Chapter 319: Freshman Welcome Night

The day military training ended was also the night of the freshman welcome party for first-year students.

As student representatives, Lin Zheng Ran and Jiang Qian stood on stage at their new university, still taking on speaking roles.

This time, though, Lin Zheng Ran wasn’t performing; only Jiang Qian had signed up for a solo piano piece.

Standing at the podium, Lin Zheng Ran delivered those rousing yet officially scripted motivational words.

Heqing, Han Wenwen, and Lily sat in the audience, each blushing and smiling.

For the girls, nothing felt more thrilling than seeing their boyfriend on stage, the center of everyone’s attention.

Lin Zheng Ran: “That wraps up what I had to say. Thank you, everyone.”

As he finished, the room erupted in enthusiastic applause from both boys and girls, with the boys cheering especially loudly.

The clapping echoed—clap, clap, clap.

Some boys even chanted, “Lin Zheng Ran! Lin Zheng Ran!” fueling the excited atmosphere.

The teachers and directors around thought, This year’s freshman rep is really popular—full marks on academics means massive appeal, impressive.

The Three Little Ones glanced around in confusion.

Heqing puzzled, “What’s going on? I thought Lin Zheng Ran wasn’t popular with the guys. Why are they so pumped?”

Lily shook her head while clapping, “I don’t get it either. Back in high school, the boys never clapped this hard for his speeches.”

Han Wenwen pondered, then smirked playfully.

She figured out the trick but had to admire how these guys acted like eager kids.

On stage, Lin Zheng Ran listened to the boys’ cheers and recalled how, since people started visiting his dorm, some had actually found girlfriends using his advice.

Because of that, the dorm had gotten busier by the day, spreading like a viral trend.

Apparently, now this group muttered confessions beforehand.

They’d even clasp their hands and whisper devoutly, “Oh, mighty father figure, bless my confession today—Lin’s way!”

Once the speech ended, Lin Zheng Ran and Jiang Qian had to stay on as hosts, so they couldn’t join the audience.

Instead, they stepped backstage.

As new acts performed, Jiang Qian stood beside Lin Zheng Ran in her formal dress.

Her long hair fell quietly over her shoulders.

Though her cool expression faced the stage, her eyes kept drifting toward Lin Zheng Ran.

She hesitated before speaking, “Lin Zheng Ran.”

Lin Zheng Ran turned, curious. “Hmm? What is it?”

Jiang Qian bit her lip. “I wanted to say that today’s performance is—” But just then, Jiang Jingshi walked over from backstage, glasses on, and called out, “Jiang Qian, come here. The teacher needs you for something important.”

Hearing her sister, Jiang Qian said a quick goodbye to Lin Zheng Ran and headed over, puzzled. “What is it, sister?”

Jiang Jingshi’s bright peach-blossom eyes twinkled. “Jiang Qian, what did you just call me? At school, we’re teacher and student—nothing more.”

Jiang Qian replied coolly, “What is it, teacher?”

Jiang Jingshi smiled but stayed silent.

The silence stretched for about five minutes.

Jiang Qian asked, “Well? Say something.”

Finally, Jiang Jingshi spoke. “Nothing much. I just didn’t want you alone with your brother-in-law, so I pulled you over. Otherwise, you’d definitely spill whatever you were about to say to him.”

Jiang Qian’s face flushed red as she gritted her teeth in frustration.

Her eyes burned with the urge to strangle her sister.

After all, the words she’d been building up for days were meant for Lin Zheng Ran.

Jiang Jingshi just grinned fearlessly. “You’re so fierce, Jiang Qian, but it won’t help—I’m the teacher, and I call the shots.”

In the end, Jiang Qian got called away and didn’t get another chance to talk to Lin Zheng Ran alone, even after her performance.

When her turn came, she walked gracefully to the stage.

She sat at the piano.

Her slender fingers rose, then gently pressed the keys.

Today, Jiang Qian played a unique piece from this world called “Apology of Love.”

It carried the meaning of apologizing to a crush while vowing to keep pursuing them no matter what.

It was a truly special composition.

Backstage, Lin Zheng Ran listened to the beautiful piano melody and pretty much figured out what Jiang Qian had wanted to tell him.

When the piece ended, Jiang Qian stood and bowed slightly.

Her exceptional talent drew thunderous applause from the audience.

As she rose, she glanced back toward backstage, hoping Lin Zheng Ran would understand the song’s message.

But even if he did, some things still needed to be said face-to-face.

In the audience, Heqing’s wide, innocent eyes sparkled under the lights. “I have to say, Jiang Qian looks stunning on stage.”

Lily thought Jiang Qian had an unmatched vibe but played it cool. “Heqing! You don’t praise the rival like that!”

Heqing added firmly, “I’m just being objective, Lily. Don’t worry—I’m not defecting. I’m Lin Zheng Ran’s girlfriend too, and I don’t want our sister squad to grow any bigger!”

The Little Fox didn’t grasp the music much, but with Jiang Qian’s glance back, she sensed there was a story behind it.

In the days after the freshman party.

Jiang Qian started seeking Lin Zheng Ran out for one-on-one chats.

The piano piece had played its part; now came the personal talk. But as expected,

University life gave her plenty of freedom, yet getting close to Lin Zheng Ran proved tough.

Her sister’s interference was relentless—Jiang Jingshi kept summoning Jiang Qian to the office or assigning her trivial tasks.

Or she’d just call her in for pointless chats to kill time.

Basically, she blocked any chance for Jiang Qian to approach Lin Zheng Ran.

Frustrated, Jiang Qian snapped, “Are you done being a nuisance? Why do you keep calling me over?”

Jiang Jingshi sat in her office, unfazed, and said:

“I don’t find it annoying at all. As your sister, am I wrong to stop my little sister from chasing her brother-in-law? And if you keep clinging to Zheng, I’d have to step in anyway.”

Jiang Qian clenched her fists. “What brother-in-law? We’re not married—just together, that’s it.”

Jiang Jingshi crossed her legs elegantly and sipped her hot tea:

“Sure, sure, call it what you want. But in my book, he’s your brother-in-law. You’d best give up now. Think I didn’t catch the meaning of that piano piece? No way you’re wrapping him up in your plans.”

Jiang Qian’s fists ground together with a crack.

And even when she dodged her sister’s watch, it didn’t help because Heqing and the others guarded Lin Zheng Ran closely.

That water delivery during military training had put the Three Little Ones on high alert against Jiang Qian.

Now, whenever Jiang Qian tried to talk to Lin Zheng Ran alone, they’d block her path early.

Lily demanded, “What do you want with Zheng Ran? Tell me, and I’ll pass it on.”

Han Wenwen smiled. “Brother Zheng Ran is really busy.”

Heqing nodded vigorously. “He is super busy.”

Jiang Qian peered past them at Lin Zheng Ran studying in the next classroom. Despite the obstacles, she just turned and left to try again later.

Han Wenwen sighed, “She’s persistent. We’ve blocked her so many times, and she keeps coming back.”

Lily shook her head. “Does she like Zheng Ran that much? She won’t give up at all.”