When a "Sea King" is Bound to a System [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 35.2

“Yan Yan, stop looking for Qinghan Chu. It’s clear she doesn’t want to see you. Forcing yourself on her will only embarrass you.”

An arrow struck Yan’s heart. She felt a little breathless.

Yuzhi’s words were blunt, but they held truth. Her unilateral persistence was likely becoming a burden for Qinghan, which was why she was avoiding her.

Thinking about it, it made sense. If someone she didn’t like clung to her, she would probably be even more heartless than Qinghan. The fact that Qinghan hadn’t told her to get lost was already quite merciful.

It happened to be the weekend, so Yan was sprawled out on her bed for two days. On Monday, she was informed that the school was having a spring break on Wednesday, and the Business School was organizing a spring outing for the freshmen. She happened to be assigned to Qinghan’s group.

She had wanted to switch with Fanyi, but Fanyi was grouped with her crush and absolutely refused. Yuzhi used some means to switch into the same group as her, leaving Yan completely out of options.

Early Wednesday morning, Yuzhi was fully dressed and urging Yan to get up.

“Sweetheart, hurry up and get up. Everyone is already gathered in front of the academic building.”

Yan huddled under the covers, listlessly saying, “Can’t I just not go? Help me ask for leave, say I have a cold and can’t get up.”

She hadn’t figured out how to face Qinghan and didn’t want to be an eyesore in front of her.

“Hurry up and get up, or I’ll lift your quilt.” Yuzhi made a gesture to pull Yan’s quilt. Yan begged for mercy and reluctantly got out of bed.

Yuzhi was satisfied and obediently sat on a chair, waiting for Yan.

Yan had fair skin and clear, bright features, so she skipped makeup. She was ready in just ten minutes.

“We’re going hiking today. Aren’t you going to put on any sunscreen?” Yuzhi reminded her.

Yan threw her long ponytail behind her and slung her small backpack on, “No need. I’ll naturally get fair again even if I tan.”

Yuzhi hissed, then handed her own backpack to Yan, “You’re so humble-bragging. You’ve hurt my delicate little heart, so carry my bag as compensation.”

Yan sighed helplessly and swapped backpacks with her.

She was too lazy to argue. Yuzhi would always have an excuse anyway.

The crowd had mostly gathered in front of the academic building. Thankfully, they weren’t the last to arrive.

Fanyi stood in a nearby line, looking very excited, occasionally giving Yan a knowing wink.

Qinghan and Jing Fu led one team. Their team had the fewest members, only seven, including themselves.

Yan and Yuzhi stood at the back of the line. Yuzhi was subtly hooking her hand into Yan’s arm.

Yan simply put her hands in her pockets, becoming an unfeeling backpack-carrying tool.

“Why won’t you let me hold your hand?” Yuzhi complained.

Yan took a piece of chocolate from her pocket and gave it to her, “Lower your voice. Everyone is looking at you.”

Yuzhi popped the chocolate into her mouth and was satisfied. “That’s better.”

Qinghan said in a low voice, “Students at the back, please be quiet and listen to the rules carefully, or you might get hurt.”

Yuzhi pouted, linked arms with Yan, and pretended to listen seriously.

Qinghan averted her gaze, her expression even colder than before.

Yan lowered her head, forcing herself not to look at her. Since she had decided not to bother her anymore, she had to be firm with herself. It would get easier with time.

After nearly half an hour of rules being explained, the teams finally started to move. Each team got to choose their own mode of transport.

They were free to choose any vehicle as long as they could successfully reach Qinglu Mountain.

Most teams chose the bus, which was economical and practical. Qinghan’s group, however, was peculiar. They lingered at the back of the line and did not set off.

Yan was hoping they would just disband and she could go back to sleep. But fate did not grant her wish. Fifteen minutes later, a flashy motorcade drove into the A University campus and stopped in front of the academic building.

Jing Fu stepped out of a red Ferrari and looked at Qinglu Mountain.

