Oh, Daqi finally understood. He knew Long Xiaowu must have invited him for coffee just for this reason. Hey, he's just a class monitor, why are these two watching him so closely?!
Daqi said, "Xiao Li, I'm a father now, why would I be choosing a position? I just want to study for a few more years, I never thought about being a class leader."
Li Xianming said, "How about this, you vote for me, and I'll run for class monitor tomorrow."
Daqi said, "We're roommates, so it's no problem, no problem."
Li Xianming said, "Thank you, brother! Thank you so much! You're such a good person."
Daqi casually asked, "Besides you, who else wants to run for class monitor?"
Li Xianming: "Long Xiaowu is the temporary class monitor, so he'll definitely be chosen. Shen Ping'an from the next dorm also has this idea. I reckon these are the only two competing with me. According to the girls, several of them really want to run for the position of class monitor." Da Qi nodded and said, "Great, everyone's very enthusiastic!" Li Xianming said, "Brother, I'm worried about whether I'll get elected. So I need your help!" Da Qi said, "We're roommates, no problem, no problem!" After finishing his noodles with Li Xianming, Da Qi called Long Xiaowu, who said he was already waiting for him at the coffee shop. He had no choice but to go to the coffee shop to find Xiaowu.
Xiao Wu was exceptionally enthusiastic towards Da Qi, and just as Da Qi had expected, Xiao Wu hoped that Da Qi would vote for him tomorrow. Da Qi said, "Sure, sure, I'll support you."
Helping Xiaoling in the 8th session
Xiao Wu excitedly told Da Qi, "Big brother, you're such a good person! If I get elected, I'll definitely treat you to a meal!" Da Qi smiled and nodded. Back in his dorm, his phone rang again. It was a girl calling, all about the election. Looks like tonight's going to be very busy.
Hi, I don't usually get many calls, but today the phone is ringing off the hook. All these kids want to be in the spotlight, they all want to be leaders. Hey, it seems like I'm the only one in the class quietly reading.
Even at 1 a.m., people were still calling Daqi, all hoping he would support them for class officer positions. Daqi was puzzled: it's just a small class officer position, why are so many people eyeing it? Some wanted his support to be class monitor, some wanted his support to be the Youth League secretary, some wanted his support to be the academic representative... and so on.
Over the course of the night, Daqi received nearly 20 phone calls and over 30 text messages. Daqi regretted agreeing to support one particular candidate, because supporting one meant he couldn't support the other, which would offend people. The voting should be anonymous, so he decided to let the class decide tomorrow.
While sleeping in the dormitory that night, Li Xianming, Xie Changjin, and Ji Xiaojun were discussing the election the following day. Xie Changjin and Ji Xiaojun both expressed their support for Li Xianming to become class monitor. Only Daqi was quiet that night; the whole class seemed busy. People would knock on the door every now and then, and each student who came in would talk about the election.
Daqi lay in bed for a long time, unable to calm down. He wasn't thinking about running for office, but rather that they were living such tiring lives. Actually, whether or not one was an official really didn't matter; was it really necessary to care so much? Did being an official necessarily help one grow? Maybe… After all, different mindsets exist, and young people have their own ideas. That was all Daqi could think.
The atmosphere in the class was extremely serious and heavy during the class meeting the next day. Teacher Han smiled and said, "What's wrong with you all? You're usually so lively, why are you all so serious today?" Someone said directly, "Teacher Han, let's start electing class officers!" Han Meng seemed to understand something, responding with "Oh...oh...oh..." Then, she immediately said, "Okay, everyone needs to give a campaign speech first. My requirement is that those who want to run should first say what position they want to run for, and then talk about how they will do a good job in that position. Then everyone will vote. Everyone should clearly write down who they support for what position, so it's easier to count the votes. Okay, let's begin, who wants to go first?" To Da Qi's surprise, everyone eagerly went up to the stage to showcase themselves. The first to go up was Long Xiaowu. He immediately said, "Teacher, classmates, hello! I'm running for class monitor. I've been your temporary class monitor for almost a month..." Long Xiaowu summarized what he had done for the class over the past month, and of course, he admitted to some mistakes in his work. In short, he hoped everyone would vote for him. The second person to go on stage was Li Xianming, who also said, "Classmates, I'm here to run for class monitor..."
It seemed the boys' primary campaign position was "class monitor," while the girls' was "Youth League secretary." Daqi knew this election was exceptionally lively. He roughly counted that out of 40 students in the class, 28 went on stage to run for positions. Only 12, including himself, didn't go on stage. After everyone's speeches, anonymous voting began. Each person wrote their name and position on a blank sheet of paper, indicating who they supported for which position; this blank sheet of paper served as their ballot. After everyone finished writing, Teacher Han personally collected all the ballots.
