SBMT Chapter 83 Extra 2

If there had been no transmigration, an if-line where everyone appeared in modern times:

 

Shen Ziqin was twenty-one, having worked for just one year. His gambling addict father had gotten into a conflict with loan sharks, resulting in disharmonious violent behavior in modern society.

 

The final outcome: the loan sharks went to jail, his father went to the coffin.

 

When Shen Ziqin suddenly received the news while working overtime, his first reaction was bewilderment.

 

He had finally escaped the shadow of this domestic-abusing gambling addict and no longer had to work hard to help pay his bottomless debts. He was free, but Shen Ziqin wasn’t very happy. When handling the funeral arrangements, he also felt no sorrow for losing a family member.

 

He handled everything calmly and coolly. When he was alone again, standing in the daylight, his face, which had been tense for days, finally showed the underlying confusion and helplessness.

 

Suddenly feeling light, there was an indescribable sense of unreality.

 

Shen Ziqin ordered a milk tea with lots of sugar—so much that even someone who loved sweets found it sickeningly sweet. He found a park to sit in, slowly finishing the milk tea on a bench.

 

Shen Ziqin watched people come and go, each with different lives and expressions. He sat alone in the bustling environment, seemingly out of place yet truly one of the masses.

 

He had nothing special about him, and like everyone else, he had to keep moving forward.

 

Shen Ziqin threw the empty cup into the trash bin, also discarding the fatigue and burden of the past few days, and stretched.

 

That’s right, one must look forward—life would get better and better.

 

Thinking about his age and suddenly being debt-free, Shen Ziqin decisively decided not to waste his learning ability. He began preparing for graduate school entrance exams, planning to return to school.

 

After improving his education, he would find a relaxed job and finally enjoy his own life.

 

The exam went very smoothly. A top student was still a top student—he succeeded on his first try. Shen Ziqin got into his desired school and met a good advisor.

 

Interestingly, through his advisor’s introduction, he met a senior who had already graduated, named Chu Zhaoyu.

 

After becoming familiar with his senior, during one meal, Shen Ziqin mentioned a novel he had read.

 

“When I first met you, senior, I was quite surprised. That novel not only had a minor character with the same name as me, but also a character with the same name as you.”

 

Chu Zhaoyu, gentle and refined, was also intrigued: “What a coincidence.”

 

Shen Ziqin nodded enthusiastically: “Senior, don’t you also have a brother named Chu Tan and another named Chu Jinxu?”

 

This time Chu Zhaoyu was truly surprised: “Their names are also in the novel?”

 

Shen Ziqin nodded: “Yes.”

 

This was too much of a coincidence—excessively so.

 

Chu Zhaoyu pondered: “Did someone who knows us use our names?… But that doesn’t make sense either. You read this novel long ago, when we didn’t even know each other yet.”

 

Shen Ziqin smiled, resting his chin on his hand. He thought it was purely coincidence and found that such small coincidences could bring little surprises to daily life. People had to find their own joy in living, so he didn’t pay much attention to it.

 

“Right? If I had discovered that novel after we met, I would have wondered if some mischievous friend did it.”

 

Besides, the settings weren’t completely the same. According to the book, Chu Zhaoyu should have had several siblings, but when they checked Chu Zhaoyu’s relatives, they found no more with the same names.

 

“If it really is a coincidence, then it’s an interesting kind of fate.”

 

Chu Zhaoyu clinked glasses with him: “To fate.”

 

Shen Ziqin also raised his glass: “To fate!”

 

After graduating with his master’s degree, Shen Ziqin successfully stayed at the university, doing some relaxed work with winter and summer vacations while continuing his studies. His life was quite pleasant.

 

That novel had been relegated to the back of his mind as an interesting episode, but unexpectedly, at an external conference, he encountered another person with the same name from the novel.

 

And this time it was the protagonist of the book—Bai Junxing.

 

Shen Ziqin and Bai Junxing hit it off immediately, having a wonderful conversation. When the novel came up this time, Shen Ziqin was surprised to discover that Bai Junxing had also read it.