“Is it a bit high? Do you guys want to hike? If not, we can take the cable car up.”

Qinghan glanced at her expressionlessly and said, “You take it yourself.”

Jing quickly smiled, “I wouldn’t dare. If the President reported me to the college, I’d be in serious trouble.”

The teachers couldn’t do much to her, but the President could. After all, the President’s surname was Fu.

The teams that had left earlier were already starting to walk up the mountain. Jing leaned against the car, smoking lazily.

Qinghan registered their names and was the first to start walking up the mountain.

She was wearing a white T-shirt and cropped jeans, exposing her slender ankles. She wore a simple outfit that still managed to look distinctively stylish.

Yan resignedly acted as Yuzhi’s heavy labor, not only carrying her heavy backpack but also having to encourage this spoiled young woman.

“Yan Yan, let’s take a break. I can’t walk anymore.”

Yan looked at the main group that had already walked far ahead and sighed silently.

Two minutes of walking, half an hour of rest. Classic you, Miss Xia!

“Why didn’t you just ask for leave? I don’t think anyone would question you saying you can’t climb a mountain.”

Yuzhi puffed up her cheeks and pouted, “Do you think I’m holding you back?”

That wasn’t the point, but Yan was an impatient person and didn’t like this constant dawdling.

“Alright, this is the last break. Let’s catch up to them in one push. If you need to rest again, I won’t wait for you.”

Yuzhi immediately beamed, shaking Yan’s arm back and forth, “I knew you were the best! Kiss”

Yan was expressionless: “That’s not necessary.”

Qinghan had been walking ahead. She looked back and saw that the two had disappeared. She had let the other three students walk ahead and was walking back down to look for them when she saw this scene.

Standing on the steep trail, Qinghan felt an indescribable emotion in her heart. The sight was so jarring that she wanted to run away.

“When you’re done flirting, follow along. You can rest again when you reach the mountainside.”

Yan heard her cold voice and reflexively brushed Yuzhi’s hand off, moving a little to the side, giving a forced denial.

“Um, I was just accompanying her while she rested.” I wasn’t flirting…

The second half of the sentence was suppressed in her throat, dissolving into a bitter smile.

Why explain? She wouldn’t listen anyway.

“Got it, Senior. We’ll flirt a little more and then set off. We’ll catch up to you very soon.”

Qinghan walked forward without looking back. Yan resisted the urge to run after her and explain. She put the backpack back on and said to Yuzhi, “Let’s go.”

Yuzhi stuck out her tongue and sensibly followed. They caught up with the main group at the pavilion halfway up the mountain.

Qinghan declined the kind offers of the three students and stood alone in the shade of a tree, no one daring to approach her.

Yan stood not far away, glanced at her, then lowered her eyes, staring blankly at the petals on the ground.

Ultimately, she was still within reach but unattainable.

“Do you want to go talk to Senior Qinghan?” Yuzhi leaned over and offered her a bottle of mineral water.

Yan took the water, unscrewed the cap, and handed it back to Yuzhi, “No.”

Yuzhi was taken aback, then burst out laughing, “You’re too cute! I’m not a girl who can’t open a bottle cap.”

But she still accepted the opened mineral water and took a new bottle for Yan.

Her laughter attracted the attention of many people, including Qinghan.

She walked over and said to Yuzhi, “Come here. I have something to say to you.”

Yuzhi smiled mysteriously, “Senior, are you sure you’re looking for me?”

“It’s you,” Qinghan said coolly, glancing at Yan next to her.

Yuzhi winked at Yan, her voice sounding ethereal, “Wait for me, I’ll be right back.”

Qinghan’s eyes darkened, and she kept walking toward the spot where she had been standing earlier.

Yan strained her ears, trying to hear what they were saying, but the distance was too great, and she was helpless.

Qinghan had her back to Yan, so she couldn’t see her expression. Yuzhi, on the other hand, was unusually cold-faced, a stark contrast to her usual gentle and pure demeanor.

