“Rat, what’s got you grinning like a fool today?”
The next day, during the break between classes.
Yang Haoran was still lost in the blissful memory of last night’s experience. The grin tugging at the corners of his mouth refused to fade, curving upward unconsciously. Anyone could tell he was in high spirits.
When Wei Ming said this, Ji Youxin, who sat next to Yang Haoran, glanced at him before returning her attention to the book in her hands.
She was a transfer student and had already fallen behind the rest of the class, but unlike most people who would scramble to catch up, she had long since self-studied the entire first-year curriculum.
For some reason, though, she was utterly absorbed in the book right now, reading with evident enjoyment and unwavering focus. She didn’t budge an inch, leaving Yang Haoran at a loss for words despite the question on the tip of his tongue.
“Ahem…” Yang Haoran cleared his throat, a subtle reminder that Wei Ming wasn’t alone with him.
“Oh… Rat, let’s talk later. I gotta hit the bathroom. Coming with?” Wei Ming caught on immediately and smoothly changed the subject. Inwardly, he sighed. Things weren’t like they used to be. Sure, he envied Ji Youxin for becoming Rat’s desk mate, but it also cramped their bros-only vibe. What a hassle.
Just then, Xiao Shaowan and Han Lili came over to chat with Ji Youxin. Yang Haoran seized the chance to slip out of the classroom with Wei Ming.
Xiao Shaowan had enjoyed her brief talk with Ji Youxin the day before. The two got along well. Ji Youxin had a real knack for words—despite being the new transfer student, she’d already hit it off with quite a few girls in the class.
Their short conversation had unfolded in a pleasant atmosphere, which made Xiao Shaowan realize that Ji Youxin wasn’t your average transfer student.
At the very least, her emotional intelligence was off the charts. Smart people always clicked effortlessly. And if someone could chat so pleasantly with a total stranger right off the bat, you had every reason to suspect they were just playing down to your level.
“Shaowan, Yang Haoran really isn’t chasing you anymore?”
Han Lili was baffled to see Yang Haoran bolt out of the classroom the moment she and Xiao Shaowan approached, like he was avoiding them like the plague.
The topic was a bit touchy, and Xiao Shaowan wasn’t sure how to respond. Ji Youxin, still seated at her desk, spoke up.
“Wei Ming just called him out to use the bathroom.”
Her simple explanation eased Xiao Shaowan’s awkwardness and made the straightforward Han Lili realize her question had been out of line—especially in front of the person in question. She gave an embarrassed smile.
Xiao Shaowan jumped in with a timely joke.
“Yeah, he’s done chasing me. I talked to him privately and told him I wanted to set him up with you, Lili. He didn’t even hesitate before agreeing.”
Han Lili playfully swatted Xiao Shaowan, pouting.
“Shaowan… how could you? Throwing me into the fire like that!”
The mood lightened right away.
“Youxin, just a heads-up about your desk mate,” Han Lili warned Ji Youxin. “You’re so pretty—don’t let him take advantage of you. Yang Haoran’s got the looks, sure, but that’s about it. He’s been acting better lately, but don’t let him fool you.”
Gossiping and dishing dirt behind someone’s back was a favorite pastime for some girls.
Ji Youxin let out a chuckle and teased back.
“Isn’t being handsome the biggest plus?”
She knew Han Lili meant well. From yesterday, she’d pegged the outgoing girl as straight-shooting, without all the twists and turns some other girls had.
Put simply, she was straightforward.
Ji Youxin actually preferred people like that—easier to get close to.
“No way, Youxin—you’re that shallow too?” Han Lili huffed playfully. “You didn’t pick the seat next to him yesterday just because he’s hot, did you?”
Ji Youxin smiled serenely, offering no comment.
Xiao Shaowan turned to Han Lili. “Lili, what do you think of Wei Ming?”
“He’s alright. A bit dumb, though.”
Han Lili answered offhandedly, puzzled.
