Read Novel Full Chapter 118 Part 1 – Is Jiang Li Acting a Bit Off Today? (I)
Chapter 118 Part 1 – Is Jiang Li Acting a Bit Off Today? (I)
Just moments ago, Jiang Li had been gearing up to tease Tong Yi after watching him get pestered for contact information. What she hadn’t expected was that, in the blink of an eye, the situation would flip—and she’d become the target.
Tong Yi had been annoyed at first, finding the girl’s persistence a bit much. But then he caught sight of Jiang Xiao Li, standing there stunned and slightly dazed, and suddenly, he found the situation amusing.
It was rare to see Jiang Xiao Li looking so lost. She was usually calm, composed, and unflappable—this kind of expression was something he’d barely seen, even after all these years of knowing her.
Back when Jiang Xiao Li said that seeing Wen Wan made her want to ruffle her hair, he couldn’t quite relate. But looking at her now, he thought he finally got it!
As Jiang Li spaced out, the girl’s eyes lit up even more. “Pretty sister, can we add each other on WeChat or QQ? I promise I won’t bother you!”
Tong Yi shot Jiang Li a teasing smile. “Popular, aren’t you? Guys, girls—looks like no one can resist your charm.”
Jiang Li flatly responded, “If you’re jealous, I can introduce you to a few guys.”
Tong Yi: “…”
In all the years he’d known Jiang Xiao Li, he had never once won an argument against her.
After roasting Tong Yi, Jiang Li turned back to the girl and said with a smile, “I don’t actually have a phone. My uncle’s really strict—he confiscated mine.”
The girl glanced at Tong Yi, then at Jiang Li again, and showed a knowing look. She shook her phone slightly and cautiously asked, “Then… can I take a photo of you two? Just for my personal collection. I won’t post it anywhere, promise!”
Jiang Li hesitated for a few seconds but eventually nodded. “Sure.”
It was just a photo—not a big deal. As soon as she agreed, Tong Yi slung an arm over her shoulders and looked at the girl. “Go ahead, take a good one. Just make sure I look great. You can shoot her however—it’s impossible to mess up her looks.”
The girl nodded eagerly. “I promise.” When she’d approached the guy earlier, she thought he seemed very aloof. But now that he was suddenly talking so much, it was clear his coldness depended entirely on who he was talking to.
Jiang Li didn’t brush off Tong Yi’s hand. Watching the girl’s fluid movements, she guessed she had some real skill with a camera.
After snapping the photo, the girl walked over cheerfully. “Take a look—do you like it?”
“You’re good.” Impressed, Tong Yi pulled out his phone. “Send it to me; we can use Bluetooth.”
The girl: “…”
Didn’t he just say his phone was confiscated by his aunt? Now he’s openly pulling it out, even offering to connect via Bluetooth to transfer the photo. It’s obvious he just didn’t want her asking for his contact info again!
Still, from the perspective of a fellow girl, a guy who firmly rejects any form of flirting after having a girlfriend did deserve a thumbs-up.
Honestly, if she were a guy and had a girlfriend that gorgeous, she’d probably make the same choice.
After switching on Bluetooth, Tong Yi quickly got the photo and sent it to Jiang Li without delay. “Well, that girl may be a bit loud, but her photography’s on point.”
Jiang Li laughed. “Weren’t you the one getting all impatient with her just a minute ago?”
Tong Yi casually changed the subject. “Jiang Xiao Li, you know, you’re actually kind of double-standard.”
“How am I?” Jiang Li asked, confused.
Tong Yi stated matter-of-factly confidently, “If a guy had asked for your contact info, got rejected, and then asked to take a photo of you, you probably would’ve wanted to punch him.”
Jiang Li thought for a moment, then shook her head. “As long as they weren’t being rude or trying to get handsy, I usually wouldn’t hit anyone.”
Tong Yi clicked his tongue. “Still, you’re definitely gentler with girls.”
“If you say so,” Jiang Li replied.
Most of the time, girls’ intentions were simpler than guys’—at least, that was her personal view. If that made her a double standard, she didn’t really have a way to deny it.
Tong Yi laughed. “Jiang Xiao Li, you know what? That last thing you said sounded exactly like something a flirt would say.”
Jiang Li blinked. “You pay attention to that kind of stuff?”
“Not really. But sometimes when my roommates fight with their girlfriends, I hear a few things,” Tong Yi explained.
“So, when are you planning to start dating?” Jiang Li asked curiously.
Tong Yi: “…”
Seeing him did not answer, Jiang Li grew even more curious. “Have you seriously never been in a relationship before?”
Tong Yi: “…”
“Not even once?” She pressed.
Tong Yi said helplessly, “You’ve never dated either. Isn’t that normal?”
