Biodata
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Zeng Rou (曾柔) |
| Alias(es) | Rou, A Rou, Rourou 13 15 17 |
| Gender | Female |
| Affiliation | Zeng family; X University Student Council’s Discipline Department 13 35 43 |
| Occupation/Role | University student; Student Council discipline representative 13 35 43 |
| Status | Alive in the current storyline; dies in the original novel recalled by Yao Tao 14 43 |
| First Appearance | Mentioned in the tree-planting outing plans; first appears directly during the outing 10 13 |
Background / History
Zeng Rou was raised as the Zeng family’s “little princess,” with two older brothers. She grew up alongside He Zhen and their shared circle of friends, remembering him as an affectionate child who followed the older children around calling them big brother and big sister 13 16 19.
By university, He Zhen’s devotion to Fu Xin had strained those friendships. Zeng Rou particularly resented an incident in which he promised to accompany her and Han Qinglu shopping, then left without warning while they were caught in heavy rain. Fu Xin’s hospital post about an upset stomach convinced Zeng Rou that he had abandoned them to attend to her instead 14.
Personality
Zeng Rou is outspoken, quick-tempered, and unwilling to hide resentment behind politeness. She dislikes how He Zhen’s courteous manner can make an angry person seem unreasonable, and repeatedly challenges his habit of dropping commitments whenever Fu Xin calls. Han Qinglu often reins her in when her criticism becomes excessive 13 14 19.
Her confrontational manner coexists with strong loyalty and easy warmth. She quickly welcomes Yao Tao into the group, encourages her to sing, and enthusiastically supports her connection with He Zhen. She also delights in matchmaking, gossip, and competitive party games, though losing can bring out her “little-princess temper” 17 18 22 27.
Relationships
- Han Qinglu — Her best friend. Zeng Rou fiercely supports her and helps push her romance with Cheng Yu forward; Han Qinglu regularly moderates Zeng Rou’s temper and sharp tongue 13 14 17 20.
- He Zhen — Childhood friend and frequent target of her criticism. She resents his repeated cancellations for Fu Xin, accepts his apology, and welcomes his renewed participation in their group 13 14 16 22.
- Yao Tao — A junior student she rapidly befriends, affectionately calling her “Little Peach” and “Peachy.” She encourages Yao Tao’s apparent romance with He Zhen, shares gossip with her, and demands details when their photos go viral 18 19 27 33.
- Zhao Yixiao — Friend and would-be romantic partner. He tries to confess during the karaoke gathering, but she firmly rejects him; they later team up for cards 17 21.
- Cheng Yu — Friend and Han Qinglu’s romantic partner. Zeng Rou encourages the couple to stop delaying their relationship and celebrates their commitment 17 20.
- Fu Xin — A source of persistent resentment. Zeng Rou objects to her treatment of He Zhen and later vows to prevent her from joining the Student Council 21 36.
- Ning He — Someone in her social circle whose devotion to Tan Nianzhi frustrates her. She complains to Yao Tao that his appearance and piano-playing are wasted on such behavior 30.
- Older brothers — Two brothers she confidently names as protectors when Han Qinglu warns that her mouth could get her into trouble 16.
Story Role / Major Arcs
Tree-Planting Outing and Reconciliation
- While planting trees with Han Qinglu, Cheng Yu, and Zhao Yixiao, Zeng Rou tells Yao Tao to stop hovering around their assigned area 13.
- When He Zhen intervenes, she confronts him about repeatedly neglecting his childhood friends for Fu Xin. Her account makes him reconsider his behavior 13 14.
- He Zhen apologizes without defending Fu Xin, surprising the group. Zeng Rou immediately arranges a dinner treat and creates a group chat, while her initial irritation with Yao Tao gives way to affection 14.
- At lunch, she exposes He Zhen’s habit of postponing meals while waiting for Fu Xin, connecting his romantic fixation with his stomach troubles 15.
Karaoke Gathering and Matchmaking
- Zeng Rou holds He Zhen to his promise to treat the group and proposes the King’s Game at the karaoke lounge 16.
- She encourages Han Qinglu and Cheng Yu to acknowledge their feelings, then celebrates their relationship by calling for a kiss 17 20.
- She interprets Yao Tao’s rendition of “Contentment” as a message to He Zhen and tells him to cherish her 18.
- Expecting another interruption from Fu Xin, she is astonished to learn that He Zhen contacted Fu Xin’s parents rather than abandoning the gathering to visit her in hospital 20.
- She proposes forehead-paper penalties for cards, suffers repeated losses, then wins the final round against Yao Tao. After witnessing He Zhen’s successful gacha pull, she asks him to pull for her too 21 22.
Gossip and Student Council Disputes
- Zeng Rou adds Yao Tao to a gossip group and shares news about campus relationships. When photos of He Zhen catching Yao Tao become popular, she sends more than ninety-nine private messages demanding an explanation and proposes dinner 27 28 30 33.
- Wearing a red armband and accompanied by two male students, she intervenes in the cafeteria confrontation involving Fu Xin and her admirers. He Zhen privately promises her a weekend treat before leaving her to handle the dispute 35.
- The resulting forum turmoil creates work for the Student Council. Zeng Rou blames Fu Xin for the disruption and declares that she will not let her enter the council while she remains at university 36.
- During another confrontation outside Class 7, she challenges Fu Xin over a complaint accusing her of abusing her position to block Fu Xin’s council admission 43.
Fate in the Original Novel
- Yao Tao remembers that Zeng Rou eventually confronts Fu Xin when Han Qinglu has nowhere left to turn 14.
- Qin Zhen intervenes before she reaches Fu Xin. During the ensuing street scuffle, his arm sends Zeng Rou stumbling into the road, where two cars strike her in succession and kill her immediately 14.
- Her death is ruled an accident because she initiated the confrontation. It deprives Han Qinglu of a major supporter and also contributes to Zhao Yixiao and Cheng Yu growing apart 14.
- Yao Tao resolves to save her. After overhearing these thoughts, He Zhen deliberately helps Yao Tao connect with Zeng Rou’s circle; the supplied chapters do not establish whether the predicted tragedy has been permanently averted 14.
Notable Quotes
“We all grew up together, so how did you end up becoming more distant from us?” 13
“Who would dare? … I’ll get my two older brothers to beat them up!” 16
“As long as I haven’t graduated, she can forget about coming into the Student Council to stir up trouble!” 36