Serenade

In the evening, a group of friends gathered together to have hot pot. At the dinner table, Xu Chaoyang enthusiastically narrated the events that took place during military training.

Curiously, Lin Luo asked, "Apart from the daily training, what else do you have to do?"

"Of course, there are also practical exercises. Each class has different types of simulated combat. We are in the special police class, and we simulate anti-drug operations in the jungle," Xu Chaoyang replied.

Lin Luo exclaimed, "Is it dangerous?"

"Although it's a simulated exercise, the instructors can be tough. Even though the bullets are fake, the knives are real. It's inevitable to get some bruises after a drill," Xu Chaoyang explained.

Jin Xi looked worriedly at Bo Yan and asked, "Have you also been injured?"

Jing Chi laughed and said, "Who do you think you're talking about? Your Bo Yan here is the only one in our entire platoon who managed to draw blood from the instructors."

Xu Chaoyang chimed in, "This guy is like a monkey. The forest is his territory. As long as his team is there, they always achieve the best results. He's unstoppable, there's no mission he can't complete."

Bo Yan casually sipped his tea, a faint smile playing at the corner of his eyes.

In Jin Xi's eyes, he was a hero, and she had always thought so.

"But as impressive as he is, he's also the most unruly," Xu Chaoyang chuckled. "Remember when he called you on the phone? He actually stole a phone."

"He stole it?" Lin Luo asked in surprise.

"Oh, yes! He planned it for several days and took advantage of the shift change at the logistics department to sneak in and steal the phone. But that's not all. When he took out the phone, he realized it had no signal. So, he didn't stop there. That same night, he left the camp, climbed a mountain, and went to the mountaintop to find a signal and call his girlfriend."

"Did you guys get caught?"

"With such a commotion, how could they not notice? The guards and the patrol dogs were all deployed. But here's the strange thing, the first few dogs that came running up to him, Bo Yan knew them all. They sat in a row in front of him, wagging their tails and sticking out their tongues. He diverted their attention, and we managed to escape. When we sneaked back into the camp, the instructors knew something was up, but they couldn't catch us because there was no evidence."

Lin Luo sighed, "Bo Yan, you're like mint, irresistible even to military dogs."

Jing Chi chimed in, "So, who do you think managed to steal our dormitory access card? Take a guess."

Lin Luo exclaimed, "It can't be Bo Yan, can it?"

"Besides him, who else has the ability?" Jing Chi replied.

Jin Xi nudged Bo Yan with her elbow and whispered, "It's a shame you're not a master thief."

Bo Yan tapped Jing Chi with his chopsticks and said, "What are you talking about? How can a model student and an excellent dormitory leader like me do such sneaky things? Don't you dare accuse me."

"All right, all right. My mouth slipped. I'll drink a toast as punishment," Jing Chi said, then he downed his glass of wine. As he put down the cup, he casually glanced at Chu Zhao.

Chu Zhao quietly gazed at Xu Chaoyang, whether she was listening to his story or simply looking at him with pure admiration, no one knew.

Jing Chi poured himself another glass of wine.

After having dinner, everyone went to the KTV. Xu Chaoyang called Qu Xuan Xuan to invite her to join them, but she didn't come.

Xu Chaoyang awkwardly smiled and said she was currently interning and too busy with work.

So busy that she didn't even have time to meet her boyfriend when he came back.

However, just as they arrived at the entrance of the KTV, Chu Zhao spotted Qu Xuan Xuan waiting for the elevator. She was wearing a beautiful short skirt and high-heeled boots, with her long black hair flowing over her shoulders. She was cheerfully joking and playing around with her companions, all of whom were handsome and beautiful students from the Broadcasting Department.

One of her companions whispered something in Qu Xuan Xuan's ear, and she immediately turned her gaze towards them, her expression changing slightly.

Chu Zhao didn't dare to look at Xu Chaoyang's face. She walked over to Jin Xi and held her hand.

The KTV attendant led them, seemingly preparing to take the same elevator as Qu Xuan Xuan and her group.

