Chapter 47: Let’s Get Started

For students, the beginning of the fall semester is one of the most relaxing times of the year. After all, in just a month, they would be welcoming the most anticipated holiday—National Day.

For Chen Fan and his classmates, this was their last National Day holiday as students, making it all the more precious. When their class monitor brought it up in the group chat, everyone quickly agreed—they would spend three days traveling in the nearby Yunan District.

Chen Fan knew this trip would cost some money, but since it was their last collective outing in college, he went along with it. After all, chances were they'd never be able to gather like this again.

What surprised him, however, was that this time, Lan Mengmeng didn't opt out just because of him. Instead, after the class monitor's announcement, she simply replied, "Agreed," a little later. Whether it was intentional or not, five other male classmates followed with their own confirmations right after her.

On the night of September 30th, the thirty-eight students from the Transportation Technology 161 class, anticipating heavy traffic the next day, wisely decided to set off early.

It was 7 PM, and with everyone having just eaten, plus a two-hour journey ahead, most of them leaned back in their seats to rest.

Chen Fan, however, didn't sleep. He was lost in thought, trying to figure out how to activate his immortal power. Beside him, Mao Xian was also awake. Seeing Chen Fan staring blankly, he scooted closer and said, "Fan, do you think I've accidentally stepped into a couple's nest? Look at us—we're completely surrounded by couples! I mean, come on, it's just four years of college. Can't people just stay pure? Why the need for relationships?"

Chen Fan glanced around and indeed noticed several familiar couples from their class sitting nearby. He simply smiled faintly without commenting.

Two hours passed quickly, and with a soft screech of brakes, they arrived at their destination—Duoguo Mountain in Yunan District.

The moment they got off the bus, they were greeted by the sight of a five-story villa nestled in the mountains.

"Whoa," someone exclaimed.

Their class monitor, Li Wei, chuckled and said, "I have a connection with the owner of this villa, so I managed to rent it at a good price. Everyone, make yourselves at home and enjoy the next three days."

With that, he opened the main door, and the thirty-something students excitedly rushed inside.

Chen Fan glanced at Lan Mengmeng, who was staring intently at an oil painting on the wall, completely absorbed.

"Xiao Fan, want me to set up a little opportunity for you?" A plump guy nudged him playfully.

Caught off guard, Chen Fan quickly withdrew his gaze and chuckled awkwardly. "No need, no need. When it comes to feelings, I believe in letting things take their natural course."

Seeing his serious expression, the plump guy decided not to press further and simply patted him on the shoulder. "Alright, if you ever need help, you know where to find me."

Li Wei then spoke up again, "There are more than enough rooms here. The fifth floor has entertainment rooms and a swimming area, while the first to fourth floors have plenty of bedrooms. Just pair up and pick a room."

"Perfect! I've found the best spot!" Mao Xian darted up to the fourth floor and claimed the fourth room, right in the center of the hallway. "Haha, who dares to share a room with me?"

Since the room was the fourth one on the fourth floor, facing the main entrance, it was an inauspicious choice by traditional superstitions. The others merely glanced at him before heading off to find their own rooms. No one else seemed keen on the fourth floor.

"Class monitor, wasn't it supposed to be two people per room? I'd like to report that everyone has abandoned me!" Mao Xian complained dramatically.

Li Wei scratched his head. "Uh… actually, three of the girls decided to share a room, so we have enough rooms to spare. Looks like you got a big one all to yourself—consider it a win."

Hearing this, Mao Xian hurried down to the third floor, but by then, all the rooms were already taken. Reluctantly, he knocked on Chen Fan's door, grinning. "Professional bed-warmer, no bad habits—any kind souls willing to take me in?"

Chen Fan simply smiled and shut the door in his face.

Unwilling to give up, Mao Xian tried again, knocking on another classmate's door. But as soon as he flashed his signature grin, the door slammed shut with a loud bang.

Inside, a voice grumbled, "Wu-ge, I told you this place feels eerie! Why the hell are you watching horror movies now?"

Still unwilling to sleep alone, Mao Xian knocked on another door. "Gotcha, Lao Wu! I saw that your room is empty—you're not getting rid of me this time!"

The door opened slightly, and the occupant, Xu Yijun, simply started singing in Cantonese, "My heart is both joyous and anxious, for today I meet my love…"

"Alright, I give up!" Mao Xian groaned and finally dragged himself back to his own room.

Meanwhile, Chen Fan had just finished showering when he noticed his plump friend giggling at his phone. "Fatty, aren't you tired? Maybe take a shower first? Don't want to fall asleep unwashed again like last time."

"Sleeping is a waste of time," the plump guy wagged a finger, then added, "But honestly, this place is pretty mediocre. My uncle's resort is way better. I'll take you there someday."

Chen Fan nodded, appreciating the offer.

A little later, the plump guy got up to leave. "Xiao Fan, don't lock the door. I've got something to do—I'll be back later."

Strangely, Chen Fan, who usually never felt sleepy before midnight, found himself nodding off shortly after using his phone in bed.

Meanwhile, the plump guy, never one to settle in early, rounded up eight or nine classmates and went upstairs for a late-night card game.

Before falling asleep, Chen Fan made another attempt to activate his immortal power, but once again, it was futile. Frustrated, he muttered, "Why can't I use it in the mortal world? What went wrong?"

"If only Zhao Gu were here…" he sighed to himself. But shaking off the thought, he soon drifted into a deep sleep.

—

Because he had gone to bed early, Chen Fan woke up at 5:30 AM, feeling unusually refreshed. He opened the window and took a deep breath, enjoying the crisp morning air.

"The countryside air is so much better than the city's," he mused.

Not wanting to disturb his still-snoring roommate, he quietly stepped outside. The villa was silent, with most of his classmates still asleep.

In a dimly lit corner of the second floor, he spotted Lan Mengmeng squatting by a lamp, reading aloud from a book.

"…She's hardcore," Chen Fan murmured in admiration. "Bringing study materials on a vacation—truly balancing work and play."

He didn't dare disturb her. Instead, he silently wished this strong yet unfortunate girl a smoother path in life.

—

Two hours later, Li Wei went around knocking on doors, waking everyone up.

"Alright, everyone! Today marks the first day of our trip. Our destination: Little Houhai Beach!"

With bags packed full of barbecue ingredients and tools, they set off. Less than half an hour later, they arrived at a stunningly blue sea.

Mao Xian was the first to leap onto a large rock, grinning. "What are we waiting for? Let's get started!"