Yan had a hunch that there was something fishy going on between the two, but she couldn’t figure out the issue just yet.

Yuzhi had never mentioned Qinghan in front of Yan or Fanyi. The two of them didn’t look like they were familiar, either.

Was Qinghan talking to her because she had been delaying the group’s progress?

Qinghan’s face was solemn, her voice colder than before, “If you approached Yan Jiang because you wanted to compete with me, then stop thinking about her. I don’t like her.”

Yuzhi laughed, her voice echoing in the mountains like a silver bell, “Sister, what you’re saying is too hurtful. If Yan Jiang knew you were so heartless, she would probably cry.”

“And if she finds out you’re deceiving her feelings now, she won’t be hurt?” Qinghan’s face grew colder, her voice carrying shards of ice.

Yuzhi leaned in, staring into her eyes, “Sister, didn’t you say you don’t like Yan Jiang? What right do you have to ask me to leave now? Besides, how do you know I don’t like her?”

Qinghan’s eyes dimmed. She moved her lips but said nothing.

After learning of Yuzhi’s ulterior motives, she worried that Yan would be deceived. Now, hearing Yuzhi say this, her mood worsened.

Were they two lovers, and was she the villain trying to break them up?

“If there’s nothing else, I’m leaving. Yan Yan is waiting for me.”

Yuzhi bypassed Qinghan, looked up, saw Yan, and gave her a sweet smile.

Yan wished she could see Qinghan’s expression, but Qinghan never turned around, remaining with her back to everyone, leaving behind a solitary, arrogant silhouette.

“What did the Senior say to you?”

“Want to know? Kiss me, and I’ll tell you.”

Yuzhi pointed to her cheek, her eyes revealing a mischievous glint.

Yan turned around and sat on a rock. I shouldn’t have asked her. It was a waste of breath.

Ten minutes later, they set off again. Yuzhi was much quieter. She didn’t complain about being tired or sore and made it to the mountaintop.

Qinglu Mountain was a famous tourist spot. There were fewer people on weekdays than on holidays, but there were still many. The group’s large numbers attracted the attention of tourists.

Yuzhi was utterly exhausted and sat on the ground, pounding her legs. “This is a life-first experience. I’m so tired. I feel like I’m about to pass out.”

Yan put her backpack at her feet and offered her a towel. “Wipe your face. Your makeup is ruined. I don’t know what the point of spending an hour to put it on this morning was.”

Yuzhi glared at her and retorted, “This is sunscreen! Only a crazy person wouldn’t put on sunscreen in such bright sunlight. Do you think everyone is like you, who doesn’t tan?”

Her tone was incredibly bitter.

Qinghan glanced over at them. Realizing what she was doing, she quickly averted her gaze, pretending to admire the scenery.

She had been acting strangely recently. Not only was she constantly thinking about Yan, but she couldn’t control her eyes, always wanting to know what Yan was doing, and if she was really getting together with Yuzhi.

Could it be true, as Jing Fu said, that she liked Yan but was unaware of it?

No, impossible. How could that be? Yan was a ‘Player,’ and now she was getting cozy with Yuzhi. Was that kind of person worthy of her affection?

She shook her head, giving a self-deprecating smile.

A girl from another team approached her, offering her a bottle of drink, her eyes full of anticipation, “Hello, Senior. My name is Yue Lin. I’m in the Industrial Management class, one year below you.”

Qinghan had a slight impression of her, mainly because this girl had performed a beautiful folk dance during the military training and had joined a subordinate department of the Student Union. She could be seen at almost every event.

“Yue Lin, I remember you. You’re in the Publicity Department, right?”

Yue was immediately delighted and nodded vigorously, “Yes, Senior! I can’t believe you remember me!”

Qinghan smiled faintly, saying nothing more.

