A hundred flavors of life

Chapter 1393 I didn't, I didn't, don't talk nonsense! (Please subscribe!)
Emerging from the vice dean's office, Hua Shier put his arm around Zhang Kai's shoulder, a mischievous yet satisfied smile spreading across his face:
"Old Zhang, I told you this job was perfect for you! Look, you got it done in one go. It's not that you're shameless, it's your ability to adapt to any situation that's absolutely amazing!"

He said, giving a thumbs up.

Unexpectedly, before he could finish speaking, Zhang Kai, with a smug look on his face and his nostrils practically pointing to the sky, patted Hua Shier on the shoulder:

"Xiao Hua, now you finally realize how important your Brother Zhang is, right? From now on, you'd better speak to me with more respect, and use honorifics, understand? 'Brother Zhang, please,' 'Brother Zhang, you go first,' understand?"

Hua Shier watched as the guy instantly floated into the sky and couldn't help but chuckle. He slowly took out ten yuan from his wallet and slapped it into his open hand.

"Alright, Brother Zhang! Now that everything's done, you can take a taxi back. I still have some personal matters to attend to here."

Zhang Kai looked at the ten yuan in his hand, then looked up at Hua Shier, completely bewildered.
"No, Twelve, wait a minute! We came by plane, and now that we've finished our business, you want me to take a taxi all the way back to Nanjing from Beijing?!"

He clutched the ten yuan note, his expression exaggeratedly as if he'd seen a ghost:

"Take a taxi? Fine, but you only give me ten yuan? My goodness! Even before the founding of the People's Republic of China, this wasn't the price! You're even more ruthless than Huang Shiren, you're even more greedy!"

Hua Shier looked at him with a smile and deliberately said:
"Aren't you my brother Zhang? You're incredibly capable! I'm sure you can find a way, right? Maybe you can even save some money to buy a pack of cigarettes!"

Zhang Kai instantly understood, donned a fawning smile, and adopted a strategy of flexibility and adaptability:
"Godfather! I was just joking with you! You're so magnanimous, please don't hold it against me! How could I dare let you call me brother? You'll always be my brother, no, my godfather!"

Seeing Zhang Kai's cowardly expression change faster than flipping through a book, Hua Shier couldn't help but burst into laughter.

After a few laughs and banter, Hua Shier took out his phone and sent Lin Jiamo a text message:
"The matter has been settled. The vice dean agreed that I would only have to write a self-criticism and there would be no disciplinary action. I am at Yanda University now. Do you have time to come out for a meal? Zhang Kai and I are waiting for you by the lotus pond at the west gate."

A moment later, Lin Jiamo and Fang Hui hurriedly ran over from the direction of the teaching building. After not seeing each other for several days, they couldn't suppress their longing. As soon as the two girls saw Hua Shier, their eyes lit up and they instinctively wanted to rush into his arms.

The two of them were only halfway through their movements when they realized each other's intentions. They froze instantly, a blush rising to their faces. They stopped awkwardly, exchanged a complicated look, and stared at each other.

Hua Shier took in their little antics, secretly amused, but feigned surprise and teased in a low voice:

"Hey, calm down, calm down! You two ladies are so stunningly beautiful, if you both pounce on me at the same time, I'm afraid I won't be able to leave the gates of Peking University today. I'll be torn to pieces by the gazes of your admirers!"

Originally, Lin Jiamo and Fang Hui still harbored some resentment and lingering unease about Hua Shier's womanizing ways. However, after being praised by their beloved, their unhappiness dissipated considerably, replaced by a sweet feeling, and they couldn't help but smile slightly.

Hua Shier then formally introduced Zhang Kai to them:

“This is Zhang Kai, my buddy, from Beijing University of Science and Technology. You should have met once in Nanjing last time.”

Zhang Kai is so good at handling things; he didn't mention at all that he had met Fang Hui before, and instead put on a familiar smile.

"Greetings, sisters-in-law! We only met briefly in Jinling last time, and my twelfth brother was so secretive that he didn't introduce us properly. Seeing your true faces today, you are indeed fairies descended from heaven! No wonder you have our twelfth brother so infatuated that he doesn't even want to go home!"

Hua Shierchao gave a subtle thumbs-up, this kid really knows what he's doing.

