I Stole the Male Lead's White Moonlight [Transmigration] - Chapter 5
Zhu Xinya was determined to save Que Hanfu. However, when it came to building relationships, it was crucial to avoid being overly familiar too soon. To make Que Hanfu trust her words, she first needed to become good friends with her.
To achieve this, Zhu Xinya had gathered all the information about Professor Que Hanfu’s class schedules and the requirements for participating in the research projects she led.
On Monday morning, after having breakfast in the cafeteria with Lu Mengrou, Zhu Xinya carried a heavy backpack full of textbooks and placed her hands solemnly on Lu Mengrou’s shoulders. “I don’t know when I’ll return victorious, so I’m entrusting you with the class notes for our major!”
Zhu Xinya spoke with such seriousness that Lu Mengrou couldn’t help but be affected by her tone and replied earnestly, “Don’t worry, I won’t let you down!”
Suddenly, a mocking laugh came from nearby. Zhu Xinya and Lu Mengrou both glared angrily in the direction of the sound. A tall, fair-skinned young man with dyed blond hair was looking at them and laughing, clearly making fun of them.
Zhu Xinya strode over and slapped him on the chest. “Hey! What are you laughing at?”
The young man glanced at her slender fingers resting on his chest, his smile fading as he shoved his hands into his pockets and replied in a casual, mocking tone, “Isn’t this Longcheng University? Why are there drama queens here? Anyone who saw your cringeworthy performance just now would think this was Longcheng Film Academy.”
Leaning down, he pressed a finger against Zhu Xinya’s forehead, which was partially covered by her thin bangs. “What am I laughing at? I’m laughing at how awkward your acting is.”
Zhu Xinya hated it when people touched her hair. Her eyes widened as she forcefully shook his finger off her forehead. Just as she was about to retort, Lu Mengrou, who had rushed over, pulled her aside.
Lu Mengrou’s eyes were now sparkling with excitement, her fists clenched at her sides, a faint blush of shyness coloring her cheeks. “Are you Qi Zhou? I’m your fan, I really like you!”
Zhu Xinya: “???”
Qi Zhou? That name sounded somewhat familiar.
“I’ve watched all your dramas.The Domineering Young Master and the Little Nanny, The CEO’s Beloved Darling, The Compulsively Caring Domineering Doctor, and The Domineering Wolf Boy, multiple times! Your portrayals of the domineering young master, CEO, doctor, and wolf boy are so incredibly domineering and handsome! I’m your Rice Congee!”
“Pfft! Rice Congee?” Zhu Xinya finally remembered who Qi Zhou was.
In the novel The Blackened CEO’s Compulsive Love, aside from Li Heng, there was another genuinely devoted second male lead who loved Que Hanfu his name was Qi Zhou.
Qi Zhou was Que Hanfu’s neighbor, a year older than her. They could be considered childhood sweethearts. When he first began to understand love, Qi Zhou developed a crush on Que Hanfu. He secretly loved her for eight years but never dared to confess.
Later, when Que Hanfu fell from grace, Qi Zhou discovered that Li Heng was behind everything. He tried to expose Li Heng in front of Que Hanfu but ended up being framed by Li Heng instead. Scandal-ridden and overwhelmed, he was eventually lured by Li Heng’s associates into drug abuse and died from an overdose.
Qi Zhou had just put on his celebrity airs in front of Lu Mengrou when he heard Zhu Xinya’s undisguised laughter. Annoyed, he shot her a glare. “What, do you have a problem with the nickname I gave my fans?”
Zhu Xinya thought to herself: The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Taking down Li Heng alone might be difficult, but I can seek external allies.
Wasn’t Qi Zhou right in front of her the perfect candidate?
Zhu Xinya immediately transformed her mocking expression into a warm smile, clasping her small hands together in front of her. “No objections at all! The name ‘Rice Porridge’ is absolutely adorable, I love it. I was just wondering who could come up with such a cute and clever name, and it turns out it was you, Qi Zhou! I’ve decided, from now on, I’m one of your Rice Porridges too!”
Qi Zhou had been in the entertainment industry for two or three years, starring in nothing but low-quality idol dramas with nearly identical character types. The audience had grown tired of his repetitive roles, leaving him stuck at the lower tiers of fame, unable to advance further. His only brief moment of popularity came three years ago with The Domineering Young Master and the Little Nanny, after which his career steadily declined. If not for his continuous output of work, his fanbase, the Rice Porridges, would likely have disbanded long ago.
It had been a long time since he’d heard such genuinely pleasing flattery. For a moment, he couldn’t maintain his cool facade and grinned so widely that his back teeth showed, his already narrow eyes crinkling into slits. “Well, you two certainly have good taste,” he hummed lightly.
Seeing how easily Qi Zhou was swayed, Zhu Xinya’s eyes lit up. She continued to deceive this innocent young man who had secretly been in love with Que Hanfu for eight years without ever daring to confess. “Big star Qi Zhou, aren’t you from Longcheng Film Academy? What brings you to Longcheng University? I’ve been studying here for three years, I know this place like the back of my hand!” She patted her chest confidently. “If there’s anything you need help with, just let me know. As a loyal Rice Porridge, I’ll definitely assist you!”
Lu Mengrou nodded eagerly beside her. “I can help too!”
Flattered by the attention of two pretty girls, Qi Zhou nearly forgot the purpose of his visit in his euphoria. Fortunately, his rationality kicked in just in time. Clearing his throat, he said, “I have private matters to attend to. No need for your help.”
“Aren’t you two almost late for class? Do you want an autograph or a photo?” Qi Zhou ran a hand through his stylish blond hair.
Lu Mengrou timidly raised her hand. “Could we have both?”
Qi Zhou feigned reluctance at first, then glanced at Zhu Xinya and sighed as if making a great concession. “I suppose you want both too, don’t be shy about saying so. Fine, I’ll indulge you this once, but don’t expect such generosity next time.”
Zhu Xinya: “…” Who would want an autograph and photo from a D-list celebrity like him? But for Que Hanfu’s sake, she’d endure it!
Qi Zhou magnanimously signed autographs and took photos with the genuinely delighted Lu Mengrou and the pretending-to-be-delighted Zhu Xinya. Satisfied, he waved them off. “I’m leaving now. See you if fate allows.” His retreating figure was strikingly suave, exuding the aura of a domineering CEO.
“Ahhh! Qi Zhou’s back view is so handsome! It’s just as dashing as that iconic scene in The Domineering CEO’s Beloved!!!” Fangirl Lu Mengrou covered her flushed cheeks, stomping her feet in excitement.
Zhu Xinya couldn’t just let Qi Zhou walk away, she still needed to align herself with him! “Mengrou, stop fangirling and hurry to class. I’m off.” With that, she jogged after Qi Zhou.
Coincidentally, Qi Zhou was heading toward Building A, where Que Hanfu would soon be teaching. Though he wasn’t walking fast, his long legs made it a challenge to catch up. Zhu Xinya, panting and out of breath, finally reached him in front of Building A. “Qi Zhou, wait up!”
Qi Zhou turned around at Zhu Xinya’s voice, only to see her eyes widen in surprise. He instinctively took two steps back, eyeing her with suspicion. “You’re not some secret admirer of mine, are you? If you start harassing me, I’ll call the police.”