Chapter 39: It all depends on one’s ability?

Hearing “it’s his first time,” Feng Xiyao froze for a moment.

…Right.

She’d almost forgotten.

This reborn Meng Zhi was still an inexperienced, clueless virgin.

No wonder he was so flustered facing her earlier.

If she’d pushed harder, or if Chen Xinya hadn’t shown up, could she have won him over?

A sly smile curved her lips as she eyed Chen Xinya playfully.

“What, you nervous? Scared I’ll get there first?”

“You think you’re guaranteed to win?”

Chen Xinya stared back.

“If he has to choose someone for his first time, would he pick a sister he barely knows, with all those complications?”

“Or a childhood friend he’s grown up with, bonded deeply?”

Feng Xiyao’s smile vanished.

She had to admit, despite her bold hints, Meng Zhi had resisted.

It wouldn’t be easy.

If this little green tea got to him first…

Just imagining it made her blood boil.

“So.”

Chen Xinya read her expression and continued.

“If we don’t set rules, we’ll both resort to dirty tricks, scared the other will jump ahead.”

“But that’ll only stress Meng Zhi out. Don’t forget, you just pissed him off.”

Feng Xiyao met her gaze, seeing nothing but calm.

Finally, she turned away, sulking.

“…What’s the deal?”

“No going all the way with Meng Zhi until he confirms a relationship.”

Chen Xinya seemed prepared.

“If he chooses, the other gets fair notice. Win openly.”

“…Anything short of that?”

“Fair game.”

“Deal.”

Feng Xiyao nodded after a moment.

Chen Xinya exhaled, turning back to the TV.

The screen showed the gunfight’s end, bloodied protagonists facing off, spouting cliché final lines.

Feng Xiyao’s eyes were on the TV, but her mind was scheming.

As long as it’s not the final step, it’s fair game?

You’re in for it.

‘You don’t know how much I did with him last life—more than the stockings you’ve worn.’

‘I know every inch of his body, every weak spot.’

‘What do you have to compete with me?’

Meanwhile, Chen Xinya was secretly smug.

This girl’s so gullible.

‘If I wasn’t worried you’d pull another stunt like drugging him at the exam, I wouldn’t bother with this.’

‘Steal Meng Zhi from me?’

‘I used more condoms with him last life than you’ve ever touched yourself.’

‘He was my husband, my closest companion.’

‘You think you can compete?’

Both struggled to hide their smugness, their expressions slipping.

Catching each other’s eyes, they quickly looked away, pretending nothing happened.

*

In his room, Meng Zhi lay on his bed, staring at his phone.

Lu Ziming from Class 3.

He barely remembered the guy.

Across all his lives, they’d never crossed paths.

Why did he know Meng Zhi?

His friend request was accepted quickly.

Before Meng Zhi could introduce himself, Lu Ziming jumped in enthusiastically.

[Hey, I’m Lu Ziming from our grade. You’ve probably heard of me.]

Meng Zhi smirked, typing casually.

[Who hasn’t heard of Chairman Lu?]

[No, no, we’re just classmates, don’t flatter me.]

Lu Ziming got to the point.

[You coming to the teacher appreciation banquet in two days?]

[Why me?]

[First, it’s a school tradition—everyone’s supposed to join…]

He paused, then continued.

[Second, this one’s different. We’re planning a big joint event with other high schools, inviting senior teachers and principals from each school, plus all the graduates.]

[We’re all from X City. Even if we end up at universities far apart, we’re still locals. More connections mean more support, right?]

…Huh?

Meng Zhi blinked, confused.

This never happened in his previous lives.

[That’s not all. We might even get some professors and leaders from X University.]

Lu Ziming sounded thrilled, clearly proud of organizing such a big event.

[Our local high schools have tons of kids aiming for X University. Meeting professors and leaders early could help with applications, right?]

[It’s all benefits, no downsides. Skipping it would be a shame.]

[…I still don’t get it.]

Meng Zhi typed after a long pause.

[What’s this got to do with me?]

[Because the student council president from Experimental High asked about you.]

Lu Ziming’s typing slowed.

[I figured you might know her, so I checked with you.]

[She’s from a top school, and their president’s pretty well-known.]

[Who?]

[Lin Yuhan.]

…Now it clicked.

Meng Zhi chuckled, typing bluntly.

[Chairman Lu, let’s not play games. You into her and digging for info?]

[No way…]

The words appeared, then vanished.

[Alright, bro, truth is, I kinda want to get to know her.]

[Sorry, I’ve only met her a few times. Not close.]

[Got it…]

A pause, then.

[So, you coming to the banquet?]

After a moment, Meng Zhi replied.

[Yeah.]

Not for Lin Yuhan.

Lu Ziming’s mention of X University professors and leaders caught his attention.

One woman came to mind.

Unlike Chen Xinya, Feng Xiyao, or Lin Yuhan.

…A woman who genuinely terrified him.