Chapter 136: Holding Hands as Friends
TL: Etude
Ye Ziqing was slightly startled when she heard Jiang Qins response.
To be honest, her compliment just now was merely a casual politeness.
Strictly speaking, the phrase pretty good sounded more like an encouragement from a senior to a junior, similar to how people in society often tell their younger siblings to study hard, so they can enjoy a life like theirs, working in an air-conditioned office, owning a house in the city, and driving their own car.
Ordinary college students would at least express gratitude upon hearing this, if not feel thankful.
However, what Ye Ziqing didnt expect was that Jiang Qin showed no excitement of being praised by a senior. Instead, he kept complaining about his financial struggles.
Youre still in the development phase. Thinking about monetization too early might limit your future directions. Adjusting your development strategy for the sake of profit is not a wise choice.
Jiang Qin laughed: I dont have any development strategy. Im just messing around. I myself have no idea what this forum will turn into eventually.
Ye Ziqing was slightly taken aback: You just want to make a quick buck?
I obviously want to expand it if I can. Im not stupid. The bigger it gets, the more I can earn.
Then you shouldnt focus on monetization. Promoting it externally is the right way.
I dont have money, senior sister. I have to support four teams and two marketing groups. I cant survive on ideals alone.
Jiang Qins point was simple: If he didnt consider monetization from the start, the hundred thousand or so in his possession wouldnt last until the end of the year.
Not everyone comes from a wealthy family background. For someone like him, who dares to start a business with just a little money, every step must be taken cautiously, focusing on sustainable development.
Everyone has their own ideas. I wish you good luck then.
Thank you, senior sister. When I make it big, I hope to have the opportunity to treat you to a meal.
Ye Ziqing didnt say anything but smiled slightly and left the restroom.
She thought Jiang Qins vision was somewhat short-sighted, similar to many speculators, only wanting to make a quick buck.
People like him could definitely make a quick profit in the short term, but to grow and strengthen, he might not even qualify to enter the arena.
Jiang Qin dried his hands, threw the paper towel into the trash bin, and muttered to himself in the mirror, Why not eat minced meat?
Damn it, I need money to buy meat too.
When he returned to the private room, the five people inside were already packing up to leave. Old Cao and Ding Xue were still clinging to each other, arm in arm, shoulder to shoulder, which made Feng Nanshu stare in a daze until Jiang Qin snapped her out of it.
Have you eaten enough? Its time to leave.
Yes, I have.
Feng Nanshu followed quickly, walking behind Jiang Qin from the inside to the outside.
In 2008, Linchuan was in the middle to late stages of rapid development, giving the entire city a somewhat conspicuous patchwork appearance. In less busy areas, small shops along the streets still preferred signs with red, blue, and white as the main colors. But as you reached the pedestrian street, the various brightly colored neon lights were somewhat dazzling.
The city center was bustling with people. In the distance, the cranes under the night sky stood tall, blending the surreal with reality in a unique way.
Brother, its cold.
Hearing this coquettish voice, Ren Ziqiang and Zhou Chao both shuddered, then saw Cao Guangyu taking off his jacket and draping it over Ding Xue.
But that wasnt all.
After doing this, Cao Guangyu also turned back to glance at Jiang Qin, his eyes somewhat provocative.
He was feeling a bit overconfident now. Merely outdoing Ren Ziqiang and Zhou Chao was no longer satisfying for him; he was always eager to outdo Jiang Qin.
Moreover, Jiang Qin was wearing a black hoodie today, which he obviously couldnt take off. This was also why Old Cao targeted this point.
Heh.
Jiang Qin let out a cold laugh, reached for his car keys, opened the trunk, and to Old Caos astonishment, he took out a coat and handed it to the thinly dressed little rich lady.
Feng Nanshu glanced at Jiang Qin: Please help me put it on.
No, put it on yourself. Jiang Qin decisively refused.
Feng Nanshu pursed her lips: Brother, its cold.
Jiang Qin surrendered and reluctantly helped her put on the coat, thinking that he should avoid going out with Cao Guangyu and his partner in the future. This one meal had taught Feng Nanshu more tricks than she had learned in the past eighteen years.
And what about Old Cao? He had never been in love before, so how come he was so naturally adept at all these annoying tactics?
Ren Ziqiang watched them, feeling bitter inside, thinking to himself that he had neither a car nor a girlfriend, making his life seem particularly hard.
Then there was Zhou Chao. Although he looked envious, he was happily belching, content with the lavish meal.
This just showed the difference between people.
Old Zhou, although he also wanted a partner, wasnt as desperate as Ren Ziqiang. Even if he saw others flaunting their happiness, he could still find immense pleasure in a small meal worth a couple of thousand.
But Ren Ziqiang was different. Seeing Cao Guangyu and Ding Xue, Jiang Qin and Feng Nanshu, and then thinking about his platonic friendship with Pan Xiu, he felt so upset he couldnt even eat.
