Chapter Four: Things said while gazing at the sky at a forty-five-degree angle are philosophy

Xu Qi spoke with complete seriousness.

Did he like Mei? Of course he did.

But as he had said, the girl was still young. If she made such an early decision simply because of a chance encounter online and some coincidental comfort...

Xu Qi couldn't speak for others, but as for himself, he wanted the girl to see more of the world first—whether that meant meeting more people or learning more about herself.

Of course, he wasn't some saint either. He wanted Mei to learn more about herself so that she might come to like him. A girl this wonderful was not someone Xu Qi wanted to let go.

"I'm not that young anymore. I'll be a sophomore next semester."

Not that young?

Xu Qi glanced sideways—she really wasn't that young anymore.

"What are you looking at?"

"The scenery."

Xu Qi naturally withdrew his gaze. Mei raised an eyebrow, the corners of her lips curling into a mischievous smile.

"I didn't know there was any scenery left on me. So, is it nice?"

"Very nice. Magnificent, even. Next time we're alone, remember to wear less."

"Xu Qi!! After saying something like that, you still won't be my boyfriend?!"

Xu Qi smiled bitterly and waved his hands repeatedly. So this was where she was going with this?

Mei released Xu Qi's arm in a huff, looking a little regretful... She had lost that blissful sensation of contact. With her hands behind her back, Mei walked ahead and asked as if casually,

"Why did you have time to come over today? Also, who was that woman you were playing games with last night? She was calling you so affectionately... Is she one of the tenants renting a place with you?"

She meant Elysia, right? It seemed little Mei was jealous.

"It's not like I won't let you talk to other girls... It's just that her attitude was too much, and she was far too close to you! Women out in society aren't always sincere, so you need to be careful. Don't get deceived."

"Crack!"

The sound of a branch snapping traveled clearly into Xu Qi's ears.

Mei didn't notice and continued talking.

Xu Qi discreetly glanced behind him. I'm just saying... if you want to follow someone, could you at least do a better job of disguising yourselves?

Elysia, wearing sunglasses was a good idea, but could you at least dye that long pink hair black before coming? And Professor, have you ever seen anyone strolling around a campus in a white lab coat?

You really went all out... Those people from the Golden Courtyard...

"Don't worry." Xu Qi stepped forward and placed his hands on Mei's shoulders, as though he were about to pull her into his arms. The half-embrace made Mei's cheeks flush instantly.

"She is nothing more than an ordinary friend. Of course I'll listen to you, Mei."

"Th-this is how it is...?"

The sound of branches snapping behind them grew louder and more forceful, while the smile on Xu Qi's lips grew brighter.

······

"Ugh!! I can't take it anymore! I'm going to fight that guy to the death!"

As she spoke, Elysia prepared to rush forward and confront him! Fortunately, Professor Mobius reacted quickly and grabbed her by the wrist, while Kosma and Fu Hua hurried over to hold her back.

"Elysia! Calm down, Elysia! If you rush out now, we'll miss all the fun, Elysia!"

"Elysia, calm down! Forget it, Elysia! There's no need! Really, no need!"

······

What a complete mess those people from the Golden Courtyard were... Though, I suppose I was one of them now. Xu Qi thought with a slight toothache.

"Mei, wait here for me a moment."

"What is it?"

"I ran into some acquaintances."

Acquaintances? In that instant, Mei's thoughts raced.

She quickly came to Xu Qi's side and looped her arm around his again. "Let's go. I'll come with you."

This girl... is declaring her territory.

Chapter Four: Things said while gazing at the sky at a forty-five-degree angle are philosophy

"Hi?~~ Hello, my name is Elysia. It's a pleasure to meet you."

No one could refuse Elysia, not even another woman.

Xu Qi had already witnessed her charm half a year ago, when he moved into the Golden Courtyard.

He vaguely remembered that it had been snowing lightly outside. The moment he opened the door, the woman had leaped into view like an elf, leaving Xu Qi standing there in a daze for quite some time before he came back to his senses.

The reason he had gotten to know everyone in the Golden Courtyard so quickly was entirely because of her.

She was like a bond, drawing everyone tightly together. If you wanted to know what flawless perfection looked like in this world, Xu Qi would show you Elysia without hesitation.

So, even though Mei had displayed obvious wariness and hostility upon seeing her flower-like beauty, now...

Xu Qi sat on the grass. Directly in front of him, Mei and Elysia strolled along the riverside, chatting and laughing.

No matter who it was, Elysia seemed able to instantly win their favor and trust. That girl could probably become friends with absolutely anyone...

"Heh, your girlfriend was swept away by another woman, and you have no reaction, kid?"

Xu Qi didn't need to turn around to know that the mocking words and naturally seductive voice belonged to Professor Mobius.

"It's nothing. I think it's pretty good."

"Oh..." Professor Mobius seemed to understand something. "You've already started fantasizing about a threesome, have you?"

"Pfft!" Fu Hua, sitting beside Xu Qi, spat out all the water in her mouth and sprayed it across Kosma's face.

