The Slacker Academic Always Gets Caught (SLACKER)
Chi Ning’s heart skipped a beat.
Qin Heng raised a fist to his lips and tilted his head down to look at Chi Ning, amusement lacing his voice. "Why so nervous? Afraid I’ll expose you?"
After a moment’s thought, Chi Ning replied, "Xu Jiahao wouldn’t believe you anyway."
Qin Heng conceded: True.
Chi Ning looked the picture of innocence, especially standing next to him—the contrast was striking.
He studied Chi Ning’s expression carefully.
Chi Ning's face showed no anger or dissatisfaction, only a hint of confusion, his expression clearly saying: How could you be this kind of person?
In their previous life, Qin Heng had always been humble and courteous around him, perfectly proper in every interaction. He would blush at the slightest suggestive remark and would never tease him like this.
Suddenly, Qin Heng spoke up: "I don't care why you lied to Brother Xu, and I won't expose you. I can even teach you how to act."
Since Chi Ning had already seen him at his most pathetic, there was no point pretending anymore. Though not particularly skilled in social interactions, Chi Ning was sharp-witted. Following his usual habits, he would definitely offer some tuition fee after agreeing.
Chi Ning clenched his fists.
What did he mean by "want to learn? I'll teach you"?
Now he wouldn't even bother pretending?
Turning his head away, Chi Ning said angrily, "So you won't help me rent a place? Zhang Qiuwen should be of age by now. I'll just ask him for help then."
As Chi Ning stepped past Qin Heng, halfway through, his wrist was grabbed.
Qin Heng's gaze darkened as he gripped Chi Ning's slender wrist, gritting his teeth: "You'd let anyone help you, wouldn't you?"
He and Zhang Qiuwen had grown up in the same orphanage. They fought together, ate together, and would even make money together—brothers who shared everything. Yet he couldn't stand the thought of Chi Ning turning to Zhang Qiuwen instead of him.
With a twist of his wrist, Chi Ning pulled free and said coldly, "Not anyone. I'm picky."
Qin Heng laughed bitterly, not understanding his own emotions, and retorted sharply, "Me, Ye Xinran, Zhang Qiuwen—who's next? Planning to help everyone you meet?"
Chi Ning let out an "oh" and turned back unabashedly. "How did you know I helped Ye Xinran?"
Remembering the faint sounds from behind the wall that day, realization dawned on him. "You saw?"
Chi Ning stared straight into Qin Heng's eyes. "Qin Heng, whether I'm helping someone, how many people I help, or who exactly I choose to help—what does any of that have to do with you?"
Qin Heng froze for a moment, his eyelids lowering.
Chi Ning was right—it had nothing to do with him.
His heart wasn't kind, and whether Chi Ning got deceived was none of his concern.
Zhang Qiuwen was his good friend, an honest guy. If someone wanted to help him, Qin Heng should be happy about it.
Conversely, Chi Ning wasn't his to begin with—why should he care so much?
Even if Chi Ning ended up following him in the future, he could help whomever he pleased. It wasn't like Qin Heng could restrict Second Young Master Chi's freedom.
His thoughts tangled into a mess, and he stayed silent for a long while.
Seeing this, Chi Ning wondered if he'd been too harsh and felt a twinge of guilt. It wasn't Qin Heng who had deceived him—why was he always taking his anger out on him?
"I, well... I... Isn't Zhang Qiuwen your friend?"
His explanation came out clumsy, stumbling at the start.
Qin Heng's expression softened, his dark eyes clearing like a cloudless sky. "So you're saying Zhang Qiuwen is benefiting from my connection?"
What about Ye Xinran, then?
Feeling lighter, his mind began working again.
But he knew better than to ask that last part and swallowed the question.
Qin Heng blinked before betraying his friend without hesitation. "Zhang Qiuwen isn't of age yet."
Chi Ning had never met Zhang Qiuwen in his past life—how could he know if this was true or not?
