The Companion Player Doesn’t Want a Shura Field [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 4
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- The Companion Player Doesn’t Want a Shura Field [Quick Transmigration]
- Chapter 4 - Encountering a Scout, The Gentle Youth
[Note: To avoid breaking immersion, this game features immersive roleplay. The love interest’s personality will change according to the world settings while retaining certain shared traits.]
[The setting of this world is Country H. The story is purely fictional. There are no real-life boy group prototypes; please do not associate this with reality.]
Inside a lecture hall at D University, the professor had just finished explaining acting techniques when the dismissal bell rang briskly.
As people began to leave with their books, the air was instantly filled with the lively sound of chattering. Today marked the final professional course of the week for the freshman Acting Department.
Tomorrow would be the start of a wonderful weekend for the university students.
In the very first row of the classroom, two people sat apart from the rest. One of them was looking down, methodically tidying his desk.
He reached out to carefully close his open textbook, then picked up a notebook filled with fluorescent highlights and sticky notes, placing it neatly on top of the text.
His ink-black, medium-length hair brushed against the back of his neck; as he leaned forward, a few strands fell into the collar of his white shirt.
Forcing his gaze away from that spot, Zhao Encan took a deep breath, trying his best to act composed.
D University’s Acting Department was certainly not lacking in handsome men or beautiful women, yet even after so much time had passed since the start of the semester, he was still occasionally stunned by his roommate’s god-tier visuals.
Patting the other’s shoulder, Zhao Encan said boisterously:
“Qi Ming-ge, do you want to go grab spicy rice cakes with us? A new shop opened on the commercial street, and it has so many good reviews on Face!”
Based on Zhao Encan’s understanding of Qi Ming’s temperament, the latter would definitely not refuse, but he felt he should at least go through the motions of asking for his opinion.
However, to Zhao Encan’s surprise, Qi Ming declined.
The young man’s facial features were sharp, especially those narrow, phoenix-like eyes that looked as if they had been sketched with a fine brush, the ends tilted upward with a touch of abandon.
Yet, his expression was incredibly gentle, always carrying a hint of a smile. His dark green eyes were clear and bright, like spring water hiding a pool of sunlight, shimmering with warmth. This greatly softened the sharpness of Qi Ming’s features.
Anyone who locked eyes with him would have the illusion of being kissed by a gentle breeze, leaving them feeling completely at ease.
Since the start of the semester, Qi Ming had never refused any request from his friends, earning him a reputation in the department for having an excellent temperament.
“I’m sorry, Encan. If I eat spicy food, my mouth hurts a lot.”
Even when refusing, Qi Ming’s emerald eyes remained curved in a smile. Toward the end, he let out a timely sigh.
“Actually, I’d rather eat alone with you, Encan. Let’s eat together next time instead!”
Listening to the gentle, elegant male voice beside his ear, and looking at that smiling face, Zhao Encan felt his brain grow dizzy with heat. He stammered slightly:
“Right, I forgot you can’t eat spicy food, Hyung. Since you really want to, let me treat you to barbecue next time. Only us two.”
“Sure, I’m looking forward to it.”
Before Zhao Encan could say anything else, a group of girls suddenly swarmed from behind him, physically pushing him to the back.
Someone’s high heel stepped on his foot. Zhao Encan cried out in pain and looked up indignantly, only to be blinded by the “butterflies” competing for attention before him.
His nose was filled with a chaotic mix of perfumes.
Damn it, who leaked the news that Qi Ming likes perfume!
Such a pungent smell would be unbearable for anyone, their sense of smell would fail instantly, let alone for Qi Ming in the center of the crowd.
Yet, surrounded like this, the young man showed no sign of displeasure. He even reached out to steady a girl who had nearly tripped.
“Be careful.”
“Thank you.”
Once she was steady, Qi Ming released his hand. But the girl remained in her original position, her arm half-raised in the air, looking dazed.
Seeing this, Qi Ming curved his eyes and chuckled softly. This caused the girl’s cheeks to flush red as she incoherently tried to ask the question she had prepared for so long:
“Student Qi, your presentation today was so good; I learned a lot from it.”
In the end, she still hadn’t gotten to the main point.
“Student Li’s interpretation of Brecht’s ‘alienation effect’ today was also great; the professor even praised you.”