"Xuan Xuan, what a coincidence!" Xu Chaoyang greeted her warmly, without questioning or exposing her lie about working overtime.

"Yeah," Qu Xuan Xuan also smiled awkwardly, maintaining a surface peace.

The group took the elevator together and arrived on the third floor. The attendant led them to their respective private rooms, and throughout the whole time, Xu Chaoyang and Qu Xuan Xuan didn't exchange a single word.

Everyone understood the situation and remained silent.

Once they were seated in the private room, Xu Chaoyang generously announced that he would treat them and ordered a large plate of fruits and snacks. He also had two boxes of beer brought in, declaring that they wouldn't go home until they were drunk.

Several guys brought out their glass cups, ready to have a good drink with him tonight.

"What's with the cups?" Xu Chaoyang directly grabbed a beer bottle. "Real men drink from the bottle."

Lin Luo took the bottle from his hand. "If we get drunk, are we going to have the girls send us home later?"

"Why are you so nitpicky?" Xu Chaoyang frowned. "Fine, you guys use cups, and I'll use the bottle. Is that okay?"

"Don't start drinking right away," Jin Xi also stepped in to advise. "Let me sing a few songs for you. You're a karaoke fanatic, aren't you? Tonight, I'll give you the microphone the whole time."

Just then, the door to the private room was pushed open, and Qu Xuan Xuan walked in, her long legs striding in. Her hands casually in her pockets, she called out in a noble and aloof manner, "Xu Chaoyang."

Xu Chaoyang turned around. "Xuan Xuan..."

"Come out, I have something to tell you."

"Oh, alright."

He put down the beer bottle and followed Qu Xuan Xuan out.

Chu Zhao's gaze followed Xu Chaoyang as he left, while Jing Chi looked at her with a somewhat dim expression.

Bo Yan's arm wrapped around Jin Xi's shoulder, holding her in his embrace, as he patiently listened to her speak.

"I think Xu Chaoyang is about to face a relationship crisis. Intercept him later so that he doesn't drink too much," Jin Xi said.

Bo Yan obediently replied with a "Hmm."

"And also, I feel like something's off with Jing Chi. Anyway, keep an eye on them," she added.

"Hmm."

Jin Xi cupped his face and smiled. "Besides 'Hmm,' what else can you say?"

"I can also..." He lowered his head and pecked her on the lips.

Soft lips left a warm sensation. Jin Xi blushed and pushed him away. "What are you doing?"

"Jin Xi, let's play a game."

Bo Yan seemed to be in a good mood and offered the cigarette at his fingertips to Jin Xi's lips. "Take a puff."

"Ah, no."

If Shen Pingchuan found out, he would definitely scold her.

"Just one puff, keep it in your mouth." In the dim light, Bo Yan's enticing eyes were particularly alluring.

Jin Xi also wanted to know what he was up to. "Okay... just once."

She bit the cigarette and took a gentle puff, not inhaling it into her lungs but keeping it in her mouth, puffing her cheeks.

A mischievous smile crept upon Bo Yan's lips. "Now, little by little, exhale it for me."

After he finished speaking, he opened his mouth and sealed it with hers. Their lips and teeth intertwined, mingling with the scent of menthol and tobacco.

Jin Xi approached it with the same seriousness as completing a task, exhaling her breath entirely for him. Bo Yan, after inhaling the smoke into his lungs, felt an instant rush as nicotine stimulated him. He pressed her down on the sofa and began passionately kissing her.

Jin Xi emitted a soft, tender moan, but then his breath made her cough. Her face turned red, and he sealed her mouth again. The wet and hot kiss suffocated her, but it was accompanied by waves of pleasure. She felt dizzy; she was about to faint.

This man, what a sly fox!

**

Chu Zhao went to the front desk to buy water. When she returned, she happened to see Xu Chaoyang and Qu Xuan Xuan talking in the corridor.