But having been reborn, he'd grown wiser!
"Really? I'll ask him first before deciding. You've acknowledged Xu Jiahao as your godfather—he wouldn't treat you poorly. He might even give you a place to stay. You probably don't need a place as much as Zhang Qiuwen does."
Qin Heng clenched his jaw, maintaining a calm facade. "Fine, go ask."
Though he couldn't quite figure out why, Qin Heng simply didn't want Chi Ning and Zhang Qiuwen to get too close.
Especially when it came to something as intimate-sounding as renting an apartment together.
After Chi Ning left, Qin Heng pulled out the new PHS phone he'd bought for work and texted Zhang Qiuwen: "When Chi Ning asks how old you are later, just say you're 17."
Chi Ning came out of the restroom and asked Zhang Qiuwen, but the answer he got was unexpected.
Zhang Qiuwen: "I'm 17. Otherwise, why would I call Qin Heng 'bro'?"
Chi Ning pondered. "That makes sense."
Looking at it this way, Qin Heng really was the only one who could help.
Fine, he'd wait until Qin Heng got off work to discuss it properly.
He sighed softly and picked up a cue to play for a while, but after a moment's thought, he put it back down.
Hmm... the billiard table Jiang Shijie had been sitting on felt kind of dirty.
Frowning slightly, Chi Ning returned to the sofa.
When Qin Heng emerged from the restroom, he saw Chi Ning sitting obediently on the sofa, looking troubled.
The corner of his lips curled up—seemed like Zhang Qiuwen had managed to keep up the act.
So naive... How was he even raised like this?
Earlier, when Chi Ning had gone to confirm, Qin Heng had been holding his breath, afraid something might go wrong.
Turns out the little lamb had grown some wits, but not enough.
Noticing the gaze, Chi Ning turned his head. "You're here?"
Having just acted tough with him earlier, it was a bit awkward to now ask for help. "After you finish work, let's find a place to talk properly about the apartment, okay?"
His voice softened as he spoke, carrying an unintentional hint of coquetry.
Qin Heng's ears inexplicably warmed. "Sure."
In his mind, a cartoonish little white lamb was grumbling: "How could you lie to him? You're such a jerk. He'll definitely hate you if he finds out."
Meanwhile, a little black wolf stood with arms akimbo, unapologetic: "I was never a good guy to begin with—lying's second nature to me. Young Master Chi responds to softness, not force. Look how nicely he treats Mo Yuanzhou! What else am I supposed to do? Just don't get caught, simple as that."
The white lamb lost the argument, sulking into silence while the black wolf gloated.
Qin Heng reined in his thoughts and headed toward Xu Jiahao. "I finish late, at 11:30. If you're hungry, go eat first."
Chi Ning glanced at the now-empty family-sized bag of chips. Far from hungry, he was actually feeling a bit stuffed.
This was the first time he'd indulged in chips so freely—kind of satisfying, but also kind of greasy.
"I'm not hungry."
No sooner had the words been spoken, a procession of men in suits filed through the door.
There were too many to count—ten in total. They entered before lining up in two parallel rows of five, while the last two held open the glass door and lifted the plastic partition curtain. A middle-aged man in sapphire-blue stepped into the billiards hall from outside.
He was slightly plump but still rather handsome. His face bore the marks of meticulous upkeep, glowing with vigor and radiating an air of smug triumph. Yet the slightly loosened tie betrayed a hint of underlying anxiety.
Chi Ning averted his gaze.
Shen Zongze. President Shen.
He’d recognize that man even if he were reduced to ashes.
In his past life, this man had bought out Chi Family’s shareholders and secretly seized control of Chongning’s influence.
His son, Shen Minyi, had drugged him and stolen an entire hard drive’s worth of patent data.
"Mr. Xu," Shen Zongze stood before Xu Jiahao and extended his hand. "Pleasure to meet you."
