Chapter 3, Telephone
She knows that Zhang Shuai comes from a relatively well-off family, as he is willing to spend a considerable amount of money on art supplies and often prefers to wear clothes from the same brand. Few boys are as particular as he is; to be precise, there are very few people with his kind of background.
Zhou returned home, the time was still early. Although her body was tired, she found it hard to fall asleep. In the dormitory, one person was engrossed in a phone call with her boyfriend, laughing continuously, while another had gone out. Liu Nuo was lying on her bed watching a movie, deliberately not wearing headphones despite the noise. The environment was quite chaotic. Zhou tossed and turned, unable to sleep, watching that girl seemingly ready to chat all night. She simply put on a long-sleeved shirt and went out the door.
Wei Qing has always been a man of action, and the next day he called Zhou Shi. After calling for a long time without anyone answering, he thought to call again in the evening. However, when he called that night, the phone was already turned off. The next day, when he called again, it was still off. Since then, he has been unable to get through. Since he began navigating the realm of romance, he has never encountered such setbacks, facing an unfavorable start.
The night breeze at the end of September already carries a chill, brushing against her, as if it were a sigh. She could not think of anywhere to go, so she had no choice but to head to the studio. The hallway was silent, the light dim. She turned on the lights in the studio, and instantly the room was filled with warmth, a sense of tranquility and comfort enveloping her. Leaning on the table, she flipped through the art books, the lines of English text making her head spin, drowsiness creeping in. Just as she was about to drift off to sleep, the sound of footsteps suddenly startled her awake.
However, Wei Qing called out to her: "Miss Xixi, please wait a moment." He picked up a box from the sofa and handed it to her
Wei Qing lazily leaned back against the sofa and said, "Accompanying me for drinks is also work. Order as much as you like." His words clearly indicated that he was setting up Zhou for a trap. Typically, when guests order drinks, the waitstaff receives a commission from the sales. By the end of the night, the total could be quite substantial
Wei Qing, after several unsuccessful attempts to reach her by phone, felt quite impatient. He initially considered going directly to her school to find her, but then thought better of it and decided to hold back for the time being. Zhou was merely a student, and a diligent one at that, so it was important to take things slowly and proceed step by step; spending some time on this was certainly worthwhile. Women come in many forms, and there are naturally various methods to approach them. Having rolled in the flower garden, he was well-versed in this art.
The two people chatted about others' gossip before going to sleep, thoroughly enjoying it
Zhou felt gloomy whenever this matter was mentioned, and could only say: "I concede, I admit defeat." The two of them strolled back to the dormitory at a leisurely pace
She hesitated for a moment and said, "Don't you think the dormitory is too noisy?" Then she changed her mind and added, "Home is definitely more comfortable than the dormitory; at least taking a shower is more convenient." Zhang Shuai simply replied that it was fine; he did not find it troublesome at all
Zhang Shuai rummaged through the drawer and said, "I forgot to take something."
Oh, is that so? Then I will go back and take a look. By the way, do you want any traditional Chinese paintings? I also have some calligraphy works; if you are interested, I can bring them out as well. Although Zhou's paintings and calligraphy may not be the best, they are certainly presentable.
Zhou tore open the wrapping paper, and upon seeing the box, immediately recognized it as a mobile phone. It was the latest model from Nokia, not yet released in the mainland. Her expression changed, and she finally understood this person's "thoughtful intentions." The gift of this mobile phone was certainly not a coincidence
Wei Qing let out an "oh," raised his eyes to look at her, and smiled as he said, "No one would complain about having too many mobile phones"
Zhou was troubled by this, saying: "I have my eye on a Nokia model, but unfortunately, I don't have enough money on me." That particular phone is very exquisitely designed and has quite good features, but its market price is nearly 3,000, which Zhou certainly cannot bear to spend.
Zhou said: "Have you noticed that among those who are affectionate in public under the girls' dormitory, there are very few girls from the drama department." Bi Qiujing replied: "Of course, these couples are usually young boys and girls who are just beginning to experience love, and they are still quite innocent. A day apart feels like three autumns. The girls from the drama department probably look down on this behavior." The reputation of the girls from the drama department has never been very good in school
As soon as she put it on, the sales assistant on one side exclaimed repeatedly: "Miss, this dress is only meant for you; it is simply tailored for you. If there were more sizes, it would have sold out long ago!" Zhou believed her words, and while she was trying on the dress in front of the mirror, three people had already asked her where she found the dress. Upon learning that it was unavailable, they expressed their regret and sighed repeatedly.