Teacher Han smiled and said, "Tong Daqi, you're married, why don't you run for office too!" Daqi laughed and said, "Teacher Han, I'll pass. I prefer a quiet life!" Everyone laughed. Teacher Han smiled and said, "Alright, come up here and count the votes." Daqi nodded and went to the podium, picked up the chalk, and prepared to count the votes. The vote counting was done by three girls—three girls who hadn't participated in any elections—one counting the votes and two supervising. Daqi was counting the votes, and he kept drawing tally marks on the blackboard according to the names the girls were calling out. Every time he marked a vote, he would turn around and look at the audience.
Daqi thought to himself: My goodness, why are the people in the audience so nervous? Look at Long Xiaowu, his eyes are fixed on the blackboard; Li Xianming keeps rubbing his hands together; one girl is almost pale; and two girls are whispering to each other... I really want to take a picture of this scene.
After the vote count, Teacher Han announced, based on the tally mark drawn by Daqi, "I declare: Li Xianming is the class monitor!" The classroom erupted in enthusiastic applause. Long Xiaowu and Shen Ping'an hung their heads dejectedly, while Li Xianming smiled and waved to everyone in thanks. Then Teacher Han announced, "I declare: the class's Youth League secretary is…" Another round of enthusiastic applause followed, and the girl who had been elected Youth League secretary screamed with joy…
After the class officers were elected, Li Xianming hosted a small dinner on the second floor of the cafeteria that evening to thank everyone for their votes. Daqi also went to support him. But he felt something was off and didn't think it was very meaningful. Around 7 p.m., after everyone finished their dinner and were about to return to their dorms, Daqi's phone rang. It was Xiaoling calling, saying she had something to ask her. The two agreed to meet at a bubble tea shop.
After they met, they sat down in the bubble tea shop. Daqi asked her, "What's up, Xiaoling?"
Xiaoling: "Big brother, I want to run for student council officer in my department. How should I run?"
Daqi: "Our class just finished electing class officers, and your department is already electing student council officers so quickly?"
Xiaoling said, "Today, the student union president from my department approached me and said he hoped I could participate in the student union's work. But when I found out that the final election depends on votes, what should I do?"
Daqi asked, "Are you very interested in the student union work in the department?"
Xiaoling smiled and nodded, saying, "My dad's goal for me is to at least become the head of a department in the student union, and to at least become a probationary member of the Communist Party by graduation. If I don't achieve my goals, my dad will definitely scold me. That's why I came to you for advice. I know you're the kind of person who can teach me how to run for student union officer."
Daqi said, "I see. Okay, I'll give you some ideas. The specific steps are up to you."
Xiaoling said happily, "That's exactly what I wanted to hear, Big Brother. My boyfriend is a good person, but he's really slow-witted. I asked him how to run for office, and he said, 'Run for office?' and told me not to go to the student council. I'm so angry with him!"
Daqi said, "I really don't know if times have changed. When I was in vocational school, there were also people running for various student leadership positions, but overall, it seemed like not many people really wanted to be leaders. But now, it seems like every student wants to be in the spotlight. Hehe, it seems my views are outdated. Okay, since you want my help, I'll give you some advice."
Xiaoling said, "Big brother, what do you want to say?"
Daqi asked, "Did that student council president really come to see you?" Xiaoling replied, "Yes, today our broadcasting department's student council was openly recruiting student council officers. I thought it was quite interesting, so I casually went to the organization department to sign up. Just now, a senior student came to see me and said he was the student council president, asking if I really wanted to join the student council. I said I was somewhat interested, and he later told me to call him if I was interested. I still have his phone number in my phone."
Daqi had dealt with student council members when he was in vocational school, so he was quite familiar with their working methods. He said, "Here's what we'll do: since he's already contacted you, it's no problem for you to contact him again. It's fine, just call him directly and tell him you really want to join the student council."
Xiaoling said, "Should I just call him directly like that?"
Daqi said, "It's okay to hit him. Then, invite him to dinner, and if he has a girlfriend, he should bring her along, as well as some of his important student council members."
Xiaoling said, "Big brother, doesn't that cost money?"
Daqi said, "Not only will I treat them to a meal, but I'll also ask them where they want to go. There are so many KTVs near the school, so I'll treat them to karaoke. Don't worry, money is not a problem."
Xiaoling said, "Oh my god, isn't there any other way? My dad doesn't give me much pocket money each month, and he keeps taking me out to eat and karaoke. How can I stand it?" Daqi said directly, "First, answer me if you really want to go." Xiaoling nodded and said, "My dad called yesterday and told me to actively participate in various student activities in the department or school. Daqi, let me be frank with you. My dad said that as long as I graduate from university and become a Party member, he can legitimately get me a job at a TV station. I joined the student union just to become a Party member. I know it's very difficult to join the Party without joining the student union."
Daqi said, "Since your father has those connections, it would be easy for him to get you a job at the TV station even if you didn't join the Party. Why go through all this trouble? It's not like ten or twenty years ago when political background was so important."
Xiaoling said, "But my dad said that as long as I join the Party, he can easily get me a job at a TV station. Besides, I also want to show off in front of my dad, and let him see that his daughter isn't a pushover." Daqi said, "I consider you my little sister. Okay, I'll help you. Just tell me how much you want to treat them to, and you can take this first. But it's inconvenient for me to get involved, because I just want to study quietly at school for four years. You and your boyfriend should treat them to dinner and have a good time. Get them to get you a job in the student union first. Get this first step done, and then come back to me."
