A world where love reigns supreme? This is truly chaotic!

……

"Brother, that new horror movie that just came out in theaters is really good! I highly recommend it!"

"Yeah, I'll go see her when I have the chance." Guang Guangchen replied to Shan Yaoning's message with a contented look. Thinking back, it had been a while since he had seen Yaoning. She was only in her first year of high school, yet her academic awareness was already so high. Guang Guangchen completely agreed. She was number one in the grade, and her reputation was well-deserved. She often said that if you want to play, you should play with good students. At first, Guang Guangchen thought it was a bit mystical, but now he had to admit that it made sense. Guang Guangchen felt that his review frequency had decreased, but his grades were gradually improving.

Now that his relationship with Yi Mo is like this, he is essentially Yao Ning's brother. Although he knows Yao Ning's attitude towards him, after not seeing her for a while, her favorability rating should have dropped to around 40 points. It's even possible that Yao Ning has already let go during their heart-to-heart talk, and her favorability rating might have returned to 39 points. This makes the meaning of "brother" a little different, and Guang Chen's tone in response is also more gentle.

"Heh, is it not enough to just have Yi Mo? Do you also want to hunt down Yi Mo's sister?" Yan Xingmeng leaned closer and glanced at Guang Chen and Yao Ning's chat history.

"The fact that I can openly show it to you proves that I have a clear conscience," Guangchang said bluntly, glancing at her.

"Are you happy calling me 'brother' all the time? Or do you want me to call you 'brother' too, Guangchang Chen-gege?" Yan Xingmeng lay on the main table, her posture alluring, her left hand resting on the table, her right hand on her left elbow, her head resting on it, looking at Guangchang Chen sideways, her long, thick eyelashes fluttering, her eyes full of provocation.

The closer their relationship became, the less polite Yan Xingmeng became; anyone who didn't know better would have thought the two were dating.

Guangchang had always thought that the botanical garden, where only the two of them were together, provided Yan Xingmeng with a rather exciting experience, given her adolescence. But as they spent more time together, he was shocked to discover that Yan Xingmeng treated everyone the same, regardless of whether there were other people around, and only focused her attention on him. Guangchang felt quite embarrassed by this favoritism.

"Ah! You were happy for a moment, weren't you?" Yan Xingmeng pointed at Guang Yuchen, a smile on her face.

"Yes, yes, I'm happy, okay?" Guang Changchen's cheeks were indeed a little hot. It was definitely because his feelings for her had improved... regarding his own favorability rating...

194. Do you like money a lot?

"You're blushing. Shall I get you a fan to fan you, or blow on your face, huff huff?" Yan Xingmeng pouted. When they were alone together, she would shed her usual haughty demeanor, even becoming somewhat lazy. She didn't even want to walk to the vending machine for a hot drink. Only when Guang Yuanchen arrived would she whine and beg him to get it for her. If he didn't, she would remain thirsty and refuse to drink. What a strange habit of hers…

Guangchang glanced at her, and his actions became bolder than usual. He reached out and pinched Yan Xingmeng's right cheek, but said nothing.

From a guy's perspective, once something has been done and the girl doesn't resist, it will happen frequently for a long time until she gets tired of it.

"Come on a date with me tonight," Yan Xingmeng suddenly said.

"Tonight won't do. I have my final exams tomorrow, and I need to study properly."

"Then I'll wait until you finish school and finish reviewing in an hour."

"It's not just that one hour of review; I also need to review when I get home, since it's a very important time."

"I didn't want to lose to the heartwarming moment, it was all for the sake of winning the title of 'boss'," Yan Xingmeng confessed. Guang Chen hadn't told anyone else about this, and if he hadn't, one might have suspected that Yan Xingmeng had also been involved, as she was able to perceive this to such an extent.

Guangchang pursed his lips, forced to admit that Yan Xingmeng was gradually becoming like a mind reader to him. If he were to choose to date Yan Xingmeng someday, would he appear even more like a spineless coward in the future? He had never considered living off a woman, yet the two paths the woman he liked both led to her being extremely wealthy heiresses. In the eyes of others, he would probably be seen as a greedy and lustful man.

Huh? Could it be that in other people's eyes, the reason he didn't choose Qianwen and instead spent so much time with Yan Xingmeng was because he wanted to be a kept man? Eh, that's a very dangerous thought. Guang Guangchen should strongly protest. In school, Yan Xingmeng has a large fan base with many supporters. Ever since Guang Guangchen appeared, it's been like a boulder thrown into the sea, creating huge ripples. So, those who don't know him respect him more than those who fear him. But as members of the fan base, there are also quite a few people who hate him, but under Yan Xingmeng's influence, they haven't dared to show their true colors.

