Outstanding
She is a very outstanding roommate.
An awkward, strange silence suddenly descended upon the living room. Neither Jin Shuilan nor Lu Zhenqiu spoke, sitting quietly on the sofa. Maomao was still eating its dog food, the sound of it chewing slightly alleviating the quiet. Lu Zhenqiu bit her lip and was the first to speak. “Teacher Jin, are you unhappy that I deleted your classmate?”
She had actually explained it several times, but he kept pestering her, even sending voice messages. It wasn’t that his questions were presumptuous, but rather that she felt he needed to cool down.
Jin Shuilan turned her head. “Hm?”
Coming back to her senses, she said, “No, you did the right thing.”
Lu Zhenqiu’s brow furrowed. Jin Shuilan explained, “What I mean is, you don’t give people pointless hope. That’s a very good thing.”
Seeing her natural expression, Lu Zhenqiu’s heart settled. She ruffled her damp hair and heard Jin Shuilan ask, “But I am quite curious.”
Lu Zhenqiu turned her head. “What is Teacher Jin curious about?”
Jin Shuilan asked, “Did you reject him because of his gender, or because you don’t want to be in a relationship?”
Without hesitation, Lu Zhenqiu replied, “For now, I don’t want to.”
The whole affair with Tang Yingxia had just ended, and she simply didn’t have the energy to maintain another relationship, nor the interest to get to know someone new. Right now, she just wanted to focus on doing her live streaming and recording work well.
Jin Shuilan nodded and said no more. As Lu Zhenqiu went to blow-dry her hair, her phone lit up again. It was from Zhou Yuan: 【Old classmate, did you put in a good word for me?】
She raised an eyebrow and replied: 【I did.】
Zhou Yuan was thrilled: 【So what did she say? Can she add me back? I didn’t mean any harm.】
Jin Shuilan: 【She can’t, and you two aren’t a good match.】
Zhou Yuan: 【How are we not a good match?】
Jin Shuilan: 【Your genders aren’t compatible.】
Zhou Yuan was dumbfounded. Jin Shuilan didn’t explain further, simply replying that she had to work before turning off her phone. Hearing the buzzing of the hairdryer from the bathroom behind her, she lowered her head, closed her bag, and carried it back to the study.
When Lu Zhenqiu returned to the living room, she saw Jin Shuilan carrying her pajamas, ready to take a bath. She said, “I turned on the heater for you just now.”
The heater in the bathroom. She had turned it on while showering and, thinking that Jin Shuilan still needed to wash up, hadn’t turned it off. Jin Shuilan nodded. “Are you about to start your stream?”
Lu Zhenqiu said, “I’ll start as soon as I change.”
Jin Shuilan hummed in acknowledgment and walked into the bathroom. After filling the tub, she soaked in the water. She turned her head and saw the body wash by the sink. Next to it was a new bottle, which belonged to Lu Zhenqiu. Instead of adding bath oils, Jin Shuilan sent Lu Zhenqiu a message: 【Can I use your body wash?】
Lu Zhenqiu had just changed and was putting on makeup. Seeing the message, she replied without hesitation: 【Of course, Teacher Jin, feel free to use anything.】
Jin Shuilan picked up the body wash, worked it into a lather, and put the bubbles in the water, feeling as if she were completely enveloped in Lu Zhenqiu’s scent.
She tilted her head back slightly, leaning against the edge of the tub. The television in front of her was on, tuned to the Sanshui Live Streaming Platform. She clicked directly into Lu Zhenqiu’s stream room.
Around three o’clock, the stream room came to life. Lu Zhenqiu smiled and greeted, “Good afternoon, everyone.”
She watched for a moment, then was the first to reply: 【Good afternoon.】
Lu Zhenqiu was taken aback when she saw the name, then smiled. “Good afternoon, Boss.”
These past few days, Boss’s presence had been much lower-key, and she hadn’t been frantically sending gifts. Lu Zhenqiu had just breathed a sigh of relief when she saw a flash of purple fill the screen.
【Dream Lover Yi Zhenqiu】 has sent 【Zhenqiu】 a Love Warship.
