I turned reality into a romantic comedy.

Well, if we look at all works through the lens of the system's romantic comedy filter, the various martial arts novels that Chen Junqian read in his childhood can really be considered standard 'romantic comedy' works. All sorts of cute attributes and classic plots can be applied to them. This reminds Chen Junqian of a strange argument that a roommate of his in college, who seemed to be into anime, once said: "The more you understand anime, the more you can read Dream of the Red Chamber."

In fact, Chen Junqian believes that Zhang Wuji's words are a good explanation. Just as liking and love are different, so too are fondness and liking.

Respect, gratitude, and pity are all positive feelings, but not all of them are liking.

Perhaps they will come to like them in the future, or perhaps they won't.

But they must all be special.

Because everyone is in a process of growth and change every moment, the thoughts and difficulties encountered at each stage of life will be different, and the things that make you feel special or even moved will naturally be different as well.

If we were to use Zhang Jiaozhu's phrase, what Xu Youwei was projecting onto him was indeed the purest and most direct affection, and what he could respond with was, of course, the same kind of emotion.

To give a simple example, the kiss Chen Junqian gave his sister during summer vacation was, in a sense, more like a means and method to symbolize and guarantee a certain promise. So much so that before, during, and after the action, he was carefully thinking about it. This is unique to Shen Nianqiu.

Xu Youwei simply felt that the two of them were in a relationship, so she wanted to kiss him and that's why she leaned in and did it. It was simple, straightforward, and decisive, and that's what makes Xu Youwei special.

There is no inherent hierarchy or social status; it's simply a matter of different approaches and emotions.

It was clear that the kiss had brought the two of them much closer, but just like at the beginning, after a brief moment of excitement, Xu Youwei started to care about Lin Mu's thoughts again.

After all, she was never the type to go all out for excitement. Perhaps there was a time when she did vaguely fantasize about such things and even get a little excited about it, just like how she felt every time she saw the glass bottle placed on Chen Junqian's bookshelf. But after the glass bottle incident, she could no longer bring herself to mention even the slightest thought to her best friend. Just thinking about it made her feel guilty.

However, it wasn't appropriate to say this directly to Chen Junqian, because saying it in this situation and setting would only make her seem like she was getting a good deal while pretending to be innocent, giving off a scheming vibe. So, she could only hint at it indirectly:

"It's Qinqin's birthday today, did Mumu give you any gift?"

“I didn’t send them separately because Christmas and my birthday are close together this year, so I sent them together. Wenyun did the same.”

Just a moment ago, her face was flushed like a child who had tasted forbidden fruit, but as soon as the topic of Mu Mu came up, it was as if she had triggered some safe word, and Youyou started to feel conflicted and uneasy again. Chen Junqian simply asked directly:

Are you thinking about Mumu?

"Ah... um, I guess so."

"Actually, I think Mu Mu won't care too much right now."

Upon hearing Chen Junqian's reply, Xu Youwei was so surprised that she almost bit her tongue. The answer she had read in a book before, such as "Actually, we kissed when we were little," even came to mind.

No, no, Mu Mu only met Qin Qin a couple of days earlier than me.

But they really do seem to be very close, everyone thinks so...

Completely unaware that his words had caused Xu Youwei to overthink for a long time, Chen Junqian quickly offered his explanation:

"Because Mu Mu hasn't even had the thought of liking someone yet. But you can't say that. It's more like her liking or disliking someone is childish, and it's different from the liking that comes with being in a romantic relationship."

Reflecting on her best friend's behavior and thought patterns so far, Xu Youwei, sitting on the sofa with her knees drawn up, nodded in agreement.

How should I describe it?

This is roughly how Chen Junqian and Lin Mu currently interact in class. If this happened in elementary school, it would probably be easier for rumors to spread. But in the larger environment of middle school, their relationship, which is like elementary school children playing house, buying candy together and talking to each other after class, often feels more like a simple, good relationship. It's a bit like playing a game a step behind.

Moreover, this was based on the situation after Lin Mu made some changes after the accident in the chemistry lab a few months ago. Before that, their relationship was even more bland and uneventful, just like the atmosphere during elementary school. Moreover, due to the increasingly obvious height difference, Xu Youwei, as an observer, often felt like they were coaxing children to play together.

"So the way the three of us get along doesn't need to change at all. After all, Youyou wouldn't want to ruin her friendship with Mumu over something like this, right?"

"Well, that's true... but it certainly can't go on like this forever."

As she spoke, Xu Youwei looked up restlessly at the room's decor, which was filled with Lin Mu's style and meaning in every aspect. She rested her right hand on her knee and kept stroking the ends of her hair that hung down by her ear.

She had thought it through very clearly. Even if Lin Mu might still have the same mindset a few years from now, her relationship with Chen Junqian would definitely not stay at the current stage of a secret romance where just kissing would make them feel satisfied. Moreover, it was more likely that when she and Qinqin were about to take things a step further, he would definitely realize something and then take this opportunity to officially enter the childhood sweetheart stage.

No... then wouldn't I become a childhood sweetheart who suddenly appears out of nowhere, like Mu Mu?

