So what if one is utterly shameless?

The benefit of drinking all night was that, even with the pressure of being on the run, Bai Haonan fell asleep as soon as his head touched the pillow. The few hours of intense exercise that afternoon probably helped as well, and in any case, he rarely had anything weighing on his mind.

Early in the morning, Chen Sufen quietly opened the door, moving as carefully as if she were defusing a bomb. When she saw Bai Haonan sleeping on the sofa in the living room, a look of pleasant surprise flickered across her face. She quickly glanced at Qiao Yingna’s bedroom door, confirming it was tightly shut, and then tiptoed like a thief to her own room. She was wearing a pair of black, tight-fitting athletic leggings, a loose, off-shoulder T-shirt over a sports bra, and there were traces of sweat on her clothes. Even the hair sticking to her cheeks was damp, making her innocent movements all the more endearing and a perfect reflection of her inner joy.

She gathered clean underwear from her room, then, hugging the wall, tiptoed noiselessly past the sofa. As she passed Bai Haonan, she puckered her lips in a silent air kiss.

She locked the bathroom door—not to guard against Bai Haonan, but more likely to avoid disturbing his sleep.

Ironically, it was Qiao Yingna in the next room who was awakened by the noise. Sleepily, she came out, rubbing her eyes, and knocked on the door, mumbling, “Why lock the door... I need to pee...”

Inside, Chen Sufen pressed herself to the door and whispered, “I’m taking a shower... Keep it down!”

Qiao Yingna, suddenly remembering the man on the sofa and the events of the previous night, turned to see Bai Haonan awake and smiling at her with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

That uncultured ex-footballer thought that grin of his was devilishly handsome.

Qiao Yingna was still wearing the black lace-trimmed house dress from the day before. Whether it was due to her sleeping posture or simply not noticing as she got up, one strap had slipped off her shoulder, and her dress was askew, exposing half her chest. Bai Haonan’s gaze greedily lingered on her.

She glanced down, cursed under her breath, and turned away, covering her chest. Unfortunately, her movement made the hem of her dress ride up in the back, giving Bai Haonan an even more tantalizing view. In a flash, he sprang up and hugged her from behind, his hands venturing boldly beneath her dress.

Qiao Yingna seemed momentarily stunned, as if she couldn’t believe what was happening. Only after several seconds did she whirl around to glare at Bai Haonan, though she said nothing.

Bai Haonan, shameless as ever, continued his ministrations, meeting her gaze without flinching.

That scoundrel!

They stared at each other for a long moment, the physical contact and the wordless exchange electric.

Finally, Qiao Yingna managed to choke out a trembling whisper, “Don’t...”

Bai Haonan kissed her without hesitation.

He was so practiced in these matters. Just as he could instantly judge someone on first sight, his hands now confirmed his instincts. Sure enough, Qiao Yingna resisted for only half a second before responding with her tongue. Yet, just as their kiss deepened, Bai Haonan abruptly released her, grinning as he ducked back under the covers. Left alone, Qiao Yingna nearly lost her balance, suddenly overwhelmed by a sense of emptiness and then a wave of humiliation.

But in the next instant, the sound of the bathroom door unlocking made everything clear—Bai Haonan had been hiding from Chen Sufen. The humiliation faded, replaced by a flush so fierce it made her ears burn and her mind swim. Chen Sufen, her cheeks also rosy, poked her head out, beckoning mischievously, “All done!”

Qiao Yingna darted into the bathroom, unable to meet the tall girl’s eyes. She knew she’d give herself away, her heart pounding so violently she had to press her hand to her chest. But even that paled in comparison to the intense sensations of a moment ago—the kind that made her scalp tingle, her nerves thrumming with aftershocks.

Fortunately, Chen Sufen only saw Bai Haonan still apparently asleep. She quietly closed the door, turned on the faucet to cover any noise, and quickly began her skincare routine. “It’s not convenient for him to stay here. I’ll help him find a place today.”

