Chapter 16: Bicycle vs. Cullinan

Chen Zishi's mood brightened up instantly upon hearing that Chu Bai wanted to swap seats with Wen Jing. After receiving the 1,000 yuan that Chu Bai had returned, he planned to give the money to Wen Jing to settle her debt. However, he hadn't found the opportunity to talk to her face-to-face. If Chu Bai managed to switch seats with Wen Jing, it would be perfect for him.

But Chen Zishi was still a bit naive.

Chu Bai's true intention was to get closer to Xu Muyan, not entirely to help Chen Zishi. Of course, Chu Bai wouldn't admit that.

While Chen Zishi eagerly waited, Chu Bai casually grabbed a few sheets of paper and approached Wen Jing's desk.

"Wen Jing, can we switch seats? I need to ask Xu Muyan some questions," Chu Bai said with a smile.

Wen Jing, who was focused on her studies, was annoyed by Chu Bai's interruption. Her irritation only grew when she realized that Chu Bai's desk was next to Chen Zishi's.

"No," Wen Jing replied, clearly annoyed.

Wang Haoran had given Wen Jing some tasks earlier, and now that they were done, she had no desire to deal with Chen Zishi again.

"I really don't understand some of these questions and need to ask Xu Muyan. Isn't it important to help a classmate? We're all here to study, and you can still study no matter where you sit," Chu Bai argued, his frustration building.

"Don't try to guilt-trip me. This is my seat, and whether I switch or not is my choice. Please leave and stop bothering me," Wen Jing shot back.

"You..."

Chu Bai was fuming but didn't dare to argue further. After all, Xu Muyan was watching, and he didn't want to ruin his image in front of her. Plus, Chen Zishi, the loyal protector, was ready to step in.

Reluctantly, Chu Bai returned to his seat, his mood souring further. Chen Zishi, too, felt disappointed.

Meanwhile, Wang Haoran stood up from his seat and walked over.

"Wen Jing, could we switch seats?"

Hearing this, Wen Jing felt a pang of jealousy but still stood up obediently, giving her seat to Wang Haoran. As they passed each other, Wang Haoran discreetly touched Wen Jing's hand, offering a subtle gesture of comfort. This small action immediately lifted Wen Jing's spirits.

Wang Haoran then casually chatted with Xu Muyan about their studies for a few minutes. After their conversation, he didn't leave right away.

"During the Chinese class today, the teacher praised your essay. Writing essays isn't my strong suit, so could I borrow your notebook to learn from?" Wang Haoran asked.

"Your writing isn't bad either," Xu Muyan replied with a smile, handing over her notebook.

"I'll return it to you tomorrow morning."

"Sure."

Everyone's handwriting has a unique style, and replicating it perfectly is nearly impossible. But for Wang Haoran, who now had a Grandmaster-level calligraphy and painting skill, it was quite simple.

Obtaining Xu Muyan's handwriting was just the first step in Wang Haoran's plan.

Across the classroom, Chu Bai sat fuming.

"Wen Jing ignored me when I asked to swap seats, but she moved immediately when Wang Haoran asked. What a..."

"Who are you cursing?!" Chen Zishi's furious voice interrupted Chu Bai, his eyes wide with anger, ready to fight.

Many students in the class turned their heads to see what was happening.

Chu Bai opened his mouth, wanting to retort, but no words came out. He felt utterly humiliated.

After a long moment, Chu Bai finally calmed down.

It was clear to him now that with Wang Haoran around, his chances of getting close to Xu Muyan were slim. His plans to pursue her were probably dead in the water.

As he resigned himself to this reality, a mature woman's image flashed through his mind.

Compared to Xu Muyan's youthful beauty, Song Zhenyu's mature charm was far more enticing to someone his age.

"Song Zhenyu lives nearby…"

A new plan began to form in Chu Bai's mind.

With less than a hundred days until the college entrance exam, studying was out of the question. Chasing girls was the only way to pass the time. With his x-ray vision, Chu Bai figured he could easily cheat his way through the exams.

During the exam, he could just copy the answers from the best students around him. With his x-ray vision, he could see through walls and desks, so as long as the students around him were good, he would do just fine.

——

After evening study hall ended, Chu Bai took his time packing up, keeping an eye on the office door.

When Song Zhenyu finally emerged, Chu Bai left the classroom.

He walked to the bike rack, hopped on his worn-out bicycle, and started pedaling.

Timing it perfectly, he met Song Zhenyu at the school gate.

"Song, what a coincidence," Chu Bai said, stopping his bike and pretending to run into her by accident.

"Oh, Chu Bai. The study hall ended a while ago. Why are you still here?" Song Zhenyu asked, smiling.

By now, most of the students had already left the campus, and the area around the gate was nearly deserted. Naturally, Song Zhenyu found it odd.

"My grades are pretty bad, so I stayed a bit longer to study," Chu Bai said, scratching his head and pretending to be a hardworking student.

"Your grades have been improving quickly. Keep it up, and you'll definitely get into your dream university," Song Zhenyu encouraged him.

"Thanks, Song," Chu Bai said with a grin before shifting the topic.

"Song, are you walking home? How about I give you a ride?"

Song Zhenyu lived close to the school, and she usually walked home after the evening study hall. Chu Bai had noticed this.

"Ah, well…" Song Zhenyu hesitated, unsure how to respond.

"Song, it's already past ten, and it's dangerous for someone as beautiful as you to walk home alone. Let me give you a ride from now on. It's on my way anyway."

Chu Bai, feeling a bit excited, quickly wiped the dust off his bike's rear seat and urged, "Come on!"

Just then, a Cullinan pulled up beside them.

The car door opened, and Wang Haoran stepped out.