C10 I, Xiang Liang, Xiang Ying, Just Want to Live a Peaceful Life.(2)

"Sure."

Hee Zi saw no reason to decline such a legitimate request. She pulled out her phone, scanned Hu Yanqing's QR code, and added him as a friend. Hu Yanqing, on the other hand, eagerly checked her WeChat Moments...

Just a blank line, followed by posts visible for only three days...

A mix of excitement and disappointment washed over him, yet he attempted to maintain his composure. "Classmate He, if there's anything you need in the future, you can..."

He stopped mid-sentence when he noticed that Hee Zi wasn't looking at him but past him, towards the group behind. Thinking she was curious about who they were, Hu Yanqing quickly clarified, "These are friends from one of my clubs. We've just finished our morning run. Yeah, we're a fitness club."

"Muscular Club?" She responded instinctively, then, realizing her inadvertent rudeness, quickly apologized, "Sorry, my mind wandered for a moment."

"No worries at all. You've heard of the Muscular Club?"

Was his club really that well-known? He felt a surge of pride for having joined. Hu Yanqing was thrilled. He had exchanged a few words with her, right? Surely enough to boast about on WeChat Moments? Were they friends now? The thought excited him.

"I've heard of it..."

Hee Zi noticed that Hsiang Tai had no intention of approaching her for a chat. He remained hidden in the crowd, minimizing his presence. Even when she looked his way, he just smiled naturally and turned to talk to others.

"Please thank your club president, Hsiang Tai, for me."

After nodding to Hu Yanqing and offering a smile, she said, "I should get going now. Thanks to you as well."

"No problem at all. Take care... Eh?" Hu Yanqing's reverie was interrupted by her smile, and a sense of confusion set in.

Why thank our president? How does she know Hsiang Tai's name?

Why thank him at all?

And why am I just an afterthought?

Aren't I supposed to be the protagonist?

Puzzled, he watched her walk away, then returned to his friends with a dazed look.

"Got their WeChat?"

"Nice one, kid. Impressive."

"Big Hu's killing it, snagging a celeb's WeChat. Just don't forget us when you hit the big time, alright?"

A bunch of guys gave Hu Yanqing envious slaps on the back. They were all full of youthful energy, and naturally, a pretty girl was like a magnet to them. Even without any serious intentions, having an attractive girl in their social media feeds was a plus. A selfie popping up when you're feeling down could be a little pick-me-up.

"Boss..."

Ignoring the ribbing from the others, Hu Yanqing looked curiously at Hsiang Tai and relayed, "She said, 'Give my thanks to your boss, Hsiang Tai.'"

That single sentence had the whole Muscular Club eyeing Hsiang Tai with keen interest.

"Oh."

Hsiang Tai simply uttered "oh," gave Hu Yanqing a pat on the shoulder, and encouraged, "Keep it up."

Then, he walked away, only to suddenly break into a run a few steps later.

The others sensed something was off, quickly gave chase, and called out while running, "Boss? You two know each other?"

"What's the deal, Boss?!"

"Boss, did you hoard all our luck with the ladies?"

"Hsiang Tai, hold up! Explain yourself, or it's wrestling time!"

"How come any girl can be linked to the Boss? Are you some kind of sorcerer?"

"What's with the running? Not worried about appendicitis after eating?" Hsiang Tai yelled back at them, "Stop it! What are you, kids? Grown men chasing like this."

Hee Zi, who hadn't gone far, heard the noise and glanced at the boys who had burst into a spontaneous chase. She remembered Su Qin's words from the night before...

Indeed, this was one wild club.

But they seemed like decent folks.

Looking up at the sun, she mused: Is this what college life is like?

Feeling a pang of envy... If only I...

Suddenly her heart fluttered with anxiety, and she quickly found a seat to catch her breath, her expression cooling. After resting a bit, she wiped the sweat from her forehead with a handkerchief. She stopped herself from thinking further, put on her headphones to drown out all noise, and walked alone to the classroom.

"Thank you so much, senior."

"Don't mention it."

After slipping a fifty-yuan bill into the donation box, Hsiang Tai said, "I hope your classmate makes a speedy recovery."

Charity events were common at the school, with everyone pitching in to help students who were seriously ill and from less fortunate families. Hsiang Tai, having just finished lunch, happened upon one such event and donated all the cash he had on him.

He figured there'd be an update in a few days. Scammers were rare on campus.

But it wasn't just about achieving goals; he found helping out, even in small ways, deeply gratifying.

He never felt the System was forcing his hand; it seemed more like gentle guidance. Like with running, there was no harm in not completing a challenge, but once he did, he discovered the allure of the sport and was eager to keep sweating it out, achievements or not.

"Life's more interesting when you try out different experiences," he mused.

He framed the sky with his fingers like a camera, capturing the moment mentally, and thought about taking a trip during the New Year's holiday.

Suddenly, a shorty appeared, barely tall enough to be framed by his makeshift camera.

The little guy jumped, trying to get his face in the shot.

Hsiang Tai acted as if he saw nothing, casually pocketed his hands, whistled, and walked away.

"Hey, hey, hey! Stop right there!"

"Oh, it's you, Little Sister Su." Hsiang Tai feigned surprise. "Our story wrapped up yesterday, didn't it? You're not here for the rent already, are you?"

"What do you mean 'our story ended yesterday'? You make it sound like something happened between us."

Su Qin caught up to him in quick strides, clutching Hsiang Tai's arm. "I was actually looking for you."

"Don't play games," Hsiang Tai countered. "If you were really looking for me, wouldn't you just message or call? Clearly, you just ran into me and decided to rope me in for something."

"Oh, come on, it's no big deal, really not a hassle," Su Qin insisted, not missing a beat even after her fib was called out. She switched to a sweet, cajoling tone. "How about this, I'll make it up to you by treating you to crayfish tonight?"

No, the offer to treat me to crayfish reeks of a scheme.

"All I want is a tranquil life," Xiangying sighed.

"Hey, hold up, don't rush off. I've got something to tell you about your club!"

Upon realizing the matter concerned the club rather than just himself, Hsiang Tai, the conscientious president, halted in his tracks and inquired, "Alright, what's going on?"