Qiao Yingna tried to answer, but her voice came out as a near-moaning hum. She coughed twice before managing, “It’s... not a big deal.” Even she didn’t believe herself. All her focus was on sounding calm, inadvertently revealing her true feelings.

Chen Sufen turned sharply. “What? Are you serious? Just one night and something happened between you two?” She sounded more surprised than angry.

Qiao Yingna composed herself. “What could have happened? Do you think that’s likely? But you were right—he’s a master at flirting.”

Chen Sufen glanced toward the door, lowering her voice even though it was closed. “He flirted with you?”

Sitting on the toilet, Qiao Yingna wrapped her arms around her exposed legs and decided to be honest. “There’s something I never told you. At first, I didn’t think it was necessary, then I just got lazy...” She explained her musical ambitions, how she’d met Bai Haonan the night before, and the conversation they’d had. Curiously, she omitted the few sentences that involved Chen Sufen. “That’s all there is to it. Maybe it’s easier to be frank with someone who’s been through the same things.” She didn’t mention the moments from just now.

Chen Sufen, still in her underwear, blinked rapidly as if processing all this information. After a while, she said, “Singing... Well, it makes sense. I’ve heard that several talent show stars came from this bar street.”

Qiao Yingna stood up, carefully checking that she left no traces, and replied, “The music academy is only a few streets from the medical university. I took some courses there my freshman year, but mostly I performed at venues. It was a way to make money and gain experience. Every year, singers from here get on those talent shows—it’s become a thing. Whether you make it big is just luck. I’m not lying; at first my ex-boyfriend kept me company, but now I know everyone and it’s not dangerous. So compared to that, your Lao Nan is even less of a risk. He’s not the type to cross the line.”

Those last few words had sounded quite convincing last night, but now they felt a little forced.

Chen Sufen was about to say more when there was an impatient knock at the door. “What are you two plotting in there? Come out and talk, will you? Some of us have urgent needs in the morning!”

The two girls hurried to wrap themselves up in whatever was at hand and let Shi Jianren in, hunched over as he entered.

At breakfast, the three of them sat together by the roadside.

In this region, often called the culinary capital of China, even breakfast offered endless variety. Bai Haonan looked up at Chen Sufen, who was eyeing him intently. “What? Never seen a handsome man before?”

Chen Sufen was really scrutinizing his beard. “You’re actually growing a beard, and it’s starting to take shape. I’ll help you trim it tonight!”

Bai Haonan muttered, “Didn’t I tell you not to come see me for a while? Otherwise, I’ll have to move farther away—bad for you and me.”

Chen Sufen hesitated. “I know, but... who’s going to take care of you? You’re so unreliable. Do you have enough money? What are you doing today—looking for work or just resting?”

Bai Haonan scowled. “If I’m broke, I’ll let you know. Go on, get to class. I shouldn’t have come to Chengdu!”

Chen Sufen fussed over him like a doting mother, even getting up to fetch things for him after he finished eating. Qiao Yingna, who’d been quietly sipping her porridge but listening to every word, suddenly heard Bai Haonan lean over and whisper, “Pretty exciting, wasn’t it? You definitely reacted.”

Qiao Yingna stared at her bowl of plain porridge, suddenly losing her appetite. She slammed the bowl down and ran off, drawing open stares from those who’d been sneaking glances at her. She went over to Chen Sufen, saying she’d just remembered something and needed to get back to the dorm for class.

Chen Sufen wasn’t fooled. She tossed Bai Haonan the rest of the food. “I really can’t control you. Take care of yourself these days!” Then she turned and left as well.

Clearly, she had mixed feelings.

Bai Haonan, on the other hand, was unfazed. Smiling, he finished his breakfast and went out wandering, visiting several nearby universities. At lunchtime, he even ate with the students in their cafeteria, relishing his freedom.

He had a plan.