In the end, the two of them still couldn’t resist the temptation of the discount.
They selected a photo, stuck a mosaic sticker on it, and exchanged it for the clothes on Lin Yi.
Lin Yi had originally gritted her teeth, planning to pay from her own food budget, but when it came time to settle the bill, Yan Jianxing stepped forward and scanned her phone to pay.
“Consider it an apology gift for dragging you to that P.E. class last time.”
“But, I really didn’t mind…”
“Shh.”
Yan Jianxing placed a finger on Lin Yi’s lips.
“I have too much money, help me spend some.”
That statement wasn’t false.
Just the racket Yan Jianxing used, nicknamed the Sakura Bow, made Lin Yi’s heart race looking at its price, not to mention all the sports gear she wore.
Why is everyone around me a rich girl?
Isn’t there a single proletarian who can be friends with me?
Leaving the mall, the two walked over a pedestrian bridge and soon arrived at Shamian Island.
As soon as they entered, they saw a huge McDonald’s.
Lin Yi touched the cap on her head.
“Isn’t Crazy Thursday supposed to be somewhere else?”
“It doesn’t have to be Thursday,” Yan Jianxing said, grabbing Lin Yi’s hand.
“What do you want to eat? A McFlurry or an ice cream cone?”
“A Mixue would be fine… It’s not like Suzhou Tower is going to attack us.”
Yan Jianxing glanced at her phone.
“But there isn’t one here. Let’s just get cones!”
Lin Yi reluctantly complied.
“Okay.”
Soon, each holding a caramel ice cream cone, they strolled along, taking in the scenery.
“Weren’t we here to run?” Lin Yi asked sincerely.
Yan Jianxing looked exasperated.
“What kind of role do you think I am in your heart…”
“Sorry.”
The daylight was just right.
Approaching October, Suzhou’s weather was being considerate.
Having passed the heat and humidity of July and August, they were greeted by the brief tail end of summer.
Whether it was the brick road under the dappled tree shade or the mixed white noise of various pedestrians’ footsteps and birdsong, nothing could drown out the laughter and conversation between the two.
Amidst this scenery filled with European-style architecture, the beauty of the two girls had completely integrated, becoming an unforgettable sight in the eyes of passersby.
They walked along the outer circle first, then turned towards Our Lady of Lourdes Church, a Gothic-style building constructed in 1890.
Its mint-green exterior wall looked particularly fresh under the sunlight.
Since neither had any particular faith, they didn’t plan to go inside and disturb anyone.
They just stood outside for a while, looking.
Yan Jianxing took out her phone and handed it to Lin Yi.
“Right here, under this archway and this European-style street lamp. I’ll pose, you take the picture for me!”
“Okay.”
Lin Yi took the phone and aimed it.
[Detected task opportunity: In your thirties, your computer is filled with special CG screenshots of certain games, but in reality, the only photo you have with a woman is your own birth photo. This can’t go on. You must seize the opportunity before you!]
[Task: Invite the woman before you to take a photo together]
—Are you looking down on me, you silly System?
If this were a thirty-something otaku, completing this task would indeed be as difficult as climbing to the sky. But now, she was a high school beauty with Charm Rank A.
“Wait, can I take one with you?” Lin Yi asked, looking up at Yan Jianxing after pressing the shutter.
Yan Jianxing was stunned for a moment, then nodded vigorously.
“Of course you can! Actually, I was just thinking the same thing.”
Then, Yan Jianxing grabbed Lin Yi, and the two stood under the big tree in front of the church, switching the camera to selfie mode.
“Three, two, one, cheese!”
“Hehe.“
“Wow, you’re smiling so happily! No, I have to add a cat ear and cat whisker filter.” Yan Jianxing’s fingers slid across the phone screen.
[Detected task over-fulfillment. Perhaps by heaven’s blessing, a super nice beauty is willing to take a photo with you. This experience is probably something you’ll never forget in your lifetime, right?]
[Basic Reward: Unlocked skill Photography Lv.1; Additional Reward: Brainstorm Card*1 (Can temporarily increase Intelligence level for 30 minutes)]
A lifetime?
Could you not say something so heavy, you silly System?
Yan Jianxing and I are just roommates.
