A hundred flavors of life

Chapter 1387 The Vision of Jingnan Shopping Mall! (Please Subscribe!)
That day, Hua Shier and Zhu Xiaobei returned to their dormitory feeling refreshed after playing basketball.

As soon as the door was opened, the familiar game sound effects were heard. There, Xu Kaiyang and Zhang Kai were huddled together, playing the NES game Contra with great enthusiasm.

Chen Xiaozheng's lower bunk, his private little space used to isolate him from outside disturbances, had its curtains drawn tightly, and it was quiet inside, as if its owner was taking a nap.

Hearing the door open, Xu Kaiyang, who was playing a game, didn't even look up. He just subconsciously touched his newly cut, neat-looking buzz cut and said in a strange tone, but with something feeling off:

"Twelve's back? Come check out my new hairstyle, buddy! Doesn't it instantly elevate my style by several levels? It's a kind of natural, back-to-basics kind of handsome?"

Hua Shier looked at his pretentious manner, glanced at Zhang Kai with a strange expression next to him, and then swept his gaze over Chen Xiaozheng's bed, which clearly didn't look like anyone was sleeping peacefully inside. A knowing smile appeared on his lips.

He chuckled and walked over, giving 'Xu Kaiyang's' buzz cut head a rather unceremonious ruffle.

"Alright, Huohua! What are you pretending for?"

After saying that, he looked at Chen Xiaozheng's bed:

"When I came back, I saw Chen Xiaozheng making architectural models for someone behind the library. Old Xu, you weren't hiding in Chen Xiaozheng's bed, were you?"

Before he finished speaking, the tight curtain on Chen Xiaozheng's lower bunk was suddenly pulled open, revealing Xu Kaiyang sitting cross-legged inside, sporting his signature side-parted hair and looking sullen.

"No way, Twelve!"

Xu Kaiyang pointed at himself and Zhao Ye, who was chuckling because he had been found out:

"We look like we were made from the same mold, how can you tell us apart at a glance?"

It turns out that Zhao Ye's family flew from Beijing to Nanjing today to formally recognize the Xu family as relatives.

Zhao Ye wanted to give his good older brother Hua Shier a surprise, so he didn't notify him in advance. When he arrived in Jinling, his parents were naturally received and arranged by Xu Kaiyang's parents, but he couldn't wait to go straight to Hua Shier's dormitory at Beijing University of Science and Technology.

At that time, Hua Shier went to play basketball with Zhu Xiaobei. When Zhao Ye heard the knocking, he opened the dormitory door and stared at Xu Kaiyang. Both of them were stunned at the same time.

It felt like looking in a mirror, only with a different hairstyle!

After a brief moment of shock and a unanimous "Holy crap!", the wonder of their blood relation instantly eliminated the awkwardness between the two cousins, and they quickly became acquainted.

Xu Kaiyang had a sudden inspiration and suggested playing a prank on Hua Shier. Zhao Ye and Zhang Kai, who loved watching the fun, immediately agreed, which led to the scene where Zhao Ye impersonated Xu Kaiyang just now.

Unexpectedly, Hua Shier saw through their trick in less than ten seconds after entering the room.

Faced with Xu Kaiyang's frustrated questioning, Hua Shier laughed, put his arm around Zhao Ye's shoulder, and said to Xu Kaiyang:
"Is that even a question? Have you forgotten what your dad said about the two of you on the phone?"

"Yezi has a perfect grasp of temperament; he's the epitome of a young talent and a successful man!"

"And look at you, you're just a spoiled brat, a complete idler!"

He looked Xu Kaiyang up and down, deliberately drawing out his words in a mischievous tone:

"To put it simply, your style is a bit low-class, bro!"

"Hahahaha!"

Zhao Ye and Zhang Kai immediately burst into unrestrained laughter.

Xu Kaiyang was both amused and exasperated by the insults, and stubbornly defended himself:

"Pah! This is what I call youthful energy! Do you guys even know what a sunny, cheerful young man is?!"

