“I’m still baffled. Why’s Yuanyuan so interested in you? Ever since I’ve known her, I’ve never seen her take such an interest in anything. It’s downright weird. Not only is Yuanyuan interested in you, but Senior Ye Qingqian’s been paying attention to you too. What the hell did you do over summer break? Did you transform into a superhero and save the world or something?”

“I’m still baffled. In the looks department, I’m sorry, but Young Master Su leaves you in the dust. In terms of family background, no one at No. 5 High School would dare claim second place. Even that woman, Ye Qingqian, can’t compare to me...”

“What about brains?”

Lin Ran hit him right where it hurt. Su Shijie fell silent for a long moment.

“Can you stop going straight for the kill every time you open your mouth? I’ll admit I’m not as smart as you right now, but what does that matter? I refuse to believe Yuanyuan and Ye Qingqian are interested in you for your brains.” Su Shijie scratched his head, flustered.

“I’ve told you before: if you want to pursue Shen Qingyuan, first drop that carefree act. Stop acting like nothing matters all the time. Not every girl likes a playboy, and Shen Qingyuan isn’t an ordinary girl. It’s like trying to tame a wild horse. If you don’t learn what it likes first and just show up waving a fistful of grass, you’re lucky if it doesn’t kick you.” Lin Ran said helplessly.

“Come on, when have I been carefree lately? Look at how different I am from before. The difference is huge, okay? At this time back then, I’d be kissing some cute girl. Look at me now—I’m actually hanging out with a roughneck like you!” Su Shijie said bitterly.

“Oh, give me a break. I don’t even want to get into it with you. You’re not picky at all—you’ll put anything in your mouth. Doesn’t it gross you out?” Lin Ran said with disgust.

“What do you mean, I’m not picky? Your big brother here has discerning tastes. But if someone keeps shoving it into your mouth, it’d be rude not to try it. I was just sampling the flavor.” Su Shijie still thought he was completely justified.

Lin Ran really didn’t want to talk to Su Shijie anymore. “Stop talking. It wouldn’t be great if Lin Ruixue and the others heard you.”

“Oho, so you do care what Xiaoxue and Si Qing think. Aren’t you supposed to be a monk of iron?” Su Shijie said with an amused look. Had Lin Ran taken the wrong medicine? He actually cared about Lin Ruixue and Si Qing’s feelings now. Incredible! Had this guy finally come around?

Lin Ran ignored Su Shijie.

“Hey, why’d you go quiet? What are you pretending for? You can’t fool Young Master Su. I know you too well. What kind of miracle medicine did you take? You used to bully Xiaoxue when she first moved in, and now you’re protecting her?”

“Hey, you really aren’t going to say anything?”

“Fine. If you won’t talk, I’ll tell Senior Ye Qingqian tomorrow that you’ve been sneaking off to eat with your buddy’s girl.”

......

“I really want to kill you. Do you ever hear yourself? So what if I’m looking out for Lin Ruixue? I just don’t want the old man to have one more thing to worry about. If he hadn’t asked me to take care of her, I wouldn’t bother. And what do you mean, I’m sneaking off to eat with your girl? Is she your girl? You didn’t even know who she was when I asked you. And so what if you tell Ye Qingqian? What’s that got to do with me?” Lin Ran finally snapped. Su Shijie was the kind of guy who wouldn’t study—and wouldn’t let anyone else study either.

“Just admit it already. What exactly is going on between you and Ye Qingqian? Why do you get so worked up whenever I mention her? As far as I know, you’ve been spending every lunch break this week with Ye Qingqian in the Student Council office. What are you two sneaking around doing? Weren’t you always saying you’d die before joining the Student Council? Then you joined without a word? You’re so unfaithful! You say you’re not interested, but your actions say otherwise. I really had you all wrong.” Su Shijie said with a wicked grin.

“How the hell did this turn into me being unfaithful? You think I wanted to join? I just don’t like owing people favors. She helped me out on the sports field before, and I don’t like owing favors—especially to a girl.” Lin Ran was getting annoyed too.

“Ooh, now you’re making excuses? I knew it—you were just putting on an act. Don’t worry, Little Ran. Your brother fully supports you and Ye Qingqian. Landing a rose like her proves you’re no ordinary guy, and as your buddy, I get to share in the glory. But calling her crazy is going too far. She’s been pretty good to you, and she’s gorgeous.” Su Shijie said with a smile.

