Jiang Nian—even if it was an act, the acting didn't need to be this flawless; could go chase a dream in the entertainment industry.

If they're not in cahoots, how do you rig the draw? You can't just pull one straight out, can you?

Xu Yuanshan's face was tense as he opened the bag. Realizing this pack of cards was factory-sealed brand new, his hands were shaking.

Bro, the rigging goes this deep?

Jiang Nian stood off to the side, glanced at the time on his phone, deeply dissatisfied with his silly little brother's dawdling.

"Really?" Xie Zhihao also leaned over.

Sunlight fell on the steps outside the shop, baking the shadow into a short little blob.

"I... I got it..." Xu Yuanshan's voice trembled, holding a Jin Ka high in his hand, "Yi! I got it!"

"Dark Night Rose!!"

Little Brother Xu danced on the spot, so excited he was huffing and puffing. He even started contorting, getting a little too uninhibited.

Jiang Nian: "?"

He looked toward Xu Shuang, casting her a worried, questioning glance.

As if asking, does your brother always act like this?

Pretty sweet.

Xu Shuang silently turned her head, looking toward the bustling pedestrian street. She seemed not to care at all, but her ears had faintly turned rosy.

Xie Zhihao was used to it, though—a top student having a few quirks is normal.

He can't outscore him in exams, can't outsweet him either.

No matter.

"Alright then, take a look and if there's no problem..." Jiang Nian made a counting-money gesture, "settle the labor fee for greasing everyone up and down the chain."

In reality, there's no such thing as a greasing fee.

Jiang Nian only said this to prevent haggling.

It's the same logic as a homeowner calling a locksmith—clack clack, three seconds and it's open, and the homeowner starts getting suspicious.

That easy? No need to pay this much, this money is too easy to earn!

Nope, gotta haggle the price down!

Same logic—if Jiang Nian makes it sound too easy verbally, and the other party feels it's unfair, a scuffle is inevitable.

Never test human nature.

Jiang Nian saying "greasing up and down" proves the process involves more than just him. That puts more psychological pressure on the other party—try welching on it, will you?

I'll beat you until your little buddy retracts!

Sure enough, Xu Yuanshan was very satisfied with the service. He even felt it was worth more than he paid, wanted to tip an extra two hundred, but Jiang Nian refused.

"We agreed on a thousand, so it's a thousand."

Hearing this, Xu Yuanshan's face showed even more admiration.

"A man of principle, next time..

"Next time we'll talk about it, this time was just a coincidence." Jiang Nian talked nonsense, "Just happened to have this chance, I'm only making a little errand-running fee."

Xie Zhihao started feeling uncomfortable again—having principles is a plus.

He'd rather Jiang Nian be like just now, taking the small advantage and accepting Xu Yuanshan's two hundred. That way, it'd lock in a negative image.

"Alright then, I'm out of here." Jiang Nian heard the system prompt that the task was complete, turned to leave, and suddenly ran into a few people.

"What a coincidence, you're here too?" Lv Xuan looked shocked.

"You f*cking better not be stalking me, right?" Jiang Nian quickened his pace a few steps, lowered his voice, and pointed at her, "Pervert on the tram."

"I'm only average at playing wolf." Lv Xuan shook her head.

"You also..." Jiang Nian hesitated, "I'm a cloud player, but if you really have one you can give me, because I'm a student."

While the two were whispering at close range nearby, Xie Zhihao off to the side snapped out of it.

Damn it, who is this girl now?

He looked at Jiang Nian with a complicated expression, thinking this guy is way too uncanny—how does he know every pretty girl?

And they seem to be on pretty good terms.

"By the way, what are you doing here?" Lv Xuan glanced at Xu Shuang not far away, frowning, "You're not being loyal."

Jiang Nian was sweating, "You f*cking play a really wide range of games, huh?"

"I know a little about war hammers too, but that's not the point." Lü Xuan lowered her voice. "What's going on with you?"

"None of your business, stop asking so many questions." Jiang Nian was speechless, pointed at her. "Behave, got it?"

"You really deserve to die!!"

Xie Zhihao fell silent upon hearing that girl's cursing. Just how many, exactly, had this guy provoked?

Jiang Nian didn't bother explaining — couldn't be bothered to listen.

A hundred thousand yuan hit his account and he was overjoyed. He found a noodle shop and choked down a couple bites. Heroic feelings surged in his chest, then he headed to the classroom.

No matter how much you earn, you still have to do the test paper.

The classroom was empty, desks old and new. When the wind blew, only the rustling sound of test papers turning remained — oddly soothing.

Jiang Nian sat down, put his phone in the drawer. He took out the folded test papers and began writing them one by one from the start. "Where are you?"

"Classroom." Jiang Nian replied to a message — Chen Yunyun was asking where he was — and added, "Doing the test paper."

A few seconds later, Chen Yunyun replied.

"We're at the house near the west gate, just finished washing our hair and we're heading over. About twenty minutes — do you need us to bring anything?"

"Sprite."

Chen Yunyun: "Okay."

Jiang Nian put down his phone, thinking it was nice to have someone who cared.

Zhang Ningzhi was most likely taking an afternoon nap — top students kept pretty regular schedules. Unless something special came up, they rested according to habit.

Only getting a full night's sleep once a week — not easy either.

The class monitor sent a photo of a yellow duck plushie at noon, seemed to be at a mall, and then went silent.

