Serenade

Chapter 16

With a calm and collected genius like Bo Yan around, having a bunch of trembling bronze noobs trailing behind really made things feel a bit... unbearable.

First, Xu Chaoyang managed to make the NPC laugh, but for the rest of the plot, the poor NPC had to awkwardly stumble through with the most cringeworthy acting.

Later, when they triggered some horror plot points, this bunch of scaredy-cats perfectly showcased what it meant to be terrible teammates who would refuse to go through the single player plotline, insisting on sticking together to fight as a group.

Even Xu Chaoyang's mother got scared to the point of tears.

The monitoring room staff really had no choice but to go easy on them to let them get through the plot.

They managed to clear the game in the end.

After getting out, everyone sat on the sofa to rest. The staff came over to explain the full story and plot to them, and also said to Bo Yan: "This handsome guy was way too calm the whole time, were you not scared at all?"

"No, I was very frightened," Bo Yan lazily leaned against the backrest, tapping his phone with his fingertips, looking towards Jin Xi who was still shaken up beside him, "I got through it all thanks to this little chicken nugget sticking with me the whole time, giving me lots of courage."

Jin Xi had been so frightened that her soul had almost left her body. But hearing Bo Yan say this, she felt a certain sense of accomplishment, thinking that she had performed pretty well after all, at least she had been able to help Bo Yan look for clues... Not like a certain coward drill instructor, yelping at every jump scare, frightened out of his wits.

After leaving the office building, Xu Chaoyang leaned against a tree and started dry heaving. It seemed the after effects were quite severe.

Chu Zhao gently patted his back, "Thanks, Instructor Xu, you were actually really amazing."

"Yeah... I was, wasn't I?"

Having received praise, Xu Chaoyang's condition improved slightly, "Next time if you guys wanna play again... you can also invite Instructor Xu along."

Bo Yan leaned against a lamp post, an aloof smile on his lips. "Just now in the secret room, wonder who was the one hugging the table leg bawling that he'd never come here again in his life, and whoever tries to make him is a son of a bitch."

Xu Chaoyang whined, "You and your big mouth."

Bo Yan patted him on the shoulder, "But you did quite well in your role as a guardian knight."

In the final stage of the game when the ultimate evil spirit NPC came to drag people away, Chu Zhao had been running at the back and was almost taken away.

Although Xu Chaoyang had been scared shitless, when he saw his own student being dragged by the evil spirit into the endless dark hallway, his sense of responsibility as an instructor flared up. He charged ahead fearlessly despite screaming the whole way.

In the end, he managed to snatch Chu Zhao back from the NPC's hands, pressing the girl's head against his chest, seemingly enraged as he yelled, "Your instructor's here, no one can harm you! Whoever tries dies!"

For the last stretch, Chu Zhao was practically completely wrapped in his clothes as he carried her.

In fact, Chu Zhao wasn't that scared herself, because when she was grabbed by the "evil spirit", she could hear the control room's voice from its earpiece: "NPC, be gentle, don't hurt the player."

As such, she had been out of character the whole time, playing along very cooperatively when dragged away.

Xu Chaoyang on the other hand was completely immersed in his role, performing it meticulously. If not for Chu Zhao stopping him, he probably would have started beating up the NPC.

After enthusiastically discussing the plot points, it was already 10:30 at night. Xu Chaoyang had driven here, and was preparing to send everyone home one by one.

However, no one really trusted him to drive right now. The guy's adrenaline was still surging, he was in a complete daze. Letting him drive now would probably result in him speeding like a maniac.

After discussing, they decided to let Bo Yan drive and send everyone home one by one.

The only one left in the car was Jin Xi. She leaned against the window, gazing blankly at the blur of trees and streetlamps speeding past outside. Her face was etched with fatigue.

Bo Yan looked at her through the rearview mirror. She was curled up in the corner of the backseat, her eyelids slowly drooping. It seemed she could barely keep awake.

After this night's double whammy of mental and physical challenges, even Bo Yan felt somewhat drained. Let alone this little miss.

He reached out to turn off the car audio. The car quieted down and he could even hear Jin Xi's soft snores, a soft purring, like a dozing little creature.

