When Will My Childhood Sweetheart Marry Me?-Chapter 181: Jealousy

Base manager initially found themselves dumped on by all the grades. Firstly, because it was troublesome; secondly, because the department talked big but did little, claiming they’d plan the largest tech incubation park in the next three years, yet they couldn’t even afford to replace their computers.

College was different from high school. If clubs wanted to achieve anything, they had to rely on their own means, like acquiring equipment for the base; aside from landing a rich manager, the only feasible way was having enough skills to pull in a major sponsor.

Haidilao Hotpot, three big tables.

Jiang Shuyao barely had a chance to get a word in as everyone one by one came to toast Pei Yan. The beer bottles under the table accumulated, and the two big plates of kelp sprouts in front of her were silently devoured. By the time she snapped back to reality, her stomach was churning.

This was only the second time she had been this fixated on a midnight snack since her allergic reaction to crayfish last year that landed her in the hospital.

The specific reason, perhaps, was because she was too elated.

That afternoon, one of the guys who entered the meeting room was a famously influential figure from the external affairs department of Rong University. The project he sponsored undoubtedly had a 90% chance of getting hammered out.

Everyone didn’t know how Pei Yan had convinced the head of the external affairs department to come forward personally and secure such a large batch of materials for the base.

But thinking back on the past half-month’s events, the clever ones seemed to slowly realize what was happening.

When Pei Yan had first taken up his post, many seniors had merely watched from the sidelines, possibly not holding much hope for this prominent newcomer.

After the event that afternoon, Jiang Shuyao distinctly felt a shift in everyone’s gaze. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

They had switched from calling him "Number 52" to "Boss" tacitly.

On the last round, she raised her glass and stood up to join in, toasting to Boss Pei’s grand opening, wishing prosperity for the base, unity among everyone, and a path to technical riches.

The slogan was loud, especially that last bit about getting rich together, which even made Jiang Shuyao laugh.

At that time, she didn’t understand that like the juniors in their third year, facing employment anxiety in one more year, nobody would want to miss making some achievements at the base before the job-seeking rush next June.

Do not underestimate campus practical experiences; if you could bag one or two award-winning projects, you’d have no worries finding a job after graduation.

On their way back, Pei Yan reeked of alcohol.

It was still early; holding hands, the two of them walked casually from the mall towards the university.

Passing by a supermarket, she asked him to stand outside to sober up in the breeze while she dashed in to buy some yogurt and honey.

Little did she know, in just that short moment, that guy started attracting bees and butterflies again.

Next to the fountain, a group of girls from the neighboring aviation institute surrounded Pei Yan. What for?

They said they had a DY video account, dedicated to recording handsome guys from famed universities in the province. They only asked him to pose for a few photos.

Jiang Shuyao walked over with her shopping bag, standing on the outskirts of the crowd, watchfully observing Boss Pei among the flowers.

The night deepened, and the lights around the pool were soft and bright.

Pei Yan, hands in pockets, quietly leaned against a sculpture. He didn’t agree or refuse but just listened lazily, seemingly quite interested.

She used to think that being jealous was both childish and futile.

Only when she personally experienced it did Jiang Shuyao truly realize that if you love someone, to remain indifferent while countless eyes of the opposite sex are glued on him could only be extremely hypocritical.

She took out her phone and dialed a number.

Through the crowd, she saw Pei Yan press the answer button.

"Come here."

The commanding tone, something that Jiang Shuyao now managed to imitate quite closely.

A bossy demand expressed in a succinct three words showing she was really not happy.

There was a long silence on the phone, that guy staring at her with a smirking, non-smiling look, making no move, unclear what he was planning.

She took a deep breath twice, reminding herself to stay calm.

Clutching her phone, she icily threw out, "You have ten seconds to show up in front of me, or you’re on your own."

After dropping the harsh words, she hung up.

Jiang Shuyao turned around huffily and walked away without a second glance.

Inside, she started counting, "1, 2, 3, 4, 5..."

At the fifth second, a strong grip suddenly caught her wrist, and she uncontrollably smirked. Before she could speak, she heard a joking tone from the person behind, "Sorry, now’s not a good time."

"Hey handsome, when are you free? Can we add each other on WeChat and set up another time?"

"Sure."

What?

Jiang Shuyao suddenly turned around and snatched someone’s phone.

To the butterflies, she said indifferently, "His schedule is up to me. When do you want to meet?"

The butterflies exchanged glances, hesitating without speaking.

Realizing she might be too stern, Jiang Shuyao slowly revealed a warm smile. "No worries, we can do it now too. I’ll charge you eighty per minute, and since it’s the grand opening tonight, I’ll give you a fifty percent discount. Just forty. Ladies, cash or transfer?"

Pei Yan’s expression, as he watched the show, gradually cracked.

The scene momentarily became awkward.

After a while, someone in the crowd, not sure who, suddenly muttered, "Is it just me, or do the girls seem prettier than the boys on camera?"

"Exactly, I also think girls look better on camera."

"I’ve been really lacking in innocent-style material lately. This girl is so pretty, totally hits the mark on my aesthetics."

"I guarantee, once the video is uploaded, she’s definitely going to be a hit."

"..."

With each whisper, Pei Yan’s face grew darker.

And those stunning yet passionate gazes that fell on the girl like hungry cats really annoyed him.

Finally, after the butterflies had discussed it, someone stepped forward, tentatively saying to Jiang Shuyao, "Well, if you’re short on money, we have—"

"She doesn’t need money."

The menacing tone startled the girl.

Pei Yan wrapped his arm around the person next to him, a cold light in his eyes. "Scram quickly. Don’t make me say it twice."

"..."

The handsome guy who had just been welcoming them with a smile suddenly turned terrifying.

Must be crazy.

Reluctantly, the butterflies left, passing by the fountain. The girl at the end quietly gestured a heart toward Jiang Shuyao.

Pei Yan’s eyes twitched, the veins in his hand on her shoulder bulging.

"Damn, a bunch of idiots."

Hearing him curse, Jiang Shuyao couldn’t help but give him a sidelong glance.

Who was the one flirting just now?

Self-inflicted.

Serves him right.

Removing the heavy hand from her shoulder, Jiang Shuyao walked past him without any expression, calm and collected.

Pei Yan: "...."

The roiling anger gradually subsided.

The delicate silhouette of the girl receded further away, and he resigned himself with a smile, striding to catch up.

Life was peacefully quiet.

Jiang Shuyao had never imagined that dating in college could be so thrilling.

Thrilling to the point where her boyfriend could black out all the computers in a multimedia classroom, boldly declaring his sincerity to everyone.

"Princess, I’m wrong!"

The screen was suddenly hijacked by an unknown person, throwing the whole class into uproar.