【Dream Lover Yi Zhenqiu】 has sent 【Zhenqiu】 a Love Warship X2.
【Dream Lover Yi Zhenqiu】 has sent 【Zhenqiu】 a Love Warship X3.
Lu Zhenqiu: …
I spoke too soon.
Why has Boss started up again?
Before she could say anything, the bullet comments started flooding in.
【Ooh, Boss is here!】
【Boss is so early today!】
【It’s a conditioned reflex for me now. The moment I see a Love Warship, I think of Boss.】
Lu Zhenqiu sent her a private message, wanting to stop her from such crazy spending.
Looking at the private message window, Jin Shuilan typed: 【I’m in a bad mood.】
Lu Zhenqiu paused for a few seconds, then asked: 【What’s wrong?】
Jin Shuilan: 【There’s someone I’ve liked for a long time, and I don’t know if I should tell them.】
Someone she’s liked for a long time. Lu Zhenqiu let out a breath. Then it’s definitely not me. How long have we even known each other? Thinking this, the sense of guilt she felt from receiving the gifts lessened considerably. She asked: 【Is the person you like single?】
Jin Shuilan: 【Mhm, single.】
Lu Zhenqiu: 【If they’re single, I think you can give it a try. But don’t be too hasty, take it slow. Girls tend to like little surprises, so you can create some for her occasionally.】
Jin Shuilan: 【Do you like surprises?】
Lu Zhenqiu’s brow furrowed.
Jin Shuilan: 【Don’t get me wrong, I just think your personality, hobbies, and voice are very similar to hers.】
Oh, so the reason she’s showering me with gifts is because of these similarities.
Her sense of guilt decreased again.
Lu Zhenqiu was now starting to treat Boss with a sense of normalcy. She sent: 【If it’s from someone I’m familiar with, I would like it.】
Someone I’m familiar with.
Jin Shuilan tapped her phone. Do we count as familiar? Although we eat, live, and sleep together, and our daily chats aren’t that restrained, can we really say we’re very familiar? Probably not.
She made a mental note of this.
Seeing the number of people in her stream room growing, Lu Zhenqiu no longer had time to reply to private messages. She just sent one to Jin Shuilan: 【Good luck, Boss, I’m sure you’ll succeed!】
Jin Shuilan: 【You think so?】
Lu Zhenqiu: 【Definitely.】
Jin Shuilan’s fingers tapped on those two words: 【Thank you.】
Before Lu Zhenqiu could reply, she sent another message: 【You’re so nice.】
Lu Zhenqiu smiled, closed the private message window, and began chatting with the fans in the bullet comments. She was wearing an orange-yellow knit sweater today. This apartment complex started providing heating in mid-October, so she wasn’t wearing a jacket. Warm sunlight streamed in from the bay window, dyeing her eyelashes gold.
Many people in the bullet comments were asking about Boss. Jin Shuilan didn’t reply. Instead, she put away her phone, got up, rinsed off, then changed her clothes and put on some light makeup. Just as she was about to head out, she received a call from Zhao Siran1, whose voice was slightly urgent. “Teacher Jin, can we still negotiate the copyright? I spoke with my boss. How about a 16% tax point2?”
This was the best condition Zhao Siran could offer, and she had to beg and plead with her boss to get it. To be fair, the magazine had been doing well for years, and not entirely because of Jin Shuilan. Of course, they had other bestselling books, but it was undeniable that Jin Shuilan’s fame was the greatest. Sometimes, a single pre-sale was enough to keep them busy for half a month. Before signing Jin Shuilan, their magazine wasn’t very well-known; only after signing her did it come to life. In Zhao Siran’s eyes, Jin Shuilan was not only the magazine’s star author but also a spring of fresh water.
Opportunities were fleeting, and so was fresh water.
Today, they had tasted the sweetness of that fresh water, but others could taste it too, and they would covet it.
That was why she genuinely didn’t want to let Jin Shuilan go.
Hearing her words, Jin Shuilan asked in return, “16%?”