“And don’t bother denying it. You say you hate girls, so why did you help Ye Qingqian when she asked? Just because you owed her a favor? Give me a break. You’re a kid—what favors could you possibly owe? And even if you did owe her one, would you really let your senior boss you around like that without snapping? Look at you now. Stop pretending before you overdo it. You’ve made your point.” Su Shijie grinned and raised a hand.

“Get lost.” Lin Ran.

“You’re saying you don’t like Ye Qingqian?” Su Shijie.

“I like your mom!” Lin Ran.

“Then go tell my dad.” Su Shijie.

“Get lost, get lost, get lost.” Lin Ran.

“You’ve got food in your bowl but your eyes are on the pot. You’ve already got a gorgeous girl like Ye Qingqian—why are you still thinking about my Yuanyuan?” Su Shijie.

Lin Ran had finally had enough. He grabbed a chair.

“What are you doing? Murder’s illegal! Can’t we talk this out? A real man uses his words, not his fists!” Su Shijie sprang up and cowered in the corner. He really was afraid Lin Ran would swing the chair at him.

“Get out of here. Go do whatever you want, just quit bothering me. I’ve got a ton of homework this week. Don’t waste my time.” Lin Ran put down the chair.

“You and Ye Qingqian—uh, I’m going to hang out with Yuanyuan.” Su Shijie had been about to tease him again, but when he saw Lin Ran’s hand reach for the chair, he immediately chickened out and hurried away with a grin.

But Su Shijie had barely made it outside before he came running back.

“A-Ran, come get your driver’s license with me over winter break. Once we get them, we can go street racing on the weekends!” Su Shijie leaned against the doorway and grinned.

“Dude, you have to be eighteen to get a license. You’re only seventeen, and I’m sixteen. What license are you talking about?” Lin Ran groaned.

“I’ve got connections, so quit whining. It’s settled: we’re getting our licenses over winter break. Then we’ll take my Ferrari out for a spin. Just imagine it—you’re sitting in a Ferrari, both hands on the wheel, the girl you love beside you, a gentle breeze blowing in your face as you cruise along the riverbank. Ah, what a beautiful scene!” Su Shijie was off fantasizing again.

“You’re driving your mom’s Ferrari? Do you even have one?” Lin Ran said with a dry laugh.

“How’d you know my mom has a Ferrari? She already told me she’d let me take her car once I get my license. Besides, there’s another beast sitting in my underground garage, waiting to be unleashed. Just you wait. Once I get my license, the beast is getting out. And don’t say your buddy isn’t generous—I’ll let you experience its roar first!” Su Shijie said smugly.

Lin Ran wanted to chop Su Shijie to pieces. So what if you’re rich? Who the hell are you showing off for? With brains like yours, you’re talking about unleashing a beast? You’d probably drive straight into a curb, then your dad would beat you till you looked like a pig and teach you what happens when you unleash a beast.

But honestly, Su Shijie’s goofy behavior always made people forget he was a rich kid. Lin Ran had never met such a dumbass among the wealthy. In the memories of his previous life, Su Shijie hadn’t been this much of an idiot. Had this guy been reborn too?

Lin Ran vaguely remembered that about a week after summer vacation started, Su Shijie couldn’t hold back any longer and decided to unleash his beast. He got in the car, so excited he couldn’t even figure out how to start it. And so he sat there “unleashing the beast” for two hours before finally hopping on an electric scooter and going out to have fun.

Lin Ran shook his head. After hesitating for a moment, he decided to take Su Shijie down a peg. “I think Shen Qingyuan’s the kind of girl who’d rather lie in someone else’s arms and cry than sit on your beast and laugh.”

“Shut your damn mouth! If anyone makes my Yuanyuan cry, I’ll make him regret ever being born! Especially you, Little Ran—watch yourself! Your grandpa’s blade is razor-sharp!” Su Shijie said viciously.

“You’d better get out of here. You’re always going on about ‘my Yuanyuan,’ but when have you ever made an effort? You know to buy a girl a drink or take her to dinner when you pick her up at a bar, but what have you ever bought Shen Qingyuan? You see her and wag your tail and stick out your tongue like a pug. Aren’t you embarrassed?” Lin Ran waved him away in disgust.

Su Shijie slapped his hands together, his eyes lighting up. “You’re right, Little Ran! You just reminded me—I haven’t given Yuanyuan a single present yet. Hey, stop writing. Let’s figure out what kind of gift she’d like. I’ll buy it for her sometime soon.”

