Dad, Please Try a Little Harder

Chapter 21 I Want a Green Tea, Iced!

Because Qian Quan’s performance seemed too natural, Qin Shenglong lost his grip twice in a row without realizing the problem.

He simply circled around and blocked Qian Quan’s path once again, intending to engage in further conversation with him.

Getting physical was definitely out of the question. Not only did the school have rules against it, but he also wouldn’t be able to explain it to Wang Tongyu.

A senior in his third year, vice president of the Karate Club, beating up a helpless freshman just out of jealousy- if news of this incident spread, it would definitely have left him incredibly embarrassed.

A softer approach was needed if a strong-arm approach wouldn’t work. Qin Shenglong realized that since intimidation wouldn’t work, he should change his strategy to enticement.

Perhaps extending an invitation for him to join the Karate Club, maybe gaming together, or even offering him a membership card to the cyber café…

However, before he could say anything, Bai Yuanzhi approached and called out to Qian Quan.

“Qian Quan, why did you just arrive?”

Qian Quan followed the voice and saw a young woman walking over, elegant and sweet, looking somewhat familiar.

“Oh, Mr. Qin had something to discuss with me, but we’ve finished talking,” Qian Quan replied quickly, walking toward Bai Yuanzhi.

Feeling a bit awkward, Qin Shenglong didn’t pursue the matter further, watching Qian Quan and Bai Yuanzhi leave with a displeased expression.

“Thanks for getting me out of that situation,” Qian Quan didn’t want to start the school year by injuring a senior.

“Really? I kind of feel like I got Qin Shenglong out of that situation. After all, you were up for taking on all three of them,” Bai Yuanzhi said with a smile, looking at Qian Quan.

“Haha, that was just me joking around. I know he wouldn’t actually fight me,” Qian Quan explained.

“That’s true. Although Qin Shenglong has a hot temper, he knows where to draw the line,” Bai Yuanzhi said casually. “And when you left just now, he tried to grab your shoulder from behind but missed both times. Clearly, he wasn’t really planning to get physical.”

“Is that so? I didn’t notice.”

Bai Yuanzhi chuckled softly, not exposing the truth. She changed the subject and asked, “What are you guys up to?”

“We’re heading to the basketball club for registration.”

“The basketball club is at the end of this row,” Bai Yuanzhi pointed out the route, then changed the topic smoothly. “But since both of you are here, why not consider joining the martial arts club as well?”

Beside them, Guo Hongyi was intrigued. “The martial arts club sounds interesting. Could I ask what the requirements for joining are?”

“First and foremost, an interest in martial arts, and then some basic martial arts skills, both theoretical and practical. The interview will focus on these aspects.”

“Do we have to pay?” Guo Hongyi asked straightforwardly.

“Of course not. We have a budget for activities,” Bai Yuanzhi laughed.

“In that case, let’s give it a shot,” Guo Hongyi urged Qian Quan, “It’s free after all.”

Qian Quan had also considered the idea. Just like joining the Chinese chess club, he wanted to use this opportunity to connect with some real masters.

Now, with this serendipitous chance and the fact that this senior just might have noticed something, he decided to take the opportunity and sign up.

“Let’s do it,” Qian Quan agreed.

The two of them went to fill in their information.

“Oh, by the way, there’s something else. I was shooting some video footage earlier, and I captured you guys. Would it be okay for me to edit and upload it online?” Bai Yuanzhi asked Qian Quan and Guo Hongyi.

“Is it for promoting the club?”

“Kind of, but it’s on my personal account. So, after the video is ready, I’ll need to individually confirm with the students who show their faces on camera. Once the editing is done, I’ll let you guys preview it before uploading.”

Qian Quan nodded and glanced at Bai Yuanzhi, suddenly realizing something. “Miss, are you Tai Chi-Yuanzhi on the short video platform?”

“I’m not sure which one you’re referring to, but I do manage an account there,” Bai Yuanzhi replied with a smile.

“That’s you, the Tai Chi beauty who’s both sweet and fierce,” Qian Quan confirmed.

Bai Yuanzhi smiled and nodded in acknowledgment. “I’m Bai Yuanzhi, a graduate student majoring in Tai Chi. I’m also the president of the Martial Arts Association. I’ll personally conduct the interviews for you guys.”

“Looking forward to it.”

“Let’s exchange contact information, and I’ll send you the video later.”

Qian Quan and Bai Yuanzhi became friends on a social app.

“Thank you for your support.”

Bai Yuanzhi extended her hand for a handshake with Qian Quan.

Qian Quan reached out and shook her hand, only to be surprised to find that she was using a subtle force to test him.

