Chapter Nine: A Cruel Trick

"Hey? Hey! Are you even listening to me?" Zhang Liming glanced at Duguming, whose eyes were fixed straight ahead. Following his gaze, Zhang Liming was immediately captivated by the beautiful sight before them, and couldn't help but murmur, "She really is stunning."

Duguming snapped back to reality, thinking to himself that since she was in his class, it would be much easier to talk to her in the future. He always felt some inexplicable connection to this girl.

"Alright, that's enough staring. No need to even think about it," Duguming said, glancing at Zhang Liming, whose infatuated expression was nearly drooling at the sight.

"It's only natural to appreciate beauty. What's wrong with taking a look? Besides, I think I've seen her somewhere before," Zhang Liming retorted, pouting slightly.

What? Duguming perked up, immediately asking, "Where did you see her?"

"Let me think..." Zhang Liming paused, putting on a thoughtful face. "I've got it. Her name is Lin Xiaowen, she's from Beijing. That's all I know. I saw her name on the registration sheet. Her photo was already beautiful, but I never expected her to be even more stunning in person," Zhang Liming gushed, once again lost in admiration.

This chubby, awkward guy might be useless most of the time, but he could come in handy at a critical moment, Duguming thought to himself. He took out his phone, typed a message, and sent it.

Just then, the oaf let out a gasp. "Oh my god, is that the legendary iPhone 6? Isn't it not even released yet?"

Duguming's heart skipped a beat. The iPhone 6 hadn't been released, but as people knew, top-tier phones often went out for testing before launch. He happened to have a good relationship with Apple's current CEO, and by sheer luck had become one of only a hundred global testers. It was a symbol of status and privilege.

But Duguming was a low-key person who hated attracting attention. If this guy realized how influential he was, it wouldn't do him any harm, but Duguming despised being the center of focus. He quickly said, "Of course not, how could it be the iPhone 6? It's just a knockoff I bought," and laughed it off.

"I thought so! I'm a die-hard Apple fan—there's no way Apple would release the iPhone 6 without me knowing. Still, your fake looks really convincing. Look, this is mine." He pulled out a gaudy gold iPhone and whispered to Duguming, "Let me tell you a secret—Apple's about to release the 6. I've actually seen the design sketches myself. As a top-tier customer, I have priority access!" He finished with a look of immense pride. Like showing off one's sword skills in front of a master.

It was like the difference between closed beta and open beta in a video game: Duguming was a "closed beta" player, while Zhang Liming was an "open beta" player. Yet here was Zhang Liming, boasting before open beta had even started. Duguming could scarcely resist quoting the most popular catchphrase of the moment: "Did the monkeys send you here to make a fool of yourself?"

Time flew by, and soon class was over. Duguming had planned to use the break to approach Lin Xiaowen, but just then someone stepped in front of him.

It was none other than Zhang Liming. Blocking his path, Zhang Liming greeted him with enthusiastic warmth, "Bro, class is over—let's go eat! I can tell you're new here. I arrived a few days earlier and know a cafeteria that serves great noodles. My treat!"

Duguming wanted to protest, but Zhang Liming's friendliness made it hard to refuse, so he just nodded. Besides, he'd need to go to the dorm later and still didn't know where it was—having Zhang Liming guide him after lunch would be convenient.

As for Lin Xiaowen, he would have to wait for another chance. Besides, walking up to her directly would be too abrupt.

Zhang Liming grabbed his grimy basketball from under the desk with one hand and, with the other, tried to sling his arm around Duguming's shoulders as if they were close friends heading to the cafeteria together.

Seeing Zhang Liming's sweat-soaked shirt, Duguming deftly sidestepped his arm and said, "Let's just get going and eat, shall we?"

While eating, Duguming finally understood Zhang Liming's offer: the cafeteria sign read, "Grand Opening—Buy One Bowl, Get One Free." He was speechless—only two words came to mind: what a scam.

Suppressing his irritation, Duguming forced down a few bites; the noodles were truly dreadful. Indeed, school cafeterias across China were all the same—he couldn't even muster the energy to complain. After just a few bites, he gave up on eating. Fortunately, Duguming was used to going days without food or water; it didn't bother him much.

The dorms at Ningxia University housed four students to a room—about thirty square meters, with four desks and beds above them. Not spacious, but not cramped either. There was even a private bathroom and shower—pretty decent conditions.

When he returned to the dorm, two other students were already there. Duguming introduced himself. One was called Zhang Hongtao, the other Bai Hanwen.

Zhang Hongtao was clearly the studious type—thick glasses, quiet demeanor, and a desk stacked high with study materials. Duguming was amazed: school had just started, and as freshmen no less—was he already preparing for graduate school?

Bai Hanwen, on the other hand, seemed listless and absorbed in gaming. Duguming had seen him glued to his computer as soon as they'd entered. If Zhang Liming hadn't called him, he wouldn't have even noticed their arrival.

Duguming suddenly felt a headache coming on—what sort of roommates were these?

Glancing at Zhang Liming's desk, Duguming realized he was a bona fide nouveau riche. The desk was covered with branded gadgets: iPod, PSV, Alienware laptop, Rolex watch, and even a gold chain lying openly. He didn't even worry about someone taking it. In Chinese slang, he was the very definition of a "wealthy show-off." Duguming looked Zhang Liming up and down—he was the epitome of tacky.

Duguming was overwhelmed—he'd have to live with these people for four years. The thought alone was daunting.

He began making up his bed. Thankfully, the school provided bedding. By the time he finished settling in, it was already time for afternoon classes.

That afternoon was PE. Without a word, Zhang Liming dragged Duguming to the school football field.

"Wait, where is everyone else? Aren't they coming with us?" Duguming asked. He'd seen Zhang Hongtao and Bai Hanwen leave the dorm with him, but now they were nowhere to be seen.

"Uh, haha..." Zhang Liming laughed awkwardly.

Seeing this, Duguming felt a surge of anger. Gritting his teeth, he demanded, "Tell me what's going on. Now."

Realizing Duguming was truly upset, Zhang Liming hurriedly explained, "Here's the thing: our PE classes are elective. If you like football, you go to the football field; basketball, the basketball court; table tennis, the gym; tennis, the tennis courts; badminton, the badminton hall; fitness, yoga, and dance are all in the dance studio. You have to go to the class you want the first session, and once you do, you can't change. Xiao Tao and Xiao Bai chose something other than football, so they're not here."

Upon hearing this, three black lines appeared on Duguming's forehead. Only one word came to mind—scammed.

Ps: Had a stomachache today and still had to attend class in the afternoon. It was tough to write. If you think my writing is decent, please show some support—give me a flower, a vote, or a bookmark. That's the biggest encouragement for me. And if you like it, don’t forget to recommend it to others. Kneeling in thanks!