Now, as the gathering dispersed, he realized he was still single and didnt even have the simple joy of a full stomach like Zhou Chao.
People always chase after higher goals, forgetting whats in front of them. When they miss out on the present, they realize they havent achieved their higher goals, nor have they retained what was right in front of them.
Its only nine oclock now. Where shall we go?
Lets take a walk in the park across the street. Itll help digest the food, and Im too full to sleep right now. Jiang Qin pointed to the Huancheng Park across the street.
Cao Guangyu agreed, as no one in a new relationship would want to just go back to the dorm to sleep: Sounds good. Ding Xue and I would like to stroll a bit more.
Lets go, then.
Ren Ziqiang hesitated: It would be nice to go back to the dorm to sleep.
Zhou Chao patted his shoulder from behind: If Pan Xiu was here with you, would you still think the same?
Old Zhou, dont beat around the bush with me. You dont even know where your swallow has flown off to!
If shes flown away, Ill give up and find another. Not like you, clinging to Pan Xiu.
The six of them crossed the road one after the other, then plunged into the park. Walking on the pebble-studded path, they felt a comforting sensation under their feet, far better than any foot massage.
Cao Guangyu and Ding Xue were leading the way, reminiscing about the time when they first met.
Do you remember the first time you commented on my post? You just blurted out, damn, youre so cute.
Ding Xue remembered. She said that when she first saw his exaggerated post, she was itching to scold him, but then seeing him helping the old lady with a post, she thought he wasnt all bad.
Old Jiang, how did you meet Feng Nanshu?
Jiang Qin thought, go to hell. If you want to show off, just do it. Why drag us into playing a couples role?
Feng Nanshu softly spoke up: I was reading in the library, and he kicked me.
Damn, Jiang Qin, your flirting tactics are so sophisticated!
After the meal, Ding Xue had gotten quite familiar with them, casually throwing out slang.
Jiang Qin, mimicking the little rich lady, put on an expressionless face and said: I was too engrossed in reading and didnt notice, but later I bought a drink as an apology.
And then?
Then we became friends.
And after that, things naturally progressed?
Jiang Qins eyebrows shot up at this: Progress what? After that, we became lifelong friends!
Thats strange
Ding Xue whispered into Cao Guangyus ear: Arent they dating?
Cao Guangyu shook his head: I dont know whats up with Jiang Qin. When school started, he was always ranting about not dating. Now he talks about it less.
Enough, stop it. Ren Ziqiang is already overwhelmed with all this flaunting. Lets just walk in peace. Have you ever considered the feelings of us single folks? Jiang Qin interrupted their whispering.
Ren Ziqiang felt somewhat grateful: Brother Jiang still cares about me.
But though they stopped talking, Old Cao and his partner had other ways to show off.
For instance, halfway through their walk, they suddenly discovered a small pond on the east side. The tranquil water mirrored the bright moon in the sky, perfectly described by the phrase lotus pond under the moonlight.
Ding Xue was immediately intrigued and insisted on walking around the edge of the pond. It was quite dark, and fearing she might accidentally step into the water, she asked Cao Guangyu to hold her hand from below.
Damn, this works too?
Think theyre in a soap opera? Have they considered our feelings?
Zhou Chao and Ren Ziqiang were sour with envy, but their comments only invited Cao Guangyus defiant gaze.
However, the couples moonlit stroll by the pond was indeed romantic, no wonder it infuriated the two.
Even Feng Nanshu couldnt help but raise her face and quietly glance at Jiang Qin.
But Jiang Qin, busy joining Zhou and Ren in their criticism and showing disdain for Old Caos couple, paid no attention to her.
The little rich lady, after a moment of silence, cautiously stepped towards the pond, following behind Ding Xue with light steps.
The autumn night breeze was cool, slightly rippling the surface of the pond.
Focused on her toes, she carefully moved forward. Suddenly, Ding Xue ahead of her staggered a bit, startling her and causing her to lose her balance as well.
In her panic, Feng Nanshu suddenly felt her hand being grasped and then tightly held, a warm and reassuring sensation.
Turning her head, she saw Jiang Qin had come to her side, one hand holding hers and the other spread out behind her.
Dont fall in, its deep. Better get down.
I want to play a bit longer. Feng Nanshus eyes sparkled.
Jiang Qin didnt speak, but he didnt let go either, leading the little rich lady forward with her delicate hand in his.
Cao Guangyu looked back, his face dripping with sarcasm: What happened to just being friends? You sly dog!
Were not interlocking fingers. Even if Buddha asks, were just friends!
Jiang Qin chuckled, striding forward with the little rich lady, her soft, tender hand in his grasp, and her eyes filled with delight.
Ren Ziqiang watched this scene as if struck by lightning, thinking, Brother Jiang, you turned traitor too quickly!
AN: A classic case of a beauty trap! Send some monthly tickets!!
TL: Yesss
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