These two quickly became acquainted in less than a moment. Xiao Zihan chatted with Yu Zeming while enjoying the scenery of Pinggang.
The car drove on the main road of Pinggang City, with rows of buildings passing by. The floors in Pinggang were not very high, but they were neat and almost uniform in height. The design was unique, giving a sense of novelty. The streets of Pinggang were surprisingly clean, and it was difficult to see any debris from the car. It was much cleaner and tidier than Changliao. Perhaps that's one reason why the exchange event was held in Pinggang. Moreover, Pinggang is said to have many scenic spots, making it suitable for tourism.
After about twenty minutes in the car, they arrived at Dianheng University.
Even before getting off, they could already hear the bustling noise. Xiao Zihan stopped chatting with Yu Zeming, looked outside the car, and wow, the welcoming scene was quite grand.
From the school gate to a hundred meters away, students stood neatly with banners welcoming them. These students all had smiles on their faces and looked attractive, likely carefully selected.
The school leaders were crowded at the entrance, warmly shaking hands with every teacher getting off the car. Judging by the number of school leaders, it was evident that just the handshakes would take several minutes.
As expected, Xiao Zihan and Yu Zeming entered the campus about ten minutes later. Dianheng University's campus was vast, with well-arranged flowers, trees, making it both spacious and beautiful.
Looking at the potted plants placed in the campus to welcome them, Xiao Zihan said with interest, "Zeming, how does the environment here compare to your Jitong University?"
Yu Zeming thought for a moment and replied, "Not bad, it's very elegant here, while our place is more solemn. Each has its own charm. But a change of environment always brings joy; I think spending two months here shouldn't be uncomfortable."
Xiao Zihan nodded in agreement.
After completing the formalities, they learned that the visiting teachers would stay here. The dormitories were assigned to senior students, who had few classes—some were working or going home, and a small number were preparing for postgraduate studies. So, the dorms of senior students were occupied.
Looking at each other, Xiao Zihan found it amusing, especially for him, who had never been to school. Although he had experience as a private tutor, experiencing university life was something he looked forward to.
As they came together, they were assigned to the same dormitory. After receiving the keys, they headed towards the 12th dormitory building.
Their dormitory number was 505, on the fifth floor.
Upon opening the door, they found the accommodation conditions were quite good. It was a six-person dorm, spacious, with bunk beds, wardrobes, desks, bookshelves, and even a balcony for drying clothes. Xiao Zihan was satisfied with such an environment.
Xiao Zihan came empty-handed, with nothing to arrange, while Yu Zeming only had a briefcase with him.
After a simple arrangement, Yu Zeming opened the briefcase and took out a laptop. (Note: At this time, personal computers were just starting to develop, and few people owned desktop computers, let alone laptops.)
Xiao Zihan had no childhood or adolescence, never been to places like "Internet cafes" to use a computer, so his mastery of computers was close to zero.
Yu Zeming was a very enthusiastic person. He remembered that Xiao Zihan had asked him to teach him about computers, so he took this opportunity to teach Xiao Zihan the basics.
In this way, with one teaching earnestly and the other learning hard, in just an hour, Xiao Zihan learned the basics. This impressed Yu Zeming, who was exceptionally skilled with computers.
Gradually, it was past noon.
They were about to go out for lunch when the door suddenly banged open. A person in an old-fashioned, earthy jacket stood outside, carrying two large boxes. Seeing people inside, he shouted, "Comrade, come and help me."
This person had a square face, big eyes, thick lips, and exuded a strong rural atmosphere. Xiao Zihan could determine that he came from the western region. The accent further confirmed it.
Xiao Zihan stood up, walked a few steps, and reached out his hands to the two large boxes.
"Take one; I can handle the other. Thank you, comrade."
Xiao Zihan frowned upon being addressed as "comrade" repeatedly by this person who seemed to be under thirty. It sounded uncomfortable, as if he were being called old.
He weighed the boxes in his hands; they were quite heavy. Although he could carry them easily, it might not be the same for others.
"Wow, comrade, you've got strong hands. What do you teach?"
"Physical education."
"Oh, I teach philosophy."
Xiao Zihan felt the conversation was quite boring and quickly suggested going for lunch. However, this person stopped him, introduced himself, and chatted enthusiastically with Yu Zeming for a while.
Xiao Zihan only knew that this person was named Hu Weimin, and the rest of the information went in one ear and out the other. Yes, and this person was twenty-six years old.
