Rebirth Begins with Rejecting my Childhood Friend - Chapter 534

Yang Baishan explained, “Brother Wang, despite your attitude toward the junior earlier, she didn’t get upset at all. In fact, on the way back, she was asking me about you and even asked for your phone number.”

The other members of Room 412 all agreed with Yang Baishan, thinking that the junior had a really good personality—at the very least, she was magnanimous and didn’t hold grudges.

Wang Juncai asked indifferently, “Did you give her my number?”

Yang Baishan nodded, “Yeah, I did.”

Wang Juncai didn’t say anything after hearing that.

Before they knew it, it was already 5 PM.

Dong Jun was getting ready to pack up and head back.

Xu Xiuwen, who hadn’t had a meal with his roommates in a long time, decided to treat everyone to dinner that evening.

The other five laughed and agreed.

Just then, Yang Baishan’s phone suddenly rang.

He took out his phone, glanced at the screen, and instead of answering right away, he turned to Xu Xiuwen and the others, saying, “Oh, it’s the junior.”

Jin Haonan asked, “Which junior?”

Yang Baishan looked at Wang Juncai before replying, “It’s Qian Yue.”

Qian Yue was the junior from Beijing.

Wang Juncai noticed Yang Baishan looking at him and said, “Why are you looking at me? She’s calling you.”

Liu Zhihao chimed in, “Exactly, just pick up and see what she wants.”

So Yang Baishan answered the call and put it on speaker.

“Hello, is this Senior Yang Baishan?”

“Haha, yeah, it’s me. What’s up, Qian Yue?”

Qian Yue chuckled, “Senior, you helped me out this afternoon, and I haven’t had a chance to thank you yet. I’d like to treat you to dinner tonight.”

Yang Baishan was a bit surprised to hear this.

He couldn’t help but glance at his roommates.

Xu Xiuwen and the others all looked equally shocked.

“Senior? Why aren’t you saying anything?”

“Oh, oh, I’m here. You want to treat me to dinner?”

“Yeah! Senior, are you free tonight?”

Yang Baishan replied, “Tonight might not work—I’m with my roommates, and we were just about to go eat together.”

“That’s fine! Then why don’t you ask the other seniors if they’d like to join? I can treat everyone.”

Hearing that Qian Yue wanted to treat all of them, the guys in Room 412 were even more surprised.

Yang Baishan quickly looked at Xu Xiuwen, seeking his opinion.

Xu Xiuwen thought for a second, then spoke into the phone, “Qian Yue, hi. I was planning to treat my roommates to dinner tonight. If you don’t mind, you’re welcome to join us.”

There was a brief silence on the other end of the call.

Clearly, Qian Yue hadn’t expected this.

But soon, she laughed and agreed.

After the call ended, Liu Zhihao teased Yang Baishan, “Old Yang, what’s going on? Could it be that the junior likes you?”

Yang Baishan scratched his head and chuckled, “I have no idea.”

“Be honest—besides walking her back to the dorm, did you do anything else for her?”

“There were people around the whole way! What could I possibly have done?”

“Who knows?” Liu Zhihao smirked.

Yang Baishan rolled his eyes and turned to Xu Xiuwen, “Xiuwen, you’re really letting her come?”

“It’s fine—just an extra pair of chopsticks.”

Liu Zhihao laughed, “Old Yang, if you and the junior really end up together, don’t forget that Xiuwen was your matchmaker!”

Yang Baishan chuckled but didn’t say anything.

Seeing this, everyone else laughed as well—except for Wang Juncai, who remained expressionless.

Shortly after, the six of them headed to the snack street outside the school’s north gate and chose a restaurant known for its good food.

After sitting down, Yang Baishan took out his phone and called Qian Yue to tell her the name of the restaurant and even asked if she needed him to pick her up.

Qian Yue laughed over the phone and declined, saying she could find her way.

With that settled, Xu Xiuwen and the others began ordering food.

After placing their food orders, they also ordered quite a bit of alcohol.

Judging by the atmosphere, it seemed like they were planning to drink until they couldn’t anymore.

About ten minutes later, Yang Baishan’s phone rang again—it was Qian Yue. She had arrived.

Yang Baishan immediately went outside to meet her.

Half a minute later, Qian Yue appeared in front of Xu Xiuwen and the others.

She was dressed the same as in the afternoon, wearing black-framed glasses and a ponytail.

Her overall look had a bit of an old-fashioned vibe.

Though her appearance was average, she had a bright and outgoing personality.

As soon as she walked in, she warmly greeted everyone.

Everyone responded just as warmly—except for Wang Juncai.

Qian Yue didn’t seem to mind.

When it came to seating arrangements, the group tried to seat her next to Yang Baishan, clearly trying to match them up.

But unexpectedly, Qian Yue chose to sit beside Wang Juncai instead.

This move took everyone by surprise.

With Qian Yue joining them, the six roommates couldn’t just ignore her and talk among themselves as if she weren’t there.

