PTCQT Chapter 1

[System Prompt 06: World loading… zzZzz… Loading failed, World refuses to load…]

[System Prompt 01: World loading… Refusing to load…]

[System Prompt 07: World… System under attack, alert…]

[System Prompt 521: World loading, loading successful, memory transfer in progress…]

In the golden autumn of September, it should have been a time of crisp and refreshing weather. However, the scorching sun overhead mercilessly baked the earth, as if still trapped in the sweltering summer days when you could fry an egg on the ground. The heat made people sweat profusely, and even a brief exposure to sunlight made them eagerly seek refuge in the shade.

On such a day, when few were willing to venture outside, the campus adorned with greenery was bustling with activity. People of all ages traversed the grounds, most of them dragging suitcases, the clattering of wheels on the ground adding a touch of urgency to the already intense heat.

“Excuse me, could you tell me where the Department of Business is?”

“Here’s a map, and you are currently at this location. Keep it handy.”

“Thank you.”

“You have a lot of luggage; let me help you with that…”

“The Department of Chinese Language and Literature is over here; you’ve gone the wrong way, my friend…”

As the freshmen of University A commenced their studies, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say it was a sea of people. After going through the intense national college entrance examination in June and enduring the anxious wait for results, receiving the acceptance letter and stepping into this prestigious university, everything seemed to have finally settled.

“It’s way too hot,” remarked a male student during the orientation.

“Mind your image, senior. Don’t leave a bad impression on the incoming freshmen,” a girl standing nearby, wearing the same short-sleeved shirt, fanned herself with a map. “Otherwise, they might lose hope of finding love for the entire four years of university.”

Despite wearing the same short-sleeved shirt, it bore the name of University A, making it instantly recognizable to the new students.

The male student cleared his throat, resisting the urge to fan himself with the map. As a new student cautiously approached, he restrained the girl’s actions, saying, “Mind your image, junior. Don’t really lose hope of finding love for the entire four years of university.”

The girl didn’t stop her hand movements. “I don’t care. As long as I don’t end up like Xie Baiyuan, I’m fine, junior.”

“Alright, it’s pretty much confirmed that you’ll be single forever. How many people do you think can be like the Student Council President? It’s probably rare in our batch…” The male student handed the map to the new student, explained the locations, and lightened the mood by making a couple of jokes to ease the internal discomfort caused by the heat. However, when he turned his gaze, it lingered on the person who had just entered the campus, pulling a suitcase.

Under the scorching sun, it was inevitable for people to be covered in sweat. Those wearing light-colored clothes managed fine, but for those in slightly darker shades, the sweat clung to their bodies, giving off a damp appearance that seemed to carry the scent of perspiration, making it unappealing for anyone to get close.

Most of the freshmen who had been admitted to University A had spent much of their academic lives in a state of obliviousness to external matters, not putting much thought into their appearance. Coupled with their youthful and inexperienced expressions, they were easily distinguishable from the senior students who had been here for more than a year.

However, the dampness of sweat seemed to be unable to touch the young man who had just stepped onto the campus, drawing the discreet attention of quite a few people.

He sported pristine white sneakers, light-colored trousers, and a loose-fitting white casual jacket, revealing a light-colored short-sleeved T-shirt underneath. His height was impressive, estimated to be over six feet, yet none of these details were the most eye-catching.

What truly drew attention were his jet-black brows and eyes. The eyebrows, though intensely black, lacked any sense of heaviness; instead, they seemed delicately outlined as if sketched by a fine brush. Every detail appeared pleasing to the eye. With rosy lips and pearly white teeth, he possessed the kind of picturesque beauty reminiscent of an ink painting. Despite the sweltering weather, he seemed untouched by a single drop of sweat, giving off an incredibly refreshing and cool aura that only added to the curiosity of those secretly observing him.

“Don’t blame me if you weren’t warned. Mind your image,” the male student handling the recruitment expressed a momentary surprise, but as he thought about the phrase “standing out in a crowd,” he redirected his thoughts. He lowered his head and, with a hint of mischief, said to the girl beside him who was fanning herself, “Watch and learn.”

“It’s so hot, who cares about appearance? At this rate, my makeup will be ruined…” The girl’s irritated complaint abruptly halted at the sound of a low, melodious question.

“Hello, senior. Could you give me a map?” Shen Chun looked at the male student, unmistakably dressed in recruitment attire.

“Which department are you from?” The male student glanced at the girl beside him, whose movements seemed as if they were in slow motion. Suppressing a laugh, he turned his gaze toward the newcomer pulling a suitcase in front of him, silently marveling at the man’s handsome appearance.

From a distance, he appeared cool and handsome, with flawless features. However, upon closer inspection, one would realize there was no lack of charm. Leaving aside other aspects, just focusing on those seemingly naturally smiling peach blossom eyes, it was evident that the freshman this year had no reason to consider dating a senior, and perhaps, not even a senior girl.

What a disaster! As if having one Xie Baiyuan wasn’t enough, now there’s a freshman stealing the spotlight. It’s like they’re trying to make life unbearable for the seniors.

Countless eyes around discreetly observed, and Shen Chun pretended not to notice. He spoke, “I’m from the Department of Business Administration.”

“You’re also from the Department of Business Administration?!” The girl beside him finally stopped her slow-motion movements, asking in surprise.

Shen Chun looked at her and smiled, “Are you a senior too?”

“Oh, no, I’m not. I’m from the English department…” The girl neatly tucked the wrinkled map under the stack, her tone eager. “But I know where it is and can guide you there.”

Finally, amidst the crowd, a promising freshman emerged—so youthful, innocent, and full of vitality. Don’t blame the senior girl for extending her helping hand.