Why was Xiao Shaowan bringing up Wei Ming? Did she not like Yang Haoran anymore and instead have a thing for his partner-in-crime?
Seeing the odd look on Han Lili’s face, Xiao Shaowan knew exactly what she was thinking. She didn’t bother explaining, and her cheeks inexplicably flushed—a reaction that seemed to confirm Han Lili’s suspicions. The gossip-hungry Han Lili’s eyes went wide in shock.
“No way… Shaowan, you…”
This was explosive news! Xiao Shaowan seemed more at ease now. She leaned toward Han Lili and whispered.
“Lili, you can’t tell anyone. I trust you, and I need your help with something.”
“Mm… yeah, sure thing!”
Han Lili nodded eagerly, like her head was on a spring, then added, “Wei Ming’s not bad—at least way better than Yang Haoran. So, what do you need help with, Shaowan?”
“Are you asking me to be your wingman?” Han Lili asked curiously.
Xiao Shaowan gave a shy smile. “Not exactly. I want you to hang out with Wei Ming a bit, feel him out—see what he thinks of me. Some things are too embarrassing for me to say straight to him. I know you’re good at talking to guys, so I’m counting on you.”
Han Lili got it in a flash and responded with righteous gusto, like a wuxia hero.
“Shaowan, I got you. No problem—leave it to me.”
“Thanks, Lili.” Xiao Shaowan let out a relieved breath, though a twinge of guilt lingered in her heart.
“Need my help too, Shaowan?” Ji Youxin offered.
“Nah, just asking around.” Xiao Shaowan shook her head, thinking to herself: You should worry about yourself first.
Ji Youxin was just too stunning. Xiao Shaowan didn’t buy that Yang Haoran would pass up meat delivered right to his mouth.
…
After using the bathroom, the two threaded through the bustling hallway to a quiet corner.
Yang Haoran had no intention of bringing up last night. Only an idiot would blab about taboo mother-son stuff like that.
“Little Ming, I’ve got it all set. Wait for my signal after school,” Yang Haoran said, taking the cigarette Wei Ming offered, lighting up, and taking a satisfied drag.
Last night had been missing just this— that perfect after-smoke. Mom watched him like a hawk at home, so he couldn’t smoke or stash any there. School was his only chance for a few puffs.
Wei Ming knew exactly what Rat meant, and he couldn’t help feeling a thrill of anticipation. It was hard to picture a cool beauty like Xiao Shaowan secretly playing the role of someone’s Bitch. The contrast was unreal.
Even now, seeing Yang Haoran’s confident assurance, Wei Ming still harbored some doubts.
Some things you just had to see to believe—words alone rarely convinced anyone.
Most people trusted their own eyes above all else.
“Rat, you’re not messing with me, right? If it’s a joke, just say so now. No big deal—we kid around all the time,” Wei Ming said, feigning casualness.
Yang Haoran rolled his eyes and shot back.
“What, you don’t want me as your cheap daddy anymore?”
Wei Ming glared. “When have I ever gone back on my word? If you pull it off, I’ll call you Dad on the spot. Not like I haven’t before.”
They’d played dorm dad-son games plenty of times in the dorms. It was simple: share a packed meal, and you were the foster dad. Cover the cost and the packing yourself? You were basically the real dad.
“What about that thing we talked about yesterday? You really sure you can make it happen?” Wei Ming brought up their late-night WeChat scheming.
The core was Han Lili.
Proving Yang Haoran’s god-tier training skills was Wei Ming’s insurance. He was terrified that things with his mom could backfire. A few quick failures, and who would risk total ruin to play along with his madness?
If it weren’t for his mom getting swept away by some other guy hanging over his head like a sword, Wei Ming would never have agreed to such an absurd bet.
The second part was what he wanted: Yang Haoran helping him land Han Lili. He’d get the girl, keep his mom, and Yang Haoran would get his fun. A win-win-win—killing three birds with one stone.
Wei Ming knew his own mom was a knockout. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have that whole Oedipus complex.
