Ascending to the third floor dormitory, I heard the sound of weeping coming from Ning Shixuan’s room, overlaid with Yun Yao’s voice: “Little Sister Ning, stop crying. Did you misunderstand Lan Feng? He traveled all this way to see you; how could he possibly want to break up with you? Don’t cry. How about I ask Brother Zhao to find him and clarify things? It’s easier for men to talk things out.”

What was going on? Weren’t things fine during lunch? What trouble were these two stirring up now? Thinking of this, I pushed open the door to Ning Shixuan’s room. “Alright, Miss Ning, didn’t you two go out for a stroll? What’s the crisis now?”

Seeing me enter, Yun Yao patted her chest gratefully. “Brother Zhao, you’re back. Please talk some sense into Sister Ning. I have to get to the kitchen for my shift now. We’ll talk more tonight.”

With that, Yun Yao hurried downstairs to the backyard. Ning Shixuan was hunched over the **, sobbing uncontrollably, completely ignoring my questions. I simply sat down on the ** next to her. “A lovers’ quarrel? Is Lan Feng regretting staying here? I suppose that’s normal; what’s so great about this place? It can’t possibly compare to the comfort of the Peach Blossom Financial Investment Company office in the capital.”

“It’s all your fault, all your fault!” Ning Shixuan suddenly snatched a pillow and began hitting me with it repeatedly. “If you hadn’t gone and set up that Investment Promotion Office and invited your beautiful classmate to Liangshan, Lan Feng wouldn’t be thinking of leaving me!”

I felt more wronged than Dou E herself. “Can you please explain yourself clearly? I invited Xu Jing here for the contribution to Liangshan County; how does that relate to your boyfriend? Don’t blame your feet for a stomach ache.”

Ning Shixuan retorted, “Lan Feng originally had no connection to President Xu. But because he was on a business trip in the Shimen area, the company arranged for him to accompany her. If not for that, he wouldn’t have met President Xu, and he wouldn't be harboring fantasies about that siren. Although he hasn't explicitly told me, I can see it—Lan Feng has definitely fallen for Xu Jing, which is why he doesn’t want to stay in Liangshan!”

I had noticed Lan Feng’s preference for Xu Jing from his eyes long ago, but many men liked Xu Jing—Zhang Fengzhen was one, Secretary Liu’s gaze was also unusual, and even Secretary Ma secretly watched Xu Jing. The key was that Xu Jing would never favor any of them! As for what was in their hearts, that was their own affair.

I stood up. “If you continue to be unreasonable, I’m leaving. Xu Jing is so demure and never causes trouble. The title of ‘siren’ only suits Ouyang Qian. As for who Lan Feng likes or whether he stays in Liangshan, that is his freedom, not something you or I can control. But who Xu Jing likes is not something Lan Feng can control either. If Lan Feng deludes himself and acts on one-sided affection, he’ll be the one to suffer the loss in the end!”

Ning Shixuan fell silent, staring blankly at the little bear hanging on the wall. After a long pause, she sighed. “Call me unlucky. I won’t get married in this life; I’ll just be an old maid.”

I said, “I am your love consultant; you should at least tell me what happened. This ambiguity is making me quite uncomfortable.”

Ning Shixuan explained, “After lunch, you went upstairs to discuss cooperation with Xu Jing. I took Lan Feng for a tour around Liangshan County town. Along the way, he told me that his glorious career was just beginning, and his previous plan to settle in Liangshan would have to be postponed. He said he needed to establish his career before starting a family.”

I questioned, “That wasn’t the case just a few days ago. Lan Feng’s change is quite rapid.”

Ning Shixuan replied, “Didn’t I tell you? It’s all because of your beautiful classmate. Given Lan Feng’s status, he wouldn’t normally have direct dealings with Xu Jing, but he was lucky with the location of this business trip. Combined with Lan Feng’s capabilities and good looks, he naturally attracted President Xu’s attention. Now, your classmate intends to promote Lan Feng to a high-level position, so Lan Feng is abandoning meeting me in Liangshan. Can you blame me for resenting Xu Jing?”

I countered, “If Lan Feng is as talented as you say, then it’s normal for Xu Jing to value and promote him. You can’t just let talent go to waste. But if Lan Feng is harboring fantasies about Xu Jing because of this, he’s completely mistaken. Xu Jing will absolutely not like him, even if he is slightly better looking than me.”

Ning Shixuan brightened instantly. “Really? Then who does Xu Jing like? Could it be you?”