Xiaoling happily said, "Okay, I'll do as you say, Big Brother."
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Sectional Reading 199
"You're such a nice person. I'm so happy to have met you in college! But, I wanted my older brother and younger sister to treat them to some fun, since my boyfriend isn't very talkative and he's a bit slow." Daqi shook his head and said, "Never mind, I really won't go. Just don't tell anyone about the method I taught you, remember that!" Xiaoling nodded with a hint of regret.
Daqi took a bank card out of his pocket and said to Xiaoling, "Let's go withdraw some money." He and Xiaoling went to the school's ATM and withdrew 2,000 yuan. He handed the 2,000 yuan to Xiaoling and said, "Take this first, and let me know if you need more." When Xiaoling took the money, she sighed and said, "Daqi, thank you! Don't worry, I will definitely pay you back!" Daqi smiled slightly and didn't say anything.
He didn't know why he helped Xiaoling. Did he love her? Probably not. He just wanted to help her. He always felt like she was his little sister. Xiaoling trusted him a lot, which was why he helped her!
A week later, Xiaoling excitedly called Daqi: "Big brother, come out for dinner! I'll treat you. I have some good news for you!" Daqi asked, "What is it?" Xiaoling replied, "You'll find out when you come out. I'll tell you in person. I'll treat you to dinner at the 'Hong Kong Island Restaurant' near the school." Daqi said, "Okay, okay."
After they met, Xiaoling excitedly said, "Today the department asked me to work in the student union office. It's just helping them with odd jobs and stuff." Daqi said, "You treated them to dinner and karaoke?" Xiaoling smiled slightly and nodded, saying, "I treated them a few days ago, it cost almost 1700 yuan, it really hurt my wallet." Daqi said, "They told you to go to the office today?" Xiaoling excitedly nodded, saying, "Daqi, your plan was brilliant! You're really smart, why don't you go work in your department's student union?" Daqi said, "I'm not talking to you anymore, I like peace and quiet. Hehe, I'll be happy if you go." Xiaoling sighed and said, "If Sun Hao were half as smart as you, I'd be content..." Sun Hao is Xiaoling's boyfriend, a photography student. Daqi smiled and said, "I don't call this being clever. Sun Hao is a good person. He supports your participation in student council work, right?" Xiaoling said, "Anyway, he didn't object, but I can tell he's not too happy about me being in the spotlight." Daqi said, "It's just participating in student work at school for now, it's fine. Just let him understand." Xiaoling said, "Thank you. What should I do next?" Daqi said, "When you're working in the student council, do more practical things and talk less empty words and platitudes. I'll give you four words." Xiaoling said, "What four words?" Daqi said, "Be careful with your words and actions. Don't be too showy. Go and work in the student council first. If any new situations arise and you feel you need my help, just come to me directly." Xiaoling said, "I know. Now, the first person I think of when I need help is you, and only then will I think of going to Sun Hao. Hey, big brother, when can I visit your wife and your children?" Daqi smiled and said, "I'll take you when I have the chance."
The 9th Recycling of Xiaoling
After dinner, Daqi said goodbye to Xiaoling and went to the library alone. Because he frequented the library, even the librarian knew him. Today, Daqi went to the library again, taking out Engels' *Anti-Dühring* from the open shelving unit. A teacher immediately said, "Tong Daqi, you're at the library again? You're the student who borrows and reads the most books in our school!" Daqi smiled and asked, "Teacher, who are you?" The teacher replied, "My name is Bai Tiannan. You can just call me Teacher Bai." Daqi knew Bai Tiannan was the librarian because his name was on the library's promotional posters. He immediately said, "Hello, Librarian Bai!" Librarian Bai smiled and said, "Just call me Teacher Bai." Daqi could only smile and say, "Hello, Teacher Bai!" Bai Tiannan said, "I'm on duty today, and I have nothing to do. Come, young man, sit down and let's chat." Daqi had been quite depressed since coming to university because he didn't have many friends, except for Xiaoling. He almost always went to the library alone every day. Because he was an older student, there was indeed a generation gap when communicating with his classmates. He was happy to have a teacher talk to him today. So, Bai Tiannan started chatting with Tong Daqi. Tong Daqi thought Bai Tiannan was very knowledgeable, refined, and very kind. Bai Tiannan also enjoyed chatting with Daqi, and he specifically inquired about Daqi's age and how he enrolled. Daqi admired his ability to judge people, because he could tell that he seemed to have a different school experience than other students. He said to Daqi, "The book you're holding was purchased by the school when I was a librarian. You were also the first person to borrow this book. Look at the library card on the back cover if you don't believe me." Daqi smiled and pulled out the library card from the back cover; indeed, as Teacher Bai said, he was the first reader of this book.
