Qiu Yingying is reborn and bound to a learning system.

As the Lunar New Year approaches, the festive atmosphere in the 22nd floor of Ode to Joy grows stronger, but Guan Juer's heart grows heavier.

She had a stable job, worked diligently and conscientiously at the company, never causing trouble or stealing credit. Her superiors trusted her, and her colleagues got along well with her. She lived a quiet and content life. But when it came to the words "marriage," it felt like the whole world was against her.

My parents' phone calls became more frequent each day, their tone shifting from tentative to nagging, and then to blatant pressure to get married.

"Your neighbor Aunt Wang's daughter, who's younger than you, has already had two children."

"You're not young anymore, don't be too picky, just settle for someone decent."

"Feelings can be cultivated slowly; let's get married first."

In the past, Guan Juer would always listen obediently, respond quietly, and swallow her grievances. But this year, the rebellious streak that had been suppressed in her heart finally began to surface.

It's not that she doesn't want to date or get married; she just doesn't want to be casual.

I don't want to settle for something just to make an excuse, I don't want to compromise because of my age, and I don't want to spend my whole mundane and unfulfilling life with someone I'm not attracted to.

What she wanted was never "someone wanting her," but "I like it."

But this explanation wouldn't work with my parents.

Forced into a corner, Guan Juer hung up the phone that day, but on a whim, she called back, her voice soft yet unusually firm:

"Dad, Mom, don't worry, I... have a boyfriend."

As soon as she said it, she was stunned.

She thought she could finally catch her breath, but her parents were even more agitated and made a decision that very day:

"That's perfect! We'll come to Shanghai this year to pick you up and take you home for the Chinese New Year, and we can also introduce you to the young man!"

Guan Juer froze on the spot.

Once a lie is told, it can't be taken back.

With no other choice, she gritted her teeth and took a path she had never dared to imagine before.

Rent a boyfriend.

She scrolled through the platform again and again, and there was only one criterion for selection: someone who could "act up" and annoy the elders.

She didn't want a perfect boyfriend; she wanted someone who could be a tool for her parents to persuade her to leave.

Once this Chinese New Year trip home is over and her parents think she's unreliable, they'll not only stop pressuring her to get married, but will also advise her to "not rush and take her time choosing." Then she'll have achieved her goal.

On the day of the interview, several people came, but they were either too slick or too worldly, and it was clear that they were not the type she could handle.

Until the last person pushed the door open and came in.

He was very tall, with broad shoulders and long legs. He was dressed in a simple sweatshirt and jeans, looking clean and tidy. His face was clean and refreshing, and his eyes were big and bright, as if he hadn't been worn down by society. He looked like a pure and innocent college student.

"Hello, sister." He spoke in a clear and crisp voice, with a touch of boyish shyness.

Guan Juer's first reaction was to rule it out.

If someone is too handsome and pleasing to elders, wouldn't their parents immediately agree to the marriage if they brought him home? Wouldn't that be shooting themselves in the foot?

"I'm sorry, I don't think you're a good fit," she politely declined.

The boy, however, was not discouraged. He took half a step forward, his eyes sparkling as he looked at her, both obedient and persistent.

"Sister, please reconsider me. My price is negotiable, and I'm a great actress. I'll do whatever you ask me to do."

"I really don't need it..."

"Sister, I can play along with your act. I'll smoke and drink, act like a lazy bum, love playing video games, and be unambitious in front of your parents. I'll do whatever makes me unlikable, and I guarantee I'll complete the mission."

Guan Juer was so bothered by him that she couldn't do anything about it. Seeing his sincere and innocent look, she inexplicably gave in.

"Are you sure you can do it?"

The boy nodded immediately, his eyes crinkling with a smile:

"I promise I'll complete the mission, sister!"

At that moment, Guan Juer looked at the clear-eyed and well-behaved young man in front of her who kept calling her "sister" and felt a little uneasy.

She always felt that this rented New Year's play seemed to have deviated from her intended course from the very beginning.

I had my rented boyfriend deliberately act like a slacker, and as a result, my parents love him even more?

Guan Juer cornered Gu Er in the entrance hall of 2202, her palms sweating with nervousness.

"Gu Er, I'm emphasizing this to you one last time—you absolutely cannot behave when my parents come in."

Gu Er crossed her arms, her big eyes sparkling: "Sister, just tell me, how much of a carefree, irresponsible person do you want me to be?"

"The more unreliable, the better! Sit slumped, speak casually, play games loudly, and act indifferent—make them immediately think, 'This guy is not marriage material!'"