Zhao Siran quickly agreed, “Yes, 16! For the next royalty payment, I can…”
“Don’t draw a big pancake for me3,” Jin Shuilan said. “16% is not up for discussion. Let’s leave it at that. I have to go out.”
Zhao Siran was speechless.
She watched as her assistant walked in and reported in a low voice, “Chief Editor, I heard Teacher Jin went to meet with Chen Hong4.”
“Chen Hong?” Zhao Siran clutched her phone, her face dark. Of all the people coveting her spring of fresh water, Chen Hong was certainly one of them. She had tried to poach Jin Shuilan two years ago and was reportedly rejected several times. She never expected Chen Hong would get her chance now.
Seeing her editor’s foul expression, the assistant said, “Chief Editor, since things are already like this, should we release the promotional material first?”
Zhao Siran’s expression softened slightly. She took the file from her assistant and nodded. “Go ahead and release it.”
It was the publishing promotion for Tang Yingxia. She watched as their official Weibo account posted a teaser video and forwarded it, her mind still preoccupied with the Jin Shuilan matter.
Jin Shuilan didn’t see the promotion, but she did get a call from Bai Mao. The person on the other end said, “Completely broken things off with your old company? I saw your old publisher posted a promotional video for Tang Yingxia.”
She just “oh”-ed, clearly not paying it much mind. Bai Mao asked, “Where are you planning to go?”
Jin Shuilan mentioned Miqi. Bai Mao nodded. “Not bad. I’ve heard they’ve put out a lot of bestsellers these past few years. Their promotional channels are solid, no worse than your old company’s.”
Indeed, they were no worse. And their royalty rate was 20%. Jin Shuilan wasn’t greedy for the total advance—the difference between four million and six million wasn’t significant in her eyes—but the royalty rate was another matter. With the number of books she sold in a year, a higher royalty rate was obviously better. In the past, out of consideration for their old friendship and her relationship with Zhao Siran, she had politely refused all other magazines and given them exclusive rights. She never expected that would give them the confidence to think she couldn’t leave them.
People were always like that, only realizing what they had once it was gone.
Jin Shuilan got into her car. Bai Mao said, “Hey, are you free tonight?”
“For what?” Jin Shuilan connected her Bluetooth, and Bai Mao’s voice came through the car’s speakers. “I want to talk to you about the radio drama, and about Zhenqiu’s voice acting.”
Jin Shuilan replied, “I’m not free…”
She paused for two seconds before finishing, “Actually, yes, tonight is fine. But a bit later, around 10:30.”
“That late?” Bai Mao asked. “For a late-night snack?”
Jin Shuilan said, “A late-night snack works. I’ll bring Zhenqiu with me. You can tell her whatever you need to say to her face.”
“I… I… I…” Bai Mao suddenly stuttered. “What’s this for? Suddenly bringing someone over, I’m not mentally prepared!”
Jin Shuilan chuckled. “Am I setting you up on a blind date? What do you need to prepare for? We’re just discussing the radio drama.”
Bai Mao was a keyboard warrior online but socially awkward5 in real life, barely able to string two words together with people she didn’t know. After saying that, Jin Shuilan added, “Oh, right, can you get me two tickets? I need seats in the first three rows.”
“What tickets?”
“Zhang Xin’s concert,” Jin Shuilan said.
Someone in Bai Mao’s family worked at the stadium. In the past, Bai Mao had given her tickets to other concerts, but Jin Shuilan had never been interested. This was a rare request from her. Bai Mao said, “You like Zhang Xin? I couldn’t tell.”
Jin Shuilan replied, “It’s not that I like her, it’s that Zhenqiu does.”
Bai Mao “oh”-ed, then let out a strange sound. “Eh??”
What did I just hear?
It’s not that she likes her, it’s that Zhenqiu does? Because Zhenqiu likes her, she’s asking for two tickets? Two tickets. Zhenqiu definitely can’t use both, so—
Combined with the fact that Zhenqiu was also coming out for a late-night snack…
Bai Mao seemed to understand something. She grinned. “Don’t you worry, sis. I’ll get it done for you, guaranteed.”