Daqi asked, "Teacher Bai, what kind of books are most popular in our library?" Bai Tiannan smiled and said, "Martial arts, romance, and fantasy, I guess. Ninety percent of the borrowers are these kinds of books. Boys read more martial arts, and girls read more romance." Daqi said, "It seems I'm out of touch with today's kids. I've realized my tastes are completely different from theirs." Bai Tiannan said, "You're a few years older than them and have experienced so much, so naturally you can calm down and read. In a few years, they might have the same thoughts as you." Bai Tiannan even brewed a pot of Tieguanyin tea for Daqi, and the two chatted while drinking tea. Finally, Daqi said to Bai Tiannan, "Teacher Bai, I'll come chat with you again next time." Bai Tiannan smiled and said, "I'm on duty at the library every Wednesday evening, and I don't have anything to do anyway, so feel free to come." Daqi smiled, nodded, and walked away.
Back in his dorm, it was already 9:30 PM. He was about to go to sleep when Shen Ping'an, from the next dorm, came to find him. Da Qi asked, "What's up?" Shen Ping'an nodded and said, "Brother, I have something I want to ask you about. Can we talk alone?" Da Qi said, "Okay, let's talk on the balcony in the corridor." This balcony was a relatively private area, not connected to any of the dorms. After they reached the balcony, Shen Ping'an said to Da Qi, "Brother, I've been feeling really down lately!" Da Qi asked, "What's wrong? Why don't you tell me what's bothering you? Maybe I can help." Shen Ping'an said, "Da Qi, do you think that when people have love, they lose their friends?" Da Qi was surprised that Shen Ping'an would ask such a strange question. He knew that Shen Ping'an's frustration must be related to relationships. Daqi asked, "Why do you ask that? Are you already in a relationship?" Shen Ping'an nodded with a wry smile, "Brother, now you're the only one in class I talk to; everyone else ignores me..." Daqi was even more surprised. How could this be? It seemed something must have happened in class. However, Daqi, who went to the library every day, hadn't paid any attention to what was happening in class. But since Shen Ping'an had come to him, he would definitely help him. Daqi asked him to slowly recount what had happened. Shen Ping'an nodded and began to speak.
It turned out that his depression was indeed related to his relationship. Here's what happened. When the freshmen first arrived at school, they were all very united. During military training, Shen Ping'an and Zhao, the class beauty, actually started dating. There's nothing wrong with dating in itself; nowadays, relationships come and go quickly, which is not surprising. The problem was that Shen Ping'an's girlfriend was Zhao. Daqi knew that in the entire Literature (1) class, Zhao was the only one who could be considered beautiful; the other girls could be ignored by the boys. Therefore, Zhao was the object of pursuit for everyone in the class except Daqi. According to Shen Ping'an, many boys had expressed their feelings to Zhao, but all of them were rejected, except for Shen Ping'an. Daqi roughly understood what was going on.
Shen Ping'an said, "Brother Xiang, you have no idea how lonely I am right now. I'm from the North, to be precise, from Northeast China. I've had a hard time adjusting to university in the South. Luckily, I get along well with my classmates here, so I don't miss home too much. But ever since Zhao and I were caught holding hands by some boys in our class, they seem to ignore me. These past few days, some of them have even been getting angry at me for no reason. Sigh, I'm really suffering!" Da Qi asked, "So what are you planning to do?" Shen Ping'an said, "Zhao and I are doing really well, and I can't live without her. But I don't want to lose my friends. My roommates don't really talk to me, so I came to ask you for advice, Brother." Da Qi said, "People are strange sometimes. Men also have their own..." "Jealousy. I understand how you feel. Before, when I went on dates with my 'wife' Qiwen, my classmates ignored me. I don't know if my method will work for you, but I can share my thoughts." Shen Ping'an said happily, "Go ahead, go ahead." Da Qi smiled and said, "I just study my own books and do my own thing. If my classmates need my help, I will; if not, I'll quietly do my own thing. Sometimes I even treat my dorm room just as a place to sleep, and it's best to talk to others as little as possible. But, when I'm dating the woman I like, I date her however I want. We can't control things like being envied; we can only 'show weakness' in front of everyone." Shen Ping'an asked, "What does 'show weakness' mean?" Da Qi smiled and said, "Try not to stand out, to make sure you don't..." Try not to talk too much. It's hard to do at first, but you'll find it feels really good later. Spend more time reading with Xiao Zhao, go out for walks, and you can use the dorm as a place to sleep for now. Just try to avoid arguing with people; in other words, be more accommodating. Shen Ping'an smiled slightly and said, "Big brother, thank you. I knew you'd have a way to handle this. Zhao told me she wants to rent a place with me instead of staying at school. Since we started dating, girls rarely talk to her." Da Qi laughed, "Hahaha, that's your fault!" Shen Ping'an laughed, "How can you blame me?" Da Qi said, "It's true what they say, 'Those involved are often confused, while bystanders see clearly!' You, Shen Ping'an, are handsome; you're the most handsome guy in our class, that's an objective fact. I've heard that quite a few girls..." "I'm also interested in you, but you've gotten together with Zhao, the class beauty. Do you think others won't be jealous of her? Actually, you two are facing the same problem now. As for whether you should move out, that's up to you. It's better to move out and have peace and quiet than to see other people's unpleasant looks all the time. It's up to you. You have my phone number, so feel free to contact me if you need anything." Shen Ping'an said gratefully, "Thank you, brother. I knew you were a straightforward and good person!" Then Shen Ping'an asked Da Qi, "Brother, you've been spending a lot of time with a beautiful broadcasting girl lately. Are you two together?" Da Qi said, "She's my little sister. I treat her like a sister." Shen Ping'an laughed, "Many people think you're planning to keep a mistress at university?" Da Qi burst into laughter.