Zhou laughed: "This is considered good. I heard from Lin Feifei that someone in the art department..." Bi Qiujing sighed deeply, lamenting that students are not like students anymore
Zhou was momentarily unable to answer. Wei Qing smiled and said, "Don't worry, it's just a reward for accompanying me for a drink"
Of course. The Minister shrugged, indicating that he did not mind
Wei Qing raised an eyebrow and retorted, "What do you think it is?"
Zhang Shuai pondered: "The calligraphy works can be given to 'Lanting Society', as they are preparing to promote among the new students. If you take it over, they would be eager to have it." Zhou mentioned that she was not familiar with the people from 'Lanting Society', to which Zhang Shuai offered to take it over for her. He then inquired when she planned to buy a mobile phone.
It was only until the dormitory was about to close that she lazily made her way back. On the way, she encountered Bi Qiujing, who was returning from evening self-study, carrying a large backpack, reminiscent of their high school days. She teased, "Bi Qiujing, the fact that your back isn't bent from that load is truly the eighth wonder of the world"
Bi Qiujing did not back down, retorting: "Zhou, you are actually at school on a weekend evening, now that is truly the eighth wonder of the world"
Upon hearing his name called, Zhou was taken aback and could not help but scrutinize him closely, only to realize that he was the emperor who had visited the "Dynasty" last time. The more he looked, the more astonished he became, filled with uncertainty and doubt.
After consuming two cups of wine, the effects of the alcohol begin to take hold, causing a sensation of warmth throughout the body and a flush of redness in the face
Zhou rubbed his eyes with his hands and sighed: "It seems that only the two of us come to this studio."
Zhou immediately followed up with: "As long as it is sufficient." He bowed slightly and turned to leave
Zhou had just received something in her hand and asked, "What is it?" She thought it would be better to clarify. If it were a small trinket, it would not matter, but if it were too valuable, she feared she could not accept it.
Zhou did not expect that things would end like this, it was really just drinking, and moreover, she was given a leave for no reason. She did not decline, thanked Wei Qing, and stood up to leave
The minister did not intervene, gently sipping the fine wine in his cup. It seems that this beautiful woman is a fragrant rose, with quite a few thorns on her.
She was taken aback for a moment, then recalled who it was, and her brows involuntarily furrowed
Zhou felt that this person was difficult to deal with, so he changed the subject and jokingly said, "Can I take a look?"
"Why go home?" Zhang Shuai retorted.
Carrying the bag, I stepped out and, upon touching my pocket, realized that my phone was missing. It must have been lost while I was trying on clothes in the store! So I hurried back and searched everywhere. The sales assistants all said they hadn't seen it and advised me not to panic and to look carefully. I borrowed someone else's phone to dial mine, but it was already turned off. Without a doubt, it must have been stolen. There was nothing I could do but report the incident at the security department of the store and return home dejected.
Bi Qiujing asked, "Did you quit that part-time job at the bar?" She sighed inwardly and replied, "No, I took a leave today." She did not mention anything about what happened in the evening
Zhang Shuai pushed the door open and entered. She looked at him with sleepy eyes and asked, "Why are you here so late?" Her voice was still somewhat unclear
Zhou smiled and said, "What a coincidence, I just bought one yesterday; otherwise, I would have accepted it."
Zhou said: "When did this happen? I apologize, I just lost my phone a few days ago"
This person is a devil, luring others into crime and depravity, leading them to a point of no return in the desires for money and material possessions
Just as he set down the wine, the person smiled at him and said, "Miss Xixi, how about sitting down for a drink?"
In front of the girls' dormitory, pairs of lovebirds are whispering sweet nothings to each other, reluctant to part. Some even perform openly. Zhou noticed a couple under the tree who had gone a bit too far; the boy's hand had already slipped under the girl's short skirt. The two seemed unfazed by it. Bi Qiu Jing sighed, "At least be mindful of the impact."
