Chapter 11: Sharp Words Won’t Get You Far—Wealth Is the True Power

Vivian took an elegant bow and returned to her seat, her heart filled with embarrassment… Oh my god, I only had one glass of beer, and yet I just sang “Only Have Feelings for You” to Lin Ran in front of all these people?

I've never been in love, always passive in matters of the heart, and now I've just thrown caution to the wind, singing to Lin Ran, whom I’ve only known for two days?

Naturally, my classmates wouldn’t let it go without a bit of teasing.

But after spending time with Lin Ran today, I have to admit he brings a lot of emotional value. I do feel something for him, though it’s not overwhelming—after all, we’ve just met. It’s that hazy, sweet stir, like a young girl’s first awakening of love.

Oh well, I’ve already sung the song. It’s time to claim my reward.

Summoning her courage, Vivian turned to face Lin Ran, who was gazing at her, utterly entranced.

“How did I do?” she asked.

“You sang straight to my heart. It’s still pounding,” he replied.

“Really?” she said, half incredulous.

“If you don’t believe me, feel it yourself.”

Lin Ran took Vivian’s hand—her skin was so soft, so smooth.

Across the table, Lu Man grinned mischievously, thinking to herself that Lin Ran was quite the opportunist, seizing the moment to make a move.

Vivian shivered, quickly withdrew her hand, her cheeks flushing bright red as she said coyly, “You’re so annoying~”

Seeing her so bashful and sweet, Lin Ran was utterly charmed. The alcohol wasn’t intoxicating, but the moment was—he could barely resist the urge to steal a kiss.

“Lin Ran, Vivian has never sung for any other boy, nor has she ever recorded a ringtone for one. Do you realize how enviable that makes you?” Lu Man said, making it clear to Lin Ran just how pure Vivian was, untouched by romance, and subtly reminding him how lucky he was—and that he should cherish her.

“Really? I had no idea I was so lucky,” Lin Ran replied.

“Tch, look at you. So smug! You’re practically begging for a smack!”

Who wouldn’t be smug, having Vivian record a ringtone for them?

To downplay it would only seem like he was taking her for granted.

Lu Man said, “So, Lin Ran, is there anything you’d like to say now?”

“Vivian’s ‘Only Have Feelings for You’ was dazzling on stage. She shone so brightly, it struck me right through the heart. I suddenly really want to be in a relationship with her!”

He had been polite before, but now he was laying his cards on the table, speaking openly.

“Vivian, I, Lin Ran, am determined to win you over.”

A round of applause came from the girls at the table, impressed by Lin Ran’s confidence.

Now that everything was out in the open, Vivian didn’t bother to hide her feelings either. She smiled, “And what if you can’t?”

“If I can’t,” Lin Ran declared firmly, “I’ll come to your house and throw a tantrum.”

Vivian burst out laughing and gave Lin Ran a playful smack.

The two were clearly growing closer, already flirting openly.

On the other side of the table, Zeng Wei’s friend, Gao Peng, looked on with disdain. This guy thinks he can woo the campus belle?

The first time Gao Peng saw Vivian was at Lu Man’s birthday party. He liked her immediately, so when Zeng Wei invited him to dinner and mentioned Vivian would be there, he didn’t hesitate to come. Now, seeing her with Lin Ran and things progressing this far, he realized that if he didn’t make a move soon, this goddess would be snatched away by that greenhorn.

Time to cool things down, or she’d really be taken.

Gao Peng raised his glass, feigning camaraderie. “I admire your courage, friend. You’re quite eloquent, but chasing a girl isn’t just about words. We’re not in school anymore—it’s society now. Didn’t you say you haven’t found a job yet? You need to land a good one if you want to make a girl happy.”

He sounded as if he were giving Lin Ran advice, but everyone knew he was just pouring cold water on him.

No job, yet you dare pursue the campus belle?

Lin Ran glanced at Gao Peng—was he trying to teach him how to live?