Daqi thought to himself: These kids are really cute; their imaginations are truly rich! But, are my feelings for Xiaoling really that pure? I'd say I see her as a younger sister about 80% of the time, and I really don't know about the remaining 20%. After all, Xiaoling is indeed very cute, and she's been good to me too.
A week later, Shen Ping'an moved out of the dorm, and the girls also said that Zhao, the class beauty, had moved out as well. Da Qi knew they must have moved in together; he thought the couple was really bold. Although many college students live together off-campus, it was rare to see them do it so quickly!
Having been at university for so long, Daqi has gradually adapted to life there. Three things make him happiest: first, he can go home every weekend to spend time with his beautiful wives; second, he can chat with Bai Tiannan, the scholar, every week; and third, he can go to the library to read. Another thing that makes him happy is that Xiaoling invites him out for meals and chats every few days.
This weekend, Xiaoling wanted to visit Daqi's home, especially to see his children. Daqi smiled slightly, thinking: Let her see if she wants. So, on Friday afternoon, when Ma'er drove to pick Daqi up, he noticed a beautiful woman following behind him. Daqi introduced her to Ma'er, saying, "My college classmate, she's come to see Xiaoqi and his three children." He also told Xiaoling, "This is my wife, Sister Li Lanyun." After the two women greeted each other, the three of them took a ride to Daqi's home, a villa located by the Rongjiang River.
Back home, Daqi happily hugged Xiaoqi, then Xiaoxue, then Xiaofeng. He loved his three children so much. Qiwen and the others warmly greeted Xiaoling. Xiaoling looked at Daqi's many wives in surprise, and couldn't help but say to Daqi, "How come there are so many beautiful women in this house? They're even more beautiful than the girls in our broadcasting department! Daqi, I understand why you can remain unmoved in front of such beautiful women—you have so many beauties here!" Daqi laughed heartily and nodded, "Perhaps." Xiaoling took three cloth puppets out of her small backpack and gave them to Daqi's three children to play with. Qiwen, Muping, and Suqin thanked her repeatedly. Xiao Li asked Xiao Ling, "Xiao Ling, are you studying broadcasting?" Xiao Ling nodded and said, "How did you know?" Xiao Li said, "Hehe, just a gut feeling." Da Qi knew that Xiao Li didn't want to reveal that she was once one of the most popular hosts in Binhai, so he didn't tell Xiao Ling about Xiao Li's past, only saying, "She's also his wife." Xiao Ling pulled Tong Da Qi over and asked, "Are all the beautiful women in this house your wives?" Da Qi nodded and said, "Keep it a secret for me, but it doesn't really matter if you don't." Xiao Ling stared at Da Qi with wide eyes and said, "Big brother, you're a real big brother! I admire you so much, you're really capable!" That evening, Xiao Ling had dinner with Da Qi's family, and Ye Huan, Zheng Jie, and Xiao Man also returned. Xiao Ling didn't ask Da Qi if these three women were his wives, and he didn't say either. Since they were all students, the three of them had a lot in common with Xiao Ling. After dinner, Da Qi led his whole family and Xiao Ling to go to karaoke. He likes to relax on weekends because he studies and attends classes diligently during the five days at school. All his wives treat Xiaoling like their little sister and are very warm towards her.
That night, Daqi spent the night with Qiwen, Xiaoli, and Muping. The four of them frolicked and played around. Daqi made the three women kneel respectfully before him, with Qiwen in the center… While Xiaoli and Muping smiled and used their lips to please Daqi, Qiwen knelt beside him and whispered, “Master, do you like Xiaoling?” Daqi said, “I’m not lying to you, I only see her as a little sister, I have no romantic feelings for her. I already have enough women, there’s no need to marry another!” Qiwen laughed, “This Shandong girl is quite elegant and pretty. I see you get along well with her, why don’t you just take her in and have her serve you like we do!” Daqi… He laughed, "Forget it, I'm not really that interested in young female college students these days. Xiaoling has a boyfriend, don't overthink it." Xiao Li spat out what was in her mouth and said with a charming smile, "Master, don't be shy, take her in, we definitely won't be jealous." Mu Ping said, "I think she'll be your prey sooner or later, just you wait and see." Qi Wen kissed Da Qi for a while and said, "My darling, you're like a magnet, a magnet that attracts beautiful women. I guess you cultivated in your past life, you're especially lucky with women in this life. All of us beauties love being with you."