After much deliberation, I have decided to write about Su Shi's "After the Red Cliffs Ode." The reason for not choosing "Before the Red Cliffs Ode" is purely due to its brevity. Writing each large block in the style of small regular script, it appears neat and beautiful, highlighting strengths while avoiding weaknesses, which is quite striking. Those in the know would recognize that her writing resembles the ancient "Tai Ge Ti," lacking the seamless charm of a complete work, yet it can easily impress the untrained eye. In any case, she merely intends to impress others and does not aspire to become a calligrapher. Those in the know would recognize that her writing resembles the ancient "Tai Ge Ti," lacking the seamless charm of a complete work, yet it can easily impress the untrained eye. In any case, she merely intends to impress others and does not aspire to become a calligrapher
Zhou came to make money, and she could do so without working, so why not take advantage of it? Knowing that the boss would not say anything to her, she sat down opposite him and said, "This is what you said." She smiled at him and ordered two bottles of the most expensive wine. She was still somewhat reasonable, knowing when to stop and not daring to be too greedy
Shengwen suddenly realized that it was lost, no wonder. He said: "The bar is short-staffed, I wanted to ask if you could also come to work regularly, the price is not an issue"
The Minister noticed her red-rimmed eyes and slight intoxication, and waved his hand, saying: "Alright, you can go back and rest tonight." He called for Sheng Wen, saying, "Mr. Sheng, this young lady seems a bit unwell; I think it would be better to let her go back and rest." Sheng Wen nodded in understanding and quickly said: "Alright, Xixi, you should go back and rest first."
Zhou thought that he was looking for him for a reason, and hurriedly explained: "Mr. Sheng, I apologize, I just lost my phone. Are you looking for me for something?"
She decided to write a piece of calligraphy herself, as she had no other skills; painting was out of the question, as it was already too late. Although she studied fine arts, she had never given anyone a painting of her own. In fact, writing is quite difficult as well; if she wrote too small, it wouldn't look right, and if she wrote too large with heavy ink and vibrant colors, she lacked the ability to do so.
Zhou feels that this person is very genuine and caring. Her drinking capacity, in this context, can only be described as a minor player compared to the major ones.
It is the weekend again, and Zhou is, as usual, going to work at "Dynasty." Just as he steps through the door, General Sheng follows right behind him, saying, "Xixi, why can't I reach you on the phone?"
Thus, she posted a message online stating that she had lost her phone and that any urgent matters should be directed to the dormitory phone. In fact, there were usually not many people looking for her.
Zhou wandered around the store and set her sights on a delicate spaghetti strap dress, featuring a white base with light green accents. The dress was adorned with two flowing long ties at the waist and exquisite embroidery throughout, presenting an elegant and refined style. It was the last piece available, and she was fortunate to find it in size XS, which fit her perfectly. With her slender frame and graceful waist, she casually tied the belt at the back, accentuating her graceful figure. Her cherry blossom-like lips and willow-like waist added to her charm. She had a slender build and a light waist, and the belt tied at the back further highlighted her elegant silhouette. Her cherry blossom-like lips and willow-like waist were captivating.
The inner turmoil was tumultuous, and I certainly understood his intentions. Without even opening it, I returned the item and said with a smile, "I don't think I need so many phones to make a living."
Today, Wei Qing is dressed in formal attire, yet his tie is half undone, his suit is tossed aside, and all the buttons on his cuffs are undone, giving him a disheveled appearance. Zhou suddenly recalls the award ceremony that day, and the more he looks, the more he feels it resembles that moment. However, he dares not show it on his face; what difference does it make anyway! He probably does not remember who he is.
In today's world, everyone is bound to lose one or two mobile phones. Among the four people in her dormitory, none are exempt; one person has already lost three devices, losing them only to buy new ones, and then losing those again, creating a vicious cycle. Zhou can only lament her misfortune.
Calming herself, she smiled and said: "Ah, sir, I still have work to do!" There were certainly no shortage of people trying to strike up a conversation with her, and she had long since become accustomed to it
She spent a full three days in the studio, writing over and over again. Due to a moment of carelessness, all her previous efforts were in vain, and she had to start from scratch. She used several sheets of eight-foot rice paper, and by the end, she could hardly stand up straight, and her right hand could not lift chopsticks, which was quite difficult. Zhang Shuai, seeing her dedication, thought she was preparing to submit her work for an exhibition
Wei Qing asked lightly, "Does Miss Xixi not need it?"
Zhou pondered for a moment and said, "Mr. Sheng, let me think it over and consider it carefully." Given her lifestyle of staying up all night, she was afraid she might not be able to handle it, as her studies were of utmost importance. Sheng Wen did not press her further and simply replied, "Alright, take your time to think it through."