Xu Jiahao didn’t even bother standing up and just kept lounging behind the counter like a boss. "Likewise."
The Chi Family and the Shen Family were business rivals that were locked in an irreconcilable feud.
Xu Jiahao’s response would signal where his allegiance lay.
Personal and professional matters had to be kept separate. He could be on good terms with Chi Ning, but whether to side with the Chi Family or weigh President Shen’s potential was another matter entirely.
Xu Jiahao clasped his hands together and grinned. "President Shen, quite the entourage you’ve got there. My little billiards hall can barely contain them all."
Shen Zongze thought to himself: I’m just afraid you’ll lose your temper and have me chopped up and smuggled to Myanmar.
He smiled. "The business world is cutthroat these days. I’m just guarding against that resident of Nine Glory Residences."
Xu Jiahao raised an eyebrow. The only family living in Nine Glory Residences still locked in a feud with the Shen's was the Chi Family.
He turned to Chi Ning. "Second Young Master Chi, anything to say?"
Shen Zongze glanced toward the dimly lit corner.
A fair-skinned, sharp-eyed young man was sprawled lazily on the sofa, chin propped on his hand as he watched the scene with keen interest.
For a moment, Shen Zongze was struck by his striking appearance, but he quickly suppressed any untoward thoughts.
With the Chi Family’s youngest son here, the situation had changed.
Originally, he’d only been wary of offending Xu Jiahao. Now, he was even more afraid that Jiang Shijie’s meddling would push the traditionally neutral Xu Jiahao into the Chi Family’s camp.
Damn it, what kind of cursed spawn did the Jiang Family produce?
"Me?"
Chi Ning tapped his cheek with a finger. "I’ve been coming to Boss Xu’s place for a month now and never once brought bodyguards because it was not needed—Boss Xu’s a good guy."
Shen Zongze nearly cursed out loud.
Good guy, my ass!
He’s faking it! He’s ruthless! He’s vicious!
Do you even know what Xu Jiahao does for a living?
The audacity to lie through your teeth with such finesse.
Xu Jiahao was torn between laughter and exasperation. This was the first time anyone had ever called him a good person.
The feeling… was strange, but not unpleasant.
Xu Jiahao said, "President Shen, let’s cut to the chase about compensation. Jiang Shijie wrecked the billiard table Young Master Chi reserved by plopping his ass on it. Your thoughts?"
Shen Zongze nearly choked. The phone call hadn’t been clear—had he known Jiang Shijie had offended Chi Ning, he wouldn’t have come at all! He’d have left Jiang Shijie to clean up his own mess.
Damn it, what rotten luck.
Offending Chi Ning elsewhere was one thing, but doing it here, in Xu Jiahao’s territory, and even damaging a table Boss Xu liked? That was practically forcing Xu Jiahao to side with the Chi Family!
Now, things have taken a turn. Offering more money to win over Xu Jiahao was no longer an option. He'd be grateful if he could just pay to keep Xu Jiahao neutral. "Boss Xu, here's 1 million. It was my poor judgment in choosing a business partner. I offended you, and this is my apology."
Xu Jiahao took the check without even glancing at it and tossing it aside.
Shen Zongze wasn't the least bit likable—his bodyguard's muddy shoes had dirtied the small rug at the entrance of the billiards hall.
With his expression unreadable, Xu Jiahao pulled open the counter drawer and fished out five 1-million chips.
The five small gold coin-like tokens glittered under the counter lights.
He said, "No need for such courtesy, President Shen. Take these 5 million. Drop by my business in Macau when you're free—just make sure to clean up the trash around you first."
Shen Zongze couldn't quite grasp Xu Jiahao's intention.
Was this taking his side?
1 million exchanged for 5 million, and what's more, casino chips he could potentially use to win even more cash.
Was this an olive branch?
As long as he dealt with Jiang Shijie properly?
Chi Ning vaguely understood. When Shen Zongze glanced over, he turned his head away as if sulking.