 

Bai Junxing: “When Zhan Yan and I discovered it, we thought some friend had secretly written it without telling us. But then we realized that wasn’t right—if any of our friends had really written it, they would have rushed to show off to us.”

 

Shen Ziqin was stunned: “There really is a Zhan Yan? You and he…”

 

Bai Junxing smiled and raised his hand, showing the ring on his finger: “Boyfriend.”

 

One Chu Zhaoyu and the Chu family brothers was a coincidence, but what about Bai Junxing and Zhan Yan?

 

A bunch of people with the same names as in the book had just met like this in reality, and Shen Ziqin seemed to be the bridge connecting them.

 

This matter instantly became very mystical, but no one could explain it.

 

After that, Shen Ziqin couldn’t help wondering if he would encounter more people with the same names as in the book.

 

He found it both absurd and incredible, yet inexplicably looked forward to it.

 

But he wasn’t particularly expectant, since such things couldn’t be forced—they had to happen naturally.

 

If there really was a next one, who would he encounter?

 

He had basically met all the characters from the original story that interested him. Ah, if he had to say, there was still one—Chu Zhao.

 

Although he didn’t have much screen time and was cannon fodder, if he had to say who else he wanted to meet, only Chu Zhao remained.

 

Moreover, in the original story, Shen Ziqin was Chu Zhao’s consort, which created an especially special connection. Shen Ziqin thought that if he really could meet someone like Chu Zhao in reality, wouldn’t their meeting be very interesting?

 

That’s what he thought, but whether it would happen was up to fate.

 

Life went on, and he reached twenty-six.

 

Shen Ziqin’s university had very advanced science laboratories. He heard that they had recently secured a new project and assembled an excellent team, but this had nothing to do with Shen Ziqin, so he didn’t pay much attention…

 

So he didn’t know that among the newcomers, there really was someone named Chu Zhao.

 

Chu Zhao had received elite education from childhood and was used to a two-point or three-point routine life. Strictly speaking, he had been to many places, but regardless of which country or region, he would ultimately return to basics, wandering between the laboratory, cafeteria, and dormitory.

 

If others had been to so many places, they could easily create travel guides and recommend the best spots for photos. Chu Zhao could help you compare the pros and cons of various laboratories and which cafeteria had the best food.

 

Apart from work and study, Chu Zhao’s remaining hobbies were surfing the internet, reading various jokes, and playing games. Generally speaking, he was quite the homebody, but maintained very healthy habits.

 

Today Chu Zhao just wanted to take a little walk. While walking, he was still thinking about problems. He was so absorbed in his thoughts that when he came to his senses, he found the surrounding scenery completely unfamiliar.

 

The school was very large, and Chu Zhao hadn’t finished learning all the routes.

 

Chu Zhao was momentarily stunned but not panicked at all. Getting lost was impossible—modern electronic tools were so convenient. Chu Zhao pulled out his phone.

 

It would have been better not to look. When he did, he was stunned.

 

His phone battery was critically low, teetering on the edge of shutting down, already powerless to support something as demanding as navigation.

 

Chu Zhao: “…”

 

…Given the circumstances, our academic genius had to admit he was truly lost.

 

Chu Zhao was speechless. He stuffed his phone back in his pocket and looked around. Just then, he saw someone passing by and hurried forward: “Excuse me—”

 

That person looked up, and Chu Zhao’s voice stopped abruptly.

 

Chu Zhao was good-looking himself, so he considered himself immune to appearances and definitely not shallow. But today, this person’s looks shattered his understanding.

 

How could someone be this beautiful?

 

His skin was whiter than snow, his features like a painting. Standing under the golden ginkgo tree, when he looked up, all the golden colors in the sky became mere backdrop, turning into ink around him, unable to compare to the light in his eyes.

 

That person quietly yet intensely entered his vision, gripping his heart and mind.

 

A golden ginkgo leaf fluttered down. Shen Ziqin looked at the person in front of him. Since there was no one else around, that “classmate” just now could only have been directed at him.

 

Shen Ziqin: “Hello, is there something I can help you with?”

 

Even his voice was pleasant…

 

Chu Zhao came back to his senses and smiled again: “Sorry, I wanted to ask how to get to Sanwei Pavilion.”