Kosma...

Kosma wiped his face and silently chose to leave.

As for Xu Qi?

He was no longer the sort of young man who hurried to deny things whenever someone made a joke at that level.

Gazing up at the sky at a forty-five-degree angle, Xu Qi slowly said in a weathered voice, "Ah... Indeed. After all, a threesome is every man's dream..."

"Don't say something that outrageous in such a serious tone!"

Fu Hua felt that, as a university student, she really shouldn't be spending so much time around these filthy adults. How had things ended up like this?

"Heh! You don't hide it at all."

Professor Mobius leaned close behind Xu Qi and bent down. Her slightly curled hair brushed against his cheek. It tickled, yet was strangely comfortable, while her rich fragrance seemed to wrap around him.

Xu Qi knew that this was Professor Mobius's favorite perfume. It could only be smelled from very close up. Its scent was intense without being overpowering, making it somewhat addictive.

"Remember to let me test the medicine when we get back."

"Can't I get a reward? It hurts a lot..."

As soon as he finished speaking, he felt a soft sensation behind him. The woman's voluptuous body pressed against his, as though she had embraced him from behind. Her lips brushed his earlobe, her eyes glowing crimson.

"Trying to run?"

"I'm not running... I'm not running..."

"Good. At least you know what's good for you."

Of course. I've already received my reward. I'm a man of my word.

The professor straightened up, leaving Xu Qi feeling a little regretful.

"You used to attend this school too?"

"No. I went to the Institute of Technology next door. I just used to come here often back then."

"Hmm?~~" Professor Mobius's eyes turned teasing.

"An engineering student coming to a liberal arts university... What for?"

"Don't ask me questions about things we both understand."

"Heh."

Professor Mobius sat down beside Xu Qi. Like him, she watched Elysia chatting with Mei in the distance before suddenly saying without any apparent connection,

"Elysia is kind to everyone."

"Hmm? Ah... That's true." It was difficult to imagine Elysia showing extreme disgust toward anything. That girl... seemed capable of understanding everyone, and she loved everyone too.

Xu Qi didn't know what Elysia had gone through to develop such a personality. All he could do was sigh inwardly. If God was able to create Elysia, then He must have understood beauty.

"But I'm saying, you must have met your little girlfriend at Huazheng. I could tell... Elysia was a little angry."

"Huh?" Xu Qi's first reaction was that it was impossible. He laughed and waved his hands. "Hahaha, don't joke around, Professor. I might believe you were a little angry yourself."

Professor Mobius neither confirmed nor denied it. With both hands braced behind her, her ever-present white lab coat swayed open to either side under the force of gravity, revealing her enchanting curves in full.

"Then consider it a joke. But there's one thing—before I finish developing my medicine..." Professor Mobius's voice became more solemn than ever.

"Don't even think about entering V2V."

Xu Qi was silent for a long while before replying, "Don't worry. Vil-V won't agree to it either."

"Xu Qi!~~~"

Elysia suddenly waved toward them. She had probably had enough fun.

Xu Qi stood and walked over.

"What is it?"

"Take a picture of Mei and me. Hurry, hurry!"

So I'm the designated cameraman now?

"Why don't I do it? You go take a picture with them."

Professor Mobius sauntered over and took the phone from Elysia. When she saw Xu Qi standing there blankly, she tilted her head and said, "What are you waiting for? Go over there."

Elysia clasped her hands together and looked at Professor Mobius with a gratified expression.

"Oh?~~ Mobius, you're becoming more and more considerate."

"Get lost."

Perhaps the professor only became this irritable when she was dealing with Elysia.

Xu Qi casually stood to the side, looking completely carefree, as if he hadn't given the matter a second thought. Seeing this, Mei promptly ran to his side, her radiant face filled with satisfaction.

But when Elysia cheerfully braced herself against Xu Qi's shoulder and jumped up onto his back, Mei's entire expression changed.

Professor Mobius raised an eyebrow and frantically pressed the shutter, rapidly capturing this famous three-person tableau.

"Damn... Elysia! Have you gained weight again?!"

"Hmm? Ah... Xu Qi, if you keep saying things like that to girls, you'll never get a girlfriend."

"Elysia, is this..."

"What is it, Mei? Is something wrong?"

"...Nothing..."

Mei turned away somewhat dejectedly, but then suddenly felt someone take her right hand. The warmth in her palm was so familiar.

She looked at Xu Qi in surprise and heard him say,

"Come on, look at the camera. We're taking a picture."

Still lying on Xu Qi's back, Elysia suddenly smiled. She wasn't even trying to hide it in the slightest... Xu Qi.

Professor Mobius was very good at taking pictures.

In the image, Xu Qi and Mei held hands as they faced the camera. The young man looked calm and smiled, while the girl appeared slightly bashful, her heart fluttering.

Elysia, meanwhile, was looking at Xu Qi. The joy in her eyes was impossible to conceal.

This picture really needed to be kept safe...