Fang Hui and Lin Jiamo were both pleased and embarrassed when Zhang Kai called them "sister-in-law." They spoke to Zhang Kai in a friendly manner, and then each of them pinched Hua Shier's weak spot on the waist with one hand!
After exchanging greetings, Fang Hui asked about the disciplinary action:

"Twelve, Jia Mo said you've got it sorted out, is that true? Did the vice dean really agree not to punish me?"

Hua Shier nodded firmly: "Don't worry, it's all settled. Your vice dean personally promised that you wouldn't be punished, just write a profound self-criticism, and that'll be the end of it."

Fang Hui was both surprised and delighted, and could hardly believe it:
"Really? That's great! But our vice dean is known for being ruthless, how did you manage to do that? Jia Mo and I even went to the homeroom teacher to plead for us, but it was no use!"

Hua Shier and Zhang Kai exchanged a glance, both showing extremely strange expressions.

Hua Shier coughed lightly and mumbled:
"We can't go into details about this here. How about we find somewhere else to talk about it?"

As he spoke, he put his arm around the open shoulder:

"Old Zhang has come all this way to the capital, so we must make arrangements for him and show him the proper hospitality!"

He then took out his phone and called Zhao Ye:

"Yezi, I brought Zhang Kai to Beijing. Yes, the one from my dorm. They're all my buddies. Book a table at Tan Family Restaurant, a private room. We'll make arrangements for my brother from Nanjing!"

Zhao Ye readily agreed on the other end of the phone.

Zhang forced a smile and said insincerely, "Oh dear, Twelve, look at you, you've gone to so much trouble, ordering Tan Family Cuisine. It's so embarrassing. Actually, Li Family Cuisine would have been fine too."

The two women wanted to laugh; as expected, anyone who could hang out with Hua Shier was a goofball.

Hua Shier joked, "What's the big deal? We'll deduct it from your service fee!"

Zhang Kai didn't take it to heart: "Helping my brother is the least I can do, and I can also take the opportunity to visit the capital. Why would I ask for any service fee?"

Hua Twelve also said seriously this time:
"Old Zhang, you have to pay me for my work. It's one thing for you to help out usually, but this time you've made a huge sacrifice..."

Before he could finish speaking, she lunged forward to cover his mouth:
"Godfather! Please don't say anything more! How about I pay you hush money? Let's keep this a secret!"

Fang Hui and Lin Jiamo laughed heartily at the cryptic interaction between the two, becoming even more curious about what "magical" method Hua Shier and Zhang Kai had used to win over the vice dean, and how Zhang Kai had managed to do so in such a mysterious way.

The group chatted and laughed as they left the west gate of Yenching University and took a taxi straight to Tan Family Cuisine.

Tan Family Cuisine, as one of the famous official cuisines in Beijing, has a long history and is known for its seafood dishes. It is especially skilled in preparing dried goods and is known for its rich, mellow, and original flavor.

Its environment is simple and elegant, with mahogany tables and chairs and calligraphy and paintings by famous people in the private rooms, exuding an understated luxury and cultural heritage.

Zhao Ye was already waiting in the reserved private room. When he saw Hua Shier and Zhang Kai, he greeted them warmly.

He had met Zhang Kai when he was in Jinling. The two got along well and their temperaments were compatible. This time, their meeting was especially warm.

"Old Zhang! Welcome to Beijing! We must drink until we drop to our hearts' content today!"

As everyone took their seats, the waiters began serving dishes: braised shark fin, abalone slices in oyster sauce, giant prawns, braised sea cucumber, braised duck, clear soup with bird's nest, and so on. Each dish was a masterpiece of color, aroma, taste, and presentation, a true fusion of art and deliciousness.

Zhang Kai stared wide-eyed at the table full of delicacies he had only ever seen on television.
"Twelve, that's too much. We're all brothers, that's enough. You're making me feel embarrassed!"

Before Hua Shier could even speak with a smile, Zhao Ye put his arm around Zhang's shoulder:

"Don't say that to your own brothers, just do whatever you want!"

After starting to eat, he opened his mouth wide and kept saying how delicious it was, and he liked every dish.

Fang Hui and Lin Jiamo couldn't resist their curiosity and asked Hua Shier again about the details of getting the vice dean on their side.

Hua Shier grinned mischievously and said to Zhang Kai:
"I'm sorry, Lao Zhang, but when your wives ask, I can't not tell the truth!"

Immediately, with his mouth agape in disbelief and his failed attempt to stop them, he vividly recounted how the two entered the office, how his attempt to persuade them with polite words failed, and how Zhang Kai 'sacrificed his virtue' to force the vice president to compromise.

