Chapter 37: Fool’s Luck (Part Two)

“Fan, we’ll let you enjoy your romantic moment. You can sit wherever you want—just don’t sit with us. Find a secluded corner, preferably somewhere dimly lit. You know what I mean, heh heh.” Xu Changhui shot a look at Chen Fan and claimed the last empty seat in the back row.

“Who taught you guys this? You’re even deliberately creating opportunities for me to be alone.” Chen Fan rolled his eyes, found an inconspicuous seat elsewhere, and sat down, avoiding everyone’s gaze. He left the seat beside him empty on purpose.

“Elder, did you overhear everything?” Chen Fan whispered, patting his pocket.

“Yes, you’re quite something. In a moment, Xu Ying will come sit next to you. Cherish the opportunity, lad.”

“You can foresee the future too?” Chen Fan glanced at the door; the person he was waiting for still hadn’t arrived.

The Elder Card suddenly shot out from his pocket and stood upright on the desk. “I possess all card abilities. Nothing escapes me.”

Uninterested in arguing, Chen Fan covered the Elder Card with his hand, paused, then flipped it over again. “You can fly on your own. Why didn’t you escape when you were left out on the balcony that night?”

The Elder crossed his legs. “Old men have a fear of heights. Give me a fright and I forget even my own surname. I won’t discuss it with you.”

Before Chen Fan could respond, the Elder Card quietly slipped back into his pocket.

“Excuse me, may I sit here?”

The voice was familiar. Chen Fan looked up—it was Xu Ying, the most striking feature being the spring of youth blossoming on her chest.

“Of course, please have a seat.” For once, Chen Fan was serious. He glanced around the room; more than half the seats were still empty. They exchanged knowing smiles.

A pair—a boy and a girl—sat together, and Chen Fan felt the atmosphere grow awkward. He turned away; Xu Ying’s face was flushed crimson.

When it came to looks and figure, Xu Ying wasn’t outstanding; on the street, she’d be just another passerby. Her most attention-grabbing feature was her ample bust.

Chen Fan was a normal boy. His gaze lingered on her, his mind brimming with hormones.

Suddenly, the light overhead went out, plunging the room into darkness. If someone launched a surprise attack now, would it be unexpectedly effective?

Chen Fan sat there, stunned. He didn’t have the nerve.

“Dear students, good evening.”

The lights on the podium flickered on. Two formally dressed student hosts appeared before the audience.

Chen Fan paid no attention to the presentation; his eyes remained fixed on Xu Ying.

“Girls are always shy, especially since that veil has already been pierced once. This time, take the initiative; consider it the bugle call ending your eighteen years of singlehood.”

The thought quietly ignited in his heart. Chen Fan stared at his hands. Eighteen years—it was time to say goodbye.

He summoned his courage, preparing to make things clear with Xu Ying, only to find that she, too, was looking at him.

Two throbbing hearts collided. Chen Fan pursed his lips, a little embarrassed. “Was it you who posted on the school forum this morning?”

“Huh?” Xu Ying was momentarily stunned, then buried her head, unable to meet Chen Fan’s gaze.

“So you know…” she answered hesitantly, gripping her hands tightly.

“Actually, I…” Chen Fan started but suddenly drew a blank. His mind was empty; he couldn’t remember a thing.

“You’re a good person. Even in dangerous situations, you stepped up. Though Wei Youlong set you up, you’re much better than that scumbag. If you don’t mind what happened between me and him, I want to say…”

Xu Ying’s most crucial words hovered at her throat as she watched Chen Fan’s expression.

Chen Fan kept blinking, his mind still blank.

“I like you. Will you be my boyfriend?” Xu Ying’s voice was barely audible, afraid others might hear, but Chen Fan caught every word.

Suddenly, clarity returned to Chen Fan. He countered, “Is the reason you like me only because of what I did last night?”

Xu Ying paused, then thought carefully—it was indeed so, and she nodded, confirming his guess.

“What’s wrong with that? Every girl hopes for a hero to sweep her off her feet, to marry her as his destined princess. When you entered my life, I fell deeply for you.”

Chen Fan shook his head. “That’s just the typical idolization of teenage girls. You should be more rational, see each guy clearly, so you don’t waste your life. I think we don’t know each other well enough yet; deciding so quickly is too reckless. Sorry, let’s just be friends for now.”

Xu Ying withdrew her gaze in disappointment. “Let’s be friends then. But I have a feeling you already like someone else. Still, I’ll keep trying.”

“Not at all. My last crush was back in middle school. Since starting university, I’ve thrown myself into my studies.” Chen Fan shrugged.

Xu Ying pouted. “That sounds convincing. I’ll trust you for now. But promise me—you won’t deliberately avoid me.”

“Promise to be open, honest, and fair.” Chen Fan smiled faintly.

…

“What was tonight’s presentation about? I didn’t hear a single department introduction.” Chen Fan asked his roommates, looking perplexed.

“You missed so many fun acts! The publicity department even had a guy cross-dressing,” Xu Changhui said, unable to stop laughing.

Lai Guangyi chimed in knowingly, “Fan was busy flirting with Xu Ying. Who had time for student union stuff? Right, Fan? Did things work out?”

“I think making things official so quickly is too rash. I don’t like things moving too fast. We’re still just friends,” replied Chen Fan.

Wei Youlong teased, “You don’t know how to seize opportunities. Even when it’s handed to you, you refuse. You’re all about slow romance. No wonder you’re still single—everyone’s into fast love now. There’s no such thing as sincerity anymore. You should hurry and try it out.”

Chen Fan ignored him and moved his laptop onto the bed.

“I honestly thought you’d say yes. I even bet five million chips on it. Didn’t expect you to keep your head clear.”

Chen Fan took out the Elder Card and slapped it onto the keyboard. “The Fool Card’s function is to bring good luck, right? That’s probably why everything went smoothly today. But once midnight hits, everything will return to normal, and she’ll come to her senses. That’d be awkward. Also, who did you bet with?”

The Elder raised an eyebrow. “Left hand against right hand. You’re pretty smart—I thought you’d strike while the iron was hot, handle everything, and not think about anything else.”

“I don’t want to harm others. The abilities you’ve granted are a double-edged sword. I just want to be a good person, nothing more.” Chen Fan found the blank Fool Card and placed it beside the Elder.

“Half an hour left. Good luck.” The Elder snapped his fingers, and the computer screen jumped to the course selection page.

“Perfect, got them all.” Chen Fan stared at the results, grinning from ear to ear, happier than being confessed to.

PS: I’m traveling recently, so updates are a bit irregular. I’ll try to stick to a schedule after September 1st and will notify everyone then.