Occasionally, one might see unflattering photos of their own graffiti posted on the bulletin board, along with insults from the more enthusiastic fans of other members, accusing them of "knowing when to stop." This level of online trolling would be at the bottom of the list in their previous life, something Guang Chen had seen before and felt nothing about.

"Then... let's have dinner together?" Yan Xingmeng raised her right hand, showing the distance between her thumb and forefinger. "Could you spare a little time?"

Hey, this move has already cost us the South Korean market.

Guang Chen paused for a moment, then coughed and said, "Then let's go home and study after dinner."

"Yay." Yan Xingmeng still lazily straightened up, raising her hands as if she was about to jump into Guangchang Chen's arms, but in reality she swayed and never looked up. Guangchang Chen was mentally preparing himself for a while, and then not preparing himself. Only when Yan Xingmeng stopped completely did she open her right eye slightly and whisper, "Were you looking forward to it just now?"

"Wow...you." Guangchang pointed at her as if reading a monotone, this premeditated trickery was pure evil.

Yan Xingmeng pretended not to hear, moved closer, and lowered her voice, saying, "Are you expecting more...?"

"You idiot, you're talking nonsense again." Although Guangchang said this, his momentum was obviously weakened, and he could only try to remain calm, but this did not escape Yan Xingmeng's discerning eyes.

Yan Xingmeng pursed her lips, suppressing a laugh. Her gaze slid down Guang Yuanchen's face to his chest, and finally she poked his chest with her index finger before continuing, "Well, I've thought of something very good, but not here. My first kiss should be at a more meaningful time. Of course, if you insist now, I can give it special consideration."

That was a dangerous statement...

It has to be said that Guangchang Chen's heart did flutter for a moment. He glanced down at Yan Xingmeng, who had slightly raised her gaze. That tentative look in her eyes, those glistening lips... this... this... isn't she a pure succubus?

Guangchang Chen had considered confronting Yan Xingmeng immediately, but the words wouldn't come out. The thought of kissing her and taking the initiative lingered for at least three or four seconds, feeling that he could overpower Yan Xingmeng. But as time passed, another problem arose: if he told Yan Xingmeng to stop, he would tease her once, and once she came to her senses, she would find opportunities to tease him at least ten more times in the days to come. That was her unforgiving personality.

Whose threshold is rising? Ever since Yan Xingmeng held my hand that one time, whenever we're not around anyone I know, she immediately wants to hold my hand, and I want to emphasize that! The main reason Yan Xingmeng doesn't hold my hand in front of familiar people is because she's afraid of being mobbed by her enthusiastic fans, not because she's shy. If the whole school finds out about our relationship one day, believe it or not, Yan Xingmeng might even hold my hand and go to the cafeteria for lunch together...

In addition, starting from Christmas Eve, Guang Guangchen's semi-automatic "true feelings" state would allow him to express his true thoughts in real time, especially when he was with Yan Xingmeng. Guang Guangchen was the type to speak his mind directly. However, if he couldn't say the words at this moment, it would only mean that he didn't really want to do it, whether he felt that the relationship hadn't reached that point or he was worried about the consequences.

Seeing that Guangchang Chen didn't speak, Yan Xingmeng guessed what he meant by looking at his expression. Then, she puffed out her cheeks slightly and said, "Tch~ You're really a stubborn rock. Even Sun Wukong isn't as hard-mouthed as you."

Guang Guangchen shrugged helplessly. The current situation seemed to be that Guang Guangchen had held firm to his principles and had not been taken advantage of by Yan Xingmeng. But that was precisely why the more conservative Guang Guangchen was, the more Yan Xingmeng seemed to "desire" his body.

mean!

The two, who had agreed to have dinner together, waited until school ended that day. However, Guang Chen did not actually stay to study for an hour as usual. There was no reason for him to make Yan Xingmeng wait for him for an hour. If he did, it would be too inconsiderate of him.

"Nuanxin, please tell Qianwen that I need to leave first," Guangchang Chen said to Chen Nuanxin, who was sitting at the same table, as he packed his things.

