Chapter 52

Page Two

Why Are You Everywhere?

Píngchéng New Street is a long, narrow pedestrian street, with a unique charm.

Despite its name, which includes the word “new,” the buildings along the street are old, only refurbished; the ground is made of uneven but ancient blue stone, yet the shops on both sides are all trendy Western restaurants, clothing stores, and beauty salons. The youthful energy and historical weight converge here, forming a distinctive cultural landscape.

Therefore, stepping out from the modern subway station onto the old blue stone path gives one a sense of time travel.

“He actually lives in such a place?”

Although the style is a bit old-fashioned, this area is right in the city center!

Nearby are some protected buildings, which are quite valuable. Yan Liúzhuǎn must be quite wealthy… it makes sense that his friend, Tan Lǐn Huā, is also wealthy… but I also know Xiaohaitang, who is also wealthy. Why haven’t I become wealthy yet?

“The house used to belong to his grandfather, but after the old man passed away, he missed his grandfather very much and liked the atmosphere here, so he moved in alone.”

“How surprising! I thought he was an absolute rationalist!”

“He’s quite contradictory. Although he takes rules seriously, he turns out to be very emotional. Ultimately, someone too rational can’t create art, right?”

“You really know him well. Could it be you have a crush on him?”

Tan Lǐn Huā walked with her hands behind her back, her head down, jumping and stepping on the blue stones, playing a game where stepping in the gaps between the stones means losing.

The shadow of her sun hat covered her face, and I couldn’t see her expression.

“If you like him, yes, I did like him, because he helped me a lot since we were young.”

“Did you stop liking him now?”

Asking a boy if he likes another boy doesn’t feel odd when it comes to Tan Lǐn Huā.

“I realized that he’s too outstanding, and since I’m also a boy, I let go… there’s no romantic feeling anymore, but we’re still good friends.”

That means solving the gender issue would mean pursuing Yan Liúzhuǎn.

I once thought about turning him into a girl and then naturally developing a relationship with him?

If you ask me why I didn’t accept Xiao Lei’s affection, it’s a joke! Tan Lǐn Huā and Xiao Lei are different! And Xiao Lei!

“So, Tan Lǐn Huā, do you like me more or Yan Liúzhuǎn more?”

“Wah! Kǎi-Chan hates this! How could I answer such a question~”

It was avoided.

“By the way, don’t you feel like you’re taking me shopping?”

“To be precise, we’re looking for a restaurant. Eating at his place is torture. It’s better to solve it outside and then go over.”

We wandered along the blue stone path for a few minutes, and the cold air from the shops on either side teased me.

Passing by an old bookstore, I caught a glimpse of a familiar face with my peripheral vision, finally giving me a reason to enter and cool off.

I grabbed Tan Lǐn Huā and boldly opened the door, the cold air dispelling the heat.

“Oh! Isn’t that Senior Li? Working again?”

How does he appear everywhere? Could there be several individuals named Li Jianlian in this world?

His black-and-white hair, heavy bags under his eyes, and sickly white skin—today, Li Jianlian looks as unhealthy as a vampire!

“Ah, yes…” He responded instinctively, then fell into confusion and bewilderment, “Uh, who are you?”

Oh! I forgot… I’m not wearing my glasses, so he can’t recognize me?

We were at a stalemate.

“Oh, isn’t that our school beauty?” Li Jianlian didn’t recognize me, but he recognized Tan Lǐn Huā.

After all, being the male school beauty, everyone probably knows him.

“Hello, Senior. I’m out with a friend today.”

“Your friend knows my name. Have we met before? You look familiar… hmm…”

He was clearly still confused. I was sweating coldly, not daring to speak. He looked back and forth between me and Tan Lǐn Huā, suddenly snapping his fingers as if he had an epiphany.

“I remember! Are you Chang Kai’s sister?”

I felt my legs wobble, almost losing balance. Why is it always about being a sister…

Come to think of it, Xiaohaitang made a fake ID for me. I might as well use it.

“Hello, Senior Li. My name is Chang Lingmeng, Chang Kai’s sister.”

Tan Lǐn Huā whispered to me, “Oh wow, Kǎi-Chan, you’re really going all out? Should I call you ‘sister’ when meeting Yan Liúzhuǎn later?”

“Heard from my brother about your part-time job at the自助餐厅. Hehe.”

Maybe pretending to be a sister is too awkward, making me feel like my smile is forced.

“Oh, I stopped working there. Part-time wages here in Píngchéng New Street are higher than in the Balance Commercial District.” Then he switched to a business-like smile and asked, “Since you’ve come, would you like to buy a book?”

He’s so responsible when working, already starting to sell books.

“Then, what interesting novels are there recently?”

Tan Lǐn Huā was very supportive, but I’m not really a reader. I’d rather play video games than read.

“Coincidentally, there’s a new book that’s quite popular, especially among girls your age. It’s on the display stand at the entrance.”

Hearing this, I noticed the first bookshelf at the entrance, neatly lined up with the same book, with a dedicated advertisement board.

“Is it called *Dreamy Fragrance*?”

Just the title gives off a girly vibe…

“Yes, apparently by a highly praised new author. The story is a romance aimed at female readers. Would you two like to buy one to read together?”

Hmph, even if you’re being clever, Li Jianlian, you got it wrong this time! Even though it’s aimed at female readers, neither Tan Lǐn Huā nor I are female, so how could we be interested in such a story…

“Oh! A romance novel? Let’s buy one then!”

“Do you really find it interesting?”

Sure enough, everyone enjoys slapping the protagonist in this world. It’s terrifying!

After paying, Tan Lǐn Huā eagerly tore open the plastic wrapping.

I glanced at the cover with a crying girl, published by Lilim Publishing House. The author’s name is Gongyong Xiaojī? Japanese? Or a pen name?

“Lingmeng, what kind of books do you like?”

With Tan Lǐn Huā taken care of, he turned to me with a smile…

“Sorry, I don’t enjoy reading.”

My polite refusal didn’t upset him, just made him a bit regretful, “Oh, I see. Actually, boys prefer girls who read.”

Now I’m even less inclined to read. I don’t want to be popular with boys.

“Senior Li, any recommended restaurants nearby? We haven’t had lunch yet.”

“Turn right out of the bookstore, then turn right again at the first intersection. There’s a shop selling crab pots. The food is quite good. For two girls, just order a small pot, no need for other dishes… oh, I forgot, the school beauty is a boy, right?”

“It’s fine, it’s fine. Better to forget!”

Crab pot is a stew of spider crabs, chicken feet, chicken gizzards, Japanese tofu, and rice cakes, indeed delicious. However, everything tastes the same, becoming somewhat monotonous.

Just as we finished eating, Li Jianlian came out from the back kitchen, wearing an apron.

“You’re working at the bookstore!?”

Could there really be multiple Li Jianlians in this world!?

“Aah, I only work at the bookstore in the morning. During peak hours, I come here to work. They provide lunch, which is quite reasonable.”

“Are you not going to die from exhaustion?”

It seems the legend of the part-time worker warrior will continue…