Xiao Zihan wanted to invite the two of them to eat outside, but Hu Weimin declined. He insisted on eating in the school cafeteria, stating that extravagance and waste violated the traditional thrifty and simple style of the New China, which was firmly unacceptable. He pulled the two of them down the stairs and headed straight to the cafeteria.
Xiao Zihan and Yu Zeming exchanged helpless glances, resigned to going to the cafeteria.
At this moment, it was lunchtime for the students, and almost all the four-person tables in the cafeteria were occupied, with no empty seats.
"Xiao Ge, look at the northeast corner, there's a table empty. Let's go quickly."
Following Yu Zeming's words, Xiao Zihan looked in the direction of the northeast corner of the cafeteria and indeed saw a table with all four seats vacant. He pointed his finger to his forehead, realizing that this was simply unreasonable. In such a crowded cafeteria, how could there be a completely vacant table?
With doubts, Xiao Zihan followed Yu Zeming, and Hu Weimin walked over. In just a short ten meters, they almost collided with three students who were rushing to grab seats.
After placing the trays on the table, Xiao Zihan felt several gazes directed towards them.
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As they were about to start eating, the surroundings suddenly became more noisy.
"Everyone, pay attention, the beautiful teacher is here." "Today, I finally get to see her, she's so beautiful." "Brighten your eyes; let me show you what a stunning beauty is."
Hearing this, Xiao Zihan and the others couldn't help but put down their chopsticks.
Xiao Zihan took advantage of the situation, directly facing the beautiful teacher who was approaching.
When the teacher's appearance entered Xiao Zihan's eyes, he was shocked. She was truly beautiful.
A fair and crystal-clear melon seed face, eyes as clear and sparkling as a bright moon, a cute and straight nose, plump and charming lips, jade-like skin crystal-clear like water. Her black hair was casually draped over her delicate shoulders. Her chest was moderate, waist slender, and her legs were gracefully long. She looked like an elegant beauty from a painting. Although her attire was simple and plain, it couldn't hide her pure and holy temperament.
Compared to Yan Mei, one was a charming rose, and the other was a secluded orchid—both exquisite in their own way. It was truly a case of each having its own beauty.
Xiao Zihan, with his deep composure, had seen many beautiful women, so he quickly snapped out of the enchantment of her beauty. But others were still in awe, mouths agape. Even the rice in their trays could be used as congee.
Noticing that there was no one serving as a protector by the side of the beautiful teacher, Xiao Zihan couldn't help but feel curious. Was everyone restrained by her temperament, afraid to pursue her? This reason seemed a bit far-fetched.
Seeing that the dining table where the beautiful teacher usually ate was already occupied, she hesitated a bit but eventually sat down at the empty seat next to Xiao Zihan.
Immediately, a collective gasp echoed around, and Xiao Zihan was stared at by countless murderous gazes.
Feeling innocent, Xiao Zihan thought it had nothing to do with him. The beautiful teacher chose to sit next to him on her own.
Although Xiao Zihan was itching to strike up a conversation with this beauty, she exuded an air that made it difficult for him to approach. He was considering how to start when he looked at the meager portion of potatoes, cabbage, and a bit of rice in the teacher's tray. Xiao Zihan shook his head and said to the beautiful teacher, "Is this all you eat for each meal?"
Surprised, the beautiful teacher raised her head. She usually ate alone, and no one spoke to her. Although she was nominally a teacher, the school did not allow her to teach, only assigning her some logistical work. She had many friends before, but they all left her. She wanted to make friends, but every time someone spoke to her too much, they would avoid her afterward. All of this was because of her grandfather, who was overly protective of her.
"I, I can only eat this much," the beautiful teacher said softly.
"Oh," Xiao Zihan sighed after hearing this. He grabbed the delicate and tender hand of the beautiful teacher and pinched it, saying, "Look at you, so thin. You should eat more; how can this be enough? In the long run, your body won't be able to handle it. Eat more in the future, understand?"
There was a louder gasp around, and the surrounding sounds became more chaotic.
The beautiful teacher blushed instantly. Her delicate hand had never been touched by a strange man before. Her heart fluttered like a little deer, beating frantically.
"You, quickly let go; otherwise, I'll call for help." The beautiful teacher spoke like a mosquito, and there was a clear tremor in her voice, making it sound particularly soft. It melted anyone's heart who listened.
However, Xiao Zihan was indifferent. He said, "There are people all around. You can call anyone you like."
Seeing that Xiao Zihan showed no signs of letting go, the beautiful teacher began to struggle, twisting her delicate body, trying to retract her hand.
