Chapter 3: Admission (1)
After chatting for a while, the taxi finally arrived at Southern University
"It is not strange for someone to be in a hurry to register at school; not everyone is as leisurely as we are," Su Mu pushed her cousin and said, "Let’s hurry to the school as well. I want to check out my student dormitory early. Can you help me set it up? I have never lived in a school dormitory, and I am not sure if I can get used to it"
While speaking, Xie Lang adjusted his messy hair on his head with the little finger of his left hand
However, in Ran Xixi's eyes, this person was at best just free labor, unceremoniously commanding them to carry away all the luggage
"It's fine, you can use mine in the dormitory as well." Wu Feifan pointed to his new computer, "With the latest configuration, dual-core and dual graphics cards, feel free to use it. After all, we're in the same dormitory, and from now on, we are all brothers."
Xie Lang's little finger is actually not short, and it is somewhat slender. Unlike the other nine fingers, it has a nail that is more than one inch long, which is very clean and polished to a smooth shine
When coming to school, who does not bring several large suitcases and bags? Although Xiao Pang's home is in Chengdu, he also brought two large suitcases
Xie Lang was not eager to dismiss the two, but rather he was genuinely curious and excited, as the largest city he had previously seen was merely their county town, which was just a small city with a few streets. More often than not, even when he went out, it was with his grandfather, that old miser, traveling from one mountain to another to visit their eccentric relatives and friends.
"That... that... Xie Lang, did you only bring one suitcase?" the chubby Wu Feifan continued to ask.
Seeing the sympathetic or pitying gazes of the three individuals, Xie Lang did not feel any embarrassment or discomfort; rather, he thought that these three classmates had quite good hearts
Indeed, you may use our computer as you wish said Lin Qiang and Jiang Chengshi in unison
Thank you so much today, and you even helped me fix my shoes" said Ran Xixi as she expressed her gratitude
When Xie Lang entered the dormitory, the other three classmates had already made their beds and tidied up.
"Since you are worried about not getting used to it, why are you insisting on living in the school dormitory? Wouldn't it be better to stay at your cousin's house? After all, I have bought a house outside, and we can live together then, so you won't have to worry about your uncle and aunt bothering us. That would be great," Ran Xixi said. "I just find it a bit strange that this silly boy, Xie Lang, hasn't taken the initiative to ask you what your major is or for your phone number. Doesn't he want to keep in touch with you?"
"Look at him like that, he really seems a bit foolish," Ran Xixi whispered to her cousin behind her.
Indeed. Xie Lang nodded and said, "Is there anything wrong?"
After much persuasion, Xie Lang was finally able to move into the student dormitory
Cousin, why do you speak ill of others behind their backs? I find them very simple and warm-hearted, always willing to help, yet you still speak badly of them. Su Mu shot a glance at Ran Xixi.
There are three computers in the bedroom: two desktops and one laptop. By the way, Xie Lang was admitted to the Department of Computer Science not because he has a particular passion for computers, but rather because he has never had the opportunity to engage with them, which makes him very curious.
Ah, this is Southern University, such an impressive entrance. It seems this school is even larger than our marketplace. Looking at the magnificent gate, Xie Lang couldn't help but exclaim, as the campus was bustling with a crowd, quite lively.
Several young men are quite good-looking, each approximately 1.8 meters tall, and they are dressed in a fashionable manner. It seems they have assessed their own appeal and believe they have a chance of success before daring to approach and flirt.
This question is obviously pointless; how could Xie Lang possibly have brought a computer like this?
***
In his hometown, people have become accustomed to Xie Lang's talent, so no one finds it surprising. However, for Ran Xixi and Su Mu, Xie Lang's behavior indeed appears somewhat peculiar.
I have heard of these items before, the Qiankun Bag and the Double Wing Ring. My grandfather once told me that thieves in ancient times used these things, and they were merely second or third-rate items, nothing particularly remarkable. I just didn't expect that there are still people using them now. " Xie Lang replied, and his tone suggested that he did not regard these items highly.
Alright, you have considered it carefully. Next time I encounter him, I will ask on your behalf
Xie Lang's grandfather, Xie Zhong, is not only an old miser but also a stubborn traditionalist. As a descendant of a court craftsman, Xie Zhong harbors a deep-seated disdain for scholars, knowing that they also look down upon craftsmen like him. In the Xie family, Xie Zhong is an autocratic and dictatorial figure, wielding absolute control over the family's political and economic affairs. The fact that he did not oppose Xie Lang's decision to attend university is already a significant act of leniency, let alone providing him with tuition fees. As for the money Xie Lang carries, it is all earned from his summer jobs, along with a portion that he had previously saved as personal funds.
In the eyes of Su Mu and Ran Xixi, Xie Lang is a strange and even somewhat magical person; however, no matter how magical a person may be, as long as they live in this world, they must confront the harshness of reality.