If taking a photo counts for a lifetime, then wouldn’t holding hands mean getting a marriage certificate?
“Look, look, Lin Yi! You look so cute with cat ears!”
“…”
Seeing herself in the photo, Lin Yi instantly felt she had completely integrated into this beautiful girl’s body.
Yes, I am just this cute â•(╯^â•°)â•®
The two continued walking forward along the main street, stopping in front of a Starbucks Reserve store to each pick a drink.
Lin Yi chose a medium cappuccino.
Yan Jianxing chose a berry-flavored latte.
This time, Lin Yi absolutely refused to let Yan Jianxing pay again and took out her own wallet.
What a joke!
If this goes on, what’s the difference between me and being kept by a beautiful girl?!
On the second-floor terrace of a Tiffany-blue small western-style building, the two chose an excellent spot to sit.
Yan Jianxing took a bite of her straw, silently staring at Lin Yi’s profile.
Her three-dimensional facial features were like a girl who had stepped out of a painting.
Her fair, tender skin seemed like she had just bathed in milk, making one want to reach out and pinch it.
The skin she herself had to work hard to maintain was effortlessly displayed on Lin Yi, who did absolutely no maintenance at all.
Her roommate was truly full of mysteries.
Lin Yi turned her head and saw Yan Jianxing staring at her intently.
“What’s wrong? Do I have coffee on my face?”
“Nothing, I just think your profile is really beautiful.”
“Is that so…”
Yan Jianxing propped her chin on her hands.
“Lin Yi, you seem to have changed.”
Lin Yi shuddered.
She was most afraid of others realizing she was a reincarnated otaku.
She hunched her shoulders as she spoke.
“Wh-where have I changed? I’ve always been like this.”
“No, you were so different right after school started. Very mysterious.” Yan Jianxing pouted.
“It was hard to even see you. Your words never matched the topic, and you were super aloof.”
Huh?
Well, I’m really sorry about that.
She apologized in her heart on behalf of the original Lin Yi.
“And… now?”
“Now? Now you’re the best Lin Yi, the best roommate, of course.” Yan Jianxing smiled.
“You accompany me to class, play ball with me, eat with me, run with me, go shopping with me… It seems like you’ve accompanied me in all my willful requests. And you’re so good-looking on top of that…”
Wasn’t that last sentence the main point?
Lin Yi touched the rim of her cup. “I… don’t think being good-looking is a good thing.”
“Why not?”
“Because it overshadows everything else.” Lin Yi seemed to be looking into the distance.
“At first glance, everyone goes, ‘Wow, you’re so pretty!’ and then they subconsciously overlook your flaws, and even your other good qualities.”
Yan Jianxing didn’t speak.
“I… I have flaws too!” Lin Yi hurriedly continued her own train of thought. “For example, I like to sleep in…”
“But you’ve been able to get up early every day recently to run with me?”
“For example, my grades aren’t very good…”
“But your Monthly Exam scores just improved?”
“For example, I have a gloomy personality and don’t like talking to others…”
“But you’re chatting quite well with me now…” Yan Jianxing paused, then whispered to herself, “Not liking to talk to others, but only talking to me… isn’t that just fine…”
“Huh? What did you just say?”
“Nothing, nothing!” Yan Jianxing waved her hands.
“Anyway, I think you, Lin Yi, shouldn’t be too insecure. You’re a very, very good girl. Given enough time, everyone will see your shining points.”
Lin Yi felt warm all over, her face a little red.
It’s all Suzhou’s fault!
It’s almost October and it’s still so hot.
Pah, lousy weather!
Their coffee cups were nearly empty.
Yan Jianxing opened her phone to check the time and smiled.
“Lunchtime. Let’s go. I’ve had my eye on that Rose Garden Western Restaurant for a long time. The set meal for two has abalone and steak!”
“Did you make a reservation in advance?”
“Of course.” Yan Jianxing snapped her fingers. “Go, go, go!”
As Lin Yi stood up, she felt her pants pocket vibrate several times.
She had an ominous premonition.
Taking out her Cracked Phone, she opened the chat interface.
The contact labeled Jian Shuye had sent a message.
Jian Shuye: Report for work in fifteen minutes.