Qian Quan didn’t mind much and, with an air of not being affected, suddenly exclaimed and playfully lunged toward Bai Yuanzhi.

“You!”

This action took aback Bai Yuanzhi, scolded him with embarrassment, and quickly withdrew her right hand, pressing it against his chest to halt his lunging motion.

However, their distance had been shortened to the point where they could feel each other’s breath.

For a brief moment, 23-year-old Bai Yuanzhi felt her heart tremble.

Fortunately, she managed to prevent this guy from lunging into her embrace. Otherwise, it would have been so…

Outrageous!

“Are you testing my strength?” Qian Quan looked bewildered.

Bai Yuanzhi was a mix of annoyance and amusement. She replied, “Let’s talk about that during the interview.”

When the time came to assess him, she definitely planned to teach him a lesson for daring to flirt with her.

Meanwhile, on the side, Guo Hongyi, who had been waiting to shake hands with Bai Yuanzhi, wisely chose to give up and went to the basketball club with Qian Quan to sign up.

Qian Quan had quite a fruitful day. He joined the Luminous Drama Society and the Chinese chess club, and now he signed up for the martial arts and basketball clubs.

He believed his future university life would undoubtedly be colorful and diverse.

Upon returning to the dormitory, Qian Quan shared the news with Ding Linlang. While his childhood friend expressed surprise, she also informed him that she had signed up for the basketball club.

As Qian Quan chatted with her for a while, he was responding to messages when he unexpectedly received a message from Song Xi:

“I saw you at Hongqiao Station yesterday.”

Qian Quan ignored it and continued chatting with Ding Linlang.

After a while, Song Xi sent another message: “Are you free tonight? I’d like to invite you to the Bund for a walk. There’s something important I need to tell you.”

Qian Quan frowned and replied, “Not available.”

Song Xi responded immediately, “It’s related to Ding Linlang, too, but only you can come.”

Qian Quan hesitated. He had to admit that Song Xi was skilled at reading people.

Song Xi continued, “Even if it’s to bid a complete farewell to the past?”

Qian Quan had already bid farewell long ago. He felt nothing for Song Xi now, but when it came to Ding Linlang…

“What time?” Qian Quan asked.

“7 p.m., okay?”

“Okay.”

Having arranged the time with Song Xi, Qian Quan immediately informed Ding Linlang, “Song Xi asked to meet me at the Bund tonight at 7 p.m. She said she has something to talk about.”

Ding Linlang replied promptly, “What does she want from you?”

“She didn’t say.” Qian Quan didn’t mention Song Xi’s mention of Ding Linlang; he didn’t want to add pressure.

“Are you going?”

“Yes, it’s a good opportunity to clear up some things face-to-face.”

After a few seconds, Ding Linlang replied, “What if she’s saying she broke up with Sun Shaokang and wants to be with you?”

“You’re really letting your imagination run wild.”

“Answer me.”

“Do you think she can be with me?”

“I’m asking you.”

“Didn’t you say you’d watch out for me?”

“I’ve already told you she’s not your leading lady anymore.”

“Then I’ll follow your lead.”

A little while later.

Ding Linlang: “Finish the talk soon and come back early.”

Qian Quan: “Okay.”

…

At 7 p.m. that evening, the outside had turned somewhat dark, and the Bund was bustling with people.

The globally renowned Oriental Pearl Tower and Lujiazui had already lit up.

The scene was colorful, crystal-clear, like a dream.

Song Xi wore a beige dress with a blue hairband and a small shoulder bag.

Artistic, fresh, elegant, and charming gave people a pure and clean feeling.

Objectively speaking, now that she could dress freely in college, she looked even more beautiful than during high school.

However, this beauty held no significance for Qian Quan, and he might even find it somewhat artificial.

“What do you want? Just say it.”

In fact, two years ago, Qian Quan had fantasized about this scene, walking along the Bund hand in hand with Song Xi.

Now that he was really here with her, he realized how foolish and naive his past self had been.

“I’m a bit thirsty. Can you buy me something to drink?” A coquettish tone in Song Xi’s voice made Qian Quan uncomfortable.

“Get to the point. What’s up with Ding Linlang?” Qian Quan got straight to the topic.

“I’m thirsty right now. What can I say?” Song Xi didn’t seem to mind Qian Quan’s attitude.

“Fine, I’ll go get some water. If I come back and you’re still beating around the bush, I’m out of here.” Qian Quan was too lazy to engage in a pointless conversation with her.

“I want a green tea.”

Song Xi tilted her head slightly and looked at Qian Quan.

An innocent smile was on her face as she emphasized, “Iced!”