Chen Nuanxin gave an OK sign, then asked, "With the president, or Yi Mo? Or perhaps... Yi Xiu Ni?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Nuanxin's forehead was slapped by Guangchang Chen with a chop. "Your forehead can evolve, and so can my chop." Chen Nuanxin leaned back, and white smoke rose from her forehead.

"You watch too many cartoons, don't you? Okay, let's go. Good luck on your exam tomorrow, Nuanxin." Guangchang slung his bag over his shoulder, while Chen Nuanxin, with her head tilted back, gave him another OK sign before leaving through the back door of the classroom.

"Let's go straight to the main building to find Yan Xingmeng. I'm actually a bit hungry. What should I have for dinner? Should I recommend some affordable local restaurants to Yan Xingmeng again...?" Guang Chen was pondering this when, just as he turned the corner, he bumped into someone! This wasn't a coincidence at all. In this world where love-struck people are rampant, the probability of bumping into someone of the opposite sex around a corner has become a high-probability, low-probability event! Damn the world's will!

And the people you bump into are often quite unusual...

Zhou Qianwen immediately steadied herself. When she saw that it was Guangchang Chen carrying a bag, a look of surprise flashed across her face, but she immediately understood the reason.

"Oh, Qianwen, I was just looking for you. I have to go now. Please give Nuanxin some guidance."

"Ah? Um... okay." Zhou Qianwen nodded in response, her gaze involuntarily shifting downwards, avoiding eye contact with Guang Guangchen, who then passed by her.

One second, two seconds...

"Um, Hiro-kun..."

Zhou Qianwen's voice came from behind, and Guangchang Chen stopped again and turned around.

"Ok?"

It wasn't until she attracted Guangchang's attention that Zhou Qianwen began to feel a little regretful. However, she had heard and thought a lot during this period, and she also had some doubts weighing on her mind. Perhaps this was a good opportunity...

"Is Hiro-kun going out with the student council president?"

"Uh... um."

"I knew it." Zhou Qianwen didn't look up, and the atmosphere remained tense for several seconds. Her mind went blank for a moment; having received this answer, nothing else seemed to matter. After trying to think, Zhou Qianwen slowly said, "There have been quite a few rumors about you, Guang, lately..."

"Haha, yeah... just pretend you didn't hear anything, it didn't affect you, right?" Guangchang suddenly realized this and added a touch of concern to his tone.

Zhou Qianwen shook her head repeatedly after hearing this, and replied, "I wasn't affected... I know it's all fake, but there's something I've always been curious about..."

"Then ask away." Guangchang Chen turned around completely, his hands on his waist, waiting for the question.

Zhou Qianwen was extremely nervous at this moment. She opened her mouth slightly, but dared not speak. She dared to speak to the president, but she was completely afraid to speak in front of Guang Chenshi... Was it because the distance between the two of them was growing wider and wider...?

Zhou Qianwen mustered her courage and struggled to ask a question that might have had nothing to do with her: "Why did Guang agree to join Jiang Xintong's group in the first place?"

Huh? How could this be the question? Guangchang never expected that the question would pass through his mind so quickly, and the answer was even more...

"There should be money involved."

This is actually the truth. In the beginning, he and Chen Nuanxin were bribed with a base salary of 30,000 yuan a month! His money-grubbing nature is off the charts, but saying this to Qianwen now feels a bit strange. Is there some ambiguity in it?

"Money... Is Hiro-kun someone who really likes money?"

"Most people subconsciously like money, right?"

“That’s true… but I believe Guang isn’t the kind of person who’s only after money, at least not in my eyes. There’s been a rumor lately that Guang Guangchen is only getting close to the president and Miss Jiang because of money, and I’m trying my best to defend you, so, so…” Zhou Qianwen’s voice trailed off, because she could feel the humility in her words, and a humble person can never succeed in love, something Zhou Qianwen knew very well.

--------

P.S.: A "new" character I haven't seen in a while, so sad! Thank you all for your support and subscriptions! Also, my first long-form romance light novel is 60% off! It's my first novel to reach a million views on Maozhan, and it's completed with a 7,000-word average score. If you're interested, feel free to check it out. The link is below.

"A Victory in a World Hated by All Girls!"

195. A classic within a classic!

"Those are obviously fake. Relationships are hard to summarize in a single sentence..." Guangchang Chen scratched his cheek. To be honest, his relationship with the young lady was indeed largely related to money, but it was the good atmosphere they had built up that allowed them to remain friends to this day. There were many rumors circulating on campus, which Guangchang Chen could completely ignore, but they could still affect the others around him.