His words made Li Caiyan’s eyes widen in surprise, her heart pounding violently. She hadn’t expected Qi Ming to actually notice her.
Now, she was completely unable to make a sound. Her friend behind her pulled her into a hug, patted her back soothingly, and spoke up to help:
“Student Qi Ming, she wanted to ask if you’re free next weekend. We’re planning a mixer with the neighboring S University.”
“Yeah, yeah, we really want you to come. It’ll be great!”
Once one person spoke up, the other girls followed suit.
Qi Ming himself didn’t know that he had become known by many in the department on the very first day of school, simply because of a single photo of him smiling.
Hearing this, Qi Ming thought seriously for a moment. Finding it difficult to give a definitive answer, he explained softly:
“I’m not quite sure of my specific schedule for next weekend yet. Why don’t you ask me again on Friday, Student Li? I’ll give you an answer then.”
Having sent off the flock of lovely butterflies, Qi Ming was met with a resentful face staring at him accusingly:
“Hyung, why can’t you just say no? You already promised to have barbecue with me next week!”
“Eh? It was ‘next time,’ wasn’t it? Not ‘next week’?”
He knew Qi Ming’s words carried no ulterior motive, the other was truly confused, which made Zhao Encan feel like his heart was bleeding even more.
Help, what do I do if my roommate is too popular and keeps unintentionally charming everyone? If this continues, the ‘downfall rate’ is going to hit 100%!
“Fine, fine. Just don’t forget again, Hyung!”
Unable to do anything about it, Zhao Encan gave up. However, he still offered a silent reminder.
Although Qi Ming had a great temper and rarely refused requests, his memory was selectively poor. Aside from things related to his studies and professional skills, Qi Ming tended to forget things easily.
Including promises made to others.
But it was precisely because of Qi Ming’s good personality that they couldn’t bear to blame him; in fact, they felt a bit protective of him.
How could someone who had been in school for nearly half a month still get lost on the way to the lecture hall and end up at the main gate?
While their campus was indeed quite large, Qi Ming’s level of being “directionally challenged” was truly a bit much!
This made it hard for Zhao Encan to associate the “top student” aura with Qi Ming. Sometimes, the other truly seemed a bit dense, yet he was contradictorily brilliant in his studies.
Whenever Zhao Encan hung up the phone and rushed over from the classroom, he would always see the lost person sitting obediently under a tree, smiling tenderly at him.
More dazzling than the halo of light filtering through the branches.
In an instant, all anger would vanish.
Qi Ming was just such a magical existence.
“I know!”
After parting with Zhao Encan, Qi Ming walked out of the school gates with his bag. Fortunately, the gate was built large enough to be seen from a distance.
As he passed a coffee shop, he stopped, turned around, and asked in a friendly tone:
“Mister, you’ve been following me the whole way. Is there something you need help with?”
As soon as Qi Ming finished speaking, a figure stepped out from behind a tree.
The man wore a black baseball cap, a pair of sunglasses over a white medical mask, and looked like a suspicious character.
He had followed Qi Ming all the way from the D University gates. And the guy being followed was actually big-hearted enough to strike up a conversation and ask if he needed help.
What a silly kid.
But a good kid, too, as good as his looks!
Muttering to himself, the man walked up to Qi Ming, pulled a business card from his coat pocket, and introduced himself enthusiastically:
“Hello, I am a scout from Neon. I wonder if you are interested in becoming a trainee at our agency?”
Taking the card with both hands, Qi Ming looked closely at the text, appearing somewhat troubled:
“But I’m already eighteen. Isn’t it too late?”
In Country H, most trainees begin basic training and studies between the ages of 10 and 13. By Qi Ming’s current age, he was considered on the older side.
The man also wondered, were the other scouts blind? How could they have missed such a prime candidate?
It had to be him. This time, the agency would definitely give him a bonus.
“Child, you must have had some relevant training, right? Your major is probably in the performing arts too!”
“Wow, mister, how did you know? I am indeed studying acting.”
So cute. One could tell just by looking! This kid’s posture and aura were clearly different from others.
Besides, with a “heaven-sent idol face” like that, it would be a complete waste not to enter the entertainment industry.
“Since you’re an acting major, you definitely have dance and vocal classes. If you already have a foundation, how could it be too late? Moreover, our agency provides a monthly allowance to our trainees.”
