Chapter 34: Putting What You've Learned into Practice (Please add to your library and vote with monthly tickets)

After the meal, the members of the Outreach Department chatted as they made their way back to the dormitory. Although they had only just met, a single meal had been enough to bring them all together. Meanwhile, the members of the Art Department were also heading back one after another.

"Ningning, it's getting quite late. Let me walk you back."

The person Li Dongyang called "Ningning" was Fang Youning. Not only was she beautiful, but she was also a Grade 10 pianist with a lovely singing voice. During the orientation gala before the National Day holiday, she had even earned the opportunity to perform a self-accompanied solo. To the uninitiated, it was just a performance, but to the student union department heads, this girl was essentially a shoo-in for the next department head; if she wanted the position, it would be hers without question.

"My dorm is just up ahead. There's no need for you to walk me, senior. I’ll head back now."

Fang Youning frowned slightly, feeling a sense of repulsion at being called "Ningning" by Li Dongyang. They weren't close—they were just in the same department—and she didn't want him addressing her that way.

"Don't be in such a rush. I wanted to give you some advice on the Campus Top Ten Singers competition. I’m quite experienced; if you follow my instructions, getting first place shouldn't be a problem."

"But it's too late, and I still need to wash up before bed. Let's talk about it tomorrow. Goodbye, senior."

With that, Fang Youning quickened her pace toward the dormitory.

"The freshman is quite shy..." Li Dongyang muttered to himself, watching her leave with a smile before heading to his own room. Song Jianian was attractive, but Fang Youning, from his own department, was just as good—there was no need to look elsewhere. He could certainly leverage this relationship; he was the head, she was a member, he was a Grade 10 violinist, and she was a Grade 10 pianist—they were a perfect match, a talented pair.

On his way back, Li Dongyang dialed the number of the Student Union President, Zhao Weihao.

"Brother Hao, are you asleep yet?" Li Dongyang asked politely.

"Not yet. What's up?"

"I wanted to ask, isn't the recruitment for the student union finished? How come there's a new member?"

"What new member?"

"There's a freshman in the Outreach Department named Chen Yuan. He wasn't there during the recruitment, but I saw him dining with the department today."

"I authorized it. The kid brought in 3,000 yuan in sponsorship. He’s a walking god of wealth, so of course, I had to let him in."

"But doesn't that break the rules of our student union?"

"Rules? My word is the rule. If you can bring in that much money, you can shove people in too."

Over the next three days, Chen Yuan’s life was a simple commute between three points. He bought the butterfly cookies that Old Li had requested, which cost 520 yuan, plus 10 yuan for bus fare, putting him 30 yuan in the red. On the afternoon of the 11th, he completed the system's task.

[Task Complete: Reward 1,300 yuan in cash, professional-grade postpartum recovery techniques.]

The moment the notification chime faded, the relevant knowledge flooded into Chen Yuan's brain in a rather intrusive manner. The process of the data transfer was akin to watching an entire infantry battle unfold in his mind.

On the way back to the dorm, Chen Yuan received a message from Jiang Wanyi.

Jiang Wanyi: "Little brother, I'm done with my work."

They had made plans a few days ago to eat out tonight and indulge themselves.

Chen Yuan: "I'll go back, take a shower, and then come find you."

Jiang Wanyi: "I'll be waiting for you at home."

*You should take a shower too, to save time...* He imagined saying, though it was just idle talk.

Chen Yuan returned to the dorm, took a quick shower, changed into fresh clothes, and went to meet Jiang Wanyi.

"Come on in."

After opening the door, Jiang Wanyi welcomed him inside. She was dressed casually in home-style shorts and a tank top, revealing a fair chest and rounded, firm hips. Her hair was slightly messy, but that only added to her allure. She had been taking care of the child for the past few days while attending classes; she was exhausted, but she had persevered. Fortunately, her mother had recovered enough that she wanted to see her granddaughter, so Jiang Wanyi had dropped the baby off. Having finally gotten a reprieve, she had slept for a day and handled some work, enjoying a very relaxed day.

"You must be exhausted from these past few days."

"I feel like I've been worn to shreds." Jiang Wanyi leaned in, "Look at these dark circles; they're worse than a few days ago."

"When is the baby coming back?"

"I have to pick her up tomorrow. My mother hasn't fully recovered yet, so I don't dare let her watch her for too long."

"Just hang in there a little longer. Once she's about a year old, she'll pretty much sleep through the night."

"Let's not talk about her today. Is there anything you want to eat? I'll take you."

"Anything is fine. I've been dieting for so long, just pick whatever you love."

"Then let's have hot pot. I haven't had it in a long time."

"Sounds good."

"Wait for me a moment, I'm going to change."

"Sure."

Jiang Wanyi returned to the bedroom and emerged about ten minutes later. She was wearing a breezy spaghetti-strap dress, paired with a thin, translucent cardigan and sheer stockings. Her long hair was pinned up at the back, with two wisps of bangs falling naturally across her forehead. The necklace at her throat and the elegant watch on her wrist served as the perfect finishing touches to her sophisticated charm. Having known her for some time, this was the first time Chen Yuan had seen Jiang Wanyi dressed so exquisitely.

"Let's go."

The two left together and drove to a nearby shopping mall.

"Haidilao or Banu? You pick."

"Let's go with Banu. Haidilao has been acting a bit too full of themselves lately; let's put some pressure on them."

"Alright, I'll follow your lead," Jiang Wanyi said with a smile. They turned toward the Banu restaurant on their left.

The interior was well-decorated and crowded. Chen Yuan had heard of the brand but never tried it; with so many people, the taste had to be good. And indeed, after ordering, Chen Yuan took a bite and found it truly delicious.

"Just one bite and I'm satisfied," Jiang Wanyi said.

"Eat your fill today, and we'll find a chance to eat again tomorrow. Once you pick the baby up tomorrow night, you probably won't be thinking about it for a while."

"Tomorrow probably won't work. I plan on visiting the hospital," Jiang Wanyi said. "Besides, I can't be too indulgent. At my age, I'm different from you young people; my metabolism is slower, and losing weight isn't as easy. I have to be mindful of my diet; just satisfying the craving is enough."

"Why are you going to the hospital? Are you feeling unwell?"

Jiang Wanyi thought for a moment. Their relationship had become quite close, and talking openly about these things—and the problems she was facing—didn't seem like a big deal. He might even be able to offer some advice. However, out of traditional female reserve, she decided not to go into detail. She still wanted to maintain the perfect image of an "older sister."

"It's just some postpartum recovery issues. I want to talk to the doctor about it."

*She’s putting what I just learned to use already?*

Chen Yuan looked Jiang Wanyi up and down and quietly leaned in close. Jiang Wanyi leaned her ear toward him.

"Leaking?"