"Qianwen, were you also implicated by the rumors?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qianwen immediately looked up, raised her fair hands, her bright eyes flashing, and said, "No, I'm perfectly fine. It's just... I'm a little worried about Guang's situation. Are you... alright?"

“Hmm…” Guangchang tilted his head back slightly, pondered for a moment, and then replied, “As expected, I was completely unaffected. Knowing it’s fake, and it’s not an open rumor, it doesn’t bother me at all.”

"Really?" Zhou Qianwen asked, her right hand gripping her left hand tightly.

"Yes, really, don't worry about me, thank you." Guangchang smiled with narrowed eyes. Qianwen was quite considerate in this regard, at least as a friend. Guangchang waited for a while, and seeing that Qianwen was not talking again, he took the initiative to say, "Then I'll go first. Good luck to you guys."

"Wait, wait a minute..."

Anything else?

This was something Guang Chen hadn't expected. Turning back again, he saw Qian Wen still looking hesitant, as if she hadn't finished speaking. But he still had an appointment with the president, and at this time...

"I'm sorry, Qianwen, I'm also a bit short on time. If you have something to say, we can talk on WeChat." Guang Guangchen's desire to leave quickly was clear, but to Zhou Qianwen, it sounded more like a choice. Her face darkened. She might be a little willful, and she knew how unapproachable the president was, but she still hoped that Guang Guangchen would show her some favor in this moment.

"I just feel like there are many things that I'm the only one who doesn't understand. I feel like an outsider... Guang, you know I like you, right? So how do you feel about me? Do you hate me?" Zhou Qianwen had been holding back many things for a long time. She had been delaying the step of confirming her feelings. She had been playing the role of a good student with Guang Guangchen. According to her original plan, she had some daily interactions with Guang Guangchen. But as time went on, she not only did not feel that their relationship was improving, but it also became more and more fixed and clear, and the position was firmly locked at the level of friends.

That's why Zhou Qianwen couldn't help but ask such a question—a humble question that she knew the answer to but was still seeking some variables. You see, Zhou Qianwen is no longer what she used to be. She was already beautiful, and with her first-place ranking in the new semester and becoming one of the core members of the student council, she's become quite famous at school. Her fan club has the largest number of members besides the three regular core members. In contrast, Guang Guangchen's reputation is more polarized. In most people's eyes, Guang Guangchen is not worthy of Zhou Qianwen, and even if he were to be paired with Chen Nuanxin, many of Nuanxin's supporters would jump out to oppose it!

Yes, Qianwen's situation needs to be resolved sooner or later. Since Guang Chen has never brought it up, he hasn't taken any action either. It seems that he's only trying to show his attitude by maintaining a closer friendship, which doesn't seem to be working.

"Sorry, Qianwen, I think it's better if we remain friends, okay?" Guangchang Chen replied, his smile slightly awkward, but he tried his best to avoid an awkward silence. He thought, "Guangchang Chen, how about a joke to defuse the situation, the kind that makes the other person take a deep breath and feel relieved—a classic reconciliation scenario? Let's not go for the tearful scene in the rain, okay? Let's try something different."

“Yes… I knew it was like that…” Zhou Qianwen lowered her head. She had changed her hairstyle once before, to something similar to a princess cut, but the change did not affect her status in Guang Guangchen’s heart. It was just that she accidentally found a beauty book at home and hoped to change Guang Guangchen’s attitude towards her through some personal changes.

It seems like that won't work...

Guangchang then noticed the change in the favorability value above her head. It was decreasing at a rate of one point every ten seconds. Phew, it seems that Qianwen is also a clear-headed person. His teachings to her have been effective all along. There is no need to be as hysterical as those guys around her. If going crazy is the norm, then staying clear-headed is like a new kind of madness.

What am I saying...?

Zhou Qianwen glanced to the left and said dejectedly, "I feel that ever since Jiang Xintong appeared, her relationship with you has been constantly improving. By now, I believe Jiang Xintong understands you better than I do, right?"

"Qianwen."

"As expected, I can't fit into your circle. Guangchang Chen also likes some newer and more novel things, right?" As she spoke, Zhou Qianwen began to sob softly. This was the first time Guangchang Chen had ever seen Qianwen cry, and he was shocked. Although he had expected this day, seeing Qianwen cry still made him feel quite sad. Ah, he was such a jerk. In the end, Qianwen's favorability rating peaked at 74 points and continued to decline.