She wanted to leave, but she saw Xu Chaoyang grab Qu Xuan Xuan's wrist and asked urgently, "Why did you lie to me? You could have just said you wanted to hang out with friends. Did you think I would stop you?"

Qu Xuan Xuan shook off his hand, more agitated than him. "Could you stop meddling in my affairs? I hate being controlled by anyone. Who do you think you are?"

Xu Chaoyang was taken aback. "Where did I meddle? I just said... you should have told me instead of lying."

"Xu Chaoyang, I'm really fed up. Let's break up."

Xu Chaoyang looked into her eyes, stunned for a while, and spoke in a low and humble tone, "I'll take it as you're overwhelmed with work and talking nonsense. Please don't mention these two words again; otherwise, I'll take it seriously."

His desolate eyes pricked Chu Zhao's heart inexplicably.

For the past two months, she had forced herself not to think about him, focusing on solving problems every day. She thought she had already become calm, but now... seeing him hurt, she still felt uneasy.

"Xu Chaoyang, I wasn't joking with you. Let's break up."

"T... there must be a reason."

"I have never liked you. Is that reason enough?"

Xu Chaoyang froze. "What are you saying?"

"I have never liked you. Being in a relationship with you was just to spite Chu Zhao."

"Why? What did she do to provoke you?"

Qu Xuan Xuan sneered. "You're really clueless. That girl likes you so much, she's crazy about you. Can't you see it at all!"

Xu Chaoyang's heart was suddenly seized by a pair of merciless hands, making it difficult for him to breathe. "Are you with me just to hurt her?"

"Yes, you have no idea how many times she cried for you. Just thinking about it brings me satisfaction," she replied with a twisted expression and a dark heart.

Xu Chaoyang couldn't believe it. He couldn't reconcile the beautiful, generous, and gentle goddess senior in his imagination with the woman in front of him, whose expression was fierce and whose heart was filled with darkness.

Qu Xuan Xuan didn't care at all about Xu Chaoyang's thoughts because she had never liked him.

She shrugged and casually said, "I'm bored now, don't want to play with you guys anymore. Bye."

Xu Chaoyang's fist clenched tightly, his face turned ominously dark. After a while, he uttered just one word to Qu Xuan Xuan--

"Go!"

Xu Chaoyang was always smiling and enjoyed helping others. He was always polite to girls.

Especially after they started dating, he was exceptionally gentle and considerate towards Qu Xuan Xuan, accommodating her every whim.

But now, he erupted in anger and shouted at her, catching Qu Xuan Xuan off guard.

She stormed back to her private room, her anger evident.

Xu Chaoyang leaned against the wall, trembling hands reaching into his bag, pulling out a pack of cigarettes.

The dim, warm yellow light enveloped him, and in his eyes surged a kind of sadness he had never seen before.

Failed love catalyzes a boy's growth at the fastest speed.

...

In the private room, Xu Chaoyang sat on the edge of the sofa, drinking alone. Jing Chi sat beside him and asked, "Did you break up?"

"Yeah," Xu Chaoyang replied, handing him a cigarette.

Jing Chi held the cigarette in his mouth but didn't light it. He wasn't fond of smoking and didn't have spare money to buy cigarettes.

"I lost that bet," Xu Chaoyang muttered.

Jing Chi patted his shoulder and said casually, "Who hasn't experienced a failed romance? Stop thinking about it. The world is vast, and there are so many girls out there. Are you afraid you won't find a girlfriend?"

Suddenly, Xu Chaoyang asked Jing Chi, "You knew all along."

"What?" Jing Chi's hand holding the cigarette trembled. He didn't answer, perhaps lacking the courage to do so.

The person who is liked can act recklessly, while the one who silently likes someone remains as lowly as dust.

Xu Chaoyang continued, "That day, you made me think... you and Chu Zhao were together."

"I didn't say that. How she handled it was up to her. It was all because of your precious girlfriend's insistence," Jing Chi replied coldly.

Xu Chaoyang fell silent for a long time, then emptied his glass of alcohol. "I'm such a fool."