Zhang Shuai smiled: "It seems that there are only the two of us studying in Class 804"
On the morning of the 11th, she finally completed a small piece of calligraphy that she was somewhat satisfied with. There was no time for mounting it, so she had to roll it up and stuff it into a long tube meant for holding shuttlecocks. Li Mingcheng called her, asking her to have dinner together at six in the evening. She slept soundly for half the afternoon, then washed her face, put on makeup, changed into a newly bought dress, and draped a small shawl over it, looking radiant. A woman adorns herself for the pleasure of the one she loves. She slept soundly for half the afternoon, then washed her face, put on makeup, changed into a newly bought dress, and draped a small shawl over it, looking radiant. A woman adorns herself for the pleasure of the one she loves.
Zhang Shuai recalled something and asked her: "I sent you a text message, why didn't you reply?"
She herself felt very satisfied. Although it was at a 50% discount, it was still a bit expensive for her. Gritting her teeth, she still decided to buy it. It was packed, bagged, and paid for
When Wei Qing called Zhou, Zhou was wandering around the mall. A brand women's clothing store was having a 50% off sale, and the music in the store was blaring, making it impossible to hear the phone ringing. She couldn't help but feel tempted; it was rare for this women's clothing store to have such a significant discount. So, she squeezed into the crowded crowd, sifting through one item after another. It was the weekend, and the foot traffic was bustling, with the line for the fitting rooms extending outside the store. Everyone was sweating profusely yet still enjoying themselves. Women have an innate passion for shopping. It was the weekend, and the foot traffic was bustling, with the line for the fitting rooms extending outside the store. Everyone was sweating profusely yet still enjoying themselves. Women have an innate passion for shopping.
She also smiled, tilted her head and said, "Zhang Shuai, you are a local, right? Why don't you go home?"
Aqi instructed her to serve the wine at table number 1. From a distance, she saw that there was only one person at table number 1, quietly sitting in the corner, without a female companion, nor was he scanning the room for opportunities to strike up a conversation. She wondered to herself, could this person be here to drown his sorrows in alcohol?
Zhang Shuai listened and said, "I have a friend who has some gray market goods, and the price is much cheaper. If you want, I can talk to him for you." Zhou was overjoyed after hearing this and asked about the price, which turned out to be nearly half less, and decided on the spot to buy it. Zhang Shuai is always cautious in his dealings; he would not introduce her to someone unless he trusted his friend.
Wei Qing took the wine bottle and poured her a drink, saying: "Drink as much as you can, no need to force yourself."
Naturally, a woman with an enchanting figure approached Wei Qing to strike up a conversation, but she was not to Wei Qing's liking at that moment, so he also got up and left
October 1st, National Day, is also Li Mingcheng's birthday. Everyone laughs at Li Mingcheng for being born on this day, believing that he is destined to achieve great things in the future. Zhou has been contemplating what gift to give for a long time, and Li Mingcheng will surely treat everyone to a meal, and perhaps even celebrate all night long.
Zhang Shuai nodded, "Then we need to hurry and buy one, otherwise, if anything happens, we won't be able to find you." Zhou hurriedly asked what was going on. He said, "The painting society is planning to hold a large-scale art exhibition in the main building's exhibition hall. They want to know if you have any works to showcase."
Unexpectedly, the next evening, Zhang Shuai informed her that the phone had arrived and asked if she was satisfied, mentioning that it could still be returned. He said, "It came from Hong Kong, and it only has Traditional Chinese." Zhou quickly replied, "It's fine, I can understand it anyway." With the price reduced so much, she had no reason to complain and was extremely grateful to Zhang Shuai. She went to the mobile service hall to get a new SIM card, keeping the same number as before.
Bi Qiujing hesitated for a moment before speaking: "Zhou Shi, I always feel that working in a bar is not very good. Although it’s nothing much, and I earn my keep through hard work, such places easily attract trouble." Zhou Shi thought to himself, indeed, trouble has already come! Yet he replied, "Once I find a proper part-time job, I will quit that job; I still need to eat now." It truly is hard to understand the value of money until one is in charge of household expenses; when out in the world, everything requires money, making it nearly impossible to get by.
She took the bag off the wall and was about to head out when she received a call from an unknown number. As she pressed the elevator button, she asked, "Hello, who is this?" The other party replied lazily, "Hey, Xixi!" The voice was deep, sensual, and quite distinctive