"So what does Yoyo think?"

When Chen Junqian asked her questions, Xu Youwei just lowered her voice and muttered to herself:

"But I can't just give it to Mumu... If Mumu does the same thing later, then we'll find a chance to be honest with her. If not, then—"

The last few words were so faint that even Chen Junqian, who was standing right next to her, could barely hear them, barely audible. He wanted to lean closer to listen, but Xu Youwei stopped talking, instead pulling his face close and pinching it repeatedly. Then, in a spoiled and arrogant manner, she changed her tune:

"It's none of your business. I'll talk to Mu Mu myself when the time comes."

Seemingly relieved after making a major decision, Xu Youwei instantly reverted to her proactive self when she was making him cake, and pressed her face against his again.

"Qinqin, come with me to visit Mom again for my birthday this year."

"Yes, no problem."

The boy's back was undoubtedly much broader than it had been then, making one feel as if it wouldn't take much effort for him to carry them on his back again.

But this time it definitely won't be like that.

You have to hold the other person's hand and lead them all the way to your mother so that you can tell her in person.

She has someone she likes.

----------------------------------

For the students of Guoning Middle School, the end of the New Year's Day holiday was certainly sad, but as soon as they returned to school, they received another piece of incredibly exciting good news.

Due to weather conditions, the final exams for this semester will be postponed until the beginning of next semester!

Undoubtedly, apart from a few students who stand at the top of their grade or class and can show off their final exam scores before the winter break to their relatives during the holidays, most students don't really want to take exams. After all, if they don't do well, they feel like they won't be able to enjoy the holidays. Moreover, canceling the final exams would mean that everyone's winter break would be extended by two days for no reason.

Although it's just a simple matter of changing one's mind frequently, with the winter break approaching, everyone is indeed more willing to see the fact that the break can start earlier, and it can even be said that they are eager to go home.

Therefore, the official start date of this year's winter vacation was set for January 11th, which, if you calculate the time, would be just in time for Chen Junqian and Zhu Wenyun's trip to Shanghai.

However, before Chen Junqian officially went to Shanghai, Chen Jun returned from Tangshan first.

Based on past experience, he should have returned a little later. However, the factory's performance this year was not as good as in previous years, and the branch factory in Tangshan was naturally affected as well, not as busy as in previous years. In addition, tickets became harder to buy as the holiday approached, so he simply used some of his accumulated annual leave to buy a train ticket a few days in advance and returned to Guoning from Tangshan.

After being away for almost a year, Chen Jun returned, and naturally there were many social engagements and interactions. However, he proactively turned down many of them, trying his best to spend time with his family. The three of them naturally started talking about the "one-child policy" that is being gradually implemented in various provinces.

Actually, both of them meet the requirements of the "one-child policy" for having a second child. Their age is just barely acceptable, and their family background is not a concern. However, Chen Jun and Wang Hongling really have no plans to have a second child. After all, they don't need to start over after their first child is ruined, nor do they have the obsession of having a boy. So when they chat, they just talk about which of their colleagues or friends are planning to have a second child.

After chatting about this topic for a while, Chen Jun picked up some food with his chopsticks and spoke up:

"Lin Youfeng invited my family to dinner tomorrow night. Are you free?"

After saying that, the two of them turned their gazes to Chen Junqian.

"Huh? Why are you looking at me?"

"Of course, it's because you're the busiest person in our family, so we have to ask for your opinion first."

"I'm free tomorrow night. What a coincidence, I'm going to Shanghai the day after tomorrow. Where is it?"

"At someone else's house."

It just so happens that the large doll he had the company make a couple of weeks ago is now finished, so he can bring one over as a gift for Mu Mu.

As Chen Junqian was thinking, he saw a familiar achievement called "Marriage Contract" flashing in his mind.

Wait, buddy... you're here too?

P.S.: Thank you for reading and subscribing.

Chapter 114: Reversing the Childhood Sweetheart Technique (Part 2)

Unlike Xu Youwei's family, who only visit once a year on the first day of the Lunar New Year, Chen Junqian and his family are very familiar with Lin Mu's family. The two families visit each other or have small gatherings every now and then. Interpersonal relationships require time and effort to build and maintain. With the intentional efforts of both sides, the friendship that started as between the two children has gradually evolved into a close relationship between the two families.

From this perspective, Chen Junqian has probably succeeded in reversing the traditional childhood sweetheart relationship. After all, most childhood sweetheart relationships are inherited from the parents, and the bottom-up relationship he built is a rare exception. Of course, this is also related to the businesses of both families. With both feelings and interests at stake, his family and Lin Mu's family have been able to build a typical case of a childhood sweetheart-style family relationship from scratch over the past few years.

The company's merchandise production department took Chen Junqian's task very seriously. The dolls that were delivered to Chen Junqian were all nearly as tall as a person. If we were to apply that standard to Mu Mu, we could probably remove the word "nearly" as well, since the fluffy giant squirrel doll was indeed the same height as Mu Mu.

