Chapter Four
At the start of the new semester, Cheng Xiangbei was forced into becoming the class monitor.
His role as the team leader during military training left a deep impression on everyone. He arrived a little late for the evening class meeting, and his appearance immediately won over the hearts of the girls in the class. With the boys' support and the girls' admiration, his votes soared. When the results came out, Cheng Xiangbei couldn't refuse even if he wanted to. Since the masses trusted him, he had to be prepared to serve them wholeheartedly. Cheng Xiangbei sighed; he had originally planned to focus all his attention on Lu Nan.
Unlike Cheng Xiangbei, who was the focus of attention in his class, Lu Nan was like a wallflower in his own. He was good-looking, but with his black-rimmed glasses covering his face, his good looks were reduced to only three-tenths. In the autumn, the sky was cloudless, and he found the sun too bright, so he simply covered it with a baseball cap. Coupled with his quiet and unassuming personality, he was truly inconspicuous among the boys.
Lu Nan carried over her high school habits directly into university. She read comics and novels; recently, action-packed online game novels were all the rage, and after reading about a foot-thick one, Lu Nan was eager to jump into the fray herself. Her tools? Of course, Cheng Xiangbei's laptop. For Cheng Xiangbei, who practically doted on Lu Nan, his only worries were that Lu Nan wouldn't forget to eat and do her eye exercises. Everything else... well, as long as Nan Nan was happy.
So, aside from class time, Lu Nan spent her time squatting on a stool practicing her laptop. Cheng Xiangbei was perfectly embodying the role of the perfect boyfriend. Didn't want to go to the cafeteria? Okay, he'd bring her food, definitely Lu Nan's favorite kind. Seeing Lu Nan fidgeting on the stool, he asked with concern if she was feeling unwell. She replied, "My butt's been sore from sitting for so long." Without a word, Cheng Xiangbei went out, thinking he'd buy a cushion or something, but before he even reached the bottom of the stairs, Li Weide returned carrying something that looked like a plush toy.
"Dezi, what is this?" Cheng Xiangbei asked.
Li Weide handed the gift to him, feigning disdain, and said, "It was a gift from the dormitory. I have to say, girls these days are so childish, why would they give something like this!"
Cheng Xiangbei took it and saw it was a heart-shaped plush doll, probably an ornament or something, and it was rather thin. He grinned and said, "Since you think it's childish, it's mine!"
"Hey! Boss!" He said dismissively, but he was still concerned. Li Weide watched Cheng Xiangbei go upstairs and hurriedly chased after him. This was a gift from the girls in the dormitory, so meaningful! But he was a step too late. When he entered 406 to try to retrieve the meaningful gift, he was shocked to find that Lu Nan had already sat on it.
After undergoing military training, the four people in Cheng Xiangbei's dormitory developed an unbreakable revolutionary bond.
None of the boys had girlfriends, so they went to and from class together every day, and even went shopping together. As Cheng Xiangbei's childhood friend, Lu Nan was automatically assigned to room 307. Anyway, the atmosphere in their dorm was a bit strange. Lu Nan, Zhong Wei, and Yang Shaofan had gone through military training together, and the two of them already knew about Lu Nan's absent-minded personality, so the three of them got along quite well. The most troublesome one was Yu Mufeng, who skipped military training for some reason and put on a spoiled rich kid attitude when he moved into the dorm, giving the first impression of not fitting in.
Lu Nan didn't feel anything about Mu Feng's appearance. For him, every day was just about eating, sleeping, playing games, and Cheng Xiangbei. Nothing else lingered in his mind for more than a few seconds. When Yu Mu Feng gave him a small gift as a gesture of goodwill, he accepted it without hesitation. He was in a crucial moment in the game, killing monsters, so returning the gift with a three-second smile was already quite generous.
"Lu Nan, you like playing this game too?" Yu Mufeng, wearing a white shirt, leaned against Lu Nan's bed railing, watching him kill monsters.
"Mmm." He nodded, reaching for a piece of chocolate and popping it into his mouth. Yu Mufeng squinted at the chocolate on his table. This brand was only sold in a few designated places, and it was quite expensive. Yet Lu Nan casually tossed it on the table, eating it like a snack. He glanced at Lu Nan again. His clothes weren't anything special, but his laptop was a high-end brand; it was a waste to use it only for gaming.
