I Really Didn’t Want to Increase My Favorability!

“What does Ji Yun mean by this?”

“I’ve also dreamt of a past life, and so has Xu Lin.”

“Oh?!” Chu Fengyi’s eyes widened slightly in surprise.

For someone like her, a child of a wealthy family who had seen everything the world had to offer, there was little left that could truly astonish her. But her time here in Linshui had brought more than a few surprises—especially this mysterious phenomenon of past-life memories.

“Care to share with me?”

“Will Sister Fengyi also be honest and forthcoming?” Ji Yun wasn’t naive. If she was going to spill everything, she expected the same in return.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

“Of course, but let’s talk tonight, once we’re free, and there’s no one else around.”

“Alright.”

Xu Lin finished editing a short video clip and noticed it was time for school. When he came out, only Ji Yun and Zhuo Yan were still there; everyone else had vanished.

“Sister Fengyi took your cousin to show her around her house since she’s going to be her personal assistant. Sister Liu went with them too.”

“Got it. Let’s go, time for school!”

“Is it that time already?”

“Yup. By the way, Zhuo Yan, how was the meal I treated you to?”

“Stop bragging—it’s not like you cooked it yourself.”

Zhuo Yan retorted, her sharp tongue as relentless as ever. Xu Lin and Ji Yun couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Actually, Xu Lin’s cooking is really good. Don’t underestimate him.”

“Then you won’t need to cook in the future. You can just be a carefree housewife.”

The comment made Ji Yun blush instantly. She shoved her friend lightly, flustered.

“That’s a long way off—stop calling me a carefree housewife.”

“Why not? Wouldn’t it be nice not to have to cook?” Zhuo Yan teased, genuinely looking out for her friend.

“Zhuo Yan, do you even know how to cook?”

“Of course I do. My parents are busy with work and rarely have time to take care of me. I also have to drop off and pick up my younger brother.”

“That’s tough on you,” Xu Lin remarked. It was the first time he had heard Zhuo Yan talk about her personal life.

Before his rebirth, during that unpleasant class reunion, Zhuo Yan had been the only one genuinely happy to see him after so many years.

Though she had a fiery temper and was stubborn to a fault, she was undoubtedly a genuine and straightforward person with a good heart.

“Why are you staring at me?”

“Nothing. Just thinking that you’re pretty and a good person. I’m sure you’ll find a great husband in the future.”

“Who asked for your prediction!”

Zhuo Yan playfully smacked his chest with the back of her hand, but her expression betrayed the fact that his compliment had pleased her.

“Let’s go, let’s go. We can chat on the way. We’re going to be late.”

The afternoon classes were even more tedious than the morning ones. By the second period, many students were already napping on their desks. Ji Yun reminded them once, but seeing no improvement, she let it go. After all, some of them weren’t aiming for college anyway.

As the school day ended and the last few minutes ticked by, the teacher finished going over the exam paper. The Chinese teacher, unusually lenient, allowed the class to relax for a bit—but no loud chatting or whispering. Quiet discussions about schoolwork were permitted, and the classroom was soon buzzing softly, like a swarm of flies.

“Xu Lin, come over to my house for dinner tonight.”

“Huh?”

“Do you have plans this evening?”

Ji Yun had intended to ask him during lunch, but saying it in front of everyone made her feel shy.

“No, not really. I’m just surprised—it’s the first time you’ve invited me over for dinner.”

“Now that you mention it…” Ji Yun thought for a moment and realized he was right.

“Will your parents be there?” Xu Lin asked, a bit apprehensive. Ji Yun froze, then pouted.

“Meeting the parents already? You’re really trying to marry me this year, huh?”

“Is this even up for debate?”

“Just wait a bit longer,” Ji Yun said, poking his nose. “Pick a good day.”

“So you’re inviting me for dinner today—just to eat?” Xu Lin was a little confused. Was this just about getting closer? But if it were about strengthening relationships, wouldn’t it be better for both sets of parents to meet and have a proper conversation? At his age, there was bound to be a generational gap when talking to middle-aged people.

“Mainly, Aunt Yao wanted to invite you for dinner.”

“Aunt Yao wants to treat me to dinner?”

“Yeah, remember that pearl you gave me a while back? I gave it to Aunt Yao, and she’s been feeling a lot better recently.”

“Ah, I see. Let her keep wearing it, then—I don’t need it back.”

“Isn’t that pearl really valuable?”

“Yeah, and it’s not something I could easily get again. But it’s better to save someone’s life than keep it for myself.”

Rare items like that were almost impossible to get again through the mall system. That said, Xu Lin still had alchemy recipes, though he lacked the materials and experience to make use of them.

When he had more money and could buy the necessary materials, he might be able to produce something useful. At the very least, the Youth Elixir was an incredible thing—it could maintain a woman’s youthful state for a long time.

He had given one to President Ye before, but she hadn’t mentioned how it worked for her. He made a mental note to ask her next time.

“You’re zoning out again.”

“Sorry. Since Aunt Yao invited me, of course, I’ll go. What do your parents like? I should bring something.”

“Don’t go overboard—just something simple will do. But you know my mom is all about appearances.”

“Got it, wifey.”

“Xu Lin!” Ji Yun glared at him. “Next time, I’ll sew your mouth shut.”

“Would you really, class monitor?”

“Of course I would!”

“But then we wouldn’t be able to kiss anymore.”

“Why are you saying this in class!?”

Ji Yun shot him a glare before lowering her head, ignoring him. Xu Lin just chuckled and started packing his bag.

A moment later, the school bell rang, signaling the end of class. The students began packing their bags, with the boarding students heading straight out. Zhuo Yan ran over to help Ji Yun pack her things, working even more diligently than Xu Lin, her so-called “husband.”

“Ji Yun, I want to go buy a fountain pen on Xinghuo Road. Do you have time to come with me?”

Zhuo Yan asked, noticing her best friend looking over at Xu Lin.

“Hey, you don’t need to ask him for permission to go out. He’s not your husband. Even if he were, you wouldn’t have to listen to him about everything.”

“It’s not that. I already told him to come home with me after school—my family’s inviting him for dinner.”

“Inviting him for dinner… does that mean it’s official?”

“Official what? It’s way too early for that!” Ji Yun rolled her eyes, feeling like her best friend was on the same wavelength as Xu Lin.

“Alright, you guys go, then. I’ll just go buy it myself.”

“No, no, let’s go together. I need to buy some stuff too.”

Xu Lin chimed in, and Zhuo Yan nodded in polite gratitude.

But as soon as they stepped out of the classroom, they saw Su Qingwan walking out of the neighboring class. She glanced at them and waved.

“Heading home? I can give you a ride.”

“We’re going to Xinghuo Road to pick up some things.”

“Oh, perfect—I need to go there too. I’ll get the car and wait for you outside.” With that, she walked off ahead.

“I’ll just ride my bike home, then,” Zhuo Yan said hesitantly, glancing at Su Qingwan’s retreating figure. Sharing a ride with a teacher made her feel a bit nervous.

“It’s fine—Teacher Su and Xu Lin are pretty close,” Ji Yun reassured her.

“Xu Lin, why does it feel like you’re close with everyone?”

“Not really. For example, I’m not close with you~”

“Ji Yun, look at your man!” Zhuo Yan exclaimed in mock outrage.

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