Watching Su Shijie sit back down on the bed, Lin Ran wished he could slap himself. Why’d I have to open my big mouth?

Lin Ran knew Su Shijie wouldn’t leave until they came up with something.

But what did Shen Qingyuan like? That really was a problem. She barely ever showed up at school. How could he know what she liked when he hardly even saw her?

“Didn’t you say she likes music? Why not get her something related to music?” Lin Ran suggested after a moment’s thought.

“Something related to music... a piano?” Su Shijie frowned.

“Don’t ask me. I don’t know. You should know better than I do. You’re always spying on her, aren’t you? Just get her whatever instrument she likes.” Lin Ran spread his hands.

“What do you mean, spying? I call it visiting. Learn how to talk. If you can’t, then shut up.” Su Shijie curled his lip.

“See?” Lin Ran shrugged.

“I remember hearing a piano when I was spying on her—er, visiting her once. I think there was a guzheng too. I’ve gotta say, my Yuanyuan is so talented. Whether it’s piano or guzheng, she plays way better than those so-called music masters.” Su Shijie said thoughtfully.

“Then find a chance to give her one. Her birthday would be the easiest.” Lin Ran said.

“That’s a good idea. But should I get her a piano or a guzheng? A piano’s so big. Won’t it be awkward if I haul one over to her? But a guzheng’s so small. It wouldn’t look right for a grown man to carry one around.” Su Shijie was torn.

“Then get her both. You’re not short on money. Just pick some good brands in the twenty- or thirty-thousand-yuan range.” Lin Ran said with a grin.

“I’ll ask my mom first. She’s really into music and is always going to concerts by some so-called masters. Damn, a single ticket costs several thousand yuan, and sometimes you even need connections to get one. Those masters are a joke!” Su Shijie snorted disdainfully, then pulled out his phone and messaged his mom.

“Mommy~”

Su Shijie wailed it out so loudly that Lin Ran nearly threw up his dinner from the night before. Couldn’t he go outside? Why send a voice message to his mom instead of just calling her?

Then Lin Ran heard Su Shijie play his mom’s voice message out loud.

“What is it? Out of money and suddenly remembered you have a mom? How much do you need?” Su Shijie’s mom.

“I’m not asking for money, Mom. I just wanted to ask if you know which piano and guzheng brands are good. I want to look into them.” Su Shijie.

“Oho, Little Shijie’s getting into music now?” Su Shijie’s mom.

Lin Ran really couldn’t hold it in. That “Little Shijie” had him cracking up.

Su Shijie was mortified. “Mom, don’t call me that. Seriously, can you recommend a few?”

His mom sent him several pictures of pianos, and Su Shijie held up his phone for Lin Ran to see, asking him which one looked best.

Lin Ran didn’t know anything about pianos, but he could tell that the ones in those pictures were definitely no ordinary instruments.

“I took these when I went to a music exhibition last time. Take a look and see if you like any of them. If you do, tell me and I’ll get in touch with the seller.” Su Shijie’s mom.

“Do you have anything suitable for a girl? I don’t know much about this stuff. Can you help me figure it out?” Su Shijie.

“Suitable for a girl? What, got your eye on someone? You even know to pick something she’ll like. You’re just like your father!” Su Shijie’s mom.

“There’s no such thing as a piano that’s more or less suitable. What matters is its tone and quality, and whether it’s meant for performance. But since you want to give it to a girl you like, why not have one custom-made? You can have her name put on it. It’ll be one of a kind and worth collecting, too.” Su Shijie’s mom.

“Then I’ll leave it to you. It’s all in your hands now. Whether I get a beautiful, excellent, talented daughter-in-law is up to you!” Su Shijie.

“Oh? Beautiful, excellent, and talented, huh? And what if you don’t bring home a daughter-in-law who’s beautiful, excellent, and talented?” Su Shijie’s mom.

“Aww, Mommy~” Su Shijie.

“Enough. Stop being gross.” Su Shijie’s mom.

“Hahahahahaha!” Lin Ran really couldn’t hold it in. Sorry, he just couldn’t help it.

Su Shijie glared at Lin Ran, then went back to sweet-talking his mom.

In the end, Su Shijie’s mom got everything neatly arranged. If they were going to get something she’d like, they might as well get the best—something one of a kind.

Before they hung up, his mom even warned him.

