The distance between Gangcheng and Jianye is about 350 kilometers. In 2002, the bus journey took around five hours. Chen Hansheng actually wanted to take a nap, but Wang Zibo, who was going to university for the first time, was extremely excited.
As soon as the bus started, he couldn't stop talking.
"Chen, I heard that college girls are much prettier than high - school girls."
"Once you go to college and broaden your horizons, your temperament will naturally improve."
"Chen, is college coursework very easy? Is the study pressure less than in high school?"
"College advocates independent learning. In high school, there's the task of the college entrance examination, so the learning models are different."
"Chen, how long will it take to get to Jianye?"
Chen Hansheng opened his eyes helplessly. "We haven't even gotten on the highway yet. Can't you shut up and take a nap?"
"I want to, but I can't fall asleep," Wang Zibo said with a pitiful look. "I should have let my mom come with me. It was you who persuaded me not to have my parents accompany me."
Chen Hansheng turned his head, not wanting to pay attention to Wang Zibo. But as soon as he quieted down for a while, he started up again. "Chen, look outside."
"What's up now?"
"I saw Xiao Rongyu."
Chen Hansheng was taken aback. "Where is she?"
"You get energetic when it comes to Xiao Rongyu," Wang Zibo said resentfully.
A Santana with a flat tire was parked next to the toll station. The tall girl was Xiao Rongyu, and the other person was the middle - aged policeman he had seen in the baozi shop that morning.
"It seems their car broke down," Wang Zibo said.
"Yeah," Chen Hansheng nodded. Xiao Rongyu would probably have to wait until September 2nd to report to school.
Xiao Rongyu looked a bit helpless under the sun, and Chen Hansheng could only shrug his shoulders, indicating that there was nothing he could do. Besides, he didn't really want to greet her. He had flirted with Xiao Rongyu that day and almost got caught. Their parents probably knew each other, and it would be rather awkward to meet.
However, despite all his calculations, he didn't expect that the bus driver was a "simp". He took the initiative to stop the bus beside them and asked with a beaming smile, "Captain Xiao, what happened?"
Xiao Rongyu's father took a look, wiped the sweat from his face, and said, "The car broke down. I was about to send my child to university." While cursing the driver in his heart, Chen Hansheng tried to hide his body. But unexpectedly, Wang Zibo, who was sitting by the window, took the initiative to shout, "Good morning, Uncle Xiao."
"D*mn, another simp," Chen Hansheng thought. Since he couldn't hide anymore, he could only force a smile and follow suit, "Good morning, Uncle Xiao."
Uncle Xiao didn't know Wang Zibo, but he had a deep impression of Chen Hansheng. He actually replied, "Your name is Hansheng, right? I met your father at the district government a few days ago."
Xiao Rongyu glared at Chen Hansheng. At this moment, Chen Hansheng was just hoping that the bus would leave quickly. But the driver then invited, "Captain Xiao, why don't you let your daughter take my bus? After all, we're all going to Jianye."
Uncle Xiao frowned. His main purpose was to send his daughter to school. It was the first time for a girl to travel far away, and she had a lot of luggage. Just then, a shiny Crown car slowly drove up, and a chubby man with slicked - back hair shouted, "Brother Xiao, what's going on? Did your car break down?"
A familiar figure also got out of the passenger seat. It was Gao Jialiang.
These days were the reporting days for prospective college students. Jianye had the most universities in East Jiangsu Province, so it was normal to run into each other on the road by chance.
Gao Jialiang pretended to circle the broken - down Santana and then looked up at Chen Hansheng and Wang Zibo on the bus. He said reproachfully, "You two really should have offered. We're all classmates and going to study in Jianye. You could have just come with us in our car."
"The bus is crowded, and the air is not good. Remember to let me know in advance when you travel to and from Jianye in the future."
