Chapter 92: No Way, Bro, How

Jiang Nian turned his head, feeling vaguely that Li Qingrong had just smiled—it must have been an illusion.

He'd been staring at her profile the whole time; her lips hadn't moved at all.

Weird. Let me look again.

Stare—

Seems she didn't smile at all; she wasn't paying any attention to him. Unlike Yao Beibei, whose laughter could swallow a bun whole, the monitor always seemed to smile faintly.

Last time during the afternoon sports meet, beneath the blazing sunset, that slight lip-curl still haunted him.

A thin streak of pink, hard to describe in words.

Forget it. Better get back to the test.

Start with the multiple-choice questions in the comprehensive science section—he chose to begin with biology and push straight through, skipping anything he couldn't solve.

But for problems of moderate difficulty that he thought he could crack, he'd still spend time working them out.

The comprehensive science section had three subjects; his mind needed to switch between them. If the order got messy, his rhythm would break.

In the end, he'd scramble frantically, patching holes everywhere.

Jiang Nian had solid fundamentals, but he couldn't solve slightly harder problems. So he stuck with the traditional approach.

First, finish all multiple-choice questions across all subjects, then rapidly tackle the biology long-answer questions, quickly insert the chemistry long-answer questions, and finish with physics.

Secure the easy and medium-difficulty points first; decide what long-answer questions to attempt last based on remaining time. Selectively tackle the tough ones within limited time to maximize scores.

Half an hour into the exam, Sun Zhicheng still hadn't finished the chemistry multiple-choice questions.

A drop of sweat landed on the test paper; his mind instantly buzzed.

He'd napped at noon, yet felt as if someone had continuously cursed him.

He gripped his pen, dazed for a moment, remembering the photo Lin Dong had sent him at noon.

It made his already shattered mood even worse.

An absurd thought popped into his mind.

Could Jiang Nian like Chen Yunyun?

Logically, it shouldn't be like this.

They had virtually no interaction—why suddenly? Could he have added her on QQ and chatted every day?

This kind of problem wasn't his strength; he'd better ask Brother Dong.

Lin Dong's state wasn't any better after what happened at noon.

He couldn't concentrate on the exam at all—feeling both nauseated and regretful.

He worked on the test, his mind growing more confused. He'd never been in an online romance before, but this was the first time someone had so closely "unboxed" him offline.

It wasn't that bad yet—he was just momentarily panicked, acutely aware of where past failures had ended in disaster.

When you're in the thick of it, you get confused; the worst thing is acting recklessly. He needed an outsider to pull him back.

Lin Dong wrote his test while mentally scanning potential people to ask.

He'd best solve the problem this afternoon or tonight—he sensed Skinned Liuli would message him this afternoon, and he definitely wouldn't return to the dorm.

If he had no better idea, he could use "phone dead" as an excuse to delay replying until tonight.

He could even delay until tomorrow, but it's best not to—by tomorrow, things would be out of control.

He didn't know what might happen; it was his first time encountering something like this.

Thump-thump-thump—he could hear his heart racing wildly. His mind burned as it spun rapidly, searching through people he knew—who had an average relationship with him?

Better yet, someone he'd never even spoken to! Even if he didn't get advice, at least no one would leak it.

Ten minutes before exam end.

Jiang Nian frantically hunted for points; his peripheral vision caught Li Qingrong putting down her pen.

Honestly, his composure cracked a little—how come everyone else was so good at comprehensive science?

Fuck fuck fuck!

Li Qingrong glanced at his test paper out of the corner of her eye, her gaze carrying a hint of curious inquiry.

Ding-ding-ding!!!

Exam ended. Jiang Nian took a deep breath and stopped writing.

He roughly ruffled his hair, stood up from his seat, and passed his answer sheet forward.

He turned to look at Li Qingrong and saw her watching him curiously. Instantly, his movements slowed; he awkwardly rubbed his neck.

"Heh, it's so hot."

Li Qingrong nodded, lowering her head to pack her stationery.

Jiang Nian had already packed his stationery in a flash, and just as he was about to leave, he felt something was missing.

So he turned back to Li Qingrong, observed for a moment, then asked:

"This hair tie looks good with your hairstyle—did you tie it yourself, monitor?"