Fang Hui and Lin Jiamo were completely stunned after hearing this, their mouths agape for a long time. Zhao Ye couldn't help but chuckle: "Old Zhang, you've made a huge sacrifice!"

Immediately afterwards, the entire private room erupted in laughter.

Lin Jiamo was both annoyed and amused:
"You guys are awful! How could you come up with such a despicable trick! I was thinking of telling you to donate some money to the school or try to pull some strings, but you actually went and played the fool."

Zhang Kai looked aggrieved and quickly shifted the blame:

"Sister-in-law! This idea was Twelve's. I was just a tool to carry out the mission! I was forced to sacrifice myself! I was an innocent person, and after I came here, my innocence was gone!" He put on a heartbroken look, which made everyone laugh even more.
During the meal, Lin Jiamo brought up Chen Xun again:

"By the way, Chen Xun took sick leave after returning from Jinling, and we haven't seen him for two days now. Twelve, did you really hurt him when you slapped him the other day?"

Hua Twelve shook his head dismissively:
"I reckon he's probably just feeling embarrassed because he lost face in front of you and Fang Hui, so he's hiding away and licking his wounds. He'll be fine on his own once this goes away, so don't worry."

His control over his strength was so precise that even if he slapped a mosquito, he wouldn't kill it, but at most he'd dazed it; it wouldn't break any bones. That's how confident he was!
Sitting to the side, Zhao Ye's lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but seeing that the atmosphere was just right, he swallowed his words in the end.

In fact, Chen Xun went to drink with him the very night he returned from Jinling. After a few drinks, Chen Xun cried so miserably and desperately.

At first, no matter how Zhao Ye asked, Chen Xun refused to say what had happened. Only when he was completely drunk did he finally let slip the truth in fits and starts.

After hearing Chen Xun's story, Zhao Ye felt a chill run down his spine. It was terrifying! If it were him, he would want to die.
The meal was a great success, and after it ended, Lin Jiamo and Fang Hui had to go back to school. Fang Hui had just escaped her crisis and dared not skip class again.

Hua Shier made a promise to the two girls: "I'll pick you up from school tonight. It's been too long since we parted in Jinling. A day apart feels like three autumns. It's been several days since we last met, almost dozens of autumns! This time, we must rekindle our romance and make up for all the missing 'autumns'!"

The implication in his words couldn't be clearer. Lin Jiamo and Fang Hui both blushed and glared at him reproachfully, but neither of them said anything to refuse.

Hua Shier took leave from work to come to Beijing this time. He planned to take Zhang Kai here for a few days to experience what it means to be "worldlyly prosperous and heavenly on earth".

Of course, he was mainly there to accompany his two girlfriends, so the glorious task of leading Zhang Kai to broaden his horizons was handed over to his good brother Zhao Ye. However, all expenses would be paid by Young Master Hua!
Over the next two days, Zhao Ye took Zhang Kai to fully appreciate the bustling and prosperous nightlife of the capital.

From glitz and glamour in nightclubs to luxuriously decorated bathhouses, and even some private clubs that can only be understood in words, Zhang Kai's eyes have been truly opened.

Before he came to Beijing, his computer hard drive was full of instructional videos from various "teachers" in Japan. He considered himself a well-traveled person, but after experiencing it firsthand, he realized that no matter how good the teachers on the screen were, it was like scratching an itch through a boot. It couldn't compare to the powerful and exciting experience of being there in person!

Zhang Kai used to love Iijima-sensei's films the most!
Who is Ms. Iijima now? Does she teach English?
Hua Shier successfully transformed Zhang Kai from a shy, introverted young man who only knew how to study in front of a computer screen into an 'experienced' young man who could calmly say "Room number 302, package 998" afterward.

If Xu Kaiyang knew what Zhang Kai had gone through, he would definitely be heartbroken and say: What a tragedy! Why didn't you take me with you?
While having fun, Hua Shier didn't forget his business.

The day before he left the capital, he gave Zhang Kai a remittance slip.

Zhang Kai took the money and saw that the amount was exactly five thousand yuan, and the receiving address was his hometown address.

Zhang Kai quickly pushed the remittance slip back, saying earnestly:
"Twelve, what are you doing? With our relationship, would I really take your money?"