“Little Jie, stop thinking about playing around all day and focus on your studies. If you don’t meet your dad’s expectations, you’d better be ready for a beating,” Su Shijie’s mom said with a smile.

“Mommy, my dear, beloved Mommy, the best mom in the world, you’ve gotta help me! You tell me—is that old man’s demand even reasonable? Why does it have to be a 985 university at minimum? Does he think getting into one is as easy as getting into vocational school? Ever since your handsome son met your future daughter-in-law, I haven’t been able to sleep at night. I’m thinking of her day and night, all for the sake of our Su Family’s superior genes. I think about her by day and cry over her at night. I dream of bringing her home!” Su Shijie wailed, his nose running and tears streaming down his face.

“You poor thing. But you’ll have to talk to your dad. He’s the head of the household.” Su Shijie’s mom said.

“You’ve gotta be kidding me! You’re the one Dad’s most afraid of. You only have to raise your voice, and he won’t dare say a word. You’re the real boss of this house. What you say goes!” Su Shijie said.

“You’re asking for a beating, aren’t you?” Su Shijie’s dad said.

As it turned out, Su Shijie’s mom had repeated what he’d said to his dad. His dad had sent that message in reply, while his mom could be heard laughing in the background.

Su Shijie’s face twisted. His own mom had sold him out!

Lin Ran reached out and patted Su Shijie on the head. “Rest in peace!”

“What the hell? What kind of thing is that for a mom to do? My mom’s gone way too far—she actually sold me out!” Su Shijie wailed.

“Your mom and I will be back in a couple of days. You’d better watch yourself, kid. Don’t dump a whole mess of trouble on me the minute I get home. If you cause trouble again, I’ll beat you black and blue,” Su Shijie’s dad warned him.

“Don’t worry, old man. Your son’s behaving himself these days—better than ever. I even ranked in the top twenty in my class on the start-of-term exam!” Su Shijie replied.

“And you’ve got the nerve to brag? You know exactly what being in the top twenty of Class B means. Come back when you make the top twenty in Class S,” Su Shijie’s dad mocked him without mercy.

“Then what if I make it into Class S? Tell me what you’ll buy me!” Su Shijie said proudly.

“If you can get into Class S—not even the top twenty, just get in—I won’t stop you from doing anything you want from then on. You can use my supplementary card as much as you like. If there’s a girl you’ve got your eye on, I won’t stop you from going to ask for her hand in marriage,” Su Shijie’s dad replied boldly.

“You said it! If I get into Class S, you’ll give me your supplementary card!” Su Shijie jumped to his feet.

“I did. But what happens if you don’t get into Class S?” Su Shijie’s dad asked.

“You can do whatever you want with me!” Su Shijie said.

“All right. I’ll be waiting,” Su Shijie’s dad said.

“Just make sure that supplementary card’s ready, old man!” Su Shijie said.

“If you don’t get into Class S, I’ll smash your head in!” Su Shijie’s dad said.

“Let’s see if Mom lets you! If you smash my head in, she’ll beat you up!” Su Shijie said.

“Little Jie, I’m not stepping in this time,” Su Shijie’s mom said.

“Mooom~” Su Shijie pleaded.

“You could call for Grandma and it still wouldn’t help,” Su Shijie’s dad said.

“Fine. Just you wait!” Su Shijie said.

After that, Su Shijie stopped arguing with his parents and went straight to hugging Lin Ran’s leg.

“Brother Ran, whether your little bro survives this is all up to you! I’m not asking for much—just get me into Class S, even if I can only trail along behind you. That’ll be enough for me!” Su Shijie said with utmost seriousness.

“I’m not sure you can take it,” Lin Ran said with a smile. He wasn’t looking down on Su Shijie; the study environment and pressure in Class S were no joke, and Su Shijie might not be able to handle them.

“Even if it kills me, I’ll stick it out! The old man’s put his supplementary card on the line. I have to win!” Su Shijie said, clenching both fists in excitement.

“All right. Since you’re serious about this, I’ll help you. Here’s what you’ll do: start by writing twenty practice exams, then copy all the key points from the first semester of your freshman year three times,” Lin Ran said with a smile.

“...” Su Shijie.

“What’s wrong?” Lin Ran asked.

“Ah, I think Yuanyuan’s calling me. I’ll go see what she wants,” Su Shijie said.

“...” Lin Ran.

“Just you wait—you’re gonna get your head smashed in,” Lin Ran said.