Jin Shuilan said, “Thanks. See you tonight.”
Knowing Jin Shuilan’s feelings for Zhenqiu, Bai Mao was suddenly very interested in this meeting. She said, “See you tonight.”
Jin Shuilan hung up and entered the coffee shop. Chen Hong had already ordered coffee and hadn’t forgotten to order an extra one. Jin Shuilan glanced down at the extra cup. Chen Hong said, “Teacher Jin, I heard your friend is at home and it wasn’t convenient for her to come out. This is for your friend.”
“Thank you.” Jin Shuilan smiled, her features softening considerably. Seeing she was in a good mood, Chen Hong seized the opportunity. “I was wondering what Teacher Jin’s thoughts are on the contract?”
Jin Shuilan took the contract out of her bag. It was already signed. She handed it to Chen Hong. “It’s signed.”
Although it was a preliminary contract, her signature meant there was more than half a chance they would cooperate. Chen Hong’s face flushed with happiness. She nodded. “Thank you for choosing us at Miqi, Teacher Jin. We will do our best with the promotion.”
Jin Shuilan inclined her head. “Thank you for your hard work.”
“It’s no trouble,” Chen Hong said. “This place has a rather famous pastry. I wonder if Teacher Jin has tried it?”
Jin Shuilan rarely came to coffee shops, so she shook her head. Chen Hong said, “Let me order one for you.” Then she added, “Should I get one for your friend to take back?”
Take one back for Lu Zhenqiu?
Jin Shuilan smiled. “Alright.”
Chen Hong ordered two pastries. The top of each was decorated with a cherry and piped with a heart. Jin Shuilan thought it tasted quite good. When it was time to pay, Chen Hong tried to beat her to it but was told the bill had already been settled. She looked at Jin Shuilan and smiled. “Teacher Jin, you shouldn’t have.”
Jin Shuilan said, “We’ll be meeting often for our future collaboration. This is a small matter.”
Chen Hong clutched the contract. “You’re right, Teacher Jin. Did you drive? Shall I give you a ride back?”
Jin Shuilan turned her head. “I drove.”
The two chatted for another quarter of an hour before Chen Hong left, satisfied, with the contract in hand. They set a time to sign the formal contract. On her way back, Jin Shuilan saw the coffee and dessert on the passenger seat and the corners of her lips curled into a smile.
When she got home, Lu Zhenqiu was singing. Jin Shuilan sat in the study, editing her manuscript while occasionally listening to the sounds from next door. At 5:30, she heard the door open. She walked out to see Lu Zhenqiu entering the bathroom.
A moment later, Lu Zhenqiu came out and smiled at Jin Shuilan. “Teacher Jin, you’re back.”
Jin Shuilan nodded. “I brought you some afternoon tea. Would you like some?”
Lu Zhenqiu looked over and saw a cup of coffee and a dessert. She said, a little embarrassed, “Thank you, Teacher Jin. You don’t have to bring me things next time.”
“It’s no problem,” Jin Shuilan said. “It was on the way. Don’t you get tired after streaming for so long?”
Lu Zhenqiu accepted the coffee. “It’s alright, the streams aren’t that long.”
She looked up. “What do you want to eat tonight?”
Before Jin Shuilan could answer, Lu Zhenqiu said, “Wait a second.”
She ran back to her room and came back, thump-thump-thump, with a notebook in her hand. She said to Jin Shuilan, “These are the restaurants I picked out after comparing reviews. I can’t cook tonight, I’m sorry, Teacher Jin.”
Jin Shuilan saw that the page was filled with over thirty restaurant names. Below each name was a list of their signature dishes and other popular items. There were also five-star and four-star ratings drawn by Lu Zhenqiu.
It looked quite professional.
Jin Shuilan smiled. “Then let’s just go down the list, one new place a day.”
Lu Zhenqiu nodded. “Okay.”
Afraid that Jin Shuilan would try to pay for the takeout again, she said, “Dinner’s on me.”
Jin Shuilan was very agreeable. “Alright.”