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Sectional reading 200
Qi said smugly, "I have a lot of women, so let's forget about Xiaoling." Qi was speaking from the heart. He knew that Xiaoling was good-looking and had a personality that suited him, but he had no intention of taking her as a concubine.
10th College Girlfriend
Xiaoling spent the weekend at Daqi's villa with her many wives. Xiaoling seemed to really like Daqi's three children, playing with them for almost two days. His three children were also exceptionally close to Xiaoling. On Sunday evening, Daqi drove Xiaoling back to school in his car. In the car, Daqi asked Xiaoling, "Xiaoling, did you have fun?" Xiaoling smiled and nodded, saying, "Brother, how come you have so many women?" Daqi laughed, "We're all together because we get along well. Don't go around telling people I have so many wives, lest it have a bad influence." Xiaoling chuckled, "Daqi is an extremely intelligent and capable man, naturally he has many women with him. I remember reading in the newspaper that there was an official in Hubei or somewhere who also had more than a dozen wives, but that man is now in jail. Rumor has it that he uses MBA theories to manage his wives. Brother, what theory do you use?" Daqi laughed, "What theory? We're together because we have feelings for each other, and not together because we don't. That's always been my way." "That attitude," Xiaoling laughed. "You're so open-minded!" Daqi laughed. "Am I not open-minded?" Xiaoling shook her head. "No, no, very open-minded." Daqi asked, "How are things between you and Sun Hao?" Xiaoling shook her head. "At first, we both felt good about each other, but now, I don't know why, we feel like we don't have much in common. Daqi, Sun Hao and I... what do you think of him?" Daqi said, "As long as he likes you, that's fine. Don't worry too much about what others think." Xiaoling said, "I don't know why, but I always feel like he's missing something. Maybe he's not well-educated. He even asked me if Cao Xueqin was a professor who graduated from Binhai Normal University..."
"Huh?" Daqi was extremely surprised. He screamed and laughed, "How can Sun Hao be so cute? He... how could he think like that?" Xiaoling shook her head and said, "He said that last time he went to Binhai Normal University, he saw some kind of Redology Society there. When he came back, he asked me if Cao Xueqin graduated from Binhai Normal University. I almost fainted when I heard that!" Daqi laughed heartily and said, "Xiaoling, if you have nothing to do, tell your boyfriend to go to the library and read more books." Xiaoling said a little angrily, "I did tell him to read, but he only likes to read things like vampires, Saint Seiya, and Slam Dunk. But he's not very clever, just a bit slow-witted." Daqi smiled and said, "That's good. You're very smart and have the ability to judge people. I think you two are a good match." Xiaoling pouted and said, "Really?" Daqi nodded and smiled slightly. Unexpectedly, Xiaoling blurted out something that slightly surprised Daqi. The reason he was only slightly surprised was because he was a mature man. If he were still a freshman in college, he would definitely be taken aback. What did Xiaoling say?
Xiaoling suddenly blurted out, "I think you're the one who's right for me..." Daqi, still driving quietly, sighed and said, "Xiaoling, I'm not a good person. I've had so many wives, I'm a womanizer." Xiaoling said, "I've thought about it for a long time, and I've considered it for a long time these past two days. Daqi, can you be my boyfriend?" Daqi said, "I see you as a little sister..." Unexpectedly, Xiaoling grabbed Daqi's neck, disregarding the fact that he was driving. Daqi, being a calm person, didn't dare to let his guard down and remained calmly watching the car. Xiaoling kissed Daqi's cheek and smiled, saying, "Daqi, I'm telling you, Sun Hao and I have broken up. I don't want to lie to myself; the person I like is you!" Daqi said, "Didn't you just start dating during military training?" Xiaoling said, "But now we have nothing to do with each other. I've realized you're the one who's right for me!" Daqi smiled slightly at her and kissed her back.
Everything seemed natural, at least in Tong Daqi's heart there was no ripple. It seemed that he had a hunch that Xiaoling would definitely become his woman, or at least have a relationship with him.