Soon, the car stopped at the entrance of Jin Xi's residential area. Bo Yan saw she had no reaction, seeming to have fallen fast asleep. He got out of the car and into the backseat.

At this late hour, the night was thick. The girl's fair and delicate face seemed vivid and clear, her long lashes like tiny brushes resting on her eyelids.

Bo Yan was reluctant to go back to that empty house, so he didn't wake her immediately, just quietly accompanied her. Every second felt precious.

Before long, Shen Ping Chuan's distinct and chiseled face appeared at the car window.

He circled his hands around his eyes and pressed his face against the dark glass, yelling loudly, "Hey! What are you guys doing?!"

Jin Xi was woken up by the noise and let out a muddled murmur. Bo Yan leisurely rolled down the window, seeming slightly annoyed, "What's with the racket?"

Wearing striped pajamas, Shen Ping Chuan looked confusedly into the car. There were only Jin Xi and Bo Yan inside, both sitting in the backseat. He couldn't help asking, "Where's the driver?"

Bo Yan: "Don't know."

Shen Ping Chuan frowned, opened the car door, and pulled Jin Xi out to stand behind him. Pointing at Bo Yan, he said, "You brat, naughty."

Bo Yan casually raised his hands, looking perfectly innocent.

Jin Xi peeked out from behind Shen Ping Chuan, calling out, "Senior schoolmate, drive safe."

"Mm, see you at school."

Bo Yan got out of the car, standing by the driver's door. He reminded her, "Live healthily, sleep and rise early. And remember to think of me on time..."

Jin Xi was slightly taken aback, but then heard his tone lift up playfully as the corners of his lips quirked up in a faint smile, "On time, report to me on the situation."

"Got it."

"You two are still chatting endlessly." Shen Ping Chuan impatiently interrupted, "I'll keep an eye on my little sister at home. Bo Yan, don't you worry about this, go on now, shoo shoo."

He bundled Jin Xi towards their home.

After passing through the residential area entrance, Jin Xi couldn't help but turn back to glance at Bo Yan one more time. He was still standing under the lamplight, his shadow stretched long and lonesome.

Jin Xi always felt that Bo Yan had a lonely air about him that he didn't show, as if having been immersed in icy waters for years, steeping him in bleakness.

Why was this so? Jin Xi couldn't figure it out, and felt a bit distressed.

Returning home, the dorm 409 male dormitory group chat livened up.

Jing Chi: "Bros, wake up and party!"

Xu Chaoyang sent a Gecko Lying Flat expression pack: "Don't wanna talk."

Jing Chi: "Played out?"

Xu Chaoyang: "Tsk, watch your mouth. Today in the secret room I singlehandedly battled wits and bravery with the evil spirit, rescuing innocent maidens!"

Bo Yan ruthlessly exposed him: "Grabbing the girl and screaming mama, battling wits and bravery? Are you telling jokes?"

Xu Chaoyang: "Shamelessly holding the girl's hand and saying you're so scared, who are you to laugh at me :)"

Jing Chi: "Feels like I missed out on some exciting stories."

Xu Chaoyang: "Annual Best Actor, none other than Bo Yan."

Bo Yan: "【Giving a bow】"

The seven-day National Day holiday ended. Jin Xi tidied up and nimbly rolled back to school.

After the National Day break, the school formally started classes. The course load for freshmen wasn't too heavy and the learning tasks were relatively relaxed. Jin Xi joined quite a few clubs.

However, most of the clubs were of the flashing by type, only appearing for the recruitment fairs, then vanishing for the rest of the time.

Jin Xi had even forgotten which clubs she had joined.

Just as the "Hundred Club Competition" was in full swing, recruitment posters and banners for the "Meow Meow Club" appeared on the door of the male dorm 409 across the way.

At the same time, Jin Xi also saw small ads for the Meow Meow Club on school bulletin boards, bathroom doors, and even on stairwells.

The artistic style of the small ads was exceptionally fresh and unique, often posted together with "Substitute Exam Takers for CET 4/6" and "Ultimate Cheat Sheets for Final Exams", giving off a feel of tenacious struggle.