His words did have some effect; the others sobered up a bit, remembering that they were now in the real world. Lin Ran was great, but he hadn’t found a job. Society is harsh—without money, how can you date? They began to worry on his behalf.

Vivian quickly interjected, “He’s a top student from Zhejiang University. Several companies have already made him offers—he’s just being selective.”

Lu Man gave her a thumbs-up, thinking, Vivian’s already starting to stand up for him.

Still, Lu Man felt Lin Ran was excellent in every way—except for his bank account, at least compared to Vivian’s other suitors.

Vivian had plenty of rich admirers.

So, it was necessary to give Lin Ran a bit of pressure, to motivate him to make money. Otherwise, how could he compete with all those rich kids?

“Lin Ran, you’d better work hard, so we can feel confident handing Vivian over to you.”

“No problem,” Lin Ran replied easily.

Pressure? What’s that?

Ever since the system glitched yesterday, Lin Ran had forgotten what stress even meant.

Vivian asked quietly, “Lin Ran, how’s your job search going?”

“No progress,” Lin Ran replied. “I’ll focus on winning you over first.”

Vivian was speechless.

No ambition at all? Is he all about romance?

Lin Ran teased, “What’s wrong? Don’t like it? If I win you over, and we eat instant noodles together every day, you wouldn’t be happy?”

“It’s not that,” Vivian said, “I just think one shouldn’t only care about romance but also have ambition. You graduated from such a good university—if you keep looking, you’ll definitely find a great job.”

She was thinking about Lin Ran’s future.

Lin Ran found her more and more endearing.

“Don’t worry. If we’re eating noodles, I’ll make sure you get an extra sausage in yours.”

“You—” Vivian pinched him.

Seeing Lin Ran so carefree, Gao Peng thought to himself: so young, all talk. Sooner or later, reality would put him in his place.

Before they knew it, the hotpot was finished.

“All right, everyone—have you eaten your fill? If so, I’ll go settle the bill,” Lu Man announced.

“I’ll get this one,” Lin Ran offered.

“No need. Once you find a job, you can treat us,” Lu Man replied.

Work again? Why does everyone keep telling me to find a job?

“Okay,” Lin Ran agreed, thinking, Why should I work for someone else? I can start my own company and have others work for me!

After paying the bill, Lu Man asked, “So, are we going to Chunxi Road or Taikoo Li?”

The shops on Chunxi Road are mostly affordable.

The ones in Taikoo Li are mostly luxury brands.

“If we’re going shopping, let’s do Taikoo Li,” Su Su said. “Even if I can’t afford anything, I can still window shop, right?”

“Exactly,” Jiang Shuyao chimed in. “Let’s check out Taikoo Li and give ourselves a little motivation, haha!”

“Gao Peng, Chen Tao, are you guys coming?” Lu Man asked.

Chen Tao suddenly remembered, “Gao Peng, didn’t you order a Rolex recently? Has it arrived? If so, let’s take a look.”

“Rolex?” Su Su and Ke Xin glanced over, eyes lighting up at the mention of wealth.

They were all regular folks—luxury watches like Rolex were things they’d only seen on TV.

That this very Gao Peng had ordered a Rolex was quite the shock.

Lu Man was surprised. “Wow, Gao Peng, you’re really moving up in the world—wearing a Rolex now.”

“It’s all right,” Gao Peng replied with a confident smile.

He was just a bit wealthier than Lu Man’s boyfriend, Zeng Wei.

He owned a company, needed to negotiate deals—a Rolex was just the thing.

“Mind if we tag along and broaden our horizons?” Lu Man asked.

“Of course,” Gao Peng agreed. “Lin Ran, coming with us?”

“I’ve never been to a Rolex store. I’d love to see it,” Lin Ran said, accepting graciously.

Excellent, Gao Peng thought. Today, I’ll teach Lin Ran his first lesson about the real world.

Let him see that talk alone won’t get you far—money is what truly matters.