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Chapter 27: Countryside Outing with Room
update icon Updated at 2025/12/27 16:00:02

Jiang Xuehan's second live stream as "Streamer Xuehan" was still a flop. Even during the busiest evening hours, viewership never topped 100. Chat messages rarely floated by—mostly just requests to turn on her camera or add her WeChat.

By 10 PM, she knew continuing was pointless. Dejectedly, she closed the stream. As she climbed toward her bed, she suddenly noticed Xia Ziying standing right behind her.

"Xiao Han, so you’re a streamer?" Xia Ziying asked.

"Well, streaming’s easy nowadays. Lots of college students try it. I’m just giving it a shot," Jiang Xuehan replied casually.

"Huh, can I stream too? But what would I even stream…" Xia Ziying pondered seriously for a few seconds. Finding no answer, she switched topics. "Xiao Han, that game you played—I’ve seen it! My cousin played it all summer. ‘Chicken Dinner Battlegrounds,’ right?"

"Idiot, it’s ‘PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds.’ How do you not know such a popular game?" Li Xinglan interjected coldly from the other corner of the dorm.

Xia Ziying already disliked this new roommate who acted like a spoiled princess. Now, her irritation flared. She glared angrily. "Hey, I’m talking to Xiao Han. Mind your own business!"

"I was just correcting you. I played it all summer. Had a favorite streamer too, but…" Li Xinglan trailed off, turning back to her laptop screen.

Ignoring her, Xia Ziying hugged Jiang Xuehan from behind, pressing her soft chest against Jiang Xuehan’s shoulder. "Xiao Han, classes start the day after tomorrow. Tomorrow’s free. Got plans?"

"Well, I’ve got my internet cafe shift in the morning. Won’t finish till after 2 PM."

"Hmm… How about Forest Park for barbecue afterward? Bring Jiaqi. Just us three." Xia Ziying deliberately glanced at Li Xinglan, but the latter pretended not to hear.

Wen Jiaqi, a total foodie, drooled at "barbecue." "Yes! Yes! We’ll go as soon as you’re off work!"

Jiang Xuehan actually preferred streaming in her free time. But after two failed attempts, even 24/7 streaming wouldn’t boost her viewership. Relaxing with the girls might help brainstorm ideas. Yet, seeing Li Xinglan sitting alone in the corner tugged at her conscience. Deep down, she still felt like a man—instinctively hating to see a pretty girl left out.

She walked over and gently placed a hand on Li Xinglan’s shoulder. "Lanlan, free tomorrow afternoon? Why not join all four of us?"

Li Xinglan shrugged coldly. "I’m busy. No time."

"Oh? Busy with what?"

"Hmm… Just busy."

Jiang Xuehan sighed softly. "Lanlan, we’re roommates. We see each other daily. Getting along would be nice. Please? I’m begging you."

Beneath her icy exterior, Li Xinglan was just a tsundere girl who enjoyed hanging out with peers. Jiang Xuehan’s humble plea satisfied her pride. "Hmph. Since you insist, I’ll squeeze you into my schedule."

"Bleh," Xia Ziying muttered, making a face behind Li Xinglan’s back.

---

The 9th was the last registration day for new and returning students. Eastern Sea City’s campus buzzed with crowds. The internet cafe boomed too—even the quiet morning shift was half full.

Jiang Xuehan wore her red cap and apron over a T-shirt and jeans, flitting like a butterfly between customers and the front desk. Most patrons were Eastern Sea University students, well-behaved so far. No groping incidents—unlike her first day as a supermarket cashier back in Eastern Sea City. A balding man in his forties had bought water, then deliberately held her hand with lecherous eyes while she gave change. She’d nearly chopped off that pervert’s hand on the spot. Secretly, she wondered how he’d react if he knew she’d been a man.

At 2 PM, her shift ended. She massaged her slightly sore calves on the walk back. Though female now, her style stayed masculine: flat canvas shoes, neutral socks. She’d never tried stockings, garter belts, or heels.

Back in the dorm, her roommates were already dressed and eager. Wen Jiaqi wore a cute pink puff-sleeve tee and denim shorts. Xia Ziying dazzled in a white sleeveless top and black pleated skirt. But Jiang Xuehan’s gaze locked onto Li Xinglan.

Li Xinglan wore a simple goose-yellow sleeveless dress. Her full chest and slender waist flowed into smooth, toned calves. A wide-brimmed straw hat framed her delicate face, enhancing her noble aura—like a rare flower atop a mountain peak. Beauty was relative: Jiang Xuehan thought herself decent alone, but paled next to class beauty Xia Ziying. And Xia Ziying? Beside idol-like Li Xinglan, she faded completely.

Li Xinglan shifted under the stare. "What? Is my foundation uneven?"

"No! You’re just… really beautiful," Jiang Xuehan said sincerely.

Li Xinglan preened inwardly at the same-sex praise. "Hmph. Good you noticed. But you’re going barefaced?"

"Yeah. It’s just a casual outing, not a date."

"Exactly!" Xia Ziying chimed in. "Xiao Han’s naturally cute and fair-skinned. No makeup needed. Unlike some peacocks who dress like they’re headed to…" She shot Li Xinglan a pointed look.

"What did you say?!" Li Xinglan snapped.

"Alright, alright," Jiang Xuehan soothed. "We’re here to have fun. No fighting, okay?"