Zhao Ye finished laughing and waved his hand:
"Alright, alright, it's almost noon. Let's go, it's my treat, let's go out for a good meal to celebrate our reunion!"

Xu Kaiyang immediately replied:
"Yes, yes, let's go! Twelve doesn't need to go!"

Seeing Zhao Ye's surprise, Xu Kaiyang winked and made faces:
"They have someone who delivers free lunches to them, so we won't bother them."

Before he could finish speaking, there was a knock on the dormitory door. Zhang opened it and said, "Come in." Then Shi Jie, carrying the familiar insulated lunchbox with a bear pattern, walked in with practiced ease.

Seeing the room full of people, she was only slightly taken aback. Her gaze lingered for half a second on the remarkably similar faces of Zhao Ye and Xu Kaiyang, a hint of surprise flashing across her face, but she quickly regained her composure.

She walked straight up to Hua Shier, a gentle yet expectant smile blooming on her face, as if everyone else around her were just background noise.
"Twelve, I saw you playing basketball on the court. Are you tired? I specially made braised pork ribs for you, but it's my first time making this, so I don't know if it tastes good. Try it and see if it suits your taste. If not, I'll try again next time."

As he spoke, he expertly began to open the lunchbox.

Zhao Ye stared wide-eyed at the scene, nudged Xu Kaiyang beside him with his elbow, and whispered:

"What's going on?"

Xu Kaiyang shrugged, then raised an eyebrow at Hua Twelve with an ambiguous expression:
"It's exactly what you're thinking of. This beautiful woman has been bringing food to Twelve every day lately, rain or shine, without fail."

Zhao Ye's expression instantly turned sour.

He liked Lin Jiamo, but knew there was no hope. He sincerely wished his good older brother Hua Shier and Lin Jiamo happiness.

But that doesn't mean he can just stand by and watch Hua Shier betray Lin Jiamo.

He took a deep breath, turned to Hua Shier, and his expression was serious:
"Brother, I want to talk to you!"

Hua Shier understood what was going on as soon as he saw his posture, and waved his hand helplessly:

"Stop! I know what you're trying to say, but this really isn't my problem. I already made it clear to her that I have girlfriends, and more than one. Tell her to stop sending them, it's no use!"

Zhao Ye astutely grasped the key words, but was somewhat bewildered:
"Wait a minute. What do you mean by more than one?"

Hua Shier sighed, "That's not the point! The point is that she and I are truly innocent!"

Xu Kaiyang and Zhang Kai nodded vigorously at the same time, with Zhang Kai eagerly adding:
"Yezi, Twelve really didn't lie to you. He's rejected Shi Jie many times. We can all testify to that!"

However, Shi Jie seemed not to have heard their conversation at all, and had already opened the lunchbox lid on her own, and the rich aroma of meat instantly wafted out.

She took out the chopsticks and spoon she had brought with her and gently arranged them. Her virtuous and considerate manner made Zhang Kai and Xu Kaiyang extremely envious and jealous.

Zhao Ye took a deep breath and decided to take matters into his own hands.

He walked over to Shi Jie, speaking in a gentle but firm tone:

"Thank you for bringing my brother food, but he already has a girlfriend. She's his childhood sweetheart, and they're very close."

"What you're doing isn't appropriate; it will put my brother in a difficult position."

Shi Jie looked up, gave Zhao Ye a polite yet slightly distant smile, nodded, then picked up a piece of bright red, fragrant spare rib with her chopsticks and offered it to Hua Shier's lips, her voice so gentle it could melt your heart:

"Twelve, you taste it first and see how salty it is? This is my first time making it, so I'm not sure what to expect."

Zhao Ye: "." He felt like he'd punched cotton, almost suffering internal injuries. Hua Shier reached out and blocked the chopsticks:

“I’m really not eating today. Oh, by the way, this is Zhao Ye, my best brother. He came all the way from Beijing to see me. He’s also Xu Kaiyang’s cousin. We’re going out for lunch today to welcome him back. Thank you for your kindness. You can take the lunchbox back with you.”