Having a good memory was also a source of annoyance for her. Recently, she kept recalling her first meeting with Yan, and all her transparent, clumsy tricks—clearly waiting for her, yet claiming it was a coincidence.

She had never exposed her, wanting to see how far Yan would go. She never expected her to persist for so long. If it hadn’t been for her sudden confession, perhaps Yan would still be following her, calling out “Senior.”

Lost in thought, she felt a little disappointed. Qinghan’s gaze drifted back to Yan, coincidentally meeting her eyes. Their gazes locked.

Yan saw Yue Lin standing next to Qinghan, and her eyes darkened.

Another person like her, who has an ulterior motive for the Senior. But she can stand next to the Senior, and I can’t.

Jealousy makes one unrecognizable.

There were hot springs, guesthouses, restaurants, and even a small amusement park on the mountaintop. The students, ensuring their own safety, dispersed to enjoy themselves. Yuzhi dragged Yan into a guesthouse.

“I’m completely exhausted. Let’s rest for a bit.”

Yan dropped the “Miss” off at the room and wanted to go out for some air. As soon as she stepped out, she ran into Fanyi Meng. Tears were streaming down her face. She immediately latched onto Yan’s arm and burst into tears.

“Wuwuwu, Yan Yan, my crush doesn’t like me.”

Yan sighed and comforted her, “It’s okay, it’s okay. That guy clearly isn’t reliable. He’s disgustingly greasy. You dodged a bullet, which is great.”

“I don’t mind that he doesn’t like me, but why did he have to tell me all my shortcomings right to my face? I know I’m not as good as Senior Qinghan, but he shouldn’t have attacked me like that.”

“What?” Yan had a bad feeling.

Fanyi wiped her tears with Yan’s sleeve and sniffled, “He went to confess to Senior Qinghan and said he absolutely had to win her over today.”

Yan abandoned Fanyi and ran off. She had to stop that greasy man from approaching Qinghan.

Even if Qinghan didn’t like her, she shouldn’t get involved with that kind of flashy, superficial person.

Fanyi cried even harder but didn’t forget to report the location to Yan, “The Senior was asked to meet near the amusement park. You’re going the wrong way.”

Yan adjusted her direction and shouted, “Sweetheart, thank you! Go find Yuzhi for comfort first.”

In the amusement park, Qinghan was unfazed by the heart shape made of scattered petals on the ground. She just wanted to leave quickly.

Zhou Xing stood opposite Qinghan, holding a bouquet of flowers, self-assuredly blocking her way.

“Qinghan, you know I’ve always liked you. Can you give me a chance to take care of you?”

Qinghan said coldly, “I don’t need anyone to take care of me.”

The onlookers were stunned, and some had already covered their eyes.

They knew the Senior was cool, but they didn’t expect her to be this cool, ruthless and unforgiving. We love it, we love it.

Zhou’s face reddened with embarrassment. He shoved the flowers into Qinghan’s arms, smiling greasily.

“Qinghan, we’ve been classmates for so many years. I understand you. There aren’t many people in this school worthy of you, and I happen to be one of them. The time, the place, and the people are all perfect today. It would be a disservice to the juniors and seniors here who are blessing us if we didn’t get together.”

Qinghan didn’t take his flowers. The bouquet dropped to the ground, distorting the heart shape that had been arranged earlier.

“Get out of the way. A good dog doesn’t block the road.”

The onlookers booed. Zhou lost all pretense of composure. He grabbed Qinghan’s arm and hissed, “Don’t refuse my offer only to be forced! It’s your fortune that I’d even look at you! Who are you trying to put on this pure facade for?!”

Yan ran over and arrived just in time to see this scene. She was instantly overcome with surging anger. She forcefully shoved Zhou away and shielded Qinghan behind her.

“She told you she doesn’t like you! Are you deaf?! Can’t you hear?!”

Zhou saw her and sneered, “Oh, look who it is. If it isn’t Yao Jiang’s sister. What, did your brother fail to get Qinghan, so he sent you instead?”