C4 And You Said That You Haven't Fallen in Love yet
Can't a person catch a break this early in the morning?
The Senior Sisters out for their morning workout were steeped in bitterness.
Do they have to flaunt their affection at the crack of dawn?
As the two of them ran, their playful antics and bell-like laughter turned many a boy's head. This public display of affection was like being force-fed an unreasonably sweet treat.
But in truth,
Both maintained an unspoken understanding. Howard, true to himself, kept a delicate distance from Fredia, ensuring she didn't feel alienated or put off by him.
And because of this,
Fredia's fondness for Howard grew. His upright demeanor, sunny smile, and clear, unclouded eyes were so warm, she couldn't bear to part with him.
If it weren't for the impending military drills and morning exercises,
Fredia would have loved to continue strolling around the field with Howard.
Even in silence, the comfort they shared was deeply satisfying.
"Will you come again tomorrow?" Fredia asked, her voice laden with hope.
I will.
Howard confirmed, "I really enjoy jogging and walking with you, Senior Sister!"
Yes!
You better be there!
Fredia's smile shone brilliantly as she hummed a cheerful tune, hands clasped behind her back, bouncing away from the field.
Ah!
That jerk!
He claimed he wasn't dating the campus beauty, Senior Sister!
Wang Yang seethed with jealousy.
"Alright, enough with the envy. Ugly guys don't get to have love stories. Just hit the books!" Fang Long, ever the provocateur, clapped Wang Yang on the shoulder. "Face it, are you as good-looking as Howard?"
Not even close.
Wang Yang hated to admit it, but Howard was indeed more handsome. And today, for some reason, he looked even more so. Could it be the glow of love?
Wang Yang sighed, a mix of envy and resentment, "Show-offs, all of you should just spontaneously combust!"
When Howard rejoined the group, the boys' envious stares sent shivers down his spine. Had they all fallen for the SSS group's charm?
Meanwhile, the few girls in the class felt a twinge of jealousy toward Fredia.
"How did we not notice such a handsome guy in our class before? And he's not just any guy, he's a top-tier genius, the perfect catch for a boyfriend. Too bad he's already taken!"
The girls were feeling particularly downcast.
Their class's most eligible bachelor had just been swept off his feet by someone else.
But of course,
Howard was indifferent to the whole situation.
His daily routine was a must: rise early, check in, then join Senior Sister for a jog and a walk before enduring the monotonous military drills.
Day in, day out.
At last, following the final inspection, the grueling twenty-day military training came to an end.
During this time, Howard had also gotten the hang of the daily check-in rewards from the system.
The skill knowledge rewards were scarce; over the next eighteen days, he only acquired one all-encompassing combat skill, mastering every fighting technique known to the world.
The rest of the check-ins paid out in cash. For seventeen days, ten of which were cash rewards ranging from a minimum of one hundred thousand to a maximum of one hundred million. In other words, Howard was already worth over a hundred million before even graduating from college.
Then, in the last seven days, he was rewarded with two luxury cars, a Cullinan and a Koenigsegg One:1, followed by an assortment of low-value household items that conveniently assembled into a modest bath set.
Today,
Howard intended to bid farewell to his counselor and move out.
After all,
It would be a shame not to enjoy a billion-dollar mansion.
His counselor was quite approachable. After granting Howard permission, he couldn't help but ask with curiosity, "Howard, are you really dating Fredia from our Todmorden University?"
"Well, how to explain?" Howard ran a hand through his hair and offered a bashful smile. "It's more like we're more than friends but not quite lovers yet. It's a nice place to be!"
"Ah, such an innocent romance is indeed rare these days. Keep at it and aim to make it official," the counselor said with a grin, offering Howard a bit of encouragement.
No problem!
Howard gave his chin a thoughtful scratch, harboring a hint of anticipation.
"Make what official?"
Fredia's distinct voice, cool and sweet, suddenly interrupted, causing both the counselor and Howard to freeze momentarily. Howard, quick on his feet, turned with a warm smile, "Oh, nothing much. But Senior Sister, what brings you to the computer science department?"
"Hmph, I heard from your roommate that you're moving out? Why? Has someone been giving you a hard time?" Fredia's tone carried a tinge of hurt, upset that Howard had faced such a significant issue without confiding in her.
"Who's bullying me?" Howard said with a resigned shake of his head, his voice soft. "Why don't you come check out my new place with me?"
'Really? Can I?'
Fredia's mood brightened instantly, and with a touch of playful arrogance, she pouted, "I need to bring my bestie along. If you try to bully me, she'll take you down!"
'Deal!'
Howard chuckled, resigned to the situation, "No problem at all. Having such a beauty grace my humble abode is truly an honor."
Hehe!
'Glad you understand!'
Fredia spun around joyfully and eagerly grabbed Howard's hand. "Let's go pack up and head out!"
'Hold on, not so fast!'
Howard gave a wry smile and turned to inform the counselor, "Counselor, I'll be heading out now!"
"Off you go, and spare me the lovey-dovey act!" the counselor grumbled wearily. "Ah, to be young—snagging the campus beauty and affording a house with your own money. Some people have all the luck!"
Howard's belongings were few and easy to gather.
His roommates, green with envy, helped him with his luggage and wished him well, "Hope you two have a blissful life together!"
"Haha, I appreciate the well wishes," Howard laughed, handing out red packets with 888 yuan each, leaving his roommates wide-eyed but not wanting to intrude. They walked him out with laughter and pats on the back.
"Howard, you haven't called for a ride yet, have you?" Fredia asked with a smile, phone in hand. "I'll just give Mengyao a heads-up and have her come be our driver."
No!
Howard was familiar with Mollie.
She was fiercely loyal.
But she was also generous and straightforward, with a gentle demeanor that made her easy to get along with.
Howard explained with a hint of helplessness, "I can't ask Sister Mollie to play chauffeur for my move; it wouldn't be right. I've already arranged for the butler to come get me."
The butler was a perk from the system.
After all, managing a hundred-acre estate was no small feat without a professional butler.
And this butler had quite the professional name: Claus.
Butler?
As a member of Todmorden's local elite, Fredia was brimming with questions. She was well aware of what a butler was, but she also knew they weren't just for anyone; hiring a butler was a luxury beyond the reach of ordinary people. Unlike a monthly nurse or a housekeeper, only the true upper crust could employ a genuine butler.
That's why she was so intrigued.
Where on earth was Howard planning to move to that he would have a butler at his service?