"Now that you know, what do you think?" Jing Chi's voice sounded hoarse.

He suddenly felt afraid. In truth, he wasn't a saint who could selflessly sacrifice his own feelings just to make the person he loved happy.

Deep down, he secretly hoped that Xu Chaoyang and Qu Xuan Xuan could last longer because as long as they were together, he... perhaps had a chance.

After thinking for a long time, Xu Chaoyang said, "It's my fault. If I had known earlier..."

Jing Chi interrupted him, sneering, "If you had known, would you have been together with Chu Zhao?"

"Of course! And I won't let anyone harm her," Xu Chaoyang said resolutely.

Xu Chaoyang's emotional world was simple and pure. If someone liked him, he would cherish them in every way.

**

Chu Zhao pushed open the door to Qu Xuan Xuan's private room, and several men and women who were having a great time inside turned to look at her.

Chu Zhao's face was tense, and her voice was low. "Qu Xuan Xuan, come out."

Qu Xuan Xuan, who was sitting in the corner, unfolded her long legs and walked towards Chu Zhao, leaning against the door with a cold expression. "Xu Chaoyang and I have broken up. You can go find him now. Since I don't want him, I'll generously give him to you..."

Before she finished speaking, there was a loud "slap," and Chu Zhao's palm landed heavily on her face. Qu Xuan Xuan's cheek immediately turned bright red.

She covered her face, looking at Chu Zhao in disbelief. She never expected the usually gentle Chu Zhao to lash out like this.

Chu Zhao was shaking with anger, and another slap followed, but Qu Xuan Xuan caught her wrist.

The commotion in the private room attracted the attention of the others, and they came out with an aggressive attitude.

"Who do you think you are, bullying someone at their doorstep?"

"Teach her a lesson!"

Several girls grabbed and pushed Chu Zhao, trying to drag her into the room. Chu Zhao struggled, her clothes and hair in disarray.

"Let go of me! Don't touch me!"

Qu Xuan Xuan, now furious, coldly said, "Drag her in and give her a taste of her own medicine."

The commotion outside attracted a crowd of onlookers. Jing Chi, noticing that Chu Zhao hadn't returned for a while, went out to look for her. As soon as he opened the door, he saw the scene of pushing and shoving.

"Damn it."

He swiftly rushed over, pushing away the girls and pulling Chu Zhao to his side.

One girl was shoved into the wall with force, and Jing Chi's actions were rough. He didn't hold back just because they were girls. He wouldn't easily let anyone who bullied Chu Zhao off the hook, regardless of gender.

He protected Chu Zhao and was about to leave when several men rushed forward, throwing punches and kicks at Jing Chi.

The commotion caught the attention of Bo Yan and Xu Chaoyang, who came out upon hearing the noise.

Xu Chaoyang's eyes turned red when he saw his brother being attacked. He rushed forward and threw a flurry of punches. Bo Yan, on the other hand, remained calm and walked over to separate the two groups, preventing the situation from escalating further.

"Stop fighting!" Bo Yan pulled Jing Chi back. "The girls are here. No more fighting."

He restrained his two brothers, while the boys from Qu Xuan Xuan's side were still itching for a fight. But a cold, stern look from Bo Yan made them retreat.

Jing Chi, panting heavily, pulled the frightened Chu Zhao closer and asked with concern, "Are you hurt?"

Chu Zhao shook her head and nervously looked at him. "And you?"

"I'm fine."

As a military academy student trained in combat and martial arts, those boys didn't stand a chance against him, not even if they teamed up.

Qu Xuanxuan's eyes were red, and she covered her face, crying as she complained to Xu Chaoyang with a sobbing voice, "She didn't even bother to distinguish right from wrong and slapped me right away. Xu Chaoyang, you need to stand up for me!"

At that moment, everyone's gaze fell on Xu Chaoyang.

Xu Chaoyang glanced at Qu Xuanxuan and then looked at Chu Zhao, who was hiding behind Jing Chi.

"Did you hit her?"

