BXBX NOVEL Chapter 78 - 71 Give Him a Taste of the
Translator: Inschain Editor: Inschain
When Xu Congfeng heard Ding Linlang mention her childhood friend, he actually cared a bit.
In many cases, a girl’s close childhood friend or male bestie could be a role that would raise suspicion and irritation.
Relying on their past rapport with the girl and their so-called nostalgic feelings, they often displayed an obnoxious camaraderie, always giving off an attitude that says, “We’ve always been like this, and if you have a problem with it, it’s your issue.”
It was utterly annoying.
Yet, Xu Congfeng didn’t have the grounds to criticize Ding Linlang’s childhood friend, especially when she hadn’t even agreed to share a meal with him.
His goal was to either win over or totally outshine this childhood friend so that Ding Linlang could clearly see the difference between them.
His upbringing and the education he had received since childhood endowed him with this confidence and mettle.
Through a brief inquiry in the student community, he found out that Ding Linlang hailed from a small town in Xin’an Province. It was likely, then, that her childhood friend also came from there.
He never deliberately discriminated against or excluded outsiders. In fact, he had even befriended several people from other places.
However, a fact remained: a quizzer from a small town outside had limited competitiveness in front of him.
Such was determined by their backgrounds. There was no need for smugness, but also no need for evasion.
The reality was cruel – some things that some people are born with, others may struggle their entire lives to achieve.
He was confident enough to overcome or even persuade Ding Linlang’s childhood friend, to cross that metaphorical bridge.
Of course, he wasn’t thinking about trivial things like chess, basketball, or one-on-one duels, but a kind of overwhelming show of force.
From a psychological standpoint, Ding Linlang’s explicit details might be a form of restraint, leaving room for him.
“Could I perhaps meet this childhood friend of yours first?” Xu Congfeng suggested. “The three of us could share a meal.”
Ding Linlang responded, “I’ll need to ask him first.”
“Sure, if he’s okay with it, just give me a time, and I’ll make the reservation.”
Just then, Qian Quan messaged Ding Linlang, “What did you tell him?”
Ding Linlang replied, “What do you mean? Didn’t we agree to watch each other’s backs?”
Qian Quan said, “Got it. I’ll be at Hongqiao soon. Let me see who this audacious fool is, trying to punch above his weight with you.”
Ding Linlang said, “He even proposed we all dine together.”
Qian Quan replied, “Declined! Why should we eat with him? I’ll meet him alone.”
Ding Linlang said, “Yep, I thought the same.”
Qian Quan said, “But tonight, we can dine together.”
Ding Linlang replied, “Alright.”
After chatting with Qian Quan, Ding Linlang replied to Xu Congfeng, “You should meet him alone first.”
Xu Congfeng was momentarily taken aback but then nodded in agreement, “Sounds good. When?”
“Any day next week works. I’ll give you his number.”
“Okay.”
At 2 o’clock in the afternoon.
Qian Quan’s high-speed train arrived at Hongqiao.
Instead of heading back to Seacoast Normal University, he went straight to Fudan University to find Ding Linlang.
“What’s going on?” Qian Quan immediately asked upon seeing Ding Linlang.
Ding Linlang pointed to her hair, “My hair has grown.”
“Should’ve expected that,” Qian Quan mused as he examined Ding Linlang’s hair, “Now tell me about that guy.”
“What’s there to say? I don’t know him. He confessed out of the blue. After my direct refusal, he went on about never giving up or something, so I had to bring you into the picture.”
“Very smart move. What exactly did you tell him?”
“I told him that unless he beats you in chess, basketball, or a one-on-one challenge, then he can discuss having a meal with me,” Ding Linlang said.
Qian Quan laughed, “In that case, he has no chance at all. However, the way you said it might give him the impression that there’s a sliver of hope.”
“Let him think whatever he wants. I just hope he doesn’t suddenly appear in front of me again, saying all those weird things.”
“Don’t worry. Once we meet, I’ll give him a reality check and dampen his enthusiasm.”
“Anyway, it’s up to you now,” Ding Linlang remarked. “Now tell me about your trip to the capital.”
“Guys, I need advice. How can I truly intimidate her friend, make him see reason, and not interfere with our relationship?”
In the men’s dormitory of Fudan University, Xu Congfeng sat on a chair, sharing his confession to Ding Linlang with his group of close friends, seeking their suggestions.
The group consisted of five people, all lifelong friends who shared a similar background and lifestyle, hence, a lot of common interests.
“I can challenge him to a basketball game for you,” one friend offered, a member of the Azure Bay University basketball club.
“The thing is, it’s not just about basketball or chess. I need to overpower him in terms of aura,” Xu Congfeng clarified.
“Simple, just give him a taste of the cosmopolitan life. Show him the real Azure Bay. I bet those small-town guys haven’t seen anything like it,” another friend suggested.
“How do you mean?”
“The girl told you to meet her friend alone, right? Perfect! Invite him to a nightclub. We’ll tag along. Then, we just talk about high-end topics he knows nothing about. Let him realize he doesn’t belong in our world. Azure Bay is not for him.”
“Once he’s sufficiently demoralized, switch the topic to what really matters.”
The others nodded in agreement. One added, “We could go to Funing One. My dad has a membership card there, and we’d get a 30% discount.”
“That sounds good. We can get a private booth and have a proper chat.”
Xu Congfeng read the messages and after a moment’s thought replied to them.
“That approach could work. However, I suggest we avoid angering him, especially with any derogatory remarks. People from smaller places can be quite proud and sensitive.”
“So, let’s be natural, and not give him any reason to be offended.”
“Don’t worry. We’ll be friendly when we meet.”
“Alright, when’s everyone free?”
“Any evening. We don’t have classes.”
“Let’s do it tomorrow night then.”
“Okay. Speaking of which, it’s been a while since we last went to Funing One. Wonder if they’ve changed any of their top performers.”
Rumor had it that Funing One had four-star performers, all incredibly skilled, with beauty and physique rivaling top influencers.
Ordinary folks couldn’t access their schedules. Even the top-tier VIPs had to queue.
Xu Congfeng dialed the number Ding Linlang gave him.
After a short while, the other end answered, “Hello?”
“Hello, this is Xu Congfeng. Ding Linlang gave me your number. Did she mention me to you?”
“Oh yes, she did. You’re Xu Congfeng, right? Hello, I’m Qian Quan. What can I assist you with?”
“You… you’re Qian Quan…” Xu Congfeng was taken aback.
Ding Linlang’s close friend was none other than Qian Quan!
In that year’s incoming class of various universities in Azure Bay, the one who rose above the rest, whose name resonated with everyone, was Qian Quan!