In short, when Lin Mu, who was sitting in her room doing her winter vacation homework, heard the lively sounds coming from the living room downstairs and prepared to go down to greet her childhood sweetheart's family, the first thing she saw after opening the door was a giant squirrel plush toy with legs. Although in reality Chen Junqian was just carrying it over, that was indeed the scene from Lin Mu's perspective.

So she subconsciously staggered back two steps, but quickly lost her balance. Her outstretched hand tried to grab something, and in the end, she and Chen Junqian, whose vision was completely blocked by the doll and who couldn't see what was happening in front of him, fell to the ground together.

"Oh--"

If it weren't for the giant doll separating the two, this would probably have been a typical romantic comedy, a simple fall from grace. The next second would have seen Chen Junqian's hand grab some indescribable part and form a rather ambiguous position with the other person.

However, there was indeed a soft plush toy between them, and the girl's face quickly peeked out from beside the squirrel's head, giving Chen Junqian a slightly apologetic and shy smile:

"Oh, it's Qianqian! You scared me."

"I was hoping to give you a surprise, but it turned out to be a shock."

Quickly getting back to his feet, Chen Junqian steadied the fallen doll and pulled Mu Mu, who was trapped underneath, to her feet as well, brushing the dust off her clothes.

Is there any pressure point anywhere?

No, there isn't.

Lin Mu was clearly more interested in the large doll that Chen Junqian brought in, since in terms of size or floor space, it was definitely the biggest gift the two of them had ever given each other.

"Are these three fierce beasts?"

"Yes, I had the company's peripheral departments make it. It's one of a kind in the world, and you can't even buy it."

Girls probably do have a stronger preference for these unique limited editions, so Chen Junqian also emphasized that point. After all, he wasn't lying; such a large doll is indeed one of a kind, and no one else could even make one without the copyright.

However, it might not actually be necessary to emphasize this, since Lin Mu would always be happy no matter what gift he gave her. It's just that this gift was indeed quite to her liking. After holding the squirrel plush toy named 'Xiao Mu,' which shared her name with her, and looking at it from left to right for a long time, she finally put it on the bed.

"I'm going to sleep with it every night from now on!"

After making this announcement, Lin Mu asked curiously:

"Qianqian probably made more than just this one, since there are also yours and Xiaoxi's."

"Yes, those two are with my sister. Her birthday is in a little over a month, so consider them an early birthday present. I'll take you to see them when Mumu comes to visit me sometime. They're both quite cute."

"Uh-huh."

The adults in the living room downstairs were chatting about adult topics, so the two children naturally had to talk about their own private matters in their room upstairs, since it wasn't dinnertime yet.

Sitting on the edge of Lin Mu's bed, Chen Junqian's gaze naturally fell on the back of her door. The height chart that had been there had died about a month ago, leaving with the regret of not having fulfilled its historical mission. After all this fuss over the past few years, Mu Mu had become completely pessimistic about her height. After all, if things continued this way, although she wouldn't eventually be stuck in the 1.4-meter range, her upper limit would probably be less than 1.55 meters.

It's no wonder they've been childhood sweethearts for so many years, visiting each other's rooms countless times. The moment Chen Junqian glanced in that direction, Lin Mu already knew what he was thinking. So she immediately reached out and cupped his face, forcibly turning Chen Junqian's gaze to the other side, her cheeks puffed out, looking like she was saying, "You must be thinking about something rude again."

"There's nothing special about being tall... But Qianqian could definitely grow a little taller, but not too tall."

At first glance, it sounded like three sentences of contradictory statements from the left and right brain, but Lin Mu herself didn't think there was anything wrong with it. After all, the first sentence was just a complaint about some girls who didn't look like they were her age at all. The second sentence was a supplement to avoid offending Qianqian, since the world is often more hostile towards men's height than women's, otherwise there wouldn't be such a thing as "those under 1.7 meters are disabled." The third sentence was her true feelings:

"Qianqian only needs to grow to 1.8 meters tall, um, about this tall."

Standing on the bed, Lin Mu stretched out her hand and gestured to Chen Junqian's head to show the height difference. Then she sat down again, crossed her legs, looked at the slippers she had placed by the bed, and began to think about whether she should use external means to wear height-increasing shoes or other props to help reduce the height difference between the two of them.

Watching Mu Mu seriously shift her gaze from her feet to her shoes and back to her feet, Chen Junqian recalled an achievement that should have been triggered by Gu Linguo not long ago, but was actually triggered by the girl in front of him two or three years ago: "Please step on me hard!" It can only be said that stepping on someone doesn't really depend on height, or rather, it seems that a considerable number of people actually prefer the feeling of being stepped on by girls who are shorter than themselves.

However, Chen Junqian himself didn't have any particular fetish for this. He just found it amusing that such a high-and-mighty achievement would be accomplished by Mu Mu, the shortest and most gentle person in front of him. It was quite a contrast in many ways, almost like seeing Mu Mu complete those yandere achievements on his achievement list that would make him want to change his QQ profile picture to all black just by looking at the names, and also fill in "[Darkened]" in his QQ signature.

Hmm... I don't think this sentence can be considered a flag.