Li Qingrong nodded slowly. "Mm."

"Looks nice." Jiang Nian grabbed his stationery bag and walked off.

He first tossed his exam supplies back onto his desk, then carried the books from outside the classroom back to his seat, and also brought back Zhang Ningzhi's books.

Since there was no afternoon self-study after the weekly test, most people chose to eat or return to their dorms.

Jiang Nian was no exception—he planned to go out the school's west gate to eat at a stir-fry shop.

He liked eating alone, without dragging things out.

During his time in that circle, he'd gathered some interesting insights—originally meant for chasing girls, but useful for making friends too.

That was: act according to the relationship progress bar.

Maintain a certain distance, don't assume familiarity—this preserved freshness and avoided many conflicts.

It sounds a bit rigid, but it actually works well.

For example, he never asks Zhang Ningzhi where she's eating; asking too much might make the Miss feel embarrassed. Then she might try inviting him, but their relationship clearly hasn't reached that point.

What would they even talk about over a meal?

A person's daily chat quota is limited, especially during Gao San, a period demanding immense mental energy—if you strain yourself talking during meals.

You don't enjoy the food, and your chat quota is used up.

"Friendship correct" means doing the right thing at the right time: you're free, your friends are free, no need to overthink.

Walking down the corridor.

"Jiang Nian!"

"Hmm?" He turned around and saw Lin Dong calling him.

He was momentarily confused; the two seemed to have no connection.

If anything, Lin Dong was the class math representative. Why would he suddenly approach him? Could it be the math exam scores were out?

Jiang Nian stood still waiting, but then Sun Zhicheng suddenly barged in, shouting "Big Brother Dong!" and without warning wrapped his arm around Lin Dong's neck, dragging him off to the side.

"???? What's going on?"

Jiang Nian was stunned; Lin Dong was even more stunned—he was about to invite Jiang Nian to eat. Then Tom Cheng crashed in. He immediately shoved Sun Zhicheng's hand away.

"Ah Cheng, I've got something urgent."

"Big Brother Dong, I've got something urgent too," Sun Zhicheng said seriously.

"I know you're in a hurry, but hold on a second," Lin Dong feared Jiang Nian would slip away, so he broke free from Sun Zhicheng's grip, stepping back while urging,

"Message me on QQ—I'll see it."

Lin Dong said this, then turned and ran off.

Below the Gao San building.

Jiang Nian hadn't expected Lin Dong to catch up again and invite him to eat. He felt puzzled—they weren't close—so he instinctively prepared to refuse.

But Lin Dong said,

"How about the North Gate cafeteria? A new stall just opened near our dorm. The quality's way above average—much tastier than the Ximen cafeteria!"

Jiang Nian smiled. "What do you want from me?"

"Actually, I do have something. I'd like your opinion," Lin Dong scratched his head, suddenly looking a little embarrassed. "I know this is abrupt, but—"

"Help me, big brother! It's a matter of life and death!"

"Hmm. First tell me—why me?" Jiang Nian didn't rush, fixing his gaze on Lin Dong's eyes.

Between classmates who aren't close, while no one would harm him, one thing mustn't be confused with another—he wouldn't let himself be used as a blade.

"I first went to Wu Jun Gu. He said it was useless to ask him—told me to come to you." Lin Dong sighed, recalling Wu Jun Gu's expression when he said that.

【If you want someone capable who also keeps his mouth shut, go to Jiang Nian. Look, I guarantee his character—he's reliable and tight-lipped.】

He gritted his teeth, decided to try anything, and spilled everything.

"Big Brother Jiang, my roommate got doxxed."

"Huh?" Jiang Nian froze. He'd imagined many possibilities, but never this opening. "What did you do to get doxxed?"

"Let's walk and talk, Big Brother Jiang." Lin Dong had already changed his address.

His phone kept vibrating in his pocket—he didn't know if it was Skinned Liuli or Sun Zhicheng. Either way, he had no energy to check now.

Lin Dong had already spilled most of the story on the way, though he framed it as "I have a roommate," slightly obscuring the truth.

Similar in effect to saying "I have a cousin" or "I have a friend."

Along the way, Jiang Nian only listened, never interrupting or offering opinions.