"Don't move. It's the modern age. Is there still a saying that men and women can't touch each other? I'm teaching you to take responsibility for your own body. If you keep eating so little, your body won't be able to handle it in the long run. Eat more from now on, understand?" Xiao Zihan's expression became serious.
Although Xiao Zihan was sometimes not serious, when he became serious, his imposing manner was absolutely frightening and extremely intimidating.
The beautiful teacher remained silent, but her eyes were already moist, and tears rolled in her eyes. The appearance of such a pitiful and moving expression on her angelic face would make anyone's heart ache.
The students around Xiao Zihan suddenly became excited and stood up. Even Yu Zeming and Hu Weimin next to Xiao Zihan looked at him with accusatory eyes.
However, Xiao Zihan feared no one. His sharp eyes swept around, and the students suddenly felt like they were being pricked by needles, all sitting down weakly.
Seeing that the beautiful teacher's eyes were already filled with tears, Xiao Zihan knew that he couldn't let her continue eating.
He stood up, pulled the beautiful teacher, and said, "Let's go; I'll take you for a walk outside."
Xiao Zihan led the beautiful teacher out of the cafeteria, accompanied by the "escort" of everyone's gaze. Once outside, he released the teacher's hand, reversing the imposing demeanor from earlier, and smiled, "Hehe, I apologize for the offense, please forgive me. How about this, I haven't had lunch either. I'll treat you to a restaurant."
The beautiful teacher gently wiped her eyes with the back of her delicate hand, clearing the glistening teardrops. As her fair hand touched her eyes, a noticeable warmth transferred to the back of her hand, and her jade-like face blushed. She hadn't expected Xiao Zihan to hold her hand so openly in front of everyone. In recent years, she had rarely been in such close contact with the opposite sex, making her feel shy. Thinking about how her small hand was held by Xiao Zihan's long and powerful hand, she felt a tingling sensation.
Xiao Zihan, looking at the blushing face of the delicate beauty across from him, was truly captivated, and his eyes couldn't help but stare blankly.
After calming her slightly unsettled emotions, the beautiful teacher intended to tell Xiao Zihan that she didn't need to go to a restaurant; skipping a meal wouldn't matter to her. However, seeing Xiao Zihan looking at her with a piercing gaze, she didn't have the courage to speak up. Perhaps Xiao Zihan's overbearing impression on her was too strong, causing an underlying fear.
Realizing that he might have been a bit too much, Xiao Zihan quickly coughed a few times, trying to adjust the atmosphere between them. He casually spoke, "Did you notice the rustic-looking guy sitting across from me just now?"
The beautiful teacher, upon hearing this, couldn't help but visualize Hu Weimin's appearance. Indeed, he seemed a bit rustic. She smiled and nodded.
Continuing, Xiao Zihan said, "I originally planned to eat some meat and vegetables for this meal, but this guy insisted that eating too much meat is not good, and it's a waste of money. He went on about how vegetables are nutritious and beneficial for health, immediately ruining my appetite."
Seeing the beautiful teacher's expression relaxing, Xiao Zihan changed the subject, "After all that, I still don't know your name. I am Xiao Zihan."
After waiting for a while without hearing the beautiful teacher speak, Xiao Zihan continued, "I've already told you my name, reciprocity is only reasonable. Out of politeness, you should also tell me your name."
"Liu Xinran," the beautiful teacher said in a soft voice.
"Liu Xinran, hmm, it really suits your otherworldly appearance. I wonder if I can call you Sister Xinran?" Xiao Zihan said with a mischievous tone.
Upon hearing this, Liu Xinran couldn't accept it. Such a way of addressing each other was too ambiguous. Thinking quickly, she said, "No, you can call me Xinran, just Xinran." However, she realized that this was even more ambiguous, but it was already said, and she couldn't retract her words.
Xiao Zihan secretly smiled. He knew that to attract someone as mild and indifferent as Liu Xinran, one had to play the rogue. For people like Yan Mei or Xiao He, you needed to exhibit the demeanor of a heroic man, making them admire and adore you. As for someone like Qin Fangyue, the icy beauty, you had to be even more rogueish. This was what people referred to as "opposites attract." You had to present a completely different character to make the person curious and unconsciously fall into your charm.