Ran Xixi also noticed Xie Lang's nails, but she did not mind. Xie Lang's gaze and demeanor while speaking were very natural. Based on her experience, what Xie Lang said was all true. Although she found Xie Lang to be a very strange person, being strange was not a fault. Moreover, Xie Lang had helped her, so she really could not treat him as a criminal when asking questions
In fact, Su Mu is somewhat curious about Xie Lang, but she would not express her thoughts as her cousin does, speaking without any reservations.
"Cousin, what nonsense are you talking about? Why would they contact me if nothing is going on?" Su Mu stared wide-eyed at Ran Xixi.
"It's nothing." Xiao Pang finally confirmed that Xie Lang was indeed very poor, "You don't have a computer?"
In summary, the registration process was not smooth sailing. Although Xie Lang submitted all the money he had, there remained a significant gap to the high tuition fees. Xie Lang had anticipated this situation; he initially thought he could easily apply for a student loan, but the reality was different. The staff at the billing office informed him that there were simply too many students applying for loans this year, so there would be an additional screening process. Xie Lang had foreseen this situation; he initially thought he could easily apply for a student loan, but the reality was different. The staff at the billing office informed him that there were simply too many students applying for loans this year, so there would be an additional screening process
"My dear, haven't you noticed the way those men around you are looking at you? I can guarantee that if you just wave your hand, there will be plenty of people eager to help you with your luggage, and then they'll find all sorts of ways to ask for your phone number," Ran Xixi teased her cousin. In fact, she was well aware that Su Mu had already been a hot topic at their school during high school, with suitors coming and going endlessly, yet none of the boys succeeded. However, she was somewhat curious as to why Xie Lang, who clearly had such a good opportunity, did not know how to cherish it.
If Ran Xixi's temperament were a bit more gentle, without exposing her fierce side, she could completely rival the cover girls of fashion magazines. With two beauties, one tall and one petite, standing at the school gate, some boys have long been unable to contain themselves
Xie Lang shook his head and said, "I heard that the school's computer room has computers available for use. Those things are quite expensive, and I can't afford to buy one"
"If you want to wave, go ahead and wave yourself; haven't you noticed those men staring at you with drool?" Su Mu replied to Ran Xixi.
Among the three individuals, there is a chubby man around 1.7 meters tall, a local from Chengdu named Wu Feifan. Another is a Shanghainese, approximately 1.8 meters tall, a standard modern handsome man with long hair, named Jiang Chengshi. The last one is a strong man from Shaanxi, very dark and sturdy, named Lin Qiang
I am a student, but I have learned some crafts since elementary school, such as repairing houses and mending shoes; I can do a bit of that. "谢 said sincerely, and no one would think he was lying, because he was not lying at all.
"Classmate Su Mu, I will go register first, so I won't disturb you any longer," Xie Lang said to Su Mu and Ran Xixi, and then he quickly walked towards the school, eager to learn more about his new school.
"How could he just leave like that?" Ran Xixi asked, looking curiously at the back of Xie Lang as he walked away.
"Nonsense, look at his poor appearance, how could he possibly have a mobile phone? If I had asked him for his number just now, wouldn't that have embarrassed him?" Ran Xixi defended herself, "Don't overthink it, I just find this guy a bit strange. He knows so much about the tools used by thieves; he might be able to help me solve cases in the future..."
As Xie Lang walked into the dormitory, his three roommates were taken aback. They glanced at Xie Lang's attire and luggage, realizing that his family background must be quite poor. They all silently sighed, recognizing that for a student from such a family, gaining admission to university is not an easy feat
"Then why didn't you ask just now?" Su Mu inquired, "And why did you ask for their phone number?"
Xie Lang was born into a family of craftsmen; his grandfather was a renowned old carpenter, and his father was a stonemason. The family possessed many ancient books on mechanisms and instruments. Influenced by this environment, Xie Lang has seen and created numerous peculiar items. Moreover, he has an exceptional talent; after observing many simple tools, he can generally deduce their structure.
"Then how did you know how to use that previous money pouch and this ring?" Ran Xixi still had doubts in her heart
Seeing Ran Xixi express her gratitude so sincerely, Xie Lang smiled slightly and said, "It's nothing. As a man, one should always possess a spirit of chivalry, especially since it was merely a small effort on my part."
Xie Lang quickly made his bed and then noticed that one of the compartments in the cabinet was empty. Realizing it was his designated spot, he placed the black box he was holding into it
By the way, Mumu, if you see that kid Xie Lang next time, remember to get his phone number
"By the way, do you know when the student loan can be applied for?" Xie Lang asked nonchalantly. There was no other choice; he only had a few dozen yuan left in his pocket. After wandering around the school for a while, he realized how frighteningly high the cost of living was in big cities. If the student loan could not be secured, he would probably have no way to continue his studies this semester. However, he did not want others to know about his current difficult situation. There was no other choice; he only had a few dozen yuan left in his pocket. After wandering around the school for a while, he realized how frighteningly high the cost of living was in big cities. If the student loan could not be secured, he would probably have no way to continue his studies this semester. However, he did not want others to know about his current difficult situation
Indeed, before Ran Xixi could wave her hand, several boys proactively approached to ask the two beauties if they needed assistance