Chapter 132: A Friend's Trouble
  A few days later, Fang Qing and Wen Ning successfully purchased sleeper tickets and returned to school.

  Before leaving, they were just an ordinary couple. They never imagined that after just spending the Lunar New Year back home, they would become an engaged couple.

  Fang Qing had intended to keep a low profile, but Wen Ning, known for his low profile, broke the mold and announced their engagement as soon as he returned to school. He even bought a ton of candy and distributed it to his classmates, teachers, and friends.

  The power of candy is powerful. Within a few days, everyone in the school knew that Wen Ning, the school hunk, had a wife.

  Wang Nan, with a sly expression, peeled a candy bar and plopped down next to Fang Qing, winking at her as she sorted through her study materials. "I say, you're incredible, girl! You've only been home for a month and you've already snagged the school hunk!"

  Ever since Wen Ning announced their engagement, Fang Qing had endured this kind of teasing numerous times. From her initial blush to her current composure, God knows how difficult it has been for her to handle these days.

  After organizing her study materials, Fang Qing slammed her book shut and turned to look at Wang Nan, who was casually eating candy.

  "What's wrong with me? My brother Ning and I are in a normal relationship. My parents know everything, and we're engaged. Isn't that normal? But you, why haven't you been in touch with Zhao Qiang lately?"

  The teasing made Wang Nan suddenly feel the sweetness of the candy fade.

  Zhao Qiang, a classmate, had been pursuing her. At first, she didn't notice, but over time, even a fool understood his intentions. Although Wang Nan was outgoing, she was actually very shy.

  Although she didn't think she was perfect, she didn't understand what attracted Zhao Qiang to her.

  With so many beautiful girls in the class, Zhao Qiang should have been attracted to a very pretty girl like Fang Qing, not a girl with a short haircut and a boyish look like her.

  She thought Zhao Qiang was just teasing her, but after spending so much time together, Wang Nan realized that no matter how much she challenged him, Zhao Qiang was always patient and helpful.

  Wang Nan's feelings gradually grew, but just as she mustered the courage to declare her feelings, Zhao Qiang suddenly abandoned her.

  On New Year's Day, she had planned to go out to a movie with Zhao Qiang, but unexpectedly saw him and another woman embracing.

  This cheesy drama left her deeply depressed, feeling she had missed out on a relationship by not responding.

  Zhang Jiaqi and Fang Qing, however, were unaware of this. They only noticed that after New Year's Day, Wang Nan and Zhao Qiang had suddenly drifted apart.

  They suspected a misunderstanding, and that letting go of a relationship without clarifying it would lead to regret.

  Wang Nan, however, nonchalantly stated, "Studying is more important," and refused to discuss their relationship.

  Seeing her like this, Fang Qing suddenly regretted her careless words, having touched a sore spot for Wang Nan, and quickly leaned over to her bedside, apologizing profusely.

  Zhang Jiaqi returned to the dormitory, sensing a jarring atmosphere, and tugged at Fang Qing's shirt.

  Understanding the full extent of the situation, Zhang Jiaqi sighed.

  She knew Fang Qing was only joking, with no hidden agenda. But the listener, despite the unintentional nature of the joke, took it personally. Even the usually carefree Wang Nan couldn't shake the emotional turmoil.

  The two of them hid in a corner, plotting how to cheer Wang Nan up.

  Now, Wang Nan was like a sealed clam, and nothing anyone could say would work. Now, they had

  no choice but to start with Zhao Qiang. Although spring had already begun, the weather in the capital was still bitterly cold. Rubbing their hands, the two of them arrived at the boys' dormitory, ready to corner Zhao Qiang and demand clarification.

  Since the semester had just begun and classes hadn't officially begun, students mostly went between the dormitories and the cafeteria.

  Standing not far from the boys' dormitory, Fang Qing and the other two soon spotted Zhao Qiang, only to be startled by the girl he was holding.

  "Li Xin? Why are they together?"

  Fang Qing and the other two stared blankly at the sweet smiles and intertwined arms as they approached, speechless for a long time.

  Zhang Jiaqi was the first to recover, her teeth gnashing with anger. "I knew this woman had bad intentions. She messed with you and Senior Wen before, and now she's come along and snatched Zhao Qiang away. Why is she so restless?"

  Fang Qing hadn't expected to stumble upon this scene. If Zhao Qiang really had fallen in love with someone else, what would happen to Wang Nan?
  That silly girl was also stubborn, and it was unclear how long it would take

  her to get over this relationship. Fang Qing and her boyfriend decided to test the waters for Wang Nan's sake. If he was truly determined to be with Li Xin, then such a man was better off without him.

  But asking him directly wasn't a good idea, so Fang Qing approached Wen Ning and asked him to help her find out about Zhao Qiang.

  But Wen Ning's response shocked Fang Qing: Zhao Qiang was actually with Li Xin because of her beauty!
  It turned out that on New Year's Day, the college had held a small social gathering, and Wen Ning and Fang Qing had been out celebrating the holiday and hadn't attended the event.

  So, they had no idea that the two had gotten drunk that evening and ended up together in a hotel off campus.

  Zhao Qiang was a straightforward man who felt responsible for Wang Nan's intimate relationship, so he rejected her confession.

  Fang Qing was puzzled. "Isn't this Li Xin always chasing after school celebrities? Why did she change her ways and be so willing to be with the ordinary Zhao Qiang?"

  Wen Ning's eyes darkened. He lowered his head to adjust Fang Qing's hat, then gazed at the distant sky with a deep, profound expression, "People like that won't do anything without a profit. You'll understand soon."

  Fang Qing didn't have to wait long for this news. Soon, someone revealed that Zhao Qiang's father was a provincial official.

  Chao Qiang was usually very low-key and kind, but it was surprising that his family was so wealthy that he'd be targeted by the sycophantic Li Xin.

  Rumors were also circulating that Zhao Qiang was planning to study abroad in his senior year. This made it clear that Zhao Qiang was a sentimental man, and if he went, he would definitely take his girlfriend with him.

  Everyone who heard this news looked at Wang Nan with a touch of regret. After all, Zhao Qiang's pursuit of Wang Nan was well known.

  After this incident, Wang Nan lost her former cheerfulness and became depressed for a while.

  Then, for some reason, she suddenly became diligent and devoted herself to studying design and painting with Fang Qing, vowing to make a name for herself.

  Fang Qing was powerless to help with Wang Nan's situation, and she would be busy from now on, as it was time to tutor the Meng family's children.

  (End of this chapter)