 

As long as he could find the cafeteria he usually went to, the rest of the route would be within his familiar territory.

 

Shen Ziqin had a moment of realization: “Are you a new student? I happen to be going there for lunch too. Let’s walk together.”

 

Chu Zhao: “Thank you so much for the trouble!”

 

Shen Ziqin: “You’re welcome.”

 

The two walked toward Sanwei Pavilion together. Chu Zhao asked curiously: “How did you know I’m a new student?”

 

“You don’t know the way, and those of us who’ve been at school for a while all call that place the Third Cafeteria,” Shen Ziqin smiled. “When you said Sanwei Pavilion, I was stunned for a moment before realizing you meant its official name.”

 

There were a few other things Shen Ziqin didn’t mention.

 

For instance, Chu Zhao radiated youthful vigor all over, was handsome in a very sunny way, with eyes bright as stars. To put it plainly, his whole being emanated the aura of a fresh newcomer.

 

He really looked like a new student.

 

Complimentary, really.

 

Moreover, this person was truly eye-catching. At such a young age, he was handsome in an aggressive way. Even standing there without speaking, he would draw immediate attention. His casual clothes seemed simple but were perfectly coordinated—good fashion sense.

 

“I see.” Chu Zhao didn’t correct his assumption about being a new student, smiling cheerfully. “Then I should call you senior.”

 

After all, Shen Ziqin was a veteran who knew about the Third Cafeteria.

 

Shen Ziqin also didn’t correct his assumption, and the two went to the cafeteria together.

 

Chu Zhao generously offered to treat Shen Ziqin to lunch as thanks for showing him the way. Shen Ziqin said it really wasn’t necessary to be so polite, and taking on the role of a senior looking after a new student, he paid for Chu Zhao’s meal.

 

Chu Zhao noticed that Shen Ziqin’s meal card was a faculty and staff card.

 

At the dining table, Shen Ziqin discovered that he and Chu Zhao got along surprisingly well.

 

He had hit it off with Bai Junxing at first sight, but that was because they had common academic topics, which served as an entry point to quickly build their relationship. But with the person in front of him, it was different.

 

Though they chatted casually about things that would sound meaningless to others, it was inexplicably interesting and made one feel physically and mentally pleasant. Just talking casually, they felt exceptionally compatible.

 

Shen Ziqin found it incredible himself. How strange—he wasn’t particularly outgoing, was he?

 

Chu Zhao felt the same as Shen Ziqin. The more they chatted, the brighter his eyes became. This person was so comfortable to be around.

 

There weren’t many people in the cafeteria. Chu Zhao took out his phone that was about to die.

 

He wanted to get to know this “senior.”

 

“Senior, you helped me with directions and even treated me to lunch. Thank you so much. I must return the favor somehow. Could I get your contact information?”

 

Shen Ziqin was about to say he really didn’t need to return the favor when Chu Zhao continued: “As a new student, there are still some things I don’t understand, and I’d like to ask for your guidance.”

 

Shen Ziqin paused, then took out his phone: “Alright, let’s exchange contact information. You can ask me if you have questions, but treating me isn’t necessary.”

 

Shen Ziqin was about to add a note: “By the way, what’s your name? I’m Shen Ziqin, the Ziqin from the Book of Songs, Zheng Feng.”

 

“Chu Zhao, the Zhao from ‘bright and clear.'”

 

Shen Ziqin froze, slowly widening his eyes.

 

…No way.

 

Had he really encountered another one?

 

Chu Zhao didn’t notice Shen Ziqin’s expression, as he was nervously watching his phone’s battery level. His phone was very cooperative—after adding Shen Ziqin’s contact information, the screen finally flashed, used up its last bit of power, and peacefully shut down.

 

Phone peacefully.jpg: I can only help you this far.

 

Chu Zhao breathed a sigh of relief: Well done, didn’t drop the ball!

 

When he looked up, Shen Ziqin had already composed his shocked and complex expression.

 

After returning, he charged his phone, opened a game, and started typing rapidly in the guild chat.

