Lin Qinghe returned to the dormitory in the rain, took a shower, and lay on the bed. Her anger had subsided, and she faintly began to regret her actions.
She had been too impulsive, actually slapping You Rong.
You Rong already detested her enough, and now it was even worse. He probably wanted to kill her.
Lin Qinghe regretted it and forcefully tapped her own head. "Remember, this is in the system's world. Remember, the mission comes first! Mission first. From now on, no more impulsiveness..."
However, there was one thing she couldn't understand at all: why had You Rong's attitude changed so drastically for no apparent reason?
In the beginning, You Rong had caused her trouble, but he hadn't resorted to verbal abuse.
What exactly was going on?
Lin Qinghe tossed and turned, trying to figure it out, but couldn't. She decided to stop thinking about it.
You Rong's birthday was tomorrow, and she definitely wouldn't see him. If she wanted to do anything else, she would have to wait until after his birthday, when he returned to school.
Lin Qinghe had even resolved that if all else failed, she would try a forceful approach, kiss You Rong, and see if the progress bar increased.
***
The next day, at the You family villa, You Rong's birthday banquet.
As the sole heir of the You Corporation, You Rong was doted on by Grandpa You. His birthday banquet should have been unprecedentedly grand, with celebrities from various industries and distinguished guests attending.
However, You Rong didn't want such a high profile event. Grandpa You granted his wish and invited a select group of close friends to hold the birthday banquet at the You family villa.
As soon as Xiao Ziyi arrived, he spotted You Rong in the crowd. He narrowed his phoenix eyes and strode over, clapping You Rong on the shoulder. "Good brother, happy birthday! Another year older. May you successfully find a partner soon. How's that?"
You Rong frowned slightly and pushed Xiao Ziyi away. "...You're here. Didn't Grandpa Xiao come?"
"My grandfather just landed yesterday and said he'd be here later. I couldn't wait, so I came alone first." Xiao Ziyi belatedly noticed something was wrong with You Rong and leaned in to pinch his cheek. "What's wrong with you? Your complexion is so poor. And those dark circles... Were you out stealing last night? Or are you so excited about your birthday that you couldn't sleep?"
You Rong perfunctorily replied, "...It's nothing. Too much to do for the birthday banquet, didn't sleep well."
"Is that really it?" Xiao Ziyi was skeptical and looked around. "That's strange, why don't I see Lin Qinghe? Isn't she coming?"
Lin Qinghe was working part-time at a KTV. She should be buying You Rong a birthday gift. Since she had already bought the gift, and given her confident declaration a few days ago that she would attend the birthday banquet, she shouldn't be absent.
Hearing Lin Qinghe's name, You Rong's heart ached.
Just as he was about to change the subject, Grandpa You approached with a few people, smiling and calling out, "You Rong, come here. Grandpa wants to introduce you to an elder."
You Rong told Xiao Ziyi, "I'll go over first," and walked to Grandpa You's side.
Grandpa You smiled and introduced the person of similar age beside him, "You Rong, this is my old friend. You can call him Grandpa Wen."
You Rong nodded and politely greeted, "Hello, Grandpa Wen."
Old Master Wen scrutinized You Rong, nodding with satisfaction. "Good, good, good... What a fine young man. So handsome, just like you were when you were young, my friend!"
"Hahaha... Isn't that the truth? Our You Rong not only looks like me, but his brilliant mind is also from me. He's studying at A University, always ranking first in his class. He's won countless math competitions." Grandpa You patted You Rong's arm, beaming with pride.
"Oh! You Rong is also studying at A University? What a coincidence. My granddaughter is studying abroad, but she's returning to A University as an exchange student for a year. It turns out she's in the same major as You Rong. Since You Rong's grades are so good, perhaps you can help teach our Qianyun. This little girl... she's always been playful since she was young and dislikes studying. I've been worried sick about it."
Old Master Wen lowered his head and said to Wen Qianyun beside him, "Hurry up and greet him. You Rong is older than you, so you can call him brother."
Wen Qianyun, with her sweet looks, shyly glanced at the strikingly handsome You Rong, her face immediately flushing. She whispered, "Hello, Brother You Rong..."
You Rong subtly furrowed his brow and nodded. "Hello."
Old Master Wen and Grandpa You exchanged glances and smiled knowingly.
Grandpa You cleared his throat. "Ahem... Well, You Rong... Your Grandpa Wen and I have something to discuss. You entertain Qianyun for me, understand?"
You Rong felt a pang of displeasure but still nodded. "Yes."
"Then we'll go to the study. You take Qianyun for a walk."
Old Master Wen and Grandpa You left. Wen Qianyun, with shy glances, repeatedly stole glances at You Rong and offered a gift box. "Brother You Rong, happy birthday. I specially chose this gift. I hope you like it."
You Rong lowered his eyes, concealing the thoughts within them.
Seeing You Rong's prolonged silence, Wen Qianyun blinked in confusion. "Brother You Rong? What's wrong? Did I... say something wrong?"
You Rong suddenly snapped back to attention, gathering his thoughts. He said calmly, "It's nothing. I was just lost in thought. Thank you very much for the gift... I'll take you to sit over there."
"Okay, thank you."
Xiao Ziyi watched You Rong and Wen Qianyun's retreating figures and raised his eyebrows with amusement.
Only a fool like You Rong wouldn't realize that Grandpa You intended to set him up with Wen Qianyun.
Xiao Ziyi saw it, but he had no intention of reminding You Rong. Instead, he looked forward to what Lin Qinghe would think when she appeared and saw the seemingly perfect couple.
However, Xiao Ziyi's anticipation was dashed. He didn't see Lin Qinghe appear until the end of You Rong's birthday banquet.
He found it strange, but due to the large number of guests at the banquet and You Rong's busyness entertaining them, he couldn't find a suitable opportunity to ask You Rong.
After the birthday banquet.
Grandpa You said, "You Rong... It's like this, your Grandpa Wen had to leave early. I quite like Miss Qianyun, so I've asked her to stay with us for a few days. Coincidentally, she needs to go to A University tomorrow to handle her exchange student procedures. The driver can take you both to A University in the morning."
You Rong's brows furrowed slightly. He replied, "I understand."
"Well... since you're at the same school and Qianyun is staying with us these days, remember to take good care of her."
Wen Qianyun, who was listening nearby, said shyly, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Brother You Rong."
You Rong nodded, acknowledging her words, and said nothing more. After a while, he claimed to be tired and turned to go upstairs to rest.
After the maid escorted Wen Qianyun to the guest room, Uncle Wang said worriedly, "Old Master, you want the young master to get engaged to Miss Wen, but... I'm afraid the young master won't agree."
"What do you know! You Rong and this Wen family girl are so well-matched. They'll get along better after spending a few more days together. In short, your old friend from the Wen family and I are quite satisfied. We'll arrange their engagement directly afterward. Besides, the news of our two families forming an alliance has already been leaked today."
Uncle Wang couldn't say anything more in the face of Grandpa You's words. He secretly prayed that their young master would fall in love with Miss Wen and stop thinking about that vain Lin Qinghe.