Qin Heng hesitated, unsure how to interpret Xu Jiahao's ambiguous handling of the situation.
Shen Zongze pocketed the small gold coins, straightened his tie, and left in high spirits.
Without hesitation, Chi Ning walked up to Xu Jiahao and asked, "Brother Xu, are you teaming up with Shen Zongze?"
Xu Jiahao looked surprised. "Of course not. I'm strictly neutral right now."
Chi Ning: ?
Really? But your attitude just now didn't seem that way.
But neutrality meant no cooperation, which he understood. "Alright, then I won't have my dad bother you."
Xu Jiahao: ...
If anyone else had said this, it might have been a ploy, but coming from Chi Ning, it was clearly a misunderstanding.
He sighed. "But I won't be neutral much longer. Go tell your dad we'll talk later."
The Shen Family was a lost cause—they wouldn't last.
A family that could raise someone like Chi Ning must have solid foundations. Chi Yang probably wasn't as bad as the rumors suggested.
"Really?" Chi Ning perked up.
Xu Jiahao added, "I'll use Shen Zongze's money to get you a new billiard table. From now on, the first spot will always be reserved for you."
Chi Ning: Woohoo!
He imagined Shen Zongze's face when he found out his apology money had been used to upgrade his rival's son's gaming experience and nearly laughed out loud in delight.
Qin Heng finally caught on—Xu Jiahao was playing both sides publicly while quietly picking the winning team.
But what was the purpose of those 5 million in chips?
Xu Jiahao made a call, instructing the person on the other end, "If Shen Zongze comes to 'take care of our business,' be sure to 'take good care' of him. Show him some hospitality."
He emphasized the words "take care."
Qin Heng: ...
Understood. Boss Xu was scamming President Shen.
Using 5 million in chips as bait for a bigger catch.
No need to deliberate—he was ready to swear brotherhood right then and there.
Xu Jiahao's methods were impressive.
Chi Ning also figured it out and exhaled in relief.
Jiang Shijie would undoubtedly bear the brunt of Shen Zongze's anger, leaving the Chi Family to reap an unexpected windfall.
11:43 PM.
Qin Heng got off work and noticed the person slumped drowsily on the sofa. "Chi Ning?"
"Hmm?" Chi Ning responded groggily, murmuring, "Heng-ge, didn't I tell you not to pick me up?"
Qin Heng's breath hitched. "What did you call me?"
Chi Ning jolted awake.
This wasn't the research institute!
"Nothing," Chi Ning replied vaguely, brushing it off. He stood up, finished his call with the agent, then turned to Qin Heng. "Let's go check out the place."
The young agent, anxious about his lack of sales, rushed over from home at the prospect of a commission. He led the potential tenants into the residential complex and began introducing the property.
"This isn't a new development. The owner has gone abroad and entrusted the place to us. Because it's spacious and requires a yearly lease, it's been sitting vacant for nearly a year."
Chi Ning gave a noncommittal hum and glanced at the now-lit interior.
It was a small townhouse-style duplex with two floors that were with two units per building. The size was ideal for experiments and fully equipped with appliances like a refrigerator. The living room, devoid of a sofa or TV, was open and airy—perfect for setting up lab equipment.
The only remaining decoration was a ceramic figurine on the shoe cabinet by the entrance.
Exhausted, Chi Ning wobbled as he stood up after putting on shoe covers, tilting toward the shoe cabinet. His hand bumped against it, sending the ceramic ornament tumbling down.
The agent, standing too far away, couldn’t react in time.
Qin Heng’s heart clenched. Instinctively, he reached out, catching Chi Ning by the waist and pulling him back a step.
Even through the thin fabric of his shirt, he could feel just how slender that waist was.
Chi Ning leaned into the crook of Qin Heng’s arm, fingers pressing against the taut muscles of his forearm, when a brief, steady warning sounded:
"Careful."
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