Xu Chaoyang asked the question, and Chu Zhao's eyes immediately turned red, feeling a piercing pain in her heart.

"I... I did."

She knew how much Xu Chaoyang liked Qu Xuanxuan. Now that Qu Xuanxuan was being bullied, he would definitely speak up for her and demand an apology.

Jing Chi pulled Chu Zhao closer to him and stared coldly at Xu Chaoyang, saying, "You better understand the situation and know who your allies are. Don't turn your back on your own people."

Qu Xuanxuan was already clutching Xu Chaoyang's sleeve and crying. After all, she had been dating him for several months, and she was sure Xu Chaoyang would soften his stance. He would definitely...

Xu Chaoyang looked at Qu Xuanxuan and gently asked, "Does it hurt?"

Qu Xuanxuan nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "Yes, it hurts a lot."

"Then remember this."

Xu Chaoyang coldly pulled away from Qu Xuanxuan's hand and forcefully pushed her away, causing her to lose her balance and almost fall.

Qu Xuanxuan looked at him in astonishment, unable to believe that the usually obedient Xu Chaoyang would treat her so roughly.

"I will never give anyone a second chance to play with me," he said coldly. "I am Chu Zhao's instructor, and I always will be. If you dare to bully her again, I will beat you."

**

That night, Jin Xi lay on Shen Pingchuan's bed and chattered on about what had happened today.

"Well, now that Qu Xuanxuan has backed off, things have become easier. I think with Xu Chaoyang's warm-hearted nature, he might actually accept Chu Zhao," she said.

Shen Pingchuan sat at the computer, playing games. He took off his headphones and casually said, "A bunch of silly kids."

Jin Xi threw a pillow at him. "Who are you calling silly kids?"

"It's just a cliché love triangle. Your brother has been through that in high school," he said.

"You're bragging."

"It's not bragging. In high school, the girl your brother liked came and confessed to him, but he firmly rejected her and never spoke to her again. That's how he maintained his revolutionary friendship with you. And even now, your brother still remembers your goodness," he said.

"Is it true?" Jin Xi sat up excitedly. "You never told me that you and my brother went through such a serious test of friendship!"

Shen Pingchuan is Shen Pingchuan's best buddy since childhood. The two of them were like brothers, growing up together, wearing the same pants, and even taking baths together in the river.

"I remember back then, the girl your brother liked was the school's beauty! And she confessed to you?" Jin Xi exclaimed.

"Of course, your brother was a talented and outstanding student, and many girls admired him."

This statement is not entirely unfounded. During high school, Shen Pingchuan liked to wear white shirts, exuding an air of aloofness and reserve. He consistently ranked at the top of his class and was chosen as an outstanding student representative every year, delivering speeches beneath the national flag. There were simply countless girls who liked him!

"And then?" Jin Xi's gossip-filled soul was ignited: "The school belle was so beautiful and talented. She even won first place in the campus singing competition. Why did you reject her?"

"She's not my type. I prefer girls who are a bit more strong and sturdy..."

Jin Xi pursed her lips and thought to herself that they were indeed siblings, with a shared level of appreciation for their significant others.

Shen Pingchuan cleared his throat and said, "Of course, that's not the point. The point is that she's Lin Luo's crush. If I were to be with her, would Lin Luo ever acknowledge me for the rest of his life?"

"So, you guys, would you give up on the girl you like for the sake of your bros?"

"Of course, it's a matter of principle!"

The thought processes of girls and boys were different, and Jin Xi immediately judged, "Scum!"

"So, if Xu Chaoyang knew that Jing Chi also liked Chu Zhao, then he would definitely not accept Chu Zhao, right?"

Jin Xi laid on the bed, looking up at the ceiling and let out a long sigh. "My poor Chu Zhao."

"You shouldn't think that way either." Shen Pingchuan walked over and sat beside her. "Chu Zhao and Xu Chaoyang being together doesn't necessarily guarantee happiness. Accepting Jing Chi might lead to happiness. In my opinion, Jing Chi is far superior to Xu Chaoyang in countless ways."