When Daqi drove his car into the parking lot of the administration building, the security guard mistook him for a school leader and gave him a military salute. All the security guards at Binhai Media College were veterans, and highly disciplined veterans at that. For some reason, even the security guard at the main gate didn't question Daqi, letting him drive straight into the school and giving him a salute. Perhaps it was because Daqi was driving a Cadillac, or perhaps the window was open, allowing the guard to see him and Xiaoling inside. Daqi smiled slightly at them and said, "Thank you!" Xiaoling looked at Daqi in surprise and said, "Brother, are you a school leader?" Daqi laughed and said, "I'm not a leader, I'm just myself, an ordinary student at Binhai Media College. To put it more grandly, I'm an ordinary college student in contemporary China." Xiaoling giggled. When Daqi parked the car in the parking lot, Xiaoling grabbed him and kissed him passionately. Daqi gently pressed a small button inside the car, and the window slowly closed. Their clothes gradually shrank; Xiaoling was helping Daqi undress… After confirming there were no security guards or anyone else in the parking lot, Daqi gently climbed onto Xiaoling's soft body. After touching the girl all over, Xiaoling asked Daqi to be “rough” on her. Daqi was very happy to be making love with the beautiful, tall girl. Xiaoling kept calling Daqi's name sweetly, repeatedly calling him “husband”…
Afterwards, Daqi and Xiaoling lay in the car for a while. The girl smiled and helped Daqi get dressed. Daqi said, "You didn't use contraception..." Xiaoling said, "I know what to do. Daqi, do you really like me?" Daqi nodded and said, "I won't force you. If you find another suitable man, tell me, and I'll leave you." Xiaoling smiled slightly and said, "Is that possible? I don't know why, but I don't care at all that you have other women. Especially after meeting your Qiwen, I think she's so outstanding. Even if she came to our Binhai Media, she'd probably be one of the top beauties. She's so outstanding and she's not jealous, so why should I be? I know Daqi won't treat me badly!" Daqi laughed and said, "I'm the kind of person who does this when I have nothing else to do..." "Going to the library to read doesn't necessarily mean I'll hang out with you. You really don't care?" Xiaoling said. "Why would I care? At worst, I'll go to the library with you. Isn't that how we got to know each other? Your actual military training only lasted one day, the first day. I met you under the shade of a tree." Daqi laughed, "You little devil, you still remember?" Xiaoling smiled and said, "Of course I remember. Daqi, from now on, I'm your girlfriend at school, and you're my boyfriend. Haha, I'm so happy! But, big brother, I'll still call you big brother at school, because a lot of people know you have a wife." Daqi nodded, and the two got dressed and got out of the car, then went to a coffee shop in the living area. As soon as they sat down, a couple greeted Xiaoling and Daqi. Actually, Daqi didn't know them, but he knew the woman was in the broadcasting department and the man was in the performing arts department. The woman had a long face and dyed hair; she was quite a beauty. In Binhai Media, beauties like that were everywhere.
The pretty girl said to Xiaoling, "Hello, Xiaoling!" Daqi and Xiaoling, holding hands, also greeted them. Xiaoling said, "This is my classmate, Mei Xiaoqian. Xiaoqian, this is my older brother, Tong Daqi." Xiaoqian smiled and said, "Oh, I know, that's the married Tong Daqi! Nice to meet you!" Daqi smiled and said, "I'm ashamed, I'm ashamed!" After saying that, the four of them sat down together and chatted. Daqi and Xiaoling were very tacit and didn't show too much intimacy. As they chatted, Daqi learned that Xiaoqian and her boyfriend had only known each other for half a month, and they were planning to move out of the school.
Daqi said, "My classmate Shen Ping'an moved out a few days ago." Mei Xiaoqian's boyfriend added, "Yeah, it's more convenient to move out. Staying in the dorm is always inconvenient. Several couples in my class have moved out too. Brother, do you know the housing prices around here?" Daqi said, "I heard that the farmer's house that the guy in my class who moved out only costs 400-600 yuan a month. Apartments might be more expensive." Xiaoqian said, "Then let's live in a farmer's house. It's just a place to sleep, why bother living in such a nice place? Let's save some money." Xiaoling said, "Brother, it seems we should move out too, otherwise we'll look outdated!" The four of them chuckled. Xiaoqian directly asked Xiaoling, "Did you really break up with Sun Hao?" Xiaoling leaned her head on Daqi's shoulder and said, "Of course I asked. I'm living with my brother." Xiaoqian said in surprise, "Wow, you guys are moving in pretty fast."
Daqi felt Xiaoling was contradictory. She had just told him to act like her older brother in front of others, but now she was saying she wanted to live with him in front of everyone. He thought that girls like Xiaoling these days were indeed much more open-minded about relationships than people a few years ago. Even Xiaoqian, standing right in front of him, was quite open-minded; less than two months into university, she and her boyfriend were already planning to move in together. Actually, many houses near the university were already rented out, Shen Ping'an had told Daqi. If freshmen were like this, then upperclassmen were even more so.
After the four finished their coffee, Daqi paid for all four. Xiaoqian and her boyfriend said to Daqi, "Thank you so much, brother! We're so sorry to have troubled you! By the way, tomorrow is my birthday, why don't you come and join us?" Daqi looked at Xiaoling, who nodded and said, "Sure, sure! Where's the birthday party?" Xiaoqian's boyfriend said, "The 'Old Educated Youth' restaurant near the school." Xiaoling smiled and said, "You really know how to pick a place; the food there is pretty good. Okay, what time tomorrow?" Xiaoqian said to Xiaoling, "6:30 in the evening. You guys have to be on time, there are a lot of people coming tomorrow, including the student union president of our department." Xiaoling said, "Xiaoqian, you're in the student union too?" Xiaoqian laughed and said, "I'm too lazy to go to that place; he's his (referring to her boyfriend) buddy." That was it. The four chatted for a few more minutes and then left the coffee shop. Daqi walked Xiaoling back to her dorm, and Xiaoqian and the others said they wanted to take a walk around campus. Daqi asked Xiaoling, "Are you really going to her birthday party tomorrow?" Xiaoling replied, "She invited me, so of course I'll go. Besides, we've all just started university, it's good to make more friends." Daqi smiled and nodded, "I'm really going with you?" Xiaoling said, "What, are you scared?" Daqi smiled and shook his head, "No, I mean I don't know them very well." Xiaoling laughed, "Let me tell you, most of the people going tomorrow won't know each other very well. Anyway, we'll get to know each other better if we get to know each other more." Daqi smiled and nodded, thinking it made sense.