Jin Xi later asked a student council senior and found out that there were also several "wild" clubs on campus not recognized by the student council. The Meow Meow Club was one of them. These wild clubs did not qualify to participate in the "Hundred Club Competition", so could only secretly recruit members.

The autumn sun was great during noon. On the sunny balcony, Bo Yan set up an easel and attentively painted the large swath of golden gingko leaves below their dorm building.

Jing Chi held a stack of color printout flyers, sighing, "Didn't manage to recruit a single new member this year. Many clubs already filled up before National Day. The drama club took over a hundred people. Our Meow Meow Club still only has us bros."

Xu Chaoyang sat on the top bunk, legs with a full bush of hair dangling off the bed edge, swinging, "Personally feel that our club's promotional positioning has issues. You made the flyers palm-sized and posted them in discreet places. People who don't know any better might even mistake them for impotence ads if they glance over, who'd dare join."

Jing Chi exclaimed, "How's this my fault? We're not an official club, can't openly recruit."

Xu Chaoyang jumped off his bunk, patting Jing Chi's shoulder, "Let's apply again this year, might get approved."

Jing Chi looked towards Bo Yan: "Bo Yan, club secretary of Meow Meow, say something."

Bo Yan added a brushstroke of gold on the paper, murmuring lightly, "Go with the flow in recruiting. Let things take their own course."

Jing Chi: "Then why were you so go with the flow, yet quit the art club to join my Meow Meow Club?"

Bo Yan: "Because the art club wouldn't let me be secretary."

Jing Chi: ...

Your lust for power seems a bit much.

Just then, there was a knock on the door, "Excuse me, is this the Meow Meow Club recruitment?"

Jing Chi immediately leapt up and rushed to open the door.

Jin Xi and Chu Zhao were standing outside, peering into the room, "Meow Meow Club?"

"Yes yes, little sisters, come in quick! You're interested in our Meow Meow Club?"

Bo Yan put down his paintbrush and glanced at Jin Xi condescendingly. She was wearing a mint green plaid dress and had braided her hair into a slender braid, looking fresh and charming.

Jin Xi and Chu Zhao, the two girls, walked into the dormitory. Jing Chi courteously gave up his seat to them, while Xu Chaoyang poured them each a cup of hot water with a paper cup.

"How did you girls find out about our club?"

Jin Xi took a sip of the hot water, then fished out a stack of thick business cards from her bag. On them was a drawing of a sexy cat leg photo with folded ears -

"Sexy Little Wildcat, Charming Countryside Cat, Innocent Student Cat, Flirtatious Social Cat... Miao Miao Club, satisfying all your needs. Interested please contact 13872XXXXXX."

Jin Xi honestly said, "Seniors, we came to inquire about the Miao Miao Club, but...could you please not keep slipping promotional flyers under our dormitory door in the future?"

"Uh..." Jing Chi scratched the back of his head. "Well..."

Bo Yan cast a look of disdain at Jing Chi. "Didn't I tell you not to slip promotional flyers around, and you went and stuck them under the girls' dorms? Don't you have any shame?"

Jing Chi exclaimed, "Hey! Weren't those business cards designed and drawn by you, Comrade Bo?"

Jin Xi waved her hands repeatedly. "It's okay, I didn't mean to blame you. It's just there were too many cards, and the cats drawn on them were so cute that I felt bad throwing them away, so I came to return them to you."

Chu Zhao asked, "What kind of club is the Miao Miao Club anyway?"

Jing Chi certainly would not miss any opportunity to recruit new members. "Our club was founded not long ago, so not many people know about it. Currently there is only one president, yours truly; the deputy secretary Bo Yan, that aloof guy painting on the balcony over there; and the publicity minister Xu Chaoyang - he's the one who slipped those flyers under your dorm."

Jin Xi was still waiting for the rest, but it seemed like that was it - the entire club only had three people so far.

Jing Chi lightly coughed and continued, "Most school clubs focus on student activities, but our club is mainly focused on the stray cats and dogs around campus."

He took out a stack of about a dozen photos from the drawer. "These are the stray cats and dogs currently living on our campus. Our main job is to protect these animals, take care of them as much as possible, and keep them from harm. What do you think, want to join?"

