Translation, translation—what is called a surprise?

Xu Lin took the last two yuan he had to catch the bus home; if he’d tried cycling, he simply wouldn’t have had the energy left. He decided to let Bai Xiaoxiao use the bike tomorrow to ride to school. Tonight, he had more important things to do: publishing his novel.

He hadn’t been completely idle lately. His favorite games hadn’t released yet—or rather, they would in the future—and there was no homework to do. So apart from reviewing his lessons, he spent his time writing. After several days of stockpiling chapters, he had thirty ready and planned to publish them to test the waters.

The genre was urban, but he’d woven in many elements from novels he’d read in the future. He wasn’t sure if it would work now, but he hoped it might earn him his first bucket of gold.

With his own money, he wouldn’t have to trouble his parents anymore. Initially, he meant to wait until winter break to publish, but because of Bai Xiaoxiao, he prepared ahead of time.

He wanted to help her a little, but before he succeeded, he wouldn’t make any promises—that would be irresponsible to both himself and her. If he failed and had no money to help, and had already given his word, what would that be? So he only gave her his pocket money for now.

He hoped she would first focus on her health, and after he earned some royalties, he’d take her for a thorough checkup at the hospital.

He turned on his computer and opened the familiar website. In his previous life, he’d been a struggling author for years. Now, returning with the mind and memories of the future, could he finally succeed in one go? No matter what, he had to take that first step.

Minutes later, Xu Lin took a deep breath. On the screen, the title “This Is Definitely Not Ordinary!” was under review.

Now he would wait. If it didn’t pass today, he’d post a new chapter tomorrow.

He pulled out his phone and glanced at WeChat. Chu Qingchan had sent a voice message: “I’m almost home. Have you finished your exams?”

“Tomorrow morning, then it’s over.”

“Come pick me up at Qizhou Airport.”

“It takes four hours just to get to the provincial capital by bus.”

“I’ll arrive exactly at five in the afternoon.”

“Heh… Come back on your own.”

“Just kidding. Rest well after your exam. And watch out for that girl; she should still be in Linshui.”

“Got it. She’s not a tiger—I’m not afraid of a girl. Even if she knows martial arts, it doesn’t mean she’s above the law.”

“She can make people hurt, but doesn’t leave any marks.”

“Uh…”

“Also, Teacher Guan is staying in Yanjing for a few days. When she returns, she wants to meet you.”

“You succeeded?”

“Completely. She’s agreed to record songs for me. But I’m still not confident; she says I need to train well. Having a good foundation doesn’t mean I can sing immediately.”

“Alright, work hard.”

“Mm, you rest early and get a good score.”

No more messages came. Xu Lin exited WeChat and continued writing.

Because he already had a clear outline and his mind was sharp lately, he finished two chapters in just over two hours.

“Xu Lin, come have some fruit.”

“Coming.”

Hearing his mother’s voice, he left the bedroom for the living room. On the table lay a pile of boxed fruit, the packaging alone showing they weren’t cheap.

“Did you win the lottery?”

“No need to win the lottery to eat fruit, but actually we didn’t buy them—Qingchan’s little sister sent them.” Mrs. Li shot him a look, saving money just to put aside funds for your future bride.

“Chu Qingchan’s little sister?!” Xu Lin’s whole mood soured. “A blond foreign girl?”

“Yes.” Mrs. Li nodded, picking up a bright red cherry.

“Where did you meet her?”

“By the small plaza in the neighborhood. At first we didn’t believe it, but then saw photos of her and Qingchan on her phone.”

“My god, she never left at all.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, nothing. Didn’t you wonder why she appeared in the neighborhood alone?”

“Well, that’s true. She dropped off the fruit and left. We didn’t get a chance to ask anything.”

“Ah…”

“Son, it’s not like we insisted on taking things. She said a couple of words after dropping them and left. I was holding the fruit and couldn’t chase her.”

“Mom, I’m not blaming you… Forget it, I’ll go back to my room. But Chu Qingchan has some small conflict with her family, so you understand.”

“Is that so? Every family has its difficulties.” His mother nodded quickly, catching Xu Lin’s surface meaning.

Though deep down he thought the girl was dangerous and best avoided.

And the fact that she’d managed to find his parents’ information again made him truly angry—he’d been vexed by a girl twice now, and there was nothing he could do.

After eating a slice of watermelon and a few grapes, Xu Lin returned to his bedroom and noticed a message on QQ.

He thought it was from Ji Yun, and eagerly sat down, only to see a default QQ cloud-smile avatar.

The class advisor? Proactively messaging, probably worried about his exam.

He opened it. As expected, a brief question: “How do you feel about the exam?”

“Teacher, do you mean just based on how it felt?”

“The grades aren’t out, so I’m asking how you felt about it.” The reply came quickly.

“No problem then.”

“Good. Expect to get second place in the class.”

“Teacher, why don’t you hope I’ll get first?”

“Ji Yun missed the top ten last time because she skipped a big question.”

“Alright, I’ll keep working hard next time.”

“If you make it into the top fifty, we have to admit you’re impressive. Okay, I won’t disturb you—keep studying hard tomorrow.”

“Thank you, teacher.”

He closed the chat. Messages from Ji Yun and Li Bin had come in, all about the exams. Only Hei Yuanliang asked about Bai Xiaoxiao.

“Did you go?”

“Yes, her mother’s really unwell, and her father works alone.”

“By the way, Bai Xiaoxiao’s health isn’t good. My friend’s in her class—said she fainted during morning exercises after a fall.”

“Probably malnutrition. She looks so thin.” Xu Lin was now certain she needed to take care of herself.

“So, do you really like this girl?”

“No, not at all. I just think they need help.”

“If you were rich, maybe. But there are so many families in need—how can you help them all?”

“No one can help everyone. I just try to help those I see.”

“You’re too kind, like a supporting character in those TV dramas.”

“What do you mean?”

“The main characters aren’t even this kind.”

“Haha, I’m just a student. I don’t ask my parents—just help where I can.”

“Alright, you keep reviewing. I need to memorize stuff too.”

“Mm.”

After the chat, Xu Lin glanced at the novel website’s backend again—his submission had passed review.

He uploaded the third chapter, pondered the title, and suddenly a pop-up ad appeared in the corner.

It was an ad from a travel platform, showing a plane about to land.

“Let’s just call chapter three ‘Surprise’, shall we?”

He typed in the title, then opened WeChat and clicked on the flight and train ticket section.