What to Do If the White Moonlight Omega Falls in Love with Me - Chapter 16

Sizzle, sizzle.

The steak hissed on the heated iron plate, and a plume of fragrant, charred meat-scented smoke drifted upward, spiraling in graceful, wispy curls. Yan Qingran held an iron spatula, skillfully sprinkling seasonings like cumin and salt-and-pepper, flipping the meat with methodical precision.

She preferred it medium-well; the outside soaked in juices and slightly charred for a crisp texture, while the inside locked in the tenderness of the meat, showing a hint of pink that melted in the mouth. It was incredibly delicious.

On the cutting board sat pre-cut bread, two leaves of washed lettuce, and some pickles. Yan Qingran placed the seared steak onto the bread, layered the lettuce and pickles, and paired it with a bottle of silky sugar-free yogurt. A simple lunch was complete.

She did not like sweet flavors and could not handle spicy food; she was a typical light eater. Cooking simple meals at home was one of her forms of entertainment. After eating, she would watch the news, reply to messages, and take a short nap. Upon waking, she would have a cup of rich, freshly ground black coffee before continuing to read books, study papers, or sketch design inspirations.

This was Yan Qingran’s normal routine during the holidays.

However, with school approaching and having just taken office, much of her work required going back and forth to the university for confirmations and assistance. Most of the time, she no longer followed a set schedule.

For instance, today, August 16th, while browsing her private WeChat Moments, she discovered a post by Cha Yuxuan that featured her good friend, Yuan Chu. Judging by the attire, it looked like Yuan Chu was serving as a military training instructor for the freshmen. Yan Qingran’s immediate thought was: How can a troublemaker like her, who has more antics than actual ability, be an instructor?

And why did Su Meng appear in Cha Yuxuan’s Moments again? Did she not realize that standing between two tall, slender Alphas made her legs look short? Yan Qingran could not understand it.

After a moment of thought, she gave Yuan Chu a call. They had been friends for twelve years, after all.

The moment the call connected, Yuan Chu’s familiar voice boomed out. “How did you know I was released?”

Yan Qingran’s lips curled up. “I just found out.”

Yuan Chu laughed. “Why are you calling me?”

Yan Qingran replied, “Inviting you to dinner tonight.”

Yuan Chu agreed readily. “Sure, but I am currently at Q University as a military instructor for the freshmen, so my schedule might be a bit tight. Let’s meet somewhere near the school.”

Yan Qingran said, “Mhm. I will wait for you at the Southeast Gate at five-thirty.”

Yuan Chu replied, “OK, OK. See you tonight.”

The sun slowly dipped toward the west. When Yan Qingran looked up from her book, it was nearly five o’clock. She rubbed her slightly aching eyes, stood up, and looked out the window. High-rise buildings stood tall, traffic flowed like water, and pedestrians bustled about; the University Town was a picture of prosperity.

She tidied herself up a bit and headed out at five-ten, stepping into the afterglow of the sunset.

Unlike the quiet and cozy life here, Cha Yuxuan, who had just finished an intense day of military training and was utterly exhausted, was being dragged toward the dormitory by Yuan Chu. “I’m giving you ten minutes to shower and change into your own casual clothes. I’ll wait for you downstairs in ten minutes. For every minute you’re late, you’ll run a penalty lap tonight.”

Cha “Completely Dazed” Yuxuan: “Huh?”

Yuan Chu looked at her watch and gave a cold countdown. “Thirteen seconds have already passed. You have nine minutes and forty-seven seconds left.”

Without another word or time to ask why, Cha Yuxuan sprinted back to the dorm. The moment she disappeared inside, Yuan Chu immediately turned and headed back to her own quarters.

At five-thirty, Yuan Chu led a minimally dressed Cha Yuxuan out of the Southeast Gate, where they encountered a similarly minimally dressed Yan Qingran.

Yan Qingran had thought that since she was just eating with an old friend, casual clothes would be fine. Therefore, she had not changed and simply wore a white t-shirt, large shorts, and sneakers. However, she immediately spotted the pure and beautiful Cha Yuxuan and the tall Yuan Chu standing beside her.

Almost at the exact moment they were about to lock eyes, Yan Qingran spun around to turn her back to them. She stared at her toes, feeling relieved she hadn’t worn flip-flops. She raised a hand to tidy her hair, smoothed out every wrinkle on her clothes, and stared at her oversized shorts with a look of pure disdain for herself.

Cha Yuxuan wore a loose Japanese-style floral shirt, hot pants, and white sneakers. She looked around. “Instructor, where is your friend?” Yuan Chu had already told her on the way that they were having dinner with a friend.

“Right there.”

Yuan Chu pointed at a silhouette. In the entire area, this back was the one that looked most like Yan Qingran. However, it was a bit puzzling to her why Yan Qingran was facing away from the gate.

As the two walked closer, the aura of “do not approach” radiating from the person became palpable. Cha Yuxuan stared at the back, finding it strangely familiar. She offhandedly remarked, “That back looks a lot like a super beautiful Senior from our college.”

Hearing this, Yan Qingran’s carefully composed expression stiffened: Yes, it’s me.

“Oh, really? My friend is indeed quite handsome. I wonder if it’s the one you’re talking about?” Yuan Chu stepped forward and patted the “beautiful Senior” on the shoulder, hooking an arm around her neck. “Did you miss me?”

Yan Qingran brushed her hand away, feigning disgust. “Don’t get so close.”

“That means you did miss me.” Yuan Chu opened her arms and gave Yan Qingran a big hug.