Lu Zhenqiu turned, wanting to take the notebook back. Jin Shuilan said, “Just leave it out here. I can use it for reference if I get a craving someday.”
“Okay,” Lu Zhenqiu said, placing the notebook on the coffee table.
The handwriting was elegant and beautiful, just like her. Jin Shuilan’s hand brushed over the raised texture of the page before she withdrew it and went back into the study. She clicked on the minimized screen and saw Lu Zhenqiu drinking the coffee.
She adjusted the volume.
“Coffee? My roommate brought it back for me.” Lu Zhenqiu’s smile was very sweet. “And dessert, too.”
“My roommate? She’s a girl, and she’s especially beautiful.”
An unknown fire began to burn in Jin Shuilan’s heart, making her face feel hot. She cleared her throat and heard Lu Zhenqiu continue, “And she’s very caring, and very talented. Anyway, I think she’s an extremely amazing person.”
“Introduce her to you guys?” Lu Zhenqiu laughed. “She probably doesn’t like being on camera.”
“She’s definitely prettier than me.”
Lu Zhenqiu read a bullet comments comment aloud: “Use one word to describe my roommate?”
“Outstanding, I guess.” Lu Zhenqiu genuinely felt that Jin Shuilan was an exceptionally outstanding person, whether it was her writing, the radio dramas, or her screenwriting. Her excellence was there for all to see. Hearing her praise, a warm current brewed in Jin Shuilan’s heart, a thread of sweetness pouring in, and she couldn’t suppress the upward curve of her lips. As she looked over the script, her ears were filled with the sound of Lu Zhenqiu’s voice.
They didn’t eat dinner until after seven. Lu Zhenqiu ordered two takeout meals. When they arrived, she told her fans in the stream room, then came out to see Jin Shuilan sitting by the coffee table, unwrapping the takeout bags. Inside were two exquisitely packaged meal boxes. Lu Zhenqiu didn’t know Jin Shuilan’s spending habits, but they probably weren’t low, so she had chosen a slightly more expensive takeout option.
Seeing her come out, Jin Shuilan beckoned. “Come, sit.”
Lu Zhenqiu sat down. Jin Shuilan handed her a pair of chopsticks and said, “You don’t have anything on after your stream tonight, right?”
“Tonight?” Lu Zhenqiu thought for a moment. “No, I’m free.”
Jin Shuilan nodded. “I’ll take you out for a late-night snack.”
Lu Zhenqiu was stunned. “Huh? A late-night snack?”
Jin Shuilan smiled. “Mhm, Bai Mao wants to meet you to talk about the radio drama. Since you were streaming this afternoon, we can only go after you’re done.”
It dawned on Lu Zhenqiu, and she nodded. “Okay.”
Then she smiled. “Thank you, Teacher Jin.”
“You’re welcome.” Jin Shuilan’s lips curved. “What can I say? I am your outstanding roommate.”
Lu Zhenqiu choked on a gasp of air and coughed, her face flushing red. A shimmer of moisture floated in her eyes, her bright eyes glistening, and even the narrow corners of her eyes were tinged with pink. “Teacher Jin watches my streams too?”
She looked extremely embarrassed, sipping her soup and blinking.
Seeing this, Jin Shuilan smiled. “Just for a little while.”
So what if she watched? It’s fine. That’s what she thought, but a bit of heat still crept up the side of Lu Zhenqiu’s face, a faint blush on her fair skin. She lowered her head to eat, pretending to ask casually, “So, does Teacher Jin have an account on Sanshui?”
Jin Shuilan nodded. “I do.”
Lu Zhenqiu took out her phone. “What is it? I’ll follow you and make you a mod.”
Jin Shuilan’s hand trembled, and her chopsticks nearly fell onto the table. She looked up and met Lu Zhenqiu’s gaze. After a long moment, she said in a probing tone, “Take a guess?”
The author has something to say:
Thirty red packets up for grabs. Muah~
Jin Shuilan: My wife wants me to hurry up and pursue her. I have the screenshot to prove it.
Lu Zhenqiu: …
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