Volume 1 Chapter 97: The Coward's Retreat
Ning Chu hadn’t even left yet, and Wen Yang was already flirting with someone else! What would happen if she really left?
She stared intently at Wen Yang but soon lowered her gaze in dismay. “Never mind, do whatever you want,” she murmured.
Wen Yang’s words felt like they were intentionally designed to make her worry and stop her from leaving.
But even if they were genuine, whatever happened next in the story would have nothing to do with her once she left.
It’s not like Wen Yang could magically appear in her rented apartment in another city while she was in the middle of taking a bath, right?
“I won’t drink tonight either; I have something to do.”
Ning Chu froze for a moment and turned toward Zhang Shaoqing.
This guy loved having a couple of beers with his barbecue. Yet tonight, he wasn’t drinking?
Seeing her questioning gaze, Zhang Shaoqing muttered gloomily, “I need to settle things with Ling Ling.”
“!!!”
Ning Chu frowned, immediately thinking of the blond villain, and couldn’t help but scold him. “Are you crazy?! That was ages ago! Just find someone else!”
“I’ve liked her for more than ten years. It’s not that simple,” Zhang replied, sighing.
“You—” Ning Chu felt her chest tighten with frustration. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she rolled her eyes. “You’re just trying to rile me up.”
She grabbed a chicken skewer and had barely taken a bite when Wang Jie chimed in.
“If you’re not drinking, then I will.” Wang Jie opened the case of beer and grabbed a bottle.
“And what’s your deal?” Ning Chu asked.
“I… I… I lost again in the game’s pity system. I’m not in a good mood.”
“…”
Seriously? It was as if every single one of them had come prepared to play this guilt trip, trying to convince her to stay in the dorm.
After previously meddling in their affairs and giving them a “caring big sister” image, these idiots really believed she was that type of person.
She should never have said so much earlier, making it obvious she didn’t plan to return after leaving. Now, they were all working together to guilt her into staying.
Ignoring them, Ning Chu focused on eating her barbecue, while the three guys exchanged looks.
Zhang Shaoqing couldn’t hold back any longer. “What the hell is your problem? You look like you’re leaving for good! Are you dropping out of college or what?”
Wen Yang tried to stop him, but Zhang continued ranting. “If something’s wrong at home, just tell us! Why are you keeping it to yourself and sulking?”
“…”
“Is someone in your family sick? Do you need money? I’ve got money!” Zhang Shaoqing slapped the table. “Just tell us how much!”
Wen Yang smiled wryly. “It’s probably not about money.”
He suspected it was because Ning Chu had revealed she was a girl, making it impossible for her to continue living in the dorm.
But he couldn’t say that to the others.
“Then there’s nothing I can do. Let’s just eat.” Zhang quickly sat back down.
“Do you really have to leave?” Wang Jie muttered. “It’ll be weird with one person missing.”
Ning Chu let out a sigh. “Forget it, stop trying to convince me.”
After taking a few more bites, she stood up, grabbed her suitcase, and with a carefree gesture, announced, “I’m leaving!”
“I’ll walk you out!” Wen Yang offered.
“No need!”
Trying to mask her sadness with a cheerful tone, Ning Chu walked out the door.
As she closed the door behind her, she glanced back at the room number with a hint of reluctance.
Two months…
She sighed, dragging her suitcase downstairs.
In just two months, this soul from another world had blended into the dorm, and the 160cm tall boy had now become a girl.
It was time to leave.
At nearly 11 p.m., the dormitory hallway was mostly empty. As she passed through the lobby, she spotted the dorm manager chatting with his girlfriend.
“Heading out so late? The dorm will close soon.”
“I’m heading home, got permission to leave!”
“Where’s your leave slip?”
“…I’ll bring it tomorrow when I get back. My counselor approved it.”
After a brief pause, Ning Chu stepped out into the night.
The sky was a dark expanse, void of stars or the moon, like a heavy curtain shrouding the world.
She could hear occasional laughter behind her, while in front, the dim streetlights cast shadows, leading into an abyss of darkness.
Stopping in her tracks, Ning Chu felt uneasy.
She placed a hand on her stomach, her eyes scanning the area warily.
“Is it starting already?” she muttered to herself, her anxiety growing as she walked quickly toward the main gate.
After a few steps, she abruptly turned around, feeling as though someone was watching her. Her nerves were on edge, making her increasingly paranoid.
Every shadow, every sound, felt like a potential threat.
Suddenly, a student walked toward her, engrossed in their phone.
Her body froze as she backed away nervously until the student disappeared around the corner.
This is terrifying! She thought.
What if a monster jumps out from the bushes? Or if the student attacks her? Or worse, the hotel she’s staying at could be dangerous!
“Out so late…”
“Yeah, at this hour, maybe you shouldn’t leave?”
“!!!”
Ning Chu jumped in fright, only to see Wen Yang lazily emerge from the corner.
“You didn’t want me to walk you out, so I had to follow behind you.”
“It’s dangerous to go out alone at night. You’re scared of the dark, after all.”
Seeing Wen Yang, Ning Chu’s anxiety melted away.
Her tense body relaxed, and the cold night air no longer felt chilling.
Standing there in the dark, she felt warmth and safety again.
She looked at Wen Yang, her heart softening, but she kept her head down.
Yet, unable to resist, she took quick little steps toward him. “I still have to leave…” she mumbled.
As she stood by his side, she inhaled deeply, her body growing weak as the familiar comfort returned.
Her eyes fluttered shut in relief, basking in the sense of security.
“Why do you have to go? You were living just fine before.”
“You know I’m a girl… What if you suddenly—”
Wen Yang chuckled. “Am I that kind of person?”
Yes! You are!
“Men will do anything when the moment strikes.”
“Even rabbits don’t eat the grass at their own burrow,” he smiled. “I promise I won’t tell the others or do anything inappropriate. Come back to the dorm.”
“I… I’m going to have to leave eventually. Am I supposed to stay in the guys’ dorm for four years?”
Wen Yang gave in. “How about this? Stay for one more night. It’s dangerous to be out alone so late, and I’m worried about you.”
“…”
Without waiting for her to agree, Wen Yang picked up her suitcase and called out, “Let’s go back. It’s just one more night.”
“Oh…”
Ning Chu bit her lip and bowed her head, scurrying along to keep up with him.