They subtly tried to steer the conversation toward her and Yang Baishan.

Unlike most girls who might feel shy sitting with a group of guys, Qian Yue was completely at ease.

She was outgoing and could chat easily with all the seniors.

No matter who asked her a question, she responded with a smile, speaking confidently and naturally.

She also had a sweet way of talking, addressing everyone as “senior” in a pleasant voice.

Because of this, everyone enjoyed talking to her, and the atmosphere became lively.

Before long, the food arrived.

As dishes were served, the conversation started shifting in different directions.

Yang Baishan began boasting and telling exaggerated stories, keeping the group entertained.

Qian Yue, on the other hand, was momentarily forgotten.

Having a moment to herself, she turned to Wang Juncai beside her, smiling brightly.

“Senior, why aren’t you talking with them?” she asked.

Wang Juncai was acting strange that night—he had barely spoken the entire time.

The other five simply assumed he was in a bad mood and let him be, allowing him to sulk in peace.

Qian Yue’s sudden concern caught Wang Juncai off guard.

He glanced at her and replied coldly, “What does it have to do with you?”

Qian Yue’s smile froze for a second.

But she quickly recovered and continued, “Senior, are you upset about something? You can talk to me about it. Maybe I can give you some advice. Even if I can’t help, people say that talking about unhappy things makes you feel better.”

“Are you done? You’re so annoying. I don’t want to talk to you. Can’t you tell?”

Qian Yue finally showed a hint of grievance. “Senior, why are you being so cold to me? Did I do something to offend you? If I did, I can apologize.”

Wang Juncai looked at Qian Yue with disdain.

Was this woman thick-skinned or what?

His attitude couldn’t be any clearer, yet she kept trying to talk to him.

After a brief thought, Wang Juncai said, “Qian Yue, I have a girlfriend. And even if I didn’t, I still wouldn’t like you.”

Qian Yue froze.

A moment later, she forced a smile and said, “Senior, you misunderstood. I just want to be friends with you.”

Wang Juncai said nothing.

Qian Yue felt a little uncomfortable, but she didn’t let it show.

Xu Xiuwen had been paying attention to their interaction and noticed the subtle emotion flicker in Qian Yue’s eyes.

He suddenly spoke up, “Qian Yue, what are you two whispering about?”

With that one sentence, everyone’s attention shifted toward them.

Qian Yue quickly composed herself and replied, “Senior, I was just telling Senior Juncai that I’d like to be friends with him.”

“He didn’t agree?”

Qian Yue glanced at Xu Xiuwen, then at Wang Juncai, and nodded.

Xu Xiuwen chuckled, “Acting all high and mighty, huh?”

By now, he had figured out that Qian Yue probably wasn’t interested in Yang Baishan—she seemed to have her eyes on Wang Juncai instead.

Otherwise, she would’ve chosen to sit next to Yang Baishan, not Wang Juncai.

Xu Xiuwen decided to help her out.

“Becoming friends is easy—just drink a toast, and you’re friends. You can drink, right?”

Qian Yue nodded.

So Xu Xiuwen poured her a glass of beer.

Qian Yue understood what he was trying to do.

She lifted her glass and toasted everyone. “Seniors, I’ll drink to you all. I’d love to be friends with you.”

As soon as they heard this, everyone immediately raised their glasses—

Except for Wang Juncai, who didn’t move.

Seeing this, Xu Xiuwen frowned. “Brother Wang, the junior wants to be friends with us. Why are you acting so stuck-up?”

If any other roommate had said this, Wang Juncai might not have cared.

But this was Xu Xiuwen speaking.

Wang Juncai respected him—a lot. In every way.

So, after a brief hesitation, he picked up his glass.

With that, the six of them drank with Qian Yue.

Xu Xiuwen put his glass down and said, “Qian Yue, even though you’re not my direct junior, after drinking this glass, you’re our friend now. If you run into any trouble at school, just let me know. If I’m not around, go to Brother Hao.”

Qian Yue was touched and repeatedly said, “Thank you, Senior. You’re such a good person.”

Xu Xiuwen didn’t mind receiving a “nice guy” card.

After that, Qian Yue continued toasting, and the atmosphere grew livelier.

At the dining table, as the conversation continued, the topic naturally shifted to Bai Yue’er and Shi Xiangming.

Yang Baishan and Liu Zhihao praised Bai Yue’er’s acting and even expressed their envy—after all, Shi Xiangming’s fiancée was a big celebrity.

However, Shi Xiangming didn’t look happy.

It had been a long time since he had seen Bai Yue’er.

How could he be happy?

Not only that, but every time he tried calling her, her phone was either busy or turned off.

He was starting to get the feeling that Bai Yue’er was slipping away from him.

This made him feel uneasy.

As the conversation turned to Bai Yue’er, Xu Xiuwen remained silent.

He quietly drank his beer while observing Shi Xiangming’s expression.

Xu Xiuwen had considered coming clean to Shi Xiangming, but he felt that now wasn’t the right time.