Cafeteria.

The two stood in line at the serving window; Lin Dong whispered the rest, lowering his voice. Seeing Jiang Nian's calm expression, his sense of security deepened.

If Jiang Nian had asked probing questions, looked worried, or suggested telling a teacher or gathering friends, he'd have turned and walked away immediately.

But Jiang Nian showed no reaction at all—just listened. His eyes didn't even blink, yet Lin Dong felt he was listening, intensely and carefully.

In truth, though he didn't want to admit it, Jiang Nian's reaction gave him immense reassurance—a feeling of having a core, solid anchor.

Even though the man said nothing, it felt as if he'd faced countless battles—this matter meant nothing to him; as long as he spoke, it would be resolved.

"That's about it, Big Brother Jiang. What do you think I should—"

Just then, the cafeteria aunt called out,

"Next, what do you want?"

"Oh, uh—I'll take the winter melon, onion, and scrambled eggs, and—" Lin Dong finally snapped back, then turned to Jiang Nian. "Big Brother Jiang, you order."

Jiang Nian remained unhurried. He'd actually finished absorbing the whole story already—had just been zoning out, using subtle techniques to hide it.

But his calm was real. He'd thought it was something huge—turns out, this was it?

"I'll have scrambled eggs with onion, and—" Jiang Nian ordered a few dishes, then reached for his wallet—*beep*—Lin Dong had already paid with his meal card.

"Oh, thanks."

"No problem. Let's find a seat." Lin Dong now felt calmer.

In the afternoon, the North Dorm Cafeteria was quiet.

Boarders were busy showering, scrolling on phones in their rooms, studying in classrooms, or just eating outside—the lunch rush had passed.

Jiang Nian found a window seat; Lin Dong sat beside him. He got up again, used his meal card to buy two chilled drinks from the beverage station, and placed them on the table.

"Thanks," Jiang Nian said.

"Don't mention it, Big Brother Jiang—look," Lin Dong stared at him, urgently asking,

"You see, you're rushing again. So—you don't want to be with her? You want to permanently break up?"

"No, big brother—I'm not with her." Lin Dong grew flustered, dropping even the roommate shield. "What I did was wrong, but no one lost anything."

"Ah, I didn't say there was anything wrong with you." Jiang Nian looked out the window, took a bite of his meal. "The matter is actually easy to handle, and the method is simple."

"What?" Lin Dong swallowed hard.

Jiang Nian turned his head. "I ask you—are you Shen Cong?"

Hearing this, Lin Dong grew tense. The methods he'd imagined were deleting the account—or issuing a statement—but he'd already named Sun Zhicheng, and the other party had threatened to expose him too.

But he never expected Jiang Nian to ask this.

"Is it or isn't it?" He scratched his head. "I don't even know if I am, Brother Nian. You tell me—should I be or shouldn't I be?"

"Give me your phone." Jiang Nian's gaze swept over him, hand extended.

"My phone… Okay, need to unlock it?" He asked a stupid question, then immediately realized. "Oh oh, it's already unlocked."

Jiang Nian took Lin Dong's phone, logged out of the account, deleted the account record, logged back in to Lin Dong's main account, then casually deleted Skinned Liuli's WeChat.

Ten seconds later, Lin Dong was completely stunned.

"Huh?" He stared at his phone.

"You're not Shen Cong. I've never heard of him. Don't know him. Never met him." Jiang Nian said bluntly. "You're not him. No one can bother you. Stop thinking about it."

Lin Dong seemed to grasp it, then his face twisted with worry again.

"But what if she really comes to our class? What then?"

"How many 'what ifs' are there?" Jiang Nian said. "She's a Gao Er student. You think she's the FBI? And from what I see, the girl chatting with you—Yao Yao—probably has issues."

"How could that be?" Lin Dong was shocked.

"Small accounts," Jiang Nian said. "When you're in the jianghu, how can you not have a few small accounts? Even if it's not a small account, who doesn't have a few 'sisters'? Pulling you in reverse is easy."

Lin Dong was dumbfounded. "Brother, how do you know so much?"

"Huh? Do I?" Jiang Nian looked embarrassed. "I use Xiaohongshu a lot. I've seen them say setting up a persona with a small account is a pretty low-level trick."