I declared, “Actually, she has been secretly in love with me. Today, I decided to accept her proposal. When we have the wedding banquet, I certainly won’t forget you. Remember to bring a big red envelope then.”

Ning Shixuan chuckled sweetly. “Alright, I’m not angry anymore. The main thing is I know Xu Jing won't like Lan Feng. Thinking about it, what status does President Xu have? If Lan Feng is an ugly toad dreaming of eating swan meat, he’ll be the one to suffer in the end. No, I need to talk to him. I can’t let beauty and power cloud his judgment; that will ruin his future.”

As long as Ning Shixuan wasn't crying, I said, “Go ahead, go ahead. Persuade that fellow properly. If he dares to have any more wicked ideas about Xu Jing, watch out, or I’ll spank him.”

Ning Shixuan took two steps, then turned back. “I just thought of a great idea. Aren’t you good friends with Xu Jing? How about we stage a scene? We can thoroughly dispel Lan Feng’s fantasies about Xu Jing, and then he will love me wholeheartedly.”

I hesitated. “But Lan Feng never explicitly said he likes Xu Jing, didn’t he? Wouldn't doing this be a bit much? We can’t stop other people from having feelings, can we? We can only blame Xu Jing for being too outstanding; I concede that point.”

“I’m serious, stop joking around. If Lan Feng knows that Xu Jing could never like him, he will completely abandon his illusions about her. Please, Zhao Qian, I know you’re a good person. Just help me this one last time, okay?”

“Do you truly, truly like Lan Feng?”

Ning Shixuan thought for a moment. “I suppose so. He’s the only boyfriend I’ve ever had, and he’s so handsome and talented. I must like him.”

I responded, “Miss, a man’s good looks shouldn’t be the sole reason you like him. The key is that he must genuinely like you too; he must be able to give you a sense of security and let you live a happy, joyful life. That is what your future husband should look like. You’re not exactly young anymore; stop pursuing such ephemeral things like a child.”

Ning Shixuan was clearly stunned by my words, and a look of sudden dejection flashed in her eyes. “I’ve never felt secure with Lan Feng. I’m always afraid he’ll dump me. And… and I’m terrified of that thing men have. Several times when Lan Feng tried to be intimate with me—to **—I desperately refused. Because of that, I’m even more afraid Lan Feng will leave me. You all see me as outwardly happy, but in reality, I live in endless worry every day, because I’m afraid of being abandoned by Lan Feng.”

I hadn't expected to uncover these matters with Ning Shixuan. She was afraid of men’s private parts—perhaps some form of sexual phobia. This was certainly not a minor issue. I figured if she weren’t reasonably attractive and incredibly charming when throwing a tantrum, Lan Feng would probably have left her long ago. I hoped I was wrong, though; after all, Ning Shixuan had become a good friend over these past few days, and I didn't want her to be hurt because of this.

“I apologize; I didn’t mean to pry into your privacy. But if this is truly the case, don’t take it too hard. Mutual love thrives on understanding and compassion. Besides, yours is just a psychological issue, easily treated. I can introduce you to a doctor.”

Ning Shixuan appeared very calm at that moment. “Thank you, Zhao Qian. Yun Yao was right; you are a good person. Frankly, one should look for someone like you in a boyfriend, but I missed the chance. Now that you are Yun Yao’s boyfriend, I hope you treat her sincerely. She is a good girl; don’t let her down. Her psyche is very fragile and cannot withstand any shock.”

I nodded. “Then do we still need to put on a show? Let nature take its course. If Lan Feng truly loves you, he won't care about that small psychological issue of yours. If he’s willing to cooperate, resolving your fear will be simple. If he leaves you for wealth and status, then it can only be counted as your good fortune; you wouldn't find happiness with a man like that anyway.”

Ning Shixuan agreed. “You’re right, but success still requires personal effort, doesn’t it? Contact President Xu and see if she can have dinner with us tonight? All you have to do then is act a bit affectionate with her. We need to nip these bad nascent ideas in the bud. It’s normal for people to have greed and desires. If Lan Feng knows you and Xu Jing are dating, and if he truly loves me, he should completely discard those unrealistic thoughts and focus solely on me. Shouldn't we give him a chance?”

I conceded, “Whatever you say goes, but if anything unexpected happens, I take no responsibility.”

Ning Shixuan was delighted. “What unexpected things could happen? Lan Feng won't say anything in front of President Xu. It’s getting dark; let’s hurry up and prepare separately.”