The golden six hours — almost everyone was resting.

Of course, a small number of bad kids would choose to go on dates. At milk tea shops, clinging together and kissing, or going at it out in the open by the river.

Going at it out in the open — Jiang Nian liked that too.

Too bad it was just a thought.

Xu Qianqian sent him a red packet containing only sixty-six cents. Then she sent a speechless emoji and added.

"Lost the game to Xiyun, it's yours."

Jiang Nian was also speechless, and privately messaged Song Xiyun.

"What are you guys playing?"

"Sokoban." Song Xiyun replied instantly, sent a photo of the living room. "A game on the TV, I play it all the time."

3

He suddenly remembered that Song Xiyun seemed to really love playing games. But because her phone was too weak to run them, she ended up studying.

One could only say, top students were all pretty outrageous.

Jiang Nian thought for a moment, then sent Song Xiyun a message.

"Treat me to a Sprite."

【Transfer 3 yuan】

Not bad, pretty generous.

He hadn't asked in a long time how her mom's job was going. But it felt weird coming from him — not appropriate right now.

Forget it, he'd ask her in person next time.

After about half an hour, a burst of light footsteps came from the classroom door.

"Slow down, don't spill it."

"Yunyun, I walk very steadily!" Wang Yuhe's voice was extremely recognizable, along with her stubborn tone. "Look!"

In a moment, the two appeared at the front door of the classroom.

Jiang Nian had originally been scrolling his phone to rest, but hearing the voices, he very genuinely put down his phone and pretended to be working hard on the problems.

He looked up, a blank expression on his face.

"What time is it now?"

"Two-thirty." The two girls assumed Jiang Nian had been doing problems here until two-thirty, so they instinctively softened their footsteps.

The benefits of showing off had revealed themselves.

The two girls were still carrying takeout wontons in their hands — Wang Yuhe's bowl was already open, suggesting she'd eaten some on the way.

"Hmm? How'd you eat it on the way?" Jiang Nian had spotted the blind spot.

"Walking and eating, duh!" Wang Yuhe huffed, holding her disposable bowl as she headed to the back row. "Acting like you've never seen the world."

Chen Yunyun also wanted to go to the back row, but was stopped by Jiang Nian.

"Is it good? Let me have a taste."

North District, boys' dormitory.

Huang Cailang slept until three, then was shaken awake.

"Huh?"

"Play cards?" Yang Qiming, stepping on the edge of the lower bunk, issued the invitation. "Just need one more person, if we lose it's on me."

"Me?" Huang Cailang scratched his head, reluctantly agreed, then couldn't help asking, "Brother Yang, have you finished your test paper?"

"No rush, none of us have written it."

"Then I'm relieved."

The classroom was basically empty in the afternoon.

Jiang Nian finished the problems, then casually gathered with Chen Yunyun and Wang Yuhe to play a few rounds of poker — losers got their palms slapped.

"You lost."

He ran out of all the cards in his hand, then turned to look at Wang Yuhe.

"You again. Hold out your hand."

Wang Yuhe was nearly furious, feeling this game had to be rigged.

"That doesn't count! You must have cheated!"

"Nonsense. How could anyone cheat at cards?" Jiang Nian lied without a flicker, grabbed her hand, and flipped open her fair, tender palm.

Smack!

With a crisp sound, Wang Yuhe's little face scrunched up like a steamed bun.

"That hurts!"

"If you win you can hit me back — provided you can win." Jiang Nian grinned. "Lose one round, ten hits?"

Wang Yuhe frowned, fist-fighter style.

"Deal!"

"I'm tired, I'm done." Jiang Nian tossed the cards aside, stood up and yawned. "You guys play, I'm going to wash my face."

Hearing that, Wang Yuhe was utterly dumbfounded.

"You! You-you-you!!!"

Evening. The sky gradually darkened.

The classroom was brightly lit, the sound of copying homework bustling and lively.

"Did you write it?"

"Nope."

"Bullshit! Then what's this?!"

"I really don't know who did my test paper. My whole family, generation after generation, has had bad grades — falling behind scares me, you know.

Outside the corridor, only a sliver of daylight remained.

Jiang Nian leaned against the railing, letting the breeze blow; the evening wind lightly brushed the hair at his forehead. Beside him stood a girl, cool and quiet.

"Oh right, Embracing Qingqing, have you ever climbed Zhou Qingmu Ridge?"

"No." Her expression was cool and aloof as she gazed at the hazy Zhou Qingmu Ridge in the distance. "Someone organized a trip once, but it was too rowdy so I didn't go."

"Oh oh, climbing mountains is pretty fun." Jiang Nian, with nothing to do, murmured to himself, "There's no signal up the mountain either."

Li Qingrong lowered her eyes; she recalled that Cai Xiaoqing seemed to have said that when climbing a mountain, you have to hold hands.

"When... are we going to climb the mountain?"

"Not climbing — a little hill like that isn't worth climbing." Jiang Nian thought for a moment. "How about during the New Year's holiday, we climb a real mountain?"

Hearing that, she froze.

"Where?"

"Not sure, probably somewhere in the province." Jiang Nian mused. "Let's find somewhere close first, but we'll need to stay overnight then."

"You could find people to go with — more people makes it livelier too."

Li Qingrong was actually a bit absent-minded, her mind on Cai Xiaoqing's line about "holding hands when climbing a mountain," and barely hesitated at all.

"Mm."