Zhang Kai casually suggested, "Why don't we go together?"

Everyone else looked at him, shrank back, gave an awkward smile, and fell silent.

Shi Jieju silently put the ribs back into the lunchbox, then lowered his head and said:
"Then I'll make it for you tomorrow!"

After she closed the lunchbox and picked it up again, she looked up, forced a smile, and gave a habitual reminder:

"Remember to drink less alcohol; it's bad for your health."

After saying that, she nodded slightly to the other people in the dormitory as a greeting, and then left the dormitory.

As soon as the door closed, Zhao Ye scratched his head in a look of utter despair and turned to Hua Shier:
"Brother, what's going on? Doesn't this girl understand human language?"

Xu Kaiyang sighed and patted Zhao Ye on the shoulder:

"What else could it be? Just like you saw, she's set her sights on Hua Twelve, she's impervious to reason, completely devoted. What a brilliant tactic! She's using gentleness to overcome strength. If I were Hua Twelve, I would have given in to her long ago."

Zhang Kai, on the other hand, looked on with envy, jealousy, and hatred, pounding his chest and stamping his feet in frustration:
"Why can't I have such a good opportunity? I'm such a high-potential catch, handsome, witty, and humorous, how come she can't see it? She's so stubborn! No, she has no taste at all!"

Hua Shier and Xu Kaiyang simultaneously cast disdainful glances at him and raised their middle fingers in unison.

Seeing this, Zhao Ye could only shake his head and chuckle helplessly.

At noon, Zhao Ye treated the group of boys to a nice restaurant near the school and they had a good meal.

During the meal, Xu Kaiyang looked at his cousin, who spoke confidently, wore a gleaming Rolex on his wrist, and was dressed in designer clothes, and couldn't help but ask curiously:

"Yezi, you're doing pretty well these days! This outfit, this aura, your family must be giving you a lot of support?"

Zhao Ye smiled and, without hiding anything, briefly explained the situation back then:
"Cousin, to be honest, a few years ago my dad was laid off, and our family was in a tough time. I am where I am today thanks to my twelfth brother who took me under his wing."

He was very tactful and didn't mention Weibo, only talking about opening the "Brothers and Sisters" internet cafe.

When he heard that their internet cafe chain had more than 20 branches in Beijing and annual profits exceeding 20 million yuan, he opened his chopsticks and dropped them onto the table with a 'clatter,' his mouth agape enough to fit an egg.

The next second, he lunged forward, grabbed Hua Shier's leg, and wailed, tears streaming down his face:
"Brother!" Zhang called out "Brother!" as if Li Kui had seen Song Jiang, his feelings were so sincere and heartfelt!

"From today onwards, you're my brother! Please take me under your wing! Please, Twelfth Brother, carry me to new heights and make me a star! I'll follow you from now on! I'll serve you tea and water, give you massages, and sleep with you—I'll do anything for you!"

Hua Shier, the suspect, kicked him away:
"Get lost. You think I'd ask you to sleep with me? Do you think I'd want you because you're male, or because you don't shower?"

Although Xu Kaiyang's eyes didn't open as wide as that, the intensity in his gaze was almost overflowing.

Although he is a so-called second-generation rich kid, his family's wealth is only in the tens of millions. Hua Shier and Zhao Ye's business alone has an annual profit of more than 20 million! This is not just a big shot, this is a golden opportunity!

Hua Shier, both amused and exasperated, pulled Zhang Kai up:
"Alright, alright, stop fooling around. I've been thinking about setting up some businesses in Nanjing these past few days. I've recently found a project that I like. If you're interested, you can join me."

Xu Kaiyang immediately expressed his opinion:
"Interested! Extremely interested! I've saved up 200,000 yuan of my New Year's money and pocket money over the years, and I'm investing it all!"

Zhang Kai made a bitter face:
"Twelfth Brother, I'll sell everything I own and ask my parents for an advance on next year's living expenses. I think I can scrape together around ten thousand yuan. Is that okay?"

