There's an old saying in the countryside: "A full pot of water makes no sound, but a half-full pot jingles loudly."
This describes people like Chen Qilian perfectly.
Having seen a bit of the world, he thinks he's above everyone else, a dragon among men. No matter who he's talking to, he's eager to express his opinions and insights.
He wants others to think he's profound, with superior knowledge, to feed his sense of superiority.
But people like him dread encountering those with real depth and substance.
In their eyes, his every word and action is a joke.
Jiang Beicheng wasn't exactly a person of profound substance, but his experiences and knowledge far surpassed Chen Qilian's.
Originally, Jiang Beicheng just didn't want to deal with Chen's incessant chatter. But Chen kept bragging about private matters between men and women.
One sentence from Jiang Beicheng shut him up.
Just now, on the helicopter, Chen Qilian knew that if he said one more word, his pretentious facade would be exposed, leading to unbearable embarrassment.
After getting off the helicopter, he immediately went to pester the guide, keeping his distance from Jiang Beicheng and the other two.
He was still afraid of being laughed at.
Ordinary girls like Li Xingying and student girls like Wu Keqing, with their limited experiences, were easily swayed. They were very curious about why Jiang Beicheng's single sentence silenced Chen Qilian.
Jiang Beicheng explained to them, "Chen Qilian can't stop talking about studying in Moscow and finding a beautiful Moscow girl as his girlfriend.
But in reality, Russian women wouldn't even give him a second glance.
Over there, women prioritize bloodlines. In their eyes, genetics are crucial.
Wealth comes second, and even then, most of them would rather marry Westerners.
There are two other types of women in Russia—'Second Hairs' and 'Third Hairs,' as we call mixed-race and Central Asian women, who have lower social status.
But even mixed-race women are urban white-collar workers, not easy to win over.
Chen Qilian probably doesn't have what it takes to date a 'Second Hair.'
So, his so-called girlfriend is likely a 'Third Hair.'
In Russia, especially in Moscow, the dirtiest, most exhausting jobs are done by 'Third Hairs.'
It's understandable that they'd be eager to marry someone from our side."
Wu Keqing suddenly got it, following Jiang Beicheng's logic. "He bragged so much, but it turns out he found a working-class girl in Moscow?"
Li Xingying chimed in with a laugh, "What if she's a factory girl?"
Jiang Beicheng nodded. "You could say that."
Li Xingying added, "I bet his claim of studying in Russia is fake too."
Jiang Beicheng said, "Not entirely. A one-year master's degree at Russia's Peoples' Friendship University costs around sixty or seventy thousand yuan.
If he can spend tens of thousands to travel to New Zealand, he can afford to gild himself with a degree abroad."
"A water degree!" Wu Keqing blurted out.
Her voice was a bit loud, and Chen Qilian overheard, glancing back at her.
"Such a low act," Wu Keqing said with disdain.
"Brother Jiang, how do you know so much?" she asked, leaning on her hiking pole and catching up to Jiang Beicheng, her face full of curiosity.
The greatest joy of traveling is meeting all kinds of people.
Among them, you're bound to encounter someone better than you.
After hearing Jiang Beicheng's explanation, Wu Keqing felt that this Brother Jiang was an exceptional young man.
"Dated a Moscow girl," Jiang Beicheng said.
"What?" Li Xingying reacted strongly. "How long ago was that?"
Last time he mentioned a Korean flight attendant, and now a Moscow girl. From Jiang Beicheng's tone, it was probably a pure Russian.
Just how many ex-girlfriends did he have?
Li Xingying suddenly felt a pang of sadness.
She and Jiang Beicheng had just gotten intimate last night, and today was the sweetest, most clingy phase. Her reaction to hearing this was normal and genuine.
Jiang Beicheng was always open and honest about women, never hiding anything.
He didn't think topics like ex-girlfriends or ex-boyfriends were off-limits.
He was straightforward about it.
Whether you cared or not was your own business.
"Back when I was studying in the UK," Jiang Beicheng answered Li Xingying truthfully.
"That's ages ago," Li Xingying thought, feeling a bit comforted.
Wu Keqing, meanwhile, found Brother Jiang's background even more intriguing.
"Brother Jiang, isn't it fate that two folks from the same hometown met in New Zealand, on the last helicopter ride to Mount Cook?" Wu Keqing said with a smile.
"The odds are pretty slim. If you want to call it fate, I suppose it counts," Jiang Beicheng replied with a laugh.
"No need to force it, Brother Jiang. If it's convenient, let's exchange contact info. When we're back in Jiangnan City, we can look out for each other."
As she spoke, Wu Keqing pulled out her phone, opened her WeChat QR code, and said with a flattering smile, "Mainly, Brother Jiang can look out for me."
This girl wasn't just outgoing—she had a bold Street smart, worldly vibe.
She was a lot like Jiang Beicheng in real life.
He'd known women like her—big-sister types, bold and straightforward, the kind who'd throw punches at the table and wouldn't leave until everyone was drunk.
Jiangnan City's culture and traditions had nurtured plenty of such spirited women.
"I think—" Li Xingying quickly caught up and said, "We just met and don't know each other well. Maybe…"
She didn't finish, but Wu Keqing got the hint.
Don't get too close.
"Is Sister Li guarding against me, or is there another meaning?" Wu Keqing was blunt. "Brother Jiang's so smart—does he think a little girl like me could scam him?
When Chen Qilian was bothering you guys earlier, I was the first to warn you to steer clear of him."
She tapped her chin. "Oh~ Could it be that Sister has a crush on Brother Jiang?"
Li Xingying's delicate arguments were no match for this bold, fiery girl.
Her face turned red—whether from embarrassment or anger, it was hard to tell.
At this moment, Jiang Beicheng naturally stepped in to defend Li Xingying. Little Li had been so great last night, and they were in their honeymoon phase—he had to stand up for her.
"Little Wu, you're talking a bit too much. How's that different from Chen Qilian?" Jiang Beicheng said as a reminder.
Wu Keqing shook her head and said no more.
Li Xingying saw Jiang Beicheng's protection and felt warmth in her heart.
"Little Boss Jiang, I was wrong too. I shouldn't have said that to her. I just… lack a sense of security," she admitted.
Jiang Beicheng smiled at her. "I understand you."
That word "understand" carried immense power. Li Xingying's face lit up with a smile, and she quickened her pace to follow the guide.
George, the guide, excitedly announced, "One kilometer ahead, you'll see the most stunning blue ice cave in the Southern Hemisphere."
The two girls were filled with anticipation.
"Brother Jiang, Sister Li, I'm sorry. My biggest flaw is that I can't control my emotions or my mouth," Wu Keqing suddenly turned back to apologize.
Li Xingying froze for a moment, glancing at Jiang Beicheng.
Jiang Beicheng smiled. This girl was a classic Jiangnan City girl—quick to flare up, quick to cool down. Sharp-tongued but kind-hearted.
"I was your age once. I get it," Jiang Beicheng said casually.
That word "understand" carried big energy again.
Wu Keqing beamed. "So Brother Jiang and Sister Li forgive me?"
Jiang Beicheng teased, "You don't want to hang out with Chen Qilian, and if we ignore you too, you won't even have someone to take your photos during this multi-hour hike."
"Hahaha, Brother Jiang's got the biggest heart!" Wu Keqing gave a thumbs-up and laughed.