Thinking of his situation at home, Qi Ming knew this was a precious opportunity. There were still four years until his university graduation, but he needed money urgently now.
“But I still have to attend school.”
Although Qi Ming wanted to agree in his heart, he couldn’t give up his studies; it was what his grandfather had always looked forward to.
“That’s easy! You’re already an acting student; isn’t the goal of graduating to enter the industry? We can communicate with your school so you can come to the agency to practice outside of class. Don’t worry, it won’t delay your studies. And since it’s all part of learning, it will help your major too.”
“It’s just that you’ll probably be very tired, but with determination, nothing is impossible!”
After the man’s persuasive pitch, Qi Ming didn’t lose his head. He nodded, indicating he would give it serious thought.
Returning home briefly, Qi Ming then brought a thermal flask to the hospital. As he passed the nurse’s station, he was called over.
“Little Qi, your grandfather’s treatment funds are insufficient again. You need to…”
Looking at the stiff smile on the young man’s face, the head nurse found it hard to continue. Qi Ming’s grandfather had been hospitalized for over two years for cancer treatment.
During the treatment period, Qi Ming came to the hospital to visit him every day, rain or shine.
She had heard that this grandfather was Qi Ming’s only remaining relative. Originally, their living conditions were decent, but they had been dragged down by the high costs, becoming very destitute.
In this stage of late-term cancer, the hope for recovery was slim, but Qi Ming refused to give up, persevering until now while working and studying simultaneously.
She had practically watched him grow from a green, budding youth into the elegant young man he was today; how could she bear to see Qi Ming sad?
“I understand. Thank you, Noona. Could you please wait a little longer? I’ll be able to get the money very soon.”
For just an instant, Qi Ming’s expression returned to normal. He pressed his hands together, looking at the head nurse imploringly, his lips curved at their usual angle.
In his dark green eyes, however, flowed a sadness that stood in stark contrast to his smile.
How could she refuse such a gaze?
Back in the familiar ward, Qi Ming placed the thermal flask on the bedside table and gently patted the old man’s arm, calling softly:
“Grandpa, wake up. It’s time to eat.”
The person on the bed slowly woke up. Seeing the person sitting by the bed, his cloudy eyes lit up. He smiled affectionately:
“Oh my, look at this! Who is this handsome young man? Ah, it turns out to be our family’s Qi Bao!”
Amused by the old man’s exaggerated expressions, Qi Ming used his knuckle to wipe away a tear from the corner of his eye and said reproachfully:
“Grandpa, I can get shy too. No one praises me every single day like this.”
“Aiyoo, this isn’t praise; I’m just telling the truth.”
With Qi Ming’s help, the old man struggled to sit up and took a sip of the medicinal porridge from the thermal flask. As soon as he swallowed, he began to shout:
“Qi Bao, why did you go to a restaurant to get food for this old man? Don’t waste your money!”
Facing this “old urchin,” Qi Ming was truly powerless to resist. He sighed and said seriously:
“It’s not from a restaurant. I made it.”
“Hehe, I know! I’m just praising your skills, my dear grandson.”
Playful as always. Qi Ming had tasted it after making it; the flavor was honestly not great, at best, it was just barely edible.
Though he complained inwardly, his face wore a smile of happiness. Qi Ming cherished this feeling of being cared for by family.
“Grandpa, I met a scout today.”
As the old man ate, he dropped this sentence casually, like a bomb that sent the other’s world spinning.
In his youth, Qi Ming’s grandfather had been a trendy fan of stars. Now, he only looked forward to seeing his grandson shining on stage.
He would always be Qi Ming’s number one fan.
However, the old man was a little afraid.
Afraid that he was running out of time.
“Really? Oh! ho ho ha ha! I told you, those guys just didn’t have a discerning eye before. How did they take so long to discover my family’s precious pearl?”
“Qi Bao, when the time comes, don’t forget to give Grandpa front row tickets to your concert!”
Curving his eyes, Qi Ming helplessly supported his grandfather’s body, as he had nearly tumbled off the bed from excitement.
“It’s still early. I haven’t even signed a contract yet, so why are we talking about concerts?”
“Because I believe in you, of course! Our Qi Bao can definitely do it.”
Aside from me, there will be many fans who love you. That way, after I leave, you won’t be lonely.