Chapter 37 (1/2)

Chapter 37

Xiao Hongwei sat in the driver’s seat and observed the subtle interactions between Chen Hansheng and Gao Jialiang. When he recalled the incident at the steamed bun that day, he could not help but laugh.

Chen Zhaojun was such a kind person, but his son was so naughty.

Xiao Hongwei was a criminal investigator, which meant it was almost second nature for him to observe the actions of others around him. And the ones in his car right now each had their own unique personalities and circumstances.

Wang Zibo chose to sit in the front passenger seat, so he was the most respectful.

Although Gao Jialiang was seated in the last row, his eyes and heart never leave Xiao Rongyu.

Xiao Rongyu would either be on her phone or entertained Gao Jialang’s small talk about school matters. But her knees were always facing Chen Hansheng which reflected where her true interest lay.

Chen Hansheng was probably the most unrestrained. During the journey, he would either tilt his head back on the seat to sleep or read the news in the paper he had bought at the gas station. He would occasionally chat with Mr. Xiao about the police force but rarely participated in the conversations between Gao Jialiang and Xiao Rongyu.

“This rascal seems to think Rongyu is childish.” Xiao Hongwei muttered his deduction under his breath based on Hansheng’s subtle actions.

If topics about school came up, they would usually gravitate towards clubs and committees. Gao Jialiang proudly said, “Before the holidays, I had just passed the preliminary exam to join the marketing committee and have two interviews scheduled for it once school resumes. It shouldn’t be too much of a problem.”

Wang Zibo looked envious. “How lucky. I went interviewed to join the logistics committee and was rejected. I can’t even get into the second interview.”

“You guys actually tried to join the students’ union? I haven’t even thought about whether I want to join.”

Xiao Rongyu felt a little distressed because she had considered joining the students’ union. But the constant attention she was getting from her classmates, seniors, and even male students from other schools were stressful enough. If she joined the students’ union, she’d probably crumble.

“Hansheng, what about you?” asked Xiao Rongyu since he only kept reading the newspaper.

“I’m now the deputy officer of the external relations committee,” said Chen Hansheng casually without looking away from the newspaper.

Gao Jialang laughed out loud. “Hansheng, aren’t you already the class president? If you’re a deputy officer in the students’ union, I’ll eat all the sh*t in the toilets of Port City’s sports stadium!”

Xiao Rongyu and Wang Zibo did not believe him either. No freshman could join the students’ union as a deputy officer. However, Xiao Hongwei took a look through the rearview mirror and found that Chen Hanshen’s subtle body movement proved that he was not lying. So, he asked, “Is it rare to see a first-year deputy officer?”

“It’s basically impossible.”

Gao Jialiang said loudly, “Who would let a freshman be a deputy officer in the first place? Do they really think he’s that incredible? Chen Hansheng, don’t you think so?”

“I don’t want to talk to people who cheat.”

Chen Hansheng retorted before tilting his head back for another snooze.

Gao Jialiang was irritated.

But Mr. Xiao knew that almost impossible meant that there was still a chance.

…

A journey from Jianye to Port City by car took only four hours. Somewhere along the way, Xiao Hongwei suddenly received a phone call. After he hung up, he said, “I have to deal with something at work so I will have to drop you off at the junction ahead.”

“But what about my luggage?”

Xiao Rongyu pointed at the trunk. She had brought back two or three boxes out of the five or six she had brought to her university. No one knew why girls always had so much to pack.

“It’s okay, Mr. Xiao. I can help Rongyu carry them,” said Gao Jialiang immediately as he raised his hand to volunteer.

“I can also help.”

Wang Zibo felt that he couldn’t just sit by and do nothing since he had gotten a ride from them.

Only Chen Hansheng pretended not to hear. After all, it wasn’t like she didn’t have any volunteers.

“Then Chen Hansheng will help me move them.”

Unfortunately for him, Xiao Rongyu didn’t let him have his way.

Chen Hansheng was left with no choice. ‘If I had known about this, I would have come home yesterday. It’s all Wang Zibo’s fault for wanting to save that one-hundred-yuan fare.’