 

【Invincible in Battle】: I got the contact info of a super handsome senior today. I guarantee none of you have seen anyone this good-looking!

 

Replies immediately popped up below:

 

“Don’t believe it, unless you let me see.”

 

“Let me see +1”

 

“Wait, bro, why is it a senior? Something’s off about you.”

 

One of Chu Zhao’s gaming friends also appeared.

 

【Zhan Yan the Invincible】: Definitely not as good-looking as my wife

 

【Invincible in Battle】: Though I haven’t seen your wife, I think the senior is still better looking

 

【Zhan Yan the Invincible】: Wait, I remember you’re not that old, focus on studying, young man

 

【Invincible in Battle】: Besides papers, how could studying possibly stump me

 

【Zhan Yan the Invincible】: College student, then never mind, big brother supports you pursuing true love

 

What—

 

No, it’s a misunderstanding.

 

Chu Zhao typed: “Just wanted to get to know him, you’re overthinking.”

 

Chu Zhao was nineteen and had never thought about dating. Today’s desire to get someone’s contact information was just because he found Shen Ziqin interesting.

 

However, it was precisely this sense of intrigue that opened the door to a new world for him.

 

He spent a year successfully advancing from “stranger underclassman” to Shen Ziqin’s boyfriend.

 

What happened to having no interest in romance?

 

Just talk, that’s all.

 

During this year, not only did Shen Ziqin and Chu Zhao successfully get together, but the people around them also became familiar with each other. Fate was indeed wonderful—for instance, 【Zhan Yan the Invincible】 was actually Zhan Yan, and his “wife” Bai Junxing was Shen Ziqin’s good friend. Through various connections, including Chu Zhaoyu and others, everyone became acquainted and established good relationships.

 

This day happened to be a weekend, and Zhan Yan rarely had leave from the military to return, so everyone agreed to spend the weekend at Chu Zhaoyu’s villa.

 

Shen Ziqin and Chu Zhao arrived first, followed by Chu Zhaoyu’s older brother Chu Tan and his younger brother Chu Jinxu.

 

Chu Zhao greeted Chu Tan: “Brother Tan.”

 

Both Chu Tan and Chu Jinxu had just returned from the company. Chu Tan’s smile had the warmth of a neighborhood big brother, gentle like winter afternoon sunlight: “You’re here? We just had some good meat air-shipped in today. Eat more later.”

 

Chu Jinxu laughingly hooked Chu Zhao over: “Why don’t you call me brother?”

 

Chu Zhao patted at the arm restraining him: “Hey, hey, you’re also my brother, you are!”

 

Chu Jinxu laughed heartily: “See, I said this kid looks a bit like us, and he’s also surnamed Chu. Maybe we were one family eight hundred years ago!”

 

Chu Zhaoyu picked out two bottles of wine: “Stop bullying the kid and go change your clothes first.”

 

Chu Jinxu smiled and let go. Both he and Chu Tan were still in formal wear. Chu Zhaoyu’s villa had rooms for him and Chu Tan, with wardrobes containing their clothes, so it was indeed time to change.

 

Chu Zhao sat back beside Shen Ziqin and noticed he was deep in thought. He leaned over and asked: “Ziqin, what are you thinking about?”

 

Shen Ziqin blinked at him, then slowly said after a while: “You’ve never called me brother either.”

 

Chu Zhao thought that would be a bit weird. Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly paused, his mind stirring.

 

Then he leaned close to Shen Ziqin’s ear and whispered: “How about I call you that tonight when we get back?”

 

This kid’s tone was suggestive, obviously intentional. Shen Ziqin’s ears turned red, and he pushed him away: “You little—”

 

Have some shame!

 

Chu Zhao held his fingertips and just laughed.

 

After the Chu brothers changed clothes, Bai Junxing and Zhan Yan also arrived, bringing wine and several boxes of after-dinner desserts.

 

With everyone present, they each raised their drinks or wine glasses and clinked them together. The glass sounds rang out cheerfully and crisply.

 

“Happy weekend!”

 

From now on, every weekend, every day, they would continue to live so ordinarily yet happily and smoothly.

 

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