"Cheng Xiangbei didn't come today?" He took a sip of tea and asked curiously.
"Oh, I went to do laundry." There's a washing machine at home, and Cheng Xiangbei often packs up both of their dirty clothes to take home and wash. However, if others overheard this, they would have a different interpretation. Yu Mufeng asked with a smile, "It seems like he washes all your clothes?"
Lu Nan nodded. Despite his imposing appearance, Tiger actually had a bit of a motherly nature. Anyone who came under his protection received exceptional care.
On Sunday, Lu Nan and Cheng Xiangbei went to the electronics market to buy computers.
Lu Nan doesn't like laptops; he always feels they're not as fun to use. He prefers the powerful and convenient desktop computer.
Cheng Xiangbei bought his own laptop; his father never restricted his spending. They'd already bought a house, so a computer was nothing. In fact, Cheng's father even thought his son was too frugal. Luckily, Lu Nan helped him spend his money. Lu Nan's parents also doted on their only son, giving him an allowance that was definitely above average, but Lu Nan had absolutely no concept of money.
Cheng Xiangbei walked around the electronics market with his arm around Lu Nan's shoulder. It wasn't unusual for two guys to be seen with their arms around each other in the bustling electronics market. Cheng Xiangbei knew Lu Nan's requirements better than he did; now they were just waiting for Lu Nan to confirm the appearance.
"How about this one?" It has an all-black design and decent specs. The case and screen are both ultra-thin, so it doesn't take up much space.
Lu Nan nodded, and Cheng Xiangbei went to haggle with the seller. Lu Nan leaned against the counter, watching Cheng Xiangbei check the machine for him, confirm the accessories, and the free gifts. A warm feeling filled her heart, and her eyes closed comfortably. Cheng Xiangbei turned around and saw Lu Nan resting her chin on her hand, lazily smiling at him. His mood instantly lifted, and he asked the seller for another free gift. How could he not make a good impression on the person he loved?
After carrying the boxes back to Nan's dormitory, Cheng Xiangbei gulped down a glass of water. Yu Mufeng, seeing this, laughed and asked, "Where have you been? You look so tired!"
Cheng Xiangbei smiled at him, squatted down to unpack the box, and started assembling the computer for Lu Nan. Lu Nan washed two apples, eating one herself and feeding the other to Cheng Xiangbei. "Tiger, you can take the laptop with you later!" Lu Nan said casually, sitting on the stool and swinging her legs.
"Mmm." He nodded and opened his mouth. "Ah..." The apple was just in time to be brought to his lips, and Cheng Xiangbei took a big bite. The sweet juice slid down his esophagus, and Cheng Xiangbei grinned. Lu Nan rolled her eyes. This idiot! She washed the apple for him, but he wouldn't eat it. He insisted on eating the one she had already eaten. It wouldn't look good if someone saw. Stealing a glance, she saw that everyone in the dormitory was busy with their own things, and she secretly felt relieved.
The computer was installed, and Lu Nan was overjoyed.
Cheng Xiangbei sat next to him, feeling a little jealous. While the online game was fun, surely he couldn't become so addicted to it that he'd neglect his boyfriend?
"Nannan..." The voice was so mournful.
"Hmm." She was diligently killing monsters, but she also had to consider her boyfriend's feelings. "Are the clothes done?"
"Yes, they've all been collected." He quickly pointed to the stack of seasonal clothes on Lu Nan's bedside table.
"Oh, I see..." He kicked off his shoes. "Go wash your shoes."
"Oh." Tiger nodded obediently, picked up his shoes, and went into the bathroom. The others in the dormitory were dumbfounded. Zhong Wei exclaimed, "Lu Nan, is Cheng Xiangbei your family's housekeeper?" He does whatever you tell him to do—this is too obedient!
Lu Nan shrugged, continuing to immerse himself in the virtual world. He'd been thoroughly sedated by this guy yesterday, and his legs were still weak. He'd said before that as long as Cheng Xiangbei was satisfied, he could mold him however he pleased. However, private matters between lovers shouldn't be discussed with outsiders, and their relationship couldn't be made public anyway.