"Besides, these past two days I've been following Zhao Ye around, eating, drinking, and having fun, and you've been the one paying for everything. I'm starting to feel bad. You don't even have any fun yourself, and you've spent all your money on me. How can I possibly take your money back?"

Hua Twelve looked at him with a half-smile:
"I don't play? That's because I'm afraid of getting sick."

I opened my eyes wide, completely speechless. So this is how dark society is!

Hua Shier laughed heartily and patted him on the shoulder:

"Just kidding! The places I take you to are all safe. I mainly want to broaden your horizons and let you know how wonderful the world is, so that you won't become an even more terrifying simp than Lao Xu and waste all your living expenses on places where there is no hope."

He paused, then said meaningfully:
“This money is the agreed-upon service fee. I will transfer it directly to your home so that you won’t have to secretly deliver baby’s breath to people every now and then without leaving your name. Otherwise, the money will just go down the drain.”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Kai's face instantly turned red, his expression became extremely unnatural, and he awkwardly said:
How did you know?

In the original story, Zhang Kai had a crush on Ruan Wan. He would often save money to buy flowers and have them delivered to Ruan Wan's dormitory, but he never dared to sign his name. It wasn't until many years after graduation, when Ruan Wan died in a car accident, that he dared to cry and confess his feelings at her grave.

With Hua Shier's intervention, Ruan Wan will definitely not be in a car accident, but she also won't like Zhang Kai, so Zhang Kai's life is actually a tragedy.

Hua Shier asked Zhao Ye to take Zhang Kai to see all the flowers in bloom, hoping that the boy would not be misled by infatuation again.

"Of course I do."

Hua Shier looked at him, his tone both teasing and serious:
"So, stop sending them anymore. After all, you're not pure anymore, and you're not good enough for a pure and beautiful girl like Ruan Wan. Don't you think so?"

Zhang Kai looked both amused and exasperated, then suddenly realized, "Holy crap!"

He looked at Hua Twelve warily:
"Twelve, you wouldn't happen to have feelings for Ruan Wan too, would you?"

Hua Shier revealed a mysterious smile, neither admitting nor denying, but his expression clearly said, "Ruan Wan, if you can't control yourself, let your godfather do it!"
Looking at his expression, Zhang Kai found it both funny and infuriating.
"No way, you already have three, and you're still eyeing Ruan Wan? Are you even human?!"

Hua Shier immediately launched into a triple denial: "I didn't, I didn't, don't talk nonsense!"

Open your mouth:
The three-day holiday passed in the blink of an eye, and Hua Shier and Zhang Kai boarded a flight back to Jinling.

This also relieved Zhao Ye, who was in charge of playing with them. In just three days, he felt like he had lost weight. Those little devils were really sucking his blood dry. He was only in his early twenties, and now he was drinking goji berries in his thermos.

Back at Jinling Institute of Technology, as soon as Xu Kaiyang entered the dormitory, he looked Zhang Kai up and down several times, a look of surprise on his face:
"Old Zhang, something's wrong with you! Since you came back from Beijing this time, you seem completely different. You look weathered, and a bit... lewd."

Hua Shier clapped his hands and laughed, "Having seen the ocean, one finds it hard to be satisfied with mere streams."

Zhang Kai felt a pang of guilt and instinctively followed suit with a triple denial:

"I'm not! I didn't! Don't talk nonsense!"

He thought that after so many ups and downs this semester, things would be calm for a while until the holidays, but then Ruan Wan came to find him that day.

That afternoon, Hua Shier was reading in his dormitory when Ruan Wan suddenly came over.

She stood downstairs at the boys' dormitory, the afterglow of the setting sun casting a soft halo around her, but her expression carried a hint of unspoken hesitation and obvious anxiety.

After Hua Shier came downstairs, Ruan Wan immediately came up to him and whispered:

"Twelve, are you available? I... I'd like to borrow some money from you, two thousand yuan will be enough."

Ruan Wan's voice was as gentle as ever, but her usually calm eyes now held a hint of deep worry and panic.

When Hua Shier heard Ruan Wan ask to borrow money, he immediately guessed why.

In the original storyline, Ruan Wan's unreliable boyfriend, Zhao Shiyong, got another girl pregnant behind her back. The girl's family came to her door demanding compensation, and Zhao Shiyong couldn't handle it on his own, so he had to come to Ruan Wan for help.

It seems that the plot has not changed because of the appearance of this 'butterfly'.

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!