"Is that so?" Jin Xi sat up and asked him earnestly. She always trusted Shen Pingchuan. Despite his surface appearance of being somewhat unconventional, he was undeniably intelligent and insightful.

As Jin Xi grew up, whenever she encountered problems, she would turn to Shen Pingchuan for advice.

Shen Pingchuan cleared his throat and said, "Xu Chaoyang comes from an affluent family, and he is the only child with no siblings. It's not an exaggeration to say that he's a highly pampered young master who can obtain many things without much effort. But obtaining something doesn't necessarily mean cherishing it."

"Really? I think Instructor Xu is a good person. He's willing to help others, kind-hearted, and always cheerful."

"Of course, only from a prosperous and gentle environment can you raise a cheerful boy like him. And I have to admit, this type of guy is quite charming. However, there is something he lacks." Shen Pingchuan looked at Jin Xi and said in a serious tone, "That something is the courage to face setbacks."

Jin Xi listened attentively to his words and found them quite reasonable.

"While Xu Chaoyang's presence may bring you temporary happiness, he is far from being a suitable match. The qualities he lacks are precisely what Jing Chi possesses: stability, patience, endurance, self-sacrifice, and the ability to fulfill someone's needs."

Under the soft lighting, his voice carried a certain raspy texture as he spoke neither quickly nor slowly, saying, "With these qualities, he is deserving of any girl entrusting her lifetime to him."

"Wow, your evaluation of Jing Chi is really high, Shuangshuang!"

Shen Pingchuan gently rubbed Jin Xi's head. "When my sister chooses a husband in the future, her eyes must be wide open."

Jin Xi immediately hugged his arm and asked excitedly, "So, what do you think of Bo Yan?"

Shen Pingchuan raised an eyebrow and said, "Since you two are together, I won't comment."

"No, I want to hear your opinion!"

"Really want to know?"

Jin Xi nodded sincerely, "Yes!"

Shen Pingchuan smirked, "Then go help me wash that pile of smelly socks."

"..."

Pinching her nose, Jin Xi carried Shen Pingchuan's smelly socks to the laundry balcony. At that moment, Shen Shishan passed by and, seeing the situation, angrily pushed open Shen Pingchuan's door, threw the socks at his face, and reprimanded him, "You lazy brat, you dare ask your sister to wash your socks? You really think you're a young master!"

Shen Pingchuan spat out the socks from his face and pointed at Jin Xi, who was gleefully standing behind the door, shouting, "It's your precious daughter who insisted on washing them for me! Couldn't stop her even if I wanted to! If I don't let her wash, she gets mad at me."

Shen Shishan turned to look at Jin Xi, and she meekly bit her lip and said, "It's true."

This infuriated Shen Shishan even more, and he took off his slipper and gave Shen Pingchuan a beating. "Look at what you've done to your sister! Is this how a brother should treat her?"

Clutching his buttocks, Shen Pingchuan jumped up and grabbed the socks from the floor. "I'll wash them myself, washing them myself is fine!"

Jin Xi giggled and shouted, "Thanks, Dad!"

"You brat, you really think you're a young master."

Shen Shishan took a few steps, then suddenly seemed to realize something and turned back to look at Jin Xi. "What did you call me?"

Jin Xi suddenly realized that Shen Pingchuan always referred to Shen Shishan as "our dad," so she naturally called him "Dad."

"Can... can I call you Dad?" Jin Xi looked at Shen Shishan nervously.

Shen Shishan, with one foot still bare and a slipper in his hand, his eyes suddenly became teary.

"Ah!" He responded, "Why not! It's more than fine!"

Jin Xi affectionately called out "Dad" again, feeling a little embarrassed, and quickly ran back to her room.

Outside the door, Shen Shishan put on his shoes and walked to the laundry area, casually saying to Shen Pingchuan, "You should help wash your sister's socks from now on."

"..."

Author's Note: Shen Pingchuan: I'm the one who crawled out of the trash can.