Chapter Forty-Eight: Ten Miles of Spring Breeze Pale Beside You

That thick stack of money, at least four thousand yuan, was quickly noticed by the sharp-eyed sales clerk. Her expression shifted rapidly; the overbearing look from just moments ago vanished, and she greeted Zhou Xuan with a beaming smile. “Sir, I’m so sorry, truly sorry.”

Zhou Xuan sneered, “What’s the use of an apology? You’d better hurry up and bring out the phone, then wrap it up for me. We agreed, didn’t we? Three thousand yuan, and I’ll buy it.”

As he spoke, Zhou Xuan picked up the stack of cash, counted out ten bills, and tossed the remaining three thousand onto the counter.

“Sir, it was my fault earlier. Please, be magnanimous and forgive me. I really don’t have the authority to give such a large discount. At most, I can only reduce the price by two hundred.”

The sales clerk hadn’t expected Zhou Xuan could actually afford it. The thought of selling the phone to him meant she’d have to cover six hundred out of her own pocket—almost a month’s salary.

“That’s not my concern.” Zhou Xuan particularly disliked people who looked down on others. Since this was her job, she should take it seriously and not treat customers with prejudice.

“Sir, I really can’t give such a big discount!” the clerk pleaded desperately.

At this point, Liu Yixue tugged at Zhou Xuan’s sleeve, her face showing compassion. “Zhou Xuan, maybe let it go. She’s apologized, and it was mainly because Hai Chen was making trouble. If it weren’t for him, this lady wouldn’t have been so rude.”

Zhou Xuan understood what she meant. Most of this was indeed Hai Chen’s doing, and Liu Yixue couldn’t bear to see the sales clerk in such a difficult position.

He sighed. As much as he didn’t want things to be this way, he knew that if you weren’t assertive in this world, you’d always be the one to suffer. In his past life, his own weakness had cost him dearly, making him increasingly timid. He wouldn’t even bother to confront vendors who shortchanged him, wouldn’t return clothes that didn’t fit, and let others take advantage of him without complaint. He always used the excuse of not wanting to make a fuss, but in the end, he was the one who lost out.

In this life, Zhou Xuan was determined to be strong—what belonged to him was his, and no one could take advantage of him for nothing.

Still, Liu Yixue’s innocence and kindness were exactly what he liked about her.

“How about this—three thousand five hundred,” Zhou Xuan finally said. He wanted to teach the sales clerk a lesson she’d remember.

He didn’t believe she would refuse. If he made trouble with her boss, she might even lose her job. In this day and age, a middle school student who could hand over four thousand yuan for a phone would be respected, even by the shop owner.

Seeing that Zhou Xuan was not to be bargained with, the sales clerk hesitated for a few seconds before accepting the three thousand yuan, retrieving the phone, and packaging it for him.

“Hey, where’s Hai Chen?” With the matter settled, Liu Yixue finally relaxed, but Hai Chen was nowhere to be seen. She’d witnessed Zhou Xuan’s assertiveness; having never experienced such things growing up, she’d been genuinely afraid a real conflict would break out.

“Isn’t it obvious? He must have already run off,” Zhou Xuan said with a smirk.

With the phone bag in hand, Zhou Xuan grinned, “Let’s go! We’ll head to the mobile service center and pick out a good number.”

They soon arrived at the nearby mobile service center. At the time, the company hadn’t been split up and was the industry leader, carrying itself with great pride. Not long after, Zhou Xuan selected a good 139 prefix number and topped it up with two hundred yuan in credit. He then gave the number to Liu Yixue, telling her to call him if she ever needed anything.

Receiving Zhou Xuan’s new number made Liu Yixue feel sweet inside. She was the first to know his phone number—it felt wonderful.

Afterward, they wandered the shopping street. Zhou Xuan bought a pair of sneakers for running, and Liu Yixue picked out a hair clip—naturally, Zhou Xuan paid. Despite her protests, he wouldn’t let her pay a cent.

In the end, Liu Yixue couldn’t force the money into his hand, so she gave up. With this playful bickering, the two of them made their way back to Rongzhou Academy.

It was only eleven o’clock—still an hour before lunch. Zhou Xuan suggested they take a walk around the campus, since they hadn’t properly explored it since arriving.

After half an hour, they grew a bit tired. Zhou Xuan spotted some benches and asked Liu Yixue if she’d like to sit for a while. She agreed, and they found a stone bench and sat down.

Once seated, Liu Yixue pointed a few meters away and whispered, “Look at that young woman—so diligent, even in college. She must be a top student!”

Zhou Xuan turned his head. On a stone bench a few meters away sat a woman in white, quietly engrossed in her book, completely absorbed.

With a laugh, Zhou Xuan said, “So you think college is all about romance, skipping classes, and idle dreams?”

“No, I’d definitely study hard if I made it to college. But I don’t even know if I’ll be able to get in yet,” Liu Yixue replied.

Thinking of Liu Yixue’s achievements in his previous life, Zhou Xuan smiled, “You’ll have no problem at all. Have you thought about which university you want to attend?”

“Well, I’m still in middle school—it’s far too early to think about that,” Liu Yixue said, then asked, “With your grades, you’ll surely aim for Shuimu or Yanda, right?”

Zhou Xuan considered for a moment, then replied, “That’s where you’re wrong. I want to attend the University of Science and Technology in Rong City.”

“Really? But your grades are so good,” Liu Yixue said, surprised.

She knew the university was excellent, but compared to Shuimu, it was still a tier below, especially in computer science and information technology, ranking with Huake and Huaxia University of Science and Technology.

Yet, a hint of secret joy rose in Liu Yixue’s heart—if Zhou Xuan chose the University of Science and Technology, with some effort, she could get in, too.

Zhou Xuan had made his choice after much thought. On one hand, his future career would begin in the provincial capital, allowing him to manage his future endeavors well. On the other, the university excelled nationwide in microelectronics, information technology, and software engineering—securing a valuable talent pool for his future ambitions.

“Because my future enterprise will start here in NC County, expand throughout the province, and eventually, with Rong City as its center, radiate across the whole country—even the world,” Zhou Xuan declared.

Hearing Zhou Xuan’s resolute words, Liu Yixue was struck by his ambition. Still only in middle school, he was already thinking of entrepreneurship.

In that moment, she realized that Zhou Xuan was not only gifted and talented, but also possessed lofty aspirations. His image in her heart grew immeasurably—she admired him, liked him from the depths of her heart.

Perhaps it was involuntary, but the words that slipped from her lips left Zhou Xuan utterly speechless.

“Zhou Xuan! If you go to the University of Science and Technology, I’ll go with you!”

Hearing what was almost a confession, Zhou Xuan was stunned.

He remembered the thrill of his youth, and his former timidity. Now, reborn, why cling to the past?

Live in the present, cherish the moment!

“Alright! Let’s get into the University of Science and Technology together!” Zhou Xuan said firmly.

A song from his previous life came to mind, and Zhou Xuan began to sing softly.

At last, I could no longer hold onto loneliness,
Let my heart quietly unlock itself…
Only you bring me true joy…
I don’t know how to describe you,
But not even ten miles of spring breeze compare to you.