“Would it be too much trouble for you?” Shen Chun asked.

It’s well-known that having someone guide you during the initial days of freshman year is much more convenient than figuring everything out on your own.

“Not at all, not at all.” The girl placed all the maps in the hands of the male student next to her and smiled, “Follow me.”

“Thank you.” Shen Chun politely responded and followed along.

“Do you want me to carry your suitcase for you?” the girl asked.

“No need, I can handle it myself.” Shen Chun smiled.

While he appreciated the offer for convenience, there were some things he preferred doing on his own.

The two of them left with smiles, one in front and one behind. The male student handling the recruitment looked at the other stack of maps in his hands and smirked, “The opposite sex is heartless.”

The handsome freshman had arrived; it probably wouldn’t be long before the beautiful freshmen followed suit.

The campus remained bustling with people, a cacophony of noise. However, wherever Shen Chun passed, there was always a momentary silence, followed by numerous glances and curious looks.

“Is that guy also a freshman at University A? He’s so handsome.”

“Guys that good-looking usually already have a girlfriend, right?”

“Still, it’s nice to feast my eyes on such beauty. I’m grateful for the effort I put in to get into this university.”

“Do you think he’d give me his contact information if I go up to him?”

“He’ll probably say no, most likely.”

“I wonder which department he’s from.”

“With looks like that, there’ll definitely be discussions about him on the campus forums in the future.”

[Host, you’re quite popular.] 521 remarked, listening to the comments.

[It’s all about appearance.] Shen Chun chuckled.

It’s human nature to be attracted to beautiful things, and he just happened to possess that advantage.

The Department of Business Administration wasn’t far from the main gate; it took just over ten minutes to reach the orientation area.

The shade of trees provided a cool respite, casting shadows across the area. However, with the swaying of the branches, specks of sunlight managed to escape, creating a scattered pattern on the ground. This brought a translucent feel to the young man sitting there, engrossed in whatever he was writing.

Wearing the same white short-sleeved T-shirt, adorned with the words “Business Administration” on the chest, it looked as if it was meant for that person sitting there with a straight back and a well-defined waist. It was like a refreshing breeze after a summer rain, providing a cool sensation.

With slender fingers gripping the pen, slightly lowered brows and eyes devoid of a smile, he still managed to attract a long line of people in front of him.

“You can also handle the others next to you,” the young man put down his pen and, glancing at the people waiting behind, spoke, “No need to all stand in line here.”

Some were obviously there for him, while others were just following the crowd. Upon hearing his words, some split off from the queue, shortening the line.

“Senior, can I have your contact information?” a shy girl, having received her documents, asked.

“Here.” The male student pointed to a sign beside him, displaying a phone number.

“Thank you, senior.” The girl took a quick photo with her phone, blushing as she stood up and left. Excitement and joy shone in her eyes as she turned away.

“The freshmen nowadays are really bold,” the girl who brought Shen Chun remarked with emotion.

Shen Chun chuckled lightly. The girl looked up and asked, “What are you laughing about?”

“It’s nothing. We’ve arrived. Thank you, senior,” Shen Chun said with a smile.

It was normal for someone good-looking to be asked for their contact information. However, the one given might not necessarily be a frequently used number. Not refusing directly ensured that he wouldn’t be disturbed, creating a win-win situation.

The protagonist, Xie Baiyuan, stepped into University A, and Shen Chun finally encountered another task subject.

“You’re welcome. Um, junior, would you like to exchange contact information? You can ask me anything in the future,” the senior girl smiled.

“Sure, thank you, senior.” Shen Chun took out his phone and exchanged contact information.

As the girl left with the newly added contact, Shen Chun chose a shorter line. Ignoring some curious glances, he stood behind and let his gaze, seemingly indifferent, fall upon Xie Baiyuan.

Xie Baiyuan, a senior majoring in Business Administration, also serving as the president of the student council. Good in academics, good in sports, good-looking—without a doubt, he was the campus heartthrob at University A.

He had met the protagonist, Xie Baiyuan, and Xu Ze during this freshman orientation as well. When they first met, Xie Baiyuan didn’t leave much of an impression on Xu Ze, but Xu Ze was smitten with Xie Baiyuan at first sight.

A seemingly ordinary junior fell for the campus idol: a crush, secret glances, and then pursuit. Even after being rejected, he didn’t give up. Eventually, Xie Baiyuan agreed to be with him.

If the story ended there, it would have been a pretty good romance.

However, the plot took an unexpected turn. Xie Baiyuan was just too outstanding, always attracting attention, admiration, and pursuit from many others. Despite rejecting any ambiguous relationships during his romance, Xu Ze couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

People who could enter University A were often praised for their intelligence and considered as the pride of heaven to some extent. However, when the most exceptional individuals gathered together, the once outstanding might seem ordinary.

Checking phones and tracking movements became commonplace. Xu Ze was constantly on guard against anyone approaching Xie Baiyuan. The romantic atmosphere took a sour turn, and the final straw for Xu Ze was Xie Baiyuan’s suggestion to break up. In a moment of impulsiveness, emotions ran high, and it ended up harming both of them.

This kind of fate belonged to the “Fate Severance Group” in the original world. Shen Chun’s purpose in this world was to sever this red thread.

[This is my first time doing this kind of task. Do you have any experienced seniors whose advice I can seek?] Shen Chun asked as he took a seat diagonally across from Xie Baiyuan.

[I am currently searching for information.] 521 dutifully responded, [I found a highly-rated host who became someone’s benefactor with money, sent someone abroad with money, and…]

[Thank you, but that doesn’t provide much reference value.] Shen Chun smiled.

 

 

 

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