"Stay away from these things in the future. If you run into someone who knows how to play, they'll pinpoint your location, pull you into a group, spread rumors to amplify the effect, and when you finally report it, you'll be the one held responsible."

Lin Dong broke into a cold sweat. "Got it, Brother Nian. What if she's waiting for me under the dorm building?"

"If you really run into her, just act angry and say you don't know her. You've seen crazy people before, right? Treat her like some lunatic you bumped into on the street—that's it."

A soft hum sounded—Lin Dong suddenly understood.

Indeed, those involved are confused; bystanders see clearly.

His problem was fear—he feared losing face in public.

Jiang Nian's few words made it clear: in the end, he wasn't Shen Cong.

Who knew about this? Heaven knew, earth knew, he knew, Jiang Nian knew—no third person would ever know.

Forget the incident at lunch. He'd never spoken to Skinned Liuli. Never met her. Never been forced to add her WeChat. Shen Cong? Never heard of him.

Most Gao Zhongsheng have moral cleanliness—they won't deny things they've done.

For example, Lin Dong had considered denying he was Shen Cong, but never considered denying what happened at lunch.

In his subconscious, lying was wrong. But online matters were virtual, known only to himself, so he could lie to himself.

But at lunch, Skinned Liuli had pinned him against the wall.

Someone had seen it—even if only a few, they'd seen it. Someone had even taken a photo.

This made Lin Dong subconsciously believe the matter had blown up, become an undeniable fact. He'd worried constantly, yet never once considered denying it.

So why not? How many people saw it?

So what? I'm not him. I never met him. That's it—simple!

"Brother Nian, thank you." Lin Dong grabbed Jiang Nian's hand, a heavy stone lifting from his chest. "Really, Brother Nian—I almost wanted to kneel to you."

Watching Lin Dong's face full of excitement, Jiang Nian smiled.

"The food by this window really is good. Next time, I'll treat you."

A warm current surged through Lin Dong. He was a student from a small town, the kind teachers called "genius."

Just a little studying, effortlessly achieving scores others couldn't reach even after a year of hard work.

In the past, he thought geniuses didn't need to study daily.

Playing with his phone occasionally, then effortlessly topping the class—that's what a genius should do.

And he'd done it easily.

Since middle school, he'd chatted online—his username evolved from "Sunshine Boy" to "Li Zhi Shang," then to "Rain in Nancheng," "Nap Planet," "Old Cat at the Alley's End."

A genius was someone who mastered any field he touched, until he excelled in everything.

Lin Dong's idol was Frank from Catch Me If You Can—effortlessly handling any task. He believed he should be the same.

So when disaster struck, he was terrified.

Especially since the other party was physically imposing and aggressive, using a method that was… flesh-and-blood exposure.

When Lin Dong realized he couldn't stay calm, he chose to seek help.

After searching, he turned to Jiang Nian—the one he'd never liked much.

Now he finally understood Wu Jun Gu's meaning. He'd only seen Jiang Nian promoted to Gao San. He'd only seen Jiang Nian's grades, looking down on him with his own advantages.

He'd seen only thorns—everywhere he found fault.

Only now, when he couldn't handle something himself, did he realize Jiang Nian made it look easy. Only now did he see that everyone had their own strengths.

Today, Lin Dong had glimpsed something extraordinary—it felt like a mayfly seeing the blue sky.

"Cough, Brother, can you keep this quiet for me?" Lin Dong lowered his voice. "At least, don't tell anyone during Gao San year."

Jiang Nian said, "I won't."

"Thanks, Brother." Lin Dong exhaled deeply—just then, his phone buzzed.

He glanced: all messages from Sun Zhicheng, asking him to analyze whether Jiang Nian liked Chen Yunyun.

Lin Dong thought for a moment, then replied seriously.

"Give it up, Ah Cheng — you can't outcompete Jiang Nian! Letting go is its own kind of completion!"

Sun Zhicheng: "(stunned)?? No, bro, you—"

No, bro, you said you'd hit the other shore, but turns out—

Your mom! You surrendered!

The four chapters I promised yesterday. Twelve thousand words, all done.

(End of chapter)