“But you’re older than me. You’re already twenty-one.” Jiang Li shook her head. Tong Yi had taken more than two years off during junior high, so he was older than most of their peers.
Tong Yi was silent for a few seconds before responding, “So what if I’m twenty-one? Do I have to date a woman because of my age? Your uncle’s in his thirties and hasn’t dated either—that’s pretty normal, right?”
Jiang Li had to admit he had a point. Still, she couldn’t help teasing, “My uncle treats his lab like his girlfriend. Since you love investing and making money so much, don’t tell me money is your girlfriend?”
Tong Yi suddenly lost interest in skiing. He turned to look at Jiang Li. “Don’t just ask about me—what about you? You’ve already had your eighteenth birthday. Have you ever thought about dating?”
Jiang Li answered honestly, “When I read novels or manga, I sometimes fantasize about it, but I can’t imagine it with real people.”
Since she’d gained a new life and ended up in this world of novel, quite a few people had tried to pursue her. But she didn’t feel anything for them. If someone persisted after being rejected, she’d just get annoyed.
Tong Yi casually twirled his ski pole, pretending to be nonchalant. “So, not a single person ever made your heart flutter?”
Jiang Li nodded without hesitation. “I didn’t feel anything for any of the people who chased me.”
After a few seconds, she suddenly chuckled. “Maybe I’m more suited to doing the chasing. If I ever meet someone who makes my heart race, I might give it a try.”
Tong Yi looked straight at her. “What do you think counts as heart-racing?”
Jiang Li thought for a moment and said hesitantly, “Probably when your heart starts beating faster? I’m not sure—I don’t have any experience. I guess I’ll know when it happens.”
Tong Yi: “…”
‘She really just answers whatever I ask without a second thought, huh? It’s like she doesn’t even see me as an outsider. Or maybe… she sees me as her closest friend, but not as a guy she needs to keep boundaries with.’
Back when we were in junior high, Jiang Xiao Li said I was her best friend—and I was happy about it. But now…
Tong Yi suddenly fell silent, but Jiang Li didn’t notice anything off, “Let’s stop talking about this nonsense. Wanna have a race? If you lose, then…”
She couldn’t think of a punishment for him, so Tong Yi finished it for her, “If I lose, I’ll piggyback you until the hotel. How?”
Jiang Li glared at him. “In your dreams.”
Seeing her reaction, Tong Yi laughed—because it meant she still saw him as a guy.
Now in a great mood, he said to her, “Come on, let’s race.”
Jiang Li nodded. “Bring it on. You think I’m scared of you?”
Watching them ski off into the distance, Wen Wan wore a look of admiration. “Jiang Li is amazing. If only I could be more like her—she picks things up so fast!”
Lin Zhao comforted her. “You’re just not good at skiing. But when we go to the hot springs tomorrow, you’ll be a natural.”
Wen Wan puffed up her cheeks in frustration, “So you also think I’m only good at being a salted fish.”
“Even if you’re a salted fish, you’re the cutest one in the hot spring pool.” Lin Zhao’s tone was gentle.
“I’m not a kid anymore. Why do you keep calling me cute?” Wen Wan’s voice was so quiet it was almost inaudible.
Lin Zhao hesitated for a couple of seconds, then nodded. “In my eyes, Wanwan is the cutest salted fish—and the prettiest one too.”
Hearing that, Wen Wan’s face turned bright red. Even though his words were a bit over the top, she still really liked hearing them.
Not far away, two girls stood side by side, watching as Jiang Li and Tong Yi’s figures became small specks in the distance. One of them let out a sigh, “That couple—absolute god-tier visuals! I’ve never seen such a good-looking pair before.”
There were plenty of good-looking people, but usually, their partners weren’t as attractive. That was pretty common.
The other girl analyzed, “When you were taking their picture just now, I didn’t really get couple vibes. The girl didn’t look shy at all.”
The first girl immediately countered, “That’s probably just her personality. I still think they’re insanely sweet. You didn’t hear him when he called her ‘Aunt’—it was adorable.”
“‘Aunt’? Then did the girl call him ‘Guo’er’?” the second girl asked with a gossipy look on her face.
The girl shook her head. “No, she called him ‘Uncle.’ Said her uncle confiscated her phone and wouldn’t let her add a stranger’s contact.”
“Wow, that’s wild. They really know how to play the game.”
“Right? I think they’re seriously sweet together. Watching good-looking couples is simply a pleasure.”
“Well, you’re good-looking too. You should find someone just as attractive and enjoy it.”
“I’m trying! But every time I find someone I like, they’re taken. Like that handsome guy just now.”
“Eh, that’s rough.”
< >
Translator’s Note:
Extra chapter on Sunday!