Jin Xi looked at Chu Zhao. "I think it sounds pretty good."

Bo Yan put away his drawing board and walked over. He said to Jin Xi, "Think it through carefully before joining. This kind of grassroots club doesn't give conduct points."

Jing Chi winked at Bo Yan and complained in a low voice, "Comrade Bo, which direction are you leading people with that attitude?"

Jin Xi said, "We've made up our minds, we want to join the Miao Miao Club. It doesn't matter if we don't get conduct points."

Chu Zhao nodded. "Anyway, other clubs don't give conduct points either, and they even charge a 20 dollar membership fee."

Upon hearing this, Jing Chi was overjoyed. He hurriedly called Xu Chaoyang, "Minister of Publicity, hurry and bring the admission forms for the girls to fill out!"

Xu Chaoyang shrugged. "For our rundown club, what admission forms do we even have?"

"We do, Comrade Bo drew them himself a couple days ago."

Bo Yan expressionlessly said, "The other day the dorm bathroom ran out of toilet paper, so your Minister of Publicity took those admission forms for emergency use."

Jing Chi: ......

Keep your mouth shut, keep it shut, stop talking!

Bo Yan drew admission forms on the spot for the two girls, writing down their names, colleges, and contact info in beautiful calligraphy, and even adding some simple cute kittens in the corners.

Jin Xi and Chu Zhao bent over the table, carefully filling out the forms before handing them to Jing Chi. Jing Chi said, "Congratulations, you are now official members of the Miao Miao Club. Come, let's have Comrade Bo say a few words to our new members."

Jin Xi and Chu Zhao looked at Bo Yan expectantly.

Bo Yan's pair of dark phoenix eyes lingered a bit on Jin Xi. He flatly said, "If you choose to join the Miao Miao Club, I hope you can commit for at least one semester, and not quit halfway. This is a volunteer charity club. It's not as interesting as you might imagine, and we're understaffed right now so the work will be quite heavy. I hope you're mentally prepared."

Jing Chi lightly coughed again. "Why make it sound so somber? Our club is still pretty fun. For example, we regularly organize outdoor excursions."

Xu Chaoyang: "Huh? We have outdoor excursion activities? How come this Minister of Publicity doesn't know about it?"

Jing Chi glared at him. "We didn't have them before, but now we do. What, is that not allowed?"

Chu Zhao had to leave early for something. Jin Xi stayed behind and carefully listened to Jing Chi introduce the club work. When it got late she got up to leave, and Bo Yan also put down his paintbrush saying, "It's dark out, not safe. I'll walk you back, Comrade."

Jing Chi: ......

So she lives right across the building. The one talking about safety is the most unsafe element!

Bo Yan closed the dorm door, then turned and pushed Jin Xi against the wall, placing his hand on her shoulder. Eyes downcast, he gently asked, "I remember you're very afraid of dogs."

A couple days ago he had left dog food in the bushes in the garden, attracting several stray dogs. Jin Xi happened to pass by and saw them but didn't dare approach.

"Why did you join our club?"

She could feel the weight of his hand on her shoulder. Not light. Through her clothes she felt the warmth of his palm on her skin, making her involuntarily shiver a little, her heartbeat starting to race.

"I'm not afraid of dogs." Jin Xi's eyes were evasive as her fair ears swiftly turned red.

He looked down at her condescendingly, the corners of his thin lips curving up slightly. "Really?"

"Okay, I am very afraid of dogs," Jin Xi sighed and admitted. "But I heard you guys are very understaffed."

"We are very understaffed," Bo Yan said flatly. "At first there were many classmates who joined, but they couldn't even last a week, at most a month. In the end only the three of us were left in the dorm - this isn't easy work."

Her docile doe eyes shone with determination. "If you can persevere, so can I."

The corners of Bo Yan's eyes lifted slightly as he leaned in close to her. His warm, humid breaths beat against her ears -

"It seems you like me quite a bit."

Jin Xi's breathing hitched as she looked at Bo Yan. His eyes were clear and candid, bright and upright. Jin Xi was also frank as she confessed, "I do!"