Gu Er patted his chest:

"Don't worry, sis, I've got you covered! I'm a professional at slacking off, and my acting skills are top-notch!"

Guan Juer opened the door with some skepticism.

As soon as her parents entered the door, before their smiles could even settle, they saw a tall, handsome young man sitting on the living room sofa, his posture as relaxed as could be.

With his long legs spread apart, his back against the sofa, his hands on the backrest, his head slightly tilted, and a nonchalant expression on his face.

Guan Juer's heart skipped a beat.

They've arrived, finally following the script.

"Hello, Uncle and Auntie," Gu Er said, her tone not particularly enthusiastic, even a little lazy.

Guan Juer frantically gave him meaningful glances from the side: Be more arrogant, more indifferent, more rebellious!

Gu Er seemed to have gotten it, and simply let herself go.

During meals, he doesn't rush to serve food or try to please others. He sits upright but has a casual demeanor. He answers questions only briefly, doesn't talk much, doesn't try to curry favor, and doesn't deliberately try to start conversations.

When Mr. Guan talks about current events, he doesn't flatter or agree with others; he has his own thoughts, and although his tone is calm, every word he says makes sense.

When Guan's mother asked about his work and family, he was straightforward and candid, without exaggeration or pretense.

"My parents work in the government sector, so their jobs are relatively stable. I'm still pursuing my master's degree and haven't decided what I really want to do yet. I'll just focus on making my life comfortable for now."

Guan Juer was overjoyed:

Yes! That's it! Carefree! Unambitious! Unrefined! Unapproachable!

Mom and Dad will definitely frown!

As a result, she secretly took a look,

Her parents not only didn't mind, but nodded repeatedly, their eyes full of satisfaction.

Guan's mother secretly told her, "This child is good; she's not slick, she doesn't pretend, and she's genuine."

Mr. Guan also praised in a low voice: "He has a steady temperament and is not impetuous. He is much better than those who are flashy and frivolous."

Guan Juer: "???"

Unwilling to give up, she secretly gave Gu Er instructions:

"Speak louder when we play games later! Act really engrossed!"

Gu Er received the message and immediately carried it out.

The elders were chatting in the living room, while he held his phone, his fingers flying across the keyboard, occasionally letting out a soft chuckle or clicking his tongue lightly. He maintained his usual lazy posture, focused and absorbed.

Guan Juer waited for her parents to say something: Stop playing games all the time.

As a result, her mother walked over, glanced at it, and said with a smile:

"It's normal for young people to relax a bit; it's better than going out drinking and socializing, and being glib and frivolous."

Guan Juer froze on the spot.

She gritted her teeth and issued the command again:

When you go out later, act a little nonchalant and relaxed!

Gu Er did as instructed.

He didn't deliberately protect her or try to be overly attentive while walking; he simply walked naturally on the outside and casually helped her carry her bag. His movements were natural and spontaneous, without any attempt to please her.

He has a carefree and irresponsible air about him, and he walks with a swaying gait.

On the way home, her parents made their final judgment:

"We are very satisfied with Xiao Gu."

She's good-looking, has a good personality, comes from a good family, and is a good match for you.

He may seem carefree and irresponsible, but he's actually quite shrewd, well-mannered, and genuine—there are so few boys like that these days.

Guan Juer stood frozen in place.

Gu Er leaned closer, her face pleading for praise:

"Sister, was I carefree enough? Did I complete the mission perfectly?"

She looked at the pure and innocent-looking young man in front of her, his big eyes clear and innocent, calling her "sister" repeatedly, acting like a spoiled brat with a straight face, and his flattery was completely natural.

Then look at your parents, who are all smiles.

Guan Juer took a deep breath, feeling like crying but unable to shed a tear.

She originally wanted to rent a "bad boyfriend" to persuade her parents to leave.

The result was good.

His carefree and irresponsible attitude is actually a virtue.

Her pressure to get married not only didn't help her escape, but instead sent her straight to the "marriage preparation camp".

That night, after her parents fell asleep, Guan Juer looked at Gu Er with a face full of despair:

"I told you to act unreliable, what's wrong with you?"

Gu Er blinked her eyes pitifully, her voice soft and obedient:

"I can't help it... I've already tried my best to be carefree and irresponsible."

He paused, then added softly, his ears turning slightly red:

"Besides, being a good match for my sister in terms of social standing is something I can't fake."

Guan Juer looked at his handsome and innocent face, and her heart suddenly skipped a beat.

She suddenly had a premonition!

This year, she's probably really having a chaotic time.