Zhao Ye's eyes also lit up:

"I have to be included in this good thing! Twelfth Brother, you tell me where to go and I'll go!"

Hua Shier nodded: "Okay, then count it as your share. I'll organize the details later and we can discuss it in more detail."

He was interested in e-commerce.

In his view, if Dong Ge could create JD.com, why couldn't he, a top student from Jingnan University of Science and Technology, who had the advantage of being close to the source, create his own "Jingnan Mall"?
Moreover, he knew that although Dong Ge had already founded JD.com at this point in time, he was still in the exploratory stage of e-commerce.

He could have avoided many detours by relying on his foresight.

With Weibo, a future traffic giant, as its backing, and Tencent joining the fray, along with Alipay, which was already making a name for itself, to solve the online payment problem, this move had great potential.

After dinner, Zhao Ye and Xu Kaiyang were to attend the Xu family banquet that evening.

Before leaving, he pulled Hua Twelve aside and asked him again with a serious expression:
"Brother, be honest with me, what are you really thinking about Shi Jie? I'm not trying to interfere with your privacy, but I just don't want my sister-in-law to suffer."

The sister-in-law he was referring to was naturally Lin Jiamo.

Hua Shier recounted how he met Shi Jie and what happened afterward, ending with a helpless sigh:

"I've said everything I needed to say and done everything I needed to do. But this girl has a stubborn personality; once she's made up her mind, nothing can change it. What can I do?"

"We can't really beat her up, can we?"

Zhao Ye thought about it and realized it was true. His older brother was good in every way, except that he was too attractive to girls. Sometimes, when his luck with women came, he couldn't stop it.

He sighed, then lowered his voice and asked:
"What about Fang Hui?"

Hua Shier patted him on the shoulder, his tone resolute:
"Yezi, I know what you're worried about. Don't worry, Jiamo and I will be fine."

Zhao Ye's expression was strange. "So what if you just won't talk about Fang Hui?"
That evening, at the Xu family banquet, Zhao Ye's family celebrated their return to their ancestral home, and everyone enjoyed themselves immensely in harmony.

However, since the Xu family is thriving and there is no pressure on Zhao Ye's family to change their surname back to Xu, they are not required to do so.

Zhao Ye's father is a sentimental and reasonable person. He said that although he has returned to his ancestral home, he will not change his surname, which is to continue the family line of his adoptive parents who raised him. The Xu family also expressed their understanding and respect.

The next day, Zhao Ye returned to Beijing University of Technology.

When it came time to pay the bill for lunch the day before, Hua Shier paid for it, saying it was a welcome dinner for him. Today, before Zhao Ye returned to Beijing, he wanted to formally treat Hua Shier and his entire dormitory to a nice meal, and the venue was set for the Jinling Hotel, which was quite upscale.

Xu Kaiyang suggested inviting Zheng Wei and the other girls from their dorm to join in the fun.

Upon hearing this, Hua Twelve looked at Xu Kaiyang with a strange expression:
"Old Xu, something's not right with you! You're not still harboring feelings for Zheng Wei, are you? She clearly stated that she has a boyfriend."

A hint of embarrassment flashed across Xu Kaiyang's face, but he immediately stiffened his neck and said:
"I suspect she's lying when she says she has a boyfriend! Otherwise, why have I never seen her bring a boyfriend to all these gatherings?"

“I told Zhang Kai to inform them that they can bring their families to the party tonight! I want to see who her ‘boyfriend’ really is, or if it’s just a complete fabrication!”

Although Hua Shier knew perfectly well that Zheng Wei's boyfriend, Lin Jing, did exist and was located at the neighboring University of Political Science and Law, he also knew that Xu Kaiyang would not believe him if he said it now unless he saw "concrete evidence" with his own eyes, so he let him be.

Thank you to 08a and Little Tiger of the Demon Realm for the donations, and thank you to all the brothers who voted with monthly tickets and recommendation tickets. Thank you so much!