Dad, Please Try a Little Harder

On the way to the subway station, Ding Linlang couldn't resist asking Qian Quan what he and Song Xi had talked about.

Qian Quan highlighted the main points but didn't mention the parts related to her, only adding to his frustration.

"She wants you to be her backup plan?" Ding Linlang was astonished.

Qian Quan didn't offer an opinion, letting out a sigh. "I can't understand why she would have such absurd thoughts."

Ding Linlang silently contemplated for a moment before saying, "At least she opened up to you. Maybe she genuinely has feelings for you."

"It's a matter of values." Qian Quan said seriously, "I can't believe I didn't see what kind of person she truly was before."

"Trying to fully understand someone is not that easy," Ding Linlang seemed to be deciphering Song Xi's real intentions too, "But then again, do you think she could succeed?"

Qian Quan shook his head, "I don't care."

"Does that mean you've truly moved on?"

"I had already moved on. After tonight, I feel even more like we were people from different worlds right from the start."

Ding Linlang nodded, "Then it's best to go your separate ways."

Qian Quan agreed with a nod.

Ding Linlang glanced at Qian Quan and patted his shoulder, saying, "You don't need to feel regretful. When the day comes that I write a bestselling masterpiece and sell the copyrights, I'll use the proceeds to buy a house in Azure Bay fully, and I'll reserve a room for you."

Qian Quan chuckled, "It seems like times have really changed. Now it's trendy for women to boast and paint big dreams for men."

Ding Linlang chuckled, "It shows you really have the potential for freeloading."

"Um... I want to strive on my own."

As they chatted, they reached the subway station. They were taking different lines-Line 10 and Line 2-so they had to part ways.

"I have interviews for three clubs this weekend. I'll come to your school to hang out next weekend."

Before parting, Qian Quan made plans with Ding Linlang.

"Sure, wish you success in your interviews," Ding Linlang waved casually.

Qian Quan sat on the subway heading back to school, his mind involuntarily recalling Song Xi's question.

"After graduation, what will you do with Ding Linlang?"

It was indeed a thought-provoking question, and for the moment, he didn't have a clear answer.

Just let things take their course.

...

The next morning, Qian Quan's class held their first class meeting.

There were a total of 37 students in the class, nine boys and 28 girls.

So, when Qian Quan stepped onto the platform, many girls secretly glanced at him with excitement.

"Hello, everyone. My name is Qian Quan. You can also call me by my nickname, 'Rocky.'"

It wasn't the most novel self-introduction, but it still brought smiles and suppressed giggles from many of the girls.

After the brief class meeting, the students moved to the lecture hall.

The official induction of new students' psychological well-being education at Seacoast Normal University was about to commence.

This was a tradition of Seacoast Normal University, aiming to convey the idea of "caring for mental health, cultivating a positive mindset" to every new student. The goal was to encourage everyone to embrace their upcoming university life positively, optimistically, and cheerfully.

The atmosphere of these lectures and activities was generally light-hearted, healing, and open. For those who had just gone through the chaotic and intense final year of high school, it was indeed a refreshing classroom experience.

No nerves, no anxiety, no exams.

Of course, the lecturing professors also reminded everyone that the four years of university were precious and transformative years. It was a period of independent learning and living, a time to shed old habits and develop into a new self.

"Perhaps we will remember that quote attributed to Gustave Flaubert."

"Never believe that a bright future is easily within reach just by obtaining a university diploma, just like dandelions on the mountain. But please believe that every success in this world is the result of wholehearted effort."

This concluding remark, borrowing from a popular saying, was humorously impactful.

After class, Qian Quan, Guo Hongyi, and Gao Yan went to the cafeteria to have lunch.

At Seacoast Normal University's cafeteria, there was an interesting phenomenon – it was common to see boys sitting at tables playing with their phones while girls stood in line to get their meals.

After getting their food and finding a seat, Qian Quan received a message from Bai Yuanzhi.

She sent the video of the day when the club was recruiting new members and added a note:

"You and Guo Hongyi appear at 2 minutes and 25 seconds."