After Cheng Xiangbei finished tidying up Lu Nan's belongings, Lu Nan finally turned off her computer and went to eat with Cheng Xiangbei. There weren't many people eating in the cafeteria on Sunday night. After choosing a seat, Cheng Xiangbei went to get the food. Lu Nan could only have porridge and soup today, so she had a bowl of lean meat porridge and a can of stewed chicken soup.
The two were eating when Li Weide and Luo Ming arrived. "Boss, you didn't even say hello before eating."
Cheng Xiangbei raised an eyebrow, feeling annoyed that their precious time together had been interrupted.
"Hey, boss, are you being a monk today? Eating so bland!" It's all watery and bland. Doesn't your boss usually have a big appetite? Cheng Xiangbei ignored him. Lu Nan wasn't feeling well and couldn't eat a big meal; how could he possibly indulge in such a feast in front of his lover? "Nan Nan, is this chicken soup good? Should I go buy another can?"
Lu Nan nodded. The broth was light and refreshing, just right.
Cheng Xiangbei got up and left. Li Weide, ever the gossip, asked Lu Nan, "Lu Nan, is the eldest brother your family's servant?" He'd seen servants before, but never one so careful and attentive. Those who knew them would think Cheng Xiangbei was Lu Nan's father.
“No.” Lu Nan shook her head.
"You really didn't pay?" This is top-notch male servant.
"No." It's really hard to say who's supporting whom.
Li Weide sighed, rubbing his forehead. Why wasn't he so lucky? Luo Ming chuckled, unable to imagine how terrified he would be if someone took care of him like Cheng Xiangbei did. To outsiders, it might seem like the boss was more attentive, but given the way he took care of him in every little detail, not many people could handle that, right?
The group chatted and laughed, dawdling until evening self-study time.
Many of the freshmen continued their high school habits, feeling awkward if they didn't attend evening self-study sessions. A few of them walked down to the dormitory building. Cheng Xiangbei and Li Weide hurried upstairs to get their bags, while Lu Nan and Luo Ming chatted idly and kicked small pebbles on the ground.
Just then, Yu Mufeng came downstairs, dressed formally in a shirt and trousers, and his entourage rushed over from a distance. "Young Master, the car is waiting outside."
Yu Mufeng nodded, glanced at Lu Nan, and said, "Lu Nan, want to go play together?"
Lu Nan shook her head. Yu Mufeng chuckled and slowly walked away.
"Who is this?" Luo Ming looked at Yu Mufeng's back and had to admit that the man's gait was extremely graceful, but his face was indeed quite pale.
“My roommate, Yu Mufeng,” Lu Nan said absentmindedly.
"He looks like someone important."
Lu Nan shrugged; to him, Yu Mufeng was irrelevant. Cheng Xiangbei came out carrying two schoolbags, and Li Weide… also carried two. Unlike Cheng Xiangbei, Li Weide threw his schoolbag at Luo Ming as soon as he stepped out of the building, scoffing, “Comrade Xiaoming, next time you can help me carry these!”
Luo Ming smacked him with his backpack and retorted, "You're so smug just because you ran errands for me? Can't you have a little bit of the spirit of serving the people?"
Lu Nan and Cheng Xiangbei looked at each other and smiled, then secretly hooked their hands behind their backs.
As the days went by, the two gradually adapted to university life.
Of course, there was one thing Cheng Xiangbei just couldn't get used to: not being able to hold Lu Nan while sleeping every night. How could their short weekend get-togethers possibly alleviate the longing to be with his lover all the time? But he had promised his older brother he would live at school for a year, so he could only grit his teeth and bear it.
With the National Day holiday fast approaching, Cheng Xiangbei felt a surge of joy at the thought of spending a whole week alone with Lu Nan. For instance, Lu Nan wanted to eat fried stinky tofu across from the school gate, and he had to wait in a long line to buy it. The thought of Lu Nan eating her favorite food made him happy. And when she was happy, he would let her do whatever she wanted, and Cheng Xiangbei's eyes crinkled with a smile.
"Tiger!" Just as Cheng was rushing north towards the building entrance, a clear voice called out to him.
Cheng Xiangbei paused, wondering why someone would call him by his childhood nickname in this place. He slowly turned around and saw a long-unseen figure standing opposite him. Tall and straight, with a beaming smile, it was none other than Han Minglang.
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