Yes, people are strangers to each other at first, but through more contact, they get to know each other, and through more contact, feelings naturally develop. Whether it's friendship or romantic relationships, it's all about getting to know each other and interacting.
After escorting Xiaoling back to her dormitory, Daqi returned to his room alone. Seeing everyone chatting, he joined in since he had nothing else to do. It turned out they were talking about buying computers.
Li Xianming: "I want to buy a computer. First, it will be good for my future employment if I learn computer skills well; second, I can play games to pass the time when I have nothing to do."
Ji Xiaojun: "I also want to buy a computer so I can go to porn sites and download porn movies to watch." Hahaha, everyone burst into laughter.
Xie Changjin: "Going to internet cafes is a bit annoying now. Often there aren't any computers available, especially on weekends. I told my dad I need a computer to pass my computer proficiency exam." Then, everyone shared their plans to buy a computer. Some said, "I don't have much money, I'll just go to the school computer lab. Computers are too expensive, I can't afford one." Someone asked Daqi, "Brother, are you buying a computer?" Daqi replied, "I have one at home, I'll just bring it over." Daqi was serious; his family has five or six computers, and Qiwen, Muping, Xiaoli, and others have gradually started to enjoy surfing the internet.
That night, Daqi went to bed early. He woke up the next morning, ate breakfast, and went to class. For some reason, after almost two months, he felt that the university professors' lectures were really not very good, except for one or two. Overall, the university professors' lecturing level was far inferior to that of his classmates, like Lao Cai, at Changqing No. 1 High School; they were simply not in the same league. He wondered if all university professors in China were this bad. Some professors had quite prestigious titles, but in Daqi's opinion, lecturing was less enjoyable than studying in his dorm. Because most of the teachers just read from the textbook, there was nothing new or creative, and certainly no imaginative flair like Lao Cai's lectures.
Chapter 11: Planning and Strategizing
However, there are one or two teachers who are indeed very good at teaching and can broaden students' horizons. It's just that such teachers are too few and far between. After finishing his afternoon classes, he saw that he still had more than two hours before attending Xiaoqian's birthday party. So he went straight to the library to read.
It's rare to have such a peaceful place. After being in university for so long, this is my favorite spot. I'll read a book for a while first.
Daqi had been reading for an hour when Xiaoling called him. He told her he was at the library, and Xiaoling said she had just finished class and was coming over too. After they met in the open shelving section of the library, Xiaoling said to Daqi, "Big brother, let's go buy Xiaoqian a birthday present." Daqi nodded and left the library with Xiaoling.
Daqi said, "You interrupted my meditation." Xiaoling said, "It's okay, you can continue tomorrow. Now let's go buy a birthday present. Come on, let's go to the jewelry store near the school." The two drove to "Stone Story" across from the school gate. Daqi asked Xiaoling, "What should I get her? You decide, I'll just pay." Xiaoling smiled slightly and said, "I know you're like this, I'll pick it out." The two looked around at "Stone Story" for quite a while. Xiaoling said, "Big brother, let's go, the things here are too expensive." Daqi looked and saw that they weren't actually that expensive, but he felt it was better to let Xiaoling handle it, since he wasn't very familiar with Xiaoqian at all. The two then went to a silver jewelry store next to "Stone Story," and this time Xiaoling picked out a silver bracelet that cost more than 200 yuan. When Daqi paid, he asked Xiaoling, "Xiaoling, is this presentable?" Xiaoling looked at Daqi in surprise and said, "My goodness, I guarantee that what we give is definitely not shabby. Brother, you can't judge our gifts by the standards of working adults; you should look at them from a student's perspective." Daqi smiled and nodded.
Sigh, I really feel a bit out of place with them; these students are all still just kids. So, I'll just let Xiaoling be.
Around 6:10 PM, Xiaoling's phone rang. It was Xiaoqian calling. Xiaoling listened for a moment and then hung up. She said to Daqi, "Let's go to the 'Old Educated Youth' restaurant. They're probably all here by now." Xiaoling and Daqi then walked hand in hand towards the restaurant. Xiaoqian waved to Xiaoling from afar, and Xiaoling waved back. The two girls had so much to talk about as soon as they met. Daqi and Xiaoqian's boyfriend exchanged a few casual greetings with a slight smile. Xiaoling said, "Xiaoqian, you look so beautiful today!" Xiaoqian smiled and said, "Thank you, thank you!" Then, Xiaoling took out the bracelet she had just bought from her bag and gave it to her, saying, "This is..."
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