BXBX NOVEL Chapter 100 - 89 It Seems Mr. Qian Is Going to
Translator: Inschain Editor: Inschain
The gym played the electronic instrumental song, which had become a viral hit years ago.
Qian Quan first heard this song while shopping in Riverside Town with Ding Linlang, as it played in a passing barbershop.
Intrigued by its catchy rhythm, he used WeChat to identify the song’s name.
Back then, that song was already a hit. On music apps, the comments surpassed 100,000. Amidst the overwhelmingly positive reviews, there were stories meticulously crafted by netizens titled “my friend’s story”, as well as some criticisms.
Given Qian Quan’s depth of music knowledge, he didn’t quite understand what everyone was debating about. Some hailed it as a masterpiece, while others felt indifferent or thought it was ‘low-brow’. There were notes pointing out that professional musicians looked down on this particular track.
Qian Quan didn’t engage in these discussions, feeling they were beyond his expertise. He simply added the song to his playlist.
Even after hundreds of listens, the song’s captivating rhythm and escalating tension never failed to impress him.
In his opinion, if not a masterpiece, it certainly deserved the title of “outstanding work.”
Standing on a treadmill, listening to the song, Qian Quan had set his treadmill’s pace to “Kipchoge speed,” a term he learned that day.
He had never heard of this term before, but judging by its name, it must be a proprietary term named after a renowned long-distance runner.
It meant running at an average speed of 2 minutes and 52 seconds per kilometer.
The world record for this pace in a marathon was 2 hours, 1 minute, and 9 seconds.
After running for half an hour at this pace, Qian Quan felt its challenge.
He slowed down the treadmill when Ding Linlang called.
“Hello, what’s up?” Qian Quan answered.
“Why didn’t you reply on WeChat? What are you up to? You sound out of breath,” she inquired.
“I’m… jogging,” he replied, catching his breath.
“Where?” she asked.
Just then, Zhao Baiyu, now in fresh attire, entered and teasingly said, “Why are you jogging so slowly? Why not speed it up?”
“Who’s that? Qian Quan, where are you? What are you doing?” Ding Linlang asked rapidly.
Qian Quan signaled to Zhao Baiyu that he was on a call. She apologized silently and walked away.
He then explained to Ding Linlang, “I’m at the gym near Wan Xiang Plaza. Remember my basketball class tonight? I decided to work out afterward.” “And who was that speaking?”
“That was Zhao Baiyu. This gym and basketball court are owned by her family. She happened to be here tonight.”
“Oh, okay. Carry on then,” Ding Linlang ended the call.
Qian Quan chuckled to himself, “What’s there to be busy about?”
He then halted the treadmill, preparing to leave.
Someone approached, “Hey, handsome, can I add you on WeChat?”
A young lady in a tight-fitting gym attire approached, phone in hand.
“No thanks, I’m not here often,” Qian Quan politely declined.
“It’s fine, just add me,” she persisted.
Qian Quan smiled and shook his head, “Sorry, no.”
“Why are you being so difficult? It’s just WeChat. It’s not like I’m going to do anything. It’s as if I’m begging you. It’s unnecessary. I thought we just happened to be at the same gym, do you think I’m hitting on you?”
“I have a boyfriend, you know? And there are plenty of guys in this gym who want to add me on WeChat. Who do you think you are? Such a joke.”
Without engaging further, Qian Quan began to leave.
“So pretentious. Why even come to the gym?” she muttered bitterly, “Seriously!”
Ignoring her complaints, Qian Quan waved to Zhao Baiyu, “Heading out.”
The lady turned, thinking he was speaking to her, “What?”
A fair-skinned, striking-looking girl responded and approached Qian Quan.
The gym lady smirked, muttering to herself, “Figures, he’s here with his girlfriend.”
“What did that lady want?”
Once outside, Zhao Baiyu asked Qian Quan.
“To add me on WeChat.”
“You accepted?”
“No, I don’t know her. Why would I?”
“Makes sense.”
“Speaking of which,” Qian Quan recalled, “there might be a big martial arts competition between China and Japan soon. If you’re interested, keep an eye out.”
“Where did you hear that?” Zhao Baiyu was curious.
“A friend who practices Tai Chi mentioned it. Did you hear about it?”
“Yes, I saw it in a group chat, but I thought it was a hoax,” Zhao Baiyu replied, “Are you competing?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’ll sign up too.”
“Alright.”
The two parted ways.
Qian Quan took the elevator down, checking his WeChat. He noticed several messages from Ding Linlang, suggesting they meet the next day and share some vital information.
Qian Quan quickly replied, “Tomorrow’s fine, I’ll come to Fudan University.”
After a while, Ding Linlang responded, “We’ll see.”
“What’s up tomorrow?” Qian Quan inquired.
“I have writing to do and plans with a friend.”
“How about Tuesday?”
“Busy then too.”
“What about next weekend? And what’s this important info you mentioned? Can you give me a hint?”
“I’m busy next weekend too!”
“You’re that busy? Are you launching a new book? I could visit you, surely you have time for a meal?”
Ding Linlang didn’t respond.
By the time Qian Quan reached his school, there was still no reply.
He decided to video call her. After a lengthy wait, she picked up.
“What?” Ding Linlang’s tone was curt, and she wasn’t in view.
“I can’t see you, it’s all dark,” Qian Quan mentioned.
“Get to the point, I’m busy.”
“I was saying, let’s have lunch tomorrow.”
“Didn’t I tell you I have writing?”
“Bring your laptop, we can go to the Haidong Library. You write, I’ll read.”
Ding Linlang paused for a few seconds, seemingly reluctant as she spoke, “What time are you coming?”
“I’ll head over in the morning. I can even bring you breakfast.”
“No need, I’ll leave early. Let’s grab breakfast together and then head to the library.”
“Sounds good. But, weren’t you going shopping with your classmates?”
“Qian Quan, I feel like you never listen to me. I told you I have to write! Why would I go shopping?”
“Turn the camera around; let me see.”
“Why? Is there something worth seeing?”
“Just do it.” Qian Quan urged.
The camera wobbled a bit before finally focusing on Ding Linlang’s handsome, albeit slightly annoyed, face.
“Why that look?”
“Have you seen enough?”
“You’ve lost weight…” Qian Quan said with concern.
“Get lost!” Ding Linlang turned off the video.
The next day.
Qian Quan arrived early at Fudan University. Upon seeing Ding Linlang, he immediately asked, “What’s the news? I’ve been curious all night.”
“You don’t know?” Ding Linlang countered.
Qian Quan shook his head.
“My mom said, Mr. Qian is going to make a TV show.”
“What?”