Cha Yuxuan watched this scene, dumbfounded. It really was Senior Yan.

“Come, let me introduce you. This is the monitor of the class I’m leading. I tricked her into running over ten laps today, so I’m bringing her tonight to sponge off your meal as compensation.” Yuan Chu pulled Cha Yuxuan to stand in front of Yan Qingran. “Come to think of it, I specifically picked a girl from your Architecture Department. I wonder if you two know each other?”

Yan Qingran stared at her, remaining silent.

Cha Yuxuan gave a polite smile. “We actually know each other. What a coincidence, Senior.”

Yan Qingran stared at her again. “Mhm.”

“You really know each other? That’s for the best. I was worried this little sister would be too shy.” Yuan Chu’s gaze shifted between the two. “Shall we go then?”

Yan Qingran nodded and took the lead. “What do you want to eat?”

“How about barbecue? I haven’t had it in ages.” Yuan Chu had been craving it for a long time, but being in the military meant she rarely had the chance.

Yan Qingran turned her gaze to Cha Yuxuan. “What about you, Cos?”

“Ah?” Cha Yuxuan was startled to hear Yan Qingran use her nickname, but she quickly reacted. “I’m fine with anything.”

After a bit of thought, Yan Qingran made the decision. “Let’s go for barbecue then.”

Yuan Chu was as happy as a child. “Fantastic! I want a plate of chicken skin, a plate of gristle, and a plate of pork belly!”

Cha Yuxuan and Yan Qingran simultaneously shared a helpless smile. Yan Qingran looked at the two of them. “Eat as much as you want. It’s on me.”

“Don’t worry, it’ll only cost you a few hundred yuan at most.” Yuan Chu patted Cha Yuxuan’s shoulder. “Eat more; you have to dance tonight.”

Dance? Yan Qingran turned her head to stare at Cha Yuxuan, as if trying to read something from her expression.

As soon as dancing was mentioned, Cha Yuxuan’s smile faded. She had learned some dances, but most were boy group or girl group dances that weren’t quite suitable for her classmates. Besides, without music, a partner, or a costume, a solo dance wouldn’t look good at all.

Thinking it over, she decided to try to stop it at the source. “Instructor, can you let me off the hook?”

Yuan Chu waved her hand. “No can do. I already promised everyone. Besides, I’ll definitely ask others to perform too; you won’t be the only one. You just need to take the lead for them.”

“But instructor…” Cha Yuxuan tried to reason with Yuan Chu for several rounds, but she ultimately lost the argument. She let out a quiet sigh and comforted herself: Whatever, it’ll be pitch black; they won’t be able to see clearly anyway.

Is it just dancing? Is it that difficult? Yan Qingran had also been sent to learn dance for a period when she was a child, but she felt it didn’t suit her and stopped going. “If you’re just missing a partner, maybe I can help you.”

“Really?” Cha Yuxuan stared at her with wide, sparkling eyes. “What do you know?”

Yan Qingran cleared her throat. Facing those wide eyes full of longing, she said with great embarrassment, “I learned a little before, but I’ve mostly forgotten it all now.”

Cha Yuxuan blinked her sparkling eyes. “It doesn’t matter! I thought of a ‘couple song.’ You’ll take the male role. There aren’t many moves; just follow my lead.”

A couple song? Yan Qingran’s thoughts inadvertently drifted. What kind of couple song would two Alphas dance to? She stared at Cha Yuxuan for a moment but still agreed. “Mhm.”

Cha Yuxuan raised her hands, bent her knees slightly, tilted her head, and formed a heart over her head. “Thank you, Senior!”

Yan Qingran cleared her throat. “You’re welcome.”

Yuan Chu looked at Yan Qingran suspiciously several times. “Since when did you become so helpful?”

Yan Qingran raised an eyebrow, her gaze sending a threatening signal. “I have always been like this.”

Yuan Chu narrowed her eyes and played along. “Ah, right. My memory is getting bad in my old age.”

What a strange conversation, Cha Yuxuan thought, scratching her head in confusion.

When they reached the barbecue shop, the sky was not yet dark, though the sun had just set. Yan Qingran picked a table near the ventilation so the smell of the barbecue wouldn’t be too strong. Cha Yuxuan and Yuan Chu sat opposite her.

The waiter brought the menu and asked if they wanted to grill it themselves or order from the kitchen. Considering the time, Yan Qingran opted for the latter and handed the menu to the other two.

Once they finished ordering, Cha Yuxuan asked, “Senior, I forgot to ask, how did you know my nickname is Cos?”

“Cos?” Yan Qingran licked her lips instinctively; she was a bit thirsty. “I heard your roommates calling you that last time. I thought it sounded quite friendly and didn’t feel distant, so I started calling you that too.”

“Oh, that’s nice.” Cha Yuxuan’s eyes crinkled into a bright smile. “You can call me that from now on.”

Yan Qingran unconsciously let the corner of her mouth curve up.

Hearing their conversation, Yuan Chu muttered, “Cos? Cosine?”

Cha Yuxuan nodded. “Mhm. It comes from the homophones for ‘Yuxuan.’ Since the mathematical symbol for cosine is ‘cos,’ everyone just calls me Cos.”

“Oh!” Yuan Chu began to bob her head and rap. “Cos, cos, cos…” Every note turned through eighteen different tones, making Cha Yuxuan cover her mouth and giggle. When she finished, she added, “You know, it actually sounds really good.”

Yan Qingran took a sip of tea and stared at her blankly. Yuan Chu immediately fell silent: I’m shutting up now.

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