"Well, calling you Xinran is fine. But if you call me Xinran, and I call you Zihan, doesn't it sound like we're a couple? I don't mind, but I wonder how you feel about it. Imagine this—I accompany you to buy clothes, and the salesperson immediately brings out a set of couple outfits. I, handsome and unparalleled, and you, beautiful and ethereal, a match made in heaven. I bet if we go buy jewelry, the salesperson will promptly bring out a set of exquisite lover's rings. You get one, I get one. I'll hold your slender waist, and you'll embrace my arm, strolling in the wind, whispering in the woods. Imagine..."
Liu Xinran listened as Xiao Zihan deviated further from the topic, becoming more and more absurd, making her face flush and her heart race. What couple, what lover's rings, this person could say anything. Just now, he was frightening, and now he's turned into a rogue.
Seeing that Xiao Zihan continued in this manner, Liu Xinran wanted to say that she didn't need to go to the restaurant, that missing a meal was fine, as she was used to it. However, when she saw Xiao Zihan looking at her with such intense eyes, she couldn't muster the courage. Maybe Xiao Zihan's earlier impression on her was too intimidating, causing an internal fear.
Xiao Zihan realized that he had gone too far and quickly changed the topic, saying, "Well, it seems like calling you Xinran is the best. If you're not willing, then I'll make a little sacrifice and call you Ran'er. Well, calling oneself old is quite a sacrifice."
Liu Xinran lightly spat out, feeling shy and awkward. She gave Xiao Zihan a white glance, then turned around to leave. In her mind, people like Xiao Zihan would definitely catch up and pester her. However, after walking a few steps, she didn't hear any footsteps behind her. Turning around, she found that Xiao Zihan had disappeared.
She thought to herself that ignoring him was the best course of action. But for some reason, she felt a faint sense of loss. She really needed a friend to accompany her, to make her feel less lonely.
After solving lunch, Xiao Zihan didn't return to the dormitory. Instead, he called Xing Ao to find out that they had rented a large warehouse in the outskirts of Pinggang City. The location was said to be sparsely populated, making it an ideal training ground.
After getting the location details, Xiao Zihan hailed a taxi and rushed over. However, the place was quite remote, with a long stretch without paved roads. The taxi driver refused to go down the dirt road, so Xiao Zihan had to walk.
After walking for just two minutes, he saw a white van approaching from the opposite dirt road. Behind the wheel was Xing Ao, who had come to pick up Xiao Zihan.
Arriving at the location of the warehouse, Xiao Zihan couldn't help but praise Xing Ao's keen eyes. The warehouse faced north and south, covering an area of more than two hundred square meters. There were no houses around for several meters, making it an excellent location for training. Most importantly, behind the warehouse was a dense forest, an excellent training ground.
"Ao Ao, well done. You found such a good place in just one morning," Xiao Zihan exclaimed with joy.
"Boss, don't praise me. It's mostly thanks to Lei Dong. This guy used to live nearby, knew about this abandoned warehouse long ago. With him negotiating with the owner, we got it right away. Two months, rent three thousand," Xing Ao explained.
Xiao Zihan nodded, recalling Lei Dong's appearance in his mind. Broad face, hooked nose, fierce eyes; he looked quite fierce. Among the four, Xiao Zihan had the highest expectations for him. Therefore, he made Lei Dong the leader.
Walking towards the warehouse, Xiao Zihan could already hear the vigorous shouts of the four during their training. According to the training schedule he had set, they should be doing weighted squats at this time.
Pushing open the iron door of the warehouse, Xiao Zihan saw that the dim interior was filled with various training equipment. The four were shouldering heavy barbells, performing repeated squats. The weight of the barbell was one hundred and fifty kilograms.
Seeing Xiao Zihan arriving, the four only paused briefly, greeted him with a shout of "Brother Han," and continued with their squats. Only after completing the required number of repetitions did they put down the barbells and walk to Xiao Zihan, nodding in greeting.
Xiao Zihan responded and observed the four carefully.
Apart from Lei Dong, the breathing rhythm of the other three was completely chaotic, almost described as gasping for breath. Only Lei Dong, although breathing quickly, maintained a certain rhythm.
Xiao Zihan couldn't help but think that he had not mistaken Lei Dong. He had believed that this person was a material that could be molded from the beginning, and now he was even more certain. Especially the calm and steady temperament revealed between his eyebrows made Xiao Zihan believe that this person would become a powerful force for him in the future.
Before leaving, Xiao Zihan increased the target weight for weighted squats from the original one hundred and eighty kilograms to two hundred kilograms. He believed that Lei Dong would definitely lift this weight. Even if the other three couldn't reach this weight, they would train hard to prove themselves against Lei Dong, unleashing their full potential. By then, the overall combat effectiveness of the four would be greatly enhanced.