Chapter 48: A Self-Description of a Scumbag

Influenced by the ticket-snatching incident with Shang Yanyan, before class in the afternoon, Chen Hanxing reiterated the rule that no one was allowed to ask about others' seat numbers. He wanted to keep the excitement and tension until the movie started.

In fact, Chen Hanxing was the calmest one. His date was already set, and he personally arranged it.

After dinner, the long-awaited evening finally arrived. The moon quietly revealed its charming figure through the clouds, and the streetlights along the main road lit up in rows, attracting moths that fluttered up and down. The evening breeze had a slight chill, making it just the right temperature.

College students, although their workload wasn't heavy, eagerly awaited Fridays. Single students could party all night or eat skewers without a care, and couples could stay out late. The school's broadcast station fittingly played Shin Band's "Die for Love."

The boys in Class 602, or rather, all the boys in the Public Administration class, were like soldiers heading into battle. They looked serious and tense. Li Zhenan even thought about bailing out.

"Public Administration Class doesn't welcome people who retreat, nor does it tolerate cowardice!" Chen Hanxing forcefully dragged Li Zhenan out of the dormitory. Looking up at the other guys, they were all styled neatly, almost like they were wearing suits.

"Let's go!" Chen Hanxing shouted, sounding the battle cry for the night.

Once downstairs, everyone began to scatter. This was normal—everyone had different expectations. Li Zhenan probably saw it as just an ordinary movie, while Jin Yangming viewed it as the beginning of a romance.

Since Chen Hanxing knew in advance who his date was, while the others anxiously waited at the cinema, he directly went to the girls' dormitory. There were still plenty of people around, but he was the calmest. Most of the other boyfriends carried flowers or snacks, while Chen Hanxing simply held a cigarette—one he rolled himself.

One by one, beautiful girls came out of the dorm. Many of them were dressed up tonight, with light makeup and form-fitting clothes. They had looks of anticipation and longing, heading towards the university activity center.

"Looks like it's working. I'm not concerned whether tonight will create any couples, but at least we won't be like before when classmates couldn't even greet each other," Chen Hanxing thought.

But as he waited for Shen Youchu, she hadn't appeared yet. Just as he was about to call the dorm, a tall figure ran down hurriedly. Wearing an old school uniform, faded canvas shoes, and occasionally showing her peach blossom eyes, it was Shen Youchu.

She seemed to realize she was late and started walking faster. She didn't expect to see Chen Hanxing standing downstairs.

"I—I was reading and lost track of time," Shen Youchu said breathlessly, looking down and softly explaining.

"Oh," Chen Hanxing said, expressionless, walking ahead.

"Sorry," Shen Youchu apologized, trailing a little behind, unsure if he was angry.

Chen Hanxing didn't reply and walked to the university activity center. When he was about to enter, he suddenly asked, "Do you want some water?"

"No, no," Shen Youchu stretched out her hand to refuse.

Chen Hanxing nodded, heading to the convenience store to buy two bottles of water.

"What about preserved plums?" he asked.

"No, no," Shen Youchu refused again.

Chen Hanxing nodded, buying some preserved plums and chewing gum.

There was a popcorn stall at the entrance to the activity center, and the sweet, buttery scent filled the air.

"How about popcorn?" Chen Hanxing asked.

Shen Youchu glanced at it but didn't answer.

"Do you want it or not?" Chen Hanxing asked again.

Shen Youchu didn't know what to say and hesitated, eventually replying, "I—I don't know if I want it."

Chen Hanxing thought, this girl is so clueless. If you want it, just nod; if you don't, shake your head. I'm not the kind to force anyone.

"Then forget it, go inside first," he said impatiently.

Shen Youchu didn't want to delay any longer and hurried into the activity center.

The stairs in the center were tiered, and the lights were dim during the movie. People who didn't know the place well could easily slip.

Chen Hanxing followed behind, slipping his snacks and drinks into his pocket while counting silently: "1, 2, 3..." 

Shen Youchu, who had never been here before, worried about walking too slowly and getting scolded. She lost her balance and fell backward, only to land securely in Chen Hanxing's arms.

"Be careful," he whispered in her ear.

Shen Youchu scrambled to get up, but Chen Hanxing didn't let go, holding onto her wrist tightly. "Let me take you," he said.

Shen Youchu struggled a few times, but Chen Hanxing tightened his grip. 

"No matter how tough you are, how many rivets can you take? Just be my girlfriend already, get it over with." 

That night, the movie was "The Lion King," the 1998 Disney animated classic. Of course, the school's movie club wasn't likely to get the latest 2002 films, and technically speaking, organizing such a paid movie night was illegal. But for college students, who cared about the content? Just ask the boys in Public Administration—most of them would probably forget the plot by the time they got home. The night was more about the awkward, shy moments they shared.

In fact, Chen Hanxing felt the same. He wasn't really focused on the movie. It was the atmosphere that attracted him, reminding him of 2019, when he was still a scumbag. Back then, he watched the same movie multiple times, with different girls. It was torturous because he knew the plot so well, yet had to pretend like it was the first time, reacting along with everyone else.

"I can't ever do this again. A movie, at most, once," Chen Hanxing thought.

But then he remembered Xiao Yuer. She was probably still angry. Watching a movie could be a good way to apologize.

"I'll limit it to two times… maybe three or four." He silently reassured himself, knowing that life required enough preparation to deal with any challenge.