Chapter 78: The Scent of Her Perfume on You

Back home, whenever Liang Meijuan called out his full name, "Chen Han Sheng," it usually meant trouble, often ending with bamboo shoots stir-fried with pork. However, the nickname "Xiao Chen" was reserved for certain people, like Wang Zibo or Xiao Rongyu, because Chen Han Sheng was a bit younger than them. Not everyone older than him could call him that; for instance, Gao Jialiang always addressed him as "Chen Han Sheng" or "Han Sheng," and in the university dorms, people like Yang Shichao didn't call him "Xiao Chen" either.

Today, Xiao Rongyu called out his full name, "Chen Han Sheng," clearly irritated. But Chen Han Sheng wasn't fazed at all. He seriously replied, "You've been away from the working class for too long. This is a degradable PVC material, sturdy and durable, perfect for your needs when shopping, eating, or attending classes."

Xiao Rongyu didn't listen to his nonsense. "Other people's boyfriends send chocolates or flowers, who sends a paper bag with advertisements on it?"

Chen Han Sheng retorted, "Are we in a relationship? Do you want me to prove it?"

"Ugh, you're so disgusting!" she retorted.

The two of them argued all the way to the cafeteria. After getting their food, Chen Han Sheng suddenly sighed, "Now I know what it means to have a thorn in your back."

Xiao Rongyu looked at him, puzzled.

"If looks could kill, I'd already be full of holes. It's too risky to eat here with you."

Proudly, Xiao Rongyu raised her chin and asked, "Are you scared?"

"Yeah," Chen Han Sheng replied immediately. He hoped she'd understand and stop eating here.

"Then let's go to the financial college to eat?" Xiao Rongyu, showing consideration, suggested.

After a brief pause, Chen Han Sheng firmly refused, "For you, I'm willing to endure this risk."

At the financial college, it wouldn't be about risk anymore.

He decided not to continue that topic, afraid she might actually go to the financial college to look for him. Instead, he casually changed the subject, "Didn't you say you were getting along with a senior from the second year? How come you have no friends?"

Xiao Rongyu came from a good family, and with her standout looks, she was a strong contender to become the new campus beauty of Dong University's class of 2002. Due to her somewhat proud and distant personality, she didn't have many close friends in the dorm or even in the year. However, she did get along well with a senior, who was also quite beautiful, as Xiao Rongyu had described her.

"Gu Xuejie is at a student union event today, otherwise you wouldn't be looking for me."

At that moment, someone greeted them.

"Hi, Chen Yingjun."

It was the long-time no-see "Little Tiger Tooth" Xu Zhixi, standing next to a tall, fair, and very artistic-looking guy who had an air of quiet confidence.

"Oh, it's Xu Xuejie," Chen Han Sheng greeted her, also nodding toward the guy.

"This is Xu Zhixi's boyfriend, He Yican," Xiao Rongyu whispered.

He Yican, with a gentlemanly demeanor, extended his hand, "Hello, Xiao Rongyu, we met at the grand hall."

Chen Han Sheng was a bit surprised. Wasn't this guy already dating Xu Zhixi? Why was he shaking hands with another girl? Was Xu Zhixi not jealous?

He glanced at Xu Zhixi, who simply smiled and stayed silent, seeming to treat it as just a regular greeting.

Chen Han Sheng wasn't worried about Xiao Rongyu. Having learned "the eighteen ways to avoid contact" in Hong Kong City No.1 High School, she would definitely politely decline anyone she didn't want to interact with.

As expected, Xiao Rongyu responded courteously, "Hello, He Xuejie."

Then she glanced at her palm, grimacing, "I accidentally got some food on my hand while getting the meal, it's a bit greasy…"

Noticing her reluctance to shake hands, He Yican's face changed slightly. He quickly switched gears, planning to shake hands with Chen Han Sheng to ease the awkwardness.

"You're quick on your feet," Chen Han Sheng thought, and he extended his hand to help out.

However, things took another turn when He Yican suddenly pulled his hand back mid-motion.

Looking up, Chen Han Sheng saw He Yican's eyes behind his glasses glinting with mocking amusement.

"Rejected by a girl, now you're taking it out on me?"

Chen Han Sheng was not one to be embarrassed. He swiftly grabbed He Yican's retreating hand and pulled it toward him.

There was a clinking sound.

He Yican, who wasn't as strong, stumbled into the cafeteria table with a crash, his glasses flying off and his clothes getting dirty.

With a smile, Chen Han Sheng remarked, "It's just a handshake. Why are you so worked up?"

He Yican, embarrassed and furious, shot Chen Han Sheng a glare and stormed out of the cafeteria.

Xu Zhixi slowly followed, but not before giving Chen Han Sheng a smile over her shoulder.

After the incident, neither of them had much of an appetite. Chen Han Sheng and Xiao Rongyu had a few bites before leaving the cafeteria.

As they were near the girls' dormitory, Xiao Rongyu insisted that Chen Han Sheng buy her a cake. She sat on a stone bench, happily eating a combination of cream and fruit, swinging her long legs leisurely.

Suddenly, a tall girl jogged over, saying, "Xiao Yu'er, I just heard that He Yican was humiliated by some dark-skinned guy in the cafeteria."

The girl came closer and only then noticed Chen Han Sheng. She blushed immediately.

Xiao Rongyu introduced her, "This is Gu Xiaojin, my senior."

Chen Han Sheng nodded, "Hello, I'm the dark-skinned guy, Chen Han Sheng."

Gu Xiaojin became even more embarrassed. Xiao Rongyu, standing next to her, laughed, "Aren't you a little dark? And with such a bad temper, you're like a rogue."

The two girls started chatting happily, and since Chen Han Sheng felt a bit bored, he decided to borrow a computer. As he did, his curiosity got the better of him, and he asked, "Isn't He Yican Xu Zhixi's boyfriend? Why…"

Gu Xiaojin replied with a laugh, "It's a well-known fact in the International Trade department. He Yican pretends to pursue Xu Zhixi, but he's actually after Xiao Yu'er. Their relationship is fake."

"Oh," Chen Han Sheng nodded in realization, "The entertainment world really is chaotic."

"You're the one who's chaotic, not me," Xiao Rongyu teased, pinching Chen Han Sheng lightly.

She wanted to show off in front of her friend, and Chen Han Sheng playfully allowed it.

After borrowing the computer, Xiao Rongyu easily handed it over to him. She returned to her conversation with Gu Xiaojin. 

However, as they continued chatting, Xiao Rongyu suddenly remembered something, "Oh no, I forgot to move a Word document from the desktop to the D drive."

Gu Xiaojin asked, "What document?"

"It's about Chen Han Sheng."

"Well, that's perfect. You always complain that he never confesses; maybe reading the diary will remind him."

Unaware of what was going on, Chen Han Sheng was heading back to the entrepreneurship base to teach Shen Youchu how to use Excel on the computer.

As he approached the door, he suddenly smelled his sleeve.

Xiao Rongyu liked to wear perfume, and by staying close to her, he had picked up some of the scent.

"Definitely not safe," he thought to himself. He then went to a convenience store, bought a bottle of beer, and poured most of it on himself, leaving just a little in the bottle to drink. The smell of the beer would cover the perfume scent.