202: It's not your fault

But he didn't think much more about it; after all, the invitation was for the evening.

In the corner of the Sports Field, Xie Wan didn't show up. After all, she had suffered a bit of a shock, and she wouldn't recover that quickly in a short time. As for Du Xixi, since her 'relative' was visiting, Shen Qian naturally wouldn't let her come for a run.

And so, in the dark corner, Xu Ling was once again pulled into Shen Qian's embrace.

“Your hands are so cold!”

Shen Qian laughed as he grabbed the girl's hand with his other hand.

“You can use me to warm up too.”

“Pervert! You're being far too bold.”

The girl quickly pulled her hand back, her face flushing instantly. The white mist she exhaled due to the cold air drifted frantically in all directions.

Shen Qian pressed down on her hand.

“I'm a pervert—it's not like you just found out today.”

Xu Ling's kissing skills weren't great, but under Shen Qian's guidance, she slowly adapted and became more mature.

“It's so hot...”

When their lips parted, there was something more in the girl's eyes—a strange sort of daze, the kind of daze Shen Qian had seen that night.

【achievement Unlocked: Hidden Corner】

【achievement Unlocked: Fighting Winter with Passion】

【scumbag behavior recorded】

As one's strength grows, so does their courage; Shen Qian's current behavior proved exactly that.

Xu Ling herself hadn't expected this. It was morning, and they were at the edge of the Sports Field. While it was hidden enough, he was still being far too bold. Aside from fear, there was an incredibly intense thrill.

For so many years, ever since elementary school, she had been mostly socially anxious, not even daring to speak loudly in crowded places. Yet who could have thought that today... “You're too crazy. Being with you, I feel like I'm going crazy too.”

Xu Ling said this as she tucked her clothes back into her waistband.

“Is that so? Then why didn't you stop me just now?”

“I... I didn't have time! I'm ignoring you!”

Xu Ling left with a red face, while Shen Qian continued his run, only leaving after he finished. Using the Tuna Method in the morning seemed to make his power feel even more abundant.

When he fought those two guys yesterday, Shen Qian clearly felt that his physical strength had been enhanced by more than just one level. Moreover, his control over his entire body and his grasp of power had become much more precise.

When Xu Ling returned to the dormitory, Xinxin, who was washing up, glanced at her.

“Why are you back so early today? Didn't you go running?”

“No.”

Xu Ling looked at Tan Xinxin. This girl was her best friend in the entire dorm, and she was also Shen Qian's Girlfriend. Even though Tan Xinxin was the one who had brought her and Shen Qian together, looking into her eyes, Xu Ling couldn't help but feel a bit guilty for what happened in the morning on campus without her knowing.

“What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Your complexion looks a bit off.”

Tan Xinxin reached out to touch Xu Ling's forehead.

“You don't have a fever.”

Tan Xinxin was very smart. After confirming there was nothing wrong with the girl's health, she roughly guessed what had happened and gave a calm smile.

“It's okay.”

“You know?”

Because there were two other people in the dorm, Xu Ling's voice wasn't loud; it was more like a whisper.

“I don't know, but I can guess a little. He did something very bold, didn't he?”

Considering Xu Ling was a bit shy, Tan Xinxin pulled her out onto the balcony.

“He insisted, and I didn't have time to refuse.”

“Where?”

“By the Sports Field. I'm sorry.”

Tan Xinxin's heart skipped a beat, but it was only for a moment. She was naturally very good at hiding her feelings, and her expression quickly returned to a gentle look.

“What's there to be sorry about? You're my best friend in this dorm, which is why I'm willing to let you get close to Shen Qian.

I'll create more opportunities for you in the future, so don't feel too burdened.”

“Aren't you angry?”

“If I would get angry over something like this, I wouldn't have let you get close to him in the first place.

Come on, let's go eat breakfast. Even though you didn't run, you still used up some physical energy.”

Xu Ling felt a bit dazed by Tan Xinxin's generosity. How could there be such a good girl in this world? Shen Qian, that fickle scumbag, was really too ungrateful.

Since Tan Xinxin was helping her, she naturally had to return the favor.

“Xinxin, don't worry, I'll help you too.”

Tan Xinxin smiled and nodded in response. She valued Xu Ling because she was beautiful enough and simple-minded. Xu Ling naturally didn't know that while Tan Xinxin was smiling on the outside, she was already calculating how to use her.

Tan Xinxin reviewed her recent interactions with Shen Qian. Shen Qian hadn't spent Christmas Eve with her, but he had already messaged her about the upcoming New Year's Eve. She had a vague premonition that this New Year's Eve would be a watershed moment.

As Shen Qian had more and more women, his time was very limited. What Tan Xinxin needed to do was secure her status as his Girlfriend. That way, no matter how the people around him changed, she would always be by his side.

That evening, at the hotel entrance, Secretary Dong was dressed in a formal suit. Beside him were several others dressed similarly, all unconsciously looking into the distance.

They were brought here tonight to accompany the guest. Logically, if it were some big leader, every department would have been on high alert long ago, yet they hadn't heard even a whisper of news.

This Secretary Dong was a director-level figure, yet he was waiting at the entrance. Just how much power did the person coming tonight have?

Everyone was waiting patiently when suddenly, the ringtone of a middle-aged man nearby went off. Secretary Dong frowned unhappily and glanced at the man, a single look that sent a chill through the man's heart.

“That brat!”

The man cursed inwardly.

“Director Dong, I'll go inside and check how the kitchen is preparing the dishes.”

Secretary Dong waved his hand impatiently.

“In a moment, tell that man named Su to leave first. He has no situational awareness at all. Also, I called you here to be company. Whether it's business or family, I don't want any trouble from you at the dinner table.”

“Turn them off, turn them all off.”

“Are the people for tonight arranged?”

A man beside him with a large potbelly revealed a slightly sleazy smile.

“That's for certain. How would I dare be careless with your arrangements? Whether it's figure, attire, or looks, they are all top-tier.”

Inside the hotel, Father Su frowned and gritted his teeth. At such a critical moment, when even Director Dong was waiting at the door, that damn boy just had to call right now.

“Dad, when are you coming back? I have something to discuss with you.”

“Whatever it is, wait until I get home. I'm busy right now.”

“I want to marry Xiao Yan.”

Instantly, Father Su's head felt like it was exploding. In a daze, he felt that this son of his was also a lost cause.