This is the kind of romantic relationship between a man and a woman that transcends friendship; it's like rowing against the current—if you don't move forward, you fall behind.

"I was thinking, if I were born into a very wealthy family, would Guang treat me differently? Would I be able to form a group like Jiang Xintong, so that our three-person study group would stay together longer, and you would pay more attention to me..."

Zhou Qianwen's words had clearly gone astray, and Guangchang immediately denied it. However, at this time, a few students still occasionally passed by on the corridor. The two of them were not in a good mood. When a pair of female classmates passed by together, Zhou Qianwen quickly wiped away her tears, did not continue the topic, and turned around and left without saying goodbye.

It was clearly headed for a tragic ending, not just with Qianwen, but throughout the entire story it seemed like a tragic ending was imminent. Guangchang realized that Qianwen still had some misunderstandings. Although he believed that Qianwen trusted him, the feeling of liking someone could make a person lose their judgment and become numb. She was easily influenced by some words. It was a fact that he didn't like Qianwen, but disliking someone didn't mean hating them. So people in this world always tend to elevate friendship to romantic love, which really gave Guangchang a headache.

The same goes for the young lady. So far, Guangchang Chen is already quite shocked that he likes both Yan Xingmeng and Shan Yimo at the same time. If he were to like a third person, why would he do it? Become the first person to promote harem romance in this world where love-obsessed people are rampant. Wouldn't he be afraid of being attacked by the pure love factions in this world?

what……

No wonder the male protagonists in those romantic comedies in anime suffer so much in the later stages; being too gentle and kind is incredibly torturous.

Guangchang sighed, tugged at his backpack strap, and turned to leave. It was already late for his appointment with Yan Xingmeng, and she might interrogate him again later. He jogged towards the main building, entered the building, and quickly arrived at the president's office door. Oh, they even left the door open for him.

Then he pushed open the door and saw Yan Xingmeng the moment he opened it. She must have been waiting for him there for a long time. Unlike usual, when she was sitting at the main table, working and waiting, she had moved a chair to the door and was sitting on it backwards, waiting for Guang Chen to open the door.

Guangchang looked at Yan Xingmeng's puffed-up cheeks, a result of her dissatisfaction with the waiting time. See? If he had arrived any later, things would have been even worse. Was this some kind of post-production version of "Overcooked!"? Time, oh time! Can't you give me a little more time?!

"Why aren't you working today? That's strange."

"Hmph, I'm on a date with someone, how can I concentrate on work?" Yan Xingmeng raised her head, her little mouth pouting stubbornly, looking like she needed to be coaxed. She was nothing like the Yan Xingmeng that others remembered, but Guangchang Chen really fell for it. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, after all.

"Alright, alright, I give up. Let's go." With that, Guangchang Chen raised his right hand and extended it to Yan Xingmeng. Yan Xingmeng raised an eyebrow, then gracefully raised her slender right hand and finally placed it on his outstretched palm. "Hmph~ Guangchang Chen, have you come to some sense of self-awareness? Are you going to hold my hand and walk to the school gate like this?"

"Let go when you reach the top of the stairs. I don't want to be targeted by your fanatical fans. At least... at least... let me become a little better, and have a better reputation, before..."

"Again?" Yan Xingmeng took Guangchang Chen's hand, stood up, leaned closer, and asked leisurely.

"It's a secret." Guang Chen also tried to evade the question, and Yan Xingmeng directly punched his chest with her little fists. Then the two held hands and left the president's office together. Ah, this scene is something that Sun Weizecheng will hardly see again. It's the scene he's most looking forward to seeing.

The two had only come for a meal, but they ended up taking a walk along the river afterward, until almost eight o'clock, before finally deciding to go home. Happy times really do fly by...

……

At eight o'clock in the evening, on the empty living room sofa, Zhou Qianwen's eyes were fixed on her phone on the table. Soon another message came in. She typed a reply, waited, and replied again.

Until a phone call came in.

The man's voice on the phone was deep and weathered, sounding like he was in his forties or fifties. His tone toward Zhou Qianwen was both authoritative and gentle.

Zhou Qianwen had thought about this matter before, but now she had finally made up her mind. She pursed her lips, spoke her true thoughts into the phone close to her ear: "Uncle Chang, I'm willing to come back to the family..."

Another classic among classics is here!

196. More than friends!