Qian Quan replied with a "Got it" before opening the video.

The video started with Bai Yuanzhi's selfie, dressed in a spirited training outfit, bare-faced, introducing that they were recording the Seacoast Normal University club recruitment today.

Then, there were some quick-cut scenes from the recruitment event.

It moved to the part about the martial arts club, where Bai Yuanzhi demonstrated and explained the Tai Chi push-hands...

It had to be said that compared to those young ladies changing into various sexy outfits and dancing provocatively, Bai Yuanzhi's content had much higher technical quality. It was a breath of fresh air, and you could openly watch it even on public transportation like buses and subways.

After all, they were just to learn Tai Chi to appreciate traditional culture. What's the big deal?

When he reached the timestamp of 2 minutes and 25 seconds, Qian Quan indeed spotted himself on the screen. It was the scene where he declared that he would take on three opponents single-handedly, a rather juvenile display. With special effects applied and accompanied by very atmospheric background music, the scene surprisingly carried an air of grandeur even more intense than an action movie.

"Bring it on, all three of you! I'm not scared!"

"Qian Quan, looking at their stance, you can't beat even one of them!" came the comforting voice of Guo Hongyi.

"I know, but if I take on all three and lose, it's not shameful..." Here, she added a "what" sound effect.

Bai Yuanzhi kept only this segment, omitting the part where Qin Shenglong provoked him. The focus was mainly on the comedic effect, downplaying any conflicts among the classmates.

This was also in line with the promotional theme of campus events.

After finishing watching, Qian Quan forwarded the video to Guo Hongyi, who, of course, had no objections. To have a cameo in a video by a popular online celebrity with over a million followers was an incredible opportunity. Refusing such an offer would be unthinkable, as it would be a chance to show off in the family and high school friends' chat groups.

Qian Quan replied to Bai Yuanzhi: "Miss Bai, both my and Guo Hongyi's parts are fine."

Bai Yuanzhi quickly replied: "Great, thank you both. By the way, I found you quite photogenic. Feel free to cameo more often. [Chuckles]"

Qian Quan responded: "Thank you. [Joyful]"

Bai Yuanzhi: "By the way, are you free tonight? I'd like to discuss something related to the martial arts club with you in person."

Qian Quan thought he probably gave himself away, and she might want to interview him separately. He replied, "I am."

Bai Yuanzhi: "Alright, let's meet at 6:30 in the evening at the South Playground."

Qian Quan responded with an OK emoji.

Since he had already signed up for the martial arts club, hiding anything was unnecessary. Besides, he also wanted to use this opportunity to get in touch with some real martial arts experts through Bai Yuanzhi.

He went back for a half-hour nap at noon and continued attending lectures in the afternoon.

After class ended at 5:30, Qian Quan told Guo Hongyi that he had something to do, so he didn't join the basketball game. He had dinner on his own.

At 6:10, he arrived at the South Playground in advance, walking around to aid digestion waiting for Bai Yuanzhi.

At this time of the evening, the playground had couples strolling hand in hand and students jogging or exercising.

After walking for a while, Qian Quan suddenly stopped, sensing a gentle breeze coming from behind.

He turned his head slightly and noticed a small, white plush rabbit toy flying past his ear.

With a slight movement of his foot, Qian Quan gently redirected the rabbit, sending it flying up. He reached out and caught it, smoothly turning around to see Bai Yuanzhi standing there with a smile.

Well, she managed to figure it out.

However, Qian Quan had done it on purpose.

"From your movements, it doesn't look like you're practicing Tai Chi," Bai Yuanzhi remarked, being well-versed in Tai Chi.

"Wing Chun," Qian Quan admitted.

"Really, Fluid Interaction of Wing Chun?" Bai Yuanzhi, even though she had guessed it, couldn't help but be surprised.

Mainly because Qian Quan was so young.

"Yes."

"You're so young, and yet you've reached this level in your practice!"

"Only through diligent learning and hard practice have I achieved this bit of progress. Hard work can make up for deficiencies," Qian Quan said.