Chapter 18: Do You Still Want to Refuse This Time?

"Yang Weiyang actually called you 'brother'—impressive!" Zhou Xiaoyu was utterly awed, his expression growing even more sly.

"He was calling Qin-ge. I don't have a little brother like him," Qin Xuan replied, slightly annoyed. Was his surname really so powerful? A simple 'brother' had been elevated to 'real brother'...

"Whatever the case, I, Zhou Xiaoyu, clearly misjudged this time." Zhou Xiaoyu found a spot to sit down, feeling even more frustrated. It had just been idle talk, but he never imagined Yang Weiyang would be so spineless—he had actually run off as soon as he saw Qin Xuan, running as fast as if he were in a sprint.

So what now? Was he really supposed to call Qin Xuan 'boss' from now on?

"No way, what kind of status does a 'brother' have, how could I call someone else 'boss'? But what's said is said, and spilled water can't be taken back. What am I supposed to do... Wait, I've got it."

A clever idea occurred to Zhou Xiaoyu, and he grinned broadly.

"Qin Xuan."

"Yes?" Qin Xuan was scanning the room, keeping a constant eye on Dongfang Qingwan's direction to ensure nothing unexpected happened. Hearing someone call him, he turned his head.

"I always keep my word. Since Yang Weiyang really ran at the sight of you, I have to call you 'boss.' But it's just a title—if you really want to be my boss, you have to help me with something."

Zhou Xiaoyu said this with a mysterious air.

"Unfortunately, I don't want to be your boss, nor do I want to help you with anything," Qin Xuan refused.

"What? Someone wants to call you 'boss' and you actually don't want it?" Zhou Xiaoyu was surprised, but seeing Qin Xuan's attention fixed on Dongfang Qingwan, he quickly came up with another plan.

"If I'm not mistaken, your target is Dongfang Qingwan? You're a stranger here at the school—wouldn't it be wonderful to have a follower who could report the situation to you at any time?"

Qin Xuan had been about to refuse again, but he paused for a moment. That made sense. His task was simply to protect Dongfang Qingwan from supernatural threats—if he had to worry about her safety at school as well, it would be exhausting.

But having a follower changed things. If this little brother had enough influence and could protect Dongfang Qingwan on campus, Qin Xuan's job would be much easier.

Zhou Xiaoyu was a freshman, yet seemed familiar with Yang Weiyang, a sophomore. They might be part of the same clique; his family might have some power.

"Very well. What do you need help with?" Qin Xuan asked.

Zhou Xiaoyu gave a lewd laugh.

"You just refused me, so it's off. I won't beg to be anyone's follower. Since you don't want it, all the better—let's drop it."

Qin Xuan couldn't help but smile wryly. This kid was interesting—a good candidate for a little brother.

Though he thought so, Qin Xuan didn't pursue the matter. If he took someone as a follower, it had to be willingly. Anyway, they were in the same class; there would be plenty of opportunities in the future.

His calm demeanor left Zhou Xiaoyu momentarily stunned. After a long pause, he rolled his eyes and said, "Even so, we can still be friends. You see, I want to be class monitor—when the time comes, vote for me, okay? You don't know anyone else in the class anyway, right?"

Qin Xuan realized Zhou Xiaoyu was canvassing for votes to become class monitor.

"That’s hard to say. I might vote for someone else," Qin Xuan replied with a smile.

"Come on, brother. If I don't get class monitor, my allowance is halved this semester. If you vote for me, I’ll treat you all to a big meal—how about it?"

Qin Xuan watched as Zhou Xiaoyu, unable to forge a relationship, switched to bribery. He was liking this candidate more and more.

"We’ll see…" Qin Xuan was being noncommittal when he suddenly froze.

"Quiet, everyone. First, thank you all for being here to attend this gathering," a beautiful woman with an air of authority entered the classroom, her confident smile radiant, her eyes gentle and dreamy. She glanced quickly at Qin Xuan—it was Ms. Su, whom he had seen twice before.

Qin Xuan was puzzled. Why was she at his class gathering?

Almost instantly, everyone in the classroom turned their attention to the elegant woman at the podium.

"Let me introduce myself—my name is Su Muqing, and I am your advisor for Business Class One."

Hearing this, Qin Xuan was even more surprised.

"Advisor? What now… Well, fate brings us together; whatever happens, as long as it doesn't cause trouble..."

Just as he was thinking this, the classroom erupted into enthusiastic applause. Qin Xuan noticed that Zhou Xiaoyu beside him was clapping more vigorously than anyone, looking absolutely thrilled.

Looking around at the other boys in the classroom, Qin Xuan saw they all appeared as if they had been injected with energy, clapping desperately.

"Isn't it just an advisor? Why all the fuss?" Qin Xuan was bewildered.

Zhou Xiaoyu noticed his confusion and quickly whispered, "Brother, don’t tell me you don’t know Su Muqing?"

Qin Xuan shook his head, "What about her?"

Seeing that Qin Xuan really didn't know, Zhou Xiaoyu looked utterly dismayed. "Are you even a guy? Looks like you really don't spend much time online. Do you know who’s most popular on the campus forum?"

Of course, Qin Xuan had no idea.

"It’s not Su Muqing, but she’s close. You could say she’s the number one beauty at Jinling University. More importantly, she’s not just beautiful—she’s exceptionally talented. And if you talk about her family background, it’s even more remarkable..."

Qin Xuan was half confused by all this. Was this beauty really so impressive?

"Alright, calm down, everyone. Are you hoping for a welcome gift from your teacher?" Su Muqing said with a smile, waving her hand.

At her words, the room fell instantly silent, with all the boys staring at the podium, reluctant to look away.

"There will be a welcome gift, but only after your military training is finished."

Su Muqing winked, and immediately the classroom erupted in thunderous applause.

Qin Xuan could only sigh again: The world really is changing, people are not what they once were…

The class gathering began amid this joyful atmosphere; it turned out Su Muqing had arranged for someone to notify everyone, intending for the new classmates to get to know each other.

Qin Xuan sat by the window, bored, gazing outside with half-closed eyes.

Surrounded by the lively chatter, he felt out of place. He had always lived with his master in the deep mountains; it hadn’t been lonely, but never this noisy.

He wasn’t sure how much time had passed before the classroom gradually quieted down.

"Qin Xuan, are you free tonight? Surely you won't refuse me again this time?"

A familiar, melodious voice sounded beside Qin Xuan, accompanied by a faint, refreshing fragrance.

The alluring voice echoed through the classroom, and instantly, the entire room fell silent—you could hear a pin drop.