146: Shen Qian's influence

Back in the dorm, Tao Yan was absent-minded, lost in thought and anxiety.

When Shen Qian said he wanted to pursue her, he wasn't wrong—she hadn't been angry at all. On the contrary, she'd actually felt a flutter of excitement.

Though she couldn't tell if it was due to fear of Shen Qian or genuine attraction.

Yet that feeling left her with a slight sense of guilt.

Su Hang was good, very considerate. She hoped Su Hang would buy that piano, even if he returned it afterward.

At least that would prove he loved her, and perhaps Shen Qian's influence over her would weaken a bit.

It was strange, really strange. She'd only met this guy a few times, and each encounter ended unhappily, yet he left a distinctly different impression on her.

"Probably because everyone I've met before was too flattering, so he seems different. Hmph, in the end, he's still a scumbag—no different at all!"

As she thought this, that carefree smile of his kept surfacing in her mind.

"Hey? Where are you all from your dorm going?"

"Out for a gathering."

"A mixer? Is Zixin going too?"

"Of course, she's the main attraction."

Outside the dorm, the sound of her roommate chatting with someone drifted in.

A moment later, the dorm door was suddenly pulled open. The girl glanced back, then closed it again.

"Looks like that dorm is going after Shen Qian. They're clever, targeting his roommate."

"They can have a mixer; we can too! And Xiao Yan is so pretty."

As soon as these words were spoken, the gazes of everyone in the dorm fell on Tao Yan.

They didn't say anything, just looked at Tao Yan with almost pleading eyes. After all, no matter how willing they were, if Tao Yan didn't agree, it was just wishful thinking. Opportunities were limited, and if someone else got there first, they'd be gone.

"I have a Boyfriend."

"Oh, Xiao Yan, don't be so rigid. It's just a mixer. Besides, if it weren't for Ni Zixin, you would have performed with Shen Qian at the Freshman Welcome Gala."

"I... I'll think about it."

"Hehe, thinking about it is good, thinking about it is just right."

They crowded around, showing an unprecedented level of enthusiasm.

To be honest, if it were Tao Yan from her first year, she would have been utterly disgusted by their hypocrisy and pragmatism.

But now was different. She was in her third year, with an internship next year and facing employment and entering society.

She'd known a few seniors before; after graduation, few continued playing the piano. Some became receptionists at companies, others took office jobs, and some went straight home to marry and have children.

Dreams of music, talent—in the face of a massive population and harsh reality, they were all illusions.

She could see this, and her roommates naturally could too. Striving for a future was never something to be ashamed of.

In truth, they probably knew that even if they desperately tried to please Shen Qian, they might still not get to play the piano. After all, with so many people, there were only a few chances to get on stage, and no one would make a losing deal.

But at least it could solve employment issues.

For their major, besides going to various music tutoring institutions, the other option was to get a teaching certification.

But where was this? This was Shanghai. Countless students from schools fought desperately to stay here. Even with a teaching certification, getting into a school here was extremely difficult.

It felt like climbing a mountain with no visible peak. Every time you climbed a section, you'd find an even longer path ahead.

While some people didn't need to climb at all—they were either already at the summit or took a cable car, reaching the top with ease.

Shen Qian could at least bring some convenience.

"Junior, you're the first person to stand me up without apologizing and still dare to contact me."

On the other end of the phone, Guo Shuangcai's voice was lazy, as if she hadn't woken up yet.

"Is it too late for me to apologize now?"

He'd originally arranged to have lunch with Guo Shuangcai a couple of days ago, but with progress on Tao Yan's side, Shen Qian naturally focused more energy there.

He understood that Guo Shuangcai must have prepared thoroughly for this date. Since he wanted to play with emotions, standing her up was undoubtedly the best method, so he simply didn't show up.

"Sure. Last time I invited you to eat, you didn't come. This time, you treat me."

"Okay, you pick the place, price is no object."

"So bold? Aren't you afraid I'll rip you off, Junior?"

"If I don't even have the courage to withstand you ripping me off once, then my apology would be too insincere."

"Don't worry, I accept your apology. No need for a fancy restaurant; the one near the school is fine."

"Deal."

After hanging up, his three roommates were looking at him with anticipation.

"What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Third Bro, is that a new friend?"

"Hmm... not successfully befriended yet."

"And this friend, are her roommates pretty?"

Shen Qian crossed his arms, smiling at the person.

"What's this? The mixer this afternoon hasn't even started, and you're already thinking about the next one?"

"There's one thing I have to tell you: have fun, but don't joke around with promises."

"You should know what these women are after. Don't make rash promises or mess around, or you'll have a mess you can't clean up."

"Don't worry about that. We'll just flirt at most. But seniors are really hard to resist!"

"If you want to date, go ahead, but make things clear upfront. Ask if they genuinely want to date you or if they have something to ask of me."

"And make it clear that I don't handle everything. We've only known each other for less than a few months; we're not that close yet."

"No problem!"

Seeing their assurances, Shen Qian felt slightly relieved. But even with promises, it probably wouldn't help much. As said, if a senior wanted to pursue a junior, with all her tactics, these three might not hold up.

But Shen Qian wasn't too worried. He'd spent a month during summer break building their resolve; letting them experience women's demands for value might not be a bad thing.

Just as he was speaking, his phone rang—it was Xia Mengling.

"Talk properly, why are you crying?"

"I'm not crying, I'm just too excited! Shen Qian, are you doing this so you don't owe me?"

"I bought you 2 million worth of stuff, and you give me a car worth around 2 million!"

When she first received the red Maserati, Xia Mengling was delighted. But when her roommate checked the price, she felt a bit wronged.

She didn't lack 2 million, but she hated Shen Qian using this balancing act to respond to her feelings.

"Done crying? If you are, I'll take the car back."

"Too bad. I was thinking, I have a blue car, you have a red one—red and blue make a classic pair. Seems I was being presumptuous."

"Might as well give the car to someone else."

"You dare! This is mine. Even if I have to smash it, I won't give it to anyone."

"Well, well. I give you a gift, and you want to smash it? Heartless."

"I love you, mua~"

The girl laughed through her tears, so flustered she could only express her love this way. Shen Qian smiled in response.

"The car is yours, but no speeding."

"Got it!"

After hanging up, Shen Qian's lips curved slightly. This silly girl was getting more and more interesting.