Chapter 37: Breaking Out in a Cold Sweat in the Dog Days of Summer

“Ride the motorcycle? What do you mean by that?” Lin Xiyu was momentarily confused when she heard that Wang Fan was going to take a spin on the motorbike.

“Have you never heard of the Three Treasures of Jinan?” Li Yan blinked in surprise. “Compass quartz clocks, Little Duck washing machines, and Jinan Light Cavalry motorcycles—these three products are all made in Jinan, renowned throughout the country. Besides the springs, they're another source of pride for our city.”

“Oh, I see…” Lin Xiyu suddenly understood. “I’ve heard of Compass, but I didn’t realize it was so famous.”

“Compass quartz clocks have been the official timekeeper for the CCTV New Year’s Gala for eight consecutive years…” Li Yan straightened with pride, her eyes shining. “They're well-known abroad; everyone in the country knows about them.”

“You really know so much, Sister Yan.” Lin Xiyu played along enthusiastically. “To be honest, I watch the New Year’s Gala every year, but I never knew Compass was made in Jinan…”

“You’re still young, it’s understandable you wouldn’t pay attention to these things,” Li Yan replied, clearly pleased by the compliment. “It’s not too late to find out now.”

“Are we going to start filming now?” Lin Xiyu glanced toward the pool. “I’ll go get Wang Fan.”

“Go ahead,” Li Yan said with a smile and a nod. “Bring Xiaobin back too. Director Du said he wants to interview them about their university applications.”

“All right!” Lin Xiyu’s eyes lit up at the mention of university majors, curiosity blooming within her.

Choosing a major was closely tied to one’s future career. She was eager to know what plans they had for their futures.

——

“Gu Bin, the guys are making a bet—do you want in? Whoever wins, Lin Xiyu becomes his girlfriend…” Wang Fan strolled over to the pool, casually slinging an arm over Gu Bin’s shoulder, trying to sound him out.

“Whose brilliant idea was that? Sounds like a lose-lose,” Gu Bin shrugged off his arm, a smirk playing about his lips. “Was it yours? Don’t play with fire, or you might end up getting yourself burned.”

Wang Fan waved it off. “If you don’t tell, and I don’t tell, who’s going to know?”

“Is that so?” Gu Bin shot him a cool glance, then abruptly squatted down and patted the head of a little boy sprawled by the pool, legs happily kicking the water.

“Xu Yi, he says they’re making a bet, and whoever wins gets your sister as his girlfriend. What do you think about that?”

“Not a chance!” Xu Yi shot up from the ground as if electrified, ready to howl at the top of his lungs. “I’m telling my sister—”

“Damn, who is this kid?” Wang Fan was shaken, his guilty conscience in turmoil, and immediately clapped a hand over the boy’s mouth.

“He’s Lin Xiyu’s little brother,” Gu Bin said, the corners of his lips lifting in a hint of a smile, clearly enjoying himself.

“Lin Xiyu has a brother?” Wang Fan felt as if he’d been struck by lightning. “Didn’t her father pass away years ago?”

“Half-brother, same mother, different fathers.” Gu Bin patted Wang Fan’s shoulder, giving him a look of sympathy.

“Damn!” Wang Fan cursed again, lowering his head to look at the angry little kid glaring back at him. In the sweltering heat, a cold sweat broke out across his back.

He realized, belatedly, how foolish he’d been. He should have suspected something when Gu Bin offered to teach the kid to swim for no apparent reason—this was his real motive: scoring points with the sister by helping her brother.

He’d tried to trip Gu Bin up, but before he’d said more than a few words, he’d been outmaneuvered himself.

When it came to cunning and shamelessness, Wang Fan had to admit—no one could beat Gu Bin. He was a sly old fox, quick-witted and calculating, and even if Wang Fan raced after him on a motorcycle, he still wouldn’t catch up…