If Shi Xiangming couldn’t accept it and made a scene, it wouldn’t be good for anyone—not for him, not for Bai Yue’er.

Even though he had essentially stolen Shi Xiangming’s girlfriend, he didn’t feel much guilt.

If Bai Yue’er had truly liked Shi Xiangming, Xu Xiuwen might have felt some remorse.

But Bai Yue’er had already told him—she had never liked Shi Xiangming.

So, in his view, he wasn’t a third party interfering in their relationship.

There’s an old saying: A forced melon is never sweet.

The sooner Bai Yue’er and Shi Xiangming split, the better it might actually be for the latter.

Besides, Xu Xiuwen had discussed it with Bai Yue’er.

In the future, they could compensate Shi Xiangming financially.

With that in mind, Xu Xiuwen didn’t feel much guilt toward him.

Maybe just a little bit of guilt, but not enough to make him stop.

But their relationship was a secret.

Aside from Bai Yue’er’s personal assistant, no one else knew.

Shi Xiangming barely even got to see Bai Yue’er these days, let alone find out about them.

Soon, the meal came to an end.

Shi Xiangming, Liu Zhihao, and Yang Baishan were completely drunk.

Qian Yue had also had a few drinks.

At first, they thought about getting someone to walk her back, but no one was available.

Qian Yue took the initiative and said, “Senior Xu, I’m fine. I can go back by myself. Thank you for treating us tonight. Next time, I’ll treat you all.”

“Alright. Be careful on your way back.”

“Mm. Goodbye, seniors!”

With that, Qian Yue left.

The three who were still sober helped the three drunk ones back to the dormitory.

After getting them onto their beds, Xu Xiuwen turned to Wang Juncai and asked, “Qian Yue seems like a polite and friendly girl. Why were you so cold to her?”

Jin Haonan added, “Yeah, Juncai. She didn’t do anything to you, did she?”

Wang Juncai glanced at the two of them and said, “You guys just don’t get it.”

“What don’t we get? Explain it.”

“You think Qian Yue kept sticking around me for no reason? It’s because I’m from Beijing. I’ve seen plenty of girls like her.”

Hearing this, Xu Xiuwen didn’t say anything.

But Jin Haonan couldn’t stand it.

Qian Yue had left a good impression on him tonight.

He actually liked this junior.

“Oh, so being from Beijing makes you special, huh? Should we consider ourselves lucky just to be talking to you?” Jin Haonan’s tone was sharp.

If it had been any other roommate saying this, Wang Juncai wouldn’t have been surprised.

But coming from their dorm leader, Jin Haonan, it caught him off guard.

For a moment, he was stunned.

Then frustration hit him.

He truly believed that Qian Yue was only approaching him because he was from Beijing.

Otherwise, she should’ve been closer to Yang Baishan—the one who had actually helped her in the afternoon.

After all, he himself hadn’t done anything for her.

But his roommates didn’t believe him.

Wang Juncai didn’t want to explain anymore.

The atmosphere immediately turned cold.

Jin Haonan’s expression darkened as well.

As the dorm leader, he had always been responsible and looked after everyone.

He thought saying a few words to Wang Juncai shouldn’t have been a big deal.

But Wang Juncai’s impatient attitude disappointed him.

It also made him feel like he had lost face, so he naturally refused to say anything more.

Xu Xiuwen knew he had to step in.

If he didn’t say something now, things would only get worse.

Xu Xiuwen suddenly spoke up, “Brother Hao, Brother Wang, hear me out.”

Since it was him talking, both of them were willing to listen.

Seeing that he had their attention, Xu Xiuwen continued, “Brother Wang, Qian Yue is our junior, and she’s also your fellow Beijinger. Even if you don’t like her, you shouldn’t talk about her like that behind her back. It makes you seem like you’re judging people unfairly. As for whether she’s really approaching you just because you’re from Beijing, I think it’s too early to jump to conclusions. You guys just met. You can observe her over time. If she does have ulterior motives, you can just ignore her then. But if she doesn’t, you won’t have to feel awkward about it later.”

Wang Juncai thought Xu Xiuwen made sense, so he nodded.

Then Xu Xiuwen turned to Jin Haonan and said, “Brother Hao, Brother Wang may be from Beijing, but he’s never acted superior or looked down on anyone. Don’t say things like that again—it just hurts our dorm’s bond.”

Jin Haonan also nodded in agreement.

“Alright, let’s leave it at that. Everyone, get back to what you were doing.”

With that, the three of them went about their own business.

It had been a while since Xu Xiuwen last stayed in the dorm.

He tidied up his bed, planning to sleep there for the night.

Just as he finished, his phone suddenly rang.

He glanced at the screen.

It was Cheng Lu calling.

Xu Xiuwen took his phone and walked out onto the balcony.

“Hello?”

“Pig…”

Cheng Lu hesitated mid-sentence.

———–

Author:

A little spoiler—Scumbag Xu is about to get exposed soon.