Different People

Chapter 24: Different People

[Name: Lucky Rabbit's Foot]

[Quality: E]

[Effect: Grants the wearer a small amount of luck.]

In the real world, there were no character panels or that mysterious voice. Zhang Heng looked at the card handwritten by the bartender, feeling quite speechless.

Did those simple two sentences really cost him 5 points?

Although he had quite a few points on him, seeing how pleased the bartender looked after receiving the points, it was clear the price wasn't cheap.

Zhang Heng wasn't too surprised by this appraisal. Rabbit's feet symbolized lucky charms in many cultures. The reason he avoided wound infection on the island probably had a lot to do with this item.

Setting aside his ability to double time, this was the first supernatural item he had acquired.

Since it had a positive effect, Zhang Heng decided to wear it as a keychain.

He just didn't know how much "a small amount" of luck was.

Since he had nothing else to do, Zhang Heng decided to conduct an experiment. He went to the "Wumai" supermarket next to the library and bought two scratch cards, spending twenty yuan in total.

As a result, one won ten yuan, and the other won five yuan.

After deducting the principal, he lost a net of five yuan.

Zhang Heng switched to another supermarket. This time, one card was a "thank you for playing," and the other won twenty yuan.

It broke even with the principal.

Zhang Heng had a general understanding of the Lucky Rabbit's Foot's effect. His average expectation for these few times was definitely higher than the normal level, but he was still at a loss. His luck had increased, but not to an exaggerated degree. It would be difficult to make money relying on this extra bit of luck.

After finishing the experiment, Zhang Heng walked out of the supermarket and saw a young couple under a tree not far away. The man seemed excited, saying something, but the woman kept shaking her head. Then, the man reached out as if to grab the woman, but she dodged him.

Zhang Heng didn't intend to meddle. There were many such incidents on campus every day. University was a breeding ground for hormones, and all sorts of joys and sorrows were playing out all the time. He wasn't worried that the man would do anything more excessive. It was afternoon, and they were on campus. A single shout could bring out seven or eight righteous guys to play the hero.

So Zhang Heng just glanced at them and headed towards the library.

On Friday noon, Zhang Heng went to buy some snacks and outdoor supplies, mainly mosquito repellent, towels, and band-aids. As for the camping equipment, Wei Jiangyang had already rented it and a car. The cost was split equally among them, with each person paying three hundred yuan in advance, with adjustments made later.

Zhang Heng checked his mirrorless camera again, confirming it was fully charged. At that moment, Chen Huadong and Wei Jiangyang walked in together, carrying large bags.

"The girls went to buy them. It's tonight's dinner. Help us carry them to the car later."

"Sure, thanks for the trouble." Zhang Heng's things were also mostly packed.

Wei Jiangyang put down the tote bag, grabbed the water cup on the table, and drank it all in one go. He let out a long sigh before saying, "I'm exhausted these past two days, running around like a workhorse. It's smart of you guys. Thinking about it, being single isn't so bad."

"Don't say that. Thanks to you, Young Master Wei, I just saw a glimmer of hope for finding a partner. Don't pour cold water on it so quickly," Chen Huadong said with shining eyes.

"You want to pursue Shen Xixi?" Wei Jiangyang squinted.

"No, no, I know my limits. She's the number one distributor of 'friend zone' cards in the Public Administration department. Too many guys get rejected by her every month. I won't join that fray. I'll reluctantly give up Shen Xixi for our Young Master Zhang to deal with. Personally, I prefer Xu Jing," Chen Huadong said with a smile.

"Damn, I knew you perverts liked that. Xu Jing is Xiaoxiao's dorm's legal loli, the officially designated cute one. But her self-care ability is a bit lacking. She only learned to take the subway in her second semester of freshman year, and even now, she occasionally takes the wrong direction or misses her stop. She also washes her clothes and socks in the washing machine."

"It's okay, it's okay. Cute is justice. You know me. For so many years, I've been a firm believer in the 'raising' hobby," Chen Huadong said, pushing up his glowing glasses.

"Humanity is lost, morality is decadent! Where is the police?!" Wei Jiangyang exclaimed in anguish. Then he looked at Zhang Heng, "But seriously, Shen Xixi is a really good person. Aren't you going to consider her? Usually, girls popular with guys aren't well-regarded by girls, but Shen Xixi is an exception. Xiaoxiao says Shen Xixi is the girl she respects the most. She's beautiful, studies well, sings beautifully, and is very sincere. Don't mind that she rejects a lot of guys; she never strings anyone along as a backup. She always rejects them decisively."

"Hence her nickname, 'The Decimator'," Chen Huadong added quietly.

"..."

"But after interacting with her this time, I also found her to be quite nice. She's handling all the arrangements for the girls on this camping trip. Earlier, when we went shopping, she chatted and laughed with all of us, without any arrogance. Hmm, it seems the rumors aren't always true." Chen Huadong changed his tune.

"Are you two done talking?" Zhang Heng said speechlessly.

"Pretty much. Don't worry about our relationship ending. I knew this day would come," Chen Huadong said, gritting his teeth bravely.

"..."

"Wouldn't it be better if you two paid attention to current international affairs instead of always prying into my love life?"

Wei Jiangyang and Chen Huadong exchanged a look, but they didn't continue joking. "Zhang Heng, we're a little worried about you."

"Hmm?"

"Before, we just thought you had your own life rhythm and weren't influenced by the outside world. But starting last week, we feel like you've developed an inexplicable aura."

Chen Huadong chimed in, "Yeah, I know this sounds a bit literary, but you give off a sense of loneliness that seeps from your bones. Do you know there are many hermits on Mount Zhongnan? You remind me of them. Honestly, tell us, have you encountered anything recently? Why do you suddenly have this desire to withdraw from the world?"

Zhang Heng's heart stirred. He knew exactly what was going on with him. When it came to withdrawing from the world, no one was more thorough than him. He had lived alone on a deserted island for over a year, even having to make his own toothbrush. He was almost constantly enveloped by immense loneliness.

Although his body hadn't changed upon returning to the real world, those years had left their mark on him in another way.

Do experiences and learning make us who we are today?

Zhang Heng recalled the bartender's words. He suddenly became curious: if this game continued for many years, what would he become when it ended?

Would he be a completely different person compared to today?