After showing off a bit, Gao Jialiang revealed his true purpose. "Uncle Xiao, Rongyu and I were high - school classmates. I got admitted to Jianye University of Aeronautics and Astronautics this year. Why don't you let her come with me? I promise to deliver her safely."
Xiao Rongyu's father and Gao Jialiang's father actually knew each other. Gangcheng was a small place, and they were all well - known figures.
However, the more so, the more hesitant Uncle Xiao became. He was a policeman, while Gao Jialiang's father was a real - estate developer. There were many negative rumors about real - estate developers, so Uncle Xiao didn't really want to get involved.
On the contrary, Chen Zhaojun's character and qualities were highly trustworthy. Although his son Chen Hansheng seemed a bit unruly, their family background was well - known.
"Do you want to take the bus or Mr. Gao's car?" Uncle Xiao wanted to hear his daughter's opinion.
"Rongyu..." Gao Jialiang's tone was almost pleading. Chen Hansheng, on the contrary, turned his head, trying to distance himself.
"I want to take the bus!"
Seeing Chen Hansheng's current attitude and remembering his warm and cheerful demeanor in the past, Xiao Rongyu said赌气ly.
"Sigh," Chen Hansheng sighed inwardly and said to Wang Zibo, "There are no other empty seats on the bus. You sit in the front later."
That was the seat next to the driver. But due to the angle, it would be exposed to the sun.
Wang Zibo wasn't stupid and of course refused. "I'm not going!"
"Good job," Chen Hansheng said readily. "When Xiao Rongyu gets on the bus, let her sit there." Wang Zibo was taken aback. Uncle Xiao was still standing outside the bus, and was he really going to let the "Goddess Little Yu'er" expose her fair skin to the sun?
"Why don't you go and sit there?" Wang Zibo finally reacted.
"I'm photosensitive. I feel like vomiting when I'm exposed to the sun," Chen Hansheng said with a grin.
At this time, Xiao Rongyu had already boarded the bus. Chen Hansheng didn't even intend to move. Wang Zibo was too shy - faced. After hesitating for a while, he finally picked up his luggage and stood up, muttering under his breath, "D*mn you, Chen Hansheng. You only know how to order me around!"
Wang Zibo gave up his seat, which was sort of "fulfilling" Chen Hansheng and Xiao Rongyu. Chen Hansheng got off the bus to help carry the luggage. Uncle Xiao was still a bit worried. "Xiao Chen, Xiaoyu said your school is right opposite. Remember to take good care of her on the way."
"Don't worry, Uncle Xiao. I'll definitely take good care of our Rongyu," Chen Hansheng deliberately provoked him.
Uncle Xiao's eyelids twitched, suddenly regretting his decision.
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The bus finally started again. The difference was that next to Chen Hansheng, the "dark, burly, and thick - set" Wang Zibo was replaced by the charming Xiao Rongyu.
Chen Hansheng couldn't bear to let his friend be exposed to the sun all the time. When the ticket seller came around to collect the fares, Chen Hansheng pointed at Wang Zibo in the front and said, "Miss, can you get him a sunshade?"
The ticket seller was a middle - aged woman going through menopause. She looked up blankly and said expressionlessly, "Got it."
"Thank you, miss," Chen Hansheng said politely. Then, smelling the pleasant fragrance of the girl beside him, he turned his head and saw Xiao Rongyu staring at him. Her long eyelashes fluttered like two fans, and her beautiful eyes were bright and lively.
"Why did you talk nonsense that morning?" Xiao Rongyu started with a question.
"What nonsense? I don't remember," Chen Hansheng yawned. "I've been working in the countryside these days, and I got up early today. I'm going to take a nap now."
Xiao Rongyu originally thought Chen Hansheng was just evading, but after a while, she really heard the sound of snoring.
She was stunned, probably not expecting that a boy could actually fall asleep sitting next to her.
"He's such a jerk," Xiao Rongyu thought, feeling her gums itch. She really wanted to pinch Chen Hansheng's sleeping face hard.
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